Transforming Communities

Concert DVDs distributed to people in care across Northern Ireland

In response to the pandemic, the Northern Irish branch of Live Music Now has produced over 30 films from its musicians, which have been made available online: http://bit.ly/LMNNIPlaylist

Mindful that many care settings in Northern Ireland don’t have access to the ICT infrastructure to allow them to access online music, the branch secured funding to professionally produce DVDs of some of the excellent films produced.

The first DVD, titled the Strabane Sessions, came out in February 2021 featuring four short films inspired by the area around Strabane, by traditional musicians Conor Lamb and Deirdre Galway.

Just under 200 complimentary copies were posted out to care settings across Northern Ireland.

We asked the settings for their feedback, and received some lovely comments:

‘Very enjoyable performance which was much appreciated by residents.’

‘Lots of the residents are from Tyrone, Claudy and outskirts of Derry, so the type of music was very popular.’

‘Thank you for sending DVD! Everyone really enjoyed it! Their mood was visibly lifted – they were clapping, smiling, admiring instrument playing and visual scenes.’

‘Thank you for this lovely innovative DVD, most enjoyable.’

Everyone who responded was entered into a prize draw to win some One4All vouchers. Ms Sandra Leckey of Park Manor Oaks, Dunmurry was the lucky winner.

Another DVD is currently in production and will be distributed to even more care settings.

If you or your care setting would like to receive a complimentary copy, please email [email protected] with DVD in the subject line.

We gratefully acknowledge the support from Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Causeway Coast and Glens, Derry City and Strabane District Council and the Dept for Communities.