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.
A memorable evening of Wine, Music and Song
Thank you to everyone who joined us and supported the Wine, Music and Song event. With music spanning centuries, the evening was a celebration of music in its many different roles.
Arts in Care Homes Day: Thanking Bert Smith
This Arts in Care Homes Day, we’re taking the time to thank Moyness Care Home’s Activities Coordinator Bert Smith, who has championed live music for care homes in Dundee for over 30 years. As Bert approaches retirement, he is looking back on his career and years of work with Music in Hospitals & Care.
World Alzheimer’s Month: Lifting spirits in Cumbria
Our musician Andy McKay has been visiting wards and care homes across Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria, where we have been able to share 29 hours of live music between September 2025 and May 2026. One of the spaces Andy visited is the Ramsey Unit at Furness General Hospital, an assessment unit for patients with organic illnesses such as dementia.