FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What is the Ceilidh Club?
It’s a place where you can get a wee bit of Scotland in London. Established in 1998 it has grown from a handful of friends and family into something bigger with ceilidhs 3-4 times per month.
2. What’s a ceilidh and how do you pronounce it?
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A ceilidh (‘kay-lee’) is the Gaelic word for gathering. If anyone can remember the days before the internet, multichannel TV, mobis, DVDs, laptops, Bluetooth, wireless and the rest, the main form of interaction between people was dancing, singing, music, poems and storytelling. The Ceilidh Club tries to recreate this.
3. Don’t you just do dancing?
Mostly we do, but through publishing ventures and online presence, we try to span the other aspects as well. We are always looking for new acts, either to play at the Ceilidh Club or to be included on our performers and contacts page. If you want more info please contact us.
4. Do I need to know the steps?
No. There is a caller who will take you through the moves. It’s fun, hot and exhilarating. It’s great for the absolute beginner to the expert.
5. What sort of people go?
All sorts: Scottish and all the nationalities under the sun. We are delighted so many people from so many different countries want to come along. Although most people are 22-45 the Ceilidh attracts people from all age groups, from babes in prams to great grandmothers. It’s about attitude, not age.
6. How much are tickets?
Prices vary. For most ceilidhs, they are £18.00 and £12 concession. Special nights (E.G. BURNS NIGHT may have different prices. Tickets are sold on a non-refundable, non-exchangeable basis. Burns night is priced differently and you should check out the Burns night page for details.
7. Should I book in advance?
Yes. The ceilidhs are now very popular and some sell out. If you are coming in a group or are arriving late or just want peace of mind then we advise booking in advance. Your name and ticket allocation will be on the door. You can then turn up any time and be assured of getting in. Other than for Burns nights concession tickets are only for sale on the door.
8. Do you have concession tickets?
Yes. Concession tickets are available on the door. They are £10 each for regular nights. Concessions are students, unemployed and retired persons. You need to produce proof of status. Burns night tickets are priced differently and you should check out the Burns night page for more info.
9. Do I get a physical ticket?
No. All tickets are virtual. Please bring along your Paypal / Stripe receipt.
10. I don’t have a Paypal account, can I still buy a ticket? Yes, Paypal let you pay with your credit or debit card. If you try to use the same card too often with them then they may try to encourage you to open up a Paypay account. This is annoying but you can usually get around it by using another card or getting someone else to buy your ticket.
10. Where is it held?
Mostly at Cecil Sharp House, 2 Regents Park Road, London NW1 7AY. Additionally, we hold them at Baden Powell House (South Kensington) and at Porchester Hall (Burns Night). One-off nights are held at alternative venues.
11. Do you have tickets on the door?
Yes, there are always some tickets for sale on the door (except for Burns ceilidhs). They go on sale at 7:00 on a first-come-first-served basis. Concession tickets are only available on the door. You also get £1 off the full door price if you wear a significant amount of tartan.
12. What is the schedule for the night?
Doors open at 7:00. Dancing starts at 8 and finishes at 11. There’s a cloakroom, well-priced bar and often a raffle.
13. What should I wear?
Something comfy for dancing – it gets warm.
14. Anything else?
Please dance with consideration of others. Report any spillages you see. Have a great time.