A MUSIC and arts festival is bringing performances to those who are less able to get out thanks to a grant from Care UK.

The Swaledale Festival, running from Saturday, May 28 until Saturday, June 11, holds concerts in a variety of venues around Swaledale, Arkengarthdale and Wensleydale.

Thanks to a grant from Care UK, people in care homes and in isolated areas without transport will still be able to enjoy the concerts – either in their home or with a bus taking them to the venue.

Care UK’s Wellbeing Foundation has donated £2,000 which will go towards six care home concerts and a bus.

Organiser Jill Armstrong said: “The homes will be visited by duo Patricia Hammond and Matt Redman.

“Patricia sings and Matt plays a variety of instruments and they are very popular with older people - music is very therapeutic, particularly for those people living with dementia and I know the homes are greatly looking forward to the visits.”

The grant will also enable the Swaledale Festival to run a community bus to and from ten of the concerts for those who are no longer able to drive or who have no access to transport.

Ms Armstrong added: “Many older people feel isolated as they cannot access arts venues easily and for those who have been bereaved, going to a concert with other people is less daunting and is a source of conversation and company.

“The free bus is also available to under 19s, who also qualify for £3 concert tickets, as we are keen that younger members of the community are able to enjoy the wonderful music in some of our more remote concert locations.”

Care UK Wellbeing Foundation Board secretary Rosemary Harvey said: “The board members are very excited that the grant has enabled the festival to open up so many concerts to the broadest possible range of people in the community.

“The foundation was set up to help organisations increase wellbeing through the arts and these initiatives do just that. We are also delighted that one of our own care homes, the Terrace, is to host one of the concerts.”

Festival organisers said this year’s ticket sales have already exceeded last year’s record number, even before the festival opens.

It brings together an eclectic mix of events with world class artists, local performers and rising young professionals – and despite tickets selling fast, there are still plenty available for most events.