Music has become a powerful tool in helping those living with dementia. Research has shown that music therapy can significantly improve and support the mood, alertness and engagement of people with dementia and, as a result, can often reduce the use of medication.

On 24th September 2023, choirs and musical groups from Alnwick will use music to help in another way those living with dementia; by singing for 6 hours in a live music event in the town's market square to raise £20,000 in aid of Alzheimer’s Society. That is the equivalent of a cup of coffee for every person living in Alnwick.

A report commissioned by Alzheimer’s Society estimated that the number of people living with dementia in the UK is around 900,000, enough to fill Newcastle United’s St James’ Park 17 times over! The number whose lives are changed by the condition – carers, family, friends – is many millions higher. And that number is projected to rise to 1.6 million people by 2040.

209,600 people will develop dementia this year, that’s one every three minutes, that’s two-thirds of the population of Northumberland or over 25 times the population of Alnwick.

Dementia is one of the main causes of disability later in life, ahead of cancer, cardiovascular disease and stroke but its research is desperately underfunded. Whilst new treatments are being developed with increasing speed, they are not coming quickly enough for people affected now.

Alzheimer’s Society is a powerful force for change for everyone affected by dementia. Its funded research aims to improve diagnosis, develop new treatments, and improve care and support for people living with it. Please help us to support them through song.