Credit: WaterAid / Marco Betti

What is the Big National Ceilidh?

The Big National Ceilidh is a worldwide ceilidh or barn dance. This unique event will unite the world in support of WaterAid as thousands of people across the globe dance to raise funds and awareness to make a difference to the lives of those living without safe water and sanitation.

The money your event raises really will improve people's lives. You will help communities in Africa, Asia and the Pacific work with WaterAid on safe water, sanitation and hygiene projects that not only improve people’s health but benefit their education and livelihoods also.

Want to know what ceilidh music sounds like? Listen to this clip...

Even if you've never been to a ceilidh, running your own couldn't be easier.

Get involved in the Big National Ceilidh Facebook page

Our fundraising pack has all the information to guarantee your evening will be a success, from hiring a band (with a caller to show you the moves), to publicising your event, plus plenty of fresh fundraising ideas. All you need to get strated is our free fundraising pack and guide!

Please follow our links below for more information or contact Clare McTaggart on 020 7793 4550 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

• Get dancing! Download our free fundraising pack and guide
• Already planned your event? Promote it on our ceilidh map
• Get it in the press! Download a press release template (pdf 362Kb)
• Come to a Ceilidh! Find a ceilidh near you
• See ceilidhs and WaterAid's work! Go to our photo album
• Help us make a difference! Read about WaterAid's work
• A word from our famous ceilidh supporters: Why they support our work

The 2010 Event

Funds are still flooding in from WaterAid's Big National Ceilidh, with events continuing to take place across the world since this year's event launched on 16 October. Over 80 ceilidhs took place across the UK as well as in other European countries and as far afield as the USA, Australia, The Middle East and Canada! Clare McTaggart, Community Fundraiser, said: "This year's Big National Ceilidh has been a huge success so far. We had a very impressive number of ceilidhs take place across the UK as well as many abroad. Not only are we on track to double what we raised last year, but we have also raised awareness in countries all over the world, including many where we do not currently have a presence. There was a great mix of small, large, formal, casual but with everyone joining in for the same cause. It’s such a great event to be involved in."

Margaret Frost, Chairwoman of the Scottish American Society, helped organise a ceilidh in Ohio. "It was a wonderful experience for all who participated," she said. "We danced, we sang, and we had a good time. Folks came from near and far to attend and help out, and we made a substantial amount to donate to this worthy cause. Many of us had never given a thought to the fact that the rest of the world has a great need for clean water. We had a speaker who had worked on water projects with the Peace Corps, her experiences were so fascinating we have asked her to come back to speak at one of our regular meetings."

Ellie Ellis and her group put a different spin on the ceilidh in Sydney by hosting a Ukulele ceilidh! She said of the event: "We had great fun and were happy to be helping WaterAid to help others." There was a fantastic 63 ceilidhs that took part throughout the UK also with some incredible amounts raised and some very heart-warming stories of people pulling together and giving their time and skills for WaterAid.

The Big National Ceilidh could not pass without the WaterAid staff flaunting their talents. Clare McTaggart organised the staff event and the band Out of Kilter performed at the ceilidh for free. She said: "It was wonderful to see UK and country programme staff join with supporters in having such a fun filled evening. There were a few hairy moments including a pile of WaterAid staff ending up on the floor!" Hopefully the others managed to prevent casualties and that everyone will get involved again next year. Please help us to spread the word by getting a ceilidh abroad to take place also. The exact date is still to be confirmed so there is time to rest the well danced legs, polish the dance moves and organise a fun-packed ceilidh.