Read the special 75th anniversary edition of our annual report

The special 75th anniversary edition of our annual report is now available to read.

Since 1947, people and live music have been at the heart of Music in Hospitals & Care. 2023/24 was no exception as we celebrated 75 years of joy through live music and everyone who has supported us along the way. Together we have shared 2,324 hours of live music in thousands of places reaching over 36,360 people.

Its impact continues to be seen every day. Live music can decrease pain in serious illness by 27%. 69% of healthcare staff said it helped to improve their own emotional wellbeing. 80% of parents in neonatal care said that Lullaby Hour helped them feel relaxed. Yet, we strive to learn and achieve more as we look towards the next 75 years.

Throughout the year we celebrated partnerships old and new with special live music, shared resources building on all of the knowledge we have gained about music and health. We also joined forces with not one but two well-known radio presenters to raise awareness of our work.

The highlight was launching our new strategy for the next three years to achieve our long-term ambition – that people in hospitals and care can enjoy a better quality of life and improved health outcomes. In its first year we have focused on our impact, recognisable voice and recovery, which moves us further towards sustainable live music. We are investing in our future to realise our vision that everyone can access and experience the joy of live music, no matter their health or wellbeing.

Thank you to everyone who keeps the music playing – funders, supporters, musicians, health and care partners, staff and volunteers. Here’s to the next 75 years of joy through live music.