Airthrey Care Home Hosts World Cup Street Party

Residents, families, colleagues and the wider Airth community came together on Saturday 13 June for a spectacular World Cup Street Party hosted by Airthrey Care Home.

The Meallmore care home in Airth organised the event to celebrate Scotland’s return to the men’s FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1998, while bringing people of all ages together for a day filled with music, food, football and community spirit.

From pipers and football challenges to family activities, local stalls and a brilliant community turnout, the day captured the very best of life at Airthrey Care Home and the strong local connections that make the home such a valued part of the area.

A celebration for Scotland, Airth and the local community

The World Cup Street Party was created as a way to celebrate a proud national moment while also bringing the Airth community together.

With Scotland reaching the men’s FIFA World Cup for the first time in nearly three decades, the team at Airthrey Care Home wanted to mark the occasion in a way that residents, families, colleagues, neighbours and local people could all enjoy.

The result was a lively and welcoming street party that offered something for everyone, whether they were lifelong football fans or simply there to enjoy the atmosphere.

The event helped showcase how care homes can play an active role in local community life, creating opportunities for residents to stay connected with people, events and moments that matter beyond the home.

A special opening with Martyn Corrigan

The day kicked off in true Scottish style, with former professional footballer Martyn Corrigan joining the celebrations.

Martyn, who began his career at Falkirk FC before going on to play for Motherwell FC, led the Airthrey Care Home team as they arrived in Meallmore Scotland kits.

Pipers Murrayfield McLeod and Debbie Mullholland played the national anthem, creating a memorable opening moment for residents, families and visitors.

Martyn then officially started the celebrations by kicking a football down the street, much to the excitement of the crowd.

It was a brilliant way to begin the day and helped set the tone for a celebration full of energy, laughter and Scottish pride.

Food, football and family fun

The street party was packed with activities for all ages.

Guests enjoyed a barbeque, food and drink stalls, local community booths, crafts, raffles, tombola and plenty of family-friendly activities throughout the day.

A brave local resident stepped up as community goalkeeper for a Beat the Goalie challenge, while children and adults also enjoyed giant inflatable Hungry Hippos, fun stations and football-themed games.

The event was designed to be inclusive and welcoming, giving residents the chance to enjoy the day alongside families, children, neighbours and members of the wider community.

For residents at Airthrey Care Home, it was a chance to be part of something full of life, noise, music and connection.

For the local community, it was an opportunity to come together, celebrate Scotland and see the warmth, energy and personality of the home.

Music and atmosphere throughout the day

Music was provided by local DJ Murray McLeod, who kept the atmosphere going throughout the celebration.

With a mix of Scottish favourites, feel-good classics and songs that brought people together, the music helped create a real party atmosphere.

Residents, families, colleagues and local visitors enjoyed the chance to sing, dance, chat and celebrate together.

The day was full of the kind of moments that make community events so special: shared laughter, familiar songs, children playing, families spending time together and residents enjoying being right at the heart of the celebration.

Supporting residents, the local community and Age Scotland

As well as being a celebration, the event also helped raise funds for good causes.

All funds raised on the day are being split between the local community, Age Scotland and the Airthrey Care Home residents’ fund.

The residents’ fund supports future activities and events for people living at Airthrey Care Home, helping the team continue to create meaningful moments, experiences and opportunities for residents to enjoy.

The fundraising also connects with Meallmore’s wider commitment to supporting older people, local communities and initiatives that help make a difference across Scotland.

A proud moment for Airthrey Care Home

Michelle Ruiz-Beltran, Care Home Manager at Airthrey Care Home, said the event was about more than football.

She said:

“We wanted to create a day where our local community could all come together to celebrate our nation and really show what community spirit looks like. It didn’t matter if you were a football fan or not, the day was about being proud of Scotland and proud of what we have here in Airth.

“It was truly a brilliant, joyful day. Seeing our residents, their families and the community come together to party was fantastic to see. Events like these are important to commemorate moments in history. They create bonds that cross generations and memories that will last for many years to come.

“We had a great turnout and the atmosphere was amazing. Huge thanks to Martyn for adding some extra excitement to the day, to everyone who helped make the event so special, and of course to everyone who came along to join in the fun.

“We really showed that whatever your age - no Scotland, no party!”

Meaningful activity and community connection

At Airthrey Care Home, meaningful activity is an important part of everyday life.

The team works hard to create opportunities for residents to enjoy hobbies, interests, celebrations and community events that support wellbeing, independence and connection.

The World Cup Street Party was a strong example of this approach in action.

It gave residents the chance to be involved in a major national moment, while also enjoying time with families, colleagues and people from the local area.

It also reflected the importance of intergenerational connection, with people of all ages coming together to celebrate, take part and enjoy the day.

Care home in Airth, near Falkirk

Airthrey Care Home is a welcoming Meallmore care home in Airth, near Falkirk, providing high-quality care and support in a warm and homely environment.

The home supports residents to live well, stay connected and enjoy meaningful experiences as part of daily life.

With a strong focus on person-centred care, community connection and resident wellbeing, Airthrey Care Home continues to play an active role in local life.

Events like the World Cup Street Party help show how care homes can be much more than places where people receive care. They can be places where communities gather, friendships grow and memories are made.