Cambridge University Ceilidh Band

Cambridge University

Ceilidhs

Premier Ceilidh Band for Cambridge University Balls, Burns Night's, JCR & MCR events

Frog on a Bike is the first-choice live ceilidh band for Cambridge University events. As the established professional alternative to student-run groups like the Cambridge University Ceilidh Band, we deliver a premium, high-energy folk-rock experience backed by over 30 years of professional performance history.

We specialise in high-end entertainment for Cambridge college JCR and MCR committees, student societies, formal dinners, and university-wide celebrations.

Trusted by Cambridge Colleges & Societies

We are proud to be one of the main independent suppliers of professional live music to the university. Our extensive client portfolio includes bookings at:

  • Colleges: Trinity, St John's, Magdalene, Murray Edwards, Downing, Homerton, Corpus Christi, Robinson, Emmanuel, Gonville & Caius, Girton, St Catharine's, and Newnham.
  • Societies & Clubs: The Round (English Country Dance Club), Cambridge University Veterinary Society, The Lady Margaret Boat Club, Trinity BA Society, and the Cambridge University Air Squadron.

To support our local world-renowned educational and research institution, we offer exclusive Cambridge University student discounts and repeat-booking incentives. Want to see us perform live first? Check out our upcoming public ceilidh dates.


Read what our clients say on our Cambridge ceilidh reviews page.


Inclusive, Non-Gendered Ceilidh Calling


Frog on a Bike is an all-inclusive band. We provide non-gendered positional calling as standard (e.g., using terms like "couple number one" or "the couple nearest the bar"). This modern, inclusive approach ensures that anyone can dance with anyone, making it perfect for diverse student nights, college formals, and society events.

Alumni Events & Graduation Garden Parties

In addition to term-time student nights, Frog on a Bike provides premium live entertainment for summer Graduation Garden Parties, General Admission celebrations, and formal Alumni Reunion events. Whether you are hosting an outdoor marquee celebration on a college lawn or a formal dinner in a historic college hall, our high-energy folk-rock sound creates an unforgettable atmosphere for returning alumni, fellows, and graduating families. 

Event Planning & Venue Requirements

We handle your entertainment logistics from start to finish. We supply a professional PA sound system, stage lighting, and an expert dance caller. All you need to do is provide the venue.


Venue & Power Checklist

  • Location: Indoors is highly recommended. Outdoor summer events must be substantially covered or marquee-sheltered.
  • Power Supply: A reliable, safe, and standard 230V mains power supply.
  • Performance Space: A performance area of 12–14 square metres is ideal to house our 6-piece band setup and equipment.
  • Dance Floor Size: We recommend allocating 1 square metre of dance floor per dancer. A typical dance set features 2 groups of 12 people.
  • Parking: On-site parking as close as possible to the performance area is required for efficient unloading and reloading of heavy equipment.

On the Night: Schedule & Set Times

The band arrives exactly 1 hour and 15 minutes before your scheduled start time. We require a minimum of 60 minutes for setup and soundcheck. To ensure a smooth soundcheck, our stage area must be clear, though guest seating and tables can be moved from the dance floor while we set up.

We typically perform 2 to 4 hours of live music, split into two equal sets with a break in the middle for evening food, speeches, or college announcements. If you have a custom playlist for the interval, we can connect most devices—including Apple products—directly to our professional PA system.

Example 3-Hour Timetable

  • 18:15 – Band arrives for load-in, setup, and acoustic soundcheck.
  • 19:30 – First live music set and opening dances.
  • 20:45 – Interval break (ideal for evening food or society notices).
  • 21:15 – Second live music set.
  • 22:25 – Finale dance (typically a Circassian Circle) and band play-out.
  • 22:30 – Optional extra: Late-night PA system hire for client-supplied MP3/streaming discos.

Please note: We are fully flexible to fit your schedule. Early arrivals or finishes past midnight can be arranged and will incur an additional fee.

Contact Us for a Cambridge College Quote!


Ceilidh Band Cambridge University - Frog on a Bike
Ceilidh Band Cambridge University - Frog on a Bike
Ceilidh Band Cambridge University - Frog on a Bike
Ceilidh Band Cambridge University - Frog on a Bike
Ceilidh Band Cambridge University - Frog on a Bike
Ceilidh Band Cambridge University - Frog on a Bike
Ceilidh Band Cambridge University - Frog on a Bike
Ceilidh Band Cambridge University - Frog on a Bike


From weddings to birthdays, Burns Nights and society balls, ceilidhs bring people together like nothing else can!


Contact us now to book 

Frog on a Bike Ceilidh Band

for your Cambridge University event.