Hundreds of older residents descended on the London Coliseum theatre for an afternoon of live music and sing-along performances.
More than 1,200 people aged 65 and over attended the free Music Hall event last week and sang along to classics including Daisy Daisy, We’ll Meet Again and The White Cliffs of Dover.
It was organised by Westminster Council and sponsored by Sir Simon Milton Foundation to help combat loneliness among the elderly.
Performers included Bill Halson, members of the Player’s Theatre Company, soprano Marilyn Hill-Smith, 80-year-old comedian and juggler Michael Pearse and students from Sylvia Young Theatre School.
Gerry Pottersman, 91, of Maida Vale, said: “Since my wife’s gone, I do feel lonely sometimes. That’s why I try to get out every day. I like to try and mix with people when I go out Events such as this one are very good for that.”
Councillor Christabel Flight, Westminster’s champion for older people, said: “Along with last month’s Tea Dance and the events held as part of Silver Sunday in October, it was another great way to encourage our elderly people out of the house, to meet new people and help tackle loneliness among over 65s which can often be hugely detrimental and a contributing factor to poor health.”
