Dementia-friendly Cake Concert is a huge success!

In partnership with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO), The Octagon Theatre & Westlands Entertainment Venue held a Dementia-Friendly Cake Concert on 16th February 2024. A trio of BSO musicians performed a selection of classical favourites whilst the audience enjoyed a hot drink and a slice of cake.

Fondly known as The Teatime Trio, Eluned, Owain and Kate, provided a classical treat for the 100 strong sold-out audience at Westlands Entertainment Venue. The BSO musicians took turns to introduce each piece of well-known repertoire, that included show tunes, classical favourites and bespoke arrangements for the harp, cello and flute. The audience, including carers, had a wonderful time and commented on the friendliness of the event, as well as the exceptional quality of music, and of course, the delicious cake!

The Cake Concert was thoroughly relaxed to allow everyone attending to feel at ease. It was a chance for the audience to enjoy and express themselves, where they felt comfortable to chat, relax, sip tea and sing along in the friendly, inclusive environment.

Live music can have a profound impact on people living with dementia, encouraging reminiscence, improved communication and an improvement to wellbeing. The concert also supported carers, helped to reduce isolation, and encouraged connections through the beautiful and relaxing music provided by Bournemouth Symphany Orchestra.

The Concert was a huge success, with tickets selling out and attracting support from Alzheimer’s Society, Care Homes and Memory Cafés from across Somerset. Carers were able to attend the concert free via our Essential Companion Scheme (ECS). The Concert raised £89.50 in donations for the Alzheimer's Society.

“Thank you for a wonderful morning, so lovely to see 100 people enjoying the beautiful music by BSO. I have already had lots of feedback, smiling faces says it all, all of the people I support who have attended today are living with difficult circumstances.” Julie Woan, Alzheimer's Society.

“I am in tears, so beautiful, so pleased I came, thank you” – Person with dementia.

“We have come from Somerton and so pleased we made the effort to come, its been lovely” – Carer

“So pleased I came, thank you, I have had a lovely time and even though my wife had her eyes shut she was enjoying the music and smiling” – Carer

This event has been made possible thanks to The Octagon Theatre becoming an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) and being awarded an investment of £760,000 to support arts and cultural activities in Somerset over the next three years. Becoming an NPO enables more opportunities for communities to watch, take part and benefit from arts and cultural activities, including a programme of education, community and health and wellbeing projects with Orchestra in Residence BSO, such as this Cake Concert.