Ceilidh
Dancing Feet picture courtesy of Ben Stoney Photography
A barn dance or ceilidh is an event at which musicians perform live, mostly traditional music, with a caller giving clear, simple instructions just before and during the actual dance.
The idea is partly to mix people up a bit (dancing with 'strangers'?), to get the blood circulating and for those present to enjoy themselves a lot!
If organisers, bride/groom join in from the very start (even if they themselves have never danced before), they will encourage many other extra dancers on to the floor. Also, encourage well-known 'ring-leaders' and 'characters' (the best man, maid of honour, the mad Irish uncle, etc) to join in as early as possible.
The earliest dances are the easiest while the caller is sussing everyone out. However this is also the time when people are at their most inhibited and those watching need to see others enjoying it. These early dances can set the atmosphere for the rest of the event.
Video
Even with the best callers, not everyone gets it right first time. However, don't worry about making mistakes during dances!! Just laugh it off and keep going, it's all part of the fun and your laughter will rub off on others. Any others watching will be keener to join in, if those already dancing look like they are having a good time. Above all else, enjoy yourselves and don't be afraid to let your hair down.
We aim to entertain not educate! Our motto is "Ceol agus Craic" which
is Gaelic for "Music and Fun", which is exactly what a ceilidh is all about!
Video clip from our 'Help for Heroes' Ceilidh in Netherhampton. 2010
26 Apr 2024
Private - Lytchett- Staff Social
27 Apr 2024
Murphy's Lore Trio are returning to Steam Town Brewery, Eastleigh - A Saturday again for some folky tunes and songs. Come on down for some Craic - not just Irish but lots of great tunes and songs.
28 Apr 2024
Lymington- Twinning Association Ceilidh- Private
"Hard to express just how very special last night's celebration of our joint 70th was because of Murphy's Lore. We all had an amazing time. Looking back and looking at the photos, everyone was smiling constantly. Noeleen gave really clear and good humoured instructions that everyone could follow, including all the grandchildren. The band's playing was skilful and entertaining and the choice of dances was perfect.
Thank you so much for ' Tell Me Ma' featuring the singing of Derek's daughters. Amazing of you to be so accommodating. We had no idea that had been planned and made the evening that much more special.
I can honestly say last night was the best birthday celebration ever and as you know, we have had birthday ceilidhs before! We have had so many messages from our guests praising the band. An absolutely perfect evening. We can't thank you enough..
Jackie after a joint birthday ceilidh April 2024
"Thank you for such a superb evening the other week at Poole Masonic Hall..for such wonderful music and for a very fun evening all round. The dancing was brilliant fun and I've had very positive and glowing feedback from everyone who attended.
Ben after a Masonic ceilidh April 2024
" I wanted to have a Ceilidh for my 60th birthday and amongst my search for the right band I discovered Murphy's Lore. I can honestly say that it has been a fantastic all round experience from start to finish.
Not only has Alex been very efficient, accommodating and helpful arranging it but the performance on the night was simply brilliant. The caller, Noeleen, was just the right mix of funny, patient and clear as she explained and led us through the dances....The whole evening was filled with so much fun and laughter.I have had such great feedback from the guests too.
Thank you for making this birthday landmark special!
Renate after her Birthday ceilidh March 2024
"Thank you for a fun night of great music & dancing!
Rob after the Pavillion Dance South West Ceilidh. February 2024
"Thank you, you were brilliant and everyone loved it.
Lisa after a surprise birthday ceilidh for husband Andrew. February 2024
"A very Merry Christmas to the best Ceilidh band ever, with singer who blew us away. You are are incredible. What talents. A very well loved band, with compliments throughout the night. I will definitely be booking you again.
Alanna after her Dancin'Fit groups Christmas ceilidh.December 2024
"Thank you so much for coming - everyone had a fabulous night! Happy 🎄 Christmas to you all x.
ReDiscover Life Church ,Salisbury. December 2024
""The first Fordingbridge Ceilidh last night was a great success! Murphy's Lore gave us a feast of dance tunes, and their caller was brilliant, walking us though all the dances and then calling as we danced them. Even those who had never been to a Ceilidh before found they could dance, and everyone left smiling!"
And..
"Totally agree!!! We went as a group of 8 friends and had a really good time, the caller was amazing we couldn’t have done it without her help as we had never been to a ceilidh before"
Fordingbridge Ceilidh Club.November 2024
"A and L were telling me how it was one of the best nights ever, as they fell asleep! ... Thank you ! What a wonderful evening, MUCH appreciated by everyone !
Helen and Paula after Paula's retiremnt ceiidh.September,2023
"A big thank you for an excellent evening.
We really enjoyed ourselves!
Sandra, after a barn dance for Ferndown RBL.September,2023
"We had a fabulous evening, thank you!...Thank you - it was brilliant....Thank you so much, we absolutely loved it
x
Kay, Lizzie and Laura after Laura and Tom's wedding. September,2023