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About
Although we are based in Cornwall, we also cover Devon and are happy to come further afield if required. Our repertoire of ceilidh dances cover dances from Scotland, Ireland, Wales and Cornwall such as Virginia Reel, The Siege of Ennis, Dashing White Sergeant and Orcadian Strip the Willow. We also work with a local DJ so we can offer the perfect combined package if required.
With Alan Pengelly on lead accordion, The Brim Ceilidh Band boasts a collective wealth of experience playing for some of Cornwall’s top ceilidh bands as well as other music ensembles across Cornwall. The result is an exciting and energetic mix of both new and traditional ceilidh dances combined with an upbeat and full sound from the band.
The Brim have confirmed their reputation as one of the top ceilidh and barn dance bands in the Southwest boasting repeat appearances on the Main Stage at The Little Orchard Cider and Music Festival.
"A ceilidh was the perfect way to end our wedding. The music, calling and general good nature you encouraged really did make our weekend truly perfect" Bride & Groom, Polhawn Fort
Meet the band ...
Alan Pengelly
Alan has served a long and languorous apprenticeship as a piano accordionist in the Cornish folk tradition. He knows his instrument inside out and is fluid, warm and dynamic in his playing. Having first picked up the piano accordion in 1992, he has gained a wealth of experience and is a popular name throughout the Cornish music, dance and ceilidh scene, sharing his passion for local culture and music to audiences both locally and nation-wide. He is also former bass player of the highly regarded Multi award-winning folk collective ‘The Changing Room’ (Tanya Brittain and Sam Kelly) and accordionist on Tanya’s solo based album “Hireth” featuring one of his own compositions, ‘An Bluven Glas’. Aside from the piano accordion, Alan is a self-taught pianist mastering piano pieces in his spare time such as The Heart Asks Pleasure First from the musical The Piano to keep his fingers nimble
Annie Baylis
Annie first picked up a fiddle aged 7, although being classically trained, she is now musically diverse, but with a passion for all things folk and a strong Scottish Heritage. Having played in a number of nationally acclaimed, album charting bands, including Kola, Gareth Lee & Annie Baylis, The Changing Room, Hireth and most recently the Harbottle & Jonas Trio, 2022 saw the release her debut EP 'Darkest Horse'. During time touring with these bands, appearances of note include performances at Cecil Sharp House, on BBC Radio 3 and at Glastonbury Festival. In April 2023, Annie and her band won the International Pan Celtic Song Competition at the International Pan Celtic Festival in Carlow.
Kevin Brinn
Kev is the ‘wise (ish) older head’ of the band and what he can’t learn musically is probably not worth learning. Not content with throwing an accordion or melodeon around for fun, Kev is exploring the possibilities with the tenor banjo, various types of Bouzouki and even a tenor guitar! Kev is also a trained and accomplished accordion repairer, learning from the very best in Italy. A keen follower of all things musical, Kev loves nothing better than to play a few tunes, be it with his brother Chris (currently keeping America entertained with his musical talents), The Stowes or any of the other talented, keen musicians that he spends his time with. One of the nicest blokes you’ll ever meet, you won’t fail to feel a happier person after listening to Kev cracking out a song or two whilst giving you a trademark ‘Brinner Grin
Kate Taylor Smith
Kate is our friendly, enthusiastic, and experienced ceilidh dance caller, bringing us a wide repertoire of dances from Scotland, throughout the UK and farther afield. Growing up in northeast Scotland Kate has been dancing from a young age and loves the carefree atmosphere of a ceilidh. She started calling in 2008 when she moved to Iceland and missing dancing began teaching ceilidh and co-founded the The Reel Thing Ceilidh Band, making ceilidh the hot new dance craze in the land of fire and ice for several seasons. She now regularly calls for events across Cornwall and Devon and leads the Ceilidh Cornwall dance community. If you've never ceilidhed before don't worry, Kate clearly explains each dance and her adaptable approach ensures that the dances are tailored to your group perfectly. Kate's primary focus is making sure everyone feels welcome and has an absolute blast, creating a memorable and joyous experience for all!
Deputy members ...
Steve Hunt - Guitar / Bouzouki
A stalwart of the Cornish folk scene, Steve has toured and recorded with Dalla, Leski, Corncrow and Morvran and currently performs in the duo Neil Davey & Steve Hunt. In 2022 he was initiated as a Bard of Gorsedh Kernow ‘for promoting Cornish culture and identity through folk music’.