FAQs

What sort of events do you run?

We run public ceilidhs and we’re available to book for private parties, weddings and events. Get in touch if you’d like to book us!

Where can you play?

We play most in Sheffield but can travel.

What are your ceilidhs like?

We are a young and lively ceilidh band. We’ll get even the coolest kids dancing. We blend the traditional, contemporary and bizarre: a unique twist on what a ceilidh is!

We like to lean into the chaos of the dancing. Expect a few of the classic dances, but also lots you’ve not done before.

What is your music like?

     We play a mixture of Klezmer, Irish, Scottish and English tunes. We also like to mix in some electronic music to liven the mood sometimes.

How long do you play for? How many breaks do you take?

     We find it works best if you are able to give us the freedom to adapt our set and the format of breaks as we go, to suit the crowd. Typically though we’ll do two sets of around 30-40 minutes (2-4 dances) with a 20 minute break in the middle and a few short breaks between dances.

How does set up and pack down work?

     At a private event, we’ll normally arrive about 90 minutes before the dancing is due to start. It takes us around 70 minutes to set up; we can do this alongside speeches or other things that are going on in the room. We’ll then do a 20 minute soundcheck, this can be loud (louder than the ceilidh will be) and involve some feedback (that unpleasant squealing noise); ideally the room will be empty of guests.

After the ceilidh finishes we will have a short break and then pack up our equipment. This usually takes us around 35 minutes. During this time we need the stage area clear.

Do you have your own PA? Do I need to provide any equipment?

We usually provide our own PA. If you are having multiple bands we can coordinate with your sound engineer to use theirs.

You need to provide an indoor space for the band (see below) with an RCD protected plug socket nearby the stage. We will put up our “The Heist Ceilidh Band” bunting, but if you’d like the make the stage area look nice on top of that, that’d be great.

How much space do you need?

For the band, we require an area of around 6×3.5m, though we can squish a little if there isn’t much room.

The dancing space will obviously depend on the number of people dancing but as a rough minimum, 0.9m² per dancer. It is important that if tables need to be removed from the dancing area before the ceilidh, you have appointed someone to make sure this is done. If you, or your venue staff are struggling to visualise show them this photo of ~60 people dancing.

Can you provide insurance and PAT test certificates for my venue?

We have full public liability insurance and our PA system is PAT tested. We can provide current certificates for this if needed.

How much do you charge? How can I pay for your services?

Our prices vary depending on several factors. Please contact us for a quote.

We require a 20% deposit to confirm the booking and payment of the remaining 80% 3 days in advance of the event.

We accept cash or bank transfer.