Summer 2010 marks the seventh season of the Brackley Beach Ceilidh, widely known as the crown jewel of Prince Edward Island entertainment. Cynthia MacLeod, along with her family, had the idea of starting a ceilidh series in her own stomping grounds of PEIʼs north shore. This idea came to life on June 16, 2004, with the very first Brackley Beach Ceilidh. The evening was ghoulish with pounding rain and roaring wind, but that didnʼt stop the Brackley Beach Community Centre from bursting at the seams with folks from PEI, the rest of Canada and all over the US.

From that debut night, the Brackley Beach Ceilidh has grown into an Island tradition and continues to leave audience members with smiles on their faces and an extra hop in their step. Perhaps itʼs the wildly infectious music, or the lighthearted stories. Maybe itʼs being greeted at the door by Cynthiaʼs grandmother, or having a chat with her dad during intermission. It could be the comraderie formed instantly in a country hall full of strangers, or the warm gratitude you personally receive from Cynthia herself at the end of the night. Whatever it is, it keeps people coming back again and again.

FAQ

1. What is a “ceilidh” and how on earth do you pronounce it?

2. Where is the Brackley Beach Community Centre located?

3. When are the ceilidhs?

4. Where can I get tickets?

5. How much are tickets?

6. I have a large group of people who want to go to the ceilidh. Can we make reservations?

7. Are there food and beverage items available?

8. What kind of music will we hear at the ceilidh?

9. Is each show the same, or would we enjoy going back a second time?

1. What is a “ceilidh” and how on earth do you pronounce it?

The word “ceilidh” is pronounced “KAY-lee”. Traditionally, a ceilidh is a get- together or a party with lots of music, storytelling and dancing. The Brackley Beach Ceilidh is more organized than traditional ceilidhs: Guest musicians are booked months in advance to ensure a fantastic line-up all summer long. The atmosphere is relaxed though, with lots of spontaneous moments and some unexpected guests.

2. Where is the Brackley Beach Community Centre located?

The Brackley Beach Community Centre is located at 3330 Brackley Point Road (Routes 15 & 6), on Prince Edward Islandʼs beautiful north shore. Click here for map.

3. When are the ceilidhs?

The ceilidhs run every Monday and Wednesday from 7:30-9:30pm, from June 28th until September 15th, 2010.

4. Where can I get tickets?

Tickets are available at the door. Doors open at 6:30pm on ceilidh nights.

5. How much are tickets?

Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under.

6. I have a large group of people who want to go to the ceilidh. Can we make reservations?

There is no reserved seating at the Brackley Beach Ceilidh unless youʼre Cynthiaʼs cousin from British Columbia or Grandmother MacLeodʼs 100-year- old aunt from Nova Scotia. However, we do make exceptions for groups of eight or more. Group reservations must provide payment for tickets before the doors open on your chosen ceilidh night.

7. Are there food and beverage items available?

Strawberry sundaes, bottled water and Pepsi products are available at intermission. The Brackley Beach Ceilidh is a proud supporter of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Equipment Drive and has raised close to $5,500 in the past two years through canteen sales. This wouldnʼt be possible without the generosity of the Co-op Food Market (Walker Drive, Charlottetown) and Pepsi Bottling Group (Charlottetown). Looking for something to have before that sundae? There are several restaurants within walking distance of the Brackley Beach Community Centre, including the Lobster Claw, Millstream Restaurant, and Shirleyʼs Dairy Bar. Please note that the Brackley Beach Ceilidh is a family-friendly event, and not licensed to serve alcoholic beverages.

8. What kind of music will we hear at the ceilidh?

Lots of fiddle tunes, of course! Youʼll also hear some fantastic singers with lots of East coast standards and originals like “Farewell To Nova Scotia,” Ron Hynesʼ “Sonnyʼs Dream,” Stompinʼ Tomʼs “Ketchup Loves Potatoes,” The Rankin Familyʼs “Orangedale Whistle,” Stan Rogersʼ “Mary Ellen Carter,” and Lennie Gallantʼs “Peterʼs Dream.” Donʼt forget about our Scottish and Irish roots though… “Loch Lomond,” “Whiskey In The Jar,” “Leaving of Liverpool,” and “The Star of the County Down” are some favourites as well. Havenʼt mentioned your favourite yet? Shout it out from the audience! If Cynthia and the guests know it, theyʼll play it. And even if they donʼt know it, theyʼll probably give it a go anyway. And donʼt forget the stepdancing! PEI is home to some excellent stepdancers, and the Brackley Beach Ceilidh is proud to have some of the best perform at each show.

9. Is each show the same, or would we enjoy going back a second time?

With a multitude of entertainers joining Cynthia throughout the summer, each show is unique, with different faces, songs and fiddle tunes. They roll with the crowd and love to take requests, so if you didnʼt hear a particular song the first time around, be sure to heckle them for it the next time. All of that being said, Cynthia has a limited number of jokes, but with that funny little Island accent of hers, youʼre going to laugh anyway.

Schedule

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