Feast and Fling — Scottish supper and ceilidh dancing at The Ridgeway Barns

Experience the sights and sounds of Scotland in a thrilling evening of food, dancing and music at The Ridgeway Barns!

Food and music have brought communities together for generations, from rural villages to folk gatherings and festivals. Nowhere is that musical heritage more rich than in the wilds of Scotland, where delicious feasting, energetic folk bands and a few drams have warmed families and friends through the ages.

Join us in the beautiful heart of Wiltshire's countryside at the spectacular Ridgeway Barns, showcasing their brand new events space, for a stunning Scottish supper, masterminded by Michelin-starred chef James Graham from The Bell at Ramsbury and served family-style at long wooden tables. Traditional Scottish dishes are served in the form of sharing platters and a dessert table, meaning you can taste at will for the full experience, while the main course is one of James's most well-loved dishes. 

After your main course, move through to the next barn and be amazed by Licence to Ceilidh, London’s top and most glamorous ceilidh band. Join in as you wish with the dancing, or sample the delights of the dessert table or the bar when you want to take a break. The Ridgeway Barns' fully-stocked bar will be serving themed drinks as well as a great selection of drinks from around the world, including local wines and real ales.

You will be seated with the party you booked with, at long communal tables. If you wish to be seated with others but are booking separately, please add this as a note to your booking.

Ceilidh-only tickets (no food included) are available, with an arrival time of 9pm; please select this option when booking if desired. Drinks can be purchased throughout the evening.

Doors open at 6.30pm

What is a ceilidh?

The word ceilidh (pronounced kay-lee) comes from the Gaelic term meaning ‘visit’ or ‘gathering’, and is really just a Scottish barn dance.

Traditionally, a ceilidh was an evening of entertainment, where people would come together to share music, dance, stories, and poetry. Ceilidhs have their roots in the rural communities of Scotland and Ireland, where they served as a vital way to bring people together, especially during the long, dark winter months where they were a cornerstone of social life. They were often held in homes, barns, or village halls, with neighbours gathering to share news, songs, and tales.

Ceilidhs have had many traditions and superstitions surrounding them. In Scottish folklore, it was believed that music and dance had the power to ward off evil spirits. The lively tunes played on fiddles, accordions, and pipes were thought to create a protective barrier, keeping misfortune at bay. Similarly, ceilidhs were seen as a way to strengthen the bonds of the community, ensuring that no one felt isolated or vulnerable.

Tales of fairies, selkies, and other mythical creatures often took centre stage. These stories were more than just entertainment - they were a way to keep ancient legends alive. Sometimes it was even said that the spirits of ancestors would join the ceilidh, ensuring that the past was never forgotten.

I don’t know how to ceilidh!

You definitely don’t need to know what to do to take part (in fact, we think it’s more fun if you don’t)! Every dance is led by a caller, who guides participants through the steps and makes them completely accessible. You have the chance to walk through the steps before the music starts and the pace picks up – and getting it wrong is half the joy, especially when fuelled by The Ridgeway Barns’ fully stocked bar!

Some of the most popular ceilidh dances include the Dashing White Sergeant, the Gay Gordons, and Strip the Willow. Each dance has its own unique steps and formations, but they all share a sense of fun and togetherness. The beauty of ceilidh dancing is that it’s totally inclusive - it’s not about perfection, but about connecting with others and enjoying the moment.

Dress code: wear whatever you like! Top tips for a ceilidh, though - you'll be safest in flat shoes, and may find things get surprisingly hot and energetic for an October evening so we suggest layers!

Dinner Menu

To start
Sharing platters for the table to include:

Potted hot smoked salmon
Cullen skink & bannocks
Bridies
Haggis
Heritage tomato salad
Tattie scones & pickles

* * *

To follow
Confit duck leg, pickled red cabbage, celeriac puree, five spice jus

* * *

To finish
From the dessert table:

Cranachan
Caledonian cream
Clootie dumpling
Dundee cake

A vegetarian and vegan option is available; please specify this or any other dietary requirements when booking your ticket.

Menu items are subject to change if required

Licence to Ceilidh

Licence to Ceilidh is award-winning, young, and energetic – London’s top ceilidh band.

Their unique combination of traditional tunes and ceilidh dances with a modern rhythm section appeals to all tastes and their accomplished, professional musicians provide sophistication and high energy entertainment. With 16 years’ experience, they are regular performers for artists and clients such as Sting, the BBC, and corporate events for companies including Hermes and Apple. They have appeared on TV shows such as Made in Chelsea, Great British Menu, Loose Women, ITV’s This Morning, and more - truly the most glamorous ceilidh band available.

Our first exhilarating experience of Licence to Ceilidh was at a Burns Night Ceilidh on the Cutty Sark seven years ago and we have wanted to programme them ever since – we are delighted to be bringing them to The Ridgeway Barns as part of the Festival.

The Ridgeway Barns

An award-winning Wiltshire wedding and events venue set in the heart of the North Wessex Downs, on the borders of Oxfordshire and Berkshire, and just a short drive from the Cotswolds. The Ridgeway Barns is located on Liddington Warren Farm, a family-run mixed arable and sheep farm. Besides farming, Alex and his wife Becky have a passion for running events, and, along with their family, have hosted many successful festivals and weddings at the farm. In 2021 they embarked upon a major project to develop the main farmhouse along with three interlinked barns into a permanent venue. The Ridgeway Barns is a secret gem in the Wiltshire countryside, just ten minutes from Ramsbury.

Address: The Ridgeway Barns, The Ridgeway Barns Farm, Swindon SN4 0EB
What3words: ///curious.unfocused.jeep

https://theridgewaybarns.co.uk/

Photo credit: Jodie Hurd Photography

Why not consider a Foodie Pass? This includes access to this event and a host of others across the Festival. Click here to find out more!