We’re delighted to announce that Sheffield singer, songwriter and playwright Joe Carnall Jnr will be performing live at the start of this year’s Red Shoe Walk at Meadowhall on Sunday 2 August.
Joe will help us kick off a very special day dedicated to raising awareness and vital funds for dementia care across Sheffield, bringing a heartfelt musical moment to everyone taking part.
Best known as a member of Milburn and previously Reverend & The Makers, Joe will be joined by cast members from his new musical, ‘How Could I Forget?’, as part of the pre-walk warm-up.
The musical is a touching love letter to grandparents, inspired by Joe’s own family experience of dementia and loss. Following sold-out performances at Sheffield Theatres, tickets have recently been released for performances at Carriageworks Theatre in Leeds.
Joe said:
“My grandad passed away with dementia over 10 years ago and I got the inspiration for the musical from him. I want to do the walk with my three young children, reminisce and tell stories about him and connect with other people who have their own experiences of dementia.”
We know this special performance will set the tone for a meaningful and uplifting day, as people come together to remember loved ones, share stories, and raise vital funds for dementia care in Sheffield.
Our CEO, Beth Crackles, said:
“We’re thrilled with how the first ever Red Shoe Walk brought our community together in solidarity and are beyond excited to bring it back for 2026. It will be such a poignant moment to have Joe and the cast from ‘How Could I Forget?’ perform live ahead of the walk, and we’re so grateful for their support. We hope to see lots of people there, walking together as a community to make a real difference for people living with dementia and their loved ones.”
Darren Pearce added:
“Dementia touches the lives of so many families across our local community, and we’re incredibly proud to be working with Sheffield Hospitals Charity to host the Red Shoe Walk for a second time.
“Building on the success of last year’s event – which raised over £10,000 for the charity – it’s brilliant to be welcoming Joe Carnall Jnr to perform this year. The performance will start the event perfectly, as people once again come together to raise vital funds for those affected by dementia throughout the city.”
We’d love you to join us for this year’s Red Shoe Walk and help us raise vital funds for dementia care across Sheffield.
Early bird places cost £5 per adult and £3 per child, with under 3s going free, or £14 for a family of four. Every ticket includes an exclusive Red Shoe Walk t-shirt to wear on the day, access to exclusive discounts at participating Meadowhall retailers, and free rides at the Summer Beach Club once the walk has finished.
Tickets for the Red Shoe Walk can be purchased here.
Published: Thursday 21st of May 2026