Rack and Ruin Ceilidh Band

Rack and Ruin Ceilidh Band – weddings, parties, barn dances and gigs

We are Warwickshire based Rack and Ruin Ceilidh Band – a lively, fiddle-driven, folk-rock, celtic, roots and ceilidh band, playing weddings, barn dances, functions  and private parties across the Midlands.
Why not have a folk rock ceilidh or barn dance for your wedding, party or other celebration?

For barn dances or ceilidhs we play lively jigs and reels mixed with upbeat, traditional, folk instrumental music and interspersed with contemporary, original folk rock songs. We don’t mind where we play either – it could be a Cathedral or a marquee, village hall or a function room – anywhere really that’s  big enough for dancing

Perhaps most importantly you get an experienced caller to guide you and your guests through the dances. Our band and caller are especially well suited to running dance events and parties for people who have had no previous experience of country dancing.  So don’t worry – we’ll tell you exactly what to do!
We are also very used to calling dances for groups with a range of ages from children to adults.

We are taking wedding and party bookings now for the rest of 2023 and into 2024.
Contact Mick on 07592 348817 for more information.


Ceilidhs – what’s involved?

Rack and Ruin ceilidhs involve set dances, drawn mostly from the English tradition, performed in groups of 4, 6, 8 or sometimes as many people as wish to dance. They can be square, circle or long-ways sets. Sometimes you stick with your partner, other times everyone swaps about

All instructions are given by our caller. The dances are generally quite simple to follow after a few times through.

Most of all, its fun, quite energetic and helps to get your guests mingling – what’s more you don’t need any previous experience.

We can intersperse the set dances with original songs and instrumental folk material, to give your guests a rest. To find out more or to make a booking call Mick on 07592 348817.


In October 2022 we were invited to play a ceilidh in Coventry Cathedral where we were joined by many enthusiastic dancers.  It turned into a fun night and we hope we might get asked back!

Here’s examples of our sets of tunes for ceilidhs and barn dances

Saddle The Pony Set

Tell Her I Am/Lady Anne Montgomery/Knotted Chord

The King of the Fairies Set

Rack and Ruin's fifth album "On The Road To... is now available.
Buy and download on Amazon or iTunes or you can listen on Spotify

You can also buy as a CD at any of the band's gigs, or by emailing band@rackandruin.co.uk

Book the Rack and Ruin Ceilidh Band
You can find more information on the Bookings page or give us a call
Tel : 07592 348817
band@rackandruin.co.uk
Please note the band on the night may include some different musicians from the ones shown on this website – although you always get Mick Bisiker!

Keep up to date with the folk rock version of Rack and Ruin on the band’s Facebook page just click the link – facebook.com/rackandruinfolkband
© Photos on this website – Steff Hutchinson, John B Smith, Deb Gomme, Louis Radley, Jude Radley