Lots of Scottish fun at the Ceilidh

Christmas is a time for merriment and in Westbrook this weekend, there will be a Scottish theme.

The City of Rotorua Highland Pipe Band is holding a Celtic Concert and Ceilidh at Westbrook School hall on Saturday, to raise funds to support its youth members.

There will be musical performances from trio Reid Maxwell, Martin Frewen and Nicola Purvis, Irish dancers, the MacKay Ceilidh Band and Bhranach, who are set to send shivers up people's spines.

A ceilidh - pronounced kay-lee - dance will feature at the end of the stage performances, which people are invited to join in. It is suited to people of all ages and abilities, as an experienced caller will be on hand to help novices.

Ceilidh dancing is a more relaxed, non-competitive version of Scottish country dancing. It is much less formal, with its primary purpose being the enjoyment of the dance. "There will be a combination of bands, with some Irish dance thrown in," organiser Martin Sharp said.

The Fox School of Irish Dancing will add to the variety of treats.

"[The bands] will treat you to vocals, guitar, pipes, tin whistle and banjo," Mr Sharp said.

The event is to raise money for the local band. The new recruits go to annual training camps, where they receive tuition from world class pipers and drummers.

"Like most bands, we have an eye on the future with young people coming through. Once a year in Christchurch, the adult band has tuition from tutors far and wide."

The Celtic Concert and Ceilidh will be at Westbrook School hall from 7pm until late. There will be light refreshments, tea and coffee, snacks and beer and wine available.

Tickets cost $10 for children and $20 for adults, and can be bought at the door or by emailing rotoruapipeband@gmail.com.