Booked bands for Weddings & Parties around Sidmouth, Devon

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Devon is an agricultural county, so there is a strong folk tradition, which is demonstrated in the famous Sidmouth Folk Festival. The festival is no longer as big an international event as it used to be, and indeed there was a period some years ago when it ceased to exist, but in my university days it was a very large and important festival. In those days I used to play in a well-respected band led by the superb accordionist, Ian Graham, that was regularly hired for private and public events in Berkshire and Devon and the county's down towards Devon. Amongst other things we played for the Redding University dance Society, which had a strong Scottish section, and also for an Irish dance group led by a superb dancer, Tony O'Sullivan. One year was playing in the band, we performed at the Sidmouth International folk Festival, giving performances with the Irish dance group, which was something like an early incarnation of Riverdance.

We also played for the Scottish dances, which included The Sword Dance, a very precise dance which was usually danced by men only, but in our case was danced by very talented girl. Some purists were rather askance at this, but nevertheless she could knock the spots off most of the male dancers who attempted this difficult chance. Most people think of the dance as going back into the distant mists of time, and part of the clan heritage of the Scottish Highlands. In reality it was written by the famous Scottish fiddler, Scott Skinner, and somewhere I have a photocopy of his original scrawled manuscript. But it's a fine dance for all that, and is one where the musicians have to watch the dancing very carefully, as if it goes too fast or too slow, the dancer can't bounce effectively and do complicated steps. The speed of the dance is not set by some ancient tradition, as many Scottish dance aficionados would have you believe, but is set by the height, weight and muscle strength of the dancer, as it is this combination that dictates the natural frequency of the bands of the dancer, and it is that natural frequency of panting that has to be hit exactly by the musician speed. The heavier the person, the lower the speed of the dance. The stronger the ankles and legs, the faster the speed of the dance. All these factors interact, so that the dancers done a different speed by different people, but also by the same people on different days, depending how tired or sprightly their muscles are. All good scientific staff, and all for what is regarded as traditional folk dance.

With our ceilidh band, the lineup was accordion, fiddle, guitar, bass, with the guitarist also calling, we also played for the Scottish ceilidh is that were held in a huge marquee as open events for all the festival goers. It was a mixture of experts, some of whom were giving demonstration dancers, people who knew how to dance the English style country dance, but were unfamiliar with Scottish dancing, and complete novices who just wanted a good time. It made it all very interesting.

Brooding over much of Devon are the great granite uplands of Dartmoor ; but around these relics of volcanic upheaval 400 million years ago lies a great variety of scenery. The northern coast offers sandy beaches, stark cliffs and bracing winds. Inland there is a feeling of remoteness, among high, open roads and sunken lanes. Palm trees and sub-tropical flowers grow along the famous south coast, not far from the boggy, rock-strewn heights of Dartmoor. Cornwall is almost an island, for the River

Gipsy Hill Hotel Gipsy Hill Lane Pinhoe Exeter, EX1 3RN, Devon

 

Ruby Wedding  The SG Ceilidh / Barn Dance Band ref: 4718

Council Chamber in Sidmouth Devon, EX10 8HL, Devon

 

Live band hired for Wedding The MC Irish Ceilidh Band ref: 4526

Sidmouth is an unusually attractive seaside resort, full of Regency and early Victorian buildings. Much of the town has a quiet, residential character. The Duke and Duchess of Kent stayed there in 1819 with their infant daughter, later to be Queen Victoria, at Woolbrook Cottage, now the Royal Glen Hotel. Just east of the town a short path with fine views climbs Salcombe Hill Cliff.

Arcot HouseArcot gardens Sidmouth, EX10 9HR, Devon

 

Garden party The EX String Quartet ref: 6168

Escot House, near Exeter, Devon. , EX11 1LU, Devon

 

60th birthday party for Anne The WJ Ceilidh Band / Barn Dance Band ref: 4455

Exeter is the chief city of the South-West, and one of the most historic cities of Britain. Despite the severe damage it received in a single bombing raid in the Second World War, the city retains enough of its past to repay exploration. Its theatre, cinemas, shops and the bustle of a thriving modern city make an interesting contrast with the ancient cathedral and the secluded villages within walking distance of the city centre.

Cadhay HouseCadhay Ottery St Mary Devon, EX11 1QT, Devon

 

Live band hired for Wedding  The EL Jazz Band ref: 3009.1

Ottery St Mary is a town situated in beautiful farming country. It has an impressively large 14th-century collegiate church, modelled on Exeter Cathedral. The poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772-1834) was born in the vicarage. About i mile north-west is Cadhay, a fine Tudor house built by a successful Devon lawyer.

Bovey HouseBeer, Nr Seaton, Devon, EX12 3AD, Devon

 

80th Birthday Dinner - Nicky The CG Celtic / Irish Folk Band ref: 4780.3

Woodbury Hall, Woodbury Lane, Axminster, , EX13 5TL, Devon

 

Harpist - Harriet ref: 6544

Combe House Hotel, Gittisham, Honiton, Devon, , EX14 3AD, Devon

 

Live band hired for Wedding The EJ Jazz Quartet ref: 3749.1

The Deer Park Country House Hotel,Weston, Honiton, Devon, EX14 3PG, Devon

 

Live band hired for Wedding of Emily & Stuart  The SG Ceilidh / Barn Dance Band ref: 4718

Lakeview Manor,Main Street Great Ouseburn York ,

 

Live band hired for Wedding Classical/Spanish Guitar - Jon ref: 2759

Magelake Pavillion Uffculme , EX15 3DP, Devon

 

Private Party  The DF Funk Party Band ref: 6052

Bickleigh Castle Bickleigh Castle, Tiverton, Devon , EX16 8RP, Devon

 

Live band hired for Wedding The DT Barn Dance / Ceilidh Band ref: 4866

NEW VENUE  The Barn, Luttrel Farm, Bampton, Devon., EX16 9DP, Devon

 

Live band hired for Wedding The JT Barn Dance / Ceilidh Band ref: 4443.1

Bampton village used to be called Bampton in the Bush, because there were no roads to it until the mid-18th century. It is now a fairly large village with stone cottages and Georgian facades. The church, with its 13th-century spire, has a magnificent exterior. On Spring Bank Holiday there is Morris dancing in the streets and the horse fair, held in August, dates from the reign of Edward I, though it is now more of a social occasion.

Loxbeare Barton Loxbeare Tiverton Devon , EX16 9RH, Devon

 

Barn Event with the Wurzels, Hog Roast and Bar The ST Party/ Function Band ref: 6350

Millstream, WitheridgeTiverton , Devon, EX168QJ, Devon

 

60th Birthday party - Denise The NS Covers Duo ref: 6321

Waterbridge Golf Club Copplestone Crediton Devon , EX17 5LG, Devon

 

Golden Wedding The MJ Jazz Trio ref: 6390

Crediton is a thriving market town on a main road. In Saxon times Crediton was a centre of Christianity and the See of a bishop. It has traditionally been regarded as the birthplace of St Boniface (AD 680-755), one of the first Christian preachers in northern Europe. The church, which was founded in Norman times, has the proportions of a cathedral. North of the town, a footpath beside the River Creedy leads to Upton Hellions.

Lee Byre, Coryton, Nr.Okehampton, Devon., EX20 4PE, Devon

 

60th Birthday Party The BSO Barn Dance / Ceilidh Band ref: 6102

Coton, Exton Lane, Exton, Exeter, Devon , EX3 0PN, Devon

 

Laura's 21st Birthday party The CT Function Band ref: 6080

Unison Croyde Bay Holiday Resort Croyde Bay, Braunton, Devon, EX33 1QB, Devon

 

Live band hired for Wedding of Chris  & Danielle  The BS English Barn Dance Band ref: 6101

Braunton is locally claimed to be the largest village in England. Braunton's church has many features of interest, including which are among the finest in England. To the west lie the extensive sand dunes known as Braunton Burrows, a noted nature reserve. At Baggy Point, a little to the north, soaring cliffs offer stupendous views over Croyde Bay to the south, and Morte Bay to the north.

Silver cottage Silver street, Braunton , EX33 2EN, Devon

 

Live music booking for Wedding Reception - Sophie and Richard The BS English Barn Dance Band ref: 6101

Bicclescombe Grange Kingsley Ave, Ilfracombe , EX34 8ET, Devon

 

Private Party The ST Party/ Function Band ref: 6350

Lee Bay Village Hall Lee, Ilfracombe, North Devon , EX34 8LW, Devon

 

Live music booking for Wedding Reception - Julietta and Alex The MB Jazz Band ref: 6420

Ilfracombe Golf Club Ilfracombe Golf Club , EX34 9RT, Devon

 

Birthday  The AL Jazz Trio ref: 6565.1

Ilfracombe is the largest seaside resort in north Devon, differing from most big resorts in being built around its old harbour. There are many good shingle beaches, two of them reached by tunnels through the rocks. The landscape along the coast

Though only some 20 people now live on the island of Lundy, 12 miles north-west of Hartland Point, they still issue their own stamps. Lundy, now owned by the National Trust, is named after the old Norse word for puffin; and puffins still nest on the narrow cliff ledges, along with other birds. The island can be reached by steamer from Ilfracombe, the journey taking about 2 hours and around the town is hilly and steep. Ilfracombe's many amenities include golfing, boat trips and fishing. There are coastal walks to several local viewpoints on each side of the town.

Welcombe Village Hall Welcombe , Bideford Devon , EX39 6HF, Devon

 

Tea Party /Queens Birthday Celebration  The ST Jazz Trio ref: 3843.2

The narrow streets of Bideford climb the steep hill on the west bank of the River Torridge, at the point where it begins to widen to form its estuary. The town's most famous sight is its bridge over the Torridge; it is 677 ft long, has 24 arches, and incorporates part of an original stone bridge. An attractive street is Bridgeland Road, which has several 17th-century buildings.

Streatham Campus (The Great Hall) and St Luke's Campus (Sports Centre) University of Exeter Reception Stocker Road Exeter MOVING TO; St Luke's Campus Heavitree Road EX1 2LU, EX4, Devon

 

University of Exeter Staff Festival  The BS English Barn Dance Band ref: 6101.2

 

 

Exwick Parish HallStation Road Exwick Exeter , EX4 2AA, Devon

 

SURPRISE 50th birthday party for scottish husband  The DT Barn Dance / Ceilidh Band ref: 4866

The Mill on the Exe Bonhay Road, Exeter , EX4 3AB, Devon

 

Live music booking for Wedding - Richard and Sandra The JM Jazz Band ref: 6423

Whimple Cricket Club Knowle Cross Recreation Ground, Whimple, Exeter , EX5 2NU, Devon

 

21st birthday for Amy The JM Jazz Band ref: 6423

Moorland Farm Bradnich, Exeter , EX5 4NA, Devon

 

Charity quiz/dance  The CM Ceilidh/Barn Dance Band ref: 6540

Great Fulford Dunsford, Devon, , EX6 7AJ, Devon

 

Live music booking for Wedding Harpist  - Ruth ref: 2418          

Dunsford is a charming village of thatch-roofed cob cottages, whose winding street climbs to a medieval church. Far below, the River Teign flows through a wooded gorge which is a noted beauty spot. Footpaths and a track follow the south bank of the river through Bridford Wood. Some 2 miles north-west of the village is Great Fulford, seat of the Fulford family since at least the i2th century. The present building, attractively set in a park with a lake, is mainly Tudor. In Dunsford Church stands a fine monument to Sir Thomas Fulford, erected in 1610.

Duckaller FarmPort Road Dawlish, EX7 0NX, Devon

 

Live music booking for Wedding Reception - Felicity  and Harry The AF Barn Dance/ Ceilidh Band ref: 6356

Dawlish

The Manor HouseOld Town St, Dawlish , EX7 9AW, Devon

 

Live music booking for Wedding - Olga and Mark  The SN Ceilidh/Barndance Band ref: 4850

The Waterfront The Waterfront Pier Head Exmouth , EX8 1DU, Devon

 

New Years Eve Dinner Dance The JG Jazz Trio ref: 3942

Marquee at Lower Halsdon Farm, , EX8 3EG, Devon

 

Live music booking for Wedding Reception The DT Barn Dance / Ceilidh Band ref: 4866

Marquee at Lower Halsdon Farm, Exmouth, Devon, , EX8 3EG, Devon

 

Live music booking for Wedding Reception The DT Barn Dance / Ceilidh Band ref: 4866

Lympstone Village Hall, School Hill  Lympstone, Exmouth, Devon , EX8 5JY, Devon

 

Live music booking for Wedding reception The BSO Barn Dance / Ceilidh Band ref: 6102

Clinton Devon estate office which is in the grounds of bicton arena, EX9 7BL, Devon

 

ban dance Harpist - Jemima ref: 6369

Clinton Devon estate office, Bicton Arena, Budleigh Salterton, Devon. , EX9 7DPO, Devon

 

Naming ceremony Harpist  - Ruth ref: 2418

Budleigh Salterton is a quietly fashionable resort with red cliffs, a pebble beach and a fine sea view over Lyme Bay from West Down Beacon. The sea wall at Budleigh Salterton is the setting of the famous painting The Boyhood of Raleigh by the Victorian artist Sir John Millais.

Torquay, Devon, TQ1 1TY, Devon

 

Expo 2008 The FT String Quartet ref: 6610

The Royal Torbay Yacht Club,12 Beacon Hill, Devon, , TQ1 2BH, Devon

 

Live music booking for Wedding - Dee and Rick The DT Barn Dance / Ceilidh Band ref: 4866

Imperial Hotel Torquay, Devon , TQ1 2DG, Devon

 

Live music hired for Wedding The BS String Quartet ref: 2513

The Imperial Hotel Park Hill Road Torquay Devon , TQ1 2DG, Devon

 

Fundraising Memoral ball for our father The ST Party/ Function Band ref: 6350

Torquay is the largest and most famous seaside resort in Devon. Its superb panoramic setting—high wooded hills overlooking the wide sweep of Tor Bay—its air of sophisticated yet friendly spaciousness, its luxurious hotels and stuccoed villas, the vivid colours of its sub-tropical trees and flowers make it the nearest thing to a French Riviera resort in Britain. Some parts of the town still preserve a distinctly Victorian character.

Torquay's attractions include theatres, a museum, art gallery, golf course and an underwater swimming club, as well as good beaches, such as Babbacombe to the north, cliff walks, parks and yachting. Cockington village is a well-known local showplace. Torquay has become an all-the-year-round resort because of its very mild climate.

Just east of Cockington are the ruins of 12th-century Torre Abbey and the nearby Chapel of St Michael, of unknown date. On the edge of the town, about i mile east of the harbour, is the  famous Kent's Cavern, one of the oldest known human dwelling-places in Britain. It was occupied during the last Ice Age.

The Palace Hotel Torquay Babbacombe Road , TQ1 3TG, Devon

 

Doctors Xmas Ball The JM Jazz Band ref: 6423

Brunel Manor, Teignmouth Road, Torquay, Devon , TQ1 4SF, Devon

 

Church weekend away The SG Ceilidh / Barn Dance Band ref: 4718

Holne Park House, TQ13 7NP, Devon

 

Live music hired for Wedding The DT Barn Dance / Ceilidh Band ref: 4866

Holne Park House, Ashburton, Devon, , TQ13 7NP, Devon

 

Live music hired for Wedding The DT Barn Dance / Ceilidh Band ref: 4866

Ashburton is an attractive little town on a steep hill, in a setting of moorland and woods. Gabled houses, Regency villas, and the River Ashburn add to the charm of a place that is lively but not loud, restful yet not a museum-piece. The church's grey stone tower is one of the most handsome in Devon. About a mile to the north is Boro Wood Camp, an Iron Age hill-fort overlooking the River Dart.

Home Park Farm The Village, North Bovey, Newton Abbot Devon , TQ13 8RA, Devon

 

60th birthday  The CM Ceilidh/Barn Dance Band ref: 6540

Colehayes ParkDartmoor Field Study Centre, Haytor Road, Bovey Tracey, South Devon, TQ13 9LD, Devon

 

Live music hired for Wedding - Tom and Jessica The SN Ceilidh/Barndance Band ref: 4850

Neadon Farm Manaton, Devon , TQ13 9UY, Devon

 

Live music hired for Wedding The BS Ceilidh / Barn Dance Band ref: 4873

The Thatched Tavern,Steep Hill, Maidencombe, Torquay,, TQ14 4TS, Devon

 

Live music hired for Wedding Reception for Michael & Denisa The JG Jazz Trio ref: 3942

The Village Hall, Fore Street, Bishopsteignton. , TQ14 9QZ, Devon

 

Live music hired for Wedding The TDB Barn Dance/ Ceilidh Band ref: 4675.2

RED ROCK BREWERYHigher Humber Farm, Bishopsteignton , TQ14 9TD, Devon

 

Joint 40th Birthday Party The OM Irish Ceilidh Band ref: 6575.3

Grosvenor Hotel Belgrave Road, Torquay, Devon , TQ2 5HG, Devon

  this is one of those hotels that is so much part of the English seaside heritage. It also has, rather unusually for hotels by the sea, some rather nice gardens whether civil wedding ceremony can take place.

Live music hired for Wedding Reception - Sara and Nick The ST Party/ Function Band ref: 6350

Spanish Barn, Torre Abbey The Kings Drive, Torquay , TQ2 5JE, Devon

 

Live music hired for Wedding - Jenny and Gonzalo David: Classical Guitar ref: 6090

The Spanish Barn, Torre Abbey.Canterbury Road, Godmersham, Kent, ,

 

Live music hired for Wedding - Vicky and Kevin The EX String Quartet ref: 6168

The Riviera International Centre, Chestnut Avenue, Torquay, Devon, , TQ2 5LZ., Devon

 

Mother's SURPRISE 60th Birthday party The MC Irish Ceilidh Band ref: 4526

Riviera Life ROC Centre Rear of 6 Old Mill Road, Chelston, Torquay , TQ2 6AY, Devon

 

Christmas Party The MM English Barn Dance Band ref: 6096

St. Peter's Centre Queensway, Torquay, Devon , TQ2 6BP, Devon

 

Celebration of a life that has recently been lost  The CM Ceilidh/Barn Dance Band ref: 6540

Best Western Livermead Cliff Hotel Sea Front, Torbay Rd, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 6RQ, Devon

 

Live music booked for Wedding - Kezia and Shane The UR Ceilidh/Barndance Band ref: 6603

Cavendish Room, The Grand Hotel, Sea front,Torquay,Devon , TQ26NT, Devon

 

Golden wedding Guitar/vocalist - Peter ref: 5617

Occombe Farm Café, Preston Down Road, Paignton, Devon, , TQ3 1RN, Devon

 

40th birthday party - Helen  The TDB Barn Dance/ Ceilidh Band ref: 4675.2

Paignton is a bustling seaside town, overlooking Tor Bay, with miles of caravan sites, holiday camps, hotels and guest houses. The resort has a zoo, children's playground, miniature railway and pier. The beaches are of shingle, gravel and sand. There are good views from Round-ham Head, where there is a public garden. Paignton dates from Saxon times, when it was a small village half a mile from the sea.

Marldon Village Hall,Marldon,Paignton,Devon,, TQ3 1SJ, Devon

 

Live music booked for Wedding reception The SG Ceilidh / Barn Dance Band ref: 4718

The Redcliffe Hotel in Paignton, TQ3 2NL, Devon

 

wed The PC String Quartet ref: 2390.1

Roselands Community Church, Lynmouth Avenue, Roselands, Paignton, Torbay, TQ4 7RQ, Devon

 

new minister’s welcoming event Jazz Sax Player Mat ref: 6331

Berry Head HotelBerry Head Road Brixham Devon, TQ5 9AJ, Devon

 

Live music booked for Wedding evening reception for Richard & Debby  The DT Barn Dance / Ceilidh Band ref: 4866

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