Ceilidh – one word that can cover so much.

 

What is a ceilidh?

 
A Ceilidh is a Gaelic word meaning ‘gathering’. In the before the intewebby thing and the wall-to-wall TV, people had to make their own fun. No not that sort, well that too; the nights were cold.
 
What would happen is this. Someone’s house / croft would be the place to be that night. Folk would pile round and bring any musical instrument they could play. Fiddles were more popular than pianos for obvious reasons.
 
Once ensconced in the house the party would begin. Storytelling, singing, dancing (if there was room), poetry and recitals. All to the glow of the fire and washed down with a dram. What a lovely way to spend a night.
 
From those innocent roots the word ceilidh today often means a dance. Often for around 2 and a half to 3 hours with 1 or two breaks for the band to catch their breath.
 

How to pronounce Ceilidh

You pronounce ceilidh as ‘Kay-Lee’ which is almost the same as Kylie, but not quite. The Scottish girl’s name Eilidh is similar (but without the ‘k’ sound).
 

Kayleigh dancing – you might also see this

Ceilidh dancing is great fun. It’s related to Scottish country dancing but not as fiddly (soz, to all you SCD fans). Generally people don’t care if you get it right or wrong, all you need do is get stuck in. It’s about attitude. Go with an open heart (and arms) and you’ll fit right in. Some dances that you are likely to do are:
 
The Dashing White Sergeant
Eightsome Reel
Military Two Step
Gay Gordons
Canadian Barn Dance
Virginia Reel
and you’ll likely finish off with Auld Lang Syne.
 

Dresses for ceilidh

You’ll likely get a dress guide before the event. Remember that ceilidhs are inclusive, so it shouldn’t matter what you wear. That said, tartan is always appreciated and you look good in it too. Bear in mind that you will get hot. The dancing is vigorous and so wear something that you feel comfy in.

 

Ceilidhs in London

You will find that there are pop up event in London. Some of them are long established, some are charity events. Time Out, Google and Bing are the best way to find out what is going on. Our own Ceilidh Club runs about 3 times a month. More often in winter that summer. If you want to come along, you can find tickets here.
 

Ceilidh Band Edinburgh

If you are looking for a ceilidh band in Edinburgh, fill in the form below and we’ll notify the bands.