To hire- for a couple of hours. Someone who is good, lovely and folky. They can wear waistcoats if they want but love playing. Where to look/or even start looking?!

Try typing “Manchester Folk Band” (or variations of) into Facebook search, you should find something.

There’s a folk club round the corner from me, it’s one of the best in the world, apparently.

http://www.rootsmusicclub.co.uk/whats_on.html

If anybody has the contacts, it’s these guys.

Lancashire Hotpots 😉

We had a band called Dalriada at our wedding in Ambleside and they certainly got the place hopping. They’re not on this list though – it was 18 years ago!

http://www.lancashirefolk.co.uk/Bands.htm

Some friends of mine from Otley/Shipley do that, they will also tailor to your requirements within reason, they’re both good fun, entertaining and Si has a few waistcoats if you wish.http://www.strid.co.uk/index.htm
http://www.banddirectory.co.uk/band.asp?b=strid&t=bradford&p=bd182ax

There’s a folk night on Sundays once a month in Gaslamp, in the back room. It’s open mic, and interesting!. I stumbled on it by accident. Just make sure you can sing a song when it’s your turn. Animal’s song, from the Muppets, doesn’t cut it, apparently.
Plenty of people there would fit the bill.