Masters of Ceilidh, Barn Dance and Country Dance as well as a captivating mix of Lancashire, Irish and infectious ‘jiggy’ songs to tap your feet and sing along with.
About The Millstone Band
The Millstone band was formed in 1985 when the band Flash Company were joined by legendary accordionist Mick Burke and Arthur Renshaw (Ripley Wayfarers) to perform at a local festival in Clitheroe but went on to play many more venues for the next few years. The name came about after practising in Dave’s house they all went for a pint in the Millstone Hotel thus the “Millstone Ceilidh Band” was born.
| Dave : Fiddles, Tenor Banjo, Whistles, Flute and PipesDave hails from Blackburn and was one of the original members of the Millstone Band. He has many years playing with various bands right from the early 70’s and had a very busy 2008 playing with legendary Folk singer Brian Preston, sharing stages with such as ‘Show of Hands’ and ‘Spiers and Boden’ but now wants to concentrate on the dance music and the running of Burnley Folk Club.Dave plays 2 Fiddles, a Yamaha SV – 120 and a German fiddle made by Joseph Klotz in Mittenwald 1790 |  ……………………………………………………………………………………………….
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| Linda : Violin and ViolaLinda originally from Blackburn now lives in Burnley. Linda stated playing violin whilst at school and added another string to her bow by taking up the viola a couple of years later. Linda graduated as a music teacher in 1987 and has played professionally in several orchestras.Linda has added musical discipline to the band whilst taking on board the relaxed playing style of folk music. She is a great asset to the band.Linda’s instruments are hand made in Liverpool by Robert Hull. |  ………………………………………………………………………………………………. |
| Alex : 6 & 12 String Guitars, Bouzouki and BanjoAlex is originally from the North East and again was one of the original members of the Millstone Band. Alex has been playing in bands for many years with Weaver’s Triangle, Flash Company, Korrigan, and several ceilidh bands. Alex is a very accomplished and versatile player fitting in with different kinds of music or even solo.Alex plays Taylor, Guild and Takamine guitars, Freshwater Bouzouki and Harmony Banjo. |  ………………………………………………………………………………………………. |
| Keith : MelodeonsKeith lives in Pendle and has many years experience of playing in dance bands, a member of Korrigan and a musician for the Bobbins and Reelers morris side. Keith is the leader of the band and knows all the dances, plays the intros and gives us the nod when to finish the dance.Keith plays Dino Baffetti and Hohner melodeons |  ………………………………………………………………………………………………. |
Reviews of the Millstone Band
“We were unsure if a Ceilidh would be the right thing to celebrate our birthdays. We are really glad that we went ahead and booked you. The evening passed far too quickly and we really enjoyed ourselves.” – Glenis and Jillian.
” Last Saturday’s Ceilidh was the first that the Village Hall Committee had organised. Nearly everyone in the village was there and everyone said that they had thoroughly enjoyed it. We will phone you soon to organise a follow up event for a date early in the new year.” – Arthur G….. Secretary.
“Please pass my thanks on to the rest of the band for the wonderful evening to celebrate our Silver Wedding. I have never done much dancing before, but I found the country dances heaps of fun especially the one with the handkerchiefs! – what a hoot! Pencil us in for our Ruby Wedding.” – Mike A………
“Perfect-just right for our family celebration. Young and old alike had a lovely evening – AND NOT TOO LOUD – thank you again.” – Mary.
” I never thought I would have so much fun dancing to really old music. You Millstone guys make disco dancing really boring by comparison.” – Jed, College Student.
“Many of our wedding guests had neither attended or heard of a ceilidh so perhaps the many comments we received from them stand testament for the band. So many said that their first experience of a ceilidh was very enjoyable, fun, the best wedding they had been to. Many of our guests said they wanted to attend future ceilidh events. They were really saying how much they enjoyed the wonderful music and dances and the all inclusive feel you get at a ceilidh. We are looking forward to the next ceilidh soon.
We say thank you Millstone Ceilidh Band, you made our special day, special for all our guests too.” – Janet and Duncan.
“We booked the Millstone band from the web-site so were a little apprehensive- but we had a wonderful evening. Our 3 year old grand daughter loved it – so did our 83 year old neighbours, and we all danced till our feet ached! The band brought us gifted musicianship, sensitivity to the ability and experience of those attending and a lovely sense of humour which enabled us all to enjoy the fact that we massacred traditional dances in all kinds of innovative ways! We couldn’t have chosen a better way to celebrate 40 years of marriage. Thanks to the Millstone Band for being such delightful and talented people.” – Gill & Graeme
“I wanted to e-mail to say a HUGE thank you to you and the band for making my birthday party so wonderful. It truly was an evening I will never forget, due in no small way to the band. What a great time we all had and the dancing was such fun. All the feedback I have had from my guests has been glowing. It is nice to know that they enjoyed themselves as much as I did!! I am very grateful to you all for the care and attention you gave. Please thank the caller for taking the time to ensure that we all knew what we were supposed to be doing! I will not hesitate to recommend you!” – Julie
