NEW FOR 2024: Ever fancied having a go at playing in a ceilidh band? Or playing for a ceilidh on a festival stage? The Hedgehog’s Skin ceilidh band and caller Joey Oliver will be leading an Open Ceilidh Band on Friday 23rd August for the first part of the evening ceilidh – and you’re invited to join in!
There’s a tunes list with audio files and sheet music available to look at in advance of the week, and an optional opportunity to play through them together ahead of the ceilidh in an informal session on Friday lunchtime. Or feel free to just turn up and join in on the night – the band will let you know which tunes are coming up next so you can join in with the ones you know.
Tunes will be played by ear and only The Hedgehog’s Skin will be amplified, so participants will be free to drop in and out of the band as they wish and experience the joy of playing for dancing, listening to the other musicians and watching the dancers. (You don’t have to be note-perfect, having the chance to experience playing for dancing is more important!)
The ceilidh starts at 8.30pm at Whitby Pavilion, and the Friday lunchtime tunes playthrough will be 1pm-3pm at Whitby Rugby Club. The Open Ceilidh Band part of the evening will run until 10pm, followed by more ceilidh dancing with Frog on a Bike and caller Sue Coe.
(Please note you will need a ticket to get in to the ceilidh – event tickets can be purchased on the door if you don’t already have a day or season ticket.)