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 us all 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!

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!