Iron Broo Ceilidh Band

Category: Public Ceilidh Dances

Public ceilidh dances are great fun. We organise a few of our own throughout the year. We post details on our website and tickets can be bought online.  It’s a great way to spend time, getting fit dancing to live music!

  • Celebrate the Season in Style: Join Us at the Iron Broo Christmas Ceilidh on December 23rd, 2023, at the Star Ballroom Aberdeen

    Celebrate the Season in Style: Join Us at the Iron Broo Christmas Ceilidh on December 23rd, 2023, at the Star Ballroom Aberdeen

    The most wonderful time of the year is just around the corner, and what better way to embrace the festive spirit than by attending the Iron Broo Christmas Ceilidh on December 23rd, 2023, at the Star Ballroom Aberdeen? This enchanting event promises an unforgettable night of music, dancing, and camaraderie that will leave you with cherished memories for years to come. Here’s why you should mark your calendar and secure your spot for this fantastic holiday celebration.

    This page uses affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I may earn from qualifying purchases.

    1. Experience the Magic of a Ceilidh:

    Step into a world of traditional Scottish music and dancing as you experience the magic of a Ceilidh. The Iron Broo Christmas Ceilidh brings together the rich cultural heritage of Scotland with the joyful atmosphere of the holiday season. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or a novice, the ceilidh offers a welcoming environment where everyone can enjoy the fun and celebrate the art of traditional dance.

    Iron Broo Ceilidh Band
    Iron Broo Ceilidh Band

    2. Embrace Festive Cheer: 

    The holiday season is all about spreading joy and happiness, and what better way to do that than by dancing and laughing with friends and family? The Iron Broo Christmas Ceilidh provides the perfect opportunity to let loose and embrace the festive cheer. Whether you’re attending with a group or flying solo, you’ll find yourself immersed in an atmosphere of merriment and goodwill.

    3. Live Music That Moves Your Soul: 

    The heart and soul of any ceilidh lies in its music, and the Iron Broo Christmas Ceilidh will not disappoint. Prepare to be swept away by the lively tunes of traditional Scottish instruments like the fiddle, accordion, mandolin, Irish Banjo and songs. The captivating melodies will inspire you to hit the dance floor and twirl to the rhythm of the music.

    4. Create Lasting Memories: 

    Attending the Iron Broo Christmas Ceilidh is more than just an event; it’s an opportunity to create lasting memories. From the energetic dances to the heartwarming moments shared with loved ones, the memories you make at this event will become cherished stories you’ll recount for years to come. Capture the essence of the holiday spirit and the joy of togetherness in a single night.

    5. Celebrate Local Culture: 

    The Iron Broo Christmas Ceilidh celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Scotland, providing a unique window into the traditions that have shaped the nation. This event is a chance to appreciate the artistry and history of Scottish music and dance, while also fostering a sense of community and belonging.

    6. Dress to Impress: – optional 🙂

    Don’t miss the opportunity to dress up and look your best for this special occasion. Pull out your finest tartan, kilts, and elegant dresses, and step into the Star Ballroom with a sense of style and sophistication that befits the grandeur of the event.

    7. Build Connections: 

    The Iron Broo Christmas Ceilidh is not just about dancing; it’s also about connecting with others who share your enthusiasm for culture, music, and celebration. Forge new friendships, strengthen existing bonds, and revel in the unity that comes from being part of a joyful gathering.

    Conclusion:

     As the holiday season approaches, the Iron Broo Christmas Ceilidh on December 23rd, 2023, at the Star Ballroom Aberdeen presents a magical opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of Scottish culture, music, and dance. From the lively music that will set your feet tapping to the warm camaraderie that fills the air, this event promises an evening of joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this enchanting celebration and create cherished experiences that will stay with you long after the festivities come to an end. Book your tickets, mark your calendar, and get ready to dance the night away in a celebration like no other!

    Don’t forget you get some of the finest Stovies and Macaroni & Cheese around from the Beach Ballroom’s chef and catering team. 

  • Poppy Scotland Ceilidh

    Poppy Scotland Ceilidh

    Iron Broo are playing a ceilidh in Inverurie Town Hall on Friday 11th of November 2022 to help raise funds for Poppy Scotland.

    Tickets available from royalbritishlegion.inverurie@googlemail.com

    Get your tickets ASAP!

    Ceilidh poster
  • Christmas Ceilidh with Iron Broo

    Christmas Ceilidh with Iron Broo

    Celebrate in true Scottish Ceilidh style with friends, family or colleagues.

    Join us again this year for another fantastic Christmas Ceilidh at the Star Ballroom, upstairs at the Beach Ballroom. Our first post pandemic Christmas ceilidh. We are looking forward to it!

    All welcome!

    Join us on Saturday the 17th of December for a ‘cracker’ of a Christmas Ceilidh. A great way to de-stress and wind down from the pre-Christmas stress and get into the right frame of mind for the holidays.

    We have again chosen the iconic Star Ballroom, upstairs at the Beach Ballroom in Aberdeen for our 2022 Christmas ceilidh as we love the venue. It’s intimate and has a lovely view over the North Sea on a winter night, and we know from experience that the Chef makes some of the best Stovies and Macaroni in town. Enough to keep Santa satisfied and left with a warm glow.

    ​We will be calling the dances, so no experience necessary.
    Works parties and Families welcome.

    Various ceilidh tickets available with discounted rates for families, OAP and students.

    Doors open 7.30pm
    Dancing from 8 pm – Stovies or Macaroni included during the half time break – Band finish 11.30pm. The bar will close at midnight.

    Here’s taster of our Christmas ceilidh with some clips from 2018.

  • 11 reasons why Live ceilidh music is good for you

    11 reasons why Live ceilidh music is good for you

    Hi folks, back in 2007 Iron Broo recorded a Live ceilidh band album. We did this on our own at the Moray Ceilidh Club on 21st April 2007. We knew we would get a good audience there as the ceilidh club was full of enthusiastic dancers and we had played there many times. The club held quite a lot of ceilidhs over quite a few years, I think it was once every month, and they used live ceilidh bands from all over Scotland. It was always a great night, and we felt it was an excellent gig to pick for a live ceilidh recording on a shoestring budget. Sadly the Moray Ceilidh Club no longer exists, it’s hard to compete against digital entertainment and home cinemas. However, you can still buy this recording on CD or download it here. Maybe have yourself a wild lockdown ceilidh at the weekend.

    Here’s a track with a set of waltzes from the ceilidh recording using some film of Edinburgh.

    Watch more and subscribe on my YouTube Channel

    The future of live ceilidh music

    I’ll struggle to understand why more people don’t like getting out to a good old fashioned ceilidh, in a hall, bringing your own bottle and snacks. It’s a great atmosphere and not expensive. It should be much more popular. It gets you fit, you meet good people and enjoy yourself, with or without a drink.
    After the Lockdown, I hope people still remember what an absolute treasure of our culture a ceilidh is. I hope the negative lethargy that has set in throughout society since the introduction of streaming television shows and social media is addressed with some balance. The ‘almost a year of lockdown’ restrictions has compounded this issue. We are in danger of becoming a nation of couch potatoes!
    A ceilidh is ace, good for your mind, body, spirit, wellbeing, and your sense of freedom and community.

    We will host some public ceilidhs again when the rules allow, and we hope you will support our efforts to revive our ceilidh culture.
    Leave a comment below, and when we do, I’ll let you know.

    11 reasons why Scottish ceilidh dancing is good for you?

    1. Ceilidh Dancing is a great work out

    Ceilidh dancing is a great workout, gets your body moving and heart pumping. Cardio exercise is good for your heart and helps prevent disease and decay. It’s well established regular Scottish dancing can prevent many diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and some cancers. See the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society article.

    2. Ceilidh Dancing will make you feel happy

    The live ceilidh dance will make you feel happy. The brain produces chemicals, an endorphin rush stimulated by the physical exercise of dancing and melodic lines of traditional melodies. The repetitive beats have a hypnotic affect. People can experience extreme euphoria when specific frequencies and tempos combine.

    3. Ceilidh brings friendship

    The social benefits of attending a ceilidh are obvious. We, humans, are social animals. We need to spend time with others. It makes us feel good and expands our thought processes. Meeting new people develops our outlook and introduces us to new things, places and destinies. Who might you meet at a ceilidh? A new love? A new friend?

    Ceilidh promo poster

    4. You won’t forget much or trip up often after a Ceilidh

    A ceilidh dance can improve your memory, coordination and concentration. It’s true. All that extra blood and adrenaline pumping through your brain steps things up a gear. Apart from the endorphin boost, remembering the dance patterns and formations gets your memory and coordination working like never before. Akin to martial arts training, you will become aware of your surroundings, the dance patterns, where your partner is, and the spatial distances between you and the other dances. Like a trained martial arts fighter, you will be aware of your surroundings at all times. You will become a ceilidh Ninja after attending enough ceilidhs. You will think and see in a new dimension.

    5. Ceilidh keeps you younger

    Scottish Country Dancing keeps you younger. A recent university study on ladies aged the 60s and 70s found that age-related decline was non-existent in those who participated in regular ceilidh dancing. Scottish dancing prevented age-related degeneration better than other forms of exercise. See the Scotsman article

    6. Ceilidh keeps your body stronger

    Ceilidh will help make your body muscles more robust. Regular ceilidh improves the strength of the legs, arms, ankles, hips, neck and core. It’s a great total workout.

    7. Ceilidh keeps the calories off.

    Ceilidh dancing will help you lose weight. An hour of ceilidh dancing can burn 400 calories and offers all the benefits of going to a gym, but is a lot more fun! See the newspaper article

    8. Ceilidh dancing makes your bones stronger

    Stronger Bones! Ceilidh dancing exercise improves bone density.

    9. Ceilidh improves your mental health

    Ceilidh dancing promotes positive mental health benefits. As mentioned earlier, the combination of exercise and social benefits are well documented in improving the overall mental health of any ceilidh dancer.

    10. Ceilidh dancing reduces stress

    Stress-free life. Ceilidh dances reduce overall stress levels in participants in everyday life, even off the dance floor.

    11. Ceilidh can lead you on historical adventures

    You can learn about history. Many dances have names that have a historical connection. Researching the names and histories of some dances and tunes could lead you on a whole new adventure. Everything has a story behind it. Start writing yours today by attending the next Iron Broo ceilidh dance.

    We can’t wait to get out playing live ceilidh again!!

    In the meantime it would be much appreciated if you can lend support by:

    Subscribing to my YouTube Because it’s nice if you do.

    Buying me a coffe I like a coffee

    via Patreon A more interactive support medium.

    Buying a CD or download

    Like our Iron Broo Facebook Page

    Like my Facebook page

    We hope you will support our efforts to revive our ceilidh culture.
    Leave a comment below, and when we do, I’ll let you know.

  • Burns Supper Ceilidh Night

    Burns Supper Ceilidh Night

    Burns Supper Ceilidh Night

    Celebrate Burns night in style on Saturday the 25th of January 2020 at the Knowes Hotel in Macduff with a traditional Burns Supper ceilidh.
    Since new owners Wayne and Linda took over the Knowes and reimagined the building and services on offer, this family-run hotel has developed an excellent reputation. With great reviews, fantastic sea views, attention to detail with an emphasis on local produce, a Burns ceilidh here with Iron Broo is sure to be a great Burns supper recipe.
    Enjoy a fabulous 2 course Burns supper, a piper, a free Dram for the toast and a fantastic Burns ceilidh with the Iron Broo Duo.

    If you are new to ceilidh and have no idea what you are doing, don’t worry. We will entertain and call the dances quickly so you can take part without any experience needed.
    Tickets are available from the Knowes Hotel. £25pp
    Special rates available for rooms if you choose to stay over.
    Ask the hotel for details.

    Musical Nostalgia Notes

    Playing in the Knowes has a bit of family history for me.
    My Grandpa was a regular visitor there. He stayed not far from it and was a regular in the bar for many years. When I was younger, I used to visit the Macduff accordion and fiddle club with my Grandparents, which was held there in the hall. The place has changed so much since then it’s unrecognisable. It’s changed for the better in this case, that’s for sure.

    My family history also comes from the same street. Market street in Macduff. My Grandpa’s side of the family lived on Market Street, for 3 or 4 generations I discovered while researching the family tree. They were pretty poor and were a large family sharing a two-room flat.

    I always enjoy returning to the Knowes and look forward to the Burns Night ceilidh on Saturday the 25th of January.

    See you there!

    If you are interested in Booking Iron Broo Ceilidh Band for your wedding or event please get in touch through our contact page.

    Burns Supper poster

  • Aberdeen Christmas Ceilidh

    Aberdeen Christmas Ceilidh

    It’s the 19th of November today. That means it’s just over a month to go before our Christmas Ceilidh at the Beach Ballroom on December 21st. Most bands are very busy at this time of the year with many weddings and Christmas party and various events and our Christmas ceilidh has become one that we look forward to every year. We know that everyone who attends is there for the ceilidh. We don’t have to encourage or persuade, the dance floor is full every time without hesitation. It’s what every band likes to see!

    iron broo ceilidh band
    Iron Broo Ceilidh Band

    “Sometimes in life confusion tends to arise and only dialogue of dance seems to make sense.”

    We have the usual “must-have” Christmas Ceilidh party offering of stovies and macaroni lined up and it is included in the ticket prices. As consumers of many stovies, we can vouch that the Beach Ballroom proudly offers among the best quality stovies in the toon. We would give them 5 stars.

    During the year we learned some new dances to serve up that we have been practising on unsuspecting audiences at recent functions. We will have a great line up for the performance and promise a big sound. 2019 has been a good year for us after being shortlisted in the Doric Film Festival with our Duncan Harley Film, “Awa we gaed tae Aikey” and releasing a single worldwide on iTunes of the Buchan Ballad, Aikey Brae.

    Buy tickets for our Christmas Ceilidh

    “Spirit is a child, the tune of dancing feet its lullaby.”

    Fifty per cent of our Christmas Ceilidh tickets have already sold and it looks like we might repeat the last few years success with another sell-out ceilidh in advance. The Saturday before Christmas is a great way for folk to celebrate the beginning of the Christmas holiday with family or friends. A bit of entertainment and merriment is great for health. Healthy body, healthy mind. If you intend to go to a Christmas Party make sure it’s the Iron Broo Christmas Ceilidh!

    Eventbrite Ticketing Link
    Christmas Ceilidh Dancing
    Christmas Ceilidh Dancing

    “Burdened no more is the soul for whom life flows through dance and not breath.”

    iron broo ceilidh band

    “Show me a person who found love in his life and did not celebrate it with a dance.”

    ― Above quotes are from Shah Asad Rizvi
    ceilidh dancing to Iron Broo
    ceilidh dancing to Iron Broo

    Are you getting married and looking for a band? Maybe we can help?

    Weddings
    Book Iron Broo
  • Hogmanay Ceilidh

    Hogmanay Ceilidh

    Are you looking for a great Scottish Hogmanay ceilidh this New Year’s eve?

    The Hogmanay Ceilidh is one of the most significant events of the year for Iron Broo or any ceilidh band or lovers of Scottish culture. This New year’s eve we will be at Pittodrie House for another fantastic ceilidh. Pittodrie House is a fantastic venue for a ceilidh. It’s not miles away from Aberdeen, and it has a cosy charm about the place with excellent staff. Make sure you get in early and book your place for a great Scottish New Year’s ceilidh with luxury.

    The Hotel provides a Hogmanay Hoolie offer or a Hoolie and Residential package.

    Hogmanay Hoolie at Pittodrie House

    Begin with champagne cocktails, canapés and a five-course feast before the resident ceilidh band Iron Broo keeps you dancing and moving till Midnight with our Hogmanay ceilidh. Herald the New Year with a cascade of fireworks before it’s back to the dance floor for a disco.

    Tuesday 31st December 2019
    £130.00 per adult
    6.30pm – Arrival;
    7.00pm – Dinner served;
    9.30pm – Ceilidh; Midnight – Fireworks then disco; 2.00am – Carriages Dress code: Black-tie or Highland dress

    MENU

    Laurent Perrier champagne & canapés
    ✯ ✯ ✯
    Highland Entrées
    John Ross Jr smoked salmon, beetroot cured, potato & grain mustard salad, capers, lemon oil smoked venison, celeriac & apple

    ✯ ✯ ✯

    Main Course

    Scotch beef, roast sirloin of Scotch beef, braised cheek, dauphinoise potatoes braised cabbage, parsnip puree, toffee carrots, red wine jus

    ✯ ✯ ✯

    Dessert

    Dark chocolate truffle torte, honeycomb, pistachio crumble, Amaretto ice cream

    ✯ ✯ ✯

    Cheese & biscuits, Strathdon Blue, Clava Brie, Mull Cheddar, Arran Smoked spiced plum & apple chutney, quince, fine biscuits & Arran oaties

    ✯ ✯ ✯

    Tea / coffee & pettit fours

    The Hogmanay Hoolie / Residential Package

    Arrive from 2.00pm, Tuesday 31st December 2019
    Champagne, canapes reception before joining the Hogmanay ceilidh.
    1st January – brunch from 9.30am – 11.30am
    3-course dinner in the Mither Tap Restaurant
    2nd January – leisurely breakfast before you depart
    For 2 night stay £595.00 cosy room, £650.00 executive room,
    £750.00 feature room
    Add 3rd night for £100.00 cosy room, £150.00 executive room,
    £250.00 feature room
    BOOK ON 01467 622437
    OR EMAIL EVENTS.PITTODRIE@MACDONALD-HOTELS.CO.UK

    Link to download the hotel brochure from Pittodrie House. https://www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/media/7647/pittodrie-xmas-2019-16-page.pdf

  • Thanks Dancers

    Thanks Dancers

    Live clip from the ceilidh – Thanks to Drew Brown of Abertunity.co.uk

    A would like to say a big thank you to the people who came to our ceilidh and supported us in raising funds for Diabetes UK and having fun at a ceilidh. It was a great night even though the turn out was much smaller than we had hoped for. It’s such a pity we didn’t manage to get the message out effectively. We are considering another one soon to try and build some momentum and bring some more Scottish culture to our city. Something good. Something missing. Something we can make happen.

    I’d also like to thank the band who gave up a rare Friday night off from playing at weddings to give their time to play for free. A time where they could have spent with their family instead of chasing rainbows with Iron Broo.

    Group photo of all the people at the ceilidh

    We also would like to thank our volunteer photographer, who came along to support the event. Drew Brown of Abertunity.co.uk who took many photos and video clips of the night that help capture the atmosphere of a traditional Ceilidh night. You can see Drew’s complete shots on his page: https://drewbrownimages.co.uk/iron-broo-ceilidh-with-a-kick-diabetes-fundraiser/

    Set dancing

    A good band – good company – BYOB
    A few more people could have made a big difference to our fundraising as well.
    We perhaps need to rethink our advertising strategy.

    After costs, we have raised £79, and I have an anonymous donation came in taking this to £100.
    We have done much better in the past and hope we will do much better next time.
    As the saying goes:

    “It’s not how many times you get knocked down that count. It’s how many times you get back up.”

    We are getting back up and hope to increase the fundraising and get folk back to some ceilidh culture.

    Dancing the Cornish Six Hand Reel.
  • Ceilidh Tonight – Guinea Pigs Needed

    Ceilidh Tonight – Guinea Pigs Needed

    Ceilidh Fundraiser Tonight in Aberdeen.

    Tonight is the night for our ceilidh fundraiser for Diabetes.
    It’s also one of the hottest days of the year forecast so far.
    We are in Aberdeen, so I won’t hold my breath.
    I hope we can get a decent turnout so we can raise some money for our efforts.
    It’s a BYOB so it can be a great night even if you are not fit for the dancing.

    ceilidh poster
    ceilidh poster

    Ceilidh Guinea Pigs needed

    Tonight we will attempt a new dance called the Cornish Six Hand Reel. It’s a special request from Fred who has been kept awake at night by this dance. The voices in his head that won’t let him sleep have been whispering it over an over again for the last few weeks. He remembered it from an old Ossian album I think he said.

    I’ll try and think of some nice tunes to go with it 😉

    If you want to swat up on it here are the steps and a link to a YouTube Video from erlebnis-tanz.de

    1-8 As a line of 6, take 8 steps down the hall, balance twice (4 kicks), and turn round 8
    9-16 Take 8 steps back up the hall, balance twice 8
    17-32 Turn the face your partner, Reel of six 16
    33-36 Right hand turn your partner 4
    37-40 Left hand turn your partner 4
    41-44 Two hand turn your partner 4
    45-48 Do-si-do your partner 4
    49-56 All take your partner in a promenade hold and double cast left, with the top couple forming an arch 8
    57-64 All under and swing 8

    Hope to see you tonight at the Ceilidh. Doors open 7.30pm. Bring your own drinks and snacks. Tickets available here or on the door tonight.

  • Christmas Ceilidh 2019

    Christmas Ceilidh 2019

    Iron Broo Christmas ceilidh
    Iron Broo Christmas ceilidh

    Hi folks, we just released the ticket sales today for our 2019 Christmas Ceilidh party night that will be held at the Beach Ballroom again. Upstairs in the Star Ballroom. We have an EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT on a limited number of tickets. Please take advantage of this offer while you can. We really hope you will join us again and help make Christmas extra special for all of us.

    All the tickets are available online via Eventbrite. Please buy in advance as none will be available on the door. We have sold out in advance for the last few years and hope we will again this year. We promise a great party night ceilidh atmosphere!

    You can access the Eventbrite portal on our website ceilidh ticket page, via our facebook event page, or on Eventbrite itself.