IN PICTURES: Derry choir proves dementia is no barrier at International Choir Festival

The Mellow DEEDS Choir performed magnificently to a packed house at the City of Derry International Choir Festival on Friday last. Singing as part of the festival's community engagement programme, the local choir shared the stage with the prestigious Alumnae Choir from the University of Tartu, Estonia at the Bishop’s Field Centre in Creggan.

First held in 2013, the festival is now established as a major event across the country and stands as the only international choir festival of its kind in the UK.

This year’s event coincided with Positive Ageing Month, which celebrates the contributions and vibrant lives of the ageing community. Following the success of Mellow DEEDS at last year's festival, Rachel Kelly, Community & Outreach Co-ordinator for the City of Derry International Choir Festival, invited the group back for a fourth year consecutive year.

Sinead Devine, DEEDS Co-ordinator at Health For Life, said: ‘The group were delighted to be invited to perform again at the festival. We continue to use Playlist for Life techniques to ensure that we are singing our members' song choices.

‘This year, they chose to sing songs that represent where they are from: Lovely Derry and Pretty Little Girl from Omagh, as well as two classics from their dance hall days, Blueberry Hill and These Boots are made for Walkin’. We have heard so many stories about what these songs mean to our members in the lead-up to the festival.’

The one-hour lunchtime programme turned into a true community celebration. Members of the DEEDS social groups attended to enjoy the musical feast alongside friends, family, and neighbours. Attendees were welcomed by musicians and singers from St. Mary’s College, who provided entertainment upon arrival, while local volunteers assisted with the event's setup.

Speaking after Friday’s performance, Mellow DEEDS Musical Director Anna Nolan said: ‘Music is a powerful connector for people living with dementia; in fact, it engages the whole brain. The festival gives Mellow DEEDS members the opportunity to sing with people from all over the world, showing that a diagnosis of dementia is not a barrier to living life to the full. They sang beautifully, with such joy and energy, and the audience response was absolutely incredible. It was a performance they should all be immensely proud of.’

The Mellow DEEDS Choir continues to highlight how music can unlock memories, foster deep social connections, and enrich the lives of those navigating dementia.