Home > Events > Celebration ceilidh: 20 years of humanist weddings!

Two images. Left: A man and a woman enjoy ceilidh dancing, their hands a clasped and the couple are caught mid-burl. Both smile, and a bystander claps. Right: Groom wearing green kilt dances with arms overhead, beaming widely.

Celebration ceilidh: 20 years of humanist weddings!

Date: Friday 20th June   /   Time: 7:00pm - 11:00pm

Join us on Friday 20 June 2025 for a high-energy celebration ceilidh at the Assembly ROXY venue in Edinburgh. We’ll be celebrating 20 years of legal humanist weddings in Scotland with an evening of music and fun! All are welcome: no need to be a member or to have had a humanist wedding.

Live music will be provided by Da Hooley Ceilidh Band.

Why are we celebrating?

Humanist marriage has been legal in Scotland since 2005 and equal marriage since 2014, thanks to campaigning by Humanist Society Scotland and other like-minded charities and organisations. It’s still hard to believe that in most countries, humanist marriage is still not legal – even in other parts of the UK.

What can you expect on the night?

Music will be provided by Da Hooley Ceilidh Band. There will be a vibrant mix of Scottish, Irish, American, and even Galician tunes, catering to dancers of all skill levels. The dance caller will talk us through the steps and keep us right. We’ll kick off the dancing with some familiar favourites like Gay Gordons, Dashing White Sergeant and Strip the Willow. Then as the evening unfolds, expect an exhilarating mix of energetic set dances (including some that even seasoned ceilidh-goers may be excited to discover!)

We’ll also have a good ol’ raffle! Thank you to the generous organisations who have donated to support this. Prizes include: tickets to a show of your choice at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, an overnight staycation for two at Clayton Hotel, group ticket for four people to attend Escape The Past Escape Room, tickets to a group Axe Throwing session at Game of Throws and lots more!

Photo opp!

Were you married by a Humanist Society Scotland celebrant? We’d love for you to feature in a group photo! Please get in touch with Gemma at gemma@humanism.scot if you’d like to be included.

Kirstie Mclanaghan, fiddle player in the ceilidh band sits on a chair smiling, in her long white sleeveless wedding dress playing the fiddle at her own wedding in 2023.
Kirstie, fiddle player in the ceilidh band

Photo of ceilidh dancers by Donna Green Photography www.donnagreenphotography.co.uk

Get your name on the list

This event is open to all! Humanist Society Scotland members, supporters, and anyone who shares our vision and values.  When you register for this event, your personal information will be used for the purpose of enabling you to join the event and for a short evaluation after the event. For more information, please see our privacy notice. You will receive a confirmation email on booking (and a reminder nearer the time).  This email will serve as your ticket, please be prepared to show it on request.

Book now

Venue: Assembly Roxy, 2 Roxburgh Place, Edinburgh, EH8 9SU

ROXY is centrally located, not far from the bus/train station. There is a good bus service with the nearest stop less than 5 min walk away. Distance from Waverley Train Station is 0.5 miles (a 12 minute walk, 6 minute cycle, or 11 minutes by bus). There are lots of choices of places to eat nearby.

Accessibility: The surrounding street area around Assembly Roxy has some cobbles and uneven pavements. There is ramp access from ground level for Roxy Central. Toilets are located within Roxy Central beside the stage. It contains two individual stalls, one of which is wheelchair accessible.

Let us know anything that would help you to engage with the event and have a great time.