YORK has always had a rich seam of musical talent but many musicians give up when families come along and disappear from the scene without a trace.
Here comes the Forever Young Festival to change all that, courtesy of organiser Big Ian Donaghy, who wants to attract musicians aged over 70 to put a band together for the September 2 festival within the grounds of Grimston Court, the residential care home at Grimston Lodge, Grimston Bar, York.
"We'd love former musicians on the circuit or people who just play in the house for fun to take part," says Big Ian. "I'll rehearse the band to perform on the main stage in the live tent to well over 1,000 people. I believe York has so many great players who'd relish this exciting opportunity.
Forever Young Festival organiser Big Ian Donaghy at the 2016 event with Cynthia Richardson
"We're trying to attract grandads and grandmothers who used to play but hung up their guitars or let their drumkit gather dust years ago and might love the idea of blowing off the cobwebs to get all generations dancing to feel forever young."
Last year's inaugural festival drew more than 1,300 people, who enjoyed live music from Jess Steel, Las Vegas Ken, Steve Cassidy, Samantha Holden, Main Street Sound and York Orchard Theatre Group at the family-friendly event.
York musician Rachel Croft's artwork for the Forever Young Festival
"Once more, this September, we want to highlight that music is for everyone at any age to re-ignite people's love for it," says Big Ian. "Last year the festival attracted four generations and a 100-year age range: music is perfect to bring generations together."
As in 2016, Forever Young will raise funds for St Leonard's Hospice and Age UK in York, while raising awareness of the need for togetherness and activities for the city's older community.
Charlie O'Neale, left, and Jim Dales at the 2016 Forever Young Festival at Grimston Court, York
"So, can many a good tune can be played on an old fiddle?" says Big Ian, inviting septuagenarian musicians to contact him via iandonaghy@hotmail.com or to go to the Forever Young Music Festival facebook page for more details. "Go on! York rarely disappoints."
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