A good quality violinist is essential and it is usual to have an accordion player. Other instruments regularly found in a Ceilidh Band include a banjo, a guitar, drums and percussion and a keyboard. Sometimes there will be a flute and maybe a penny whistle, possibly a mandolin and a double bass.

Musical styles can encompass many different regions and while Irish and Scottish gigs and reels are common you may also encounter traditional music from America, Eastern Europe and parts of the Middle East.

Whatever the musical styles or combination of instruments you can be certain that there will a strong rhythmic element making it almost impossible not to want to dance. If you're not sure of the routines then a caller is usually on hand to guide you through and no one will mind you making a fool of yourself - that's all part of the fun!