Irish uilleann piper FAQs

How much will it cost me?
You’ll find the fees here.
Are there any extra costs involved in making a booking?
Most fees are fully inclusive. Sometimes an additional fee may apply where exceptional travel time and distance is involved. This will always be included in any quote at the time of enquiry and stated clearly in any contract and subject to your agreement.
Is there an additional agency fee to pay?
No. We make our profit from a commission percentage charged to the act, that’s already included in the overall fee.
Will I be charged VAT?
NO. There is no vat added to the cost of hiring an act. This is because 99% of our acts are under the threshold where it becomes chargeable. Also, we as an agency do not charge vat on bookings.
How do I make an enquiry?
Visit our contact page to complete our enquiry form, request a callback, or call us on +(0)20 8111 1916. You can also WhatsApp us by clicking on the logo at the bottom of your screen.
What's the booking and payment process?
Once we’ve found a suitable act for you, we’ll provisionally book them on your behalf and provide you with a written agreement between you and the act, detailing all of the agreed terms and conditions, fee, timings, etc. This will be subject to your approval, following which we’ll ask you to sign and return a copy to us within 7 days (Or sooner). A deposit will be required of around 25% of the overall fee and the balance is usually payable either 48hrs prior to the actual booking or in cash on the day to the act. In some situations the fee in full will be required in advance. Our preferred method of payment is via bank transfer, details of which would be included in your paperwork. For deposits, we can also accept card or PayPal payments online or over the phone.
I need an Irish piper for a funeral London, can you help?
Yes, we’ve got Irish pipers who travel all over the country, from London to the West Midlands, Yorkshire, Lancashire, Sussex, Kent, Essex, Surrey and Hampshire, as well as anywhere in Wales and Scotland.
What if I cancel?
If you cancel your booking, in most cases there will be a fee involved. This fee would depend on the period of time between that date a booking is made and the actual contracted performance date. Full details on cancellation fees can be found here and will also be written into your booking agreement.
Are the acts insured?
All acts booked via our agency are required to have public liability insurance. A copy of an acts policy is available on request by a booker or venue when an act is contracted.
Do acts have a PAT certificate for their equipment?
No, that’s not necessary, our pipers play acoustically without the use of any electrical equipment.
I need someone to sing at a funeral, can you help?
Yes, we can supply a guitar/vocalist to perform a song of your choice at the service and or the graveside. More general information on our services provided for funerals can be found here.
Do you take bookings at short notice?
Yes, we can often get an act for you within 24 hours of a booking or even on the same day! If you have an urgent enquiry call us on 020 8111 1916.
Can I choose the tunes played on the day?
Yes, once the booking is confirmed, the piper will call you to discuss the tunes you wish to have played. He will also help with suggestions if required. All of our pipers have first-hand knowledge of the most popular tunes to match any occasion.
Does the piper wear a uniform?
Not as standard, but on request at the time of booking this can usually be arranged.
Can the piper pipe me into the church for my wedding and afterwards at the reception?
Yes, we can arrange that for you at the time of booking.
Can the piper play at the funeral service and also at the graveside afterwards?
Yes, you can book him to play in one place only if you wish.
What are the most popular tunes played at funerals?
The Coolin, The Fields of Athenry, Danny Boy and Amazing Grace are among the most popular. These are only examples and the choice of tunes is at the discretion of the booker.
What's the difference between an Irish bagpiper and an uilleann piper?
They are two very different instruments. The uilleann pipes have a more Celtic/Irish sound to them. Bagpipes also have a very strong tradition in both Irish and Scottish cultures. The bagpiper also wears an Irish or Scottish kilt and regalia, our uilleann piper does not wear a kilt except by request.
Do you also supply bagpipers?
Yes we do. Bagpiper information can be found on our dedicated bagpipers page.
I'd like someone to sing at the funeral, can you help?
We can provide a singer at both the graveside and/or the service. Call us on 020 8111 1916 for more information.