Cecil Sharp House

Ceilidh at Cecil Sharp House, Camden

Cecil Sharp House has been the London Ceilidh Club’s home since 1998. It’s the headquarters of the English Folk Dance and Song Society, and for many people it’s simply the best place in London to dance a ceilidh.

The hall

We dance in Kennedy Hall, a big, high-ceilinged room with a sprung floor that’s kind to your knees through three hours of reels, banked seating around the sides and a famous wall mural. There’s room for a couple of hundred dancers, so even on a sold-out night you’ll have space to spin.

What happens on the night

A live band plays and a caller teaches every dance before you do it, so you don’t need any experience or a partner. Most people come in a group, but plenty come on their own and are dancing with strangers by the second reel. Expect the Gay Gordons, the Dashing White Sergeant, Strip the Willow and more.

Café and cloakroom

The café sells alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and snacks throughout the evening. There’s a cloakroom for coats and bags.

Tickets

Tickets are £27, or £21 concession for students, the unemployed, retired people, NHS staff and Blue Light Card holders. Under-16s go free with an adult. Most nights sell out, especially in winter, so book ahead. See all upcoming dates and book tickets.

Getting there

Address: Cecil Sharp House, 2 Regent’s Park Road, London NW1 7AY

The nearest tube is Camden Town (Northern line), about a 10–15 minute walk. Chalk Farm is a similar distance. Several bus routes stop on Parkway and Camden High Street. The house sits at the edge of Primrose Hill, so arrive early in summer and take a walk.

We also dance at London Scottish House in Westminster and Grand Junction in Paddington.