Families, music lovers and ceilidh dancers of all ages are being invited to step onto the dancefloor for a special fundraising ceilidh in support of the 2026 North Atlantic Fiddle Convention (NAFCo).
Taking place at the Marcliffe hotel in Aberdeen on Friday 29 May, the family-friendly evening promises traditional Scottish music, dancing and entertainment ahead of NAFCo’s landmark return to the North East next month.
Held in partnership with Marcliffe, the event will run from 7pm to 10pm in The Courtyard and is open to everyone, whether experienced ceilidh dancers or complete beginners.
Popular local band Hooley will provide the music for the evening, guiding guests through each dance to ensure all ages and abilities can join in and enjoy the fun.
NAFCo Festival Director, Kirsty Clements, said, “This ceilidh is all about bringing people together for a fun evening while helping support NAFCo as we prepare for an incredible 25th anniversary festival this summer.
“We wanted to create an event that families, friends and visitors of all ages could enjoy together and give them a taster of what the full festival programme has to offer."
“You don’t need to know the dances or have any previous experience, ceilidhs are about joining in, laughing, meeting people and enjoying fantastic live music. There will be lots of energy on the dancefloor and a fantastic community spirit throughout the evening.”
She continued, “NAFCo 2026 is shaping up to be one of the biggest cultural celebrations the North East has hosted, with artists travelling from across the world to Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. Events like this ceilidh help support the festival and allow people to become part of the excitement before it begins.”
Head of Experiences for Marcliffe, Alex Wilson added, “We are proud to be a partner for this fundraiser and we look forward to the buzz in our Courtyard of Scottish music and dancing for our guests.”
The North Atlantic Fiddle Convention returns to Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire from 24 - 28 June 2026 for its 25th anniversary celebrations, bringing together performers, musicians and audiences from across the North Atlantic. The festival programme includes more than 150 events celebrating fiddle, music and dance traditions from Scotland, Ireland, Canada, Scandinavia and beyond.
Headline acts announced for the festival include Duncan Chisholm, Session A9 and Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy.
Tickets for the ceilidh are available in advance through Eventbrite and all programme details for the festival are available on the North Atlantic Fiddle Convention website.