Wiltshire Music Centre

Wiltshire Music Centre is a nationally recognised concert hall and creative learning hub in Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire. Each year the Centre presents over 150 concerts by world class performing artists, as well as delivering an innovative Creative Learning and Community Engagement Programme to support thousands of children and vulnerable adults across the county.

Flagship projects include Zone Club, a creative group for young learning-disabled adults, aged 16+. The project is delivered through monthly sessions at the Centre in which young people can create their own music, lyrics, dance and films. During these sessions, Zone Clubbers are expertly supported by musicians, music therapists, film-makers and theatre practitioners to express themselves creatively and share ideas, supporting increased wellbeing and reduced social isolation.

Wiltshire Music Centre is also the lead partner for Celebrating Age Wiltshire, which uses cultural activity as a vehicle to improve the health and wellbeing of older people, including those who are socially isolated or vulnerable due to dementia, reduced mobility, ill health or caring responsibilities. Each year the project supports a year-round programme of specially-curated, free-to-attend monthly events for older people in community settings. From concerts in care homes to dance workshops in village halls, reading groups in libraries and reminiscence events in sheltered housing residents’ lounges, Celebrative Age Wiltshire engages thousands of older people every year.

Throughout the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, Wiltshire Music Centre has been adapting its services to ensure that it can continue to support the wellbeing of its most vulnerable communities. Digital Zone Club sessions have enabled Clubbers to come together from home to share in the enjoyment and fulfilment of creating their own music. Whilst broadcasts on BBC Radio Wiltshire and pre-recorded Celebrating Age Wiltshire concerts from the Centre have helped to engage hundreds of isolated older people at this difficult time.

We believe in the power of music to inspire, enrich and transforms peoples lives. Now, more than ever, creativity and access to music is so vitally important.