‘Grey Matters’ at our dementia-friendly Celtic Connections concerts
Earlier this year, Live Music Now Scotland offered our dementia-friendly concerts at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, as part of Celtic Connections, giving older audiences the chance to enjoy live music in a welcoming, accessible environment. Looking back, we’re delighted to reflect on these joyful afternoons, where music and shared experiences created lasting memories for both musicians and audiences alike.
Performances by LMNS duos Mairi McGillivray & Katie Allen and Chloë Bryce & Calum McIlroy featured a mix of traditional and contemporary music, from well-known songs to tunes from Scottish and Gaelic traditions.
“As always, the dementia-friendly concert at Celtic Connections was a really lovely afternoon, and brought in a great audience. We made sure to interact plenty with the audience, giving them context on what we were going to play and telling stories and jokes, which they responded very well to. The audience really enjoyed the songs and sang along to the ones they knew in fine voice!” – Chloë Bryce & Calum McIlroy
“We involved the audience by tying in some more well-known trad songs with our usual setlist. The audience really enjoyed the performance and we got lots of great comments afterwards. We had one member of the audience approach us after the gig to tell us how much they enjoyed the Gaelic songs, even though it’s not something they’ve listened to before, and it even brought them to tears at points.” – Mairi McGillivray & Katie Allen
A joyful day out: Grey Matters at Celtic Connections
Live Music Now Scotland was delighted to find an article, published in the Helensburgh Advertiser, which followed a local group, Grey Matters, to our afternoon gigs.
Members of Grey Matters Active Ageing attended the concerts as part of their programme to encourage socially inclusive, active lives. The inclusive performances were a highlight, complemented by shared lunches before the concerts that allowed participants to relax, chat, and make a proper day out of the experience.
A spokesperson for Grey Matters told the Helensburgh Advertiser:
“Attending on separate days, the groups were able to experience live music in a relaxed and welcoming environment, making the outings both enjoyable and inclusive. The daytime format helped ensure the concerts were accessible and comfortable for everyone. For many participants, the outings offered important benefits beyond the music. Coming together for shared experiences supports social connection, confidence and wellbeing, while encouraging people to stay active and engaged. Enjoying cultural events as a group also helps reduce isolation and strengthens a sense of community. The combination of music, good food and friendly company created a positive and memorable experience.“
Why dementia-friendly concerts matter
Live Music Now Scotland works with older people in care homes and communities, recognising that many experience long periods of social and emotional isolation, particularly those living with dementia. Authorities locally and nationally are increasingly highlighting the importance of creative participation as part of a holistic approach to wellbeing.
Research shows that arts and music programmes can:
Improve symptoms of depression and behavioural challenges
Reduce anxiety and improve emotional wellbeing, including quality of life
Support communication between residents and staff
Strengthen self-identity and feelings of being valued
Provide physical benefits through activities like singing and dancing
Enhance individual care by giving staff insight into each participant
Our dementia-friendly concerts combine live music, interaction, and a comfortable environment to create moments of joy, connection, and shared experience – supporting older audiences both socially and emotionally, while celebrating the power of music.
All images (C) Grey Matters. Live Music Now Scotland would like to extend a big thanks for allowing us to use their photos from their day out, and to Alison for the following feedback:
“I would like to thank [LMNS] for all the fabulous music we have enjoyed at the concerts. It’s wonderful to bring the whole group together for a welcoming and inclusive afternoon. The impact the music has on our members is heartwarming.“
