A local intergenerational choir has kicked off Storyhouse Elders Week, an annual Chester arts event celebrating ageing.

Dubbed the 'Sankofa Songsters', the special choir with participants aged from two to 100 has membership from across 14 care settings.

This includes dementia specialist, Belong Chester - as well as pupils from early years settings, primary schools, and members of the wider community. 

The unique choir has launched Storyhouse Elders Week, an annual event which features, film, song, dance, photography and creative workshops, with the goal of celebrating ageing. 

Led by Amanda Wrigley of 'Live the Beat', the singers achieved national fame last year, after being personally invited by the Princess of Wales to perform for ITV's annual 'Royal Carols: Together at Christmas' concert at Westminster Abbey.  

The Nursery in Belong is the UK's first fully integrated research nursery within a care setting (Image via: Belong)

Now their talents have been used to open the annual Elders week, exploring and challenging the societal perceptions of age and ageing, hosted by Storyhouse.

"We recognise the benefits of creative experiences for our older residents and the nursery children," said Belong Chester general manager, Caroline Ray.

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"The launch of Storyhouse Elders is the perfect occasion for them to showcase their talents to the community. Everyone has really enjoyed being involved." 

The week will culminate in a joyful finale of intergenerational song and musical performances. 

Ready Generations' The Nursery in Belong is operated by the national charity and is the UK's first fully integrated research nursery within a care setting.

Storyhouse Elders Week runs between 13 – 27 October at Storyhouse. 

More information about Belong Chester can be found at www.belong.org.uk or by emailing [email protected]

The Chester Creative Health Partnership, Living Lives Together, is a partnership between Ready Generations, Live the Beat, Healthbox CIC, Fountains Medical Practice, and Live Cheshire.