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The Fèis Phàislig Ceilidh Trail gives musicians aged 16-25 the opportunity to experience life on the road as a traditional musician.

Applications are now closed for 2023.

The Fèis Phàislig Ceilidh Trail will not be running in 2024. We look forward to welcoming applications for our next iteration in 2025.

Overview

The Ceilidh Trail gives young and early-career musicians an opportunity to gain experience and develop their skills. The project welcomes those who are passionate about traditional music and considering a career as a musician to audition. The successful musicians then join together to rehearse and arrange a programme of traditional music / song. The group then perform their music in a range of settings as a part of a two-week professional summer tour.

As part of our ceilidh trail project, participants will learn important skills including: 

    • Learn how to use a PA system and setup sound equipment at performances
    • Learn to play for ceilidh dancing and how to call dances
    • Develop arranging skills and stagecraft
    • Develop Gaelic language skills and learn to introduce sets bilingually
    • Develop an understanding of the importance of music within the community and how to tailor performances to suit audiences of all ages
    • Meet and collaborate with other aspiring young musicians
    • Be paid a competitive weekly wage and have all reasonable expenses reimbursed.

The group will rehearse together, under the guidance of professional musicians from Fèis Phàislig, prior to the commencement of the tour. They will also join with young musicians from other Fèisean for an intensive training week (Fèis Alba) in Plockton. With support from a team of musicians and specialist tutors, participants are given a unique opportunity to develop core skills required for a career in the creative industries, and in music in particular. As part of the two-week tour, the group are given opportunities to perform in a diverse range of settings. This includes performances in community settings such as: care homes; nurseries; charities; community groups; libraries. There are also a number of higher-profile performance opportunities including ticketed events and at commercial venues. Previous trails have included performances at: Wynd Centre, Paisley; Tolbooth, Stirling; Blàs Festival, Inverness; 2018 European Championships, Glasgow.

Key Dates for 2023

  • 29th January

    Applications open

  • 5th March

    Auditions

  • April-May

    Rehearsals & Planning

  • 3rd-7th July

    Fèis Alba (Training Week)

  • 31st July - 13th August

    Summer Tour

What we’re looking for…

You will be: 

  • Aged between 16-25
  • Able to play or sing Traditional music to an advanced standard
  • Flexible and able to work in a team environment
  • Interested in Gaelic music and culture (full training will be given)
  • Have full availability for the key dates

Think you fit the bill? We would love to hear from you! 

Details of the application process and how to apply below.

Applications are now closed for 2023.

Ceilidh Trail 2023

Applications are now closed for 2023.