Ceilidh lovers rejoice!

There’s nothing quite like the spirit of a ceilidh, is there? Bagpipes boldly blaring and being surrounded by family and friends old and new, dancing into the night as you swing, skip and hop with reckless abandon. We do love a ceilidh here in the Small City Office!

Which is why we were all really excited to hear that early next month, there will be what looks set to be a rip-roaring ceilidh open to the public, to kick off the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society’s annual meeting at the Bell’s Sports Centre. Up to 500 Scottish country dancers from as far afield as Russia and Australia will be joining in the weekend’s events.

Up to 500 Scottish country dancers from as far afield as Russia and Australia will be joining in the weekend’s events.

The ceilidh will be informal, and aimed at all abilities and ages. As for the music, the John Carmichael Ceilidh Band are set to have you swinging, while Caller, John Carswell of Linlithgow Scotch Hop will have even the most tentative dancers taking to the floor.

RSCDS Chairman Helen Russell says: “We are looking forward to returning to Perth for our annual gathering. Our members, who travel from across the world to be here, really appreciate the city’s warm welcome.

Our Conference Weekend is a great opportunity for everyone to dance and enjoy the fun and friendship of Scottish country dancing, ceilidh dancing and music and we extend a warm invitation to the people of Perthshire – and further afield - to join in the fun.”

Speaking to caller John Carswell, he told me, "I hope people will have a great time - we've got all the traditional dances lined up, such as the Gay Gordon, with a few exciting additions added in.

The ceilidh is always a highlight - it brings people of all ages together. We've got the balloons and streamers ready, excellent music as always and the event is set to be bigger than ever. Everybody is welcome - it's all systems go!"

So strap on your dancing shoes, grab your sporran and ‘mon doon fir a braw time!

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The ceilidh will take place at Bells Sports Centre on Friday 2nd November, from 19:30 - 22:30. Tickets £10 (£5 under 16s) and can be purchased on the door or at the RSCDS website.