A FOOT-stomping ceilidh will attract folk music aficionados to Worcester’s Guildhall.

It is hoped the social dance, which takes place at the High Street venue on Saturday, will also entice complete beginners who have never before experienced the traditional Gaelic get-together.

“It’s like a mini-festival,” said organiser Ian Craigan, who said that people would be able to talk with friends, watch live folk bands and join in with group dances.

“It’s going to be a wonderful celebration. All the dances will be explained so you don’t need to know anything before you arrive. Just turn up and have fun.”

Ceilidhs, which are similar to English barn dances, have become popular across the UK in recent years and the Guildhall event is part of the Big National Ceilidh, when places all over the country will simultaneously host ceilidhs.

The idea was conceived by David Oliver, chair of Folk Arts England, who personally inspired Mr Craigan to host the Worcester event.

“We know David through the folk scene and he was staying with us,” said Mr Craigan, of Lechmere Crescent, St John’s.

“Over a glass a wine, he mentioned that he was planning this event and we immediately set about putting something on locally.”

At 10pm, thousands of people will dance the Circassian Circle at the same time as all the bands play the traditional tune. In Worcester, Mr Craigan will call out the steps to keep everyone in time.

Bands set to play are the Whole Caboodle Electric Ceilidh Band, Horizon Lights, Angelcynn, Foxtail Soup and the Compost Band. There will be a licensed bar, quiz and raffle and, like all of the registered ceilidhs, it will raise money for the charity WaterAid.

For tickets, which cost £6, call 01905 429151. For more details about the Big National Ceilidh, visit bignationalceilidh.co.uk.

What is a ceilidh?

Pronounced ‘kay-lee’, a Ceilidh is a lively, social gathering.

They originate from Ireland and Scotland and are similar to English barn dances.

Traditionally, dance was not a requirement but drinking, singing and storytelling were.

Everyone is encouraged to join in with fast, lively country dances, such as the Circassian Circle, the Flying Scotsman and The Britannia Twostep.