Wandering Minstrels

Bringing world-class musicians to schools & care homes

For many years our Wandering Minstrels programme has been engaging outstanding musicians to go into schools and care homes to perform directly for pupils and residents. 

School sessions give young people the opportunity to hear and learn about musical styles and instruments which they may not have encountered before. Top professional performers visit pupils within school hours and in their own school setting at no charge to the school, meaning as many young people as possible can experience and be inspired by the wonder of live music, and learn about the lives and skills of professional musicians.

We work with schools over a large and geographically diverse area, from remote villages in Upper Wensleydale and Swaledale to the bustling towns of Richmond and Catterick Garrison, including: Bainbridge, Askrigg & West Burton Primaries, Hawes Primary, Hunton & Arrathorne Primary, Middleham & Spennithorn Primaries, Leyburn Primary, Masham Primary, Reeth & Gunnerside Primaries, Richmond School, Risedale School and The Wensleydale School

Care home visits are aimed at those who are unable to access Festival events; exposure to live music has a profound and beneficial effect, particularly on those living with dementia

Vocalist Patricia Hammond and multi-instrumentalist Matt Redman have delivered a large number of concerts in care homes for the Festival over the last few years. They are highly skilled and experienced in working with elderly and infirm people, and their contributions have been extremely beneficial and well-received.

Amongst the many other superb professional musicians who have performed in care homes to delighted residents are violinists Emma Fisk and Hugo Ticciati, guitarists James Birkett, Alexandra Whittingham and James Girling, cellists Kristiana Ignatjeva, Abel Selacoe and Rebecca Hepplewhite, Syrian musician Maya Youssef, viol player Susanna Pell, lutenist Jacob Heringman, multi-instrumentalist Clare Salaman, percussionist Delia Stevens, flautist Meera Maharaj, and the Yorkshire folk duo The Hut People. 

Would your school or care home like to take part in our Wandering Minstrels Programme? Contact us here.