A Céilidh is a traditional Gaelic social dance originating in Ireland and Scotland, but now common throughout the world. Céilidh music may be provided by an assortment of fiddle, flute, tin whistle, accordion, bodhrán, and in more recent times also drums and electric bass guitar. The music is cheerful and lively, and the basic steps can be learned easily; a short instructional session is provided for new dancers before the start of the dance.

Privately organised Cèilidhs are now extremely common in Scotland, where bands are hired, usually for evening entertainment for a wedding, birthday party or other celebratory event. These bands vary in size, although are commonly made up of between 2 and 6 players.

The appeal of the Scottish Cèilidh is by no means limited to the younger generation, and dances vary in speed and complexity in order to accommodate all age groups and levels of ability.

Some Cèilidh bands intersperse cèilidh dancing with a DJ playing disco music in order to broaden the appeal of the evening's entertainment.