Musician's poignant performance on steps of famous Sheffield venue offers hope of a brighter future

The Greystones pub is renowned for its live music but has sadly fallen silent during the lockdown after being forced to close.

Cellist Polly Ives, who was a regular performer there and lives just around the corner, staged an impromptu recital of Vera Lynn's wartime anthem on its doorstep in anticipation of happier times ahead when music will again fill the air at pubs and other venues.

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Polly, who founded the popular Concerteenies music programme for babies, toddlers and their parents, has been forced to find new ways to work during lockdown but like others has risen to the challenge.

She has taken the Concerteenies gigs online and also shared a series of short films providing inspiration for parents trying to keep their little ones entertained at home.

"Music's been a big source of solace for many people during the pandemic and it's amazing how supportive everyone's been," she said.

"Maybe things won't quite go back to how they were before but I'm hopeful we can adapt and make things even better.

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"We've had new people listening to our music online who might not have come to a concert, because they're worried about not knowing when to clap or who the composer is, and I think reaching those new audiences is really important for the future of classical music."

Polly is working on a fundraising project for Sheffield Children's Hospital and is in talks with Age Better in Sheffield and South Yorkshire Housing Association about setting up some open air concerts at care homes in the city.

“Once we’re able to perform live again in person I hope to do some shorter concerts, maybe including some open air events at pubs, to raise awareness that live concerts are taking place again,” she said.

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“The Greystones is a brilliantly popular pub but it’s really a live music venue. It’s a really sad situation at the moment and I hope we can get behind live music venues like this to find a way to get back to doing what everyone loves.”