Folk heart. Rock backbone.

Meet the Band

A folk frontline, a rock backline and an expert caller. London-based, playing across the UK and abroad.

Who we are

A ceilidh with the drive of a live gig

The Sassenachs bring together the instruments that have played reels and jigs for centuries with the punch of a rock rhythm section. Fiddle cuts through the room. Bass and drums push the tempo. The dance floor fills and stays full.

We are a collective of experienced London musicians who have played together for over a decade. More than 500 events so far, from grand wedding receptions to the London Ceilidh Club, which we have played every month for ten years.

We love the tradition and play it with real respect. We just like it loud enough to dance to.

The Sassenachs in waistcoats and kilts outside a stately home

Line-ups

The right band for the room

Every event is different, so the line-up is too. Laurie calls at every booking, whatever its size.

The full band

Fiddle, flute and whistles, acoustic guitar, bass guitar and a full drum kit, with Laurie on the mic. Built for big wedding receptions, corporate parties, festivals and large halls.

Smaller line-ups

A pared-back band for intimate parties, smaller venues and tighter budgets. Some line-ups feature the bodhrán, the traditional Irish frame drum, in place of the kit. The same tunes, the same caller, the same full dance floor.

Folk frontline

The traditional heart

Fiddle

The lead voice of any ceilidh band. Played with fire and precision.

Flute & whistles

Silver flute and tin whistle, switching between dances for colour and variety.

Acoustic guitar

The chords and rhythm of the folk tradition, holding the band together.

Rock backline

The engine room

Bass guitar

The low end that turns a folk tune into something you feel as much as hear.

Drum kit or bodhrán

A full kit to lift a big room, or the bodhrán for a more traditional sound. Both locked in with the bass.

The caller

Laurie Don

A ceilidh caller teaches every dance before the music starts, then keeps everyone on track while it plays. It is part MC, part teacher, part entertainer, and it takes real skill to do well.

Laurie has been calling since he was young, and has more than 20 years of experience on the mic. His warmth and clear teaching are among the things clients mention most in their reviews.

That is why "no experience needed" is not a marketing line. With Laurie calling, it is simply true.

20+Years calling

500+Events played

10Years of Ceilidh Club

Beyond London

From London to Ethiopia

Most of our dancing happens across London and the UK. But the band has also played in Europe and Africa, and every year we travel to Ethiopia to play for the British Embassy.

Planning a celebration abroad? Get in touch. We are happy to travel.

Book the Band

Bring the Sassenachs to your event

Weddings, corporate events, private parties, public ceilidhs. London-based, playing across the UK and abroad.

Send an Enquiry