In Glasgow Ceilidh news this summer, we have been fortunate to secure a great run of events with Merchant Square. At the epicentre of Glasgow’s happening bar and night-life, Merchant Square also has another side to its events: the conference event takeover!

Glasgow Convention Bureau do a great job of attracting large conferences to the city. And by good job, I mean they have been named top conference bureau in the UK 12 years running by the Meeting and Incentive Travel Awards. 

Over the course of each summer, conference organisers are looking to find a venue that can easily accommodate a conference audience of up to 1500 people. 1500 people that descend at once, sit down for dinner, and then watch Scottish culture come alive through music and dancing, as a highlight of the conferences Social Program, which are often at the Scottish Event Campus.

Merchant Square’s range of dining establishments closes for the night to allow for the conference events. Black Box Pro Audio set up a stage, lighting and PA system.

The band who have been asked back time and time again are the rock-and-pop Ceilidh band Scraggly Cats. Their simple ceilidh dancing walk-throughs work well for uninitiated ceilidh clients. This is especially relevant with conference audiences, where the band deals with up to 1500 ceilidh rookies at the same time. 

To vary the entertainment and allow for a mix between Scottish cultural dancing and pure pop and rock, then band then plays a set of pop and rock classics. This is a specially curated mix of tunes that are recognised worldwide!

The 2019 conferences at Merchant Square are:

12th June – Offshore Mechanics & Arctic Engineering (OMAE), 1000 guests

10th July – CAP Partner – Federation of European Microbiologists (FEMS) 2019 Congress of European Microbiologists, 800 guests

18th July – International Society for Molecular Plant-Microbe (ISMPMI), 1300 guests

1st Aug – International Nuclear Physics Conference (INPC) 2019, 800 guests

4th Sept – European Conference on Applied Superconductivity (EUCAS) 2019, 1000 guests

8th Oct – The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)’s International Ultrasonics Symposium (IUS) 2019, 1000 guests

5900 people from 36 countries over 6 nights in Glasgow Ceilidh dancing. Strangers coming together in an embrace of Scottish culture across disciplines, nations, and languages. Resulting in 8 spectacular nights.

Thanks to Black Box Audio for the amazing sound and light for the events, and to Jenni and the Merchant Square Team for putting the conference events on.

 

We had a great time at ceilidh number 5, the EUCAS conference on the 4th September. The attendees were enthusiastic and great fun. Without much ceilidh dancing experience, they got stuck in and danced their lab coats off. Check out some of the fun from that night below:

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What is a ceilidh? While some people are very familiar with the idea of a Ceilidh…. others are not so.  Let’s start at the beginning:

Traditionally it is a gathering or social event, and it didn’t necessarily involve any dancing.  These days a Ceilidh is a sociable way to bring people together involving Scottish music and dance.

Children ceilidh, old people ceilidh, people with disabilities ceilidh.  It is an inclusive Scottish past time. It’s fun. It’s good to stimulate your blood flow and coordination.  It makes you more attractive (probably!).

How do you pronounce the word?

For those unfamiliar with a ceilidh, just the thought of asking about a ceilidh can be a little daunting!  How do you pronounce it?  Simply put, it is said, “Kay-lee” or ‘K LEE’. It is a Gaelic word meaning a gathering.  To ceilidh you will need: some coordination, a sense of fun and a bit of energy (various dance intensities for different energy levels)

Why might I choose to have a ceilidh?

A ceilidh is much more than simply enjoying Scotland’s musical heritage.  It is a great way to get people up and dancing.  It is a fantastic way to meet people and interact in an informal way.

What is its role in Scottish culture?

Most people in Scotland know how to ceilidh dance.  We were taught in gym lessons at school.  It is often used to bring together two sides of a family at a wedding to start the party, or as a celebration at a work, Christmas or corporate party.

Where can we listen to ceilidh music? 

Watch our modern ceilidh video of Contemporary Scottish Music Over 160000 other people have! 

Listen to funky ceilidh band audio at our ceilidh soundcloud

Online:  Have a look through our ceilidh band website for pictures, audio and media streams. 

To Download a track for non commercial use.  Watch this space! coming soon!  

Where can I find ceilidh music for commercial use?

If you are working in TV, radio, advertising, and are looking to license or commission a piece of ceilidh music then get in touch.  We have worked with various brands, TV shows and films to help create the Scottish mood.  We even scrubbed up pretty well to feature on ‘This September’ with Charles Dance!

My boyfriend is taking me reeling, what should I do?

Watch some videos, get yourself a reeling partner and let them know that this is your first dance! Also see ‘what shoes’ below.  Please note that reeling and ceilidh dancing although similar, are different.  More on that in our next blog post! 

Can anyone get involved in a ceilidh?

Anyone can ceilidh dance. It’s simple, but fun and energetic.  The key to ceilidh dancing is having a band that has a caller. There are various types of ceilidh band, from traditional ceilidh bands (usually with accordion or fiddle (violin) leading the sound)  to modern bands with bagpipes, synthesizer  and kit drums.  The most important thing for a beginner ceilidh audience is getting a ceilidh caller ( this is the person who explains the different dances to the guests).

There are lots of different ceilidh dances, from Gay Gordon’s to the Dashing White Seargent.  Some are fast, some are slow. Some are for couples (or two friends!!) and some are done as group dances.

The key is getting a balance of dancing, fun, crowd participation and team building.

How many ceilidh dances will we do? 

The answer is different depending on your audience. Some groups will ceilidh dance all night long, under the right ceilidh instruction. Some conference groups, who may have never experienced ceilidh before may like 4 or 5 dances.  There are some bands, such as the Scraggly Cats, who are well versed in mixing the evenings entertainment up between our traditional ceilidh dancing, and Modern pop and rock.  This gives the event organiser the flexibility on the evening to vary between the traditional Scottish element, and guests letting their hair down at a conference or incentive event.

What is the most appropriate ladies Ceilidh footwear? 

Though shalt go to the ceilidh ball. 2 pairs, one for arriving at the ball, the other for dancing.  It can be very fast paced spinning, turns and skipping.  So appropriate pretty flat shoes are a winner.  Also bear in mind you may have had a drink by the dancing stage!

Ceilidh dancers

When there is a large group, whether a conference of 1000 people, an incentive event of 500, or a corporate group visiting Scotland for the first time.  It is often handy to have some professional ceilidh dancers to come in and help keep some order on the dancefloor.

The Scottish dancers can often offer a showpiece spectacle, which can lead nicely into the guests dancing for themselves.  The dance routines can be traditionally Scottish, with highland fling and sword dance.  Alternatively for a more contemporary Scottish event, there are also dancers performing contemporary choreographed routines in mini kilts, before helping out a conference delegation.

I don’t think my guests will ceilidh dance!

There are some events that guests ceilidh participation is not on the cards! Maybe there is no space at your venue to get everyone dancing. Maybe the demographic of your crowd is such that you don’t feel they will dance (we had a great night with 100 Turkish men!! We didn’t think it would work either!!)

If you want to give the guests a great Scottish show, which mixes things up between traditional Scottish sounds and dancing.  Along with modern rock ceilidh, then have a look at Tartanium.

Next in the ceilidh dancing series: What is the difference between traditional and modern ceilidh bands?  

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The New Tracks

The band have recorded one Roddy’s favourite childhood tunes: Appropriate Dipstick.  Originally recorded by Wolfstone, this track is thought by many to be at the forefront of Celtic Rock.  Have a listen to the Reel Time Band’s recording of the track on Soundcloud.  They have also just finished recording the Congress Reel set which we would definitely recommend you have a listen to on Soundcloud too!

Performing the New Tracks

This week the Reel Time Ceilidh Band had a chance to perform their new tracks at The Hub, Edinburgh.  They were entertaining a group of microbiologists who were in Edinburgh for a conference at the EICC.  The international guests relished the opportunity to enjoy the cultural experience of Scottish ceilidh dancing with the band.

You can also hear the Reel Time Band’s version of Appropriate Dipstick on Reel Time’s Highland games video.

Interested in hearing more about the new album?

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to keep up to date with the band and hear the news about our new album!

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Crieff Hydro

The Scraggly Cats entertained at Crieff Hydro, with an audience of 400 guests enjoying a rocking ceilidh and some pop anthems from the band in the build up to the bells.  Guests came from far and wide to enjoy a Highland Hogmanay, including visitors from London, Ireland and Canada.  The party continued with the in house DJ until 6am, it was a party to be remembered.

Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club

The Reel Time Ceilidh Band put a black tie gala dinner at Dalmahoy through their ceilidh dancing paces.  The band were joined by Lauren, one of our Highland dancers, and Steph the DJ, as well as a special pipe band performance at midnight to bring in the New Year.

Perth Racecourse

We arranged for another fantastic ceilidh band to entertain guests at Perth Racecourse as part of their Hogmanay celebrations.  The event took place over two floors, with a DJ on the ground floor and the ceilidh taking place upstairs.

The Reel Time Band would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year, and look forward to plenty of ceilidhs in 2017!

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The Reel Time Ceilidh Band entertained festive revellers at the first Dalmahoy Christmas party of the year.  As well as groups of family and friends, there were also several corporate groups celebrating Christmas with their teams.  Including the John Clark Motor Group and Quintiles. The evening started with welcome drinks before guests sat down to enjoy a delicious festive meal.  Steph, one of Reel Time’s fantastic DJ’s, entertained with music during dinner.  This really helped everyone to get into a Christmas mood, ready to get the party started!

The Reel Time Ceilidh band performed funky ceilidh sets which got everyone on their feet, and the DJ played plenty of popular tunes. The dance floor was packed all evening and a good time was definitely had by all.

The Reel Time Band are looking forward to playing more over the next few weeks in the run up to Christmas.  They have several more Christmas parties at Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club, which they know will be as sucessful as the first.  This is also a busy time for our DJ’s, who are providing the entertainment at Christmas Parties at some of Scotland’s top venues.  Including The Hub, The Glasshouse, the Botanics, the Assembly Rooms and Glasgow Science Centre.

Hogmanay

And it’s not just Christmas that we are counting down to; Hogmanay is not far away!  The Scraggly Cats are excited to have been invited back to perform at the Crieff Hydro celebrations, and we are providing ceilidh bands for Perth Racecourse, the Glasshouse and Douneside House in Aberdeenshire.  Dalmahoy will also be bringing in the New Year in style with a ceilidh band, dancers, DJ and even a pipeband.

Modern Ceilidh band 

Still looking for ideas of ways to spend Hogmanay? Why not have a look at what the amazing packages these top hotels have on offer, and bring in the New Year with Reel Time!

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The new ceilidh band website has been launched!  The updated and easy to navigate site contains some great new audio and video.  Each of the four Reel Time bands has their own page so that we can introduce you to them, and give you the opportunity to really get a feel for what each band does, and what it could add to your occasion.

Whether you are looking for a funky ceilidh band for wedding entertainment. Or a Scottish showpiece stage performance for a large corporate event. The Reel Time Band have the perfect option.  From folk to rock; blasting bagpipes and furious fiddles to relaxed back ground music, there is a Reel Time band for you!

Which Band to choose: Funky Ceilidh, Folk, Pop Mix or Showstopping Scottish Showcase?  Our Ceilidh band website can guide you through the options. 

Have a look through the pages on the website and decide which band best suits your needs.  You will find audio clips to listen to as well as video clips to watch, this should give you more of a feel for each band.  Do feel free to give Reel Time Events a call or drop them an email; they would be happy to chat through any of the options and make suggestions.  Not only do they know they bands well, but they also know most of the venues in Edinburgh, Glasgow and throughout Scotland.

Reel Time Events will be happy to assist with all your entertainment needs to help create a perfect event.  Maybe you need a welcome piper, or perhaps you would like the gentlemen fitted in kilts? A whisky tasting experience? Does your event require a bar, or branded reception table?  Reel Time Bars will be able to help.  Just ask Reel Time.

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