BIG Ian Donaghy's Forever Young Music Festival was held on September 1 in the grounds of Grimston Court care home, off the Grimston roundabout on the A1079 before the Dunnington turn-off, with two performance marquees and attractions galore.

"We're all kids with different dates of birth," said Ian. "I meet so many people who are in their 80s and 90s who are still full of fire and life, and the Forever Young festival was about bringing all generations together singing and dancing. We wanted to include everyone."

Hosted by Ian, gregarious frontman of the York party band Huge, the festival ran from 12 noon to 8pm, featuring live music by Heather Findlay, Jess Morgan-Steel, Graham Hodge, Dead Beat Brass, Steph Holden, Mainstreet Sound Ladies Choir and The York Orchard Musical Theatre Company Group.

There was a long-awaited reunion performance too by Sally Tindall and Charlie Daykin, formerly of The Big Kick and now back together after 21 years.

"We had a steel band and dance workshops by Strictly Salsa, Tread The Boards and Evolution Dance and an opportunity for people who've never ever sung live to make their debut at whatever age," says Ian. "You're never too old to write a new chapter."

Big Ian spread the festival in other ways too. "We had a performance area inside the care home for residents who might not have been able to come out because of ill-health or frailty to enjoy the live music."

Bouncy castles, face-painting and craft activities were on site for children. "Admission was free, thanks to sponsorship by Wellburn Care, who own Grimston Court, and all money taken on the food stands and tombolas and in collection buckets is going to Age UK York and St Leonard's Hospice," said Ian.