Welcome to the Wellbeing Ceilidh™!

Join us for an uplifting evening of live music, movement, connection and community in the heart of Cambridge.

Whether you are coming for the dancing, the music, the company or simply to try something different, you are very welcome.

Come on your own, with friends or with family. You do not need a partner, you do not need any previous ceilidh or dance experience, and nobody will be expected or pressured to dance.

Event details

Saturday 14 November 2026
Downing Place United Reformed Church, Cambridge
Doors open: 6.45pm
Dancing begins: approximately 7.10pm
Finish: by 9.30pm

There will be a 30-minute break at around 8pm for drinks and refreshments.

What happens at a Wellbeing Ceilidh™?

A ceilidh is a relaxed and sociable form of group dancing accompanied by live folk music.

Our experienced Gog Magog ceilidh band and caller will explain each dance and guide everyone through it step by step, so you do not need to know any dances in advance.

The Wellbeing Ceilidh™ builds on some of the things that make ceilidhs such powerful community experiences: shared activity, movement, enjoyment, connection, inclusion and belonging.

There are lots of ways to take part. You might:

• dance;
• join in while seated or standing;
• move in your own way;
• watch or listen;
• socialise;
• take a break; or
• simply enjoy the atmosphere.

You choose whether, when and how you participate.

It is always fine to sit out, pause, change your mind or rejoin later.

The space may sometimes feel busy and lively, with live music, conversation, movement and changes of direction. A quieter area and seating will be available throughout the evening.

A welcoming and inclusive event

We are working to make the evening as inclusive and accessible as reasonably possible.

People of all genders are welcome to dance together, and you can choose who you dance with. You do not need to attend with a partner.

Dancing is only one way to participate. Seated, standing, non-dancing and quieter forms of participation are equally welcome.

The venue has:

• step-free access through the Downing Place entrance;
• an accessible toilet;
• an installed hearing loop;
• plenty of seating; and
• a quieter area away from the main dancing.

Wheelchairs, walking aids and other mobility equipment are welcome.

If you would like to discuss mobility, balance, sensory, hearing, visual, communication, cognitive or other access requirements, please contact us before the event. You do not need to provide a diagnosis—only the practical information you would like us to know.

We will provide honest information about what the event can offer and do our best to support your participation.

Companions, carers and support people

If you need another person to attend so that you can access or participate in the event, they may attend free of charge.

Please book your own ticket and select a free Essential companion/support person ticket for the person accompanying you.

Your companion can provide the support you usually require, including assistance with communication, orientation, mobility or personal care. Event staff cannot provide personal care, lifting, transfers, manual handling, one-to-one supervision or individual clinical support.

If you need more than one person to accompany you, or would like to discuss your arrangements before booking, please email vitaladaptation@gmail.com.

Tickets

£12.50 per person

Ticket numbers are limited to help us support safety, comfort and accessibility.

A limited number of complimentary community places will also be available through charities, community groups and wellbeing services. If cost would otherwise prevent you from attending, please contact vitaladaptation@gmail.com. You will not be asked to provide evidence or explain your personal circumstances.

Complimentary community places are separate from free Essential companion/support person tickets.

You can also make an optional additional donation when booking. Donations help subsidise places for other people and support future accessible Wellbeing Ceilidh™ activities.

Cancellations and refunds

If you can no longer attend, you may request a full refund by emailing vitaladaptation@gmail.com at least 48 hours before the event—that is, before 6.45pm on Thursday 13 November 2026.

Refund requests received after this deadline will be declined. Booking fees will not be included in the refund.

If the event is cancelled by the organiser, ticket holders will receive a full refund.

Refreshments

Cakes, including vegan options, fruit and soft drinks will be available during the break. Donations towards refreshment costs are welcome.

Nut-free options will be available, although we cannot guarantee a completely allergen-free environment.

This is an alcohol-free event and there will not be a bar.

Age guidance

The event is recommended for ages 14+.

Anyone under 16 must attend with a responsible adult who is able to supervise them throughout the evening.

Photography and filming

A small number of photographs and short atmosphere clips may be taken during a limited part of the evening. Photography and filming will not take place throughout the event, and you do not need to be photographed or filmed to participate.

Camera-free areas will be available, and we will ask permission before taking recognisable close-up images. Please let the event team know if you would prefer not to appear. You can change your mind at any time.

Please do not take or share identifiable photographs or recordings of other attendees without their permission.

Finding us

The event is at:

Downing Place United Reformed Church
4 Downing Place
Cambridge
CB2 3EL

what3words for the step-free entrance: hoot.judges.camp

Please use the entrance on Downing Place. Members of our event team will be there from 6.45pm to check tickets and welcome you in.

The venue is in central Cambridge. Detailed travel, entrance, drop-off and parking information will be included in your booking confirmation and pre-event briefing.

If you need this information before booking, please email vitaladaptation@gmail.com.

Questions or access requirements?

Please email vitaladaptation@gmail.com or contact us through the Wellbeing Ceilidh Facebook page.

We would much rather you ask a question than feel uncertain about whether the event is for you.

We would love to welcome you.

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Frequently asked questions

What is a ceilidh?

A ceilidh is a relaxed and sociable form of group dancing accompanied by live folk music. The dances are explained by a caller and danced together in groups, so you do not need to know any of them in advance.

I’ve never been to a ceilidh before—can I still come?

Absolutely. You do not need any previous experience or dance skills. Our experienced Gog Magog ceilidh band and caller will explain each dance and guide everyone through it. Mistakes are expected and are often part of the fun!

Do I have to dance?

No. Participation is always voluntary.

You can dance, move while seated or standing, watch, listen, socialise, take a break or simply enjoy the music and atmosphere. You can sit out any dance and join again later—and you never need to explain why.

Can I come on my own?

Yes. Many people come to ceilidhs on their own. You do not need to bring a partner, and the dance formations make it easy to meet and take part alongside other people.

Who can I dance with?

You can dance with anyone who is happy to dance with you, regardless of gender.

Everyone’s personal space and choices should be respected. It is always fine to decline an invitation to dance, sit a dance out or leave a dance at any point.

Will there be breaks?

Yes. There will be a 30-minute refreshment and comfort break at around 8pm.

There will also be plenty of seating and a quieter area available throughout the evening, and you are welcome to pause or step out at any time.

Is the event accessible?

We aim to make the event as accessible and flexible as reasonably possible.

The venue has step-free access through the Downing Place entrance, an accessible toilet, an installed hearing loop, plenty of seating and a quieter area away from the main dancing. Wheelchairs, walking aids and other mobility equipment are welcome.

Please contact us before the event if you would like to discuss any access requirements or adjustments. You do not need to disclose a diagnosis. We will provide honest information about what the venue and event can offer and do our best to support your participation.

Can I bring a carer, companion or support person?

Yes. If you need another person to attend so that you can access or participate in the event, they may attend free of charge.

Please book your own ticket and select a free Essential companion/support person ticket for the person accompanying you.

Your companion should be able to provide the support you usually require. Event staff cannot provide personal care, lifting, transfers, manual handling, one-to-one supervision or individual clinical support.

Please contact us if you need more than one person to accompany you or would like to discuss your arrangements.

Can I bring an assistance dog?

Yes. Assistance dogs are welcome.

Please contact us in advance if you are bringing an assistance dog so that we can help plan an appropriate space.

Will photographs or filming take place?

A small number of photographs and short atmosphere clips may be taken during a limited part of the evening. Filming will not take place throughout the event.

You do not need to be photographed or filmed to participate. Camera-free areas will be available, and you can tell the event team if you would prefer not to appear.

Are free tickets available?

A limited number of complimentary community places will be available through charities, community groups and wellbeing services.

If cost would otherwise prevent you from attending, please email vitaladaptation@gmail.com. You will not be asked to provide evidence or explain your personal circumstances.

These places are separate from free Essential companion/support person tickets.

What is the refund policy?

You may request a full refund at least 24 hours before the event—that is, before 6.45pm on Friday 13 November 2026.

Please email vitaladaptation@gmail.com to request your refund. Refund requests received after the deadline will be declined.

If the event is cancelled by the organiser, ticket holders will receive a full refund.

When will I receive the detailed travel and arrival information?

Detailed travel, entrance, drop-off and parking information will be included in your booking confirmation and pre-event briefing.

If you need this information before deciding whether to book, please email vitaladaptation@gmail.com.

I have another question

Please email vitaladaptation@gmail.com or contact us through the Wellbeing Ceilidh Facebook page.

We would much rather you ask a question than feel uncertain about whether the event is for you.