Pennie Gillis has been in touch having decided to revive the ceilidhs at the Hollybush in Wolverhampton.
As this article in the Express & Star explains, the Hollybush hosted ceilidhs for around thirty years until the mid-90s.
Pennie plays melodeons in the New Corona Band who will be playing on the night. I asked her a few questions about what’s being planned:
Firstly, for anyone hasn’t come across them, what’s a ceilidh?
A ceilidh is a Barn Dance (England), a Ceilidh ( Ireland) a Twmpath (Wales). People get together, someone calls the dances, some people play the tunes, everyone dances and has a good time.
The last ceilidhs at the Hollybush were held over a decade ago, why did you decide to bring them back now?
I want to bring them back now because I enjoyed them, I know lots of other people enjoyed them, they were part of the Wolverhampton scene, part of Wolverhampton’s culture.
You used to go to those ceilidhs, what were they like?
They were full, popular,fun.
How have the band practices been going?
Band practices are going well. It’s hard work but enjoyable.
When is the first one being held?
June 3rd at the Hollybush, Penn Road (the A449) out of Wolverhampton towards Kidderminster and Stourbridge, 8.00pm – 11-ish (you can finish your drink and the last dance!). Matthew and Jane O’Reilly (Barrel of Baddies) are doing the interval spot.
