There are certain wedding venues we particularly enjoy returning to, and The Kingscote Barn, tucked away in the Gloucestershire countryside near Tetbury, is very much one of them. On Sunday 11 October 2026, we had the pleasure of providing live cello and piano wedding music for Callum and Lydia, whose celebrations began with a traditional church ceremony in Avening before continuing at Kingscote Barn for their drinks reception, wedding breakfast and cocktail hour. It was a wonderful day, with some excellent musical choices, a relaxed atmosphere and the opportunity for us to provide music across almost the entire daytime celebration.
As JAM Duo, we regularly travel throughout England and Wales performing at weddings, but it is always particularly pleasing to work at venues close to home. Kingscote Barn is one we know and enjoy, having performed there on two previous occasions, and we are already looking forward to returning in December. There is something rather special about the venue, from its beautiful Cotswold stone buildings and countryside setting to the genuinely welcoming team who work there. For Callum and Lydia’s wedding, we were able to experience several different areas of the barn throughout the afternoon and early evening, making full use of the flexibility that live wedding music offers.
A Traditional Wedding Ceremony at Holy Cross Church, Avening
Our day began at the Church of the Holy Cross in Avening, a beautiful and historic Gloucestershire village church with origins stretching back almost a thousand years. Dating from the Norman period, the church has a wonderful sense of history and makes an atmospheric setting for a traditional wedding ceremony. It is the sort of building where live instruments feel entirely at home, and where the natural acoustics can lend an additional warmth and richness to the music. For couples considering a church wedding in the Cotswolds, it is certainly a lovely place to exchange vows. A Church Near You
Callum and Lydia had chosen a midday ceremony, with their guests gathering beforehand and music accompanying their arrival. Their request for the pre-ceremony was for something inspired by Bridgerton, a style that has become increasingly popular at weddings. The combination of familiar contemporary melodies and the elegance of classical instruments works particularly well in a church setting. As a cello and piano duo, this is something we especially enjoy, taking recognisable songs and giving them a slightly more classical character without losing the essence of the original music.
The bridal entrance was accompanied by The Luckiest by Ben Folds, a particularly touching choice. It is a song that suits the intimate and emotional nature of a wedding ceremony beautifully, and its piano-led character makes it especially effective in a live arrangement. With several members of the bridal party processing before Lydia, there was also the practical consideration of ensuring that the music flowed naturally as everyone made their way down the aisle.
This is one of the considerable advantages of having professional live musicians rather than relying on a recording. We can watch the bridal procession, respond to the pace of those walking and extend or gently bring the music to a conclusion at precisely the appropriate moment. There is no need for anyone to worry about whether the song will finish before the bride reaches the front of the church, or whether there will be an awkward silence while everyone takes their places.
With two flower girls, a page boy and several bridesmaids preceding Lydia, there was certainly plenty of opportunity for the procession to unfold at its own natural pace. And, as anyone who has attended a wedding involving young flower girls will know, their enthusiasm for walking down the aisle can occasionally be rather unpredictable!
Wedding Ceremony Music – From Ben Folds to an Irish Jig
The musical choices for the ceremony reflected Callum and Lydia’s personalities, combining contemporary music, traditional hymns and something distinctly lively for the end of the service.
During the ceremony, the congregation had the opportunity to join in two well-known hymns, Amazing Grace and Be Still, for the Presence of the Lord. Traditional hymns remain an important part of many church weddings, and there is something particularly moving about hearing a congregation singing together in a beautiful church. As musicians with extensive experience of church services, we appreciate the importance of supporting the musical structure of a religious ceremony while ensuring that everything feels natural and unhurried.
For the signing of the registers, the couple had selected three contrasting pieces: You to Me Are Everything, Married Lifefrom the film Up, and To Build a Home by The Cinematic Orchestra. These provided a lovely variety of styles, from an affectionate and familiar popular song to two wonderfully atmospheric pieces of film-inspired music.
The signing of the registers is another moment where live musicians can be particularly helpful. Depending on the number of photographs, witnesses and other arrangements, this part of the ceremony can take slightly longer or shorter than anticipated. Rather than being restricted to the precise duration of a recording, we can adapt the music to suit what is happening, creating a continuous and relaxed atmosphere.
For their exit, Callum and Lydia chose something rather different: The Kesh Jig, a traditional Irish folk tune. After the emotion and formality of the wedding ceremony, this was a brilliantly uplifting way to mark the beginning of married life. A lively Irish jig certainly makes a change from the more conventional wedding marches, and it provided a wonderfully cheerful conclusion to the ceremony.
It is always enjoyable when couples include music that reflects their own tastes rather than simply choosing what they feel they ought to have at a wedding. Callum and Lydia’s selections were a perfect example of how a traditional church service can incorporate contemporary music, film themes and folk melodies while retaining its sense of occasion.
From Avening Church to Kingscote Barn
Following the ceremony, it was time for us to pack away our instruments and make the journey by car from Avening to Kingscote Barn, where the afternoon reception was due to begin at 1.30pm.
One of the questions couples sometimes ask is whether JAM Duo can perform at different venues on the same wedding day. The answer is absolutely yes, and Callum and Lydia’s wedding was a good illustration of how this can work.
Because we provide all our own equipment and are accustomed to moving between locations, we can plan the transition from a church ceremony to a separate reception venue without creating unnecessary complications for the couple. The important thing is to understand the timings in advance, allow sufficient time for travelling and setting up, and ensure that everything is ready before the guests need the music.
For this wedding, the journey took us through some lovely Gloucestershire countryside to Kingscote Barn, where the celebrations were continuing in a very different setting from the church.
A Beautiful Cotswolds Wedding Reception at Kingscote Barn
The Kingscote Barn is situated at Binley Farm near Tetbury, surrounded by countryside in a secluded Cotswold valley. The venue comprises beautifully restored 17th-century stone buildings, with the main barn providing a wonderfully characterful setting for wedding celebrations. Its combination of traditional architecture, attractive grounds and flexible reception spaces makes it particularly suitable for couples looking for a countryside wedding venue with plenty of charm. Gloucestershire County Council
Having performed at Kingscote Barn twice previously, we already knew what a lovely venue it is to work at. There is a relaxed quality to the surroundings that seems to encourage guests to settle into the celebrations and enjoy themselves, while the different spaces allow the day to progress naturally from drinks and conversation through to the wedding breakfast and evening entertainment.
For Callum and Lydia’s wedding, the colour scheme was beautifully suited to the surroundings, with emerald green bridesmaids’ dresses, black herringbone tailcoats for the groom and groomsmen, and white and green flowers. It was an elegant combination that complemented the Cotswold setting without feeling overly formal.
With approximately 52 guests, the wedding also had a particularly pleasant atmosphere. This was a celebration large enough to feel lively and sociable, but sufficiently intimate for guests to spend time together throughout the afternoon.
Live Cello and Piano Music for the Drinks Reception
Our first performance at Kingscote Barn was for the drinks reception, which began at approximately 1.30pm.
We set up indoors in the reception area, where we were able to provide a mixture of popular songs and familiar film music as guests enjoyed their drinks and conversation. Although our instruments were positioned inside, the music could also be heard outside as guests moved between the building and the surrounding areas.
This is something we particularly like about performing at venues such as Kingscote Barn. It is not always necessary to position musicians outside simply because some of the guests are enjoying the fresh air. With careful consideration of the location and sound levels, live music performed indoors can often provide a pleasant background across adjoining spaces.
For a drinks reception, our aim is always to create an enjoyable atmosphere without overwhelming conversation. Guests should be able to recognise familiar melodies, perhaps stop to listen for a moment, but still talk comfortably to friends and family. A live cello and piano duo is particularly well suited to this because the combination of instruments offers warmth and musical interest without the volume or presence of a larger ensemble.
Callum and Lydia had given us the freedom to choose a selection of pop and film music, allowing us to create a varied programme to suit the atmosphere as the reception unfolded.
Wedding Breakfast Music in the Main Barn
At approximately 3.30pm, guests began making their way to the tables for the wedding breakfast, and we moved to our next performance location within the barn.
The main barn is a particularly attractive setting for a wedding meal, with its high ceilings, exposed timber and traditional stonework providing a wonderful backdrop. Live music works beautifully in a room of this kind, particularly during the earlier part of the meal when guests are settling at their tables and enjoying the occasion.
For Callum and Lydia, we provided a further selection of live cello and piano music throughout the wedding breakfast, including some pieces specifically requested by the couple.
Their choices were wonderfully varied and included music from The Lord of the Rings, The Holiday, Notting Hill and About Time, alongside popular songs by Paolo Nutini, The Fray, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, and the Irish band Kingfishr.
A Wedding Breakfast Playlist Full of Film Music and Personal Favourites
One of the things we especially appreciated about Callum and Lydia’s wedding music was the thought that had clearly gone into their selections.
Concerning Hobbits from The Lord of the Rings is a lovely example of music that lends itself naturally to cello and piano. Its gentle, pastoral character makes it particularly suitable for a countryside wedding, while its familiarity brings an immediate sense of warmth.
Similarly, Maestro from The Holiday and the theme from About Time are pieces that work beautifully as instrumental arrangements. Both have that wonderful quality of being emotionally expressive without demanding the listener’s full attention, making them ideal choices for a wedding breakfast.
The couple also requested Pure Imagination, Hoppípolla, How to Save a Life, She from Notting Hill and Last Request by Paolo Nutini. Alongside these were some less conventional selections, including We Bought a Zoo by Jónsi, Run by Stephen Fretwell, and two songs by Kingfishr: Killeagh and The Sun Will Never Settle.
It was a lovely mixture of musical styles, and one that demonstrates why we encourage couples to tell us about the songs they genuinely enjoy. Wedding music does not have to be restricted to traditional classical pieces or the same familiar romantic songs. Some of the most enjoyable wedding playlists are those that include unexpected choices, particularly when the music has a personal connection for the couple.
With live instruments, we can also make these different musical styles feel part of one coherent programme, moving naturally between film scores, contemporary songs and more traditional instrumental music.
A Thoughtful Gesture During the Speeches
Another particularly lovely aspect of the day was that Callum and Lydia had very kindly arranged dinner for us.
As professional wedding musicians, we are often performing for several hours, sometimes having begun our day considerably earlier to prepare and travel to the venue. Although we never take hospitality for granted, it is always greatly appreciated when couples think about the people working behind the scenes to make their wedding day run smoothly.
For this wedding, we were able to enjoy our meal during the speeches, which provided a welcome opportunity to sit down after a busy afternoon of performing and moving between locations.
It was a thoughtful gesture and very much appreciated by both of us.
Returning to the Bar for Cocktail Hour
Following the wedding breakfast and speeches, guests returned to the reception and bar area at approximately 5.45pm, where we provided the final part of our live music for the day.
Cocktail hour is a part of the wedding day that we increasingly enjoy providing music for. It occupies that lovely period between the formal wedding breakfast and the start of the evening celebrations, when guests are generally feeling more relaxed and looking forward to the rest of the evening.
At Kingscote Barn, returning to the bar area worked particularly well, allowing guests to enjoy another selection of popular songs and film music while conversations continued and the atmosphere gradually shifted towards the evening reception.
It also meant that Callum and Lydia had live music accompanying almost every stage of their daytime celebrations, from the anticipation of the church ceremony through to the final moments before the evening entertainment began.
Their evening plans included sparklers at around 7pm, followed by a DJ, bringing our involvement in the day to a natural conclusion.
Why Cocktail Hour Music Works So Well
For couples planning their wedding at Kingscote Barn, or indeed at any venue with separate spaces for the wedding breakfast and evening reception, cocktail hour music is well worth considering.
There can sometimes be a slightly awkward period after the meal when the tables are being cleared, guests are moving around and the evening entertainment has not yet begun. Live music helps fill that space without requiring any particular activity or formal entertainment.
A cello and piano duo provides an elegant musical background, allowing guests to continue enjoying themselves while the venue prepares for the next part of the celebrations.
For us, it is also a lovely opportunity to perform a slightly more upbeat selection of music, adapting the programme to reflect the increasingly informal atmosphere.
Why We Love Performing at Kingscote Barn
Having now performed at Kingscote Barn on three occasions, we can confidently say that it is one of our favourite local Cotswold wedding venues.
Naturally, the setting is a significant part of its appeal. The traditional stone buildings, beautiful countryside and characterful interiors provide a wonderful environment for a wedding. But for us, the people who work at a venue are just as important as the surroundings.
The staff at Kingscote Barn have always been genuinely friendly and helpful, which makes an enormous difference when you are working there as a wedding supplier. Moving instruments and equipment between different locations during the day requires a degree of coordination, and it is always reassuring to work alongside a team who understand how a wedding should flow.
This was certainly our experience at Callum and Lydia’s wedding. Everything felt relaxed and well organised, and we thoroughly enjoyed being part of the day.
Kingscote is also relatively local to us, which makes returning there particularly appealing. Although JAM Duo performs at weddings throughout England and Wales, we always appreciate the opportunity to work at excellent venues closer to home.
We are already booked to return to Kingscote Barn in December 2026, and it is somewhere we would happily perform much more frequently.
Planning Wedding Music at Kingscote Barn?
If you are considering Kingscote Barn for your wedding, there are several ways live cello and piano music can enhance your celebrations.
Although Callum and Lydia chose a traditional church ceremony in Avening, Kingscote Barn itself is licensed for civil ceremonies and offers indoor and outdoor ceremony options. This means couples can choose to hold their entire wedding at the venue, with live music for the ceremony, drinks reception, wedding breakfast and cocktail hour. Gloucestershire County Council
Alternatively, as Callum and Lydia demonstrated, it is entirely possible to combine a church ceremony elsewhere in Gloucestershire with an afternoon and evening reception at Kingscote.
At JAM Duo, we specialise in providing live music throughout the daytime wedding celebrations. We are always the same two musicians, Jules on piano and Anne-Marie on cello, and everything you hear is performed live, without backing tracks or prerecorded accompaniment.
Our repertoire includes classical favourites, contemporary pop songs, film and television themes, and a wide variety of music that can be adapted to suit different parts of the day.
We also understand the practical side of wedding planning, including coordinating with venues, moving between performance locations and ensuring that music begins and ends at precisely the right moments. For couples planning a wedding with several different locations or musical requirements, this flexibility can be particularly valuable.
Congratulations to Callum and Lydia
We would like to finish by thanking Callum and Lydia for inviting us to be part of their wedding on 11 October 2026.
From the beautiful ceremony at Holy Cross Church in Avening to the relaxed afternoon and early evening celebrations at Kingscote Barn, it was a thoroughly enjoyable day. Their musical choices were excellent, the atmosphere was lovely, and we particularly appreciated their thoughtful hospitality in providing us with dinner.
Our thanks also go to the team at Kingscote Barn, who were as friendly and welcoming as ever.
We wish Callum and Lydia every happiness in their married life and look forward to our next visit to Kingscote Barn in December.
Planning your own wedding at Kingscote Barn or elsewhere in the Cotswolds? JAM Duo provides professional live cello and piano music for church and civil ceremonies, drinks receptions, wedding breakfasts and cocktail hours throughout Gloucestershire and across England and Wales.
Discover more about our daytime wedding music or contact JAM Duo to discuss the music for your wedding day.
