A ceilidh, or kaylee, is social event with traditional dancing, Gaelic folk music, singing and storytelling. It is prevalent in Scottish and Irish communities.

Although pronounced 'kaylee' the word is correctly spelled céilidh or céilí.

“On long dark winter nights it is still the custom in small villages for friends to collect in a house and hold what they call a “ceilidh” (pronounced kaylee). Young and old are entertained by the reciters of old poems and legendary stories which deal with the ancient beliefs… Some sing old and new songs set to old music or new music composed in the manner of the old.” Wonder Tales from Scottish Myths & Legend, MacKenzie D.A p.14. (1917)

In Scottish Gaelic the word is spelled cèilidh and Irish céilí (an older form being célidhe).

Gaelic is the Celtic language as spoken in Scotland and Ireland. From around the 5th century settlers carried the language to Scotland from Ireland, where it became the language of the Highlands and Islands.

Ceilidh also has a tradition in England too, where it is sometimes known as English Country Dance.

Ceilidh is the perfect entertainment for a wedding celebration or a party. Pastiche Band play a set or two of ceilidh providing a great evening of entertainment which is guaranteed to get everyone on the dance floor.

Each Ceilidh dance comprises a pattern of moves (called 'figures') which are taught by our caller.

Everyone can join in the dances; even complete beginners have fun while being taken through the dance steps by our experienced caller. The band starts off slow but rev up the tempo once people are starting to learn the figures.

Pastiche are a six-piece ceilidh band, The Caller, Flute, Fiddle, Guitar, Bass and Drums. Pastiche can provide one or two sets of ceilidh music followed by one or two sets of party music.