Community Ceilidh

Do you know what a ceilidh is? Want the ultimate dance experience to finish off your UCL Welcome Week experience? 

We're throwing a Community Ceilidh! 

Join the UCL Caledonian Society and the SU Volunteering team in the Main Quad marquee for what promises to be a super fun and joyful party! Often associated with a Scottish weddings and kilts, ceilidhs are also just a great night out. We've teamed up with the amazing Caledonian Society to make sure that whether this is your very fist time or you're a seasoned ceilidh go-er you'll have the best time. Someone will lead you through all the steps for each dance and there'll be experienced dancers helping along the way.

Come and enjoy live music from the talented Craigievar Ceilidh Band and the refreshments and snacks to keep the energy levels high.

We think a ceilidh is good for your soul and will give a Friday boost to your wellbeing! We promise whatever you are feeling at the beginning, after this dance, you will leave the marquee with the biggest smile on your face!

Important information about event entry

The queue for ticketholders will open at 14.45 on the day, outside the marquee in the Main Quad. You have until 15.15 to collect your ticket on the door. After 15.15, we will re-release your ticket if it's not been claimed. We are doing this to ensure as many people as possible can experience the ceilidh. We totally get that you might have booked a ticket and then changed your plans when it comes to the actual event - but we don't want this to prevent anyone else enjoying themselves. 

If you do not have a ticket, there will be a separate queue managed outside the marquee and you'll know at 15.15 whether you can get in. This will be operated as a a first come, first served entrance policy. Please be patient with us - we will try to get as many people as is safely possible into the venue. 

A post-ceilidh pub trip

As always with UCL Caledonian Society... a pub trip is a must. If you're still in the mood for more fun after the dancing is done, why not join us at one of the student union bars for a friendly chat and some drinks afterwards! Location TBC

FAQs

Wait, I've never done ceilidh dancing!

Not a problem. And we're not just saying that. Ceilidhs are known for being really beginning-friendly because there's someone there whose job it is to literally call out the steps so everyone knows (roughly!) what the dance involves. This person is called 'the caller'! 

What if I make a mistake or can't dance very well?

That's the beauty of a ceilidh, there's always someone to help. And no one takes it terribly seriously - it's just for fun so don't worry at all about making a mistake or having two left feet. This is the dancing for you! By the end of the party, you will be involved in dancing like you can see here.

What do I wear?

It's up to you but generally, it can get pretty sweaty at a ceilidh (a party and workout in one!). We'll be in a marquee, notorious for getting warm. Plus it might be a nice day. Honestly, this is so casual you can be in shorts and t-shirt. Trainers rather than heels are probably going to make life easier! 

I have only just arrived in London and know no-one. Should I even bother? 

Again, that's the best thing about a ceilidh. Most of the dances are group dances and everyone is in the same boat - needing someone to dance with. There's no gender-conformity here either! (tho we can't say that's the case for all ceilidhs, but with us, we just want everyone to have a good time and feel safe in their skin). 

So if I don't know anyone, it's okay?

Absolutely. As long as you can take a deep breath and you're prepared to try something new, you'll be able to join in. We'll have our Friendly Faces team on standby to help. And if you don't want to dance but you love the spectacle or live music, then simply come a long for the feel-good factor. Toe tapping optional!