Reviews

1. Kevan Cameron – February 14, 2023

   Black Velvet Band Scottish Ceilidh Trio / Burn’s Night Celebration / February 2023

   Please pass on a huge thanks to the band for last night! They got the crowd going and kept them under ‘control’ with a brilliant blend of instructions and banter even as we inevitably got a little rowdier towards the end. I will definitely recommend to others and keep details for future events.

   Kevan Cameron: Swinton Barracks (15th Signal Regiment, Royal Corps of Signals, 22 Engineer Regiment & 26 Engineer Regiment)

2. Jenna Willis – January 19, 2023

   Black Velvet Band Scottish Ceilidh Trio / Burn’s Night Celebration / January 2023

   Thank you so much for the band they were great and got people up dancing and having a good night.

   Jenna Willis, Warrant Officers and Sergeants Mess, Blandford Camp

3. Stephen Roworth – December 15, 2022

   Black Velvet Band Ceilidh Trio / School 21’s Christmas Ceilidh / December 2022

   We just wanted to say thank you to the Black Velvet Band for bringing the fun and music to our Staff Christmas party. Our guests loved how they weaved some Christmas ditties into the tunes and the energy the caller brought to the evening. The buzz from the staff the morning after was very positive. They really enjoyed themselves! Thank you again for such a fun evening!!

4. SSgt Mark Appleby – December 5, 2022

   Black Velvet Band Ceilidh Trio / Ceilidh for The Royal Monmouthshire Engineers / December 2022

   Please pass on my thanks and good wishes to the band. They arrived on time, and fully prepared. The entertainment was great fun, and all our guys got involved. I would definitely recommend to anyone that wants a fully inclusive experience and a really good laugh.

5. Louise Barltrop – November 30, 2022

   Black Velvet Band Hoedown Trio / Louise’s 60th Birthday Party / November 2022

   Mike and the band were excellent and performed brilliantly for my 50th birthday celebration. Guests commented straight away on how good they were and we loved that they were able to tune in to the vibe of the evening and adjust to the various levels of enthusiasm and dancing competence that was on the dance floor. I thoroughly recommend them if you are thinking of having a hoe down and know that both myself and my guests will be remembering a great evening for a long time to come.

6. Catherine Francis – October 8, 2022

   Black Velvet Band Ceilidh Trio / Catherine’s Fund Raising Ceilidh / October 2022

   Please pass on my thanks and huge congratulations to the Black Velvet Band for making the evening one to remember! The members of the band were very friendly and excellent at leading the crowds all of various ages! It was a night to remember for all the right reasons and I have not smiled so much since my wedding day! The Swiss roll formation is genius and the children (and adults) are still wondering how it worked! We will most definitely be booking them again!

7. Karen Cannon – September 20, 2022

   Black Velvet Band Irish Trio / Danny’s 75th Birthday Party / September 2022

   Just wanted to say a huge thank you for last night. Everyone loved you . Hope to see you again –
   Karen and Danny

8. Tara McLoughlin – August 30, 2022

   Black Velvet Band Irish Trio / Tara’s Birthday Party / August 2022

   The band were great and did a top job at the event. They went down a storm and we would definitely book them again for future parties.

9. Wendy Bonney – August 27, 2022

   Black Velvet Band Ceilidh Trio / Wendy’s Birthday Party / August 2022

   What a fantastic time my guests and I had last night! The Black Velvet Band guys certainly know how to get a party going and my guests and I responded in the appropriate manner. It was the BEST party I have ever been to – and several guests asked if we can have another ceilidh soon.

10. Rachel Millar – August 3, 2022

    Black Velvet Band Ceilidh Quartet – Rachel and Antonio’s Wedding – August 2022

    Please pass on my massive thanks to the band for being wonderful! It was great! Black Velvet Band played at our wedding and they were great. Lovely people who got everyone on to the dance floor and kept them there – highly recommended.

11. Edward Emmerson – July 25, 2022

    Black Velvet Band Ceilidh Trio – Edward’s 40th Birthday Ceilidh – July 2022

    I found Mike very helpful when arranging the requirements for the party. The music was of a good standard and the caller was very good at getting people involved in the dancing. I would happily recommend the band to others.

12. Deaglan McElroy – May 12, 2022

    Black Velvet Band Ceilidh Trio / 05/05/2022 / Barn Dance for Tree Aid Workers’ Seminar Group

    The Black Velvet Band Ceilidh Trio helped make our event go smoothly with great communication and punctual arrival. The music was well performed and great fun. The caller did a fantastic job of putting people at ease an encouraging lots of dancing and everyone had a great time. At our working event the next day, many attributed the positive mood and energy to the ceilidh the night before, so maybe it is the secret to successful strategy seminars?!

13. Erica Sutherland – April 8, 2022

    Black Velvet Band Ceilidh Trio / 02/04/2022 / Erica’s Birthday Ceilidh

    We had a fantastic joint 30th birthday party for 60 people and the Black Velvet Ceilidh Band did an amazing job of making the evening a huge success! Mike gave me a call a couple of weeks prior to the event to confirm all arrangements such as timings, location, numbers, and the experience of the party goers (very mixed – lots of complete beginners). Mike was really enthusiastic on the phone and I felt very confident all was going to go well. At the beginning of the evening, we were pretty disorganized and neither James or I were there to meet the band on arrival, but our friend saw them into the venue and they were very flexible and happy to go with the flow and got set up really quickly. The whole band were keen to help and happily agreed to start the ceilidh a little later than planned, as well as letting me use the mic to make announcements! The 2 x 1 hour sets of ceilidh dancing were amazing and both the calling and music were fantastic – our guests absolutely loved every moment of it and have all said how much they enjoyed the music and dancing. Thank you very much to the whole band for an excellent evening, we would recommend you to anyone!

14. Charlotte Elder – March 20, 2022

    Black Velvet Band Ceilidh Trio / 19/03/2022 / Charlotte’s Golden Wedding Celebration

    We had a great time, ably assisted by the music and calling of the Black Velvet Ceilidh Band, thank you so much!. The band were very adaptable, as we changed the arrangement for the sets on the night, and reassured that they were there to entertain….which they certainly did. They got people up dancing from the first note to the last and many, many guests have commented how much they enjoyed the ceilidh.

15. Caitlin Bowie – February 28, 2022

    Black Velvet Band Ceilidh Trio / 17/02/2022 / Scottish Ceilidh

    Wow what a night! We had an absolute ball, the band were fantastically talented and accommodating to a group of people who had never danced a Ceilidh before. There wasn’t a face in the room that didn’t have the biggest smile on it, can’t thank the team enough. Would absolutely book again and recommend to anyone needing a Ceilidh band.

16. Caroline Barrett – November 8, 2021

    Black Velvet Band Irish Trio / 07/11/2021 / Ramsbury British Legion Irish Night

    We would like to thank you for a fantastic evening with Black Velvet Band Irish Trio. The crowd loved them and the music was brilliant. All the guests said what a great evening they had and that they would love to have them back in New Year.

17. Anna-Sophie Norton – October 29, 2021

    Black Velvet Band Ceilidh Trio/ 22/10/2021 / Anna and Alex’s Wedding

    The Black Velvet Band provided us with a fantastic ceilidh for our wedding reception. They really got everyone up and moving, so much better than a boring DJ set. They were even accommodating to our more inebriated guests and explained the dance moves clearly. We had a wonderful time and would consider them again for future parties.

18. Becky Davidson – October 20, 2021

    Black Velvet Band Ceilidh Trio/ 16/10/2021 / Becky’s Wedding

    Thank you so much to the Black Velvet Band Ceilidh Trio, they were excellent from start to finish! They were easy to book and the communication was clear and fast. Everyone loved the band on the day and they made a special effort to organise a first dance for our families. We’re so glad we booked them!

19. Emma Marsden – October 14, 2021

    Black Velvet Band Ceilidh Trio/ 09/10/2021 / Emmma and her father’s Joint Birthday Party

    We had a joint 50th & 80th birthday party. Black Velvet were fantastic. Great musicians and made the Barn dance run smoothly. We had ages from 5 to 80 and they tailored everything perfectly. Made it a birthday to remember.

20. Siobhan Flude – August 29, 2021

    Black Velvet Band Irish Duo / 28/08/2021 / Siobhan’s Mum’s 70th Birthday Party

    Just wanted to say that the band we excellent yesterday. The music was great and everyone loved it! The guys really made my Mum’s 70th birthday a party to remember and she was so happy loved seeing everyone have such a great time. Great memories made. They really were first class, so do pass on our thanks again.

21. Alex Reichardt – August 28, 2021

    Black Velvet Band Gypsy Duo / 24/08/2021 / Alex Reichardt’s Wedding Celebration

    “We booked the Black Velvet Band Gypsy Duo (accordion and fiddle) to play at our wedding celebration garden party in August. Mike and Jase played exactly the music we wanted, a lovely mix of traditional, modern, jazz, Irish and were happy to play requests. We live on a farm and when the duo started up, all our cows came running up the field and stayed close to enjoy the lovely sounds coming from the garden. I have to say, the two were perfect for our garden party and the sound of the fiddle and accordion ringing out into the evening was absolutely lovely and was thoroughly enjoyed by our guests whose ages ranged from six to ninety! Mike and Jase are lovely, affable chaps and we should have no hesitation in booking them again if we have another “do”! I highly recommend them.”

22. David Iles – July 25, 2021

    Black Velvet Band Ceilidh Trio/ 24/07/2021 / Socially Distanced Ceilidh Dancing at David and Lottie’s Wedding

    Black Velvet Band Ceilidh Trio were amazing yesterday. Thanks so much for being flexible with the timings when things shifted a bit. Everybody had such a good time. The venue asked for your details to put down on their recommendations list for future events!

23. Sharon Clayton – July 24, 2021

    Black Velvet Band Irish Trio / 23/07/2021 / Pre-Wedding Drinks Party

    Black Velvet Band Irish Trio came to play at our relaxed outdoor pre-wedding get together of about 40 people. The three who made up the band were great – very talented musicians – they played all our favourites as well as some wider material.

    They were very keen to fit in with what we wanted to hear and gauged the mood as to whether to sing ballads or play jigs (after a few drinks people were up for having a bit of a dance). It was such a joy to hear live music again after all these months of covid restrictions. The Band really made the evening and they were really lovely people.

    Sharon Clayton (mother of the bride)

24. Cecilia MacDougal – July 21, 2021

    Black Velvet Band Ceilidh Trio / 16/07/2021 / Cecilia and Johny’s Wedding

    Mike and the Black Velvet Band played at our wedding and put together a fantastic set. They had very thoughtfully come up with some more Covid secure dances to cater for people wishing to stay in their respective bubbles but managed to maintain the energy and enthusiasm throughout.

    The music was brilliant and the calling was the best that I’ve seen at a ceilidh (a difficult skill to perfect!). We did 6 or 7 dances and the band very considerately asked how we (my wife and I) would like to lead the dances to ensure plenty of people engaged but we had no concerns as everyone joined in.

    All of our guests were delighted and we can’t thank the band for stepping in at relatively short notice, we had a brilliant time.

    Cecilia MacDougal

25. David Rees – June 20, 2021

    Black Velvet Irish Trio – Bletchley Conservative Club – June 2021

    The Black Velvet Band Trio are extremely talented musicians who delivered a good range of Irish tunes to a very high standard. Overall they provided a great night’s entertainment, and I would recommend them to anyone wanting to hold an Irish themed night. Unfortunately we were not allowed dancing due to Covid restrictions, once these are lifted the night would be even better.

26. Gwen Ward – June 6, 2021

    Black Velvet Irish Duo – Gwen’s Mum’s 80th birthday party – June 2021

    I booked Black Velvet Band Irish Duo for my Mum’s 80th. It was a small family gathering in the back garden. The band were fantastic and even my mum was up dancing. It was a rare and happy sight!

27. Laura Matthews – September 30, 2020

    Black Velvet Irish Trio – Laura’s Wedding – September 2020

    We are so grateful to Black Velvet Ceilidh Band for their last minute flexibility in playing for our wedding! We moved the wedding forward by a month to beat the lockdown and the band not only made themselves available on the new date, but also changed the style of music with just 3 days notice! Firstly their contactability and organisation was brilliant, making the booking and discussions with them hassle-free. Ceilidh would no longer have been appropriate, so the guys played a mix of Irish songs and jigs and reels. The music they provided was fantastic, creating the most beautiful atmosphere for the milling around and photo time between ceremony and reception. They were inconspicuous but added so much. Would definitely recommend them (and their versatility!) for any event.’

    Thanks again – as you can tell we were really chuffed.

28. Meriel Raymond – September 28, 2020

    Black Velvet Irish Trio – Meriel and Marco’s Wedding – September 2020

    Thank you so much for playing at our wedding. You really livened the atmosphere and made the evening really special. I loved the first dance – the Braveheart theme segueing into “The Banshee” and I’ll never be able to think of the Wild Rover in the same way again!

29. Sanneke Kottier – February 22, 2020

    Black Velvet Band Irish Trio – Sanneke’s Wedding – February 2020

    Thank you so much for making our wedding the party of the year – everyone loved the music!

    Black Velvet Band Irish Trio played at our wedding reception and they were brilliant. I had worried whether people would want to dance to Irish music but I shouldn’t have. Everyone loved the music! We had a real proper Irish Hooley, with lots of dancing, singing-along and some humour in-between. As this was a marriage of cultures (English, Irish and Dutch) we were also touched that the band played a couple of traditional Dutch songs, allowing the Dutch to have a good sing-along as well. And when my dad asked if they could accompany him for a song to sing after his speech, it was no problem. The guys in the band are proper musicians who can play what the crowd needs to keep the party fuelled. The only complaint I have had is from my knees – which are still complaining, even after 4 days rest! Next time, I will wear trainers.

30. Kate Ghani – January 22, 2020

    Black Velvet Band Irish Duo – 90th Birthday Party – January 2020

    These guys were just great and made a special birthday really special. Just loved Mike’s amazing fiddle playing. They accommodated all our requests for Irish and Scottish music and we’re flexible around time’s which was great as lunch was later than anticipated. Would highly recommend.

31. Amanda Phillips – January 16, 2020

    Black Velvet Band Ceilidh Trio – Fund Raising Ceilidh – January 2020

    We are so grateful to Black Velvet Ceilidh Trio for making our fundraising ceilidh a great success with delightful music and dancing. The level of challenge of the dances was pitched just right to tempt our guests (who were aged from 4 to 84) to have a go – and they all came away with big smiles on their faces! Phil – the band’s friendly caller – gave just the right amount of instruction and then a quick recap before each dance and was happy to adapt dances to suit some of the children. Arrangements and payment were all handled professionally and efficiently. Thank you so much for helping us raise over £300 for our cause!

32. Phyllis Steele – November 11, 2019

    Black Velvet Irish Ceili Trio – October 2019

    Thank you so much for being able to accommodate us on the wedding of my son! What with atrocious weather causing extensive flooding that weekend and having to postpone the wedding from the Saturday night until the Sunday, we were more than grateful that the band was still willing and able to perform on the Sunday. Great music and excellent calling made the evening, with all participants thoroughly enjoying themselves – sometimes with a little over enthusiasm! I highly recommend this band to any future clients booking. The band were more than helpful – especially Jennie with all my questions and the band on the day were superb. All good wishes,

33. Claire Ricketts – PA to Chief Executive, Newbury Racecourse – October 31, 2019

    Irish Themed Evening at Newbury Racecourse

    Black Velvet Band Irish Duo were excellent and really added to our Irish themed evening. Lots of very traditional music. The guys were very flexible and last minute added in a Ceili set without prior knowledge which was appreciated by all and added to the fun of the evening. Very highly recommended.

34. Sarah Tubridy – October 3, 2019

    Sarah’s 40th Birthday Ceilidh – September 2019

    Great night of dancing, Black Velvet Ceilidh Trio encouraged everyone up on the floor and great fun was had by all. Thank you

35. Kevin Buxton – Kontra Roots Promotions – September 28, 2019

    Black Velvet Band Irish Trio – The Midlands Game Fair – September 2019

    The performance by Black Velvet Band Irish Trio at The Midlands Game Fair was excellent and went down very well with the crowd. To be done again hopefully!

36. Jackie Everard – September 20, 2019

    Black Velvet Band Irish Duo – Jackie’s 40th Birthday Party – September 2019

    Really friendly. Engaged with the audience it was a great night and we would definitely book them again.

37. Nigel Thompson – August 11, 2019

    Surprise 60th Birthday – August 2019

    Black Velvet Ceilidh Band performed at a surprise party for my wife’s 60th Birthday recently. It was intended to be a function at which people could be fully involved and boy, did they do just that! I honestly cannot remember such a function where all of the guests were agreed it was an evening to remember that was also such fun. The whole success of the celebration came from the bands active participation and willingness to do everything possible to make the evening into a night to remember. That, they surely did. Thank you Black Velvet Ceilidh Band. You and the band made my wife very, very happy. She will not forget and neither will I. You are indeed very special musicians and very special people. May I wish you all well.

38. Suzanne Guppy – June 25, 2019

    Suzanne’s 30th Wedding Anniversary Ceilidh – June 2019

    We had a really great evening. The musicians were very friendly and accommodating. When some of our guests were late arriving because of the dreaded road closure and subsequent diversions, they adapted their sets to suit our timings and many non-dancers were encouraged to get up and shake a leg. Everyone said how much they enjoyed themselves and we would certainly recommend and use them again.

39. Emily Trueman-Greinke – June 15, 2019

    Emily’s Wedding Anniversary Ceilidh – June 2019

    I just wanted to say how pleased and impressed we all were with Black Velvet’s musicianship and all-round professionalism. We also especially enjoyed Alan’s introductions to the dances. He was great fun!
    Thanks so much for making our party just what we hoped it would be.

40. Ben Hawkes – April 10, 2019

    A great bunch of lads who made our wedding reception swing. Their set was exactly what we wanted and set exactly the right atmosphere. They even let me take the mic for 2 songs. Which they probably regretted within seconds! A great choice for any kind of party.

    Black Velvet Band Folky Pop Band – Ben’s 40th Birthday – April 2019

41. Rated 5 out of 5

    Karl Baxter – March 31, 2019

    Irish Night to celebrate St Patrick’s Day – Lawrence Weston Social Club – March 16th 2019

    Well what can I say? Johnny and Jase are a great duo! They performed a super mix of Irish songs and tunes and had people up dancing all night.
    Would highly recommend.

42. Rated 5 out of 5

    Stephen Jones – March 20, 2019

    Black Velvet Band Irish Duo – St Patrick’s Day at Westbury Conservative Club – March 17th 2019

    What a great way to celebrate St Patrick’s day at our Cons club! The performance went amazingly well! The dance floor was full on a SUNDAY AFTERNOON?? I put that down to the guys who played songs and tunes with such an exciting beat that you just couldn’t stay still. The whole afternoon was huge fun. I highly recommend the band.

43. Rated 5 out of 5

    Hannah Hunter – February 20, 2019

    Hannah and Deryk’s Scottish Ceilidh – February 2019

    “We absolutely loved having Black Velvet Band play our wedding ceilidh at Clearwell Castle. My husband is from Scotland so we wanted a traditional Scottish ceilidh feel with some of the classics, and we were not disappointed! We had a good feeling about Black Velvet band from the moment we booked them – and sure enough, Mike and the guys were absolutely fantastic and made our evening party a huge success. The band were great and the instructions on the ceilidh dances were so helpful; even those of our party who may not have normally danced were up there loving life on the dancefloor. The fun and friendly atmosphere they created was just fab and so different from your ‘usual’ evening do. All our guests commented on how much they enjoyed the ceilidh and some said it was the best wedding they had ever been to. We would 100% book the band again and recommend them to friends. Thank you for contributing to the best day of both our lives.”

44. Rated 5 out of 5

    Andrew Doble – October 22, 2018

    Andrew and Maria’s Wedding Ceilidh – October 2018

    “Had these guys along for my recent wedding as we wanted something that would be inclusive for all people attending to get involved in. the band were all that I could hope for. they got people up dancing and laughing, and everyone who attended said how much they enjoyed. thank you for being a part of our big day :)”

45. Rated 5 out of 5

    Anne and Martin Blackmore-Dawes – September 21, 2018

    Martin’s 60th Birthday Barn Dance – September 2018

    Mike and his band played for Martin’s 60th birthday barn dance. They made it a very special night full of lovely memories. Alan was a fab caller. Navigated us through the dances with humour and laughter. Alan was extremely helpful and empathetic towards one of our guests who is blind and called dances that she could join in without making it obvious to lots of guests. Many didn’t even realise she was not sighted. We had many comments from our guests who complimented the band on the accordion player, Mike the fiddle player and Alan our caller. A great trio and we really recommend them! Thank you guys!

46. Rated 5 out of 5

    Georgette and William Broughton – August 20, 2018

    Georgette and Will’s Wedding at The Stone Barn, Gloucestershire – August 2018

    Wow! What an evening we had! We absolutely LOVED our wedding evening and you absolutely made the night! We LOVED the dances, and so did all our guests. I couldn’t get over how good you all were!

    Thank you SO much for being such an excellent band, to plan with before our wedding and to perform on the night. We’ve attached some photos, which we hope you like too!

    Thank you ever so much, and should we ever need a band in the future, we’ll be sure to get in contact with you!

47. Rated 5 out of 5

    Rachel Powell – July 18, 2018

    Black Velvet Band Irish Ceili Band – Rachel and James’ Wedding – July 2018

    Please can you pass my compliments on to the band for the wonderful job they did on Saturday last. Our guests have been absolutely raving about them! They were so good in fact I think they tired most of us out after 3 dances!!

    We both really appreciate how organised, friendly and accommodating the band were and would not hesitate at all about recommending them to our family and friends. If there’s anywhere we can also leave a review online, we’d also love to do that too.

    They really made our day so special, our first dance is one I’ll always remember and the smiles on people’s faces as they had fun dancing “The Siege of Ennis”!

    Thank you once again.

48. Rated 5 out of 5

    Rachael O’Keefe (Manager) – July 12, 2018

    Black Velvet Band Hoedown Duo – Wild West Garden Party – July 2018

    “Mike and Jon pitched the performance perfectly for the Fleur de Lis Retirement Home’s garden party in Romsey. The American Country songs created just the right atmosphere to establish the Wild West theme. Everyone loved it – they joined in all the songs! Several residents have sent me messages to say how much they enjoyed the event. We were delighted with the performance and thoroughly recommend the band.”

49. Rated 5 out of 5

    Beryl Ashcroft – July 11, 2018

    Black Velvet Band Ceilidh Trio – Beryl’s party to celebrate Australian Grandson’s wedding – July 2018

    “We had a brilliant time! It was a very hot day and the band were very accommodating, adjusting the playing times and breaking up the dancing with songs. There were only 30 of us, but everyone danced and several people commented on the quality of the music. The band even played “Waltzing Matilda” for the Australian contingent, who all sang along! Thanks very much BVB for making my party so special.”

50. Rated 5 out of 5

    Emma Bartley – June 18, 2018

    Black Velvet Band Ceilidh Quartet – Combined 25th Wedding Anniversary, 21st & 18th Birthday Ceilidh – June 2018

    “What a fabulous party we had with everyone entering into the spirit of the ceilidh! The music was great and the caller was exceptionally patient with the disproportionate number of young men at the party. It was a really mixed crowd – plenty of teens and twenties, through to those in their eighties. The dance floor was full throughout the evening and everyone, both young and old joined in, including the determined non dancers. Several people commented on what a lovely time they’d had. I’m very happy to recommend the band.”

    Emma Bartley

51. Rated 5 out of 5

    Martin Duffy – May 31, 2018

    Black Velvet Band Irish Duo – Irish Joe’s 30th Birthday Party – May 2018

    “Mike and Aidan played at my brothers birthday and completely made our night. The music was excellent and the guys were very professional. We can’t rate the band highly enough.”

    Martin Duffy

52. Rated 5 out of 5

    Diana Blunt – April 28, 2018

    Black Velvet Band Ceilidh Trio – Diana’s 75th Birthday Ceilidh – April 2018

    “My legs are still aching because I danced so much! The band arrived on time and were very friendly and helpful and the music was delightful. It was a mixed crowd, many of whom had never met each other before but with one thing in common – they had never done ceilidh dancing before! The caller was absolutely brilliant – it didn’t matter that most people had no idea how to dance the reels! Everyone joined in and thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

    It couldn’t have been better!”

53. Rated 5 out of 5

    Darren Vine – April 10, 2018

    Black Velvet Band Hoedown Trio – Alice’s Birthday Party – April 2018

    “An excellent bash – the band were fantastic! Everyone got up and danced. The caller did a great job. If we have another Birthday Bash, we will definitely be booking the band again. I have no hesitation recommending them.”

54. Rated 5 out of 5

    Netra Tawake – March 24, 2018

    Black Velvet Band Ceilidh Trio – Netra’s 21st Birthday Ceilidh – March 2018

    “The ceilidh went amazingly well! The dance floor was full all evening. I put it down to Eddy and Mike, who played tunes with such an exciting beat that you just couldn’t stay still. The caller was huge fun. I highly recommend the band.”

55. Rated 5 out of 5

    Peter Fisher – March 20, 2018

    Black Velvet Irish Trio at The Royal Oak on St Pat’s Night 2018

    “Many thanks to Johnny, Mike and Jase for a fine dose of the “craic” for St Pats! What a grand performance – everyone thoroughly enjoyed it. Great singing combined with jigs and reels to get everyone dancing. We can’t wait to have you back again!”

56. Rated 5 out of 5

    Jessica Harris-Edwards – January 27, 2018

    Black Velvet Band Scottish Ceilidh Trio – Royal Overseas League Burn’s Night Ceilidh – January 2018

    Black Velvet Band Ceilidh Trio were a fantastic edition to our Burns Night celebrations. From communicating before the event to the actual day, the group were professional and easy to reach. They also went above and beyond what their initial brief by ed by agreeing to toast the haggis – which was met with cheers – and taking suggestions from the crowd for different dances. By the end of the night they felt like part of the ROSL family.

57. Rated 5 out of 5

    Sgt Helen Cooper – January 26, 2018

    Black Velvet Band Scottish Ceilidh Trio – Burn’s Night at MOD Corsham – January 2018

    “What a fantastic night of ceilidh dancing courtesy of the Black Velvet Band Trio. Nobody was able to resist dancing and the guys were the highlight of the evening for all. Thank you so much for making our evening a huge success.”

58. Rated 5 out of 5

    Stephen Atherton – January 26, 2018

    Black Velvet Band Scottish Ceilidh Trio – Burn’s Night Ceilidh at MOD, Corsham – January 2018

    “Dear Black Velvet Band, Your Ceilidh band played at a Burns Night I attended last night at MOD Corsham. They were great and got everyone up and involved. Everyone really enjoyed it.”

59. Rated 5 out of 5

    Paul Campbell – January 8, 2018

    Paul’s 60th Birthday Hoedown Barn Dance – January 6th, 2018

    “A big thanks to Mike and the rest of the band for a brilliant evening. Everyone has said how much they thoroughly enjoyed it. A special thank you to Alan, the dance caller. He did a great job – quite a comedian! Finally a big thanks to the band for welcoming our fiddle-playing friend Richard into their ranks for the evening. He said he had a fantastic time. What a great party band the guys make! I’m very happy to recommend them to anyone having a bash.”

60. Rated 5 out of 5

    Andrew Gurnham – December 30, 2017

    Harriet’s 21st Birthday Ceilidh in December 2017

    from Rating: 10/10
    Many thanks to the Black Velvet Band Ceilidh Trio for a fantastic 21st Birthday Ceilidh. The band provided a perfect balance for the young and young-at-heart, catering for everyone from the super-lively, to wheelchair-friendly dances, which was a lovely touch. Everyone had a great time.

    Andrew Gurham (Dad)

61. Rated 5 out of 5

    Andrew Moncrieff – September 18, 2017

    Ceilidh for Hawkins’ Team Building Event: September 2017

    Black Velvet Band provided a five piece ceilidh band and caller for the finale of the Hawkins’ team building event. We thought the room would be too big – but we were wrong! The band brought an absolute gem of a caller, who read the crowd perfectly and the dance floor was full throughout the evening. We could have done with a larger space! The band was superb and the event was enjoyed by all concerned. I thoroughly recommend the band.

62. Rated 5 out of 5

    Brendan Lyons – September 11, 2017

    Meet Tyson Furey at Tylorstown Sports Centre: 9th September 2017

    Black Velvet Irish Trio were brilliant! 500 Furey fans stomped and jigged and sang along as they waited to be photographed with Tyson! Great stuff, lads – I’m going to book you back for next year’s event.

    Lyons Den Promotions

63. Rated 5 out of 5

    Lizzie and Ross Harris – September 2, 2017

    Lizzie and Ross’s Wedding Ceilidh at The Orangery, Goldney Hall, Bristol: August 12th 2017

    Black Velvet Band Ceilidh Trio provided a brilliant ceilidh for our wedding celebrations at Goldney Hall, Bristol on 12 August 2017. What a fantastic evening! The band entertained our hardy Scottish guests with well-known Scottish dances but it was most enjoyable to see English friends and family ceilidh dancing for the first time and loving it! The dances were called very clearly and were quite ambitious so there was much hilarity. It was infectious fun and everyone got involved. (The dance floor was almost too small!). Mike and the band were extremely accommodating, professional and enthusiastic. They have a huge repertoire and organised the evening flawlessly, from our first dance (Gay Gordons) to the throwing of the bouquet and the final Circassian Circle. Highly recommended.

    Thanks again for a fantastic evening of fun!

64. Rated 5 out of 5

    Janet Astley – Mother of the Bride – May 15, 2017

    Wedding Ceilidh at The Great Tythe Barn: May 2017

    Thank you, guys, for finding time beforehand to rehearse with Amy, the bridegroom’s sister, who sang Elton John’s “Your Song” for the bride and groom’s 1st dance. It was beautiful and very special to have her sing their first song with accompaniment from the band. I think everyone was very moved by it (we are hoping someone filmed it but are not sure!). The dance floor was packed all evening for the ceilidh and we all had great fun – which was the intention.

    It was an amazing day, evening and whole weekend – we carried on the celebrations on Sunday! Thank you to Black Velvet Band for helping to make the wedding so memorable.

65. Rated 5 out of 5

    Robin Martin – May 12, 2017

    Black Velvet Band Celtic Trio – Robin Martin’s Wedding: April 2017

    We booked the BVB for our wedding in April at Stonehouse Court. We specified Celtic music and they were excellent – they even learned a song for me to sing with them in two weeks flat! True musicians who really know their stuff. They were punctual and did not skimp on time – not taking lengthy breaks between songs which I know some do. A really great experience – I thoroughly recommend them.

66. Rated 5 out of 5

    Katie Verity – May 11, 2017

    Black Velvet Band Irish Duo – Surprise 70th Birthday: April 2017

    Black Velvet Band Irish Duo performed at my Mum’s surprise 70th birthday. We loved the performance and didn’t want them to stop! The party was a huge success and the excellent music really helped to create the atmosphere. Thank you very much, guys!

67. Rated 5 out of 5

    21st Birthday Ceilidh – March 2017 – April 3, 2017

    Amazing night with joyous music from the band from start to finish. Very accommodating for our age span of 8 years to 80 years! Plenty of caller participation to get us all going in fun dances which everyone said made them ache the next day! I heartily recommend them. Very friendly too!

    Sara Norman

68. Rated 5 out of 5

    Black Velvet Irish Band: St Pat’s March 2017 – March 20, 2017

    We have booked Black Velvet Band for our Wedding in Devon on 20th May. We were delighted to find out from Jennie that they were playing at The Water Poet in Spitalfields on St Patricks Night. Being from London, this was perfect. We arrived to a heaving pub with great Irish tunes belting out the door. The pub was packed and everyone was Irish on Friday. Black Velvet Irish Band played everything from The Wild Rover to some traditional reels and jigs. The were excellent and we cannot wait to have them play on our special day. We met with the lads after who were all so friendly and welcoming. I’ve been in a quite a few pubs on St Patrick’s Day but I’ve never experienced an atmosphere like that. The crowd were singing and dancing, Black Velvet your were fantastic, we cant wait to see you guys on 20th May 2017.

    Niamh Ivey

69. Rated 5 out of 5

    30th Birthday Party 13/08/2016 – August 23, 2016

    The band set up according to the plan that had been agreed and once the music got underway, the dance floor was packed for the whole night. Some of our guests had never been to this type of evening before and all we had back was extremely positive comments about the band and of the whole evening, which was to celebrate our daughter’s 30th Birthday.
    The band was an integral part of the night and made the night go with a swing.

    Well worth the 5*****

    GEOFF WARNER

70. Rated 5 out of 5

    Vicky & Steve Wilson – June 22, 2016

    Black Velvet Band Irish Quartet: 03 06 16

    Steven and Vicky Wilson’s Wedding

    Vicky and I are just back from a wonderful honeymoon in Thailand. We would like to take this opportunity to thank you, Mike and all the Black Velvet Band for playing at our wedding. For some it was a new experience hearing a traditional Irish band perform.
    We all had a great time.

    Go raibh míle maith agat!!

71. Rated 5 out of 5

    Lindsey Meredith – June 22, 2016

    Black Velvet Band Irish Duo: 11 06 16

    Ruby Wedding Anniversary Party

    Just wanted to say thank you so much for the music, fun and sheer merriment you provided on Saturday. It was an absolutely cracking party, everyone had a blast and my parents loved every minute! Your music was perfect, you had everyone up singing and got everyone in the party spirit. Everyone has been passing on their thanks and regards, so just wanted to say thank you for making the party such a special and memorable occasion.

    We’ll all be there in force at The Water Poet in Spitalfield’s London next year on St Patrick’s Day, so we’ll be sure to come and say hello again! Thanks again, it was brilliant and hope you both enjoyed it too.

    Lyndsey Meredith

72. Rated 5 out of 5

    St Patrick’s Day: 2016 – March 18, 2016

    Just wanted to say thank you to the Black Velvet Irish Band. For the second year in a row, Eddy, Mike and Johnny were an absolute crowd pleaser and everyone had a brilliant time on St Patrick’s Day at The Water Poet in Spitalfields, London!

    Charlotte Prior

73. Rated 5 out of 5

    Alison – February 21, 2016

    We were really pleased that we had booked the Black Velvet band for a ceilidh at our daughter’s wedding at Old Down Manor. Before the event they spoke to our daughter and planned with her exactly what she would like from them, the type of music and how they would organise the evening so that she and her new husband could be ‘danced out’ at the end. On the day the band arrived in good time with all the appropriate equipment for the location. The performance was very professional, the music great and they got all the guests dancing along. The caller’s instructions were clear.
    So overall we were very happy and would definitely recommend them and the ‘Hop Til You Drop’ administrative team.

    Thank-you, again.

74. Rated 5 out of 5

    Will & Katie Betts – August 24, 2015

    We celebrated our wedding at The Grange and we would like to thank you for helping to make our evening so enjoyable. Everyone said what a lovely idea a ceilidh band was and how brilliant it was that it included everyone. Thank you.

75. Rated 5 out of 5

    Ian Gray-Souldern Village Committee – July 25, 2015

    Black Velvet Band helped make the Souldern Village Ceilidh a great success. Ours was a Village event with all ages and the Band got all ages dancing. They played superbly and brought a caller with a good sense of fun. They provided music to dance to, music to listen to and an entertainment show all in one! On a practical level they were professionally early arriving, leaving the event organiser relaxed and free to have a drink! Greatly appreciated in all regards.

76. Rated 5 out of 5

    Ed Hall (50th Birthday) – March 26, 2015

    We had a fantastic time with the dance floor full. Everyone enjoyed themselves. The band were excellent and were very accommodating throughout the evening. They were patient and very encouraging in getting people to participate. Thank you very much for making my wife’s 50th birthday celebrations special!

77. Rated 5 out of 5

    BVB – St Particks Day March – March 3, 2015

    What can I say? The band was brilliant. Great vocals from Johnny, ably supported by Mike on fiddle and Eddy on accordion. By the end of the night everyone was dancing and calling for more. The band couldn’t get off the stage! I’m keen to book for next year already! (Charlotte Prior on behalf of The Water Poet, Spitalfields, London)

78. Rated 5 out of 5

    Sara Brouwer – The Royal Overseas League, Park Pl, St. James’s, London – January 31, 2015

    Delightful Scottish jigs and reels from Sue and Mike combined excellent calling from Henry had everyone on the dance floor, reeling into the small hours. We shall be booking the band again next year. 

79. Rated 5 out of 5

    Perry & Claire – Wedding – July 30, 2014

    Thank you for the wonderful ceilidh on our wedding day. Everyone had such a fun time and loved the dancing, even those of us who had never done it before! You provided just what we wanted for the special day, despite being so close to Christmas and with terrible weather, and it was a highlight of the evening. All the best!

80. Rated 5 out of 5

    Nicola Feather – 18th Birthday Party – April 10, 2014

    Dear Mike, Jason and Terry (in no particular order) Thank you so much for your part in a lovely evening. I realise now what a creative act a barn dance is, requiring co-operation (co-ercion??!) (gently done!!) from all sorts of assorted people. We had a fabulous time, and I shall treasure the looks of thorough enjoyment on each of the dancers’ faces. 

81. Rated 5 out of 5

    Roy Lonergan – Wedding – September 27, 2013

    I just wanted to say such a huge thank you for the amazing performance that you gave. You were so friendly and willing to help in any way that any nervousness about getting up to dance was immediately dismissed. I was extremely apprehensive prior to the night about how the dancing would go down, especially with my two left feet! However my worrying was in vain, what a fantastic night of dancing it was, so inclusive that any and all can get up and get involved, aged 5 or 105. You need no experience or talent, just listen to the brilliant calling, it’s all simple moves but when it comes together with all your friends and family on the night, prepare to be amazed. I can not thank the band enough for making our Wedding such a fantastic night, I have never seen so many people thoroughly enjoying themselves all at once. I can sincerely recommend the Black Velvet Band for any social occasion, your expectations will be exceeded.

82. Rated 5 out of 5

    Viv & Paul Benchley – November 8, 2012

    Would you be so kind as to pass our thanks to Mike, the band and their wonderful dance caller. They were all absolutely fantastic! Everybody really enjoyed the dancing and party 

83. Rated 5 out of 5

    Emily & Shaun Berry – August 31, 2010

    We would just like to thank you very much for a brilliant evening of music and dancing at our wedding. We have had a lot of great feedback about how fun you were, you even made the ‘non-dancing’ people dance! We really enjoyed it, thank you very much.

84. Rated 5 out of 5

    Amy – July 20, 2009

    I just wanted to write a quick note to say thank you for playing at our wedding on the 18th July at Fursdon House. The music was fantastic and all our guests loved the informal but fun approach to the dancing. It was a real hit at the wedding and we wouldn’t hesitate in recommending you to others

85. Rated 5 out of 5

    Marianne Frosdick – July 8, 2009

    Just wanted to thank the Black Velvet Band for a really great evening last Saturday. They were excellent musicians and the caller was superb (very patient with the Danish contingent who took some time to get the hang of the instructions!) What I particularly appreciate is how considerate and adaptable the band was regarding my wishes. I had lovely time and have had a lot of positive comments from my guests.

86. Rated 5 out of 5

    Jonathon Miller – May 22, 2009

    Black Velvet ceilidh band played at my daughter’s wedding on Saturday. Please let them know how excellent they were, and the evening was a great success greatly helped by the excellent calling, music and dancing. I have had lots of good comments from guests and would recommend them to anybody.

87. Rated 5 out of 5

    Louise – February 27, 2009

    The band were an absolute delight, just the right mix of professional musicians and informal enough to mix in with people and jolly them along. They were completely marvellous and everyone had a great time, even though some people had never done ceilidh dancing before and were a little shy.