McStocker Ceili Band Northern Ireland - Irish and Scottish ceilidhs, weddings, church functions, school formals, private parties, corporate functions and other social events

Guestbook

On Sun 05 Aug 2018
Robyn and Kieran Reddington
from Liverpool / Mayo said

Dear McStocker Ceili band, Thank you so much for playing at our wedding in May. With photographs etc, we missed a lot of the drinks reception music, however what we did hear was perfect and we had nothing but compliments from our guests. The main event of course was the Ceili, which we had kept secret from the majority of our guests! I think many of them were a little confused and reluctant when asked to line up on the dance floor for the first of the Ceili dances. However, those that did take part thoroughly enjoyed it and those that didn’t were ready to go for the next one! Some guests initially thought that one dance was it and were thrilled to realise it wasn’t just a one off! Guests who joined in only for the last dance said how much they wished they had got up earlier. As I explained before the day, our guests were from several different cities, counties and countries including London, Liverpool, Manchester, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Mayo (and the rest of Ireland), Northern Ireland, Australia, the USA and Canada. Many of them had never even heard of Ceili/Ceilidh dancing, never mind taken part! The band made it so easy for everyone to get involved, calling the different places out to encourage the guests onto the dance floor and explaining each dance thoroughly. The Scottish guests definitely helped keep some people right as well! We wanted a Ceili as neither of us are great dancers but having lived in Scotland for over 10 years we both enjoy a good Ceilidh! However, finding a Ceili/Ceilidh band in Ireland wasn’t as easy as we thought it might be! Having read a lot of reviews and phoned around a few bands we were pretty set on McStocker and we’re so glad we managed to persuade you to come down from Northern Ireland to complete our list of wedding wants! We really appreciate you travelling down to Mayo for our wedding, we had a few surprises for our guests throughout the day but I think the Ceili might have been their favourite! We cannot recommend your band enough and would be thrilled to see you again at an event in the future. Thank you, Robyn and Kieran.

On Tue 24 Apr 2018
Deborah Deighan and Peter
from Holland / Castlerock said

Gerard, Stephen and all, Peter and I just wanted to thank you all once again for performing at our wedding last week. We had an absolutely brilliant time, and so many of our guests as well as the staff at the Beech Hill have commented to us about how great you were at getting the party started and keeping people on the dance floor all night long. Even the Dutch guests who had never seen anything like this before had a fantastic time and everyone really enjoyed getting involved with the dancing. So thank you so much again - you really were such a big part of our reception and we cannot thank you enough for helping us all have a great time! Deborah and Peter

On Mon 16 Oct 2017
Jessie and Eoghan O'Neill
from Minnesota, USA and Belfast, Ireland said

We had McStocker's Ceili Band at our wedding at the Portaferry Hotel in August and we couldn't have been happier with our choice. In terms of logistics and planning, Gerard and his family were a joy to work with from beginning to end and made everything easy. At the reception itself, they were absolutely FANTASTIC- great music, got everyone out dancing, and everyone had a blast. At the end of the night, some of our guests got up to sing and the band accompanied them! Altogether the best night of my life and it was made extra special by having McStocker's- it's a night I'll never forget and the pictures from the ceili are some of the most joyful of the evening, I'll treasure the memories of so many people I love all together, dancing and having a good time for a long time. Could not recommend McStocker's enough!

On Fri 22 Sep 2017
Garry and Jen
from Belfast/Manchester said

Well, what can I say. We decided on a ceilidh for our wedding as we didn't want to have an empty dance floor and we wanted to give the Wedding a proper Irish feel. We could not have had a better night thanks to The Mcstocker's. It was honestly so much better than I could have hoped for!! The dance floor was absolutley packed all night and the band were up showing everyone the moves and keeping us right! My belly still hurts for the giggles. Steven the DJ was fantastic too! At several points as the night went on we had impromptu karaoke from a few of our guests and Steven took it like a true professional. The tunes just kept coming I just wish we hadn't had to stop at 1am! We can't thank you enough for making our day so wonderful - I keep getting messages about how fun it was! Thank you so much.

On Mon 14 Aug 2017
Adam & Cary
from County Down / Yorkshire said

A massive thank you to the McStocker band for playing at our wedding. Beforehand, they were quick with all communications and handled our requests without any issues. On the day, they got everyone up and dancing straight away. Even though many had never done a ceili before, they were great at guiding everyone through the dances so that everyone was comfortable and able to join in. The dancefloor was never empty. We had quite a few Scottish guests and the band were great at including a mix of Scottish and Irish ceili dances. The McStockers also provided a DJ afterwards which made for a smooth transition. The DJ put together a great playlist based on recommendations from our guests but was still flexible on the night. Throughout, Gerard and Stephen were great craic and incredibly easy to deal with. We highly recommend them. Thanks a million.

On Mon 12 Sep 2016
Mr & Mrs Aitken (Anna & Jimmy)
from Edinburgh said

Had a great wedding in Ballycastle and the band were superb! Got everyone up dancing and jigging the night away with so much enthusiasm and with a genuine love for what they do. A class act! Thanks again for the craic! Anna and Jimmy

On Tue 09 Aug 2016
Rachel Murphy
from Carryduff said

From those who never heard of a ceili, to skilled dancers, everyone loved the McStocker ceili band at our wedding reception. We cannot thank them enough for getting everyone involved and giving them a great night. Would recommend to all. Scott and Rachel Bolingbroke

On Sun 27 Sep 2015
Elaine and Ross Calder
from Cushendall said

Dear Gerard and Stephen and the rest of the McStocker Ceilidh band, Thank you so much for playing at our wedding! Everyone had such a great time. The dance floor was never empty and everyone has spoken so highly about you. You targeted our guests perfectly with it being a Irish/Scottish wedding. You got everyone up on the dance floor and we would still be dancing now if you hadn't stopped playing!! You were such a great help on the lead up to the day by providing a microphone for our speeches and harpist. Thank you so much and we hope to see you playing again soon. Elaine and Ross Cushendall Golf Club - 7th August 2015

On Sat 08 Aug 2015
Laura and Kyle Patterson
from Killyleagh said

To Gerard and Stephen and the rest of the band members! Thank you so much for our ceilidh band and DJ for our wedding on Sat 20th June! We had the best time and you had everyone on the dance floor all night. I've never seen the dance floor so full at a wedding before so u's did a great job! Everyone has been raving about u all since! :D It was such good fun! Couldn't recommend you highly enough! Everyone should have this as their band! Thank you for being part of our special day. Love, Laura and Kyle xox

On Tue 20 Jan 2015
Saturday 10th January 2015
from Belfast said

Dear McStockers ....we honestly can't thank you enough for the FANTASTIC job you did at our wedding evening 'do' at The Great Hall, Queens University. Everyone has raved to us about how much fun they had - you got people up on the floor who never would dance -& they didn't sit down ! Such craic/banter & brilliant atmosphere and a great choice of songs/music - even the way you facilitated our 'first dance' song at the last minute - nothing was too much trouble - you are all so friendly & personable and we are extremely grateful. We will certainly be recommending you to everyone we know! We think you are the BEST band ever & definitely it was the most fun way to finish off our wedding day - Thank you for everything.Hope to see you again soon! Katie & Andrew :-)

On Sat 15 Nov 2014
Karen and Steven Short
from Liverpool said

Dear The McStocker Ceili band, We wish to send our sincere thanks to you for providing an evening of amazing entertainment at our wedding in Larchfield Estate on 3rd October 2014. Our guests absolutely loved it and are still talking about it!! Everyone had a fabulous time and we thought it was just perfect!! The relaxed but fun atmosphere you created was exactly what everybody needed. We hope you had fun too and would highly recommend the band to anyone looking for a fun, chilled evening of Ceili dancing! Best wishes, Karen and Steve

On Thu 09 Jan 2014
Malcolm Monteith
from Dromara said

http://vimeo.com/83529334 Hi Guys, here is the link to the Wedding Video shot at a Ceili you guys did. Nice Energy. Hope the link works! malcolm(at)cormontmusic.com Thanks, Mal.

On Wed 16 Oct 2013
Pete and Ali
from New York/Moira said

The McStockers were an absolute delight at our wedding! We had a good mix of people, some who have never heard of a ceilidh (let alone pronounce it) and some who were well versed. Every single one enjoyed themselves and the dance floor was overflowing all night. The energy was brilliant and we had as much fun watching our guests dance as we had dancing ourselves! The newer dancers were never lost as the callers kept them in time. Some of our guests from the US came up to us afterwards to exclaim what a good time they had and how they want to have a ceilidh at every wedding they go to. Great great fun, thank you so much! Thanks as well to Stephen for keeping the dance floor alive after. All in all we couldn't have booked a better band! Hopefully see you at a wedding soon! Pete and Ali

On Sun 13 Oct 2013
Julie and Mark
from Sixmilecross said

We would like to extend a huge thanks to Gerard and all the band for a great night's craic at our wedding on 29th June. Brilliant music and dancing instructed with good humour! Very pleasant to deal with and would highly recommend to give peace of mind that your evening will get of to a high energy start. Everyone still comments on how sore their feet were :-) Thanks again folks for helping make our day so special.

On Mon 23 Sep 2013
Lachlan Webster
from Belfast/Dundee said

I have been at 100's of Ceilidhs over the years and the McStockers are the best band I have ever come across. The music is fantastic and they have the rare ability of getting everyone up dancing without anyone feeling pressured into it. They talk you through each dance so everyone can take part and they have great banter with the crowd. They did our wedding back in 2006 and since then I have been at 3 other weddings and a charity event they have done. I doubt you will find a better band and I couldn't recommend them highly enough.

On Sun 18 Aug 2013
Aiden and Kate
from Donegal said

We were delighted to have the McStocker ceili band play at our wedding in Donegal. Before the wedding we were worried that it may be hard to get music to suit our Irish guests from Donegal and Dublin, and our English guests from Oxford and Somerset. However Gerard and the other members in the McStocker ceili band were brilliant at getting dancers and non-dancers alike out on the dancefloor! In between the energetic ceili dances, they would play an old time waltz or jive for the older folk. If you're looking for wedding band to cater for guests who are usually too conscious to get out and dance, or to mix up your wedding crowd - you really should go with this band. All our wedding guests said the same too!

On Mon 12 Aug 2013
Eileen McKevitt
from Newry said

Just wanted to say a massive thanks to the band! They played my wedding reception on 9th August 2013 in Newry and everybody has been talking about how they got people up and going! It was so much craic, you can see all the smiles (and the sweat) in the photos! I would definitely recommend the band - both in terms of their musical ability and how they work the crowd! Gerard was also brilliant to be in touch with in the time coming up to the wedding! Thank you so much:)

On Mon 05 Aug 2013
Grace and Andrew
from Bellaghy/Manchester said

A big thank you to Gerard and all the band. Played at our wedding at the Old Inn Crawfordsburn July 2013, mixture of English and N Irish families, everyone commented on how brilliant the music was and the dance floor was heaving all night:) Would highly recommend them and would def use them again. Thank you again for making our big day such a success and so memorable. Grace and Andrew

On Mon 03 Jun 2013
Roisin and Ash Whiting
from from Bolton/Belfast said

They played at our Wedding reception at the Wellington Park Hotel Belfast on the 30th of May 2013. It was a mix of English and Irish families. As soon as the band started no one left the dance floor. We laughed and danced the whole evening. Atmosphere was amazing. Would def highly recomend and I personally would love to use them again. thankyou again Mcstocker band for making my day even more perfect. Roisin and Ash

On Thu 06 Sep 2012
IAN AND SHARON MOORE
from Dundonald said

Well we just wanted to say that as ever we really enjoyed you(again!!) at John and Laura Clarkes evening do! Always a pleasure partying with ya even though you do pick on me(Ian) terribly!! Keep her county and here is to the next one!! Dont forget to check out the song "Where the Blarney roses grow" by the Willoughby brothers, its a belter!! Ian and Sharon

On Sun 06 May 2012
Catherine O'Connor
from Larchfield Estate said

Hi Gerard, just wanted to say a massive thank you for playing at our wedding reception last Saturday. It was just amazing and definitely the best ceilidh I have ever been to. Everyone commented on how great you were and the dance floor was full all night! And thank you for playing a reel for me to dance to! I will recommend you to everyone in the future and hope to be at another wedding at which you are playing. All the very best, Catherine

On Sun 20 Nov 2011
Gareth Robinson
from Belfast said

Thank you very much for your getting our wedding reception jumping at Tullylagan. It was great to see so many of our family and friends laughing and spinning round the floor (even if it took a bit to get them all there). We all really enjoyed ourselves. All our thanks. Gareth and Lisa.

On Mon 24 Oct 2011
Paul & Karla Matthews
from Bangor said

A huge thank-you to you all for playing at our party in the Slieve Donard Hotel on Friday. The music was fantastic and we really appreciate how you engaged everyone and had all ages joining in. We simply could not have asked for a better night! With many thanks and all best wishes.

On Sat 06 Aug 2011
J. Clements
from Bangor said

Heard you last week at the Blair wedding in Galgorm Manor. I must say you have a great way of involving the guests and keeping it very lively. Good variety of music and song and great crack! Just what you need at a wedding! Thanks a lot, hope to dance to you again soon!!

On Wed 29 Sep 2010
Mark Dempster
from QUB Belfast said

On behalf of the British Psychological Society Division of Health Psychology - Northern Ireland, we would like to express our sincere thanks for your wonderful entertainment at our conference dinner on Thursday 16th September. Everyone enjoyed the music and dancing and the entire experience contributed to the positive feedback about our conference provided by delegates. With best wishes, Dr Martin Dempster Chair, British Psychological Society Division of Health Psychology - Northern Ireland Dr Noleen McCorry Local Conference Organiser, Division of Health Psychology Annual Conference 2010

On Mon 09 Aug 2010
Steven & Louise Glenn
from Ballymoney said

We wanted to leave you a message to say a sincere thank you for making our wedding party in Dunadry on 26 June 2010 such a memorable and enjoyable evening. We thoroughly enjoyed it, and all our guests commented on our terrific band! You are experts in your field. Keep up the good work!

On Wed 28 Jul 2010
Doug and Maria Hogg
from London said

We couldn't thank this lot enough! Everyone at our wedding had the best time on the dance floor - during the ceilidh AND the disco. It was brilliant from start to finish. Gerard, thanks also for everything in the run up. It was so lovely to know that you were always just at the end of the phone and having you lot there was like having family there. So professional, so talented, so fun! We will be telling everyone to book you!!

On Sun 13 Jun 2010
Ruth Beattie
from Singapore said

I heard McStocker play at my friend's wedding in Portrush in 2008 and instantly decided they'd fit the bill for our wedding. Our wedding was very international with guests from 17 countries all brought together in the Manor House hotel Killadeas last month. The live music got everyone unto the dance floor and the DJ was great also. Both Stephen and Gerard are extremely friendly, courteous and a delight to deal with. Best wishes to McStocker for many more years of continued success heartfelt thanks for making our wedding day so special.

On Mon 10 May 2010
Marie & Rory Duffy
from Dungiven said

I would just like to thank the McStockers for making my day so special. The dance floor never stopped. From the moment i was talking to Gerard to the day i met him, i felt like i knew him all my life lol such a welcoming band and would highly recommend them. Thank you once again, everyine had been commenting on how they enjoyed the wedding and the dancing. Wish you al the best in the future.

On Thu 18 Mar 2010
Aislean and Willie Nicholson
from London said

Thank you to all in the McStocker ceili band for their great performance at our wedding in the Galgorm in Nov 09. We had guests from all over Ireland, England, Scotland, and some from further afield - Europe, the US and even the far East. They all thought the ceili was amazing. Not sure wedding dresses are made for ceili dancing, but I would do it all again in a minute! Thanks for everything, we would recommend you to anyone!!

On Sat 06 Feb 2010
Catherine & Roddy Smith
from Bangor/ Glasgow said

Thanks so much to the McStockers for providing such great entertainment at our wedding reception @ Belfast Castle on 29/12/09 - the music was fantastic and the dances were so much fun - so much so that I ended up with a few bruises from being swung around so much! We would not hesitate recommending you to our friends and family. Thanks again!

On Tue 01 Dec 2009
Stephanie Berry
from Bangor said

McStocker, you were the highlight of my daughter's wedding on 21/11/09 at The Old Inn, Crawfordsburn. Many guests from England were introduced to a ceilidh for the first time and loved it, happily joining in with family and friends from both sides of the Irish border! You made the day special and I would recommend you HIGHLY to anyone, for any occasion!

On Sat 01 Aug 2009
Hazel McFarland
from Drumahoe said

24th July 2009 SURPRISE BIRTHDAY PARTY Great nights fun, enjoyed by everyone. Fantastic Ceili Band. Don & Hazel

On Sun 17 Aug 2008
joseph hurl
from co antrim said

hi just like to say yous are class

On Wed 19 Mar 2008
Nadine Donnelly
from Bellaghy said

Good band... Very enjoyable and great people(family) to be around!!!

On Tue 02 Jan 2007
jeremy trimble
from Drumbo said

A fantastic nights craic - without fail. Well used to the McS's and they seem to get better everytime! Keep it goin from all at Drumbo!

On Wed 21 Jun 2006
Thomas Mc stocker
from county antrim said

Just thought you would like a fan!

On Fri 12 May 2006
elizabeth doherty
from bangor n. Ireland said

great night at Ballyholme Friday 12th May thenk you so much

On Fri 30 Dec 2005
James Doak
from Derry said

Enjoyable night's craic at son's wedding!

On Thu 29 Dec 2005
Patrick Mc Elhone
from Seattle said

Hello there, does your band have a CD recorded? I would very much like to hear it.

On Wed 21 Dec 2005
George Mc Ilvenna
from Co. Armagh said

Heard you guys at the Mc Caul wedding in Crawfordsburn just before Christmas. It was a great nights crack. I enjoyed the dances and the tractor song!! Hope we meet again. George

On Wed 21 Dec 2005
Martin Henry
from Belfast said

Great night in Raddison, you boys are some crack!!