Irish Bands in York

Irish music for weddings and parties in York

An Irish band turns any celebration into a proper session. In York, Irish acts are booked for weddings, St Patrick's Day parties, milestone birthdays, pub-style nights and corporate events, bringing fiddle, whistle, banjo and bodhrán along with the songs everyone knows the words to.

York has a wide choice of event venues, from Middlethorpe Hall and Hotel du Vin York to Grays Court. Our Irish acts travel right across the area, including the city centre, Haxby and Bishopthorpe, so a proper Irish night is never far away.

Irish music covers a lot of ground. Some acts are traditional trad groups playing jigs, reels and slow airs, some are céilí bands with a caller who teaches every dance, and others mix Irish folk with pop and rock covers for a party set. Watching a couple of videos is the quickest way to find the right fit.

We've been booking live bands since 1999, and every Irish act on this page covers York. Travel is built into the quote, the band brings what it needs to be heard, and you can check your date and price straight away with the instant quote button.

The essentials:

Typical cost: from around £600 for a solo singer or duo to £2,500 or more for a full band, depending on line-up, date and set times
Traditional trad, céilí, Irish folk, ballads and Celtic rock
Sets for a drinks reception, a céilí evening or a full party night
Travel is included in every quote
Every booking carries a 14-day change-of-mind refund

Check the room and any sound limiter before you choose. Acoustic trad acts work almost anywhere, while amplified Irish party and Celtic rock bands need power and floor space. For a céilí, the size of the dance floor matters most.

Most Irish music bookings fall between about £600 and £2,500. The number of musicians is the biggest factor, followed by the date and how long they play, and St Patrick's weekend books up early. Travel is included in the quote, so the figure you're given is the figure you pay.

Each Irish act's page carries real video, audio, a song list and reviews from previous clients. A couple of clips will tell you far more about how a band works a room than any description can.

Enter your date and venue in the instant quote button for live pricing and availability. After you book, we look after the contract, deposit and details, and keep in touch right up to the event. You also get a 14-day change-of-mind refund and an emergency contact number to use on the day.

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FAQs

The category covers traditional trad groups, céilí bands with a caller, Irish folk and ballad singers, and Celtic rock and Irish party bands that also play modern covers. Each act's page shows its style, line-up and song list.

Yes. Céilí bands come with a caller who explains each dance and walks guests through the steps, so nobody needs to know them in advance. It's one of the best ways to get a whole room dancing together.

Most do. Full bands bring their own PA and lighting; acoustic duos and trios need very little. Larger line-ups need floor space and power nearby, so it's worth checking both with your venue, along with any sound limiter.

From around £600 for a solo singer or duo to £2,500 or more for a full band. The number of musicians, the date and the length of the booking make the biggest difference, and travel is always included in the quote.

Most acts are happy to learn a special request with enough notice, whether that's a traditional air for the ceremony, a ballad for the first dance or a family favourite. Mention it when you enquire.

As early as you can. St Patrick's weekend is the busiest time of year for Irish acts, and the best bands are often booked months ahead. For other dates, a few months' notice is usually plenty.

Reviews

(5)

“Declan was superb and provided an excellent backdrop to our drinks reception where all our guests thought his playing and singing excellent. We received many favourable comments on Declan's playing on the day and subsequently. Declan also took time to learn and play our favourite 16th century Irish love song during the wedding service which delighted not only Veronica and I but all our guests. Would no hesitation in highly recommending Declan for any special occasion or event.”

(5)

“A huge thank you to you and the rest of the band – We and everyone else really enjoyed it yesterday. We kept getting the “band is really good – where did you get them from.””

(5)

“We just wanted to thank you so much for performing at our wedding. The guests raved about you and a couple have actually asked for your name! I personally heard the harp :) I opened the window and listened to you as the guests arrived and it sounded so magical! Your guitar talents are off the chart! Thanks so much for making our wedding day so special.”

(5)

“Thank-you so much for making our wedding extra special. You got everyone dancing and having fun, we loved the way you mixed up the music to include classics, modern numbers and ceilidh. On top of that you were really nice people and helpful during the preparations and on the day. Thank-you for posting the photoblog pictures, they’re great! We will recommend you to others and hope that we will get to hear you play again soon.”

(5)

“Declan was fantastic to work with from beginning to end. He listened to all our requests and went to every length to fulfill them and even when something wasn't working out he had fantastic suggestions and ideas that not only fit our day but helped take it to the next level. His flexibility on instruments and range of song style and choices helped keep the day magical and relaxed and the guests all enjoyed the mood and atmosphere he helped create before, during and after the ceremony. We were thrilled with his effort and performance on the day and glad he helped make it so wonderful.”

(5)

“An apt name for a magical group who take you on a musical journey through different decades and genres. A ride of enjoyment, fun, emotions and non stop dancing from start to finish. If you want a group who entertain and play the music you like and want to hear, then you can't go wrong with The Sherlocks.Thank you guys for an amazing set, my feet are still hurting from all the dancing and jiving.”

Useful Links

More questions answered Why Use an Entertainment Agency? Sound Limiters at Venues: What You Need to Know Bringing the Party Season to Life Celebrating a Milestone: Choosing a Band for a Big Birthday or Anniversary Party What You Need to Know About Your Band Before Booking Event Bands in York Function Bands in York Corporate Entertainment in York Mumford & Sons Style Wedding Bands in York Irish Bands in North Yorkshire Irish Bands in Leeds & West Yorkshire Irish Bands in Yorkshire & the Humber

Local Venues in York

Middlethorpe Hall

A William III country house just outside York's walls, with a cosy Drawing Room and its own grounds.

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Merchant Adventurers Hall

A Grade I listed medieval guildhall in the middle of York, one of the best-preserved of its kind in the country.

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Bedern Hall

A 14th-century hall tucked just off York's Shambles, with timber beams and a genuinely historic setting for a city wedding.

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The Hospitium

A timber-framed medieval hall in York's Museum Gardens, by the river and a few minutes' walk from the Minster.

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The Grand, York

A Georgian five-star hotel by York station, built as the headquarters of the North Eastern Railway.

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Hotel du Vin York

A Grade II listed mansion house turned boutique hotel in York, with private dining rooms and a courtyard.

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Grays Court

A boutique hotel built into York's medieval city walls, with a walled garden and a genuinely ancient Jacobean Great Chamber.

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Barmby Field Barns

Restored barns near York accommodating up to 120 guests, with three-day hire so there's no rush on the day.

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Villa Farm

A rustic barn venue on the edge of York, built for a relaxed countryside wedding close to the city.

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Working with a budget? We work with acts from £250 - £5,000+! We can certainly help you find the perfect entertainment that fits your style and budget - get in touch to get started.

Irish Bands in York

Irish music for weddings and parties in York

FAQs

Reviews

Useful Links

Local Venues in York

Middlethorpe Hall

Merchant Adventurers Hall

Bedern Hall

The Hospitium

The Grand, York

Hotel du Vin York

Grays Court

Barmby Field Barns

Villa Farm

Refining your acts

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