Bellows, Scratchitt & Pluckitt

What are they?

A Ceilidh, according to the Oxford Dictionary, is “a social event with Scottish or Irish folk music and singing, traditional dancing.” A Barn Dance is described as “a dance for a number of couples moving round a circle, typically involving changes of partner.” Our events blend the best of both, combining lively folk music with engaging traditional dances—minus the singing. Our repertoire includes not only Scottish and Irish tunes, but also a variety of English and international dance music.

What to Expect at Our Dance Events

A typical evening with us is split into two halves, with a break in the middle. Our friendly and experienced caller will guide everyone onto the dance floor, arranging dancers in either sets or circles (usually with a partner). They will then provide clear instructions, walking the group through the steps before the band plays the accompanying music. Dances are typically called in pairs, with a break for drinks, chats, and a breather in between. The band will play a few tunes during these breaks, showcasing an eclectic mix of music to keep the energy high.

Our talented caller will start with simple, easy-to-follow dances, gradually adjusting the difficulty throughout the evening to match the skill level and enthusiasm of the group.

A Fun and Inclusive Experience for All

One of the best things about our ceilidh and barn dances is that everyone can join in, making it an ideal choice for events like weddings, where guests from different families and friend groups can mix and interact. No experience is necessary, and all ages can take part.

What We Provide

• Excellent Sound System: We bring our own high-quality PA system, all PAT tested for safety. Certainly powerful enough to provide for several hundred people.
• Event Setup: We arrive 45 minutes before the event to ensure everything is ready to go.
• Duration: We typically play for up to 3 hours, including breaks.

For weddings, we’re happy to collaborate with the couple in advance to provide a memorable first dance if desired.

Let us bring the joy of ceilidh and barn dancing to your event—an evening of fun, music, and great company awaits!

Where We Perform

We are based near Nottingham and generally perform in the East Midlands area, including Nottinghamshire and much of Derbyshire and Leicestershire but please don’t hesitate to ask if you are further away.

How to make a booking

Please use the Contact form below and give us as much detail as possible about the occasion, the likely venue and numbers attending. We’ll then get back to you very quickly (generally within 24 hours).