THE WAITE COLLECTIVE EVENTS
The Waite Collective enjoy both performing and organising events that bring people together through folk music and dance.
Our Gigs – See Us Live! page lists performances hosted by other organisations. This page contains information about the Balfolk afternoons and other events organised by The Waite Collective, often featuring guest artists alongside us.
About Our Balfolk Afternoons
The Waite Collective Balfolk afternoons combine live music, dancing, learning, refreshments and community. Each event includes a themed workshop, live music from The Waite Collective and/or guest artists, refreshments, and time to relax and socialise. Whether you're an experienced dancer, completely new to Balfolk, a musician, singer or simply curious, you'll be warmly welcomed. Come for the dancing. Stay for the community.
After the official dancing finishes at 5pm, The Waite Collective stay for informal social time. You're warmly invited to stay for another drink, conversation or a meal of your own choosing. Bring your own food, join our pizza order if arranged in advance, or simply stay for conversation and community.
Balfolk is a joyful, inclusive tradition of live folk music and social dancing from across Europe. It's an activity for people of all ages and experience levels, where the focus is on having fun and connecting with others. The dances are easy to learn, and friendly dancers are always happy to help. You don't need to bring a partner, and there will be plenty of opportunities to dance with different people throughout the afternoon.
What to Expect
• A friendly workshop suitable for both new and experienced dancers.
• Live music from The Waite Collective and guest artists.
• Tea, coffee and refreshments during the afternoon.
• Opportunities to learn, practise and enjoy Balfolk dances together.
• A welcoming atmosphere where everyone is encouraged to participate at their own pace.
About Our Venues
• Free on-site parking.
• Step-free access and accessible facilities.
• Comfortable shoes recommended (smooth soles work best). Please avoid high heels to help protect the floor.
• Assistance dogs only (venue policy).
• Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
• Tea and coffee are provided.
• Please bring your own additional drinks if required.
Booking Information
Online booking closes when the event begins, but places may still be available on the door on a first-come, first-served basis.
For more information or to join our mailing list, email: waitecollective@gmail.com
Sunday 12 July 2026
Doors - 1.30pm
Dancing - 2-5pm
Social time - 5-6.30pm
WAITE COLLECTIVE BALFOLK
Workshop & Dance Session
Higher Kinnerton Village Hall, Bennett's Lane, Higher Kinnerton, Chester, CH4 9AR
Workshop: Summer School – revisiting some of the dances we've explored in previous workshops. New dancers are very welcome and we'll explain everything as we go.
Bal music: Musicians welcome. Music led by Sue Jones. There will also be singing for dancing from The Waite Collective.
After the dancing, you're welcome to stay for informal social time.
Suggested donation £5 (pay what you can). Donations help us cover costs and continue running community folk music and dance events in our area. You can donate when booking or in person on the day.
Sunday 9 August 2026
Doors - 1.30pm
Dancing - 2-5pm
Social time - 5-6.30pm
WAITE COLLECTIVE BALFOLK
Workshop & Dance Session
Higher Kinnerton Village Hall, Bennett's Lane, Higher Kinnerton, Chester, CH4 9AR
Workshop: Summer School – revisiting some of the dances we've explored in previous workshops. New dancers are very welcome and we'll explain everything as we go.
Bal music: Musicians welcome. Music led by Rondez Vous. There will also be singing for dancing from The Waite Collective.
After the dancing, you're welcome to stay for informal social time.
Suggested donation £5 (pay what you can). Donations help us cover costs and continue running community folk music and dance events in our area. You can donate when booking or in person on the day.
Sunday 20 September 2026
Doors - 1.30pm
Dancing - 2-5pm
Social time - 5-6.30pm
WAITE COLLECTIVE BALFOLK
Workshop & Bal
Higher Kinnerton Village Hall, Bennett's Ln, Higher Kinnerton, Chester CH4 9AR
Workshop: Suitable for both new and experienced dancers
Bal music: Spider Shed Collective, The Waite Collective
Tickets: £10 - £14 (First Visit Free).
Young Person Ticket (Ages 16-24): £5.00.
Under 16s (accompanied by an adult): Free.
Sunday 25 October 2026
Doors - 1.30pm
Dancing - 2-5pm
Social time - 5-6.30pm
WAITE COLLECTIVE BALFOLK
Workshop & Bal
Higher Kinnerton Village Hall, Bennett's Ln, Higher Kinnerton, Chester CH4 9AR
Workshop: Suitable for both new and experienced dancers
Bal music: Helianthus, The Waite Collective
Tickets: £10 - £14 (First Visit Free).
Young Person Ticket (Ages 16-24): £5.00.
Under 16s (accompanied by an adult): Free.
Sunday 22 November 2026
Doors - 1.30pm
Dancing - 2-5pm
Social time - 5-6.30pm
WAITE COLLECTIVE BALFOLK
Workshop & Bal
Higher Kinnerton Village Hall, Bennett's Ln, Higher Kinnerton, Chester CH4 9AR
Workshop: Suitable for both new and experienced dancers
Bal music: Sue Jones & John Neilson, Dave Vaughan, The Waite Collective
Tickets: £10 - £14 (First Visit Free).
Young Person Ticket (Ages 16-24): £5.00.
Under 16s (accompanied by an adult): Free.
WAITE COLLECTIVE BALFOLK
Specific details will be confirmed closer to the events, but our planned future dates are as follows:
Sunday 13 December 2026
Past Events
Sunday 17 May 2026
1.30-10pm
WAITE COLLECTIVE BALFOLK
Day of Balfolk
Higher Kinnerton Village Hall, Bennett's Ln, Higher Kinnerton, Chester CH4 9AR
Workshop: Mazurka Variations
Bal music: Doug Eunson & Sarah Matthews, The Waite Collective. Also, an evening session for dancing led by Helen Armstrong & Helen de Lemos.
Advance Tickets: £20 - £24. On the door: £24 (if tickets are still available). Young Adult Ticket (Ages 16-24): £10.00. Under 16s (accompanied by an adult): Free.
Sunday 12 April 2026
2-5pm
WAITE COLLECTIVE BALFOLK
Workshop & Bal
Higher Kinnerton Village Hall, Bennett's Ln, Higher Kinnerton, Chester CH4 9AR
Workshop: Branle de Noirmoutier & La Montagnarde (bourrée)
Bal music: Notes pour Potes, The Waite Collective
Advance Tickets: £12 - £16. On the door: £16 (if tickets are still available). Young Adult Ticket (Ages 16-24): £5.00. Under 16s (accompanied by an adult): Free.
Sunday 15 March 2026
2-5pm
WAITE COLLECTIVE BALFOLK
Workshop & Bal
Higher Kinnerton Village Hall, Bennett's Ln, Higher Kinnerton, Chester CH4 9AR
Workshop: Role-swapping in traditional partner dances
Bal music: Les Inconnus, The Waite Collective
Advance Tickets: £12 - £16. On the door: £16 (if tickets are still available). Young Adult Ticket (Ages 16-24): £5.00. Under 16s (accompanied by an adult): Free.
Sunday 25 January 2026
2-5pm
WAITE COLLECTIVE BALFOLK
Higher Kinnerton Village Hall, Bennett's Ln, Higher Kinnerton, Chester CH4 9AR
Free Balfolk Taster Session featuring RondezVous
Whether you're a seasoned dancer or new to Balfolk, this is the perfect opportunity to learn, dance, and have fun in a welcoming environment. We'll introduce beginners to the basics of Balfolk with simple and fun steps that will get you moving and laughing! More experienced dancers can challenge themselves with a Five-Time Waltz and learn variations for classic dances like the Rondeau! RondezVous musicians are welcome to play or dance.
FREE entry (but donations are very welcome – this helps us to continue to offer these wonderful events!)
Sunday 14 December 2025
2-10pm
WAITE COLLECTIVE BALFOLK
Higher Kinnerton Village Hall, Bennett's Ln, Higher Kinnerton, Chester CH4 9AR
Christmas party, including food to share! Bring instruments for a session.
Bal music: Helianthus, Sue Jones & John Neilson, Notes pour Potes, The Waite Collective
Advance Tickets: £16 - £20. On the door: £20 (if tickets are still available). Young Adult Ticket (Ages 16-24): £5.00. Under 16s (accompanied by an adult): Free.
Sunday 16 November 2025
2-5pm
WAITE COLLECTIVE BALFOLK
Workshop & Bal
Higher Kinnerton Village Hall, Bennett's Ln, Higher Kinnerton, Chester CH4 9AR
Workshop: Singing for dancing - Learn some songs and techniques (Singing is Optional)
Bal music: Sue Jones & John Neilson, The Waite Collective
Advance Tickets: £12 - £16. On the door: £16 (if tickets are still available). Young Adult Ticket (Ages 16-24): £5.00. Under 16s (accompanied by an adult): Free.
Sunday 19 October 2025
2-5pm
WAITE COLLECTIVE BALFOLK
Workshop & Bal
Higher Kinnerton Village Hall, Bennett's Ln, Higher Kinnerton, Chester CH4 9AR
Workshop: Bourree Cassiopea taught by Alan Maxwell
Bal music: Helianthus, The Waite Collective
Tickets: £12 - £16
Sunday 28 September 2025
2-5pm
WAITE COLLECTIVE BALFOLK
Workshop & Bal
Higher Kinnerton Village Hall, Bennett's Ln, Higher Kinnerton, Chester CH4 9AR
Workshop: 8 time waltz
Bal music: Sue Jones and Sue Worsfold, The Waite Collective
Tickets: £12 - £16