Monthly free dementia-friendly community sessions at the Festival Theatre for people living with dementia and their families, with song, poetry and music-making.
Festival Theatre runs dementia-friendly community events throughout each month, and the next set of sessions runs from 26 October to 30 November. They're for people living with dementia and their families, and they're built around companionship, chat and the chance to celebrate stories through song, poetry and music-making. It's less of a performance to watch and more of a space to be part of, with the music and poetry acting as the thing everyone gathers around.
That's the core of it: companionship and chat. The sessions are designed for people to connect with others, and the music-making is the common ground. If you're going with a family member or a friend, it's as much about the company as it is about the songs and poems. The sessions run across the month, so you can pick the dates that work for you rather than committing to a single one-off.
Festival Theatre takes accessibility seriously here, which is something to keep in mind if you're planning the trip. There's level access to the dining room, the cafe and the restaurant, and a tactile route for visitors with visual impairments. If you're coming with someone who needs that, it's worth knowing before you set off.
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Entry is free, but you do need to book in advance online. A ticket is required for every person attending, including any carers, so make sure you account for everyone when you book. The theatre is at 13-29 Nicolson Street, Edinburgh EH8 9FT.
