Celtic Music

THE BLACKTHORN BAND

TUNES, SONGS & CEILIDH DANCES from Britain & Ireland

Ceilidh Dance
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"Blackthorn were absolutely fantastic on the day. You were so well organised and totally took the pressure off us, everyone enjoyed the ceilidh, the music was a great mix, the caller judged the ability of everyone there perfectly, and feedback from all the guests couldn't have been more positive. Couldn't have wished for a better experience, and we were really lucky to find you." More comments
Irish Scottish Ceilidh Music Band

Sarah, Jacqy, Fergus, Mannie - Sidmouth Folkweek

Ceilidh Band Irish Ceili Band Band Folk songs Band Celtic Folk Band
Sarah, Alex, Mannie & Fergus

  • "Focused and accomplished, this is dignified Anglo Celtic music of the first order" fROOTS
  • "This lovely album" Irish Music magazine
  • "Every tune played becomes a real delight and the biggest surprise is that the band is little known" Keltika (Italy)
  • "inexplicably undersung...Present-day bands playing Celtic repertoire don’t come much better than this." Netrhythms
  • "The music produced is quite exhilarating and a toe-tapping certainty." Fiddle On
  • "Extremely accomplished." Folk London
  • "Musicianship of such a standard deserves recognition and success" The Folk Mag
  • "The live gigs have received overwhelming positive feedback too."
  • Seered.co.uk wrote about Sidmouth Folkweek ceilidhs "Blackthorn were one of the best bands on offer during the whole week. ..Have them back next year!"
  • Sarah McQuaid wrote about Blackthorn's Sidmouth concert "Do send me a copy of your new CD when it's out and I'll be delighted to review it for Hot Press. If it's anything like as good as the live act I'm sure it'll be favourable!" More comments
Read all Far From Home reviews
Read all The River That Runs Below reviews


Irish, Scottish and English Ceilidh with lively songs

Blackthorn is a popular and experienced 3 or 4 piece traditional folk band (including caller when needed) available for all types of public and private event.

We have a wealth of experience in ceilidhs, barn dances, parties and corporate functions too. If you are looking for lively, melodic Celtic tunes and a good singalong or ceilidh for your wedding or party give Blackthorn a call.

If you need an entertaining, professional act for your arts event, rooted in the traditional music of these islands, Blackthorn have become a popular choice for folk and arts festivals, clubs, and venues such as the Royal Albert Hall (ignite series).

All the band are multi instrumentalists, with a life-long passion for traditional music and dance and a provide an enthusuastic, varied and authentic feel to the music.

  • Mannie McClelland - Concertina, Bodhran, Dance calling
  • Fergus McClelland - Vocals, Bouzouki, Fiddle
  • Sarah Mooney - Flute, Low Whistle, Guitar, Bass pedals
  • Jacquelyn Hynes - Whistle, Flute, Saxophone


Based in Southern England the band also travels further afield.

Call, e-mail or text to book or discuss the options.

Call: 01273 455202

E-mail: pete@blackthornband.org

Text: 07720 069877
(please leave any voice messages on the landline)

Please also read the Booking Info

Demo CD available - call or e-mail if you're thinking of booking
Buy "Far From Home" Now! - Price £6.99 including postage
Download "Far From Home" Now!
Play "Far From Home" on Spotify Now!
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 Buy "The River That Runs Below" Now! - Price £6.99 including postage
Download "The River That Runs Below" Now!
Play "The River That Runs Below" on Spotify Now!
It only takes a minute to set up a free spotify web account

Available For

CONCERTS * WEDDINGS * PARTIES

We enjoy playing for weddings and private parties. Listen to traditional tunes from Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales - Jigs, Reels, Hornpipes, Polkas, Waltzes, Planxties and Airs. Sing along with well known songs like the Wild Rover, and the Leaving of Liverpool. Or get up and dance! We can arrange a complete ceili, barn dance or ceilidh evening for you.



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See Blackthorn live with audience reaction on our YouTube channel!

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Blackthorn is partnered with Hop Till You Drop Live Music Agency, a source for great wedding and party bands in the UK & Last Minute Musicians.com agency