Woodstock festival comes to a care home to embrace the 'spirit of the 60s'

Two Kent care homes recently treated their residents to a festival based on the iconic Woodstock Festival of 1969, celebrating the music of the day while embracing the “spirit of the 60s”.

The festival was held in the grounds of Hengist Field Care Centre and invited staff and residents from Woodstock Residential Care Centre in Sittingbourne. Staff and management dressed up for the occasion, many donning brightly coloured outfits with colourful tops, headbands, and coloured glasses.

The aim of the Woodstock festival in Kent centred on reinstating the message of unity and peace that the original Woodstock festival promoted. In 1969, America was fighting the controversial Vietnam War which many young people fiercely opposed but the 60s also saw the era of the civil rights movement, a period of great protest and unrest. Woodstock was an opportunity for people to escape into music and spread a message of unity and peace.

Roz Kelly, manager at Woodstock Residential Care Centre, said: “Our residents loved this day out and all the fun they had preparing for it.

“They were really excited to go out to the event, and wow! What a great time they had once there! Our relatives’ feedback was great and all the staff had a really good time too – they really enjoyed it and were so glad that everyone’s hard work was such a success.”

It was a 'day of great happiness'

The residents got creative and made bracelets, necklaces, flower headbands and tie-dye art to really capture that 60s spirit for everyone.

Families, residents and staff were also treated to an array of American themed culinary delights and BBQ food cooked by chef Jonny from Hengist Field and chef Sebastian from Woodstock Residential Care Centre.

The afternoon was kicked off by local singer, Rob T, who got people singing and dancing to 60s classics before residents enjoyed games of tin can alley and a coconut shy.

A resident of the home said: “The positive atmosphere around the party was amazing. You could really see how hard the staff worked to organise it and make sure there was something for everyone.”

Neli Koleva, manager at Hengist Field Care Centre, said: “Our residents and their families complimented us on hosting such a wonderful event, which gave us a fantastic feeling. It was lovely to see the smiles on residents’ faces and seeing everyone get involved.

"It took everyone back down memory lane and was a day of great happiness with attendees really embracing the spirit of the 60s.”

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