Dementia Friendly Concerts: Jon Ritchie and That Swing Sensation - Big Band Classics

The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall is running a series of Dementia Friendly Concerts this autumn and winter, with the first one on Wednesday 21 October. They're free, accessible performances designed for audiences living with dementia, and they're open to everyone. The whole series is part of Celtic Connections.

There are five sessions in total, each starting at 2:00pm and running for 90 minutes with a 20-minute break halfway through. The first is on 21 October, followed by Friday 20 November, Friday 11 December, Tuesday 19 January 2027, and Tuesday 26 January 2027. Each one brings in a different performer, so the music changes every time. On 21 October, Jon Ritchie and That Swing Sensation play Big Band Classics. Niamh Corkey takes the next one on 20 November, and Neil Sturgeon does 60s and 70s Classics on 11 December. The New Year dates shift towards traditional music: Isla Ratcliff and Evie Waddell play Scottish Traditional on 19 January, and Grace Morton follows with Gaelic Traditional on 26 January.

The concerts are built around the idea that music can kick-start the brain and unlock memories, which is becoming a key part of dementia care. To keep things calm and safe, the music is played at a lower volume, the lights stay on, and the signage is clear. The staff are friendly, and there's a quiet space available with tea, coffee and biscuits if you need a moment away from the main room. The same sessions also run at local community centres and care homes across the city.

They're held at The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, 2 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow City Centre G2 3NY. It's one of Scotland's biggest venues, with a curved stone exterior and an auditorium that seats up to 2,475 people. It hosts nearly 250 performances a year across classical, jazz, pop, rock and folk, and has seen the likes of BB King, Johnny Cash, Van Morrison and Debbie Harry on its stage. It's also home to the RSNO, Scotland's national orchestra. The concerts are free to attend, but you do need to book tickets in advance.