Tickles Music Hall, Bradford, launches 'Vintage Tuesdays'

Tickles Music Hall, Westgate, is taking people back to the 50s, 60s and 70s with live music on ‘Vintage Tuesdays’. 

Taking place from 4pm every week, the regular rock n’ roll get together was launched by event manager Ellen Boyle and Shannon Palmer, the bar’s social media manager. 

All are welcome at the bar, which serves both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.

Shannon, an influencer who also works as a dementia care assistant at Springfield Care Home, brought a group of residents to the latest 'Vintage Tuesday'.

The group, aged between 70 and 95, could be seen dancing and singing as the nostalgic songs played.

She said: “My experience from working with dementia is no matter how progressive the stage of the dementia they are at, if they hear music they always resonate, sing along and know lines. It's really lovely to see. It’s true what they say, music really is for everyone.

“It's about looking at the person and not the illness they are living with. In my humble opinion there isn't enough activities and days out that are dementia friendly, which is sad to see because from knowledge I know different activities, especially singing and dancing, makes them come alive.

“It just so happens that Tickles Music Hall in Bradford have been running a well-known afternoon for the older generation known as 'Vintage Tuesdays'. 

“Putting two and two together it really was a no brainer to take some of the residents I look after.” 

Ellen said: “I was inspired to start ‘Vintage Tuesdays’ because I noticed there wasn't anything specifically for our older customers. I spoke to a few of them about it and they loved the idea of an afternoon dedicated to them which was age and dementia friendly.

“They have made new friendships and also caught up with friends they haven't seen for 40 or 50 years.”

“We have live entertainment which includes acts from all over the UK. One week it might be rock n’ roll and jive. The following week it could be 60s. We feature Elvis regularly as he's a big favourite. We have all the genres. It's their day.”

Tickles Music Hall was opened by businessman John Holmes in 1982, decorated in the style of an old Victorian music hall.

In 2021, the bar reopened its doors - featuring two floors, a dance floor and capacity for between 400 and 500 people.

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