On Tuesday, 27 May 2025, we were proud to join forces with Bristol Beacon and Sinfonia Smith Square Orchestra to host an uplifting orchestral concert for around 200 care home residents from across Bristol.
An Accessible and Inclusive Experience
Held in the stunning Beacon Hall, this event formed part of Bristol Beacon’s ongoing programme bringing high-quality live music experiences to older people in our city – a mission we are honoured to support as main sponsors.
This was a landmark occasion, as Beacon Hall was able to accommodate 40 wheelchair users – a fourfold increase from the usual 10 spaces – thanks to thoughtful accessibility planning. It meant more residents than ever were able to enjoy the experience in comfort.
Sinfonia Smith Square Orchestra, an inspiring ensemble of early-career musicians trained in working with older audiences, delivered a memorable performance. Blending classical repertoire with interactive moments – including a pre-concert meet and greet and live improvisation – the concert was beautifully engaging throughout.
We were also delighted that the event was recorded and broadcast by Bristol Hospital Broadcasting Service, enabling hospital patients and other care homes across the city to enjoy the performance remotely.
Joy and Connection Across Bristol’s Care Homes
Seventeen care homes attended the concert in person, and the atmosphere was one of warmth, joy, and connection — a shared celebration of music and care.
“Seventeen care homes from across Bristol participated in the concert today. There was a great sense of engagement and embrace and enjoyment of this wonderful music. Thanks to all for making that possible.”
Geoff Crocker, Chair, Bristol Care Homes
“Here at Bristol Beacon we really believe in the power of music and this concert fits well into our health and wellbeing programme. Music, particularly for those who might be living with dementia, is a really powerful tool to support with wellbeing, calmness and with memories. Today is just one part of bringing people together and being able to share with their loved ones and carers.” – Adam Kent, Director of Creative Learning & Engagement
The Power of Music in Care
Our residents found the event truly uplifting, with many sharing how much they enjoyed the live performance and the atmosphere of togetherness it brought. Music has long been recognised as a powerful medium in care, especially for those living with dementia, helping to stimulate memory, reduce anxiety, and build emotional connection.
At Bristol Care Homes, we are proud to support this initiative for the third consecutive year, helping to bring world-class musical experiences directly to care home residents across the city. It’s a meaningful way to enrich daily life and create joyful, shared moments.
You can read more about our ongoing partnership and past events here:
- Bristol Care Homes continues to support Bristol Beacon in bringing the joy of live music to care homes (21 March 2023)
- Hundreds of care home residents enjoyed a wonderful Care Concert sponsored by Bristol Care Homes (10 June 2024)
- New Amazing Shots of the Care Concert: A Bristol Care Homes Initiative in Partnership with Bristol Beacon (8 August 2024)
- Bristol Beacon & Bristol Care Homes unite to celebrate care through live music (19 May 2025)
With Thanks
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this concert possible – the residents and carers, the talented musicians, and our wonderful partners at Bristol Beacon.
Special thanks also go to fellow project supporters: The Anchor Society and Christie & Co, and to the wider supporters of Bristol Beacon’s health and well-being work, including Jessie Myers (Soul Media), who provided us with these wonderful photographs.
Here at Bristol Care Homes, we are proud to support initiatives like this, which bring joy, connection, and meaningful experiences to older people in our community.
