5th August 2019

Our first Summer Concert was a huge success, filled with good music and lots of laughter. 

Performing in front of family, friends and members of the public at Seend Community Hall, the concert brought together Alzheimer's Support's 11 Music for the Mind groups from across the county to sing an uplifting selection of popular songs – without everyone rehearsing together beforehand.

“The atmosphere was electric and the groups sang together really well,” said Sarah Marriott, head of community services. “So many people came along that we ran out of chairs so they had to stand at the back.”

The event was also a great opportunity for family members, who might otherwise be at work while their relative attends a Music for the Mind group, to see how they work and just how much fun they can be.

In the first part of the concert the groups performed for the audience, while the second half involved a lot of audience participation and action moves, such as throwing scarves in the air during Let’s Go Fly A Kite. Other songs performed including Country Roads, Summer Holiday, Que Sera Sera, I am Sailing and Edelweis. All were suggested by group members.

“They were all tunes that people would be familiar with, so no one would be worried about having to sing songs they didn’t know,” said Sarah.

The evening concluded with an impromptu group rendition of Land of Hope and Glory, requested by a performer who was celebrating his 90^th birthday.    

“Everyone really enjoyed the evening,” said Sarah “and wanted to do it again. We will definitely be putting on another concert in the future.”  

The sell-out event raised around £850 to help fund services for people living with dementia in Wiltshire.