Lleida's Auditori Municipal Enric Granados welcomed 481 people to the second edition of “La Banda ens Apropa” (The Band Brings Us Closer) on 29 April 2026. This initiative, led by Apropa Cultura with support from Lleida City Council and the Auditori, provides accessible live music experiences for individuals in vulnerable situations, with disabilities, or those needing adapted environments.
The concert brought together 22 social organisations from across the Lleida region, including participants from Almacelles, Balaguer, Vielha e Mijaran, Ivars d’Urgell, Juneda, Agramunt, and Tàrrega. This expanded reach connected both urban and rural communities.
Attendees included older people, individuals with intellectual disabilities, mental health service users, and groups linked to migration, poverty, or women in vulnerable situations. The event aimed to create a shared cultural experience, breaking down barriers to participation.
Relaxed Concert Format
The Banda Simfònica Unió Musical de Lleida performed “Un viatge fantàstic amb la Banda” (A Fantastic Journey with the Band). Their repertoire featured popular and recognisable pieces, such as themes from Ghostbusters, The Lion King, The Jungle Book, Aladdin, and Mamma Mia, alongside traditional works like 'Amparito Roca' and the 'Radetzky March'. The selection aimed to create a direct dialogue with the audience in a friendly and shared atmosphere.
The session used a relaxed format, adjusting elements like lighting, sound, and concert pace to ensure comfort for all attendees. This environment allowed the audience to move, react, and express themselves freely, experiencing music without pressure in an accessible and respectful setting. Míriam Arnaz, a mediator for Apropa Cultura in Lleida, explained, “When you adapt the space, music reaches everyone. This creates a very clear change: people participate more, relax, and make the experience their own.”
Enhanced Accessibility Measures
Flexible entry was another key feature, allowing staggered access to the hall and avoiding queues or crowds. This helped each group arrive at their own pace. Additionally, six adapted coaches and three urban buses were provided for organisations that needed them, thanks to the collaboration of Autocars Pons and Moventia. These transport solutions removed logistical barriers, ensuring everyone could attend.
These measures together helped wider participation and made the morning a meeting point for organisations, participants, and families. This second edition builds on the success of the first event in 2025, establishing “La Banda ens Apropa” as a regular fixture in Lleida and strengthening the link between cultural venues and the social fabric of the region.
Apropa Cultura, founded in 2006, believes culture is a transformative experience for individuals and society. For over 19 years, this network of more than 200 cultural programmers has worked with social and health organisations to promote inclusive culture, aiming to provide universal access to culture, foster social inclusion, and ensure dignity for all.
