Music, Memories & Milestones: Dementia Friendly Folk Celebrates 3rd Year at Broadstairs Folk Week’s 60th Anniversary

This award-winning event once again proved the magic that happens when music, dance, and inclusivity come together. Residents, families, local community members, and visitors from further afield all joined in, showing that the spirit of Folk Week really does reach everyone, regardless of age or ability.

This year’s programme was lovingly designed to ensure everyone could take part. Gentle Ceilidh and The Woodurchins adapted their sets, slowing the tempo for dancers using wheelchairs or walking aids, while keeping the melodies lively and full of charm. Meanwhile, Caller Krista Bubble guided dancers through each step, a thoughtful approach especially valuable for those living with dementia, helping them follow along with ease and confidence. For Pauline, a resident at Chartwell House, the experience was filled with happy memories: “I really enjoyed it! I used to go to dances in my village, and the Dementia Friendly Folk brought back memories. I had dances with Tina in my wheelchair.” It was moments like Pauline’s that captured the spirit of the day; connection, joy, and the power of music to bridge intergeneration’s and abilities.

Guests included members of a local dementia club, attending for the first time and quickly swept up in the atmosphere, alongside familiar faces returning for another year of music and movement. One family member summed up the date perfectly: “WOW. What a wonderful day. I can’t imagine how much work went into pulling that off, but you can feel the love and care that goes into every part of it. As Grandma said, ‘Absolutely positively lovely.’ Thank you for helping us make such special memories together.”

This year, Chartwell House also joined forces with Thanet Dementia Action Alliance, with Judith Andrews representing the Alliance on the day, alongside several of their service users who embraced the festivities with joy. Their involvement further strengthened the event’s mission of inclusivity and community spirit, where new faces attending for the first time were quickly swept up in the atmosphere, alongside familiar faces returning for another year of music and movement. One resident’s son, Keith, summed up the feeling perfectly: “Great fun had by all! Mum certainly loved it. Next year, I’ll have the bells sewn on my socks!”

The celebration came with added reason to cheer as Chartwell House recently received National Honour at the Dementia Care Awards 2025 in recognition of its outstanding work in supporting residents living with dementia. The band shared in the applause, recognising the ongoing success and positive impact of Dementia Friendly Folk in the community.

Importantly, Broadstairs Folk Week themselves shared how proud they are to be part of this remarkable initiative. Recognising that by joining forces with Chartwell House, they are helping to create something truly special for the greater good of the local community. Their support and facilitation have been key in making Dementia Friendly Folk not only possible, but a shining example of how cultural festivities can open their arms to everyone.

Adding to the sense of a successful event, Chartwell House hosting the Dementia Friendly Folk recently received the National Honour at the Dementia Care Awards 2025 in recognition of its outstanding work in supporting residents living with dementia. Event organisers and the band joined in celebrating the award, acknowledging the ongoing success and positive impact of Dementia Friendly Folk on the community.

Reflecting on the day, Jude Coveney, Admissions Manager at Chartwell House, said: “It was wonderful to see so many people dancing, smiling, and enjoying themselves. Our aim is always to create an inclusive space where everyone, whether young or old, living with dementia or not can join in and have a good time. The turnout this year was fantastic, and it’s so rewarding to know that we’ve made something truly inclusive. We hope it inspires other communities to host their own accessible dementia events.”

The success of the collaboration was also warmly echoed by Kai Hoffman, Festival Director of Broadstairs Folk Week, who commented: “By creating a varied and representative programme that not only celebrates traditional folk arts but also brings joy, connection, and cultural enrichment to thousands of visitors each year. Your contribution ensures that the festival continues to thrive and remains accessible to all. We are proud to count Chartwell House among our valued supporters. We are also working to make the festival more sustainable, ensuring it continues to flourish responsibly for future generations.”

Now in its third year, Dementia Friendly Folk has firmly established itself as a Folk Week favourite, proving that with the right care, creativity, and community spirit, music and dance can be enjoyed by absolutely everyone.