Organised by the national Family Arts Campaign, the Fantastic for Families Awards recognise the organisations, artists and cultural venues making a remarkable difference to families and older people through the arts.
Derby Theatre are proud to announce they have been nominated for Best Age-Friendly Outreach for their Dementia Carers Café. It’s a free, monthly gathering for unpaid carers and people living with dementia. The café is hosted by Derby Theatre, with the support of Derby Carers, and provides a friendly and relaxed environment for people to share experiences. There is an activity each month, alongside the café, for those who want to participate. Hot drinks and sweet treats are provided. New members are always welcomed with open arms.
Sinfonia Viva have also been nominated in the Best Age-Friendly Outreach category for Melodic Moments, its series of relaxed afternoon concerts for older people, including those living with dementia, other life-limiting conditions, and their family members and carers. Held at the Museum of Making, Derby, each gathering features a small ensemble of musicians, whose music gently opens doors to shared memories, conversation and connection. Every event ends with tea, cake and unhurried social time, where stories surface, relationships grow and moments of joy are held and shared across the room.
As two Derby-based organisations dedicated to enriching lives through arts and culture, the double nomination highlights the strength of Derby’s commitment to supporting people living with dementia, their families and carers, and celebrates the city’s growing reputation for delivering inclusive, high-quality programmes that foster connection, creativity and wellbeing.
Caroline Barth (Creative Learning Director at Derby Theatre) said:
“We are incredibly proud that our Dementia Carers’ Café has been recognised in this way. At Derby Theatre, we believe the arts have the power to change lives, reduce isolation and create meaningful connections. We also know that working together, the arts can do so much for people living in our city and beyond, so we are delighted that Sinfonia Viva’s work has also been recognised.”
Samantha Rushton (Community Producer at Derby Theatre) said:
“I am always so proud to be in presence of our Dementia Carers cafe! I honestly never laugh so much as I do on the last Friday of the month when I am in that cafe with that group. They emit joy, warmth and beautiful connectiveness whether you are a first-time member, on your own, or an established presence/pair. They laugh together, hold each other and they tell us it gives them something to look forward to. Feedback has told us that this group is a lifeline to those who attend, and this warm, friendly, mischievous bunch give each other the energy boost and strength to carry on with whatever life throws at them, knowing that they are not alone and that there is a place they feel included and connected to what else is happening in Derby. The program of activity is led on by them and their suggestions and the carers that attend with those they care for love having a place where they feel safe to come and try new things, both be stimulated and continue making new happy memories with their loved one… some even continue with activities when they get home to share with the group next time! There is a special feeling in the room when you are with this group, it is a type of magic that goes beyond an everyday ordinary interaction.
From my own lived experience of caring for someone it is so heartwarming to know there is such a range of places and support networks like Sinfonia Viva and others in Derby for our community.”
Sophie Evans (Marketing and Programme Manager at the Family Arts Campaign) said:
“Sinfonia Viva’s person-centred and co-creative approach should be applauded. Melodic Moments is a brilliant opportunity for older people to connect in a relaxed and caring environment. It is clear from both participant and carers feedback that these sessions have had a real impact. It is fantastic to hear how this opportunity has reduced anxiety, and how it has increased conversation for those with dementia to have with their loved ones”.
Lucy Galliard (CEO of Sinfonia Viva) said:
“Melodic Moments was created for the people of Derby, and it is Derby people who have made it what it is. At each gathering at the Museum of Making, we see older people, families and carers connecting through music, sharing memories and conversation over tea and cake afterwards. This nomination is recognition for everyone who has joined us and made the concert series so special.”
The winners of the Fantastic for Families Awards 2026 will be announced at the Online Awards Ceremony on Tuesday 15 December from 6.30pm. The event is open to all, with free tickets available at https://buytickets.at/familyartscampaign/2472938.
More information
About Derby Theatre
Bold and brilliant performances. Shows that represent our community. A platform for ground-breaking artists. A pathway for learners of all ages. A guaranteed great night out. We’re a theatre like no other. We’re known for artistic excellence. We’re committed to education. And we believe that theatre can change your life.
Previously Derby Playhouse, we have a long and important theatrical history. As Derby Theatre, we work in partnership with the University of Derby. We produce new plays and projects, collaborate with artists and local people, and welcome higher education students and anyone who wants to learn.
We are a charity and a National Portfolio organisation for Arts Council England, and we’re led by artistic director and CEO Sarah Brigham.
More info here: www.derbytheatre.co.uk
About Sinfonia Viva
Sinfonia Viva is the Orchestra of the East Midlands, bringing top quality cultural experiences to local music lovers and underserved communities alike.
Founded in 1982, Viva has long been nationally recognised for its exceptional education and community work. Since 2022, the orchestra’s public concert series has grown significantly and today it performs regularly at Nottingham Royal Concert Hall and Derby Cathedral, as well as at other major venues across Derbyshire, Lincolnshire, and Northamptonshire.
With a core membership of over 25 players, Viva excels in chamber repertoire of all scales, from intimate recitals to full symphonic concerts. Large-scale public events include its spectacular annual summer concert in Darley Park, Derby, and New Year’s Eve Gala, a much-loved Nottingham tradition for nearly 30 years.
Viva’s artistic leadership includes concert master Sophie Rosa (“Finely judged detail, expansiveness and lots of heart.” – The Guardian), Principal Guest Conductor Nicholas Kok and Choral Advisor, David Lawrence.
Highlights in the 2025/26 season include Beethoven’s ‘Triple Concerto’ with Braimah, Sheku and Isata Kanneh-Mason, and ‘The Holsts: Father & Daughter’, an exploration of the music of Gustav and Imogen Holst led by Alice Farnham, featuring Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Chamber Choir. Other visiting artists this season include conductors Karen Ní Bhroin and Jonathan Bloxham, oboist Nicholas Daniel OBE and Classic FM and BBC Radio 3 presenter John Suchet.
Away from the stage, Viva’s track record for creative projects is unmatched, with over four decades of commitment to local schools, hospitals and other community groups. The orchestra’s people-centred approach to music making and co-creation, as well as their skills in effective partnership working, have led to them being in demand not only across the East Midlands, but in Essex, Suffolk and East Yorkshire. Recent standout projects include ENERGY, blending STEM learning with the arts to inspire and educate young people; ‘Leap Year’, a vibrant show created for children aged 7–11 and their families, in collaboration with Nottingham based MishMash Productions; and ‘Melodic Moments’, a series of relaxed, dementia-friendly afternoon concerts held at Derby’s Museum of Making.
Since 1995, Viva has been supported by engineering world leaders Rolls-Royce to provide an innovative programme of work in Derby Schools. This project uses creative music making to inspire pupils about Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths.
Viva is honoured to have as its patrons the globally renowned Kanneh-Mason family. Born and raised in Nottingham, the Kanneh-Masons embody Viva’s mission to bring the highest quality classical music to the East Midlands with warmth and authenticity. Find out more at www.sinfoniaviva.co.uk.
About Fantastic for Families
Fantastic for Families helps people across the UK discover trusted arts and cultural providers in their local area that are Fantastic for Families or committed to providing Age-Friendly events, activities or initiatives for older people. It gives families confidence and trust in their local arts and cultural offerings, and reassurance that they will receive a warm family welcome.
The Fantastic for Families Directory features art, craft, theatre, dance, music providers and a lot more. Only organisations that have either committed to the Family Arts Standards, Age-Friendly Standards, or both are listed. These accredited badges are a sign of quality and reassurance of an excellent welcome for families and older people.
About Family Arts Campaign
Family Arts Campaign is the largest, fully cross art form and collaborative initiative to support cultural engagement amongst families. The Family Arts Campaign’s core mission is to ensure that every child and family in the country has access to a range of high-quality creative and cultural opportunities, regardless of their social background or where they live. The Family Arts Campaign supports the cultural sector to understand and support the diverse needs of families from all backgrounds, particularly those who may not think arts and culture is “for them”.
The campaign supports art galleries, museums, theatre companies, artists, heritage sites, music makers, circuses, festivals, libraries, and everything in between. Over 1100 cultural organisations hold the Family Arts Standards accreditation, with over 500 also committing to the Age-Friendly Standards, which provide guidance on improving access for older people and participants. www.familyarts.co.uk