OFF 26 Ceilidh with Polkaworks and caller Fee Lock at The Newman Rooms

Part of Oxford Folk Festival 2026

If you want to book free tickets for a carer or under 5 please contact us on info@oxfolk.org.uk

Doors open at 7:30pm, dance 7:45 - 10:30.

PolkaWorks: ceilidh super group. The line-up features the classiest and most influential of dance musicians. They like to pretend that they are best known for the shoe collection and taste for gin. But in fact Sue Harris (hammer dulcimer), Jeannie Harris (melodeon), Nina Hansell (fiddle), Katie Howson (melodeon and mouthorgans), and Gareth Kiddier (piano) are all fabulous musicians who know exactly how to play precisely the right tunes to get us all dancing. When they’re not playing with PolkaWorks members of this band also play with Old Swan Band, The Bismarcks, The Oxford NAGS, The Watch and Katie’s Quartet.

The band’s selection of traditional music, as well as some written by themselves, wins them admiration from all quarters:
“Great band with loads of wonderful tunes – what’s that tune? It’s great!” Alistair Anderson

Highly experienced caller Fee Lock rocks the stage with her inimitable style and panache. Fee prepares meticulously with the band for every ceilidh. You are guaranteed to find your new favourite dances perfectly matched to banging tunes. From the tips of her wild silver hair to the soles of her DM boots Fee will get your feet moving and your arms waving. Unmissable. Fee uses non-gendered calls.

Interval entertainment comes from the fabulous and ever-inventive Outside Capering Crew.

Tickets are priced £15 standard, £10 for concession, £5 for 5-16 yrs and free for under 5s.  We accept online payments with PayPal. Please contact us directly for other options.

There is a licensed bar with ale, cider, wine and soft drinks.

All under 16s must be accompanied by parent, guardian or an adult acting in loco parentis.

Refunds Policy and Illness

• If you are ill with Covid or cold-like symptoms please don’t come - we will refund your tickets, no questions asked

• If you can’t attend because of another illness please contact us to ask for a refund

• If you can’t attend for another reason, and we are able to resell your ticket, we will refund your ticket

How to Get There

Full address: The Newman Rooms, Rose Place, off St Aldates, Oxford, OX1 1RD

Travel options:

This venue is on the edge of Oxford city centre.

By bus: Most of the major bus routes stop within 10 mins walk. The 300 Redbridge / Pear Tree Park & Ride bus stops on St Aldates about 2 mins walk away.

By train: Oxford station is 0.8 miles away.

By car: We recommend using the Park & Ride car parks, if possible.  The 300 bus for Redbridge and Pear Tree Park & Ride stops on St Aldates about 2 mins walk away.. The nearest car parks are at the Westgate shopping centre or next to the Icerink, both from Oxpens Road.  Detailed information on parking options is available from https://www.oxford.gov.uk/parking-oxford

Access Information

• If you have a disability and need a personal assistant so that you can enjoy our events, we're happy to provide you with an extra ticket for them, free of charge. You can book a carer’s ticket when you book your own.

• There is ground level access into The Newman Room from Rose Place. An accessible toilet is available.

• Lighting is a combination of the standard lights in The Newman Rooms, and some coloured stage lighting. We do not use flashing lights.

• There is a quieter area in the lobby, which is next to The Newman Rooms but separate from it.

• If you have any questions or requests please contact us on info@oxfolk.org.uk