Music for Wellbeing weekend
Cerddoriaeth Er Mwyn Er Lles
This annual event takes place in Machynlleth and provides a creative performance space geared particularly towards people with mental health problems.
It has been up and running now for the past four years and has become an exuberant jamboree with a strong sense of inclusiveness and fun.
The Wildcats,a colourful rock and roll band from Islington, North London come along for the weekend,fronted by the inimitable Dave “Elvis” Holman.(On the right in the photo)
From the Tan Y Maen centre in Blaenau Ffestiniog ,Snowdonia, the Duncan Disorderly ensemble contribute a varied and finely textured collage of folk songs. There is plenty of space for floor spots of music ,dance or poetry.
Many mental health service users have said that they often don’t feel keen on attending events which are exclusively for people with mental health problems and so participation is welcomed from just about anyone.
This year’s festival was kick started with a stunning performance by Samba Bermo and there was a wonderful clutch of mainly Eastern European melodies presented by Jeremy Schanche and Dave ; two wandering Cornish musicians.
There was also a showing of an excellent recently completed documentary about the festival produced by Julian Masters ; an Islington based Music Therapist
