Avoid the irony, sadly this year Bath’s annual big sleep-out event in Alice Park cannot be for obvious reasons. But homelessness during a lockdown is no joke. Julian House and Bath Boules Charitable Trust lay down a more local gauntlet, inviting you to join in with a sleep-out in your garden, on your balcony or your kitchen floor, sticking to your household/social bubble.
It’s okay, calm down, it’s not until 5th March, when hopefully weather will be more clement, a reality homeless don’t get. So, to stand up against homelessness, challenge yourself to sleep out for just one night at home and help raise vital funds and awareness for men and women forced to do so every night.
Last year they provided life-changing support to over 1,400 vulnerable individuals who were experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness across Bath, Bristol, and the South West. It’s a grim realisation, that without support like this, the life expectancy of a long-term homeless person is just 45 years. By sleeping out, you can change that.
On top of everyday challenges, the on-going impact of Coronavirus has had a devastating effect on the men, women, and children in care. Collectively you can help provide the lifesaving services and support they so desperately need right now.

“Nothing Rhymes With Orange” at Cursus Festival, May 24th, 2026.
by Ian Diddams images by Ian Diddams Though now based out of Bristol, at university studying Music and sharing digs together, NRWO (as they are colloquially known) began life in Devizes School not so very long ago. An early gig in the Corn Exchange in July 2023 saw me, Gail of Devizes, Jemma of FTO…
Make Music This Summer Launches at Wiltshire Music Centre; 19 Days of Musical Activities for Children and Young People
Wiltshire Music Centre is launching the Make Music This Summer programme, a vibrant 19-day programme of musical activities for children, young people and families….. Designed for ages 0–21 and their parents and carers, it offers a wide range of inspiring, accessible and high-quality experiences throughout the summer holidays. From rock bands and musicals to music…
After Ruby, Barrelhouse and RowdeFest 26
Images by Jess Worrow A busy late spring weekend across the county, with major events from Bradford-on-Avon to Swindon, but I’m bringing quality acts I find elsewhere on my adventures into my village. Rowdefest was, again, a great success, if I do say so myself….. Being close to Devizes, where the Arts Festival kicked off…
Sir Tony Robinson, Nigel Planer, T’Pau, and Timmy Mallett… and More at Frome Festival in July
Tickets are now on sale for Frome Festival’s silver anniversary year, taking place between the 3rd – 12th July, 2026. Three hundred events are scheduled in 58 venues in and around Frome during the 10-day community arts festival….. Frome Festival’s programme offers music to suit all tastes – from classical, folk, pop, jazz and world…
“We Will Rock You” at St. Augustine’s, Trowbridge, May 27th–30th, 2026
by Ian Diddams images by Trevor Porter & Claire Borovac Juke box musicals tend to be little more than a string of hits, loosely linked together by a fairly weak storyline, and it must be said “We Will Rock You” breaks no moulds in this regard. However, Queen’s wonderful music provides a joyous couple of…
Devizes Wharf to Edinburgh; Whose Play, and The Sh!t They Don’t Tell You in Books!
Images: Chris Watkins Media May seemed so far away back in Feb when we ran a preview of two plays which will see a Devizes acting company debut at the Edinburgh Fringe. Beforehand, they’re staged at their base, the Wharf Theatre. I’ve had a sneaky peak already, you can too…. Acting coach Lou Cox, director…
Phil, Jamie and Tamsin Return to The Fold
With duty calling in the wee hours of each Saturday, it’s got to be something special to drag me off the sofa on a Friday evening, and whilst I’d rather not provide only half a gig review, this has to be said. Phil Cooper invited some friends along to The Fold in Devizes yesterday, a…
Chatting with Ruby Darbyshire
There’s the story of one newfound fan who, after her performance, asked Ruby how many copies of her CDs she had, bought the lot and distributed them freely throughout the audience! Ruby Darbyshire has that effect, seemingly wherever she goes…… I’m thrilled Ruby is playing RowdeFest on 30th May. On 21st June she supports Chantel…
Sheer Music Announce Devizes Gig Frank Turner Bootleg Cassette
It’s 2006, and the charts are awash with what will become known as landfill indie. Somewhere in backwater Townsville UK, an already road worn veteran is making their furtive steps into a solo career that, unbeknown to them, will have a major and lasting impact on the UK music scene….. Frank Turner is already famous…
Shindig Festival Goes Ahead, with Bob Vylan
After months of speculation, controversy, and local media bias, The Shindig Festival at Malmesbury’s Charton Park has been given the green light….. Despite Newsquest flogging this dead horse, last week Wiltshire Police said they have no concerns about Bob Vylan playing at the music festival. Regardless of the decision of the law, the South Cotswold…