We celebrated the return of our hugely popular Samhain Tea Dance with Leeds Comhaltas on 26th October 2022 - and what a celebration it was! It might have been three years since the last one, but it was definitely worth the wait.
Samhain is an Irish pagan festival, thought by some to be the origin of Halloween. Falling between the autumn equinox and the winter solstice, people believed that Samhain was when the veil between this world and the netherworld was at its thinnest.
The hall was packed with guests of all ages to enjoy the fine spread and music provided by Leeds Comhaltas, our partners for the event. Spooktacular decorations courtesy of the LIHH Craft Group covered the walls and tables: think ghosts, spiders, bats, pumpkins and more. And plenty of guests got into the spirit of things with fancy dress and face paint.
We were honoured by a visit from Molly Quigley, representing the Nadine Martin Academy of Irish Dancing. Molly was the Great British Champion in 2019 and is currently 84th in the world. She did a fantastic dancing display before letting us all have a good look at her trophy. Thank you, Molly!
Two little roving reporters were also working the room, asking guests their names, where they were from and to give us a fascinating fact about themselves. They took a Polaroid snap of as many guests as possible which we’ll be using to create a display in the LIHH office reception - have a look the next time you’re in!
Along with the music and the dancing, there were crafts, songs and plenty of Irish treats. “It’s been fabulous,” said one lady. “The children are just lovely and to see them running around and playing music is wonderful. I’ve had a great day.”
Many thanks to Leeds Comhaltas, plus the staff, volunteers and guests who made the magic happen. We’ll see you all next year!
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