Ceilidh on the Inch

Perth’s North Inch will play host to a grand outdoor ceilidh with free admission for the people of Perthshire and beyond.

Organisers, The Scottish Covenant Association have been working with Perth and Kinross Council to put on the family event on July 14.

Among the acts expected to perform will be Dancing Feet Ceilidh Band, who will be playing old favourites and a few lesser known dances, with the odd song thrown in for good measure.

Their accessible calling and friendly stage presence will ensure that everyone can join in, whatever age, whether you are a seasoned ceilidh dancer or complete novice.

Culture has always played a big part in Scottish life and in presenting the ceilidh, The Scottish Covenant Association hopes to play a small part in preserving and reviving the country’s traditions. In the line up of performers is singer, storyteller, author and poet Susi Briggs. She will be explaining why she wrote her children’s book Nip Nebs in Scots as well playing some of her own songs. Nip Nebs has been endorsed by the Robert Burns World Federation for its promotion of the Scots language for children.

Several speakers will be talking on Scotland related subjects, among them Lesley Riddoch, describing the ways she thinks Scotland could be as successful a country as the other small nations surrounding us such as The Faroes, Norway and Sweden.

The Graham Brown band, a group of seven singers and musicians playing a variety of instruments, will be taking the ceilidh into the finale with an hour of favourites such as ‘Dumbarton’s Drums’and‘I can hear the NationTonight’.

An energetic ceildih on a summer’s day wouldn’t be complete without a cool beer and Louisa Garratt, who has recently taken over Perth’s music venue The Green Room, will be running the beer tent, supplying thirsty dancers with lagers, stout and a selection of craft beers. There’s now over one hundred small brewers in Scotland, with Perthshire playing host to some of the more established breweries.

Louisa said:“I believe in supporting local economies and it’s not difficult when Perth is producing some of the most delicious, world famous, craft beers Scotland has to offer.”

Local businesses are also providing a range of goods from ice creams, coffees and burgers, to herbal creams,‘knick knacks’and Tarot cards. Cutting hair on site will be‘The ‘Singing Barber’who shall be taking a break from his‘short backs and sides’to pick up his guitar and entertain ceilidh goers with a few songs.

The Covenanter’s Ceilidh starts at 12pm, providing continuous entertainment till 6pm.