Ceilidh ticket sales in the UK jumped 16% last year

Last Friday, the Ivy House pub in Nunhead, south-east London, hosted a traditional Scottish ceilidh instead of its usual indie rock lineup. The event drew a crowd of young Londoners to the venue's dance floor. This gathering reflects a wider trend where younger people are leaving their screens to participate in in-person, communal activities.

Ticketing platform Eventbrite reported a 16% increase in ticket sales for ceilidh events in the UK between 2024 and 25. Global sales for similar events rose by 15% during the same period. Page Dudley, a spokesperson for Eventbrite, noted that young attendees are seeking experiences that feel communal and less polished than typical club nights.

George, 35, attended his first ceilidh at the Ivy House. He said he liked the silly nature of the dance, which made him feel alive. His partner, Louise, 32, also attended her first event. She appreciated that nobody judged other people's dance abilities. She noted that the all-ages atmosphere allowed everyone to act like children without ego.

Jamie, 19, attends ceilidhs regularly and has noticed the popularity growing among his peers. He said he has run into school friends at these events. The group laughs together when participants get confused by the dance moves. Matt, another attendee, described the night as a refreshing break from screen time. He valued the opportunity to spend time in a physical space with a diverse group of people.

The Ivy House ceilidh raised money for Link Age Southwark, a local anti-loneliness charity. Anna Spree, the communications, events, and fundraising assistant, said the trend has helped the charity reach new people. She explained that the dances were accessible enough for anyone to join but slightly complex, which added to the fun.

Alison Craig, a guitarist in the South East London Folk Orchestra, provided the music for the night. The band has noticed a high number of attendees under 30 at recent events. Craig recalled a similar dance at the Ivy House last year that was full of newcomers. She said the last time she saw the venue so lively was in 1975.

Ed McCabe, the founder of London Ceilidh Club, said the format boomed after the pandemic. He believes people want to be in a room together and that the low barrier to entry makes it a good place to meet others. He noted that participants cannot try to look cool while dancing. They get sweaty and cannot stop smiling. Richard Jones, who plays the accordion in the same band, said the dances are not heteronormative. His bandmate Neil McLean added that they use the terms ones and twos instead of men and women, which is the opposite of being picked for sports at school.

Ceilidh is a Gaelic word for visit or gathering. The tradition originated in Scotland and Ireland in the 19th century. Jones said that SELFolk hosts regular events that attract all ages. People know it is safe and that they do not need to come in groups. The group quickly becomes its own community.