It’s never too late to live it large, say residents at a Cofton Hackett care home who attended their first rave this August, aged in their 80s and 90s.
The team at Cofton Park Manor Care Home on Lickey Road agreed to host an Ibiza-style rave after residents became curious about what such events are like.
They wanted to experience a ‘90s dance music party, having heard staff talk about their youthful nights out raving at clubs on the continent.
Armed with glow sticks and clad in neon, the revellers were treated to an authentic set from DJ Craig, including club classics like Set You Free, Sandstorm and Better Off Alone.
Resident Robert Allen, 93, reckoned that raving was for all ages after enjoying his first experience.
Robert enthused: “[Raves] suit everybody because it gives the younger ones a chance to let go a bit and move about, and it gives the older ones a real boost to move about and have a good laugh, you know, and it keeps everything going!”
Meanwhile, fellow resident Kay Postings, 92, admitted it was very different to her social life back in the day but reckoned that young people should make the most of having fun at parties.
Kay laughed: “When I lived over in Ireland, it was a different way of living, my mum wouldn’t let you out late in case anybody took advantage of you, as if they would! I admire the kids now, it’s nice to see them really enjoying themselves, because when you think about it, life is short, isn’t it?”
For resident Diane Green 81, the day was a family affair as four generations attended the rave.
She was joined by daughter Caroline Harris, granddaughter Katy Harris and her great-grandson Alfie, who is only 9 months old. Katy’s partner Chris was spinning the decks as the DJ.
After an afternoon of big beats and glow sticks, Wellbeing Coach Gail Bessant said that the residents were asking when the next Cofton rave is taking place.
Gail said: “We decided to do something extraordinarily different after the team were talking about going to raves and the residents were asking, ‘What’s a rave?’ We wanted to give them the full rave experience!
“It was a fantastic event and made even more special by Diane’s lovely family, who all threw themselves into the day too.
“Even better, the residents had such a good time that they want to do it again!”
