Bonnie & Wild's annual 'Fringe Ceilidh' returns to Edinburgh this August after attracting more than 15,000 revellers to free monthly dances

Scottish food hall Bonnie & Wild has confirmed it is bringing its free Fringe Ceilidh back to the Edinburgh Festivals for another year. 

The ceilidh, which takes place in the heart of the Edinburgh Fringe on Thursday, August 14th will see the White Heather Club return to the popular venue for a night of “Scottish music, dancing, food, drink and good cheer”.

Since its launch in August 2022, the White Heather Club at Bonnie & Wild has attracted around 15,000 dancers to the regular ceilidhs, with the dances taking place on the last Thursday of each month and attracting hundreds of dancers every time.

The August 14th ceilidh is a special one-off Fringe event that organisers expect will attract up to 400 dancers keen to have a whirl at popular Scottish dances such as the Dashing White Sergeant, Gay Gordons and Orcadian Strip the Willow. 

Ryan Barrie, Managing Director at Bonnie & Wild, said: “The White Heather Club is one of Edinburgh’s most popular nights out, and our free Fringe ceilidh a highlight of the Festival calendar. We’re really excited about bringing it back for another year.

“We always get a good crowd coming to these dances, and it’s amazing to see so many people – locals, shoppers, diners, tourists, passers-by – all dancing away and all enjoying themselves. No one leaves without a big grin on their face, and for a lucky few there’s prizes for the best and bonniest dancers thanks to our friends at kilt-maker Scotland Shop.”

Acclaimed Scottish musician Charlie Kirkpatrick, whose band plays at the White Heather Club dances, says the ceilidhs are always a hit with newcomers and seasoned ceilidh dancers alike. 

“There’s a terrific sense of anticipation when the music starts and all the dancers take the floor. It’s a tremendous atmosphere, and even if you don’t know the moves we’ll take you through each step so you’ll be an expert by the time the night’s over. It’s a great night of Scottish music, dancing, food, drink and good cheer, and I’m sure this year’s Fringe ceilidh will be every bit as jubilant and lively as our other ones have been.”

Revitalised in 2022 by Bonnie & Wild, the White Heather Club was a popular TV show in the 1950s and 1960s, broadcasting Scottish country dancing into people’s homes, and helping to drive the resurgence of traditional Scottish music and Ceilidh dancing. 

The next White Heather Club takes place on Thursday June 27th at Bonnie & Wild’s Scottish Marketplace at 8pm. Tickets for the Fringe ceilidh can be reserved here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-white-heather-clubs-fringe-ceilidh-thursday-august-14th-tickets-1376137055979