Age UK Oxfordshire's very own Chief Executive, Penny Thewlis, attended the event and talked about arriving at the Festival and the buzz that was created by lots of people arriving at the same time ….

“I thought people were making a real effort to be here, because there's something here that will make a difference in their lives. The team were stunning.
The Oxford Playhouse did a short drama workshop, and I was slightly anxious about how this would work. There was a group of maybe 30-ish people in the room, with a talented facilitator, Beth. There was, as there so often is in these things, a moment where we really see the impact. After a warm-up, Beth said, “Let's all go on a trip to the seaside,” so we were all at the seaside together, making the sound and the movement of waves. Then Beth said, “Can you think of any animals that we might see at the seaside?” Somebody who had not participated much up to that point suddenly made the noise of a donkey. I will spare you my imitation of a donkey, but you know that's just the kind of moment that lights you up a little bit because you think, gosh, that has really engaged somebody at a particular level.

The Festival is just one day, but it will live with us for a long time. It lifted us up and gave us some hope. I was very impressed by it, and I think the team did a great job bringing a whole lot of partners into the room to share learning about people living with dementia. It potentially meant that in other walks of life, in other areas, there would be greater receptivity towards people living with dementia.”