Children and families invited to 'cool for kids' ceilidh workshops in Black Isle communities of Munlochy and Avoch
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THREE local musicians are kicking off a tour of ceilidh workshops on the Black Isle this coming weekend.
The fun sessions, which cater for primary aged children and their families, aim to encourage participation in Scottish traditional music and dance.
Chris Rasdale, Kenny Fraser and Hugh Marwick have a busy weekend in store, as their project Cool Ceilidh for Kids gets off to a lively start.
Opening in Munlochy Village Hall on June 25, and followed by Avoch Community Centre the following day, the weekend marks the start of a series of ceilidh workshops taking place in local communities over the coming months.
“Children have really missed out on musical provision over the pandemic. We’re delighted to be able to provide this input, which will give families the chance to experience the magic of live traditional music, and hopefully inspire them to get involved in future ceilidhs." – Chris Rasdale
The workshops, featuring energetic sets from the Black Isle Ceilidh Band, will give families the chance to immerse themselves in the experience of live traditional music and have fun learning dances and songs that are part of the ceilidh repertoire.
All the workshops are free of charge, thanks to lottery funding awarded through Creative Scotland.
The ‘Cool Ceilidhs for Kids’ project has already received much praise from the local community, including messages of support from parents, teachers and councillors.
Chris, who is also a local primary school teacher, said: “Children have really missed out on musical provision over the pandemic. We’re delighted to be able to provide this input, which will give families the chance to experience the magic of live traditional music, and hopefully inspire them to get involved in future ceilidhs.”
He added: “The emphasis is on a relaxed, fun and open-minded environment. No prior experience is required and we encourage people to participate in whatever manner they feel comfortable.”
In addition to the music and dancing, many locals are also looking forward to getting together for a good old blether, with local parent councils getting involved to sell teas and coffees.
“There’s a whole social side to ceilidhs as well,” explained Kenny, the band’s fiddle player.
“We’re hoping that these events will bring together people in the community. Those living in rural areas often miss out on opportunities or have to travel to urban centres, so being able to stage events locally is incredibly important.”
Next on the trail of workshops will be the communities of North Kessock, Tore, Culbokie, Resolis and Cromarty. Following this, participants will have the opportunity to try out their newly learned skills at a big ceilidh dance planned for late October, which will be open to the wider public as well as participants.
Whistle player in the band, Hugh, commented. “We are very grateful to Creative Scotland for having seen the value in this project. This is a great way of getting young folk into traditional music and ceilidh dancing. The encouragement we’ve had so far is amazing, and we can’t wait to get everyone up on the dance floor!”
More information on Cool Ceilidhs for Kids can be found at: blackisle.band/cool-ceilidhs-for-kids
