Band Overview

About the Band

The Ceilidh Experience was originally formed in Edinburgh in 2002 when established musicians Norman Mackay and Carrie Thomas began gigging as an accordion/fiddle duo.

Now established as one of the most in demand ceilidh bands in the country, they have gone on to perform at ceilidhs all over the UK, as well as making regular trips to the Republic Of Ireland and abroad.

From Scotland's most desirable castles, stately homes and hotels, to local village halls and barn dances, to their biggest crowd to date, in June 2005 when they played for 5000 dancers on Edinburgh's meadows breaking the world record for the biggest ever Eightsome Reel! The Ceilidh Experience can be found performing at weddings, festivals, functions, corporate events & parties.

Now consisting of accordion, twin fiddles, guitar and drums, The Ceilidh Experience can provide various line ups to cater for any event, from the compact trio right up to a full 5 piece line up.

In addition to the ceilidh band, They also work with an experienced, professional DJ, piper and string quartet and can arrange a full package tailor made to suit your requirements. Also available is the accordion and fiddle duo which can play a wide range of acoustic music during wedding services, drinks receptions and various other events. This line up is also available for off peak ceilidhs (Sun-Thurs) Please ask for more info and a quote.

Norman Mackay: (Accordion/Caller)

Born in the Highlands, Norman honed his trade early on in folk clubs across Scotland before moving to Edinburgh in 2002 where he has established himself as one of Scotland's most accomplished folk accordionists. His own compositions regularly feature on radio in both the UK and abroad, and a sample of his playing was recently used on the soundtrack of the new American Express Mastercard TV commercial. January 2008 saw the release of his debut album "The perfect squeeze" which was produced by Ross Kennedy and features some of Scotland's finest musicians including Moishe?s Bagel violinist Greg Lawson and Donald Shaw of the celtic supergroup Capercaillie.

Emma Pethybridge: (Fiddle/Caller)

Emma joined the Ceilidh Experience in September 2004 after meeting Norman on the folk scene in Edinburgh. Trained classically primarily (BA Joint Honours Music/Hispanic Studies) Emma began playing traditional and folk music through the Glasgow Fiddle Workshop learning from great players such as Chris Stout and Aiden O?Rourke. She has travelled the world with her fiddle, studying tango in Argentina and playing with Quinteto Nostalgico. Back in Edinburgh she is a regular performer with the Meadows Chamber Orchestra and has a keen interest in improvisation playing in 03/04 with the Tolbooth Improvisers Orchestra. Emma also works as a music therapist having completed a postgraduate diploma in music therapy (Nordoff-Robbins) in 2004.

Carrie Thomas: (Fiddle/Caller)

Carrie's first introduction to the folk music scene was through the youth gaitherin out of which she formed the ceilidh band Cuchulain's raven which became notorious in Edinburgh for its unpronounceable name and half hour long strip the willow sets!

She originally trained in classical music before taking up folk and receiving tuition from some of Scotland's finest fiddlers including Alasdair Fraser and Gavin Marwick. At 17 she was offered a place on the Scottish Music course at Glasgow's RSAMD.

Ross Kennedy (Acoustic guitar/song)

Ross Kennedy has been performing Scottish music and song, home and abroad, for over 30 years. He's toured extensively worldwide with bands such as The Tannahill Weavers, Iron Horse and Canterach, as well as various duo's and trio's, he?s also played on and produced countless albums, and collaborated with many of traditional music?s biggest names.

Richard Corral: (Drums)

Richard has drummed with The Ceilidh Experience since returning to Scotland from Canada in 2004. While in Canada, Richard played a lot of ice hockey but also took time out to win the coveted Notre Dame Music Award for being an awesome drummer.

This accolade was a welcome addition to the many awards Richard has won at Scottish Music Festivals since he begun drumming 13 years ago.

His rhythm, energy and stylish grooves together with his extrovert personality have made him a popular addition to the band.

Where are they based?

Based in Edinburgh but play regularly throughout Scotland and across the UK.

Sample Set List

Gay Gordens
Dashing white sergeant
St Bernard's waltz
Strip the willow
Cumberland square eight
Virginia reel
Canadian barn dance
Eightsome reel
Military 2 step
Pride of Erin waltz
Orkney strip the willow
Auld lang syne