• 10.00am - 5.30pm
  • FREE
  • Chelsea, London
  • 10.00am - 5.30pm
  • FREE
  • Chelsea, London

Scottish Cèilidh

Revellers attending a Scottish dance party
Lace up your ghillies and get in some practice ahead of Burns Night at our special after-hours Cèilidh event.

Many traditional Scottish country dances, such as the Dashing White Sergeant or the Reel of the 51st, have names that reference the longstanding relationship between Scotland and the British Army.

To celebrate this historic connection ahead of Burns Night, join us for an evening of Scottish dancing and music at our after-hours Cèilidh.

Accompanied by a live Scottish country dance band, expert Cèilidh caller and instructor Simon Wales will lead an evening of dancing suitable for all abilities.

The Museum’s café will be open from 6.30pm until 10.00pm, serving food and drink to keep up your dancing spirits.

We'll also have archival items relating to the Scottish regiments of the British Army on display throughout the night. 

Running order

6.30pm – Doors open with access to our café 
7.30pm – First dance session begins 
8.30pm – Interval 
9.15pm – Second dance session begins
10.15pm – Event ends

About our performers

Strathallan

Strathallan Scottish Country Dance Band formed in January 2007 and quickly established a reputation for high quality and exciting dance music. Featuring Chris Oxtoby on accordion and Ann Stonehouse on fiddle, they have played at country dances, grand society balls, parties and weddings, and are equally at home with Scottish, English, Irish and American music. They'll be joined on this occasion by Jeremy Hill on keyboard.

Simon Wales

Simon Wales has over 30 years' experience calling at Ceilidhs and teaching for the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, London Branch. He works with numerous bands at weddings, parties and other social occasions. Most clients return on an annual basis for their Burns Night entertainment. Instructions are clear so that everyone, from complete novices to experienced country dancers or reelers, is guaranteed a great evening's dancing.

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