About

Charlie Abel's One Man Ceilidh Band: Big Ceilidh Fun, One Musician!

Who says you need a big band to have a brilliant Scottish ceilidh?

Charlie Abel's One Man Ceilidh Band brings all the excitement, energy and atmosphere of a traditional Scottish ceilidh in one compact, affordable package.

Based in Aberdeen and performing throughout Scotland, Charlie is an award-winning professional accordionist and founder of the renowned Iron Broo Ceilidh Band. With over 30 years of experience and more than 1,000 weddings behind him, he knows exactly how to get a party started!

One Musician, A Big Sound!

Combining live accordion with MIDI bass and rhythm accompaniment, Charlie creates the lively sound of a full ceilidh band, while taking up much less space.

As an experienced dance caller, Charlie guides guests through all the popular Scottish ceilidh dances, making sure everyone can join in, even complete beginners.

Perfect for Smaller Weddings

One Man Ceilidh Band is particularly popular for intimate weddings, smaller venues and couples looking for something traditional, personal and affordable.

From a short ceilidh after dinner to a full evening of entertainment, packages can be tailored to suit your celebration.

What’s Included?

Live Scottish accordion and ceilidh music
MIDI bass and rhythm accompaniment
Friendly, professional dance calling
All the popular Scottish ceilidh dances
Professional sound equipment
Flexible performance times
Optional disco entertainment

Whether your wedding has 30 guests or 130, Charlie brings a warm Scottish welcome, plenty of laughter and a dance floor full of happy guests.

Short weekday ceilidh packages start from £495 including VAT for local weddings. Weekend and peak-date celebrations are priced separately, subject to availability.

One musician, one big sound and a whole lot of ceilidh fun!

Bongodave.co.uk

Aberdeen

Price from £500

Iron Broo Ceilidh Band

5.0 (27) ·

Aberdeen

Price from £714

Wedding Awards

Eron Entertainment

5.0 (13) ·

Glasgow

Price from £345

SMH Entertainment - Scotlands Luxury Wedding DJs

5.0 (11) ·

Edinburgh

Price from £950

Lesley-Ann Hastie

5.0 (3) ·

Aberdeen

Price from £150

Frequently asked questions

What services do you offer?

Ceremony music

Cocktail/banquet music

Dance music

Entertainment

Other (Ceilidh)

What is included in the wedding package?

Live accordion with bass and rhythm accompaniment, professional dance calling, sound equipment and a fun Scottish ceilidh. Optional disco available

How far in advance should I contact you?

Early booking is recommended, especially for summer weekends. Weekday and last-minute enquiries are welcome, subject to availability

What style of music do you offer?

Disco

Regional

Ethnic

Folk

Other (Ceilidh, Scottish, Irish, celtic)

Type of musical group:

Solo

Soloist

Size of group:

Soloist

Repertoire:

Scottish jigs, reels, waltzes and ceilidh dances including Strip the Willow, Gay Gordons, Dashing White Sergeant and Canadian Barn Dance, vocals. All dances called

Is it possible to request something that's not in the repertoire?

Yes! Charlie has an extensive repertoire and welcomes requests for favourite traditional tunes. Please ask in advance if special preparation is required

What's your experience?

Charlie founded Iron Broo Ceilidh Band in 1992 and has performed at over 1,000 weddings, across Scotland and internationally. An experienced accordionist and dance caller

Do you have your own equipment?

Yes

Do you need specific materials or conditions to offer your service?

Yes, i may need access to electricity for equipment

Can you travel?

Yes, anywhere if travel is possible and covered

Is there a charge for travelling?

Yes, by arrangment

Do you cover more than one wedding a day?

Do you work alone or do you have a team of professionals?

Alone

What is the length of time of the act?

From 60-minute ceilidhs for intimate weddings to longer evening celebrations. Flexible packages available, including optional disco entertainment

How much time do you need to prepare for an act?

Approximately 45–60 minutes for setup and soundcheck, depending on access and venue arrangements. A suitable performance area and electricity are required

Do you do open-air acts?

Yes

Do you charge per hour or per event?

Per event

If needed, would you be able to work extra hours?

Yes

How do you charge extra time?

Additional time can be arranged subject to availability, with costs agreed in advance. Extensions and optional disco packages are quoted individually

What are the forms of payment?

Payment by bank transfer, Card, or cheque. A booking agreement and 20% deposit secure the date, with the balance payable according to the agreed terms