Blue Light Music Week 2026

31 December 2025

Calling all musicians in the emergency services: sign up now for the Blue Light Music Week

Over 100 current and former blue light, NHS and military personnel will gather in Bath this August, united by their love of music. Instrumentalists and singers from across the UK will take part in a unique, week-long residential event to socialise, recharge and make music together. Bookings are now open and participants are invited to sign up for the Blue Light Symphony Orchestra’s first Blue Light Music Week, 9–16 August 2026 at Prior Park College in Bath.

Emergency service professionals work under immense pressure. Blue Light Music Week offers you a rare chance to recharge, connect, and rediscover joy through music. Participants can choose from up to five ensembles - symphony orchestra, choir, jazz band, concert band and mixed ability ensemble. We aim to cater for all standards and experience, whether you are a veteran or your instrument is covering dust in the attic! The emphasis is on meeting like minded people and making music in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.  

The week will consist of ensemble rehearsals, small groups, social activities and time to explore Bath, culminating in public concerts. The finale will be a public performance by the orchestra and choir, bolstered by local singers, of Beethoven’s 9^th Symphony: Ode to Joy at The Forum, Bath’s largest concert venue.

Explaining the event, the Orchestra’s founder and conductor Seb Valentine, a Surrey police officer and Royal College of Music graduate, says, ‘This Music Week reinforces my mission to help emergency workers rediscover their love of music, providing relief from high stress and traumatic shift work. If has been a personal mission of mine to create this music week and I can’t wait to welcome participants to this beautiful city.’

Chief Constable Gavin Stephens, chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, urges emergency services organisations to promote this initiative. ‘This residential Music Week is incredibly exciting and it is an opportunity, through teamwork, to build resilience and recharge. It will be the first time emergency workers have come to this beautiful location for the purpose of making fabulous music together.’

Participants will be coached and developed by expert musicians. Pianist Ivana Gavric, who will perform with the orchestra said, ‘This is a brilliant initiative to give people working in the emergency services the opportunity to improve their skills and enjoy the therapeutic and invigorating power of music. I will be proud to rehearse and perform alongside them.’

Bookings are now open. The all-in fee is very reasonable and covers accommodation, meals and tuition. To find out more go to bluelightsymphony.org where you will also be able to buy tickets for the concerts.

Contact: Alison Dunn  07959 900766 · Alison.Dunn@bluelightsymphony.org

 Website: www.bluelightsymphony.org  Registered Charity No: 1184720