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!
27 Sep 2025
Private- Canford- Wedding Ceilidh
28 Sep 2025
Folk Orc Workshop at Coda Music Centre, Walkford, Christchurch, BH23 5QL
Noeleen and Alex will be helping tutor and local musician Chris Hopgood out with this workshop day and providing some musical entertainment during the lunch break.
Ticket and info link
4 Oct 2025
St.Andrew's Salisbury- Fundraiser for Friends of St.Andrew's Church Road, Laverstock. SP1 1QX 6-10 pm. £10 adults, £5 under 12's dancing starts 6.30. tickets info fosalaverstock@gmail.com or Ticket and info link
From the very first note, the Murphy's Lore Ceilidh had us all tapping our toes, clapping our hands, and moving our legs with joy – the music filled the barn and the atmosphere was electric. Thank you to the fantastic musicians who gave us not just songs, but memories to treasure.
"
Ukraine Relief, Bournemouth, after a fundraiser, September 2025
Was an amazing night! You were absolutely brilliant 🤩 definitely recommend you to play as it got everyone up to dance the night away X
"
Tracey,after a birthday do for her husband and daughter, August 2025
Hi Murphy's Lore.
We just wanted to say many thanks to you for providing the music and dance at our 40th wedding anniversary barn dance last Saturday, 19th July. The whole evening was excellent and we keep having friends say how they enjoyed the music and dancing
"
Richard and Carolyn after their anniversary ceilidh. July 2025
Just wanted to say thank you to everyone at Murphy's Lore for Saturday night - you were fantastic and absolutely made the day. We had lots of first time ceilidh-ers who were sceptical before it began and they kept telling me how much fun they were having!
"This really was the most fun evening. Great energy and enthusiasm . What happy memories we will all have of all that laughter"
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Heidi and Anna, after Heidi and Alex's wedding ceilidh, June,2025
Thank you all for such a fab evening last night, we absolutely loved it. It was so much fun, so inclusive and really infectious fun. You are all very talented and amazing at what you do.
We’d definitely love to go to one of your events again!
Enjoy the holidays,
"
Catherine, after her birtday ceilidh, April 2025
It was a fabulous evening! Thank you so much for the wonderful joyful music. Noeleen’s excellent calling skills resulted in lots of people keen to get up and dance! It was such a fun night. Looking forward to doing it again!
It was such a great night and we were both touched that you remembered our wedding reception!
Thank you to all the band and especially managing us all in such a tight space. We hadn't anticipated so many dancers up on the floor! Look forward to seeing you again sometime 😀
"
Jane and Anna, after St.Jame's PFA Ceilidh fundraiser evening barn dance for the school, March 2025
Thank you so much for a great evening. Thoroughly enjoyed a good fun night. Hope to see you at 'The Soldier' and of course Wimborne Folk Fest. You were amazing 👏 ❤️ xx
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Michelle, after her celebration, March 2025
"Thank you so much, what a fabulous evening! Well done everyone!!! ❤️ x Until next time!!!!!……. 🤗 "
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Friends of St
.Andrew's after a fundraising barn dance for the school,February 2025
What a great evening, we all enjoyed ourselves.. Big shout to everyone
Involved for putting on a lovely evening👏👏🤩
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Leon Devereux after Burns Night celidh in Woodgreen. January 2025
"I can’t thank you all enough! What a wonderful evening."
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Aileen after her birthday ceilidh. January 2025
"Thankyou so much for last night. You guys were literally incredible and my husband Will was over the moon.
Beautiful playing and the instruction of the dances was perfect and so clear too. Will definitely be booking you guys for my 40th in 1.5 years! "
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Gina after her husband Will's Birthday celebration,December 2024
Thank you so much for making my 60th birthday absolutely wonderful for me and all my family and friends. I'm quite glad loads didn't turn up as we would have had to go out of the fire doors into the carpark!! It was just great to see almost everyone getting up and dancing and as you've undoubtedly heard a thousand times - even those who never dance, got up and enjoyed themselves.
I have had messages this morning from people saying what a wonderful evening it was and that I should hold an annual event!!! ....Once again, thank you so much you were fantastic.
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Sarah after her Birthday celebration,November 2024
Another great fun night with Murphy's Lore Ceilidh , very busy dance floor!
....Thankyou so much for an incredible night! Such fun as always, it was great dancing with my Niece too as she had so much fun! .
Great cause, amazing night. well done all that organised Murphy's Lore Ceilidh you are fabulous, second time I've been to an event with you guys, each time I have laughed and danced so much, also great excuse to get the cowboy hats out .. see you again soon !
..A fabulous evening as always thankyou! Nearly as amazing as my wedding you did in 2004! The highlight was seeing my youngest daughter have so much fun dancing nearly every dance! Always a pleasure and so many laughs! Until next time!"
Alison, Louisa, Dawn and Rachel after a fundraising barn dance for Ukraine Relief, November 2024
A Brilliant evening,Thank you ..A great evening "
Sally and Christine after a barn dance at Boscombe Salvation Army, October 2024
Murphy's Lore Ceilidh you are amazing and I had the best party ever
Thank you so much for making my retirement party so much fun
Everyone who was there said it was fantastic..Thank you so much "
June after her retirement party, October 2024
It was fantastic!! Loved every minute x
....Brilliant as usual and such great fun. Smiles and laughter all around. Thanks again! "
Gjald and Renate after Drop the Anchor Barn Dance, September 2024
You gave us a brilliant night! My Mum & Dad (Jennifer and Peter) loved every minute, as did all our little ones! Thank you for being so great at including everyone! Your band are fantastic too, Joanna x"
Joanne after her Mum and Dad's Anniversary ceilidh,September 2024
Hi Alex - thank you and the band and Noeleen SO much for the most fabulous evening on Saturday. Everyone really enjoyed it and thought you were all great! We saw the great piece you put in FB and insta - please feel free to tag me :-) Til the next time! Cx "
Catherine after her Birthday ceilidh, August 2024