The visits were organised by registered charity Awen Cultural Trust and Bridgend Carers Centre, and funded by Arts Council of Wales, as a way of spreading some festive joy to unpaid carers whose lives have become even more isolated as a result of coronavirus, and to show their role within their local communities does not go unrecognised. Every carer was handed a special message of thanks, which triggered tears of emotion from all involved.

The Kitsch n Sync Collective, based in Cardiff, are professional artists who specialise in quirky dance, theatre and performance, which according to their show reel is “inspired by their love of all things vintage and retro and the wonderfully absurd”. They delivered their Doorbell Dances’ as ‘ecstatic cinematics’ to the surprise and delight of their recipients!

Some of the performances have been captured on camera: https://youtu.be/syuP1Z_nU2s

Richard Hughes, Chief Executive of Awen Cultural Trust, said:

“During these difficult times, what better way to raise a smile than by taking live performance back into our communities; quite literally taking the enjoyment of theatre right to their doorsteps. There is a serious message to this initiative, of course, and that is to show our appreciation to the local unpaid carers for the tremendous work they do on a daily basis.”

Beverley Jones, Link Care Support Worker for Bridgend Carers Centre, added:

“I was so fortunate to be able to take part and represent Bridgend Carers Centre in such an amazing, creative way of personally thanking our carers. It simply went down a storm at every door we knocked on, it brought happiness, joy and tears.”

Here are just a few of the many comments from the carers:

“When I was told to expect a little surprise, I certainly wasn’t expecting that; it was simply amazing. It not only made my day, it made my year; the best thing that’s happen to me since I married my wonderful husband. I will remember this day forever.”

“I was simply blown away by my door step surprise. You made me feel so, so special doing something I feel is my duty. I have my message saved in my memory box, that’s how special it was to me.”

“I wanted very much to express my appreciation to all concerned for their part in making today so special. Why, it even had 94 year-old jigging on the spot! Please extend sincere thanks to everyone concerned with making this day so memorable.”

Helen Pitt, CEO at Bridgend Carers Centre, added:

“It was wonderful to be asked to work with Awen Cultural Trust to help deliver this wonderful gift to the deserving, unpaid carers of Bridgend in a year where they have faced such unprecedented challenges. The feedback from carers has been inspirational to myself and to the team. One carer rang to say “you brought Hollywood to my doorstep”.”