Special night of ceilidh music to get toes tapping

Two groups have announced details of an exciting ceilidh night, which welcomes two of the biggest names in Scottish traditional music.

Mid Calder Children’s Gala and Mid Calder Tartan Army (MCTA) have teamed up to put on the highly anticipated event in their local Masonic Hall on Saturday, April 15, which includes performances Ted Christopher and Robert Robertson.

Ted Christopher is one of the best known performers in the Scottish folk scene, playing in excess of 250 gigs per year, and performing in front of crowds of up to 20,000 both at home and across the globe.

He made headlines back in 1996, when he teamed up with children from Dunblane to record number one platinum selling charity single ‘Knocking on Heaven’s Door’, as a protest song which played a significant part in persuading the government to totally ban handguns in the UK.

Former MG Alba - up and coming artist of the year, Robert Robertson, is best known as ex-frontman from popular Highland band Skipinnish, where he performed to packed festivals and venues across Europe, as well as enjoying chart success with singles‘Walking on the Waves’and‘The Island’.

Robert has received critical acclaim both for his singing and his live performances from across the globe, and his new band Tide Lines have been tipped for big things in 2017.

Ted and Robert will be joined by young Livingston band 5 Strings who are ecstatic to be involved in the event.

“We grew up listening to Skipinnish and are big fans of Robert’s material”, said singer Ewan Wilson.

“We can’t wait to play on this line-up.”

The evening will welcome a fantastic mix of acoustic and ceilidh music as well as a raffle to raise funds for both groups and local charities.

Ross Coutts, MCTA president, said he is expecting a busy crowd.

He said:“Whenever we’re putting on an event, the idea of a ceilidh always seems to crop up.

“There is certainly demand for traditional Scottish music in the area, but it’s something that isn’t too common.

“So it’s fair to say we’re delighted we’ve managed to get such renowned artists for the event.

“It’s going to be a huge night for Mid Calder.”

And Judith Chalmers from Mid Calder Gala is also excited to be involved.

She said:“We’ve been planning this night for ages, so it’s great to finally reveal details.

“It’s quite an intimate venue as well, as the hall only holds 100, so we’re expecting it to sell out quickly.”

Tickets are available to buy from www.billetto.co.uk, or by contacting either the Mid Calder Gala, or Tartan Army committee.

The groups are also looking for local businesses to donate prizes to the raffle, interested parties should contact info@tartanarmy.org.uk.