Invitation to join Weekly Ceilidh Dance Exercise Classes in Watchet

Calling all residents of Watchet, Williton, Roadwater, Washford, Luxborough, St Audries, Sampford Brett, Stogumber, Bicknoller, and Nether Stowey – your Thursday nights could get a whole lot more fun!

If you’ve ever found yourself tapping your foot to lively folk tunes or secretly wishing you could whirl around the dance floor at a barn dance, now’s your chance! Starting Thursday 25th September, ceilidh dance classes will be held every Thursday from 6pm to 7pm at the wonderful Watchet Bowling Club hall, right in the heart of town.

What’s a Ceilidh?

A ceilidh (pronounced “kay-lee”) is a social event with traditional folk music and dancing. It’s joyful, energetic, and all about having fun – not about getting the steps perfect. You don’t need to come with a partner, you don’t need experience, and you certainly don’t need any special clothes (although comfy shoes are a plus!).

The dances are easy to learn, and everything will be taught and walked through in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

Meet Your Teacher: Judy Mapledoram

The Watchet classes are an expansion of the already successful Minehead Ceilidh Classes and will be led, as usual, by Judy Mapledoram. Judy is a well-known face in the local folk scene. She is also leader and organiser of the Barnbuskers Ceilidh Barn Dance Band, a popular locally based group that provides toe-tapping music for ceilidhs and barn dances all across Somerset and Devon.

With years of experience and a real passion for folk dance, Judy brings warmth, encouragement, and a great sense of fun to every class. Whether you’ve never danced before or you’re looking to brush up your moves, Judy will guide you through with a smile.

Dance to the Sound of the Barnbuskers

Each class will feature recorded music from the Barnbuskers, giving you that authentic ceilidh vibe every week. It’s the next best thing to dancing at a real barn dance — and who knows, maybe you’ll feel confident enough to join one by the time the season rolls around!

Why You Should Come Along

• It’s social. Meet new people from your local area and have a laugh together.
• It’s good exercise. Ceilidh dancing is a gentle, joyful way to stay active.
• It’s rooted in tradition. These are the dances our ancestors enjoyed – and it’s our turn now!
• It’s something different. Step away from the screen, and step onto the dance floor.

Practical Details

🕕 When: Every Thursday from 6pm to 7pm, starting Thursday 25th September
📍 Where: The excellent Watchet Bowling Club hall, Watchet
💃 Who: Open to all – no experience or partner needed
🎶 Music: Recorded music from the beloved Barnbuskers Ceilidh Band
🕺 Led by: Judy Mapledoram

Whether you’re from Williton or Washford, Luxborough or Stogumber or wherever locally, why not try something new (or rediscover an old favourite)? Come along and give ceilidh dancing a go – you might just fall in love with it.

So gather your friends, bring your neighbours, and let’s fill the hall with music, movement, and laughter. See you on the dance floor!

Interested? The best way to find out if the classes suit you is to come along. You will be made welcome. To give Judy an idea of numbers, it would be helpful if you could contact her via the WhatsApp button below, or at the telephone number in the poster below!