Traditional Music in Edinburgh and Glasgow Scotland’s two largest cities, Edinburgh and Glasgow both have a rich musical and cultural heritage. A very diverse range of music from Classical Orchestral Music, Opera, Jazz, Indie, Rock, Modern Pop, Traditional Scottish Music and Song, and Scottish Ceilidh Music, there is something to please everybody’s tastes. The Edinburgh… Continue reading »
The increasing popularity of Ceilidh Bands for Wedding Receptions As anybody who has organised a wedding will know, planning and preparation is key to ensuring a successful day. As important as the actually marriage ceremony, is the evening reception and arranging the best entertainment for your guests, to ensure an enjoyable, fun evening. There are… Continue reading »
2011 looks to be another eventful year for Paul and the band, so if you are looking for a dynamic, professional Scottish Ceilidh Band for your function, please contact Paul either by phone or email to discuss how HotScotch Ceilidh Band can make yours a successful, enjoyable night to remember. The ceilidh band travel all over Scotland and the UK, with regular appearances abroad.
Accordionist Paul Chamberlain, is also the caller for HotScotch Ceilidh Band. Most ceilidh bands will have a caller, who will ensure that if some guests are not sure what to do, need a reminder or have never done ceilidh dancing before, then they’ll be able to join in without any problems and have a great night
As anybody who has organised a wedding will know, planning and preparation is key to ensuring a successful day. As important as the actually marriage ceremony, is the evening reception and arranging the best entertainment for your guests, to ensure an enjoyable, fun evening. There are many options to choose from but the increasing demand for high quality live music has helped to raise the popularity of Ceilidh dancing as a choice of entertainment for wedding receptions. There are many aspects to consider when deciding on a band. There are a large number of ceilidh bands in Scotland and if you are looking for a ceilidh band in Edinburgh, HotScotch can provide a first-class entertainment package for your wedding reception.
Ceildih bands come in all sorts of sizes and line-ups, and it is often down to personal preference which style of playing one prefers. The traditional line-up of Accordion, Fiddle and Drums can be augmented
HotScotch Ceilidh Band are one of the top ceilidh bands in Scotland and offer a vibrant blend of traditional and contemporary Scottish dance music for wedding reception entertainment, highland balls, corporate functions and many other events.
This Edinburgh ceilidh band produce an exciting mix of accordion, fiddle, and drums providing just the right atmosphere for a cracking night!
The band caters for all audiences and can include a Disco & Lighting package to compliment the Ceilidh. Based in Edinburgh, they travel all over Scotland and the North of England as well as performing regularly overseas. Their lively style of playing and rapport with the audience will have the dancers up on the floor all evening. All of the ceilidh dances can be called by the band to ensure all can join in whatever their experience.
All of the band members are outstanding musicians in their own right and have played at events all over the world. In fact the ceilidh band are due to perform in Monaco on the 28th of August this year.
Here is a recent video of them playing at The Hub in Edinburgh. One of the most spectacular wedding venues right at the top of the Royal Mile, and the ideal place for ceilidh dancing.
Scotland’s two largest cities, Edinburgh and Glasgow both have a rich musical and cultural heritage. A very diverse range of music from Classical Orchestral Music, Opera, Jazz, Indie, Rock, Modern Pop, Traditional Scottish Music and Song, and Scottish Ceilidh Music, there is something to please everybody’s tastes.
The Edinburgh International Festival and Festival Fringe
The Edinburgh International Festival provides a world class opportunity to showcase some Scottish artists alongside the world’s best musicians. Coupled with the Fringe Festival it has become possibly the largest arts festival anywhere in the world.
Last year there was a revival and commemoration of Robert Burns, Scotland’s national bard as it was two hundred and fifty years since his birth.
Edinburgh Royal Military Tattoo
The Edinburgh Royal Military Tattoo, now in it’s sixtieth year, is a spectacle not to be missed and features the Massed Pipes and Drums and the Massed Military Bands along with visiting bands from abroad, dancers, singers and display teams.
The vast number of visitors to the Tattoo each year from around the world are immersed in the splendor of the Scottish music and there can be no better setting than the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle.
Ceilidh Dancing during the Festival
During the festival, there are many instances of informal live traditional music as well as ceilidh dances, and concerts of Scottish music. The ceilidh dancing is very popular especially with foreign tourists as they can don a kilt and join in with the dances without having to know anything about it beforehand. The more popular ceilidh dances such as Gay Gordons, Strip the Willow, Dashing White Sergeant, Virginia Reel and Canadian Barn Dance to name but a few, can be learnt on the spot with the help of a experienced caller and many will also be able to demonstrate the dances.
In April, Edinburgh holds it’s annual showcase of traditional arts called Ceilidh Culture. This three week event brings together a large number of contributors from all over Edinburgh and beyond, for a real celebration of all that is wonderful about the traditional arts in Scotland.
Glasgow
Glasgow also has a wealth of traditional music venues and the establishment of a Scottish Music course at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama had helped to nurture a new generation of talented musicians and singers. There is a big influence of the west coast styles and also of the Gaelic language and song promoted by groups such as the Glasgow Islay Gaelic Choir.
Glasgow is also home to the National Piping Centre and the headquarters of BBC Scotland, which produces the legendary weekly programme of Scottish Dance Music under the title of Take The Floor.
As can be seen, there is plenty happening in the Scottish music scene in these two cities and long may it continue to flourish, so that the public can be entertained by the vast array of musicians, singers and bands promoting traditional and ceilidh music.
The increasing popularity of Ceilidh Bands for Wedding Receptions
As anybody who has organised a wedding will know, planning and preparation is key to ensuring a successful day. As important as the actually marriage ceremony, is the evening reception and arranging the best entertainment for your guests, to ensure an enjoyable, fun evening. There are many options to choose from but the increasing demand for high quality live music has helped to raise the popularity of Ceilidh dancing as a choice of entertainment for wedding receptions. There are many aspects to consider when deciding on a band, some of which are discussed below.
Ceilidh Bands come in all sorts of sizes and line-ups, and it is often down to personal preference which style of playing one prefers. The traditional line-up of Accordion, Fiddle and Drums can be augmented to include other instruments such as bagpipes, guitars, keyboard and double bass. One should also be satisfied when deciding on a band, that they use high quality, professional audio equipment capable of providing crystal clear sound.
Which are the most common dances?
Most Scottish Ceilidh Bands will have a caller, who will ensure that if some guests are not sure what to do, need a reminder or have never done ceilidh dancing before, then they’ll be able to join in without any problems and have a great night. Usually the caller will talk the guests through the dances and may also do a walk-through prior to beginning each dance. Some of the most popular dances are The Gay Gordons, Strip the Willow, The Dashing White Sergeant, The Flying Scotsman, Military Two-Step, The Eightsome Reel, Canadian Barn Dance, The Virginia Reel, The Cumberland Square Eight, and The Orcadian Strip the Willow.
How large does the dance floor need to be for Ceildh Dancing?
All hotels and wedding venues will either have a dance floor built into the room, or will put one down prior to the evening function commencing. These vary greatly in size, but the generally, the larger the dancing area, the better.
Ceilidh and Disco Combination
Many Scottish Ceilidh Bands now offer an evening consisting of both Ceilidh Dancing and Disco music. This can be the perfect combination to cater for all tastes during the function and much more economical than hiring a Ceilidh Band and a separate DJ. It is usually possible to request certain tracks to be either played or avoided during the disco. Some couples decide to provide a complete playlist for the DJ, while others will make a list of the favourites to be included in the evening. Disco lighting is important and the addition of professional lighting effects makes the complete Ceilidh/Disco package.
HotScotch Ceilidh Band have been busy over the last few weeks and after hectic festive season, the band is looking forward to another successful year of playing for ceilidh dancing in 2011.
Dalhousie Castle & Spa
This Scottish Ceilidh Band recently played for events in Edinburgh University’s Teviot Row for a sports society, the spectacular Dalhousie Castle, just outside Edinburgh, Bathgate’s newest venue, the Vu, as well as regular venues in central Edinburgh, the George Hotel and the Balmoral Hotel.
Kenmore Hotel near Aberfeldy
Accordionist Paul Chamberlain, was invited to play for a splendid Hogmanay ceilidh at the Kenmore Hotel near Aberfeldy. There was a great crowd of ceilidh dancers who were on the floor all evening. Just before midnight, everybody went outside where a spectacular fireworks display took place in the centre of the village. After that, it was back to the ballroom to begin the New Year with a Gay Gordons.
2011 looks to be another eventful year for Paul and the band, so if you are looking for a dynamic, professional Scottish Ceilidh Band for your function, please contact Paul either by phone or email to discuss how HotScotch Ceilidh Band can make yours a successful, enjoyable night to remember. The ceilidh band travel all over Scotland and the UK, with regular appearances abroad.
Accordionist Paul Chamberlain, is also the caller for HotScotch Ceilidh Band. Most ceilidh bands will have a caller, who will ensure that if some guests are not sure what to do, need a reminder or have never done ceilidh dancing before, then they’ll be able to join in without any problems and have a great night. He has many years of experience of dance calling and therefore will enable all ceilidh novices to join in with the dancing. He will talk the guests through the dances and may also do a walk-through prior to beginning each dance. Some of the most popular dances covered by ceilidh bands in Scotland are The Gay Gordons, Strip the Willow, The Dashing White Sergeant, The Flying Scotsman, Military Two-Step, The Eightsome Reel, Canadian Barn Dance, The Virginia Reel, The Cumberland Square Eight, and The Orcadian Strip the Willow.
This video is “The Dashing White Sargeant” recorded at The Hub in Edinburgh and features top Edinburgh ceilidh band HotScotch.
How large does the dance floor need to be for Ceildh Dancing?
All hotels and wedding venues will either have a dance floor built into the room, or will put one down prior to the evening function commencing. These vary greatly in size, but the generally, the larger the dancing area, the better
As anybody who has organised a wedding will know, planning and preparation is key to ensuring a successful day. As important as the actually marriage ceremony, is the evening reception and arranging the best entertainment for your guests, to ensure an enjoyable, fun evening. There are many options to choose from but the increasing demand for high quality live music has helped to raise the popularity of Ceilidh dancing as a choice of entertainment for wedding receptions. There are many aspects to consider when deciding on a band. There are a large number of ceilidh bands in Scotland and if you are looking for a ceilidh band in Edinburgh, HotScotch can provide a first-class entertainment package for your wedding reception.
Ceildih bands come in all sorts of sizes and line-ups, and it is often down to personal preference which style of playing one prefers. The traditional line-up of Accordion, Fiddle and Drums can be augmented to include other instruments such as bagpipes, guitars, keyboard and double bass. One should also be satisfied when deciding on a ceilidh band, that they use high quality, professional audio equipment capable of providing crystal clear sound, which as a professional ceilidh band who are playing very regularly, HotScotch do ensure that their equipment is well maintained. HotScotch is proud to be one of the most popular and busiest ceilidh bands in Scotland.
They were providing a Scottish ceilidh for guests on board the super-yacht “Christina O” as part of a wedding celebration with a Scottish connection.
It was a fantastic occasion and the ceilidh went down very well, with popular ceilidh dance favourites such as Strip the Willow and The Eightsome Reel, on the rear deck of the boat.
"Christina O" Yacht in Monaco
Certainly a most memorable event for this Scottish ceilidh band, and enjoyed by the mixture of French and Scottish guests. Their next function is in the magnificent Stirling Castle on Saturday 4th September.
Many Scottish Ceilidh Bands now offer an evening consisting of both Ceilidh Dancing and Disco music. This can be the perfect combination to cater for all tastes during the function and much more economical than hiring a Ceilidh Band and a separate DJ. It is usually possible to request certain tracks to be either played or avoided during the disco. Some couples decide to provide a complete playlist for the DJ, while others will make a list of the favourites to be included in the evening. Disco lighting is important and the addition of professional lighting effects makes the complete Ceilidh/Disco package.
ZD YouTube FLV Player
HotScotch Ceilidh Band use a professional lighting rig comprising of high specification LED disco light effects along with KAM laser projection. The band also has a professional smoke machine which can be used to enhance the disco. However, many venues do not allow these to be used due to having highly sensitive fire alarm systems. If you are interested in having the smoke machine used at your event, please check that this is allowed by the venue and advise the ceilidh band accordingly.
Hogmanay, or Auld Year’s Night is one of the busiest dates in the calendar for all kinds of venues and entertainers. In Scotland, it is traditional to have a Scottish Ceilidh Band to play for the evening and then often a piper to pipe in the New Year.
Hotels all over Scotland arrange functions for their guests which include a special dinner menu prior to the traditional ceilidh dancing which follows.
Auld Lang Syne
A very popular Hogmanay custom is to sing “Auld Lang Syne” and this has become popular in many countries. This traditional poem was reinterpreted by Robert Burns and then later set to music.
The traditional practice in Scotland is to start off holding hands in a circle and then to cross arms for the last verse.
The words for Auld Lang Syne are
“Should auld acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot and auld lang syne
For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne,
We’ll take a cup o kindness yet, for auld lang syne.”
Festivities around the world
Cities all over the world from Sydney, to New York, London and Paris also host large outdoor parties. However probably the most famous annual event, is the Edinburgh Hogmanay Street Party. This vast celebration welcomes over eighty thousand revellers to Princes Street and a huge outdoor ceilidh in Edinburgh as well as many bands and a spectacular fireworks display high above the castle.
People come from all over the world to enjoy the festivities and many have never been to a Scottish ceilidh before, but they all join in the fun and have a great evening.
Many people hold their own house parties or hire local village halls to celebrate the event. Ceilidh dancing is very popular and all of the ceilidh bands in Scotland will be booked on this evening. The city of Glasgow also holds a large outdoor celebration in George Square.
Hogmanay is also a very special, memorable day to hold a wedding, although the costs will be somewhat higher than normal due to the demand for venues, caterers and entertainment.
The bells of Big Ben in London are broadcast around the country so that everybody can enjoy the countdown to midnight and the start of the New Year.
First Footing
One of the traditions at New Year is that before midnight on the 31st of December, the house should be cleaned (including taking out the ashes from the fire in the days when coal fires were common). There is also the superstition to clear all your debts before “the bells” at midnight.
Another tradition is “first footing”. This is still common in Scotland and is believed to bring good luck for the year ahead.
HotScotch Ceilidh Band offer a vibrant blend of traditional and contemporary Scottish dance music. An exciting mix of accordion, fiddle, and drums providing just the right atmosphere for a cracking night!
The band caters for all audiences and can include a Disco & Lighting package to compliment the Ceilidh. Based in Edinburgh, they travel all over Scotland and the North of England.
Their lively style of playing and rapport with the audience will have the dancers up on the floor all evening.
Paul Chamberlain is also an accomplished professional classical accordionist. The classical accordion is truly an amazing instrument and here in the UK, Paul Chamberlain is one of a very select group of talented young musicians working to increase the instrument’s profile, a profile that was established through the pioneering work of accordionist Professor Owen Murray.
Born in Scotland in 1981, Paul Chamberlain was immersed in a wealth of music from a very early age. At 17 he was invited out to St. Petersburg to perform in the Baltica Harmonica Festival and it was performances by artists there such as Yuri Shishkin and Oleg Sharov which inspired his change of focus to the greater possibilities of the free-bass button instrument. Over the last ten years Paul has developed his performance technique on the instrument with his inspiring teacher Djordje Gajic and also through master-classes with experts such as Owen Murray, Peter Soave and Jean-Louis Norton.
Paul is a highly accomplished player and his current title of UK Virtuoso Accordion Champion is testimony to his breadth of skills across many competitions in both classical and Scottish music styles. With appearances at music festivals around Europe and live television performances in Russia and Finland, Paul has also performed in France, Italy, Greece and Bahrain.
Currently Paul is studying at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, Glasgow, under the tutelage of Dr Djordje Gajic. In 2010 he was Highly Commended for his performance in the Tony and Tania Webster Prize for rare Russian music, and he was winner of the acclaimed Governors Recital Prize.
He has adjudicated at competitions such as the NAAFC Musselburgh Festival and the NAO UK Accordion Championships, and teaches accordion at Fettes College in Edinburgh, as well as giving private accordion lessons in Edinburgh.
When it comes to planning your next company event, whether it is to be a Conference, Promotional Event, Christmas Party or Retirement Party, why not make it a night of Scottish Ceilidh Dancing.
Many companies organise themed days, sports hospitality packages, adventure and action team building events, and other varied pursuits, but a professionally organised evening of Scottish entertainment will make your company stand out from the rest.
Edinburgh Ceilidh Band HotScotch, playing in Monaco
HotScotch Ceilidh Band have a wealth of experience of providing high quality professional entertainment for all types of events and venues.
Their services are tailored to your specific needs and they can also organise for other acts such as piper, singers and other musicians to suit your the requirements of you event.
Scottish Ceilidh Dancing
A Scottish Ceilidh is guaranteed to make your next corporate function an exciting, memorable event with for all attendees. This is a great way for instance, to show invited guests from overseas a traditional Scottish evening. Ceilidh dancing is easy, fun and everybody can join in without having any prior experience. The band’s dance caller will guide everybody though the steps, giving a truly memorable experience for your guests.
Other elements such as a Highland Piper to welcome guests, or a Clarsach player during dinner, can be added to enhance to Scottish ambiance.
Types of Functions that a Scottish Ceilidh is most suited to
An evening of Ceilidh Dancing is ideal for your next Christmas Party, Retirement Party, Conference, Promotional Event, to Welcome International Visitors, and all other types of Social Functions.
Usually, the ceilidh can also be combined with a professional Disco in order to cater for all individuals in your organisation. An experienced, professional DJ will hold a vast library of music from 50s/60s right up to the current chart hits. Make sure that they have a professional lighting rig which includes LED and Laser effects. A smoke machine can also be linked, although this is dependent on fire regulations of the venue.
The ability to provide a mixture of music in this way ensures that all tastes are catered for. The supplier and venue will work with you to put together a complete entertainment package for your event which can be co-ordinated with a Scottish-themed meal if desired.
The benefits of holding a ceilidh
A ceilidh is a great way to promote social interaction within your organisation and also an ideal way to welcome guests and conference delegates.
When planning your company’s next event, do give thought to incorporating a Scottish Ceilidh into a fabulous entertainment package for all your staff and guests. HotScotch are one of the most popular Ceilidh Bands in Scotland, and will ensure you have a great night to remember. They are entirely flexible to suit your requirements and timings and will work with you to put together a complete entertainment package for your event. If you need a Ceilidh Band in Glasgow, the look no further than HotScotch Ceilidh Band.
A ceilidh is a great way to promote social interaction within your organisation and also an ideal way to welcome guests and conference delegates.
