Beverley’s First Free ‘Gentle Concerts’ at Toll Gavel Church, Beverley

Friday September 14th and Saturday September 15th 2018

It is still an unfortunate fact for people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) that society tends to focus on their disabilities and not their abilities - what they cannot do, as opposed to what they can.

Across the East Riding there are many groups and service centres for SEND adults, the elderly and those with dementia. However, their access to live music performances is limited to non- existent. To help address this, Music Living is staging two unique concerts which you may be interested in supporting.

These events are aimed at adults with SEND, dementia, the isolated elderly, their families and the general public.

Concert 1 - ‘Joy and Passion’

This is a concert performed by professional musicians. The programme is lively and joyous, including popular songs from the shows, so can be enjoyed by anyone, but how the event is run takes into special consideration the needs of the audience.

The performance will not patronise the audience, but the atmosphere will take them in to consideration – very much like an “autism friendly” cinema screening.

We are aware of the needs of the audience and so the venue will specifically cater for them without fear of prejudice or misunderstanding. The event will be in four half-hour sessions, with short intervals so people can come to any or all.

Concert 2 - ‘Hope and Magic’

This concert will see adults with SEND take to the stage, alongside an under 11s choir from Beverley. In addition, we will be joined by a SEND rock band from London. This concert will be open to all, with support to enable the families of those performing to attend.