About Us
Ceilidh Knights perform all over the North East. Previous venues have included Castles such as Langley Castle, Bamburgh Castle, Alnwick Castle, and Lumley Castle. We have also played at various halls and country houses including Wynyard Hall, Ellighgam Hall, Jesmond Dene Hotel, Judges Yarm, Linden Hall, Beamish Hall and Otterburn Towers. We have also played at many clubs, churches, community centres and village halls. For our full list see below.
Musicians
The band usually consists of 4 players: Fiddle, Bass guitar, Keyboard and Drums. The core of the band usually remains the same, with one of two very talented drummers. Occasionally deputy players are used, all of whom are experienced Ceilidh players. An additional fiddle player can also be added for larger events.
Gordon C - Caller/Keyboards/Bass Guitar
Born in Scotland, Gordon has been playing and calling in ceilidh bands for over 20 years. He arranges the music and co-ordinates the band. As a caller he is enthusiastic and encouraging so that novices and experienced ceilidh-goers alike can enjoy themselves. He originally studied and then taught the Double Bass, but plays the Keyboards in Ceilidh Knights. He also plays the Bass Guitar and Cello, and as the brains behind North East Soiree and plays in all the various ensembles.
Gordon D - Fiddle/Electric Violin/Keyboards
A professional Violinist and Violin teacher, Gordon (yes another Gordon!) was classically trained at the Birmingham Conservatoire. His flair and skill in improvisation is the driving force in creating Ceilidh Knights’ dynamic sound. Gordon is the lead Violinist in North East Soiree String Quartet and is an amazing Jazz Pianist.
Amanda - Bass Guitar/Saxophone
Amanda is a classically trained musician (music degree from Cardiff) who plays Bass Guitar in Ceilidh Knights. When Amanda changes onto the Saxophone, the band transforms style to offer popular or sequence dance music, giving a real twist to a ceilidh event.
Steve - Drums
Steve is a talented, experienced professional drummer. He also plays in North East Soiree’s other bands and has the ability to add vibrancy to the Ceilidh Knight sound. He has performed professionally on Cruise Ships and also for other leading North East groups.
Les - Drums
Les is an experienced professional drummer, who brings sparkle (especially with his collection of shiney new drum kits) to Ceilidh Knights. He is an experienced player, keeping the tempo just right for dancing.
Venues
Here are some of the venues we have played in:
Alnwick Castle, Alnwick Gardens, Assembly Rooms, Angel View Inn, Backworth Community Centre, Bamburgh Castle, Bannatines Hotel Darlington, Beamish Hall, Bishop Auckland Town Hall, Brancepeth Castle, Broomley Grange, Calvary Christian Fellowship, Chillingham Castle, Chopgate Village Hall, Close House, Coxhoe WM Club, Craik Park Morpeth, Crathorne Hall, Crowtree Leisure Centre, Cuddystone Hall, Derwent Manor, Dissington Hall, Durham Castle, Durham Cricket Club, Durham School, Durham Uni, Durham , East Durham College, Ellingham Hall, Embleton Hall, Eshott Hall, Framwellgate Moor Community Centre, Glass Centre Sunderland, Glebe Centre Murton, Hall Garth House, Hallgarth Manor, Pittington, Hardwick Hall Hotel, Hardwicke Manor Hotel, Hartlepool Rugby Club, Horton Grange, Jesmond Dene Hotel, Judges Yarm, Kirkley Hall, Langley Castle, Linden Hall, Longhirst Hall, Lumley Castle, Manor House (West Auckland), Marriott Hotel Seaburn, Marton Hotel, Matfen Hall, Menzies Hotel, Middleton Lodge, Minsteracres, Morritt Arms, North Shields Rugby Club, Northern Counties Club, Oakwood Centre Eaglescliffe, Otterburn Towers, Quality Hotel (Boldon), Quayside Exchange, Ramside Hall, Redworth Hall, SAGE Gateshead, Saville Exchange, Seaham Hall, Shieldfield Social Club, Slaley Hall, st Georges-Jesmond, Stadium of Light, Sunderland church of latter day saints, Sunderland Health & Racquet Club, The George Chollerford, Three Tuns Durham, Tynemouth Sailing Club, Vermont Hotel, Walworth Castle, Whitworth Hall, Wood Hill Hall.
Ceilidh Knights | The North East Ceilidh Band serving Northumberland, Newcastle, Durham, Teeside and North Yorkshire.