The Dementia Friendly Festival was hosted by Dementia Friendly Guernsey in collaboration with the National Trust of Guernsey at the Folk and Costume Museum in Saumarez Park. It saw four artists from a broad range of styles – Rachel Dawson, the Singing from the Heart Community Choir, The Button Pushers and The Cage Shakers – take to the stage.
‘This is an opportunity for people with dementia to come to a music festival,’ said Julie Bulpitt, event coordinator and trustee of Dementia Friendly Guernsey.
‘We keep it small so people can come and be themselves, and it also gives carers the opportunity to come and do something together with them.’
Music is beneficial for people with dementia as it can help trigger memories.
‘They might hear something and think, “oh that was my favourite song”, or be able to sing along,’ said Mrs Bulpitt.
‘You may see a spark in that person when they hear a certain song.’
This year’s festival was the fourth to be staged.
‘We are delighted to be able to do this year-on-year,’ said organiser Guy Mitchell. He expected to see up to 200 people over the course of the day.
Care homes also attended the event.
‘It’s amazing, some become completely emotive and some sing along when they don’t usually have much speech,’ said Emma Ferbrache, activities co-ordinator at Le Platon. ‘They show less agitation when we come to these events or have music in the home. It’s just a more calm and happy vibe.’
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