Based on the Isle of Wight, The Reel Tyme Ceilidh Band was set up over 20 years ago by Harvie Sharp, a Scottish accordion player who moved to the Island in 1974. In the band, he brings together different musicians to suit the occasion or event - some are drawn from the Isle of Wight Scottish Fiddlers and some from other folk traditions on the Island.

 

     For those not in-the-know, the Ceilidh is a traditional Gaelic term for a barn dance, with music, dancing, eating and drinking. It is a great way of entertaining all age groups - if you can walk to music, you can dance to music! Everyone from toddlers keen to keep up with their parents, to wheelchair-users delighting in watching the world swirl by, have been seen on the Ceilidh dancefloor - many of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society (RSCDS) are in their 70's but the dancing keeps them active and fit.

 

 

     Of course, a dance would be a complete failure if no-one knew how to dance it, so we bring along a qualified dance caller to the event if needed - specially selected for their fantastic interaction with a crowd, they enjoyably teach the dances and call the moves out during the sets to remind you where to go next! We have a variety of callers who specialise in different styles - for example, if you are new to country dancing, we'll bring Ian, who has over 30 years of teaching experience to his name and enjoys calling dances for fresh faces and Ceilidh veterans alike. Alternatively, your group could be in the very capable hands of Aileen, who has a special interest in Scottish country dancing to RSCDS standard (more complex Scottish strathspeys and reels, even including the Highland Fling!). Steve is also a National Dance teacher and with him you may find yourself dancing to red-blooded Russian music!

 

 

     In addition to their specialist areas, all our callers can lead the traditional Scottish, English, Irish and American square dances, reels, jigs, circle dances, and waltzes.

 

 

     Why not check out the Testimonials page to see what people have been saying about the Reel Tyme Ceilidh Band, or hear for yourself on the Listen page!