Last month, Serene Haven hosted its annual Silver Stars Music Festival — an afternoon of live performances, dancing, and laughter that brought together residents, families, and the wider community. This year’s headliner was a local jazz quartet whose repertoire spanned the 1940s through the 1970s, drawing spontaneous sing-alongs from residents who hadn’t sung publicly in years.
Music therapy is embedded in our weekly programme, and its benefits are well-documented in dementia care. But the festival goes beyond clinical benefit — it’s a celebration of culture, identity, and joy.
“My mother was a ballroom dancer,” said one visitor. “Watching her get up and waltz with a member of staff — I hadn’t seen her smile like that in two years.” These moments remind us why the programme exists.
Next year’s festival is already in planning. If you play an instrument or would like to volunteer your musical talent, we’d love to hear from you.