Monty's Maggot English Ceilidh & Country Dance Band

Monty’s Maggot have delighted dancers at major folk festivals and at private parties all over England. Monty’s Maggot brings together some of the best known players on the trad English dance scene with some younger faces. No other band has this blend of fiddle frenzy, melodeon with bite and bounce, rhythmic guitar, and the reedy, gutsy sound of tenor and baritone saxes —a vibrant and full wall of sound!

Captivating tunes are played with infectious rhythm, energy and lift which puts the beat just where you need it. This usually leads to spontaneous, involuntary and spirited dancing and toe-tapping! The band plays for English ceilidhs, country dances and barn dances; and also offers concerts with songs and monologues suited to smaller intimate atmospheres.

We have our own PA and sound engineer, a resident caller (Polly Dare) and strong relationships with most of the high profile callers around England if you have a favourite.

Many people ask why the band is called Monty's Maggot. Maggot is old English meaning an eccentric or fanciful idea or whim. Monty is the leader's Jack Russell who likes to sing in E minor when Jerry practises - it seemed natural to put Monty and Maggot together!

Dances and ceilidhs at weddings, private and corporate parties, Folk Festivals (eg Sidmouth, Shrewsbury, Bromyard, FolkEast); Ceilidh Series (eg Bath, Haddenham, Oxfolk, Cecil Sharp Kneesup). Background music at game fairs, country fairs, boat trips.