The last two Wednesdays saw a record attendance for Judy’s ceilidh Classes in Minehead for the new Autumn 2026 season with lots of friends, old and new, gathering together to enjoy traditional country dancing. There were even some new faces which is always nice. It’s clear that there are lots of Minehead and West Somerset people who still love the do-si-dos, right hand stars, left hand stars, galloping between the lines and dipping and diving which form the staple parts of social ceilidh and barn dancing.
So, if you weren’t there and are looking for a great way to keep fit for an hour on an early Wednesday evening and would like to meet a bunch of friendly people, why not come along and join in. The Minehead Rugby Club hall, where the weekly dances are held, is huge and there is still some space available for more people to dance. As with all social gatherings, the more the merrier. The car park is huge too so it’s really convenient to get to.
Talking of merriment! Early heads-up! There is going to be a Judy’s Ceilidh Class Christmas party sometime in December 2026. Tickets for the party will be available at Judy’s Minehead ceilidh classes. Although the hall is huge, numbers will be restricted after last Christmas’s 2025 Ceilidh party being rather popular and consequently a bit over-crowded on the dance floor. This year tickets will therefore be limited with regular ceilidh class goers receiving priority. So best get in and book your Ceilidh Christmas party tickets as early as possible.
For those that are new to Country Dancing and still not sure if it’s for you? Here’s why you’ll love it! At the heart of country dancing, is the dance caller who is expert at ensuring everyone has a great time, whether newcomers or experienced dancers. At Judy’s Ceilidh Classes, that dance caller is Judy!
How does that work? Well the dance caller (Judy) is the one who decides the next dance and then forms the dancers into sets. Sets are made up of multiples of two people. There could be two lines of people with you facing another person. Or a set made of dancers, again in twos, forming the sides of a square. Or everyone could be formed into a big circle. The person you are opposite or besides will be the person you start dancing with but the others in the set are just as likely to be people you will dance with as the dance progresses. If there are odd numbers, Judy is likely to join in to make up a two. It’s therefore a great way of meeting people.
There are no special steps. You can walk, skip, jog or whatever you like in time (or not) to the music. It’s therefore ideal whatever your age or ability.
The standard moves that are put together by the dance caller are very simple and repeated throughout different dances so dances get progressively easier for the new country dancer.
Here’s an example of the do-si-do danced by Judy and her partner Robin.
and here’s another, the cross hands swing danced by Judy and Robin.
Of course, there will normally be music playing! To keep the ceilidh classes affordable, the dance music is recorded and played through Minehead Rugby Club’s excellent sound system. It’s almost as if a live band is there. Talking of live bands, Judy is the leader of ever popular Barnbuskers Ceilidh Barn Dance Band that provides music and dance caller for lots of private birthday parties, weddings and other social gatherings throughout Somerset and Devon. So, the Minehead Christmas Ceilidh will have one of the best live country dancing bands in the West Country for your enjoyment.
Of course, to find out if country dancing is right for you, why not turn up at 5pm on a Wednesday and watch the real thing for free! If you don’t want to join in, there’s no charge. If you do, it’s only £5 so really affordable. Also, it’s come as little or as often as you want to. But, when it’s so much fun, we think you will want to!
That’s all for now on the Judy’s Ceilidh Class front. To keep up with what’s happening on ceilidh and barn dance social events, checkout Barnbuskers News page. You will find lots of information about ceilidhs and barn dance socials throughout Somerset and Devon that involve Judy and her Barnbuskers Ceilidh Barn Dance Band.
For specific information about Judy’s Minehead Ceilidh Classes, join Judy’s mailing list. There is also Barnbuskers Facebook page and other Barnbuskers social media. To talk directly to Judy, you can also catch her through the WhatsApp link below. There is also a Barnbuskers Band contact page for arranging band bookings.
Country dancing, whether it’s at a ceilidh or barn dance, is all about socialising and having fun. We look forward to hearing from you and you joining in!
And, lastly, here’s a bit of fun with Judy and Robin dress rehearsing the November 13th 2026 Nettlecombe Courts Medieval Banquet and Barn Dance.
