Shoppers at intu Eldon Square will be treated to a compelling mix of live music this weekend, courtesy of the charity Music in Hospitals & Care.
As part of the shopping centre’s month-long calendar of free family activities and entertainment, on Saturday 21 July from 10am – 2pm in St Andrew’s Way, near Debenhams, there will be musical performances from professional musicians from across the region.
Organised by the charity Music in Hospitals & Care the performers will be giving shoppers a taste of their different musical styles. There will also be the opportunity for people to find out more about what the charity does from North East Development Officer, Alison Forbes, who will be present throughout to chat about the work and explain just how important live music is in care settings, as it lifts mood, stimulates memory, wellbeing and communication.
Music in Hospitals & Care brings joy to people of all ages across the healthcare spectrum, providing around 5,000 concerts per year across the UK benefitting a wide range of vulnerable people – from babies and children in critical care to elderly people reaching the end of their lives.
Visitors to intu Eldon Square will be able to soak up the sounds of traditional music from the north east played by Frances Archer – a qualified nurse and professional fiddle-player and singer. They’ll be transported to the streets of Paris and a Scottish ceilidh by Robert Whitehead with his eclectic selection of folk music on piano accordion.
Talented trio Bespoke vibes will be entertaining the crowds with a funky mix of reggae, blues, sea shanties and rock and roll, played on a wide range of instruments, while Simon Wood and Tamara Kazziha will add a touch of the exotic with African and South American style drumming and body percussion as well as songs from around the world.
Vikki Mather, acting marketing manager at intu Eldon Square said:
“This month at intu Eldon Square we’ve put together a wonderful selection of free activities guaranteed to put smiles on the faces of shoppers young and old alike and one of the highlights is the fantastic live music provided by Music in Hospitals & Care.
“The charity plays such an important role in the local community and all of the musicians visiting intu Eldon Square have performed concerts throughout the north east in hospitals, hospices, care homes, community centres and special needs schools benefitting vulnerable children, adults and elderly people across the region.
“We hope that our shoppers enjoy the performances taking place and dig deep to support Music in Hospitals & Care – helping them to bring more performances into care settings across the region and spread the joy of live music.”
Alison Forbes, North East Development Officer at Music in Hospitals & Care, added:
“We can’t wait to showcase our wonderful north east musicians, and to chat with shoppers about how we benefit vulnerable people in the city and the wider north east region. Public support is hugely important to us and helps us to continue to bring joy and comfort to people in healthcare through the positive power of live music.”