IfOpera afternoon tea 2026 with Bradford-on-Avon

Our customers recently joined us for an afternoon of live opera with IfOpera and Wiltshire Music Centre, and it's fair to say it went down a treat. This annual event is exactly the kind of afternoon we love being part of, bringing people together right here in Bradford-on-Avon.

IfOpera, Bluebird Care and Wiltshire Music Centre came together to fund a free afternoon of live opera and tea for local older adults. Transport was arranged, every wheelchair was accommodated, and tea and cake were delivered to every seat, so all anyone had to think about was enjoying the afternoon.

The atmosphere was so happy throughout the afternoon, and I felt very happy afterwards."- an attendee at the IfOpera Afternoon Tea

Talented performers from IfOpera gave their time to sing for a room full of new friends. Some pieces they'd trained for years to perform; others, like selections from West Side Story and The Sound of Music, had the whole room joining in, from Do-Re-Mi to Maria to Carmen. Loudly, and happily.

The result was a room full of laughter, a few tears, and a lot of singing along, as familiar songs brought fond memories back to life for many in the audience.

Local partnerships like the one we have with IfOpera and Wiltshire Music Centre show that good care extends beyond the home. Bringing customers together for a shared cultural experience does something a home visit alone can't: it creates a room full of people with something in common, talking, laughing and enjoying live music together. That kind of social contact matters just as much to wellbeing as any physical care task.

We're proud to build relationships with organisations that share our commitment to the people we support. Thank you to IfOpera and Wiltshire Music Centre for having us, and to everyonedirectors, carers, organisers and performers alike — who helped make the afternoon so memorable.

We're already looking forward to welcoming even more members of the community to future events.