Ceilidh Culture 2006

Ceilidh Culture, Edinburgh's annual showcase of traditional arts, is held each spring.

The programme combines the best of local talent with acts from all over the world, programming local performers alongside international stars. Despite the name, the emphasis is not just on traditional music but on all the traditional arts activities taking place in Edinburgh - with all sectors of the traditional arts represented. The word 'ceilidh' originally meant 'visiting', a gathering of neighbours in a house. People would tell stories, sing and sometimes (but less often) dance - and this is exactly what Ceilidh Culture 2006 aims to have in this programme.

One of the main aims of Ceilidh Culture is to raise the profile of the city's traditional arts providers and in doing so, increase access to the traditional arts.

This year will see 154 individual performances, concerts, classes and workshops in traditional song, music, dance and storytelling taking place right across the city.

Ceilidh Culture 2006 begins on 1 April with an opening concert - 'The Bairns' Auld Reekie', which has a celebration of Edinburgh as its theme. The festival runs until 22 April with events being held in all types of venue, from pubs to concert halls such as the Usher Hall.

Literary and storytelling events

The Scottish Storytelling Centre is hosting several events during Ceilidh Culture 2006, beginning with 'Storytelling Step by Step' with Ruth Kirkpatrick, which promises to be a fun, interactive guide to telling stories, with tips for telling, remembering and imagining.  Another event hosted by the Scottish Storytelling Centre is 'The Singing Street' - an event to be enjoyed by people of all ages with songs and street rhymes, singing games and Scots children's lore past and present.

'Voicing the Story' with Janis Mackay and David Campbell will give you the chance to explore your own voice and the expressive skills which can enhance your storytelling and communication skills, and 'Moving Parts: props and simple puppets in storytelling with Ewan McVicar' is a hands-on workshop which will show you how to source and use puppets and props in your storytelling. These are just some of the storytelling events taking place during Ceilidh Culture 2006 - for more information on these and other events please visit the Ceilidh Culture website.

Other literary and spoken word events will take place as part of Ceilidh Culture, including 'April Fool Magic and Madness' with Anita Govan and friends. Anita is a dynamic performance poet who has recently published her first poetry collection, Jane, with Luath Press.

The Edinburgh Youth Gaithering

The annual Edinburgh Youth Gaitherin, part of Ceilidh Culture, is a well-established highlight in the city’s traditional music calendar. A line-up of high-profile tutors will be delivering an exciting week of traditional music, song and dance workshops for young people aged 9-18.  This four-day event takes place Monday 3 to Thursday 6 April at Bruntsfield Primary School, culminating in a ceilidh presented by the participants.  The Tuesday evening features a special fundraising concert by the tutors. 

For more information, visit the Edinburgh Yough Gaithering website, email Edinburgh Youth Gaithering or phone 0131 555 7669.

Dance events

Dance Base in the Grassmarket is holding a ceilidh dancing drop-in class on the opening day of Ceilidh Culture 2006.

There's no need to book, and it's perfect practice if you are going to any of the ceilidhs that are due to take place during the festival. There will be live music to dance to, and it's a great way to get involved in Scottish culture.

Scottish Traditions of Dance Trust is hosting two 'Have-a-go' sessions and a Grand Ceilidh as part of the festival. 'Fusion dance' taking place on 1 April is the ideal way to try some traditional dance in a not-so-traditional way, and promises to be lively and great fun! Later in the afternoon there will be the chance to learn the dances for the Grand Ceilidh Dance in the evening.

This is just a taster of the many events taking place throughout April as part of Ceilidh Culture 2006. For full information, to book tickets or to order a brochure, please visit the Ceilidh Culture website.