Mad Robin
Live ceilidh & early English music for weddings, parties & events in Devon and the Southwest
Book UsWhat We Do
Live ceilidh and early music entertainment for every occasion
New to ceilidh? Find out what it's all about →
Ceilidhs
Weddings
Get every guest on the dance floor with an unforgettable ceilidh. All dances called — no experience needed, just enthusiasm.
Private Parties
Birthdays, anniversaries, or just a great excuse to celebrate. A ceilidh is the ultimate party — energetic, inclusive, and guaranteed to get everyone dancing.
Public Ceilidhs
We host seasonal public ceilidhs in Exeter. Come along, meet new people, and dance the night away. All welcome!
Performance
Concerts & Festivals
Performances at folk festivals, early music festivals, concert halls, and folk clubs. Repertoire from Playford, English folk, and country dance traditions.
Events & Functions
Atmospheric live music for dinners, receptions, and garden parties. Background or feature music tailored to the occasion.
Receptions
Elegant live background music for wedding receptions, drinks receptions, and formal dinners. Early English and folk repertoire to set the perfect atmosphere.
See Us in Action
Watch and listen to get a taste of what we do
Showreel coming soon
Check back soon for a taste of Mad Robin live
About the Band
Mad Robin are a lively 5-piece English ceilidh band with a caller, based in Exeter, Devon. We play weddings, private parties, and host seasonal public ceilidhs across Devon and the Southwest.
Alongside our ceilidhs, we also perform traditional folk music at concerts, festivals, and events.
Every dance is walked through by our caller before the music starts. No experience or partner required.
Felix Weedon
Caller, Bodhrán & Concertina
After getting into ceilidh dancing in earnest in his first year of University, Felix started calling for the University of Exeter Folk Society in 2018. When COVID got in the way, he took up the English concertina and later the bodhrán. He is close to completing his PhD in Physics.
Serena Rosewood
Recorder
Some help to get started: how long you been playing / into folk; what got you into folk; what do you do when not playing folk; anything else you think people might find interesting.
Richard Leevers
Fiddle
Richard picked up the fiddle at folk sessions in Plymouth in 2016 and hasn’t put it down since. He plays for ceilidhs across the South West, but otherwise can be found up a climbing wall.
Matthew Aaronson
Guitar
Some help to get started: how long you been playing / into folk; what got you into folk; what do you do when not playing folk; anything else you think people might find interesting.
Faye Rosewood
Cello
Faye found her way into folk through Exeter Uni’s Folk Society, starting out on the dance floor before teaching herself cello in 2023 and joining their band.
What People Say
Mad Robin were the highlight of my day! I was on the dance floor, I just couldn’t stop dancing even though I am part of the band. The caller was fantastic at getting everyone involved. I couldn’t have asked for a better evening.
I hired Mad Robin for no particular reason and it was an absolute blast. The music was brilliant, the atmosphere was electric, and so I just had to give a totally unforced testimonial. Highly recommend for any celebration!
What is a Ceilidh?
Everything you need to know about ceilidh dancing
Ceilidh — pronounced "KAY-lee"
A ceilidh is a social gathering with live folk music and group dancing. It's one of the most inclusive and joyful forms of entertainment you can have at an event — everyone dances, from children to grandparents, and no experience is needed whatsoever.
The word "ceilidh" comes from the Gaelic for "a visit" or "social gathering." While the tradition has its roots in Scotland and Ireland, English ceilidh (sometimes called "barn dances") draws on a rich tradition of English country dance that goes back centuries.
What to Expect
The Caller
Before each dance, the caller explains the moves and walks everyone through a practice run. Then the music starts, and the caller keeps prompting until everyone’s got it. It’s fun, friendly, and nobody gets left behind.
The Dances
Expect classics like Strip the Willow, Cornish Six-Hand Reel, La Chapelloise, Circassian Circle, and many more. The dances are sociable and you’ll dance with lots of different people throughout the evening, not just your partner.
The Music
Live, energetic folk music played on traditional folk acoustic instruments. The tempo builds throughout the evening, and the energy is infectious. It’s impossible not to tap your feet.
What to Wear
Wear whatever’s light and comfortable — you’ll be moving around! Flat shoes or trainers are recommended, but you can go barefoot! Ceilidh dancing can be quite energetic, so a water bottle is a good idea too.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a ceilidh?
A ceilidh (pronounced “KAY-lee”) is a social gathering with traditional folk music and dancing. A caller talks everyone through each dance step-by-step, so no experience is needed at all. It’s inclusive, energetic, and guaranteed fun for all ages.
Do we need any dance experience?
Absolutely not! Our caller walks everyone through every dance before the music starts. The dances are simple and sociable — within minutes, even complete beginners are spinning around the floor with huge grins.
How much space do you need?
We need about 3m x 2m for the band, plus a clear dance floor area. As a rough guide, you’ll want at least 1 square metre per dancing guest. We’re happy to advise on your specific venue.
Upcoming Events
Come see us live
Spring Ceilidh in Exeter
St James' Community Hall, Exeter ↗Join us for an afternoon of lively ceilidh dancing! No experience or partner needed. Suitable for all ages. Doors open 1:15pm, dancing from 1:30pm to 3:30pm.
£10 / £8 concessions