Ways2Raise

What is it?

Hosting a Barn Dance or Ceilidh is a fun and lively way to bring your community together while raising funds for your adventure trip. This event combines traditional dancing with socialising, making it an appealing night out for all ages. It's a great option if you enjoy organising, music, and creating a memorable experience for your guests.

Why does it work?

People love events that offer social interaction and entertainment, especially when there’s a clear cause behind them. A Barn Dance or Ceilidh taps into community spirit and nostalgia, encouraging attendees to support your fundraising while enjoying themselves. Charging for tickets and selling refreshments can generate a solid income due to the event’s festive and inclusive nature.

What you'll need

Venue with enough space for dancing (village hall, school hall, or community centre)
Experienced caller or caller CD to guide the dances
Sound system or PA equipment
Tables and chairs for guests
Decorations to create an inviting atmosphere
Refreshments (drinks, snacks, or a tuck shop)
Ticket printing or online ticketing platform
Volunteers to help with setup, running the event, and cleanup
Flyers and posters for promotion

Step-by-step plan

1

Choose a suitable date and book your venue well in advance, ideally a community space with plenty of room for dancing and seating.

2

Find a caller experienced in Barn Dance or Ceilidh dances; local dance groups, folk clubs, or community centres are good places to ask.

3

Plan your budget, including venue hire, caller fees, refreshments, decorations, and printing costs. Set your ticket price to cover expenses and raise funds.

4

Design eye-catching flyers and posters with clear event details and where to buy tickets. Use simple language and images to attract all age groups.

5

Recruit volunteers among friends, family, or your youth group to help with promotion, setting up the venue, managing the door, and serving refreshments.

6

Sell tickets in advance through local shops, at school, or online to estimate attendance. Offering early bird discounts can encourage early sales.

7

Prepare the venue on the day: set up the sound system, arrange seating, decorate, and organise the refreshments area.

8

Welcome guests, explain the event format, and ensure the caller keeps the energy high. Encourage everyone to join in, regardless of dance experience.

9

During the event, sell refreshments and consider a raffle or small auction to boost fundraising.

10

After the event, thank your volunteers and guests, count the funds raised, and share the success with your supporters via social media or school noticeboards.

How to advertise it

Distribute flyers in local shops, libraries, youth centres, and schools.
Create a Facebook event and share it in local community groups.
Ask local newspapers or community newsletters to include your event.
Use Instagram stories and posts tagging local community pages.
Put up posters on community noticeboards and at your school.

Realistic earnings

Most teenagers can expect to raise between £200 and £600 depending on attendance and how well refreshments and extras like raffles sell. Strong local community engagement can push this higher.

Top tips

✅ Book an experienced caller who can engage beginners and keep the dance flowing smoothly.

✅ Offer group ticket deals or family discounts to attract larger groups.

✅ Include easy, fun dances that encourage participation from all age groups.

✅ Keep refreshments simple and affordable to maximise profits.

Common mistakes to avoid

⚠️ Underestimating the number of volunteers needed for setup and running the event smoothly.

⚠️ Not promoting the event early and widely enough to fill the venue.

⚠️ Choosing a venue that's too small or has poor acoustics, which can dampen the atmosphere.

Barn Dance / Ceilidh