Silent disco hits the right note for North West’s older community
7 July 2026
Members of the older community in Derry and Strabane got their dancing shoes on recently for a special silent disco aimed at supporting positive ageing.
The pilot event was organised as part of Derry City and Strabane District Council's Age Friendly Programme, and delivered in partnership with the Western Trust MDT Team and Older People North West.
Held in June 2026, the disco brought together older adults from across the region for an uplifting and engaging experience that combined music, movement and social connection. Participants donned wireless headphones and danced along to a variety of tunes in a relaxed and inclusive environment designed to promote physical activity, boost confidence and encourage people to connect with others.
The innovative initiative reflects Council's ongoing commitment to creating an Age Friendly district where older people can remain active and involved within their communities.
Feedback from participants and staff was overwhelmingly positive and many expressed a keen interest in participating in similar activities in the future.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Grace Uí Niallais, welcomed the success of the pilot event. "It’s wonderful to see older people embracing new and innovative ways to stay active, have fun and spend time together,” she declared.
“The Silent Disco pilot created a welcoming and inclusive space where participants could enjoy music and meaningful social interaction. Initiatives like this demonstrate that positive ageing is about much more than staying physically active, it's about building confidence, combating isolation and creating opportunities for people to enjoy life to the fullest. I would like to congratulate everyone involved in making the event such a success."
The event also highlighted the value of partnership working, bringing together local organisations with a shared commitment to improving the quality of life and wellbeing of older residents.
Pauline O'Neill, Age Friendly Co-ordinator with Derry City and Strabane District Council, said the pilot had delivered a range of positive outcomes. "The Silent Disco pilot exceeded our expectations and clearly demonstrated the benefits that movement-based activities can have for older people. We saw increased social participation, greater confidence, gentle physical activity and, most importantly, lots of laughter. The pilot also provided valuable learning to help shape future Age Friendly programmes and reinforced the importance of partnership working in delivering meaningful opportunities for older people across our district."
Derry City and Strabane District Council's Age Friendly Programme and the Western Trust MDT Team will now seek to build on the positive momentum generated by the pilot as they explore opportunities to further develop and expand similar initiatives across Derry and Strabane.