Nairnites and music lovers will be treated to a special winter ceilidh this weekend – all in aid of a local community hub.
Nairn folk singer-songwriter David Godden. Pictures by: Alexander Williamson.
The Nairn Community and Arts Centre has been hosting the weekly encounters of Nairn Trad Sessions for around three years.
Now the group wants to give back to the charity running the centre by hosting a family-friendly ceilidh this Saturday.
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David Godden, who runs the trad sessions, said: “We decided that we wanted to do something to raise some money for the community centre and help with their finances, so we decided to put on a ceilidh.
‘It’s such a great venue, it’s so versatile’. BBC Alba’s Hogmanay Ceilidh at Nairn Community and Arts Centre. Picture: Alexander Williamson.
“The format will be similar to the summer ceilidh, so there will be dancing, some singer and some Scottish country dancers doing a demonstration – but mostly it will be dancing!
“We’d love to have as many people as possible come – it will be a family event so children and whoever to come along, dance and have some fun.”
Before the pandemic, the trad sessions used to take place in a pub – however due to new distancing regulations and uncertainty for hospitality venues to reopen for live music at the time, the group found a new home at the community centre.
“It was a place for people to meet and play and have fun,” said David.
He added that Ardersier Folk Club – which was named Club of the Year at the Scottish Traditional Music Awards in 2024 and of which he is part of – will also be supporting the community centre by donating £500 to help the charity.
He said: “Over the years, NCAC have been good at hosting music events and so on – so it seems right to try and support each other.”
Ardersier International Folk Club founder John Ross (left) with members George Livingstone and David Godden delighted at receiving the Club of The Year Award at this year’s Trad Awards held in Inverness.
The centre was recently on national – and global – spotlight after it hosted BBC Alba’s live Hogmanay Party.
“It’s a great venue, it’s so versatile. It’s a nice place where to play,” David added.
“On the night the dance band will be led by me along with Bob and Lizzie Sharp, Mike Kendall and Jane Shears.
“There will be songs from George Livingstone, Tony Perridge and Willie Mcdonald and a demonstration by Moray and Nairn Country Dancers, but most of the evening will be dancing suitable for all ages. Kate McArdle will call the dances, so no experience is needed.
“We are really hoping that people will support it and looking forward to it!”
The ceilidh & dance will be held at Nairn Community & Arts Centre on Saturday (January 18) from 7.30pm – tickets can be purchased through the centre online, in person or calling 01667 453476.