WinQeilidh logo

Lively, energetic folk dancing for everyone!

Ceilidh, also known as barn dancing, emphasises the sociability of dances. Everyone is encouraged to dance with each other. The dances we do come primarily from an English tradition, but also French, American, Scottish, Irish, and more. Because everyone dances with everyone, you don't need to come with anyone -- but you're welcome to come with a group of friends!

See videos and more on our social media:

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World-class leaders!

At the core of WinQeilidh are Louise Siddons and Linda Game. Louise teaches and calls dances across the UK, US, and Europe, and Linda is an internationally celebrated folk fiddle player (and a classically-trained violinist!). We moved to Winchester in 2022, and decided to start a dance series in walking distance of home. At each of our dances, Linda is joined by one or more additional musicians, so you're guaranteed an incredible live band!

Winchester School of Art 2023 Welcome Week ceilidh

What kind of dances do we do?

It really depends on the night, but we might do barn dances from English and American traditions, contra or Playford dances, Irish or Scottish ceilidh dances, Scandinavian or other international folk dances, French/bal dances, Irish sets, American swing, or couple dances like waltz and polka. We might even invent our own dances!

Who goes?

WinQeilidh dances are open to everyone (under 14s must be accompanied by an adult), and we strive to be as accessible as possible, although regrettably our current venue does not have a lift. We also welcome enquiries from musicians of any age who have experience playing for folk dance.

What does it cost?

Our regular series is £10 for the general public and just £5 for students or those who need to pay a little less. We're also grateful for supporters who pay £15.


Sound Winchester 2024 Launch Event ceilidh

Why the 'Q' in WinQeilidh?

More and more across the country, ceilidhs are being taught and called gender-free -- in other words, the language we are using is reflecting the reality that all of us enjoy dancing with friends, family members, partners, and people we've only just met! They've become known as queer ceilidhs, and in this context, queerness isn't necessarily about who you partner with in a romantic way (although WinQ is queer-led and enthusiastically welcomes LGBTQ+ folk of all stripes!), it's about rethinking how we relate to one another as a community, pushing back against social pressure to separate into cliques based on age, ethnicity, class, gender, school... WinQeilidh welcomes everyone, encourages consent culture, and teaches dancing without making assumptions about dancers.

When and where is WinQ?

In 2024-25, we're dancing from 7-9pm on the dates listed below. We meet at the Nutshell, 15 Kings Walk, Winchester. It's most easily accessible via public transport, but there is also public parking nearby.

Don't forget to find and follow us on social media for reminders about upcoming dances!

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Want to join our mailing list? Email us at winqeilidh(at)gmail.com asking to sign up and we'll send you announcements directly about upcoming dances! Don't worry, we don't share your information with others.