The Not Forgotten, a British Armed Forces charity which supports serving and ex-servicemen and women, is delighted to announce the launch of a nationwide outdoor concert tour to lift the lockdown spirits of care home residents.
Launched in March, The Not Forgotten Springtime Specials will bring music, song and dance to thousands of UK residents, during a tour that will visit 100 care homes over ten weeks.
Abiding by the current social distancing regulations in UK care homes, the concerts will entertain, boost morale and create new, joyful memories for residents who have been among some of the hardest affected by loneliness and isolation under lockdown measures.
The Not Forgotten’s professional entertainment team will bring a party to care home residents as they perform a set of familiar feel-good favourites and popular hits from the 60s and 70s. From ABBA to Elvis and the Beatles, there will be something for everyone to sing along and dance to as they enjoy an afternoon of entertainment.
Come rain or shine, the socially-distanced concerts will be enjoyed by residents and staff together in communal areas within care homes or, if weather permits, outside in the springtime sunshine.
Commenting on the launch, CEO of The Not Forgotten Brigadier James Stopford CBE said: “According to Age UK, there are 1.4 million chronically lonely older people in England, and many more across the rest of the UK. Our Springtime Special tour will enable us to connect with many of these people, bringing joy and entertainment into their homes as, sadly, extreme loneliness and isolation is set to endure throughout 2021.
“Music provides such a boost to individuals’ emotional wellbeing and, over the years, we have seen incredibly positive reactions from residents who delight in the entertainment and the connection of interacting, at a safe distance of course, with our performers.
“100 years ago, soprano Marta Cunningham founded The Not Forgotten based on the principles of providing entertainment and recreation to those who have worn their nation’s uniform and now suffer and we are delighted that, to this day, a big part of our work continues to bring entertainment to those we support across the UK.”
