Bhangra Ceilidh

A joyful social dance event fusing the irresistible moves of ceilidh and bhangra dancing with uplifting live music.

Under band leader and composer Kuljit Bhamra MBE, with a dazzling lineup of musicians, the live sounds of tabla, melodeon and fiddle come alive in this cross-cultural aural treat. Our bhangra ceilidhs feature specially composed tunes from Kuljit and accordionist Becky Price, drawing from both vibrant traditions and designed to get people dancing! Trailblazing dance callers guide participants through the moves using gender-free instructions; these dances are suitable for everyone and a great way to meet new people.

Kuljit and Becky met whilst working with the National Youth Folk Ensemble (NYFE) and produced an album of new bhangra ceilidh music, which was launched on 2 November 2024 at Cecil Sharp House in the first social dance event presented by English Folk Dance and Song Society and Keda Music. For this special night, they lead a band of brilliant young musicians brought together from alumni of the National Youth Folk Ensemble, with specialist Indian instrumentalists and interval spots from morris and bhangra dancers.

Kuljit explains, "At my first NYFE retreat, I realised how similar English folk and Punjabi Folk styles are – especially the dance tunes. Their structures and symmetry are almost identical, so the idea came to me of combining the two worlds. I was excited by the notion that creating a ceilidh band comprising Indian and English folk instruments would appeal to both cultures. I could imagine a social dance event where people from both backgrounds danced together: British Indians who had never been to a ceilidh before and ceilidh audiences that might not have seen Indian instruments before. The event was a huge success and people are asking for more!"

Bhangra - (pronounced bang-ra. bung-ra or pungara as in ‘bun’) is a popular music and dance originating from folk traditions in the Punjab. It has developed further in Britain over the recent decades and is enjoyed at celebrations, festivals, weddings and community events throughout the Punjabi and Indian communities worldwide.

Ceilidh – (pronounced kay-lee) is a traditional social dancing event with live music. It’s a Scottish Gaelic word that is used in England as well as Scotland. Ceilidhs are also danced at celebrations, festivals, weddings and community events as they are very accessible to new dancers.

Presented by EFDSS

Read an interview with Kuljit Bhamra in EDS, April 2025

In summer 2025, we delivered Bhangra Ceilidhs for all generations at two outdoor festivals in London - Greenwich Park and Kings Cross Summer Sounds, both presented by Arts Trust.

"Bhangra Ceilidh had everyone smiling, dancing and joining in. Together, they created a joyful, memorable experience that left the whole audience buzzing." - King'sCross Summer Sounds