Holding a fun ceilidh barn dance is a great way of fund raising in Somerset and Devon communities. The dances are very enjoyable for all ages from children to the elderly. No previous experience is needed. The dance caller explains each dance before it is danced with further helpful instruction called out during the dance so everyone enjoys themselves even if they’ve not done it before.
Income for the fundraising event can be from tickets pre-sold to those attending but also sales from food. A bar selling drinks can bring in lots of extra cash too.
Somewhere to hold the ceilidh barn dance is obviously vital. Dancing takes up lots of space. There needs to be a seating area where people can cool off between dances. The band will need a separate area if there isn’t a stage for the musicians and electronic equipment. Playing acoustically might be possible but dances are often accompanied by lots of laughter and chatting (because people are having fun) and the dance caller and musicians naturally need to be heard. Village halls are usually great venues. They come in all shapes and sizes but will almost always welcome the income.
On the expense front, a live band is a great advantage and a dance caller is an absolute necessity because it is the dance caller that makes the evening go with a buzz. The dance caller chooses the dances that will best fit with the abilities of those present and then explains each dance before and during the dance so everyone has a great time.
A ceilidh or barn dance will often take place over two to three hours with about 45 minutes dancing before a break and then maybe another 45 minutes dancing after the break. Food is often served during the break but sometimes serving food at the beginning of the evening can be a good idea. Ceilidh barn dancing is a community event and the more that are ready to dance at the beginning of the evening, the better. Having a break in the middle of the evening still gives everyone a chance to rest from the dancing and socialise (which is what the evening is all about).
Key to the success of the fund raising event are the number of people attending and buying tickets less expenses incurred. Village halls will generally have a maximum capacity but (judging from our experience) between 50 and 100 tickets sold will usually achieve a degree of fundraising and enable the ceilidh barn dance to go with a swing.
Ceilidh barn dances are a great way for Devon and Somerset communities to have fun and also fund raise. If you would like information about how Barnbuskers ceilidh barn dance band can make your fund raising event go with a swing, Judy, our band leader, would love to hear from you via the Barnbuskers contact page. Happy dancing and fundraising!
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