PARTYGOERS are invited to sing and dance the night away at a traditional celtic festival.

St Peter’s Church in Thundersley will be hosting a traditional Ceildh on Saturday to raise cash for the upkeep of the grade two listed building.

A Ceildh, pronounced “Kayley” is a community event which sees partgoers take part in the entertainment by performing singing, dancing or reciting poetry.

The gatherings started out as formal events where young people could court and find prospective marriage partners.

However modern Ceildhs are much more informal and are aimed at people of all ages.

The St Peter’s Church Ceildh will be led by Father Peter Clark and include live music from the Musicmakers.

There will also be a fish or chicken and chips supper which should be ordered when you book tickets.

Organiser Dennis Sharp said: “People can take part in the entertainment if they want to, but mostly we just want people to come along and enjoy themselves.

“We have held barn dances in thepastbut this is the first time we have held a Ceildh.

“The church building is grade two listed and is becoming increasingly expensive to maintain – so proceeds from the event will go towards its maintenence.”

The event starts at 7.30pm and finishes at around 10.30pm.

Entry is £6 for adults and £3 for children, to book a ticket contact Dennis on 01268 569784.