Royal Albert Hall musicians perform singalong concert for care home residents

Musicians from the Royal Albert Hall have performed a singalong concert for residents of a care home.

The venue’s in-house group, Albert’s Band, visited Compton Lodge in Swiss Cottage, north-west London on Wednesday to put on an hour-long show for 24 residents.

It was the band’s first performance to a live audience since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Resident Julia Simkins, 86, said: “They played all our songs from our childhood and growing up, which was fantastic.

“We couldn’t have had a better day with the weather and the gardens look gorgeous. It was helpful to have the songbook as I couldn’t remember all the words to the songs!”

Mrs Simkins, who has lived at Compton Lodge since August 2020, said: “I’m looking forward to more external professionals coming to the home to run different classes.

“While I’m fairly new to painting, I like to fill my day with colours and will give anything a go!”

The performance, which took place in the care home’s gardens, went ahead following completion of the Covid-19 vaccination programme for all of the residents at the home.

Other activities, including art therapy sessions, dance fitness classes and regular singalong events, have also resumed in-person at the home.

Fiona Saadat, acting care director at Central & Cecil which runs the home, said: “With residents receiving their second vaccinations and shielding requirements ending, we have been in the fortunate position to restart activities where residents can safely come together.

“This is so important for our residents after long periods of lockdowns, which have at times restricted us to running activities only online.”