Meet Our Experienced Ceilidh Musicians
Whether you’re planning a wedding, corporate event or private celebration, the musicians behind your ceilidh can make all the difference. At Hilltop Ceilidh Band, our experienced ceilidh musicians combine decades of professional performance experience with a genuine passion for bringing people together through live music and dance.
Our talented lineup features some of the UK’s most respected folk musicians and callers, with experience performing at major festivals, touring internationally, recording with leading artists, and appearing on television and film. Every performer brings their own expertise and personality, but all share the same commitment to delivering energetic, inclusive ceilidhs that guests of all ages and abilities can enjoy.
With a flexible lineup, we carefully select the right musicians and callers for your event, ensuring every performance feels professional, welcoming and unforgettable, wherever your celebration takes place.
Meet The Musicians Behind Hilltop Ceilidh Band
James Kerry | Founder & Melodeon
As Hilltop Ceilidh Band's founding member, James Kerry is an established professional melodeon player whose career has taken him across the UK and Europe. Alongside leading the band, he performs with alternative folk group Foot Down, records from his professional studio in Kent, and continues to develop his own solo projects. His driving melodeon playing is at the heart of the Hilltop sound.
Read James' Full Biography
James Delarre | Fiddle
One of England's most respected traditional fiddle players, James Delarre has performed with some of the biggest names in folk music, including Eliza Carthy, Jim Moray, Saul Rose and Bombay Bicycle Club. His work also extends into television and film, with credits including Peaky Blinders, Far From The Madding Crowd and Tulip Fever.
Read James' Full Biography
Dave Thomas | Fiddle & Wooden Flute
Dave is a highly regarded traditional dance musician whose rhythmic fiddle and flute playing have become favourites at ceilidhs across the country. Having worked with numerous professional folk ensembles since joining Hilltop in 2018, he combines musical expertise with an infectious enthusiasm for live dance music.
Read Dave’s Full Biography
Patrick Rose | Caller & Guitar
Patrick brings over a decade of ceilidh calling experience, helping dancers of every ability feel confident and included. His relaxed, humorous style keeps everyone engaged, whether he's leading a wedding celebration or a lively corporate event.
Read Patrick's Full Biography
Tom Kitching | Caller & Fiddle
With more than 2,000 professional performances to his name, Tom is one of the UK's best-known folk fiddlers and callers. His energetic playing and clear dance instruction help create ceilidhs that are welcoming, inclusive and full of momentum.
Read Tom's Full Biography
Bridget Slater | Fiddle
A graduate of the Royal Northern College of Music, Bridget combines classical training with a deep love of traditional music. Alongside performing, she teaches, records and directs community music projects, bringing creativity and warmth to every performance.
Read Heather’s Full Biography
Pete Ord | Bass & Guitar
Known throughout the folk industry as an award-nominated producer and sound engineer, Pete also provides the rhythmic foundation that keeps dancers moving. His extensive experience in both live performance and music production makes him an invaluable member of the band.
Read Pete's Full Biography
Hannah Bright | Caller & Bookings Coordinator
Hannah is both one of our experienced callers and the friendly voice you'll often speak to when planning your event. Her enthusiasm for traditional dance, combined with her role managing bookings, helps ensure every event runs smoothly from your first enquiry to the final dance.
Read Hannah’s Full Biography
Danny Tonks | Bass & Guitar
Danny is an accomplished acoustic guitarist and bassist whose energetic playing has seen him perform across the UK and internationally. Alongside Hilltop Ceilidh Band, he regularly performs solo and with alternative folk-rock projects.
Read Danny's Full Biography
Adam Courthold | Drums
Having grown up immersed in the ceilidh scene, Adam brings powerful rhythm and a modern edge to the band's performances. His experience playing with leading UK ceilidh bands helps create the lively atmosphere Hilltop is known for.
Read Adam's Full Biography
Matt Quinn | Melodeon
Matt has spent more than 15 years performing ceilidhs throughout the UK and Europe. His distinctive, uplifting melodeon style gives every dance extra energy, making him a favourite with audiences of all ages.
Read Matt's Full Biography
More Than A Band, A Carefully Chosen Team
Unlike many bands with a fixed lineup, Hilltop Ceilidh Band works with an exceptional collective of professional musicians and callers. This allows us to build the perfect lineup for your wedding, corporate event or private celebration, while maintaining the consistently high standards we’re known for.
Every performer shares our commitment to:
- Outstanding live musicianship
- Friendly, inclusive dance calling
- Professionalism from arrival to final encore
- Creating ceilidhs that everyone can enjoy, regardless of experience
- Delivering memorable events across Kent and throughout the UK
This collaborative approach is one of the reasons couples, event organisers and businesses continue to choose Hilltop as their wedding ceilidh band in Kent and beyond.
Book A Professional Ceilidh Band You Can Trust
When you book Hilltop Ceilidh Band, you’re not simply hiring musicians. You’re choosing a team of experienced performers who understand how to create an atmosphere where every guest feels involved, every dance is accessible, and every event becomes one to remember.
Whether you’re planning an intimate wedding reception, a large corporate celebration or a lively private party, our musicians are ready to help make it unforgettable.