World-renowned opera singer Russell Watson hosted a special meet-and-greet as part of a summer fete at a Congleton care home.
The famous tenor officially opened the annual event at Priesty Fields Care Home in Congleton, held on Saturday 6 July.
Russell, a top-selling classical recording artist, met residents and the local community from 12pm, cutting the ribbon to mark the start of the event.
The star, whose debut album The Voice stayed at number one in the UK charts for an impressive World Record 52 weeks, said: “I had such a lovely time at Priesty Fields’ Summer Fete. I got to meet residents, fundraisers, the Mayor of Congleton, and the amazing care workers who go the extra mile every day to give residents the best possible quality of life.
“There were so many good people in one place, it was rather special. I got to spend quite a bit of time with ladies from Bacchus Residents Rescue and I love what they do. Thank you to Priesty Fields for inviting me to open their event. It was a pleasure to cut the bunting and start the day off right!”
The event, which took place from 12pm until 4pm, also featured local entertainment including live music, plus bingo, ‘hook a duck’, coconut shy and more. Attendees raised a fantastic £1,153.75, which will go towards the residents’ fund for wellbeing activities, and Help For Heroes, Sandstone Care Group’s chosen charity.
Situated in the heart of Congleton, Priesty Fields features 78 bedrooms, plus a beauty salon, cinema room and landscaped gardens.
The home, which is owned by Sandstone Care Group, recently announced plans to dedicate an entire suite to residents with dementia and held a special workshop to support local people coping with a diagnosis in their family.
Gill Williams, care home manager at Priesty Fields, said: “Wherever possible, we love to integrate our residents into the local community and meet our neighbours, and events like our summer fete are the perfect way to do this.
“This year, we’re so excited that Russell Watson could join us – I know we have fans of him at the home who were thrilled to have him with us to officially open our event!”
“Not only do our residents love a day of games, music and entertainment, but it’s a great way to introduce our offering to other families considering options for their loved ones.”
