“The SOAS Ceilidh Society was established in 2008 and has been growing ever since. It organises regular ceilidhs (evenings of traditional dances from around the British Isles) with live music from either the SOAS Ceilidh Band or other professional bands and a caller to explain how to do each of the dances. The first ceilidh with London-based Blacke Pigge Band managed to raise £100 pounds for the WaterAid Big National Ceilidh charity event.The society also runs the SOAS Ceilidh Band which, in its inaugural year, won the SOAS prize for best musical ensemble. All musicians are welcome to join the band which practices once a week; no need to be able to read music or play a ‘traditional’ Western instrument. If you’re a percussionist the society even has its own bodhran (traditional Irish drum) which you’d be welcome to use. A tunebook of the society members’ favourite tunes and songs will be available at all band practices and is available to buy from the Society Treasurer.In addition to this the SOAS Ceilidh Society runs a weekly music session in the SOAS bar where musicians, singers and fans of British folk music can bring along their favourite tunes and songs to share with the SOAS community. Society members have also been on trips to several folk concerts, gigs and ceilidhs in London and in 2010 will be repeating the fun experience of attending the Inter-Varsity Folk Dance Festival in Durham.
If you’d like to get involved in this active society you can sign up at Freshers Fair, e-mail us at soasceilidhsoc@gmail.com, join our facebook group, come to a session in the bar or just come along to our next ceilidh which will be advertised around SOAS.”
If you need a picture for the background of the link out unofficial logo is attached. I’ve also attached some pics of our previous events to jazz up the website page.
In terms of the calendar please can you change the info from 7pm start to doors at 7.30pm? Here’s a brief description for the calander – “Come along to the *FREE* first SOAS Ceilidh of the year. A ceilidh is a fun evening where you get to try your hand (and feet) at dancing traditional dances from around the British Isles. You don’t need to know how to dance - an expert caller will explain each dance at the beginning of each dance. Live music will be provided by the award winning SOAS Ceilidh Band. If you’re still confused, bring your new flatmates down to SOAS and experienece the fun of a ceilidh for yourself…”
