Festival Theatre’s free dementia activities in Edinburgh this July: what residents need to know
Music-making, shared singing and conversation over tea are at the heart of a free series for people living with dementia and their families in Edinburgh this July.
Festival Theatre’s Dementia Friendly Activities run from 3 to 29 July 2026 at the Festival Theatre, 13–29 Nicolson Street, Edinburgh EH8 9FT. Attendance is free, but places must be booked online in advance. Every person attending needs a ticket, including carers.
The Forever Edinburgh event listing identifies three sessions across the month, each offering a different way to meet others and take part. No start times are stated in the supplied listing, so attendees should check the details provided during booking.
Three sessions built around music and conversation
Together In Song opens the programme on 3 July. Held with Edinburgh’s dementia-inclusive Forget Me Notes choir, the session invites participants to celebrate and share their stories through song.
Tea and ‘Jam’ follows on 27 July. This family-friendly music-making session welcomes people to bring their own instruments and suggest songs, with singing and participation forming the focus of the gathering. Previous musical experience is not listed as a requirement.
The final named event is Brew and Blether on 29 July. Companionship, conversation and tea provide the foundation for the gathering, while each session also includes an additional feature such as a guest speaker, performer or quiz.
Together, the activities offer several ways to participate: joining a choir-style session, making music with others or spending time in a more conversational setting. The programme is specifically designed for people living with dementia and their families.
Accessibility at the Festival Theatre
The Festival Theatre’s published venue information lists level access, accessible toilets, Changing Places toilets, a ramp at the main entrance and a lift or stairlift. It also identifies accessible parking and says the venue is suitable for visitors with limited mobility.
Further listed provisions include British Sign Language, large-print, braille or audio material, and a tactile route for visitors with visual impairments. The source lists both partial wheelchair access and wheelchair access throughout, so anyone who depends on a particular route or facility should consult the theatre’s access guide for the relevant session.
The venue is in Edinburgh’s Southside and the event page presents walking, driving, cycling and public transport as travel options. It does not provide specific routes or service information.
Free entry still requires advance booking
Tickets for Tea and ‘Jam’, Together In Song and Brew and Blether are free, but admission is not presented as drop-in. Places should be reserved online before attending.
Families booking as a group should include every participant in their reservation. A separate ticket is required for each person, including any carer accompanying someone to the Festival Theatre.
Source: Forever Edinburgh Events
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Source check How this event guide was checked
The dates, venue, cost, intended audience and access information were checked against the Forever Edinburgh event listing.
- Confirmed the overall event period as 3–29 July 2026.
- Checked the dates attached to the three named activities.
- Confirmed that admission is free but requires advance online booking.
- Checked that every attendee, including each carer, requires a ticket.
- Source
- Forever Edinburgh Events
- Scope
- Edinburgh
- Updated
- 2026-07-27 12:05
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