Festival runs 'calm' accessible classical music event

Pip Claridge said it was very important the seating "wasn't rigid"

A festival host is trying to break down barriers around classical music with two "relaxed concerts" for people with disabilities.

Cheltenham Festival wants the genre of music to get away from what it calls "elitist associations" and is holding two concerts at the Town Hall.

One event was put on for pupils from special educational needs and disability (SEND) schools, and the other for adults on Wednesday.

Pip Claridge, from Cheltenham Festivals, said it was very important the seating "wasn't rigid".

Ms Claridge came up with the idea to break down barriers around classical music

"We have children coming from a whole range of special educational needs settings, so it's very important that the seating isn't rigid," she said.

"We can move seats around to fit in wheelchairs wherever we want.

"We put big floor cushions in front of where the seated area is so those children who feel comfortable lying back on a floor cushion can do that."

Ms Hopper said playing muisc with SEND pupils is very "relaxing" for them

Harpist Emily Hopper who was part of the session said the instrument is a very "captivating" thing for people with special needs to play and listen to.

"It's so relaxing and very calming and for a lot of these children and that's such an important thing, because when they're listening to relaxing music their muscles relax."

Cheltenham Music Festival artistic director Jack Bazalgette said: "We need different kinds of concerts for different people at different stages in their life.

"For the kids here, this is such a wonderful way to experience it in this beautiful room with amazing musicians and everything interactive.

"It's a wonderful thing."

The Cheltenham Music Festival runs from 6 to 13 July.