Chilled Queer Ceilidh

This fun ceilidh, led by Queer Folk, has been created to make the experience more enjoyable for people who may not feel comfortable attending a busy and fast-paced night-time ceilidh.

Everyone is welcome and encouraged to dance with anyone they choose, in any role, regardless of their gender – as you are guided through each dance. You don’t need any previous experience, and you can come by yourself, with a partner, or with friends or family!.

More information and what to expect from the Chilled Queer Ceilidh:

• No experience is necessary to participate.
• Calling (the simple dance instructions called out loud by an expert dance teacher) will not use gendered terms as descriptions.
• Dances are at a gentle, relaxed pace.
• Some of the dances involve hand-holding and contact with others but this is entirely optional.
• Capacity limited to 80 people dancing in the large hall (21m x 12m). There will be plenty of space for wheelchair users to move around.
• There will also be space to sit and watch the dancing or have a rest, on both benches and chairs with back support around the room.
• There will be pauses of 5-10 minutes between dances and an interval of 40 minutes to allow time for refreshments and rest.
• Feel free to opt in and out of dances as much as you feel comfortable - you can stop at any point.
• There will be good visibility in our iconic Kennedy Hall, with the curtains open and artificial lighting of the entire space.
• There will be chilled live music at a gentle volume. Our Front of House team can provide earplugs on request.
• Families and accompanied children are welcome.
• A dedicated quiet room is available.

You can get in touch with Queer Folk or the Cecil Sharp House team in advance if you have any questions or want to talk about the event, and you’ll be able to speak to our knowledgeable caller (person giving dance instructions) on the day if you want to check in about anything.

Our friendly Front of House team will be at the event to answer questions and guide you to our facilities.

If you would like to speak to one of our team about your access requirements in advance of your visit, please contact us on [email protected] or 020 7485 2206.

More access information can be found here.

At the English Folk Dance and Song Society, we believe in the power of inclusivity and are committed to creating an open and accessible environment for audiences, participants, visitors and staff. Everyone is welcome at Cecil Sharp House.

Age recommendation:

This event is suitable for all ages. Children aged 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Presented by EFDSS and Queer Folk.

This ticket price includes a 50p building levy.