We’re thrilled to announce the return of our Big Drum Circle—one of the most anticipated highlights of our year at Drum 4UR Life. As part of the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival (SMHAF) programme, this vibrant and joyful event brings together communities through rhythm, connection, and shared experience.
This year, we’re heading back to South Beach Baptist Church for another evening filled with drumming, laughter, and uplifting energy for all the family. Whether you’re a seasoned drummer or joining a circle for the very first time, everyone is welcome—no experience necessary, just a willingness to join the rhythm and have fun!
The Big Drum Circle is a standout moment not only for our participants but also for our dedicated team, group members, and amazing volunteers who help bring it all to life. It’s a celebration of community, creativity, and collective wellbeing.
Each year, we’re proud to collaborate with a mix of local, national, and international drum circle facilitators to create a truly one-of-a-kind event.
There is no charge to attend, and donations will be gratefully received at the door to support future community drumming events.
About our Guest Facilitator - Dr. Jane Bentley
Jane is a drummer, facilitator, consultant and trainer, specialising in music in communication, health and wellbeing settings. She believes that everyone can make music – piloting musical social innovation projects as diverse as: exploring musical communication skills with corporate trainers through the medium of paper; making music with prisoners and their children to encourage family bonding; sharing the delights of improvisation with orchestral musicians who want to play in hospitals; creating a spontaneous bicycle orchestra for the 2014 Commonwealth Games and 2018 European Championships; investigating the potential for rhythm in aiding language learning, and articulating the potential of music in the lives of people with dementia.
She has been a student of Arthur Hull’s Village Music Circles since 1999 and is now recognized as an international trainer in drum circle facilitation. She deepened her studies by completing a PhD based on drum circles and improvisation, highlighting the effects of group music making on human wellbeing – the first time that the practice of drum circle facilitation has been studied at this level.
Her work as a facilitator has broken new ground in the field of health and wellbeing, through her long-term collaborations with mental health occupational therapy staff in the UK National Health Service. In 2007, she established ‘The Buddy Beat’ drumming group, which won the Epic award for the best voluntary arts project in Scotland and inspired the formation of several other drumming groups for mental wellbeing. In 2016, she was named a BBC Music ‘Unsung Hero’ for her work in the community. She presents at both national and international conferences on the subject of drum circle facilitation, and the potential of music making for social development. As a trainer, she has worked with musicians, orchestras, music therapists, educators, trainers, arts practitioners, and health professionals from Brighton to Bangalore.
Why drumming?
Research demonstrates that drumming is good for our health and wellbeing. It reduces stress, boosts the immune system, builds confidence and helps process trauma. Our members describe the experience as: fun, exhilarating, relaxing, mood enhancing.
Partnership:
Drum 4UR Life was birthed through North Ayrshire Wellbeing & Recovery College .Co-production: Drum 4UR Life activities and workshops are co-produced: delivered in partnership with a community musician (expert by profession) and a team of facilitators and committee members (experts by experience).
What is Drum 4UR Life?
Drum 4UR Life is an unincorporated voluntary group.
Do I need to bring an instrument?
Participants will have the opportunity to explore a variety of hand drums, djembes, and percussion instruments. You are also welcome to bring your own if you’d like to add a personal touch.
Will it be loud?
We will do our best to maintain a comfortable volume.
Please note: Photography and footage will be taking place during this event. Images and footage may be used for promotional purposes, including on our website, social media, and other marketing materials.
Is there parking?
On street parking is available within walking distance of the venue. Limited spaces on site for accessible access.
Also check out other Music events in Saltcoats, Health & Wellness events in Saltcoats, Entertainment events in Saltcoats.
