Yarm Community Triumphs During Weekend Long Musical Extravaganza

Yarm School’s Dovecote Festival has taken music into the local community, celebrating the power of music and togetherness.

The annual festival kicked off at the school’s music studio, where people from across Yarm joined the local choir, Infant Hercules, to create a recording of the Bob Dylan classic, “Forever Young.” The recording of the song chorus is the icing on the cake of a year-long project that has seen musician and teacher Mike McGrother, and Infant Hercules walk the Cleveland Way to raise awareness of men’s cancer.

The evening continued with ‘A Shanty Stroll’ as friends, parents, and staff of Yarm accompanied Mike and Infant Hercules as they serenaded the town with sea shanties and song. The stroll began outside The Mockingbird Deli, before making its way to The Black Bull, and finishing at The Union Arms, drawing enthusiastic crowds at each stop.

Saturday’s highlight was the ‘Memento Juke Box’ at The Black Bull in Yarm. The family-friendly and dementia-inclusive event featured a sing-along session, moving pieces of music from Yarm pupils, and poems, stories and memories from local people who wanted to share and remember. Attendees enjoyed a variety of individual and group performances that brought music to the heart of the local community, offering a supportive environment for individuals affected by dementia.

The festival concluded on a high note with two memorable events on Sunday. The morning began with a ‘Jazz Masterclass’ where musicians from Yarm, Conyers, and the TVMS Jazz Collective joined forces for a session led by international jazz musician and composer, Mike Walker. To round up the weekend’s festivities, musicians and attendees were treated to a concert and barbecue at the school’s Dovecote – a fitting end to a weekend of musical celebration.

Mike McGrother, music partnerships coordinator at Yarm School said: “We passionately believe that music is a powerful tool to connect people and give them a voice.

“The ‘Memento Juke Box’ event was certainly a highlight of this year’s Dovecote Festival, providing an environment for everyone, including those living with dementia, to connect through stories and song.”

Dr Huw Williams, Headmaster at Yarm School said: “We are delighted and proud that our Dovecote Festival has expanded into the community.

“The many wonderful events over the weekend took us through every emotion – from sorrow and tears to joy and laughter – and really demonstrated the power of music to bring people together. Thank you to all who joined us and contributed to a moving and memorable few days.”