A NEW festival is coming to a Halstead this week… in an unusual venue.

Care UK’s Colne View, on Dame Mary Walk, is set to hit the right note as it opens its doors for the brand new summer festival on Saturday, July 1.

The fun-filled festival comes as Colne View celebrates Care Home Open Week, a national initiative which encourages homes to open their doors and showcase what life there is really like.

The special event, from 12noon-4pm, will see visitors invited to dance along to live entertainment from the Red Hot Ukes who will be performing a range of classic songs with a ukelele twist.

Residents and visitors will also be treated to a performance from local accordionist Alex Southgate, and be able to witness the debut performance of Colne View’s very own morris dancing group – made up of team members from the home.

Visitors attending the festival will also have the chance to take part in their own song by joining forces with the home and Halstead’s dementia-friendly choir, who will be performing a version of ‘Thank you for being a friend’.

The song was recently recorded by singing icon Tony Christie, who is living with dementia and has recently teamed up with the Music for Dementia charity.

Visitors will also be treated to a barbeque specially prepared by the home’s head chef.

Home manager Monica Boldeata said: “We’re delighted to be welcoming the community to join our summer festival celebrations here at Colne View.

“Care Home Open Week offers the perfect opportunity to get together with loved ones and enjoy a celebration of live music.

“Many residents at Colne View have fond memories of watching live music in their younger years, and this event will encourage them to look back and relive their festival-going years.

“We have many music lovers here at Colne View, and we’re excited to ring in summer in style with our first-ever festival.

“We can’t wait to strike a chord with residents and the wider community.”

To find out more or book your place at the event, contact Kim Richardson on 01787 389474 or kim.richardson@careuk.com.