Fringe Stars Perform for Care Home Residents

                                                                                                                              Tuesday August 1 2023

Residents of care homes in Edinburgh will be entertained by Edinburgh Fringe performers in a unique initiative co-ordinated by the Edinburgh Interfaith Association.

Fringe performers will take part in the Fringe Cares Festival  which brings a taste of the musical fruits of the event to the doorstep of care homes in the city in a partnership sponsored by care provider, Barchester, which operates four care homes in the capital.

Festival organiser Professor Joe Goldblatt explained: “Last year my wife and I sponsored one performer and I was amazed when residents who had not spoken for months suddenly burst forth into song, in French, when a Fringe performer began to sing the Edith Piaf popular song La vie en rose.

“As they sang along I was speechless and in awe of the power of musical memories to inspire their strong positive emotions and awaken their senses.”

Donna Wood, General Manager of Queens Manor Care Home in Edinburgh, said: “I am delighted that Barchester is the founding sponsor for this special programme.  We know how delighted our residents are to enjoy the performance of professional performers. If it were not for this unique programme, they would miss out on seeing this great talent. 

“Through the Fringe Cares Festival we are able to bring the excitement, fun, and delights of the Festival Fringe right into our homes.”

The performers taking part in the initiative are appearing on this year’s Fringe and have performed around the world and include Canadian storyteller and banjo player Keith Alessi and the acapella quartet Octavoce.

The executive director of the Edinburgh Interfaith Association, Iain Stewart said: “EIFA is very proud to have conceived this programme as part of our commitment to bringing people together to celebrate, communicate, and appreciate one another through music.  The 35-year-old EIFA is the oldest interfaith association and represents all faiths and none promoting respect, understanding, peace and love.  The Fringe Cares Festival at Barchester dramatically demonstrates that we may all come together and benefit through music.”

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