Festival season is well underway at Goodson Lodge, a care home run by not-for-profit care provider The Orders of St John Care Trust in Trowbridge, which brought the spirit of Glastonbury to residents with its own music festival. Running alongside Glastonbury, the event took place over three days, from Friday 28 June to Sunday 30 June.  A TikTok video of residents enjoying the festival has already generated 1.6million views, following hot on the success of the care home’s rave that went viral on TikTok with over 6million views back in spring.

The festival featured an eclectic lineup of local bands and solo artists, covering a range of genres from rock to jazz, from samba to karaoke. Headline performances included Ukelele Piddle, Sweet Silent Disco, Alpine Stompers Bavarian Band, Calne Silver Band, local drag queen Miss Luscious Lips Lucy, NJ dance group and guitarist James Hogg.

Alex Goodson, Events Manager at OSJCT Goodson Lodge explained: “I wanted to create a fun and memorable experience for the residents, many of whom have fond memories of musical concerts and festivals in their youth. So it was important to involve them in planning this festival.  Music is also incredibly important for residents living with dementia, as it can help them express their feelings and ideas, and improve their wellbeing.”

Resident Maisie Frampton, aged 92 added: “It’s been very good and the work that’s gone into it is fantastic.”

Beyond the music, the festival offered a variety of fun activities and delicious food options to engage the residents, their families and the local community.  Highlights included circus skills workshops by Clare Circus, farm animals from Chloe Mobile Farm, face painting, as well as ice-cream, cake, coffee and gin vans, and a BBQ.

The event was a true community effort, with colleagues, family members, friends, volunteers and local businesses and charities all pitching in to make the day a success.  The care home team worked tirelessly for weeks to make the event as authentic as possible, setting up their very own version of the famed pyramid stage, arranging performances, and organising additional activities and attractions.