Barley Cote Band

Barley Cote Band - a Yorkshire Ceilidh Band

Traditional English music from the foothills of the Pennines

The Barley Cote Band is a ceilidh/barn dance band based in West Yorkshire. We are the perfect band for your birthday party, wedding, anniversary, village social event or party that involves people of any age dancing and having fun.

We are:

  • Chris Partington fiddle
  • John Adams fiddle
  • Anahata melodeon
  • Mary Humphreys keyboard
Barley Cote Band in 2023
Anahata
Chris
Mary
 Photo: Sue Coe
The Barley Cote Band started in 2018 as a trio of Mary, Anahata and Chris. After two events around the beginning of 2024 as the "Barley Cote Big Band" with the addition of John Adams on fiddle we agreed that having two fiddles was a real benefit to the band's sound and we'll be continuing with that lineup when John is available.

We all have over 30 years of experience of playing for ceilidhs for local events (parties, weddings, anniversaries etc.) and at public ceilidhs and folk festivals all over the country.

Our music is mostly English and chosen through extensive research into traditional English dance tunes. Our tunes and speeds are carefully chosen to fit the dances perfectly and to get you on your feet and dancing!

We usually work with a caller who guides you through the dances, and we'll provide a caller (we have worked with many) or work with a caller of your choice.

A smaller version of the band is also available, consisting of Mary and Anahata playing as a duo. (formerly Four Hand Band.)

Ryburn Christmas Ceilidh, 2019
“With three such vastly experienced musicians, the music was always going to be good… Their selection of tunes and the pace were perfect and they kept us dancing right to the end at 10:30.”

Steve Jones, Ryburn 3Step