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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.

Overview

The Fèis Phàislig Ceilidh Trail is an exciting opportunity for young and early-career musicians to gain hands-on experience of life as a professional performer. Open to those passionate about traditional music, the project welcomes musicians who want to develop their skills—whether they aspire to a full-time career in music or hope to incorporate it into their future work and creative pursuits. The group will come together to rehearse, arrange, and perform a dynamic programme of traditional music and song. Over the course of a two-week professional summer tour, they will showcase their music in a variety of settings, from community venues to major festivals and ticketed events.

Skills & Experience

As part of the Ceilidh Trail, participants will gain valuable hands-on experience and develop a range of key skills, including:

  • Setting up and using PA systems and sound equipment for live performances
  • Playing for ceilidh dancing and learning how to call dances
  • Enhancing arranging skills and developing confidence in stagecraft
  • Developing Gaelic language skills and learning to introduce sets bilingually
  • Understanding the role of music within the community and adapting performances for different audiences
  • Meeting and collaborating with other aspiring young musicians
  • Receiving a competitive weekly wage, with all reasonable expenses reimbursed

Training & Performance Opportunities

Before the tour begins, the group will rehearse together under the guidance of professional musicians from Fèis Phàislig. They will also take part in an intensive training week, consisting of five full days of rehearsals, where they will refine their set, develop their stagecraft, and collaborate with fellow musicians under the mentorship of experienced tutors.

This experience provides a unique opportunity to develop essential skills for a career in the creative industries, particularly in music. Throughout the two-week tour, participants will perform in a diverse range of settings, including:

  • Community venues such as care homes, nurseries, charities, libraries, and local groups
  • High-profile events, including ticketed performances and commercial venues

Previous Ceilidh Trails have featured performances at venues and festivals such as:

  • Wynd Centre, Paisley
  • Tolbooth, Stirling
  • Blàs Festival, Inverness
  • 2018 European Championships, Glasgow
  • Edinburgh International Festival
  • COP26, Glasgow
  • Royal National Mòd, Paisley

Auditions

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to audition as part of the selection process. Auditions will take place on Sunday 9th March at The Wynd Centre, Paisley, with applicants invited to attend either a morning or afternoon session.

The audition will consist of:

Individual Performance: Prepare two contrasting pieces/sets on your main instrument. If you play a second instrument, you can also prepare one additional piece.

Group Task: Work with other applicants to arrange and perform a tune or song, reflecting the collaborative nature of the Ceilidh Trail.

Short Interview: A chance for you to tell us about your musical experience and why you’d like to be involved in the project.

We understand auditions can feel nerve-wracking, but we aim to make the process as relaxed and enjoyable as possible. This is a great opportunity to showcase your skills and meet other like-minded musicians.

If you have any questions about the audition process, please email info@feisphaislig.com.

Key Dates for 2025

  • 12th February

    Applications open

  • 9th March

    Auditions

  • April-May

    Rehearsals & Planning

  • 7th - 13th July

    Full-Time Training Week & First Live Performance

  • 28th July - 10th August

    Summer Tour

What We’re Looking For 

We’re seeking enthusiastic young musicians who are:

  • Aged 16-25
  • Skilled in traditional music or song to an advanced level
  • Flexible and collaborative, able to work well in a team environment
  • Interested in traditional music and Gaelic culture
  • Fully available for the key dates of the project

We welcome applications from musicians regardless of location. However, as most rehearsals and performances will be based in Paisley and across Renfrewshire, applicants should ensure they can travel here as required.

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

Details of the application process and how to apply can be found below.

Apply Now