Hivestock Festival brings music, sunshine and smiles to the Royal Edinburgh Hospital

The grounds of Royal Edinburgh Hospital came alive at the end of August with music and celebration as Hivestock, the annual outdoor arts festival organised by the brilliant team at The Hive, returned once again. Designed to support patient wellbeing, the event featured a range of live performances – including a set from Charlie Gorman, Music in Hospitals and Care’s long-standing guitarist and singer who has been facilitating jam sessions at The Hive for over a decade.

Julie McPherson, Team Leader at The Hive, explains a bit about the event:

It just gets bigger each year. We now have stalls and wristbands and ice cream for everyone. The patients look forward to it each year, it helps them forget where they are and they can have a great day enjoying music in the sunshine. It puts a smile on everyone’s face.”

The Hive is a unique community space for patients at Royal Edinburgh Hospital, which supports people with acute mental health problems. The team have been working collaboratively with our commissioned partners, Music in Hospitals & Care to share the healing power of live music with patients.

Charlie Gorman has been working with Music in Hospitals and Care in Scotland since 2013. He explains:

Hivestock has always been one of my favourite music events of the year. The level of organisation that goes into the event from Julie and her team is fantastic, organising the bands from near and far. Over the years I’ve been told by many patients at the hospital how much they get from the music, how much in particular they enjoy the festival and most importantly how beneficial it is to them. It’s been a pleasure and a privilege to have been involved with The Hive and Hivestock over the years.”

Live music plays a powerful role in rehabilitation and recovery. By bringing people together through music, Hivestock not only entertains but also supports emotional wellbeing, creating moments of connection and joy that can make a lasting difference for patients, their families and staff.

Len McCaffer, Tonic Arts Manager at NHS Lothian Charity, concluded:

Events like Hivestock bring joy, connection, and a sense of celebration and community to patients, families, and staff. These experiences are more than entertainment – they’re a really important part of holistic care.

“Thanks to everyone who makes this happen. And thanks to Music in Hospitals & Care for their continued partnership and dedication to sharing live music with patients across NHS Lothian. Their support helps make events like Hivestock truly special.”

In partnership with Music in Hospitals and Care: