Ceilidh - Mickleton Village Hall

A ceilidh (pronounced kay – lee) is a traditional Scottish or Irish gathering featuring folk music, singing, dancing and local community  They are often held at wedding receptions, birthday parties, anniversaries, barn dances, Burns nights and St Patrick Day's celebrations.

We held our first Teesdale ceilidh in February 2013, a successful and memorable occasion, and have tried to organise one or two a year ever since.  The ceilidh is held in the main hall with tables and chairs around the edge to maximise the amount of floor space available for dancing.  The  band is usually on the stage with the caller free to roam around the room as, and when, necessary.  The bar is open and the kitchen supplies the hot food at the half time interval.

We are lucky to be able to draw upon local musicians and bands, playing a wide variety of instruments, such as guitar, fiddle, banjo, pipes, whistle, key board, drums, accordion etc.  The whole event is co-ordinated by the “Caller” -  a key figure who selects the dances to suit the participants, explains the steps and moves before and during the dance, and ensures that everyone can join in, regardless of age and experience.  After the customary walk-through, popular dances are often done in pairs, sets (groups) or circles to lively, upbeat tunes.  At this stage chaos often ensues, but this just adds to the fun and enjoyment of the dancers – and the frustration of the caller!

Mickleton's favourite dances include the Gay Gordons, Dashing White Sergeant, Strip the Willow, Virginia Reel,  Eva Three Step, Circassian Circle, Military Two Step, Cumberland Square Eight, Flying Scotsman, St Bernard's Waltz  -  the list is endless and we will have a go at anything!

Participants are advised to wear casual clothes and comfy shoes as the dancing can be quite hectic, and to just be prepared to join in.  After a couple of dances there is usually a short break, to recover and enjoy a drink from the well-stocked bar, before it is back to the floor again for the next session.  Ceilidh evenings are always great fun, good exercise and highly sociable events.