The ‘Field’ Photo: Dan Peacock

‘Hastonbury’ comes to Hastings as care home hosts its own music festival

Somerset may have Glastonbury, but a care home in Hastings held its own mini music festival for residents and their families, writes Lisa Pettifer. 

‘Hastonbury’ was headlined by well-known local band, The Rockitmen, and offered residents at Hastings Court care home on The Ridge a tie-dye stall, merchandise, temporary festival tattoos, face painting, a children’s chill out zone and a tiki bar and BBQ.

“It was an exceptional afternoon!” said Helena Jurriaanse, whose 93 year old mum, Jean, lives at the 80 bedroomed home.  “Who needs Glastonbury when you have Hastonbury!?  We had the best time and I would like to thank all the staff – they rock!”

Carers Taylor Smith and Georgia Westlake got resident Bob Clarke dancing. Photo: Dan Peacock

Hastings Court is a purpose-built home that provides residential, nursing, memory and respite care.  Its garden was adorned with bunting and decorations made by the resident in craft session in the weeks leading up to the event.  Staff donned tie-dye, floral headdresses and glitter, and even the laundry team were prepared for a ‘festastic’ day with wellies and sunhats.

Shirley and Lisa Blackman enjoyed the music. Photo: Dan Peacock

“It really was the most amazing day!” said Lifestyles Team Lead, Frances Gray.  “The Rockitmen were amazing, everyone was singing along and there was so much laughter.

“You’re never too old to go to Glastonbury and for some of our residents, this was their first taste of a music festival at the age of 80 plus!  Creating new and exciting experiences is something we try to do for people here at Hastings Court.”

The festival continued inside the home for those who couldn’t make it into the garden.  Their doors and windows were flung wide and staff brought them hotdogs from the barbeque and decorated their rooms in festival style.

“We’re a family here and make sure everyone who wanted to be felt part of the festivities,” said Registered Manager, Kaye Giles.  “We created Hastonbury t-shirts because this was an event residents and families will want to remember, and every time they put one on, it’ll bring back memories of an amazing day.”

Also in: Hastings People