Yeah I know, right, it’s come up on us rather unexpectedly, this Festival of Discovery thing, hasn’t it?! What’s it’s all about then, I hear you ask. With DOCA busy with the hugely successful Confetti Battle and Colour Rush, they’ve not had time to update their website yet, so here’s what we know so far, and how Devizine got involved; let’s discover what we can and The Festival of Discovery!
The Festival of Discovery is a new free weekend festival for Devizes, organised by DOCA. It is happening across the weekend of Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th October. The festival will consist of three zones. Each zone is closed to traffic and is curated with wonderful happenings for you to explore, all connecting with their theme. Some performers will be travelling between zones. “Make sure you explore all of them,” DOCA says, “there is something for everyone in each zone!”
One zone then, is at The Market Place and is labelled “Discover Community.” This is the place to sit, eat, listen to music, watch shows, make something in a workshop and make new friends.
The second zone will be at The Brittox, “Discover Nature.” Swap, learn, repair, watch nature-inspired shows, check out our willow installations, make a dandelion flower and ride on the Bewonderment Machine. Think about how we can help and appreciate the nature that is all around us. In this nature zone, a huge willow structure will weave its way through the Brittox, transforming the town’s main shopping street into a unique woodland-inspired walk.
The third zone is in Sidmouth Street, the Youth and Community Zones; discover young perspectives. “If you are or have ever been young,” DOCA says, “you’ll enjoy this zone!” There are games, inflatables, and a mini-stage for talented young musicians; the latter is where Devizine comes in, and the bit I want to tell you most about, despite the fact that I’m neither young nor talented!
I’m delighted DOCA has asked me to host this stage, and with it I’m bringing some friends along; only the finest lineup of youthful talent in Wiltshire! The focus is on acoustic and singer-songwriters aged from 13 to 23, but there will be cover artists too, a couple of duos, and we will give them the freedom to perform what they wish.
So, we will be in Albion Place at Sidmouth Street from 11:30am to 5:30pm both days, please, join us, and support these incredible young artists. Do not assume Sunday is going to be the lesser day, it seriously is not. I’ve had such a huge response to this, I’ve been crazy busy trying to organise it, and squeeze everyone in. Our grand finales on both Saturday and Sunday will blow your mind! And, if you’re thinking, ‘it’s just a bunch of kids’ you are still welcome, because you will be the most surprised!
So, in order of appearance from 11:30 till 5:30, we present, on the Devizine Launchpad!
Saturday: Stan Jenkins, Sienna Wileman, Braydon-Lee Jones, Jodie Lauren, Ed Dowdeswell, Rosie Jay, Emelia Houchin, Meg Hoy.
On Sunday we have Tamzin Antignani, Lois Millington, Indigo Avenue, Alfie Crinion, Orla and Jack, Seren Alyssa, Poppy Rose and Ruby Darbyshire.
It’s going to be amazing, I’m more excited than they are! And I look forward to seeing you all there! Here’s some teasers…..
