Adam calls Ceilidhs, and Barn Dances, and Contra Dances, and Playford Dances and...

Having a ceilidh at your party.

Ceilidhs are a great way for all the family to do something together. All the dances are easy, and explained to everyone at the same time, with a chance to walk through. It's a pretty level playing field; most people are picking it up as they go along, and people with two left feet and people who love to dance get an equal chance to play their part in the dances. Part of the skill of the caller is to judge the ability of the participants; to choose dances that everyone can do, while keeping the better dancers interested.

You have to decide whether a ceilidh will work for your family, your friends, your guests. It usually needs a few ringleaders to get people on the dance floor, and a few beers often helps people get into the mood to dance, although a few more beers usually stops people dancing... If the guests don't see each other often and get on well and the party is short, you may find they want to talk to each other more than they want to dance. On the other hand if you have a party that is going on for a long time, with people that see each other regularly and don't all necessarily get on so well, a ceilidh gives them something to do; weddings a great examples of parties like that.

I really like working with wedding guests. As a rule, they are keen to have a good time, they really have something to celebrate and they want the Bride and Groom to have a good time and remember a great day.

Adam calls for public events

Who have I worked with?

Recently, most of my public events have been with contra dance bands like Trip Hazard, The Linda Game Band, Contrary Faeries and Bearded Dragons. I call a lot with Frog on a Bike and The Hosepipe Band, and I used to call regularly with Fendragon, Climax Ceilidh Band and Stömp.

Where have I called?

I called at Sidmouth Folk Festival in 2024 and 2025 and Broadstairs Folk Week in 2024; I'm a regular caller at London Barndance Company and Contrabridge. I call at my local club ( the Round ) whenever I can.

Check my Diary for places that you can see me call soon!

What am I like?

I'm flexible and willing to work with any band, and I'm quite happy to travel. If you have particular requirements for your event, I'm keen to help out and honest enough to speak my mind.

My prefered style of calling is direct and fast; I'm not a standup comedian. I tend to choose straightforward dances, with a mix of familiar and unusual ones, but I'm not above putting in a tricky dance or two if the crowd are up for it. I love sicilian circle dances and hornpipes; I will call mixer dances if I'm asked to, but not as a rule. I try to always name the dance as I ask for sets to form; I'll always mention if the dance has strip-the-willow, a basket or some kind of stepping in it.

A final influence I'm willing to admit is Cambridgeshire Feast dances. Ask me about them, when you see me.

Adam is currently booked on the following dates

In addition to calling, Adam is often busy with Mooncarrot, Gog Magog Molly and NYFTE

How to describe Adam calling...