Starting with a workshop by Ravi Sawney (of Solksa and the Ravi Sawney & Anna Pack Duo. The same schedule as usual: workshop from 12 to 1pm, then a bring-your-own indoor picnic lunch (with tea and coffee on hand), followed by a bal with live music at 1.45pm.
Music by the Shivelight Duo (Harriet Power and Sam Doolin) and friends.
A bal is the European equivalent of a ceilidh, with a mixture of couple dances (such as the waltz and mazurka), circle dances (such as the Chapelloise) and dances done in long winding lines (such as the hanter dro). The dances are not called, but they are easy to pick up. No need to bring a partner. The music is always live, typically including fiddle, button accordion, and other traditional instruments like the hurdygurdy and nyckelharpa. Beginners are very welcome, as are musicians to play for the dancing.
Note: the event is in the hall at the back of Watlington House - entrance through the large gate on South Street. There is limited parking - to avoid doubt, you can use the Queen's Road (paying) car park only 5 mins walk away: https://tinyurl.com/y4m97k3x
Check your route first, as Reading has a major-level one way system! For those coming by train, see here for routes from Reading Station.
£5 for workshop & bal
No bar: BYOB
We also have an associated European tunes session on the first Thursday of every month, at the Butler, central Reading, led by Harriet Power and Sam Doolin, the Shivelight Duo.
Next one is on Thursday, 6th June 2019 from 8.30 - 11pm
The Butler, 85-91 Chatham St, RG1 7DS Reading, England
More info at
Note - we have now booked our bal dates for the rest of the year, all at Watlington House, same time. Stick 'em in your diaries. In July and August we're taking a summer break. We may arrange some outdoors impromptu 'clandestine' events though, so be sure to keep in touch. The dates are:
June 9th September 1st (tbc) October 6th November 3rd December 1st