July Ceilidh

Bow and Box are playing the July Ceilidh at Pavilion Dance South West on Saturday 4 July, a night that marks the end of the Ceilidh Season. It's held in the Ocean Theatre, within the PDSW on Westover Road, and it's open to everyone.

If you've never been to a ceilidh, it's a social folk dance with Celtic roots. The whole point is the dancing, not the watching, and you don't need to know any steps to join in. That's where the caller comes in: Andy Helson will be leading the room through each dance and jig, talking you through the moves as you go. You don't need to bring a partner, and you don't need any previous experience — the focus is on the rhythm, the dancing, and the community of it all.

Providing the music is the folk duo Bow and Box, Chris and Matt. They're known for making a full, rhythmic sound that belies their size, and they draw on ensembles like Leveret for that layered feel. Between their playing and Helson's calling, the night is built around live music and guided dancing, so you can just turn up and follow along.

Tickets start from £14, and they're worth booking in advance as these nights tend to sell out. The ceilidh starts at 19:00 at Pavilion Dance South West, Westover Road, Bournemouth, BH1 2BU.