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.
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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!
6 Jun 2026
Murphy's Lore Trio plus Richard on Squeeze box will be performimg at a fundraiser ceilidh for Christchurch RNLI. Tickets £27.50 inc fish and chip supper and booking fee - BYO drinks Event Brite Tickets
13 Jun 2026
Wimborne Minster Folk Festival weekend
14 Jun 2026
Afternoon - Ceilidh in the Square Back for Wimborne Minster Folk Festival. A free to all ceilidh in the Square. 2.15-3.30 pm. A great afternoon .
Evening - Murphy's Lore Trio return to the Greenman, Wimborne to see out the Festival from 5pm
Thank you for another excellent evening of music and dancing.....A great evening and amazing band!
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Anna and Ann after St.John's anniversary barn dance, May 2026
Always enjoy your barn dances, fantastic group of musicians and Noeleen is a great caller. See you in September!!
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Moira, after May's Drop the Anchor Brewery Barn dance. May 2026
Thank you so much for Saturday, you guys were brilliant and we had the most amazing evening!!
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Rebecca, after her husband's Birthday Barn Dance, May 2026
Many thanks to Murphy's Lore Ceilidh for a fabulously entertaining evening of song and dance… plenty of galloping and skipping and a good time had by all
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Geraldine, after Highclere Village Social, April 2026
Thank you so much for making Emma and Sam's wedding evening such a fantastically fun evening. We had a really great time.
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Anne, after Emma and Sam's wedding ceilidh, April 2026
Thank you so much for the barndance for the youth orchestra on Monday. It was fantastic. The dances were great for our range of students and got them mixing superbly. To see our youngest Y5 student dancing with one of our tallest 6th formers was a sight to behold!
The whole evening was simply brilliant - I don’t think I recall one before when everyone joined in every single dance.
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Gill, after a barn dance for Hampshire Youth Orchestra, March 2026
I was very lucky to attend your Ceilidh at the Allendale in Wimborne recently I’ve attended quite a few, but this one was really special - both in the dance selection, music and the great caller.. "
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Kay, afert the poole Africa Link Ceilidh, Feb 2026
We felt so pleased to be able to book you for our event! Guaranteed to please! Everyone had a brilliant time!
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Cindy, after a Burns celebration with 'Dorset Hash House Harriers', Jan 2026
Thank you so much for a brilliant afternoon/eve!! Xxx
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Mandy, after a joint Birthday celebration for herself and daughter Malaika, Jan 2026
Great night! Never disappointed when Murphy’s Lore bring the party vibes!❤️😘
Thanks Murphy's Lore Ceilidh for such a great night, everyone had the best time at our Dorset SUP Charity Christmas Party 2025 with Murphy's Lore Ceilidh Band
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Cindy and Matt, after Dorset SUP fundraiser for Colourworks, December 2025