By Ahmed Abdelsalam
A traditional Scottish ceilidh dance at the Ivy House pub in Nunhead, south-east London, attracted a young crowd last Friday, reflecting a broader resurgence of interest in analogue, in-person experiences among Generation Z.
Growing Popularity Among Young Adults
Ticketing platform Eventbrite reports that UK ceilidh ticket sales grew 16% from 2024 to 2025, with a 15% increase globally. A spokesperson said young people are seeking events that are "communal and a lot less polished."
Community and Accessibility
Attendees described the appeal of stepping away from screens. Matt, a participant, said it was "really lovely to come together in spaces with lots of different people." First-timers George, 35, and Louise, 32, appreciated the lack of judgment on dance ability and the all-ages atmosphere. "When you strip away the ego, everyone just becomes their childlike selves," Louise said.
Post-Pandemic Boom
Alison Craig, guitarist with the South East London Folk Orchestra (SELFolk), noted a surge in under-30 attendees at recent ceilidhs. Ed McCabe, founder of London Ceilidh Club, said the trend has "really boomed" since Covid because "people just want to be in a room together." He highlighted low barriers to entry and the potential to meet new people or find romance.
Inclusive and Non-Heteronormative
Musicians Richard Jones and Neil McLean of SELFolk emphasized that ceilidhs are non-gendered, using "ones and twos" rather than male-female pairings. Jones said the dances create a safe space where "very quickly the group becomes its own community." The events also support causes like Link Age Southwark, an anti-loneliness charity that benefited from ticket sales at the Ivy House.
