Music and television stars line up to become ceilidh dancing champions
Stars of Scotland's trad music scene and Gaelic broadcasting will gather later this month to compete in a ceilidh dancing dance off all in aid of charity.
Article Source: Eilidh’s Trust
Last Updated: 10 January 2024 10:07
Artists such as BBC presenter and Gaelic singer Joy Dunlop, Royal National Mòd gold medallists Emma MacLeod and Alasdair Whyte, actor, author and filmmaker Dòmhnall Eòghainn MacKinnon, Trail West’s drummer Andrew Findlater and BBC newsreader Karen Elder will don their tartan and sequins to vie to be crowned the Strictly Come Ceilidh Dancing champion on Saturday 20 January.
They will be joined by musician Abigail Pryde of Heron Valley, piper Lorne McDougall, whose work has been featured in the Disney film Brave and on Doctor Who, and BBC sport’s Ali Govig Maclennan. Further dancers are to be announced.
The event, taking place at Glasgow University Union, will also raise funds for the Eilidh MacLeod Memorial Trust, a youth music charity established in memory of the 14-year-old from the Isle of Barra who was a victim of the 2017 Manchester Arena attack.
This is the second Strictly Come Ceilidh Dancing competition with the first having been held in early 2020.
Dancers will compete in four rounds, putting their skills to the test across a range of ceilidh dances from waltzes to a schottische. They will then be scored by judges on the night who will be Tide Lines front man Robert Robertson, world-renowned Highland dancer Rachel McLagan and Gaelic singer and actor Darren Maclean. The highest scoring dancing couple will step away with the prized 2024 trophy.
The dancers will perform to the sound of accordionist Martainn Skene and fiddler Jamie Macdonald, who have come together to form the Strictly Come Ceilidh Dancing band.
Comperes will be Harris gin ambassador Iona Cairns and competition organiser Donald Maroot MacLeod. He said: “We are thrilled to bring Strictly Come Ceilidh Dancing back after a break due to the pandemic. This will be a night full of fun and laughter for all the family and guaranteed to beat the January blues.
“We have secured a stellar line up who will attempt to put their best feet forward to test their footwork with the Highland Schottische, Canadian Barn Dance and many other ceilidh dance favourites. I am excited to see who will be crowned king and queen of the dancefloor as the competition is likely to be fierce. I am so grateful that so many talented people have made time for this event which will not only be entertaining but also raise money for youth music charity Eilidh’s Trust.”
Singer Emma MacLeod commented: “I am looking forward to getting onto the dance floor, having some fun and raising money for this great charity. I’ve been training for this my whole life and I am confident that my skills will kick in as soon as the ceilidh band strikes up.”
Judge Robert Roberston of Tide Lines added: “There’s been a fair bit of trash talking going on already between the dancers so it’s set to be a highly competitive affair which might make it a tough job for us as judges! Thankfully we’ll have the audience to help us keep the peace and decide who will walk away as ceilidh dancing king and queen 2024.”
Paul Hughes of Eilidh’s Trust thanked the organisers for their support. He said: “What better way to get 2024 off to a fun and entertaining start than seeing some of Scotland’s biggest names in trad music and broadcasting put their dancing skills to the test and public judgement. We are very grateful to the organisers and all the participants for raising money to support our work with young musicians, therefore it’s very appropriate that we benefit from an event that has music and dance at its heart. We wish all the dancers the best of luck.”
Strictly Come Ceilidh Dancing will take place at Glasgow University Union on Saturday 20 January 2024 at 7.30pm. Ticket prices will be £15 for adults and £5 for under 18s. Children are most welcome but u16 need to be accompanied by an adult. Tickets are available at the event.
Sponsored Links
Latest Glasgow News
Take Me Somewhere Festival unveils 3 powerful performances ahead of full festival announcement
Three powerful performances by internationally acclaimed artists Dan Daw, Cherish Menzo and collective MEXA are revealed, in anticipation of full festival announcement on Tuesday 29th July.
READ MORE
Free travel for Armed Forces Day
First Bus offers free travel to all current serving members, veterans and cadets for Armed Forces Day celebrations across its network.
READ MORE
FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores returns on 5th and 6th July
Summerfest, the FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores, is back on the 5th and 6th of July with lots of things to see and do!
READ MORE
Play more, spend less at Topgolf Glasgow this Summer
Topgolf Glasgow is dialling up the fun with a fresh range of value offers launching throughout the summer, helping players maximise their experience by giving them more for less!
READ MORE
11 year old Rachel Ronnie to take centre stage with the launch of a Busk Stop at Buchanan Galleries
Aspiring young buskers are invited to step into the spotlight and perform to hundreds of shoppers this summer in a safe and welcoming indoor space.
READ MORE
Cast announced for landmark Citizens Theatre homecoming production Small Acts of Love
The Citizens Theatre has revealed the full cast for Small Acts of Love, the first production to be performed on the theatre's home stage in more than seven years when it reopens later this year.
READ MORE
Sunday mornings just got a lot more interesting...
El Perro Negro is bringing back its cult-favourite Breakfast Club menu. And this time, it's popping up once a month at the award-winning Woodlands Road restaurant - starting 29th June!
READ MORE
Talent shines at 39th edition of Glasgow Jazz Festival
The curtain has closed on the 39th edition of Glasgow Jazz Festival, reaffirming its place as one of the UK's premier and much-loved jazz events.
READ MORE
ParalympicsGB athlete Stephen Clegg visits Cadder Primary School for special workshop
ParalympicsGB athlete Stephen Clegg made a special appearance at Cadder Primary School to help deliver an exciting workshop on the importance of energy saving in partnership with British Gas.
READ MORE
Earlybird tickets drive buzz for 2026 Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show
The biggest show of its kind in Scotland returns with Earlybird tickets and a give-away with headline sponsor Border Caravans!
READ MORE
July events at Dobbies Garden Centres
Check out July at Dobbies with it's Little Seedlings Club on rainforests and Grow How on pest control and healthy gardens!
READ MORE
Guts UK, the national digestive charity, brings interactive awareness event to Glasgow
Guts UK and Colin the Colon, a giant, walk-through inflatable replica of a colon will be in Glasgow to raise vital awareness of digestive health conditions.
READ MORE
Historic Environment Scotland calls for public stories for national wellbeing exhibition
Historic Environment Scotland is calling for people across the country to connect with heritage to boost their wellbeing as a part of a national campaign, Historic Places, Breathing Spaces.
READ MORE
Chef Modou Diagne to open new restaurant TRUST in Glasgow
Critically acclaimed chef Modou Diagne, known for his innovative approach and celebrated success at 111 by Nico, is set to open his second Glasgow restaurant this summer.
READ MORE
Poets line up for special Refugee Festival Scotland event
An inspiring event celebrating togetherness, diversity and human connection is set to be staged in Glasgow this week as part of Refugee Festival Scotland 2025.
READ MORE
Soulful start for Glasgow Jazz Festival
The 39th edition of Glasgow Jazz Festival gets off to a soulful start today as it opens at venues across the city, officially kicking off five extraordinary days of music.
READ MORE
Aldi Supermarket Sweep is coming to Glasgow
Aldi Scotland’s Supermarket Sweep challenge is back again for another year, giving customers in Glasgow the chance to raise funds for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS).
READ MORE
Casting Announced for FRIENDS! The Musical Parody coming to Edinburgh and Glasgow
Today, the producers of the 2025/26 UK and Ireland tour of FRIENDS! The Musical Parody are delighted to announce casting for the side-splitting musical comedy.
READ MORE
First Scottish Shopera experience comes to Glasgow
Buchanan Galleries is opening its doors to the world of opera, hosting Scotland's first-ever 'shopera' – a student-created bold and original production staged in a shopping centre.
READ MORE
Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 adds two new categories and voting deadline extended!
Scotland's hospitality industry and customers have spoken, and the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 has listened!
READ MORE
Over 1,000 yogis set to downward dog at Emirates Arena for largest event of its kind
Over 1,000 yoga enthusiasts will be namaste-ing at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow this Saturday as part of a World Yoga Day event with renowned PYPT practitioner, Sadhvi Devaditi.
READ MORE
Global fashion retail brand Hollister now open at Silverburn
Leading retail and leisure destination Silverburn has announced that global fashion retailer Hollister has opened its doors today, joining its line-up of leading fashion brands this summer.
READ MORE
25th year of Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway
Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway today, kick-starting nine days of dance performances, film screenings, visual art and photography exhibitions and community events across the country.
READ MORE
Unique displays set to tour Glasgow during its momentous 850th anniversary year
As part of the Glasgow 850 programme, two special displays celebrating Glasgow's development through the centuries and rich social history are about to go on a citywide tour.
READ MORE
Nine works by eminent Scottish artist Alasdair Gray go on display in Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
Nine works from the significant collection will be on show for the first time, in Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, from Saturday 14th June.
READ MORE
Justin Fletcher announces final tour dates as his brand new rocktastic live theatre show extends into 2026!
CBeebies megastar Justin Fletcher has announced that his brand-new live theatre tour Justin Time To Rock will now continue into Spring 2026, with final tour dates just announced.
READ MORE
Double the Cheers: VEGA Unveils Fathers Day x National Beer Day Experience
With Father's Day and National Beer Day falling on the same date, VEGA at YOTEL Glasgow is serving up the ultimate experience for dads, blending both celebrations into one amazing offer.
READ MORE
Exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland
Tickets are on sale for an exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland, with fans in for an extra special treat to take home.
READ MORE
Adele Anderson to star in UK and Ireland tour of Priscilla Queen of the Desert
Fascinating Aïda's Adèle Anderson will play the role of Bernadette in the UK and Ireland tour of Priscilla Queen of the Desert coming to Edinburgh and Glasgow in 2026.
READ MORE
This activity bar is the ideal way to celebrate Fathers Day
If you're trying to think of something more than socks and slippers to treat your dad to this Father’s Day, an activity bar like Flight Club is a great option.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links