Hey, teacher! Leave those sausage rolls alone. Hereโs whatโs happening over the coming week in the wilds of Wiltshire, hold onto your hats, there be lots more than your average sausage roll to get through, yer filthy muckersโฆ..
Everything listed here is on our event calendar; go there for links and more info. It may be updated with even more things to do than listed here, so check in later in the week. Nothing ongoing on our list, so, letโs jump right into the weekโฆ.
Wednesday 21st
Green Grub Club at St James, Devizes. Regular Acoustic Jam at The Southgate.
Carducci Quartet at Wiltshire Music Centre in Bradford-on-Avon.
Jessica Fostekewโs Mettle at the Rondo Theatre, Bath. Amadou Diagne & Group Yakar at The Bell, Bath.
Lunchtime Recital at the Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.
Thursday 22nd
Open Mic at the Crown, Bishopโs Cannings.
Devizes Film Club at the Wharf Theatre, screening Official Competition.
Runny Snotโs Acoustic Sessions at the Neeld, Chippenham.
Fin Taylor at Swindon Arts Centre. Adam Rowe at the Wyvern Theatre. Stone Soup, Modern Evils and Phantom Droid at The Vic. Larkham & Hall at the Beehive. Oxbowlake and Jess Marie at The Tuppenny.
Avalon Comedy Network’s Pierre Novellie, Tessa Coates, Huge Davies and Jake Baker at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Paul Cowley at Chapel Arts, Bath. Cindy Stratton Band Everything Changes album launch at the Rondo Theatre.
Rob Newman at the Cheese & Grain, Frome.
Friday 23rd
Devizes Ghost Walk: with John Girvan. White Horse Operaโs Top of the Ops at St Joseph’s School.
Mark Morriss plays the Pump in Trowbridge with Sound Affects in support. Sax Man โShiltsโ at the Civic.โ
Drink and Draw at 31.Co.Work in Chippenham, opening the fringe February events across the town this weekend. Instant Wit โ A quickfire comedy event at The Constitutional Club. Heat 2 of Take the Stage at the Neeld Hall.
Thatโll Be The Day at the Wyvern Theatre, Swindon. The Retro Rock Show at Swindon Arts Centre. The Hamsters from Hell and the Vooz at The Vic. Jay Styles is Michael Jackson at The New Inn.
Shoun Shoun & Venice Treacle at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.
Nanny Folio Theatre and The Amazing Bubble Man at Pound Arts, Corsham.
CharmType at the Winchester Gate, Salisbury.
Rock the Tots Family show at Rondo Theatre, Bath. The Jake Leg Jug Band at Chapel Arts.
Eddie & The Hot Rods at The Tree House in Frome. Absolute Bowie โ Greatest Hits at The Cheese & Grain.
Saturday 24th
Seed Swap at St Andrewโs, Devizes. Editor’s Pick of Week: Deadlight Dance arrives in Devizes with an instore at Vinyl Realm from 11am, and they play The Southgate in the evening. The Wharf Theatre has The Lonnie Donegan Story. Kennet Gateway Club has the Rockinโ Bandits at Devizes Conservative Club.
@59 at The Lamb, Marlborough.
Wet Franc at The Pilot, Melksham. The Fabulous โ59 Ford at Melksham Rock n Roll Club
Toodles and the Hectic Pity, Charlie Gillman and Luke De-Sciscio at the Pump, Trowbridge. Adult Panto Alice in Wonderland at the Civic.
The REAL nursery rhymes and songs โ toddler to KS1 at Wiltshire Swindon History Centre, Chippenham. Clareโs Circus at King Alfred Hall. Hidden Canvases โ โStreet Art and the Cityโ A talk by Doug Gillen at the Platinum Hall. Letโs build LEGO Chippenham! at Wiltshire Swindon History Centre, Chippenham. Rock the Tots: Baby Boogie atThe King Alfred Hall. Toddler Tango at The King Alfred Hall.
Steppin Thruโ Time โ Mary Lou Revue at The Yelde Hall, Chippenham. The Rosellys at Rivo Lounge. Daft Laffs โ A night of comedy greats at The King Alfred Hall. The Old Road Tavern has a Mega Fringe fest, see poster below.
Louise Farrenc plays Symphony number 3 at Corsham Town Hall. Martyโs Fake Family at The Royal Oak. Shake It Up Theatre presents The Improvised Shakespeare Show at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Holy Popes, Shin Splintz & Big Byrd at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon. Adriano Adewaleโs Cataplufโs Musical Journey at Wiltshire Music Centre.
Mollyโs Chamber at Prestbury Sports Bar, Warminster.
Science Museum: The Live Stage Show at the Wyvern Theatre, Swindon. Straighten Out at The Vic. World Music Club at the Beehive. Danny & The Randoms at The Queenโs Tap.
Glamarama at The Woodlandโs Edge. MetSon at the Swiss Chalet.
Martin Rowsonโs Giving the Gift of Offence at the Rondo Theatre, Bath. Phoenix River Band at Chapel Arts, with Sophie Rose in support.
The Sunbirds at the Tree House, Frome. The Beat featuring Ranking Junior at the Cheese & Grain.
Sunday 25th
Vince Bell at The Southgate, Devizes from 5pm.
Melksham Record Fair at the Assembly Hall.
Open Mic at The Old Road Tavern, Chippenham. Shed-ache Dance Theatre at The Constitutional Club Chippenham. Elvis in Blue Hawaii at the King Alfred Hall.
Bandeoke at Prestbury Sports Club, Warminster.
Schtumm presents DG Solaris & Courting Ghosts at the Long Room in Box. 3 Daft Monkeys Duo at The Bell, Bath.
Garth Marenghiโs Incarcerat at the Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.
CSF Pro Wrestling: Showdown at the Cheese & Grain, Frome.
Monday 26th
Rock the Tots Family at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Josienne Clarke at Swindon Arts Centre,
Ben Tunnicliffeโs Nowhere Ensemble at The Bell, Bath.
Tuesday 27th
Valuation Day with Paul Martin at The Athenaeum in Warminster.
Sophie Stockham Quartet at Jazz Knights in the Royal Oak, Swindon. The Ronnie Scottโs All Stars โ Soho Songbook at the Wyvern Theatre. Connor Burns at Swindon Arts Centre.
Sam Thomas at The Bell, Bath.
And thatโs all weโve got for now, other than some important things to say: Events listed here are subject to change, we are not responsible for cancellations, errors or postponements in anything listed.
Important note two, events which come to our attention from now on in, will be updated on the Event Calendar and NOT HERE. So, be sure to check in from time to time, use the Event Calendar to find more info on everything listed on here, and for ticket links, etc. Use the Event Calendar to check for updates and planning ahead.
Did we miss you out? Did you tell us about your event? Itโs not that we donโt like you, itโs because Devizine uses many sources to collate these listings, and sometimes we miss a few things. Listing your event here is free, but please make it easier for me by messaging or emailing the info, and then, and this is the really important part, make sure Iโve added it and let me know if not!
If I’ve been feeling as excited as little Charlie Bucket all week, I’ll justify why. On Friday my son and I had a chocolate adventure of our own, and while no one fell into a chocolate river or blew up into a giant snozzberry, we had fun at Hollychocs in Poulshot, returned with lots of goodies made with our own hand, and decidedly more enlightened to the art of the chocolaterieโฆ..
It was a birthday present for my ever-growing Oompa Loompa, rather than a recipe for an article, but this half term chocolate making workshop was so fun I feel inclined to mention it anyway!
Holly Garner opened this successful business five years ago, and while she’s yet to install a glass elevator, Hollychocs has won awards and expanded to a cafรฉ known as The Beanery. It’s the ideal space for hosting homey workshops, and there’s plenty to choose from for all ages. We’re here for a family-friendly course; I made enough mess with this one let alone something more technical!
Let’s be honest here, these workshops come at a price, but you certainly get what you pay for, especially if you love chocolate, and if we’re being honest, who doesn’t? Personally I’m as passionate about eating the stuff as Holly is with making it. If stuffing chocolate into a cakehole was a competitive sport, I reckon I’d be up for an Olympic gold medal; a chocolate coin medal, here’s hoping!
Holly’s enthusiasm and passion for her art is exemplified at such events. As her assistant provided us all with delicious hot chocolates, Holly introduced herself with a little background, including her roots as “the queen of caramel” at Cadburys; there has to be a parody of a Billy Ocean song in this, Caramel Queen, now we’re sharing the same dream? No? Maybe? Just me then!
And it was a dream come true. A detailed and educational five minutes kicked it off, explaining the journey from cocoa pod to chocolate liquor, and to your belly, with the use of a mock pod prop. Several example chocolate buttons of various strengths were handed out to try, including ruby chocolate, something you won’t find mass produced because of a lesser shelf life.
We were told their country of origin, facts about fair trade agreements, and after the brief but informative lesson, we were given the raw liquor and double cream to mix ourselves. Needless to say, I was getting a smidgen overexcited at this point!
Starting easy, we made chocolate lollipops and decorated them, followed by a chocolate bar and onto the grand finale, chocolate truffles. The kids all had fun, the parents had more. Some of the treats we made, like leftover buttons, mysteriously went missing before leaving the factory floor, the rest were neatly bagged to take home.
Like a right cheeky Wonka, I even ate the letters of my nametag, which Holly inscribed on our paper base with, yeah, you guessed it, chocolate! From now on, in chocolate language, I’m known as just โren!โ
I wondered if when Holly gets home after her working day, she just craves a packet of crisps, but one thing is for sure, she made techniques in chocolate engineering look simple, when it wasn’t so, and things got sticky; scrummy fun for all the family.
Cadburys, and I’m sure other sweetie factories too, may have their own theme-park-fashioned activities, where you’re a face in an overcrowded commercial queue. At Hollychocs, just down the road, you’re treated to the personal touch, not to mention her divine handcrafted and unique chocolates.
I can’t tell you anymore about it then this, who do you take me for, Slugworth? You’ll have to find out for yourselves!
Drizzly Sundayโฆagain. Iโve just finished designing the poster, so allow me to reveal the lineup for Rowdefest this coming May, might cheer us up aโฆ
It could be bigger than Diggers! See what I did there? Okay, you youngsters might need Google, but while you’re researching Chippenham’s hedonistic past, aโฆ
There’s no sophomore slump for Monkey Bizzle; prolific in their art, these rural chav-choppers return with a second album, Agricultural Appropriation, only five years andโฆ
Featured Image:@jenimeadephotography Just another rainy Saturday afternoon in Devizes, whereby I watched a profound fellow dramatically sacrifice himself to the devil, then popped to Morrisonsโฆ
It’s our lovable soup-making duo rightfully in the headlines here today. Anya and Marc of Soupchick are making good use of the unit opposite in Devizesโ Shambles, opening a tranquil art space, plus adding a further dining areaโฆ.
It’ll be a lovely space to relax, lunch, and browse some art for sale; I know, I poked my nose into their grand opening this afternoon!
Valentina, they’re calling it, named in memory of Anya’s grandmother, and while for the initial month there’s a teaser of local artists exhibiting, thereafter individual artists will exhibit a show.
I do believe I’m therefore duty-bound to return with news of said individual exhibits when the time comes, and it’s nothing to do with the absolutely scrumptious soup they serve, so, don’t dare say it is!!
West-side in the Lavingtons last night, tumbleweeds could’ve blown along the High Street as an army of highway operatives rode into the village with heavy resurfacing artillery. Yet, behind blockades at the village hall, a pocket of gig resistance stood their ground, guided by their temporary sheriff of entertainment, Gaz Brookfield. They were going out-out, even if it meant marching from Littleton Pannell or Rickbarton!
No one’s fault, just unfortunate timing, but I gladly report any clashes between parties was reduced to the mere possibility of some reveller tripping on a traffic cone in the dark – what else can I say of the incident? My mum always told me to watch where I was going!
In this wonderful village hall, though, everyone was made to feel welcome. Warmed with chilli, rice and choice of drinks, curious villagers and local Gaz fans melded for a memorable evening. Armed with just a guitar this all-round entertainer of the singer-songwriter variety fulfilled a promise to book himself into willing village halls as an initial part of a wider annual tour. Who am I to argue town and city venues get all the fun, and this genius idea breathes life into otherwise often quotidian or redundant halls? But the true genius of Gaz Brookfield isnโt only present in marketing concepts.ย
Your typical singer-songwriter can be categorised thus; wonderfully creative yet timorous, bold but perhaps not so accomplished, or a pick of both positive qualities, as Gaz clearly falls into, an expert in confidently delivering self-penned marvels. It would seem nothing is off limits as a subject, as life takes its course Gaz reflects on any occurrence or newfound knowledge and views them equally as worthy of writing about. The result is variety. Habitual vow of playing a fun song after a melancholic one, Gaz explains this, as is he summarises the thought process behind each song with a balance of serenity and good humour.
You know what I mean, though? Some singer-songwriters, while talented, stand tense and only address an audience with โthis next song is called,โ whereas someone like Springsteen will drag a backstory out to epic proportions. Gaz finds the middle ground, a perfect balance. Yeah he gave a locally themed backstory related in his first gigs in a band playing his own village hall, but all intros were a brief synopsis, and on with the associated song.
Everything he plays is original, fans chant them back to him, but every layer of his personality, thoughts and observations are exposed on the stage he commands, thatโs his honest beauty. Also worth noting, parallel to Springsteen or folk singers like Seeger, thereโs sunny-side of the street, hometown themes, but Gaz confines himself to nada; thereโs historic or apocalyptic stories, thoughts of symbolic tree carvings, blues about diabetes, and quite often, frank insights to being a musician. Through the quips and ditties to the sombre or reflective moments, if Iโm making this sound as if Gaz is a jack of all trades, heโs not, heโs a king of them, an all round entertainer.
Weaving an audience under his spell, he relates, he engages an audience, makes them feel a part of the show rather than observers. Relaying an anecdote about an ukulele fashioned guitar, he drops off the stage and sings a shanty unplugged. A communal moment of sublimity alongside archetypal latest album plugs, and ending with a selection of previous known and loved works. Gaz is a tricky one to pin down, given the variety and proficiency he plays with, but he certainly ticks every box with a gold star.
A national gemstone from down our way. Expressing a love for the West Country just one tangent he focussed on, an ode to a friend amusing titled โnuggets,โ and too many other ingenious prose to mention. Though this was not before a Tilshead support. Mischa of Mischa and his Merry Men arrived without said merry men, calling an opportunity to play some songs he wouldnโt usually do with his accompanying band. Singing of desperation, eco-anarchy though with a mildly blasรฉ approach, and citing seventies electric blues influences in song, Mischa was apologetic about swearing, thrilled to be performing with Gaz, and made an apt and superb support act which would’ve been perfect with his collective as a headliner.
Being I reviewed Gazโs 2016 album, I Know My Place pre-Devizine for a now redundant newsite, alongside Richie Triangle, Tamsin Quin and Phil Cooper he was fundamental to this voyage of discovery in local talent, Iโm glad to finally tick him off the top of my must-see list, but wouldnโt mind at all making his gigs as something of a devotee. Aware of his music before last night, even in reviewing a live album, is a solid base but his ability to deliver a live performance in person borders on legendary.
The village hall tour continues until March, the closet being Hook near Swindon on the 23rd, further dates for his new album Morning Walking Club from April takes in Salisburyโs Winchester Gate on April 6th, and includes full-band festivals such as the My Dad’s Bigger Than Your Dad Festival at Swindonโs Old Town Bowl on July 20th. Find more details HERE, and do, youโll be glad you did!
Stone Circle Music Events announced today that all proceeds of CrownFest will be donated to Wiltshire Hope & Harmonyโs Dementia Choir. CrownFest is an all-dayโฆ
If Devizes Scooter Rally has already established its base at Whistley Roadโs Park Farm and Full-Tone are moving to these new pastures, last year theโฆ
Dubiously biased and ruled with an iron fist, the mighty admin of the once popular Devizes Facebook group, Devizes Issues, is using the iconic Greatโฆ
After an impressive forty-five years of Guiding in Worton, through Brownies, Guides, Young Leadership, and as the Unit Leader there for many years, it’s sad to hear Vicky Earley has made the very difficult decision to hang up her Brownie Wings and pass over the running of the unit to someone newโฆ
Unfortunately, the Assistant Leaders will also be leaving the unit at the same time so they really need a new Leadership Team.
Full support would be offered to anyone who might be interested in taking on this Volunteer role.
They’ve been sharing recruitment advertisements on social media in the hope that it would interest someone to enquire but as yet have no luckโฆcan you help?
If you, or anyone you know, may be interested in a fun, fulfilling Volunteer role, please do get in touch with them, or the unit is at risk of closure. It would be a terrible thing to lose for the children, after being established for sixty years this June,
The current volunteers are able to stay until the Summer Holidays. โAfter that if we have not found a new leadership team the unit will be closed,โ Vicky said, โwe really hope that it doesnโt come to that.โ
“I’m not looking for someone to commit for the next 30 years,” Vicky continued, “that was my personal choice, even if someone could just keep it open for the next few years it is better than it closing.”
Rainbows 1st Potterne Unit are also in need of volunteers.
If you would like some information about Girlguiding and what Brownies do these days please check out the website:
As a child of the 70s I grew up with the new genre of horror films โฆย โThe Exorcistโ led the way in 1973 with its green vomit and spinning head. โThe Omenโ in similar demonic child plot followed in 1976, but also released in 1976 was a film featuring a less demonic but no less โฆย disturbedโฆย teenagerโฆย โCarrieโ. The screenplay was an adaptation of Stephen Kingโs 1974 novel of the same name about an outsider high school student of that name.
So having a horror story book, followed by a horror story film, what is the obvious next step to take with the overall premise?ย Thatโs right โ a musical. How obvious.ย After all, its hardly lovely, fluffy, boy meets girl, boy and girl fall in love, unlikely misunderstanding occurs, boy and girl separate, boy and girl get back together, love blossoms, final curtain, all interspersed with some jolly rollicking show tunes, stuff. Oh no โ its more everybody hates girl, mother suppresses girl, girl is awkward, girlโs peers humiliate girl, girl kills peersโฆ ย all interspersed with some โฆ wellโฆ not so bouncy (but excellent!) show tunes.
If you arenโt aware of the story proper, and the above synopsis isnโt enough, then google is your friend.ย Though in a bizarre happenstance of fate my poor typing skills initially wrote that as โgoogle is your fiendโ.ย Which may be somewhat more apposite given the storyline.ย Maybe.
Anywayโฆย I quite like dark musicals. And letโs face it โฆย musicals probably donโt come much darker than something that originated from the pen of Stephen King.
โCarrieโ is performed by โLuna Theatricsโ, a Bath based company at the Rondo Theatre this week. The cast is a young one as befits the storyโs setting in Chamberlain High School and where the eponymous anti-hero is a late to puberty seventeen-year-old. The set is a simple black box with minimal props โ it very much helps highlight the action with few distractions.
In attendance is the quite excellent live seven-piece band led by Alex Williams, tucked away but centre stage in the rear section that the Rondoโs stage allows for. Tech is provided by Alex Draper & Tony Giddings with specialist effects from Lazurus Molina and Jack Whittaker. Mollie Macpherson produced the show.
So what of the show I hear you ask? The book is by Lawrence D. Cohen, lyrics by Dean Pitchford and music by Michael Gore, but thatโs the stuff that google can give you of course. Itโs a fast-paced show which nonetheless pulls along the fairly simple story line in about an hour and three quarters โ not that it ever seems to be taking long I hasten to add lest that appear a criticism.
There are three key partnerships in the story. Mother and child โ Margaret and Carrie. Margaret is the overbearing, Old Testament god-fearing, benignly intentioned, oppressor of her daughter and is superbly played by Caroline Murray; itโs the smallest principal character yet without Margaret the story doesnโt exist, and Caroline ensures every nuance of the motherโs influence over Carrie is illustrated. Carrie โ all shy angst and awkwardness, is played stupendously by Amy Goodspeed. At first Amyโs portrayal seems a little lack lustre โ but this is me being slow โฆย as in fact she had encapsulated the persona of her character perfectly, which as the second act moves on expands into a more confident girl and burgeons with itโฆย until the final humiliation and the crushing of dreams. These two have for me the most beautiful parts of the musical โฆย a duet in the first act (โEvening Prayersโ) and Carolineโs stunning solo in act two (โWhen There’s No One”).
The second partnership is Sue and Tommy โ the high school perfect couple โ played by Ella Rodbourn and Ewan Wyatt. Both play their characters believably as the โin crowdโ that become supportive of Carrie. Ella demonstrates Sueโs frailty and uncertainty in particular really wellโฆย while Tommyโs prom scene with Carrie is done sweetly with compassion.
Then thereโs the โnasty coupleโ of Chris and Billyโฆย where itโs better to strike than get struck better to screw than get screwed, better to punch than get punched, better to burn than get burned as Chrisโ solo (โThe World according to Chrisโ) explains. Chris is perfectly belligerently portrayed by the ever adaptable and strong stage presence of Naomi Marie. Jack Whittaker is absolutely perfect as Billy, all alpha male testosterone, and no brain cells.
The rest of the cast all equally shine โ unsurprisingly. Rebecca Paterson & Joe Gibson as the harangued teachers, and other students consisting of Joshua Phillips, Katherine Flint, Holly Dumper, Adam Evans, Sarah Coles and Louisa Naylor.ย Ensembles are often glossed over but these eight keep the pace high and all take their opportunities to shine.
Thereโs one area I havenโt mentioned yet โ and step forward director and choreographer Adam Evans. The dance sequences are crisp, sharp, and energetic โ several cast members mentioned after the show how warm they still were after changing! The direction is spot on tooโฆย there are parts of the show that are genuinely scary and disturbing.ย
TL;DR? Itโs a cracking show. The music is excellent. Choreography excellent. Drama spot on. Acting and singing top notch.
And so back to the film in 1976โฆย Those that have seen it may be wondering if the stage musical has the sameโฆย surprising โฆ ending. Wellโฆ..ย
โฆย Youโll have to go and see the show to find out!ย Carrie is showing at the Rondo Theatre until Saturday 17th February, at 1930 with a Saturday 17th matinee at 1430.
Hereโs whatโs happening over the coming week in the wilds of Wiltshire, hold onto your hats, letโs lots to get throughโฆ..
Everything listed here is on our event calendar; go there for links and more info. It may be updated with even more things to do than listed here, so check in later in the week.
Look, if itโs all the same to you, I cannot choose an Editorโs Pick of Week; too much great stuff happening. Iโm doing a Chocolate making workshop at HollyChocs in Poulshot on Friday (see here,) then off to see Gaz Brookfield at West Lavington Village Hall, (Preview) which has to be one. Saturday, if you loved Adam & the Ants, you need to get to The Vic, Swindon for Ant Trouble (previous review) and if you love hip hop get down the Pump in Trowbridge for the Scribes (preview) but saying all this, when SGO come to the Southgate, Devizes, which they are on Saturday, itโs always a pleasure (past review.) Huge dilemma, ergo, can I have five Editorโs Picks of the Week this week?!!
Ongoing until 17th February, two enlightening exhibits at Wiltshire Museum, Devizes,ย Lest We Forget: the Black Contribution to the World Wars in Wiltshire, and Eric Walrond: A Caribbean Writer living in Wiltshire. Reviewed HERE.
Potterne Pantomime presents Robin Hood at the Potterne Village Hall, running until Saturday.
Wednesday 14th
Seed Bomb Making at Hillworth Park, Devizes, and the regular Acoustic Jam at The Southgate.
Glad to hear The Charlton Cat at Charlton St Peter has a grand reopening on Wednesday.
Counterfeit Sixties Show at the Neeld, Chippenham. Love Stories in Chippenham, don;t know where, One Chippenham your website seems to be down!
A lunchtime recital with violinist Madeleine Mitchell at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Sterling Elliott at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.
Ghost The Musical at The Athenaeum, Warminster.
Memory Cinema at Swindon Arts Centre screens Miss Potter (PG.) The Big Jam Session at The Vic.
Carrie the Musical at Rondo Theatre, Bath. Diddy Sweg at The Bell, Bath.
Thursday 15th
Open Mic nights return to The Cellar Bar, Devizes.
Seend Fawlty Players Presents Aladdin at Seend Community Centre, opening today, running up till Saturday.
Kid Carpet and the Noisy Garden Centre at Pound Arts, Corsham.
B-Sydes, Heartwork & Ed Poole at the Tuppenny, Swindon. Bob Porter Project at the Beehive. The Magic of Terry Pratchett at Swindon Arts Centre. Frankie Boyleโs show opens at the Wyvern Theatre and runs until Saturday.
Bath Bachfest opens and runs until Saturday with lots of concerts across the city.
Friday 16th
Innes Sibun Trio at The Southgate, Devizes. Disneyโs Frozen Jr runs at the Wharf Theatre on Friday and Saturday.
Gaz Brookfield plays West Lavington Village Hall.
Ward Thomas at the Wyvern Theatre, Swindon. Collateral with Zac & The New Men at The Vic. Soulphia, new name for Sophia Bovellโs Soul Rebels, plays The Cow in Swindon.
Classic Rock American Highway Show at Chapel Arts, Bath.
Bootleg Blondie at the Cheese & Grain, Frome. Liam Helm & The Hang Ups at The Tree House.
Sorrel Pitts will be signing copies of her new novel Broken Shadows at Devizes Books. Reviewed HERE. Thereโs a Devizes Town Hall Ghost Hunt. The Truzzy Boys are at The Three Crowns, and SโGO at The Southgate, reviewed here. Oh, and of course, itโs DOCAโs Festival of Winter Ales.
The Devilโs Prefects Album Launch at The Barge on HoneyStreet.
Operation 77 at The Lamb, Marlborough.
The Scribes Boombox reaches the Pump in Trowbridge, preview here.
The George Ward School Reunion Disco Class of the 1970s, at the Spencer Club, Melksham.
Wiltshire Police Band at St Andrewโs Church Chippenham. Valentines Concert in Chippenham, at the Neeld, perhaps? One Chippenham, your website is down.
Gwilym Simcock Trio at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.
Framed! And Help! I Think Iโm a Nationalist! at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Fleetwood Mac & Tom Petty The Legacy Show at Swindon Arts Centre. Apache Cats at Queens Tap. 12 Bars Later at Swiss Chalet. Ant Trouble at The Vic.
Deadlight Dance & Steve Mercy are art Chapter 22 Roots & Records, Bath. Joe Wilkinson
At the Rondo Theatre. This Flight Tonight โ A Tribute to Joni Mitchell at Chapel Arts.
Cover Stories at Salisbury British Legion Hall. The Wiseguys at the Rising Sun, Wimborne.
Even N Song at The Ship, Shipton Bellinger.
Judge Jules is at The Cheese & Grain, Frome.
Sunday 18th
Chantelle Smith is with Richard Wileman & Valve at The Vic, Swindon. Brian Conley at the Wyvern Theatre.
The Woodlanders at The Bell, Bath.
Monday 19th
Buffy Revamped at the Wyvern Theatre, Swindon
Swingle-Tree and Whistling Treason at The Bell, Bath.
Tuesday 20th
Ian Bateman Quartet plays Jazz Knights at the Royal Oak, Swindon. Miles Jupp at the Wyvern Theatre.
POETIKA poetry slams at the Winchester Gate, Salisbury.
And thatโs all weโve got for now, other than some important things to say: Events listed here are subject to change, we are not responsible for cancellations, errors or postponements in anything listed.
Important note two, events which come to our attention from now on in, will be updated on the Event Calendar and NOT HERE. So, be sure to check in from time to time, use the Event Calendar to find more info on everything listed on here, and for ticket links, etc. Use the Event Calendar to check for updates and planning ahead.
Did we miss you out? Did you tell us about your event? Itโs not that we donโt like you, itโs because Devizine uses many sources to collate these listings, and sometimes we miss a few things. Listing your event here is free, but please make it easier for me by messaging or emailing the info, and then, and this is the really important part, make sure Iโve added it and let me know if not!
Have a good week- thatโs the last important thingy to say!!
Christmas has come early for foxes and normal humans with any slither of compassion remaining, as the government announced the righteous move to ban trailโฆ
Chippenham folk singer-songwriter, M3G (because she likes a backward โEโ) has a new single out tomorrow, Friday 19th December. Put your jingly bell cheesy tunesโฆ
Wiltshire Music Centre Unveils Star-Studded New Season with BBC Big Band, Ute Lemper, Sir Willard White and comedians Chris Addison and Alistair McGowan revealing theirโฆ
Daphneโs Family & Childhood Connection to Devizes Celebrations of Daphne Oram have been building in London since the beginning of December, for those in theโฆ
This Saturday sees Bristol’s Hip Hop phenonium, The Scribes bringing their Boombox show to The Pump, Trowbridge, and will be the group’s only performance in Trowbridge this year. Coming off the back of an incredible 2023 that saw the act perform at Glastonbury, WOMAD, Wireless, Isle Of Wight, Latitude and many more, this will be go off!
Arranged by The Village Pump Community Interest Company, this will be a great chance for people to see The Scribes’ Boombox in an intimate environment before they embark on their 60+ date 2024 tour, with support on the night comes from local up and comers Iggz, Jay Brooks and Origin.
The Scribes are a multi award winning hip hop act whose unique blend of beatboxing, off the cuff freestyling, crowd participation and genre-spanning music has created a critically acclaimed live show quite unlike any other on the scene today, with appeal ranging far beyond traditional hip hop fare.
They have consistently proven to be an impressive and engaging live act with recent festival appearances at Latitude, Isle Of Wight, Glastonbury, Wireless, WOMAD, Electric Picnic (Ire), Wilderness, Shambala, Boomtown, Bearded Theory, Beautiful Days, Great Estate and many more, and are proud winners of both the Exposure Music Award’s “Best UK Urban Act” and the EatMusic Radio Award’s “Best Live Act”. The group have also provided original music for BBC and Channel 4 television, and are featured regularly on both national and local radio and media including BBC 1Xtra, BBC Radio 1 Introducing and BBC Radio 6 Music.
The Scribes are hotly tipped as one to watch, recently signing with Stimulus Management (Nas, Snoop Dogg, Cardi B, Busta Rhymes), and sharing the stage with the likes of Macklemore, Rudimental, Nathan Dawe, Wu Tang Clan, Dizzee Rascal, Kelis, Rag N Bone Man, Example, Lethal Bizzle, The Wailers, Jurassic 5, Sugarhill Gang, KRS One, Pharoahe Monch, De La Soul, MF DOOM, and Souls Of Mischief to name (drop) but a few, and are steadily establishing a growing following across the continent to add to their already significant fan base at home.
Part 1: An Introduction March 1936: newlywed French telecommunications engineer Pierre Schaeffer relocates to Paris from Strasbourg and finds work in radio broadcasting. He embarksโฆ
Yesterday Wiltshire Council published an โupdateโ on the lane closure on Northgate Street in Devizes as the fire which caused it reaches its first anniversary.โฆ
Join the St Johnโs Choir and talented soloists for a heart-warming evening of festive favourites, carols, and candlelit Christmas atmosphere this Friday 12 th Decemberโฆ
This afternoon I find myself contemplating what the future holds for historical discovery and learning for all ages, fun and educational exhibits and events inโฆ
Featured Image: Barbora Mrazkova My apologies, for Marlboroughโs singer-songwriter Gus Whiteโs debut album For Now, Anyway has been sitting on the backburner, and itโs moreโฆ
Having to unfortunately miss Devizesโ blues extravaganza on Friday, I crossed the borderline on Saturday to get my prescribed dosage of Talk in Codeโฆwith aโฆ
No, I didnโt imagine for a second they would, but upcoming Take the Stage winners, alt-rock emo four-piece, Butane Skies have released their second song,โฆ
Featured Image by Giulia Spadafora Ooo, a handclap uncomplicated chorus is the hook in Lady Ladeโs latest offering of soulful pop. Itโs timelessly cool andโฆ
London-based Errol Linton and band made a welcomed return to Devizesโ Long Street Blues Club last night. In June I was surprised to label it my personal best night at Long Street. Catching them again equally did not disappoint, despite knowing what I was letting my mojo in forโฆ..
If Flo’s recent review of the Devizes Youth Action club night expressed a need for gigs for local youngsters, we’re not ageist here and tonight I’m at the other end of the spectrum; yeah, say it, I can take it – where I belong!
Long Street Blues Club welcomes all, but largely attracts older middle-classes with a collective passion for the blues, implanted via the historic Mel Bush effect. Ticket prices also play a part in governing clientele, but you certainly get value for money. All the tried and tested acts booked on their seasonal programmes are of a superior class and quality. Long Street should be proud of the landmark they’ve created. It’s enough to pull devotees from Cardiff to London.
In its present-day form, Long Street Blues Club turns sweet sixteen this year, though with his brother Rick, town councillor and ex-mayor Ian Hopkins revived Devizesโ fixation with the blues mid-nineties.
Typically monthly, it offers the diverse range within its blues tagline its regulars crave. While others may favour British electric blues, prog-rock, or country blues, and these are readily available, I’m smitten for precisely what Errol and his band lay down, an irresistible mesh of Memphis, Delta boogie and jump with the wonderful twist of Errol’s Jamaican roots. Yeah, it’s going to switch to an offbeat, and set the Devizes Conservative Club to skank!
Likely the most prominent example of this in his set is a cover of Howlinโ Wolf’s Howlinโ for my Darlin‘, in which, after an explanation of the blues legend’s time in Jamaica, it rolls off with a one-drop reggae riff to make Joe Higgs blush.
Much is the set, a sublime and highly polished blues act with this resplendent reggae hook. I believe in my last review I waffled on a tangent about offbeat jump blues and shuffle rhythms influencing post wartime Jamaica via American radio stations, and the accidental hook creating the ska sound at an alleged Prince Buster recording session at Duke Reid’s Treasure Island studio. While I cited Jamaica’s first national sound, ska, as a major influence on Errol’s original output, tonight I felt a larger portion was ska’s successors rock steady and reggae. Maintaining the rootsy Delta boogie throughout, even tastes of dub was hinted at, as the pace steadied to hypnotic riddims; now, that’s right up my street and knocking on my door.
The crowd felt the vibe too, and while Long Street is a seated music appreciation society where idle chit-chat is frowned upon during a performance, folk felt the irresistible urge to shake their thang for the finale. For me, while happy it’s hardly stage-diving, mosh pit country here, I don’t know how anyone could’ve kept still last night!
It was a full house for this amazing five-piece, natural entertainer Errol on vocals and harmonica, pounding upright bassist Lance Rose, invigorating lead guitarist Richey Green, Petar Zivokvic wildly pushing the ivory, and devine drummer Gary Williams. Errol recounted tales of family ties, his parent’s immigration influencing a new song which came across decidedly dub in its initial King Tubby incarnation, whereas another memorable moment for me came with a country-tingedย ballad called Country Girl, so gorgeously delivered it could’ve come from Toots Hibbert’s songbook. It was that magical.
They played with skill, joy and gusto, but not before Oxford’s acoustic bluesman Thompson Smurthwaite pulled out an impressive support. A regular at the Southgate I’ve yet to have had the pleasure of hearing, though Andy has reported previously.
I don’t know if Thompson sold his soul to the devil at the Botley interchange, but there was something decidedly deeply-rooted in his enlightening set of relatable originals and prison-type narrative about life on canals, with casual scat vocals akin to Robert Johnson himself, and all the sublime harmonica and guitar picking of any Mississippi blues legend of yore.
Another cracking night at Long Street Blues Club. I was content enough just to be back in Devizes with cider in hand, after hibernation, broken by teetotal stints at The Pump and Wiltshire Music Centre! Anything else would’ve been a bonus, ergo, Errol’s band, and Thompson too made it a bonus ball the size of the boulder chasing Indiana Jones!
Words by Ollie MacKenzie. Featured Image by Barbora Mrazkova.ย The creative process can be a winding, long, and often confusing journey. Seeing a project comeโฆ
Whoโs ready for walking in the winter wonderland?! Devizes sets to magically transform into a winter wonderland this Friday when The Winter Festival and Lanternโฆ
One part of Swindon was in perfect harmony last night, and I donโt mean the traffic circumnavigating the Magic Roundabout. Rather The Lost Trades wereโฆ
Raging expressions of angered feminist teenage anguish this month, perfectly delivered by Steatopygous via their mindblowing debut album Songs of Salome, I hail as theโฆ
Breaking news, and it’s not often I get to say that here! As part of Gaz Brookfield’s Almost All Village Hall Tour, which kicked off last night in Kidderminster, he arrives at West Lavington Village Hall this coming Friday, the 16th Feb. It is likely that you know this already, hence why it’s sold out. But, be quick, Gaz plans to release a further twenty tickets for the gig…..
Quick-fingered Gaz fans keep your beady eyes fixated on this here ticket link, as while it might say it’s sold out at the moment, after returning home from a show in Devon tonight, tomorrow he will add twenty more tickets, and they could be yours!
West country basedย Gaz Brookfieldย is predominantly an independent solo musician. Although, on occasion you will find him on stage with his band,ย The Company of Thieves.
Since winning Acoustic Magazine’s singer/songwriter of the year back in 2010 he has spent his time on the road, building a strong and loyal following all over the UK and beyond. He was the first independent musician to sell out Bristol’s, The Fleece, (450 cap), and The Bierkeller, (750 cap), and SWX, (1000 cap).
Gaz has an impressive back catalogue of nine studio albums. The latest of which, Morning Walking Club, went straight in at #1 in the Official UK Folk Album Charts, #3 in the Official UK Indie Breaker Charts, #6 in the Official UK Download Charts, #10 in the Official UK Indie Album Charts, and even #37 in the Official UK Album Sales Charts.
He’s one artist I picked up on BD (before Devzine!) when the precursor rant column ran out of negatives and I begun hunting for more positive stories, finding myself on a voyage of discovery into a local music scene I had no idea existed. It was Devizes gigs for Richie Triangle and Tamsin Quin which got the ball rolling, and before long I was penning album reviews for the likes of Gaz and Phil Copper. I believe I splashed some fond words about the 2016 album, I Know My Place, but the website finished and all traces of it have bitten the dust.
While Gaz has sporadically featured here, I regret to say our paths haven’t yet crossed, so after seven years since reviewing the album I’m looking forward to being able to knock up a live review. Here’s hoping The Tale Of Gunner Haines is on his setlist, if he has one, prolific and quite the master of improv I believe he is!
The Almost All Village Hall Tour takes in twelve rural UK locations in a bid to get his music out beyond towns and cities, and begun with a Facebook post asking for village halls to stand up and be counted. West Lavington’s Community Hall on Sandfield makes the perfect space, a hall with so much potential, and I for one, am glad to see it on the shortlist. Ever a grand idea, getting gigs out to the villages, Gaz, and we wish you all the best with it.
Now, readers, stop reading this and keep one eye on the ticket link!
Itโs nice to hear when our features attract attention. Salisburyโs Radio Odstock ย picked up on our interview with Devizes band Burn the Midnight Oilโฆ
In thanking everyone who supported this year’s Wiltshire Music Awards, Eddie Prestidge of Stone Circle Music Events revealed his intentions of continuing with theโฆ
Featured Image: Lillie Eiger Frome Festival is launching itsย โ25 for 25โย fundraising campaign with a very special concert featuring three locally based acts:ย Tom Mothย โ bestโฆ
Iโve got some gorgeous vocal harmonies currently floating into my ears, as The Lost Trades release their first single since the replacement of Tamsinโฆ
Rolling out a Barrelhouse of fun, you can have blues on the run, tomorrow (7th November) when Marlborough’s finest groovy vintage blues virtuosos Barrelhouseโฆ
With Ranking Junior now taking centre stage, Two-Tone ska icons The Beat will be coming to Fromeโs Cheese & Grain on 24th February as they look to energise audiences with some of the most famous ska and reggae tracksever written….
One of the key bands in the UK ska revival of the late โ70s and โ80s, The Beat still bring the near-perfect balance of pop melodies and taut rhythms that made them stars and won them worldwide acclaim.
Based in Birmingham, The Beat released their debut single โTears of a Clownโ through The Specialsโ 2-Tone label in 1979. The single went Top Ten in the UK and they soon struck a deal with Arista to distribute on their own Go Feet label.
Their debut studio album โJust Canโt Stopโ went Gold in England, and included the now-cult single โMirror In The Bathroomโ. The bandโs ferocious live performances and clever blend of personal and political lyrics continue to make them stars to this day, and theyโll be diving into their back catalogue at these new shows.
On Friday, I was lucky enough to have seen the four local bands at the youth gig set up by Devizes Youth Action Group to give under-18 bands the opportunity to perform and show off their talent at the Devizes Corn Exchange.….
Bella Donna were the first band on stage. The first song I saw them perform was Livinโ on a Prayer by Bon Jovi and the audience loved it. They had a great set list which consisted of songs such as Drain You by Nirvana and We Will Rock You by Queen. It is safe to say that their stage presence and enthusiasm in these performances spread throughout the audience, who didnโt stop singing or dancing. The band consists of Emmie on drums, Roxie, bass, Bea, guitar with both Bea and Roxie singing. For a band so young, I was impressed by their ability to interact with the audience. I will be following their progress and I am looking forward to seeing how they develop.
The second band was called Shox. As soon as they started to get ready, the audience was shouting their name, eagerly anticipating their performance. My interest was piqued as soon as I saw they were using both a DJ set and live music to perform. They opened their set with using the DJ set and then went into a cover of the Arctic Monkeys โFluorescent adolescent,โ which was an instant hit with the crowd. Throughout their set, the drum and bass held the groove nicely, which paired up with Zach on guitar, who played some creative and well-polished solos. He nailed the solo in โCanโt Stopโ by the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, which blew me away as I am an avid fan. The lead singer, who was very solid as a rhythm guitarist, let the others be technical and explore their parts whilst holding a beat and singing, which exceeded all of my expectations.
They covered songs such as R U Mine?, in which the drums created the heartbeat of the band, and Buddy Holly by Weezer, to which everyone was dancing. The DJ set really just levitated their performance and meshed really well with the live playing, but gave it an electronic feel, which I havenโt heard or seen in any other gigs. On top of this electric feel, the drummer used electric drums, and this helped the pre-recorded tracks on the mixer fuse smoothly with the instruments. Also, a shoutout to the bassist, who despite standing at the back of the stage held the backbeat of every song humbly, but it didnโt go unnoticed. Altogether, these guys have some awesome ideas, which makes them stand out and make a unique sound that I would love to hear some original songs with. Well done.
Talking to some of the band players whilst Bella Donna and Shox took the stage, all of them downplayed and reacted humbly while I told them how excited I was to hear them play, saying things such as โDonโt be too excitedโ and โWe arenโt that good, donโt expect too much.โ However, to say that my expectations were not just met, but exceeded so much that I think I am Enguunโs and Steatopygousโ biggest fan.
When Enguun went onto the stage, I was simply blown away. They are insane. My ears were in euphoria as soon as Ewan Middleton and Joshua Allen started to bless the audience with their music. As a musician, their ability to capture audience attention and put everyone in a trance-like state of freaking out was out of this world. They used techniques such as detuning whilst playing and just purely encapturing everyone with their performance, breaking their promises of โnot that good.โ Using, or should I say blessing, a Tama Kit (the best type IMO), Ewan played with his whole body, putting his all into creating a beat that the audience could move their bodies too. The mass of sweaty teenagers loved the way that both musicians let each other explore the feel of music that they wanted to create.
It wasnโt just good music either, it was a performance. As you can tell these boys could just play and transport those around them into a different world. I am not quite sure how to describe to you just how much talent these boys have. Even without a Bassist (although they are looking for one) they still managed to keep the groove and attention of everyone looking at them. I was sure that the two boys must have known each other for years, but I was wrong. In the same year at school, and aware of each others presence, they didnโt get along too well at first, as Ewan โused to sit next to (Joshua) in Year 8 and it annoyed the s*** out of him.โ That was until over time gained respect and one day Ewan asked Joshua if he could play bass, to which he lied and said yes, but with some luck, the guitarist left, leaving the two boys to play ever since. I hope that I have written this to show the admiration I have for these guys. I will be following them and going to see them again as they were just insane, and you should too.
Last, but definitely not least, the act of which I was the most excited for, Steatopygous took the stage. With their adoring fans, of which I am one, hyping them up around me, my anticipation for their act had only grown. The band consists of talented Poppy Hillier on guitar and singing, Ewan Middleton (again) on drums and enticing Eliza Brindle on bass. The first thing I noticed about this band was how friendly they are. I had contacted them before to ask about doing an interview and they instantly replied being extremely kind; this was reflected to the incredible audience of enthusiastic and happy people who welcomed everyone to dance with each other and enjoy the music. The previous bands, school mates and strangers came together to enjoy their music. The fact that they have only done four gigs was insane for the way that they have an ability to perform; the queue after the gig for buying posters and signing them really just reflects how much the audience loved them.
Now, I was lucky enough to be able to talk to them myself, so if you read on, meet Poppy, Eliza and Ewan: When did you become a band?
โMay last year maybe? First, it was me and Eliza. We had Steatopygous and it was just. I had been playing bass, for like three days!โ
โWe started a band and I literally didnโt know how to play guitar. We were just like โletโs start a bandโโ
โWe went to this Young Womenโs Music Project in Oxford and afterwards we were like, yeah we are gonna start a band. Ewan joined a bit later.โ
What are your musical inspirations?
โDefinitely Bikini Killโ
โYeah. I think it would be a sin to answer this and not say Bikini kill. X-Ray Spex. Amyl and The Sniffers.โ
โSonic Youth, as well.โ
โAnd Rat Mobile.โ
When you were writing your single, how did you go about it?
โWe had never written a song before, so it was very much like letโs just try and do it.โ
โWe had no idea what we were talking about, but we were very angry with some boys, so we thought we would channel it.โ
Would you like to explain what the songs about?
โI think our main inspiration is what it is like to be a women in music and how it feels to not be taken seriously in the industry. There was this one time we were in band practise, and this builder next door, whilst we were playing a Pixies song. He goes to Ewan, our male drummer, โOh, you guys are really good, do you like the pixies?โ and completely ignored us. He did not acknowledge us and talked to Ewan the whole time.โ
โI think from there, it just became about all the annoying experiences we have had with men.โ
Why the fish?
โPoppy is really into fish; she wants to be a Marine Biologist and I do a lot of art. I spray painted a fish once and then wrote Steatopygous over it, and it just stuck.โ
Why Steatopygous?
โSteatopygous means excess fattiness on the thighs and ass of a woman, but it sounds like a dinosaur, which is a plus. My Mum was telling me about the poems she studied in her GCSE and there was one called fat, womenโs thoughts in a bath… or something. It was a poem about Steatopygous and I thought it was a sick word.โ
How does your female punk โriot girlโ look fit into having a male band member?
โI think that โriot girlโ definitely isnโt exclusive just to women. I think that one of the problems to โriot girlโ in the 90โs was that it was very exclusive, which let to some ethical issues with transphobia and racism within the riot girl movement, so I think itโs important for us to show that anyone can be a โriot girlโ and that comes across with having Ewan as our drummer.โ
Any upcoming gigs?
โNo, donโt have anything in the calendar at the moment, but always looking guys!โ
In conclusion, these are some people, who are truly talented and you they should be on your radar.
Editor’s Note: Trust me to have to add my tuppence into this great review, but I would just like to say a few things, if I may?! Thanks to everyone at Devizes Youth Action Group for hosting this event, it means so much to the youth that there is something for them to do, and let’s hope there’s more to come. Thanks to all the bands who played, I wish you the best of luck for the future and hope we get the opportunity to write about you all again. To all parents, we have as much as possible attempted to gain permission from you for featuring the bands, and while many responded, if there is an issue please do not hesitate to contact me.
I’ve linked in the band’s Instagram pages, please give them a follow and support them with their journeys; the future of Devizes live music scene depends on it!
But most of all, thanks to Flo for all her hard work. It’s one thing for me to report on youth events such as these, but it is far better that youth are the ones reporting on them. Thank you all!!
by Ian Diddamsimages by Ben Swann and Ian Diddams Self-appointed โMoroseโ Mark Harrison was once again on totally top form at Komedia last Sunday entertainingโฆ
Wiltshire Council confirmed Blue Badge holders can park freely in council-operated car parks again, following a vote at the Full Council meeting on Tuesday 21โฆ
Featured Image Credit: Jamie Carter Special guests Lightning Seeds to Support Forest Live, Forestry Englandโs summer concert series presented with Cuffe & Taylor, has announcedโฆ
Wiltshire country singer-songwriter Kirsty Clinch released a Christmas song only yesterday, raising funds for the Caenhill Countryside Centre near Devizes, and itโs already racing upโฆ
It was never just the fervent ambience created which made me go tingly with excitement about Melkshamโs young indie band Between The Linesโ demo singleโฆ
A second track from local anonymous songwriter Joyrobber has mysteriously appeared online, and heโs bitter about not getting his dream jobโฆ.. If this mysterious dudeโsโฆ
Itโs not Christmas until the choir sings, and Devizes Chamber Choir intend to do precisely this by announcing their Christmas Concert, as they have doneโฆ
Devizes is a blues town, fact. Iโve dubbed its origins as โThe Mel Bush Effect,โ in the past; via Long Street Blues Club and down to The Southgate, the tradition continues and the label sticks. Music promoter Mel Bush would later go onto be a prominent organiser of some of the countryโs most memorable concerts, but he cut his teeth here in the early seventies, bringing top acts to the Corn Exchange, at a time the town only had a population of approximately ten thousandโฆ..
Knock on effect, while upcoming nineties bands modelled themselves on Madchester or grunge, from a local village five footballing teenagers formed a band inspired by Dire Straits, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Dr Feelgood, the latter playing a particularly significant gig at the venue, which we need not recount now; if you know, you know! Concentrating on The Hoax, those youngsters, the Davey brothers Jesse and Robin, Hugh Coltman, finalised drummer Dave Raeburn, and of course, Jon Amor, raised the bar on the UK blues scene with the vigour of youth in an otherwise largely considered matured genre.
Pushing new boundaries post-Hoax, Jon has explored many guises, from Amor, with Wayne Proctor and Matt Beable, to the Jon Amor Blues Group and King Street Turnaround, solo, and collaborating projects like Birdmens, with Ian Siegal, Joel Fisk, and Dave Doherty, prolifically producing albums throughout. Here, heโs our lovable living legend, never failing to turn up at the Southgate for a monthly Sunday residency, set in concrete in December 2021, and with renowned guests to boot. Such splendour of the recurring occasion, many of whom return in their own right.
Jonโs backing for said residency and various other venues on the circuit comprises of astounding bassist Jerry Soffe and celestially-sited drummer Tom Gilkes, dubbed aptly as The Jon Amor Trio, and theyโve been into Swindonโs Crescent Records studio. While a Jon Amor album is no new thing, The Turnaround is the first for the trio, and being as itโs such a high pedestal Iโm popping them onto, I take a listen to it with a tinsey hint of scepticism they can recreate the magic of their live gigs. Because itโs the improv moments, the atmosphere, warts and all of a pub gig which grasps the magic, see? I found myself wondering if they couldโve released a live album instead, but who am I to kid, I shouldโve known better!
Eleven original tracks strong opening with the title track, it wastes no time in recreating said magic. Regardless of any particular setup, this is another Jon Amor gold album, enhancing their live performances and creating a little piece of it you can take home with you. The electric blues held in esteem here is not cut short, there is no wild tangents of experimentation, The Jon Amor Trio never try to be something theyโre not; just wild and highly accomplished archetypal blues riffs wavering in tempo, exciting and invigorating.
Itโs when I arrived at Rideau Street any doubts melted. With a subtle hint of rockabilly, it rides to the bridge as any good Jon Amor tune does, and you know, youโre in capable hands. Mrs James adopts a firmer delta blues riff, and from there Iโm immersed in its gorgeous and thick layers of sublime blues. A downtempo number, I Know What Youโre Using sounds direct from the Hoax songbook, and onwards we journey through an album which has definitely got Jon Amor all over it, enveloping the brilliance of this new Trioโs live shows, with bells on. Fans will not be disappointed, and so the shows must go on. Find them at the Beehive in Swindon tomorrow, Thursday 8th Feb, and Sunday sees this monthโs residency at The Southgate, Devizes, with Nat Martin as guest, guitar tutor at The Academy Of Contemporary Music in Guildford.
The album is only available at gigs and on Bandcamp; streaming isnโt good enough for this beauty, and rightly so!
If Devizesโ celebrated FullTone Festival is to relocate to Whistley Roadโs Park Farm for next summerโs extravaganza, what better way to give it the rusticโฆ
This afternoon sees the inaugural grand ceremony of Stone Circle Music Eventsโ Wiltshire Music Awards taking place at the Devizes Corn Exchange. Itโs a selloutโฆ
In association with PF Events, Devizes Outdoor Celebratory Arts introduces a Young Urban Digitals course in video mapping and projection mapping for sixteen to twentyโฆ
by Ian Diddamsimages by Penny Clegg and Shakespeare Live โAntony & Cleopatraโ is one of Shakespeareโs four โRoman Playsโ, and chronologically is set after โJuliusโฆ
Unlike Buck Rogers, who made it to the 25th century six hundred years early, Devizesโ most modest acoustic virtuoso arrives at the 21st just shortโฆ
Whilst festivals around us come and go Mantonfest has been a constant of the Wiltshire music calendar since 2009.….
The 29th of June 2024 will once again see the Manton Water Meadow, near Marlborough transformed into a festival field providing an affordable family friendly music picnic by day and a more traditional music festival by night. Most people arrive and pick their spot between 11 am and 12 noon. The live music starts at noon and there will be something for everyone.
Unlike many music events, festival goers can bring their own food and drink or make use of the many food and drink facilities on site. With an eclectic โmarketโ of local traders and of course the band merchandise tent this event has a real buzz from start to finish.
Mantonfest 2023
The 2024 Line Up
This yearโs line up is now complete. Headlining are The Bohemians a world class Queen tribute act. Badness return by popular demand (or should we say instance) after wowing everyone last year. Forever Elton and The Fab Four will get the whole field singing across the afternoon and evening. Local jumping blues band Barrelhouse will be getting the field moving with a blend of reworked classic and their own material and Jose and the Radio Tones plus The Bergamots will get the afternoon mood set perectly.
Mantonfest 2023
Young Talent Development Slots
Once again, this year Mantonfest is pleased to announce the continuation of its young talent development slot. Last year saw an impressive array of talent wow the audience and this year will continue the trend.
Mantonfest 2023
Chairmanโs Comment
Chairman Roger Grant says โ โThis yearโs event is one of our most ambitious and ticket sales are going very well. The event is managed by a volunteer committee who are supported by a range of villagers who help set up, steward and break down the festival. Without them we would be lost. Itโs amazing that we have hosted the likes of Toyah, The Animals, The Swinging Blue Jeans, Katrina and the Waves, Dr Feelgood and many world class tribute acts across the years. As ever profits made will be donated to good causes including Cancer Research. The primary aim is to provide a great day out for those attending from near and far but we like to make donations where possible.“
by Ian Diddamsimages by Chris Watkins Media and Ian Diddams Whilst probably best known for his editorship of โPrivate Eyeโ magazine and thirty-five years asโฆ
I mean, Devizes own contemporary blues throwback, JP is getting bookings, and rightly so. He’s off to Trowbridgeโs Lamb next Saturday for a double-bill withโฆ
As the excitement continues to detonate to an exploding point for our very first Stone Circle Music Events Wiltshire Music Awards on 25th October, weโฆ
by Mick Brianimages from Lauren Arena-McCann The playwright Tom Stoppard is probably best known for his work โRosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Deadโ, his absurdist comedyโฆ
Hey you lovely lot, bit warm for Feb, innit? I wouldnโt do anything too daring, like break out your mankini yet, I expect there will be at least one more wintery blast to come. Hereโs whatโs happening over the coming week in the wilds of Wiltshireโฆโฆ
Everything listed here is on our event calendar; go there for links and more info. It may be updated with even more things to do than listed here, so check in later in the week.
Ongoing until 17th February, two enlightening exhibits at Wiltshire Museum, Devizes, Lest We Forget: the Black Contribution to the World Wars in Wiltshire, and Eric Walrond: A Caribbean Writer living in Wiltshire. Reviewed HERE.
Wednesday 7th
Acoustic Jam at The Southgate, Devizes.
Thereโs a screening of The Royal Ballet Manon at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.
Whitney; Queen Of The Night at the Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.
Peter Knight & John Spiers at Chapel Arts, Bath. Suntou Susso at The Bell.
Thursday 8th
Instalment 6 of the Comedy Loft at the Civic, Trowbridge.
Omid Djalili at Pounds Arts is listed, but sold out, sorry.
The Kahunas at the Tuppenny, Swindon. Jon Amor Trio at the Beehive. A Memory Move at Swindon Arts Centre, Jody And The Jerms play the evening there.
Josh Pughโs Existinโ La Vida Loca is at the Cheese & Grain, Frome.
Friday 9th
All Floyd make a welcome return to The Bell on the Green, Devizes.
The Future Sound of Trowbridge #5 at the Pump, The Sunnies headline, with Ignotis and Cult Python in support.
Counterfeit Sixties Show at the Neeld Hall, Chippenham.
Syd Lawrence Orchestra: Big Band Brass at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon. Band of Others at the Boathouse.
Wizards of Oz and Black Rose play The Vic, Swindon. Limehouse Lizzy at Swindon Arts Centre. Rave On โ The Rise Of Rock And Roll at the Wyvern Theatre.
Ed Tudor Pole at the Winchester Gate, Salisbury.
Alfie Moore at Rondo Theatre, Bath. Martin Harley at Chapel Arts.
Andy C has sold out the Cheese & Grain.
Saturday 10th
Music for Meninggitis at Seend Community Hall.
Courting Ghosts have had to cancel the gig at The Southgate, Devizes, find Grizzly Rhys Morgan there instead. Editorโs pick of the week takes us to Long Street Blues Club, where The Errol Linton Band makes a welcomed return. One of my best nights ever at Long Street last time they played, see a review Here.
The Kast Off Kinks at Melksham Assembly Hall.
Jaz Delorean at the Pump in Trowbridge, with Swingletree in support. And Sound Knowledge hosts Declan McKenna at the Civic.
Cultural Assembly; the Art of the Sustainable and A Family Business at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Purple Fish play Westbury Cons Club.
Max Output at Prestbury Sports Bar, Warminster.
The Makings of a Murderer at the Wyvern Theatre, Swindon. Nabil Abdulrashid at Swindon Arts Centre. Nervendings, Toast and Arizona Law at The Vic. Mojo at the Swiss Chalet.
Love is Enough at the Winchester Gate, Salisbury.
Wifi Wars at Rondo Theatre, Bath
Billy in the Lowground at The Sun Inn, Frome. Ruzz Guitarโs Blues Revue at the Cheese & Grainโฆoh yes!
Coyote Country at Prestbury Sports Bar, Warminster.
Bill Smarme Rock’n’Roll Trio at the Bell, Bath.
Ukrainian National Opera โ Madama Butterfly at the Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.
Monday 12th
Filskit Theatre: Wonder Gigs at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Cameron Pierre at the Bell, Bath.
Tuesday 13th
Potterne Pantomime presents Robin Hood at the Potterne Village Hall, running until Saturday.
Paper Moon Quartet plays Jazz Knights at the Royal Oak, Swindon.
Maddie Storvold at the Bell, Bath.
And thatโs all weโve got for now, other than some important things to say: Events listed here are subject to change, we are not responsible for cancellations, errors or postponements in anything listed.
Important note two, events which come to our attention from now on in, will be updated on the Event Calendar and NOT HERE. So, be sure to check in from time to time, use the Event Calendar to find more info on everything listed on here, and for ticket links, etc. Use the Event Calendar to check for updates and planning ahead.
Did we miss you out? Did you tell us about your event? Itโs not that we donโt like you, itโs because Devizine uses many sources to collate these listings, and sometimes we miss a few things. Listing your event here is free, but please make it easier for me by messaging or emailing the info, and then, and this is the really important part, make sure Iโve added it and let me know if not!
Have a good week- thatโs the last important thingy to say!!
As part of the global Kidical Mass movement, this event combined a family-friendly cycle ride with aย protest, calling for safe streets for everyone. The ride started at the Market Place and finished atย Hillworth Park. Cheered on by shoppers and pedestrians, we saw children and parents loving theย unusual freedom of cycling in town without fear. This all brightened up an otherwise dull day.….
This ride was organised to coincide with the launch of โStreet Tag,’ a Wiltshire council initiative to encourage everyone to lead healthier lives by promoting active travel. This is a shared vision of Cycle Friendly Devizes to highlight the urgent need for safer cycling routes in Devizes so that everyone has the opportunity to choose active travel.
Catherine Read, who is the organiser, is also an environmental campaigner with Cycle Friendly Devizes. She said, โParents are telling me that they want their children to cycle around town and to school, but they worry about the safety of their children with the amount of traffic and close passing. Parents want their children to walk and cycle safely outside and to school, but with the dramatic increase in vehicles and no safe segregated cycle lanes, thatโs not currently an option in Devizes.โ
โWe can improve the situation. Devizes has a local cycling and walking plan, and there are identified routes within the plan that, if actioned, would provide safer cycling for children that parents are calling out for.”
Susan Hayward, who was leading the ride, said, โEvery child has a right to feel safe in the town where they live. They should be able to play and ride in their streets, just like we all did when we were young, many years ago. Our Kidical Mass ride today demonstrates that people want to choose the healthy option of cycling in Devizes. It also gives a voice to children and families calling for Devizes to prioritize people over motor vehicles.โ
Kidical Mass Devizes calls on our town and county councillors to show bold leadership by supporting safer cycling and making it a priority to protect children. Please turn this vision of streets for people into a reality.
You can find Cycle Friendly Devizes on Facebook and Twitter.
On Saturday, people from across Swindon came to Swindon Palestine Solidarityโs charity dinner to raise funds for Medical Aid Palestine and raise awareness of the reality of life in Gaza……
Over 150 guests and 30 volunteers listened, often with tears in their eyes, as the guest speaker, Palestinian journalist Ahmed Alnaouq explained how over 21 of his family members have been killed in Gaza in the recent bombardments. Ahmed came with his new bride, who has also lost many family members and friends.
ย Ahmed is the co- founder of an organisation set up in 2015 to provide English-language writing workshops for young Palestinians in Gaza, called We Are Not Numbers. He told how during the Israeli military attack against Palestinians in the summer of 2014, his 23-year-old brother, Ayman, was killed by an Israeli missile while simply walking on the street near his home in Dir-Al-Balah.
Ahmed sunk into depression from which he thought he would never return to normal life again.During this time, he met Pam Bailey, who encouraged him to write his story. The death of his brother and his friends was reported in the media as six Palestinians killed but didnโt use their names. Ahmed wanted his brother to be named and remembered, as well as all the other victims of the Israeli attacks. From there, We Are Not Numbers was formed to share the stories of young Palestinians in Gaza. Over 350 writers now contribute to We Are Not Numbers.
People from the Swindon community, young and old, from varied religions and none, and many different races, came to listen to his story, join in solidarity with the people of Gaza and raise money and awareness.
Swindon Palestine Solidarity are extremely grateful for the generosity of local businesses and individuals who contributed food, decorations, time, and money. Thanks goes to Biblop, Ruchi, Jully, DuDuzo Kitchen,Lalbagh, Pizza and Co, Tandoori Nights, Shupe, Grand Bazaar, The Jewel in the Crown, Kaspars, members of theTurkish and Muslim communities. With their help, the event has raised over ยฃ3,000.
Ahmed said, โI just wanted to say that I was very, very pleased to have joined you in Swindon. To have joined my friends and family, the freedom lovers and supporters of Palestine in Swindon. It was very lovely to meet all of you, people of all faiths and colours, and people are Muslim, Christian, Jews and of non-faiths. We shared the same values that we all agree on, the freedom of freedom and sympathy of the oppressed with the struggle against the oppressor and I felt like home, I felt like I was surrounded by family. The event was very powerful and the spirit of the people I found there was very high and motivating and it gave me a lot of hope because as someone who has lost all his family members I feel like these people who support Palestine and solidarity with Palestine are now my family, are of my people. And it gives me hope that as long as we have people like you who have continued to participate in events and protests for Palestine, believe that Palestine eventually will be free.โ
This really was a great community event. Swindon Palestine Solidarity will continue to organise events, rallies, film shows, fundraisers, and marches in Swindon, as well as encouraging as many people as possible to attend the national demonstrations in London.
They invite people to jointhem for the next local march on Sunday 11th February at 12pm at Regents Circus, Swindon, and the next national march in London on 17th February.
Drizzly Sundayโฆagain. Iโve just finished designing the poster, so allow me to reveal the lineup for Rowdefest this coming May, might cheer us up a … Continue reading “Rowdefest 26 Lineup Reveal!”
To international acclaim on the folk circuit, weโve loved to follow the progress of the Lost Trades since day dot, when Phil Cooper enthusiastically told me about the vocal harmony trio union of our three singer-songwriters, with Jamie R Hawkins and Tamsin Quin, one heady night down the Southgate. Then, if memory serves me right, Phil swore me to secrecy until they were ready to announce it!
Cat has long been out of that bag now, and if two fantastic award-winning albums later, one thing I bid you donโt miss is their live shows. From March 1st youโll be able to kill two birds with one stone, a terrible idiom I know and apologise for using, but hey, no animals were hurt in this announcement that the Lost Trades are producing a live album; yay!
Thirteen songs strong, recorded during their Spring 2023 tour, the album includes two previously unreleased songs. But you need not wait for this boat to come in (see what I did there?) you can pre-order it on Bandcamp now.
You might think it’s a laryngologist’s dream come true, this Lewis Capaldi-led decade’s penchant for the blue-eyed soul singersโ melismatic strain to cause Mick Hucknallโฆ
Nothing cruel about our George Wilding; with his perfect match and another local legend of local music, Jolyon Dixon, they’re knocking out great singles likeโฆ
Thereโs a new single from Bristol-based Nothing Rhymes With Orange out tomorrow (Saturday 20th September) which takes the band to a whole new level, andโฆ
The Wiltshire Music Awards are delighted to confirm a new headline partnership with Stone Circle Music Events, who will sponsor the Awards for 2025 andโฆ
Following the excitement and success of the first meeting of โYour Partyโ in Swindon, a second meeting has been arranged for 18th September 7.30 -โฆ
The Devizes Writersโ Group celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2024. What started as a small group of people writing a set piece once a month has grown to a membership so large the Group has split into three, some still doing set pieces, others aiming for publication with books, poetry and plays in the pipeline.…
An award was set up in memory of founder member Sybil Amor, but competitions between members fell out of favour โ how can flash fiction, childrenโs poetry or a radio play be compared and judged?
This left a splendid, but redundant, trophy which will been handed over on into the safe keeping of The Bear Hotel, Devizes, which hosts two DWG meetings a month, to go on display for all to see.
Sybil Amorโs daughter, Becky Edgington, will be attending with Group Co-Ordinator Annie Cooper, at 3 p.m. on Monday to deliver the Trophy to The Bear Deputy Manager Joshua Grigg. It is a supersize red brandy glass on a commemorative base bearing a poem written by Sybil.
A third instalment of space rock swirls and cosmic heavy duty guitar riffs was unleashed in January from our homegrown purveyors of psychedelia, Cracked Machine. Plug in and prepare for takeoff, Wormwood continues on their already stunning discography of celestial shenanigansโฆ.
Pretty much where we left off with the Gates of Keras, Wormwood offers that prog-rock gorgeousness, as beefy as Bovril on the boil, heavy-laden guitar riffs beguiling the stoner or non-stoner alike; you need not skin up to be immersed in this. Pink Floyd’s moments of drifting ambience, meets contemporary likes of the Ozric Tentacles here, itโs a trip more than an album, flowing from track to track and taking you along for a ride of euphoria and headbanging moments, in equal measure. Someone, pass me a lava lamp, pronto.
All instrumental, and mentally metal, gorge yourself stupid, encased in its epic journeys. By its very flowing nature, it makes it tricky to say much more as a way of review, I found the summit track, Eigenstate particularly โaving it, and when it falls into eight minutes of Return to Anatres, youโre drifting back through clouds of guitar riffs as solid as tungsten. Yet, if space-rock as a subgenre has welded into the likes of Spiritized or Spaceman 3, Cracked Machine are more likeable to Hawkwind, which in my most humblest of opinions is no bad thing. Wormwood doesnโt go on whim of experimentation or try to slide anything unexpected into it, it just ripples along a course like a stream. Although intros like that of Desert Haze can cause you to assume things are going to get all trancy-techno, it doesnโt stop at that riverbank.
You may have caught them down the Gate for their album release show, I was gutted to have had to miss it. You may have seen them before, such as the year Vinyl Realm hosted a stage at Devizes Street Festival and all took flight from the Market Place to erect deckchairs at St Johnโs and lie in mega bliss. Such is the accomplished Cracked Machine, forging space-rock into a new era, yet not forgetting its rich history. Put this on and be submerged.ย
It’s been six months since Devizes-based young blues crooner JP Oldfield released his poignant kazoo-blowing debut EP Bouffon. He’s made numerous appearances across theโฆ
There’s something to be said for the function duo route with universal appeal, you could be working somewhere hot! Powerhouse vocal harmony duo Reflectionsโฆ
Formerly known as Judas Goat and the Bellwether, the now renamed band have announced the release of their latest single, โDrill Baby Drillโ (comingโฆ
What, again?! Another article about Talk in Code?! Haven’t they had enough Devizine-styled publicity?! Are their heads swelling?!ย Didn’t that crazy toothless editor catchโฆ
And Morpheus said unto Neo, โunfortunately, no one can be told what the Matrix is. You have to see it for yourself.โ Funny cos, I kinda feel similar about The Worried Men! So much so, it’s worth forgoing my weekend cider ration to drive down to the Pump to catch themโฆ
Fast becoming our flagship grass roots music venue, enough for Wiltshire Councilโs area board to reward them with a grant, Kieran and his team have transformed The Pump in Trowbridge from its origins as a folk club, through offering a diverse programme, and we love it here at Devizine Towers. It’s quirky, quaint, and most importantly, it’s impressively welcoming.
The grant was used to purchase some new equipment for The Pump that will enhance the artist and customer experience. There is no need to up their game with the programme of events though, in my honest opinion. Every show is a gig in heaven already, if heaven has an antique pitcher pump as a feature! Kieran said, โwe’re really trying to contribute to our community and thank you for joining us along the way!โ The pleasure is all ours, thank you Mr M.
Their worthy Future Sound of Trowbridge project to promote youthful upcoming bands at the Pump may well be in full momentum, but was put on hold for this Saturday night to make way for experienced, marginally older musicians! One thing you could be certain of, Worried frontman Jamie Thyler handles his guitar like Michelangelo handled his paintbrush. Cruising that well-oiled machine through a medley of every known Renaissance blues and rock guitar riff, with the ladders of his highly accomplished bassist and drummer, moulds them into one beautiful Sistine Chapel ceiling.
The Worried Men show consists of a few originals from their extensive discography, which sound like rock classics anyway, meddled with this cascade of known riffs and only pauses to allow some time for Jamie’s quick-witted, Gilbert Shelton humoured quips. They’re not wholly covers, per say, more improv homages and nods to his influences, the guitar heroes of yore, the blues master axemen from Muddy to Howlin Wolf and Hendrix to prog-rock’s Deep Purple or Zeppelin. Enthusiastic trainspotters will pick out Mungo Jerry, Spencer Davis, The Stones, but never will Jamie simply re-enact, it’s simply acknowledged in a beautiful mesh.
Opening with a decidedly Muddy Water’s version of Just Make Love to Me, and ending with a Jumpinโ Jack Flash encore, it truly was a breathtaking barrelhouse of delta to electric blues, with enough psychedelic swirls to overspill a sugarcube at Woodstock, but more importantly, it was delivered with sublime passion and exceptional skill.
First time I caught the Worried Men was at our trusty Southgate in Devizes last April, I made an odd but fitting oral hygiene comparison, โJamie holds an expression of concentration, occasionally looking up at you through these spellbinding Hendrix fashioned excursions, as if to ask โis that alright for you?โ Like a dentist with his tools stuck in your gum, you feel like responding, โyes, fine, thank you doctor.โ
But none of this magic occurred until after newly-formed indie-punkers FuturePlan gave us a grand support. With an attention to the heady dawn of punk, Future Plan attacked an indie set with ferocity and fire, making for a wild ride of originals. It was confident, rocking, and having it. Particularly entrapping was a track they called Rinky Dink, Future Plan might just be the most bookable pub punk band, if the landlord wants drinks to fly off the bar. With a debut EP in the pipeline, and some singles pre-released from it, find them on Faceache here, and I look forward to catching them again on the local circuit.
Another, what might be usually fantastic night at The Pump, and a most agreeable double thumbs-up from me. Though, Iโm still none the wiser as to what worries the Worried Men to call themselves such, if anything Iโd say if itโs not ironic, it should be.
Valedictorian graduate of Bates College in Maine, and with a PhD in neuroscience from Harvard, neuroscientist Lisa Genova self-published her debut novel, Still Alice inโฆ
Swindon’s annual colossal fundraising event The Shuffle is a testament to local live music, which raises funds for Prospect Hospice. If you’re ever going toโฆ
There was a geographical population imbalance this bank holiday Monday in Devizes which risked the entire town conically sloping into the back of Morrisons; noโฆ
Whilst dispersing highly flammable hydrocarbon gases into the atmosphere is not advisory, Butane Skies is a name increasingly exploding on local circuits. The young andโฆ
With a Bob Marley and the Wailers biopic finally hitting the flicks this month, One Love; The Movie had its London premiere this week and opens Feb 14th, the reggae legend in general will surely be in the media spotlight and a focal talking point once againโฆ and rightly so.
Devizes this spring will have its own celebration of the king of reggae and the matchless band behind the legend, when, thanks to Eddie Prestidge of Tunnel Rat Studio and Wiltshire Music Events, tribute The Marley Experience pays a welcomed visit to the Corn Exchange on Saturday April 13th.
For me personally, though excited about the movie and now this announcement too, Bob Marley and the Wailers has never waned as my favourite band of all time, and doesn’t really need any such hype. True, reggae is my choicest music, yet the aurora surrounding Bob Marley transcends musical genre. As he spread reggae and his message from Jamaica to an international market, it not only incorporated rock, and enveloped soul, positively uniting all, but developed into a mystical and legendary saga permanently imprinted on society.
From this last paragraph alone you can tell I’ve always been somewhat obsessed with reggae in general and the king of it; I’ll try not to chew your ears off on the subject! Needless to say though, if there’s one act I’ll nitpick and be sceptical about a tribute to, it’s Bob Marley and the Wailers. The Marley Experience played CrownFest last summer, and I stood my ground there, waiting for any slight niggle to unrest my critical response, but it never arrived. The Marley Experience recreated the sound, the ambience and magic of Bob Marley and the Wailers sublimely and was thoroughly entertaining.
The weather at CrownFest last year had a lot to be whining about, the staff of the Crown, the organisation of the event and all of the acts performing there saved the day; The Marley Experience was the icing on the cake. I said of them at the time: โThe Marley Experience was everything I could have wanted and more, truly a dedicated and precise homage to Bob Marley and the Wailers of the highest quality and sublimely executed entertainment. They marched through the classic discography, and saved time for a few lesser known tracks, like Soul Rebel.โ
Illingworth
It is unfortunate CrownFest takes a break this summer, with the superb crowd pleasers Illingworth in support, this event will surely heal any wound. Tickets not out yet, watch this space, but don’t worry about a thing, put every little thing in your diary for Saturday 13th April aside, because this is going to be more than alright!
Feeel the melody that’s in the (Devizes) air! If the nineties house clubbing revival is whatโs happening elsewhere around the nation, we have to admit, sadly itโs been a smidgen scarce in Devizes. Thatโs set to change, Greg Spencer from Palooza gladly informs us Devizes is on the verge of a groundbreaking shift in its nightlife scene. About time too, I might add, thereโs still a bit of life in this rapidly ageing raver yet, yโknow!
The inaugural Palooza DJ House Event is set to make waves at the Exchange Nightclub on Friday 8th March, offering deep house to soulful grooves, tech melodies to uplifting beats, and promising an extraordinary night of music, rhythm, and unparalleled community spiritโฆ.well, thereโs a thing, thatโs what it was always about.
Greg, who has previously owned a record shop and music venue, has been involved with festivals, and written dance music, signed to labels and remixed for other artists, tells me how he took a break from it all whilst raising a family, but like many of us feeling thereโs something missing from middle-age, heโs aching to zip up his boots and go back to his roots, โfor the fun,โ he expressed. Yeah, Iโll go along with that!
This inaugural Palooza DJ House Event promises to redefine Devizes’ nightlife, creating a space to celebrate music, forge connections, and craft unforgettable memories. Palooza urges Devizes to โget ready for an introduction to a new world of rhythm, and become a part of it. Join us at Palooza, and let’s create memories, dance, and celebrate the beauty of music.โ
They promise the event will have its share of surprises and special moments, making Palooza a truly unique experience each and every time. Palooza’s inception arises from a shared passion for the dynamic beats of house music. The event’s creators areย dedicated to bringing this unique experience to the heart of Devizes, sharing their love for music with the local community.
The team has carefully selected a thrilling lineup that combines the infectious beats of our local DJs, known for setting the dance floor ablaze, with globally recognized music from the house music scene. Each performer will infuse the night with their distinctive style and boundless energy, creating an unforgettable musical experience.
โPalooza isn’t just an event,โ they continue, โit’s an immersive journey into a world of rhythm and connection. The energy is palpable from the moment you arrive, drawing you in and making it impossible to resist the allure of the music. This event offers the freedom to dance without inhibition, lose yourself in the music, and connect with fellow party-goers whoย share the same passion for house beats. Whether you’re a seasoned clubber or a first-timer, Palooza invites you to a night of boundless energy and camaraderie.โ
In a unique initiative, Palooza invites partygoers to suggest their favourite house music track before the event for the opening DJ set. Visit the Palooza Facebook page to contribute to the music poll selection and shape the unique atmosphere of the night.
Just one? Tricky, but, twist my arm, if I had to pick just one it would be Sunscreemโs Perfect Motion. Remember it? Oh, I do, vaguely! In a cloud of strawberry scented smoke, the dancefloor like an air hockey pitch, my feet gliding like two pucks, and, if youโll pardon the puck pun, not giving a puck either, about any inhibitions, or cares, just you, and a fluffy crowd of smiling faces; If rhythm’s a drug, I’m hooked on you, So show me every move,ย We’ve got perfect motion…. Noooo, someone stop me, I double dare you!! I better sit down, have a cuppa and a bourbon biscuit, calm myself down a bitโฆ. until March 8th, coincidently my birthday!ย
The excitement and hope generated by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana announcing a new political party has reached Swindonโฆ.. A broad range of people haveโฆ
If I was bowled over backwards by Rubyโs teaser single last week, its title, Crowned Lightbringer, now also belongs to this five-track EP, released today,โฆ
Image: John Kisch Legendary songwriter and original Stranglers frontman Hugh Cornwell has announced a run of UK dates this November, accompanied by special guests Theโฆ
Atmospherically anthemic and reinforced with that infectious rhythmic groove weโve come to love Talk in Code for, More Than Friends is chockfull of it, andโฆ
by Mick Brian With Sandcastles Productions marking its debut production with Charlie McGuireโs original play Glass House, the cast and crew behind this production are clearlyโฆ
Hey you, Feb already, hereโs whatโs happening over the coming week in the wilds of Wiltshireโฆโฆ
Everything listed here is onour event calendar; go there for links and more info. It may be updated with even more things to do than listed here, so check in later in the week. Oh, and accept no substitute, this is the definitive guide to what’s really happening around these parts!!
Ongoing until 17th February, two enlightening exhibits at Wiltshire Museum, Devizes,ย Lest We Forget: the Black Contribution to the World Wars in Wiltshire, and Eric Walrond: A Caribbean Writer living in Wiltshire. Reviewed HERE.
The Importance of Being Earnest is currently running until Sunday at the Wharf Theatre, Devizes. This is sold out, Iโm afraid, reviewed HERE.
Wednesday 31st
Modern & Contemporary Art from the Collection of Chippenham Museum.
Acoustic Jam at The Southgate, Devizes.
โFull Circle Part IIโ โ Phil Beer & Steve Knightley at Chapel Arts, Bath. Tight Lipped Combo at The Bell.
Truck at the Vic, Swindon, with the Belladonna Treatment and Nostomo. Viggo Venn at The Wyvern Theatre.
Thursday 1st Feb
The Tap Opening Night in Devizes.
Pound Arts, Corsham are screening Sherlock Jr. (1924) with live piano score by Meg Morley.
Cousins, Skiddy, Blair, Lynch at the Tuppenny, Swindon. Sebastian & Me, Talk in Code and Mirrored Faces feature at the Vic as part of Live Music Venues Week. Beyond The Barricade at the Wyvern Theatre.
Allโs Well That Ends Well at Rondo Theatre, Bath. Nigel Wearne (AUS) at Chapel Arts, with support from Simeon Hammond Dallas.
Open Mic at The Winchester Gate, Salisbury.
Friday 2nd
Devizes Youth Action Group has their first event at the Devizes Corn Exchange. U18โs only, all-teen bands, Shox, Steatopygous, and BellaDonna play, with DJ Flam. Well done for organising, we fully support this initiative, and our own youngest reporter, Flo, will be there to give us the lowdown on it. Karaoke starts up at the Exchange nightclub below for the so-called grownups(!), with Karl Maggs on the wheels of steel. This will be a regular thing, the first Friday of each month.ย
Also on upcoming bands, check the first heat of Take The Stage at Chippenhamโs Neeld Hall, only costs a fiver entry.
Travis Waltons at the Pump, Trowbridge, with Martyโs Fake Family and The Earth & Me.
One Chord Wonders at The Boathouse, Bradford-on-Avon.
All Ears Avow, Death is a Girl, Fluff and Ritual Divide all play the The Vic, Swindon. Thereโs a Swindon Old Town Comedy Club at Christchurch, Old Town. Calling Planet Earth, Duran Duran tribute at the Wyvern Theatre, Dire Streets at Swindon Arts Centre.
And the In-Cider Festival begins at Weston-Super-Mare! Weston-Super-Mare, Eddie!
Saturday 3rd
The Thomas Atlas Trio takes over from the postponed LeBurn Maddox at The Southgate, Devizes. A darn good replacement, expect some amazing blues. Our trusty duo, Funked up will be at The Three Crowns, guaranteed good night at either. DJ Stevie Mc is in the mix at the Exchange.
Kieran doesnโt know it yet, weโll see if he reads this religiously, but Iโm invited to the Pump by frontman Jamie, so for this reason and for many others, this gets my Editorโs Pick of Week!ย ย
The Worried Men play the Pump, Trowbridge, with FuTuRe PlaN in support; anyone going up from Devizes? I needs me a lift!!
From the European Union Chamber Orchestra, Wiltshire Music Centre in Bradford-on-Avon presents Yuzhang Li.
Still Marillion at the Vic, Swindon. Apache Cats the Rat Trap. The Thinking Drinkers at Swindon Arts Centre, and The ELO Show at the Wyvern Theatre.
Itโs Duckfest at the Duck in Laverstock, a Salisbury Live Beggar’s Bash thingy.
Phoebe Troup is at Chapel Arts, Bath.
Dylan tribute The Bob Villains at Tree House Frome Retro Electro at the Cheese & Grain.
Sunday 4th
All-family bike ride, Kidical Mass, from Hillworth Park, Devizes. Lewis Clark at The Southgate from 5pm.
Chasing Dolls, Lucky Number Seven, Better Heaven, Liddington Hill, and Oui Legionarries at The Vic, Swindon. Whitney Queen of the Night at the Wyvern Theatre. Ania Magliano at Swindon Arts Centre.
Monday 5th
Open Mic at the Lamb, Marlborough.
An Evening With Jasper Fforde at Swindon Arts Centre.
Tuesday 6th
Daniel Newberry Trio for Jazz Knights at the Royal Oak, Swindon. An Evening With Jeff Stelling at the Wyvern Theatre.
And thatโs all weโve got for now, other than some important things to say: Events listed here are subject to change, we are not responsible for cancellations, errors or postponements in anything listed.
Important note two, events which come to our attention from now on in, will be updated on the Event Calendar and NOT HERE. So, be sure to check in from time to time, use the Event Calendar to find more info on everything listed on here, and for ticket links, etc. Use the Event Calendar to check for updates and planning ahead.
Did we miss you out? Did you tell us about your event? Itโs not that we donโt like you, itโs because Devizine uses many sources to collate these listings, and sometimes we miss a few things. Listing your event here is free, but please make it easier for me by messaging or emailing the info, and then, and this is the really important part, make sure Iโve added it and let me know if not!
Have a good week- thatโs the last important thingy to say!!
Wiltshire Music announces a new season for Autumn Winter: and the first under the new leadership of Daniel Clark, Artistic Director and Sarah Robertson, Executiveโฆ
If youโve seen Jess Self performing at the Wharf Theatre, singing at the FullTone Festival or elsewhere Iโm certain youโll agree with us; Jess hasโฆ
It’s been a wonderful summer’s weekend, in which I endeavoured to at least poke my nose into the fabulous FullTone Festival, despite being invited toโฆ
Devizes annual orchestral festival, FullTone got underway yesterday afternoon with a showcase of local talent from Devizes Music Academy,ย and finalised Friday night with theirโฆ
A feast of Salisbury musicians have recorded the single Edge of Reason, a powerful tribute to the irreplaceable ThomโฏBelk, a champion of Salisburyโs music sceneโฆ
Devizes Food & Drink Festival launched their 2025 programme of events today. Running from Saturday 20th to the 28th September, the Box Office opens onlineโฆ
Perhaps best known as the frontman of Afro Celt Sound System, the Belgium-based artist N’Faly Kouyatรฉ will be hitting the road for nine intimate shows with his new solo project.ย Beginning at Southamptonโs Turner Sims on 8th February, the tour will include Bradford-on-Avonโs Wiltshire Music Centre on the 11th Februaryโฆ.
N’Faly Kouyatรฉโs UK tour will be preceded by the release of a brand new single, “Premiers Pas”, a powerful, political track that finds the artist echoing Africa’s call for total autonomy. Offering a poignant reflection on Africa’s tumultuous history, the single will shine a light on the suffering, terror, and an unquenchable thirst for freedom the continent has endured. Merging French and Malinkรฉ languages, the lyrics reflect Africa’s fervent call for complete control, with N’Faly Kouyatรฉ requesting the world recognise Africa’s right to shape its own destiny. It will be streaming on all services on 3 February 2024.ย
The release of “Premiers Pas” will be accompanied by a striking official music video co-directed by N’Faly Kouyatรฉ, his manager Sandra Werner, and their team. The metaphorical visuals will depict Africa’s journey to freedom, celebrating cultural diversity and the inner strength of its people. Filmed in South Africa, the choice of Nelson Mandela’s homeland as the filming location underscores continental solidarity in the pursuit of autonomy. In tandem, the artist sheds light on similar phenomena in daily life, such as workplace abuse of power, domestic violence, and many others.
Speaking about the new single N’Faly Kouyatรฉ says: “I am raising a cry with ‘Premiers Pas’ to demand total autonomy for Africa. This song is the expression of the determination of an entire continent to finally take control of its destiny.”
More than a song, “Premiers Pas” is the resounding cry of a continent seeking to reclaim its voice and place on the global stage, sung by one of its most passionate musical advocates.
Originally hailing from Guinea, N’Faly Kouyate is a world-renowned Griot master musician and multi-instrumentalist. Moving to Belgium in 1994, he formed the ensemble Dunyakan (The Voice of the World), before joining Afro Celt Sound System in 1996. Frequently performing at WOMAD, the latter have released many albums through Real World Records and performed with stars including Peter Gabriel, Robert Plant, and Sinรฉad O’Connor. Owning an innovative sound that blends electronica with music from Ireland and West African countries, Kouyate prominently provides vocals, kora and balafon for the group.
Famed for his irrepressible energy and virtuoso performances on stage, N’Faly Kouyatรฉโs latest solo project will promise a spellbinding mixture of polyphony and electronic music in symbiosis with traditional instruments, called Afrotronix.
On his upcoming โRรฉ-Gรฉnรฉration Tourโ, N’Faly will be joined each night by his extraordinary ensemble, promising a unique opportunity for British audiences to experience this visionary artist like never before.ย He comes to Wiltshire Music Centre in Bradford-on-Avon on 11th Feb, Tickets here.
With your standard festivals two-to-a-penny, some consisting of not much more than a bloke with a guitar in a pub selling undercooked and overpriced hotdogs,โฆ
Contemplated headlining this โClash of the Titans,โ but that evokes the idea of a dramatic power struggle with fierce consequences rather than proof Devizes canโฆ
Popular award-winning artisan chocolate business Hollychocs has announced that its Beanery Cafรฉ will close on Saturday 23rd August, marking exactly two years since its openingโฆ
by Ian Diddamsimages by Sandcastle Productions A very new addition to Bath based theatre companies, Sandcastles Productions brings their self penned piece of theatre toโฆ
by Ian Diddamsimages by Ian Diddams, Next Stage Theatre Company and Mike Stevens Florian Zeller is a contemporary French playwright and screenwriter, who received criticalโฆ
Rude to walk into an event sporting another event wristband but the welcome was friendly as ever at the Three Crowns in Devizes. It’s mid-afternoon,โฆ
I arrived in a Wiltshire village aged fourteen from suburban Essex, anxious this was my new home. While my parents awaited keys from the estate agent, they sent my elder brother and I to the shop for milk. Wandering the lane an elderly gent wished us the customary โmorninโ.โ It left me bewildered; why was he talking to us, he couldnโt possibly know us?! This amusing archived memory of an introduction to the way of life in rural Wiltshire popped into my tiny mind recently, jogged by a book Iโve been readingโฆโฆ
You mayโve seen it on social media ahead of its release on 6th Feb. If youโre active on our music scene you may know the author, Sorrel Pitts, often found at open mics, accompanied by Vince Bell. I caught her at one in Great Cheverellโs Bell and was astounded by her songwriting ability; now I realise I was only skimming the surface.
Sorrel is undoubtedly well travelled but raised in Wiltshire, though if itโs not the picture-painting words describing our landscapes, culture and mannerisms giving this game away, itโs the characters reflecting on foreign lives they’ve built for themselves in comparison to the sensations of a homecoming which illustrates Wiltshire life so vividly, hence my jogged recollection.
The village in Broken Shadows is fictional, but believably set in the Marlborough Downs, west of the town; if you know the area you could hazard a guess to the inspiration. Sorrel was born here, and from the tracks to the primary school and pub, to sacred neolithic stones, and down to the wildlife and weeds defining a scene around a dilapidated barn, her remarkable proficiency of illustrative writing is abounded.
As Steinbeck paints an image of rural Oklahoma to the point you can smell the cotton on the drylands, Sorrel equals in building a visual environment we’re familiar with. Perhaps Hardy would therefore be a better geographical comparison, and like him, Sorrel exemplifies subtle differences between rural working class and the affluence of classic Brontรซ characters. Though this is modern, mentioning a lack of internet connection, covid tests, or housing developments in the village, as two characters return to the village they grew up in, to recollect their rural upbringings.
With the scene set superbly, you’re in a picture frame, prepped for fictional first-person narrative, building in intriguing layers, diary-like over a two character’s POVs, those of Tom and Anna. The pair begin unattached though schoolfriends, are reunited through a similar circumstance of returning there, Anna to recover from an operation, Tom to care for his dying father. In this connection thereโs an archetypal narrative of forbidden love sidelining, the thrill of lust against commitment, amidst an unfolding mystery, Tomโs brotherโs unsolved brutal murder in the village when they were children. Anything further might be considered spoilers, needless to suggest, Sorrel rocks the boat of the stereotypical tranquillity of rural Wiltshire, with this mysterious loss and the unveiling its developing backstory.
It takes time to unravel the truth of what really happened, the pace of reading steady, as characters are introduced through various other family or village happenings, and varying amounts of suspicion you will cast upon them. I certainly had my chosen suspects, but when the revelation arrived, the penny will not have dropped, and Sorrel accelerates to breakneck speeds as the climax unfolds, leaving you breathless and unable to put this book down. I swear, right, my wife had to take my Kindle off me so I could get on the school run!
Not sure I like the term โpage-turner,โ to describe a novel, and until halfway I wouldnโt use it anyway, but if the suspense building in layers will tempt you back to it, I recommend you go for it. Feeling youโre close to summit of the tale when all will be revealed will tie you to the characters and their circumstance personally, and that, my friend, is the sign of a fantastic novel.
It could be set anywhere and would be a great read, the fact itโs local makes it seem that bit more real. Youโll pick up on cultural references and geographic locations, identify with the surroundings, architecture and particularly, the mannerisms of the villagers; itโll leave it convinced you know Tom and Anna. The stunning wordsmithery of Sorrel is elementary, being the account is written akin to diary entries, thereโs nothing to confound you, but the juxtaposition shows that pure competence to weave a convincing, heartstring plucking, and edge-of-your seat story. Sorrel can write, and I was hooked, Sir Michael Parkinson too, apparently! Ah, at least Iโve one thing in common with Parky!
Sorrel has a book signing at Devizes Books on Saturday 17th Feb, find the book available there, or at White Horse Books in Marlborough. Find digital copies on Amazon here.
If youโve popped into Wiltshire Music Centre recently; for a concert, workshop, screening orย even a meeting, you might have noticedโฏchanges in the foyer: recordedโฆ
Amidst another packed summer weekend’s schedule laid that lovable large village Pewseyโs turn to shine; always a law unto itself, things went off; ifโฆ
Britpop icons Supergrass will headline Frome Festival as a fundraising event for grassroots community action group โPeople for Packsaddleโ who are fighting to saveโฆ
Okay, so, if I praised the Bradford Roots Festival last weekend and claimed to have had a fantastic time, itโs all as true as Harrison Ford retelling Daisy Ridley about the Force, with one embarrassing hiccup!
Finally, for a brief moment between closing fire doors I met Trowbridge-based singer-songwriter extraordinaire, Daisy Chapman. She was going in, with her daughter badgering her for ice cream, and I was wandering out, assuring her Iโd check the release date of the album she had kindly sent me for review. All a bit embarrassing on my part, I shouldโve checked prior, She Took Flight came out in May last year, so opps, apologies, Iโm late for the party, again!
Maybe this Daisy has equal power over the Force as Daisy Ridley, granddaughter of the Sith emperor Palpatine, or maybe sheโs thinking, please donโt make Star Wars references when reviewing my album, you stupid fanboy! but wowzers, this is one magically epic and euphoric seven-track strong album only a Jedi couldโve made!
I wasnโt going in blind though, fondly reviewing her 2017 album Good Luck Songs, albeit belated again, in 2021. By way of comparing the two, Iโd say while as the name suggests, Good Luck Songs is a sublime selection of songs with random muses, She Took Flight is concentrated on a theme and flows much better, with an overall narrative of life, motherhood, loss and love. Far be it to suggest it’s a concept album, but the thought, perhaps, is.
Dare I also suggest, akin to how Taylor Swift has financially benefited bending the folk rulebook to incorporate pop, Daisy folds similar, uniquely through dramatic piano and violin to define a confident euphoric and epic sound, like a musical classic. Though, with elements from so many sources and influences, to create something inspiring and enchanting, something she defines as “anti-folk,” I call it, in a word, enchanting. The uplifting musical reference is particularly true in the opening tune, Starlight, itโs a grand start.
Porcelain draws again on the epic, though incoming is Daisyโs refined and expertly crafted writing, often of arduous or dejected souls. This song drawn from a diary entry of the day her father died in hospital. Though there’s optimistic prose, as if life is starting over, only to be knocked back by the darker, probably most beguiling tune of the album, Womxn.
Over a subtle drumbeat the piano cruises like a well-oiled machine, and Daisyโs voice enchants like Kate Bush at her finest. Womxnโ chronicles a list of women whose work was credited by men.
At the summit of the album lies the only cover, a perfect rendition of The Kinksโ Waterloo Sunset, this sunny side of the street against all odds concept is gallantly captured, and Daisy makes this song her own. I couldnโt think of another song so absolutely fitting for this journey, which mood changes with such gorgeous subtly, itโs breath-taking.
The Gashlycrumb Tinies will then twist the narrative of the theme. An abject abecedarian, inspired by Idilia Dubb, a girl who met her fate trapped up a tower in 1851, and various other historic tragedies. Herein lies Daisyโs writing influence, the likes of Leonard Cohen, and her ability to weave magic in her wordplay.
Wind Horses takes on the penultimate melancholic trip to insure youโre suitably impressed before this amazing album ends, a poignant piece, a cinematic nod to all whoโve attempted to climb the worldโs highest peaks.
Then thereโs something downhearted lounge-room jazz about the building layers of Ballad of a Distracted Mother finishing you off in no uncertain terms, Daisy Chapmanโs voice is breathtaking, her writing astute and perceptive, and the dramatic string arrangements over her own ‘Nymanesque’ piano makes a this harmonic composition truly something to behold.
After forming bands at University in Bristol, Daisy released her first solo album in 2004, a collection of sombre songs for just vocals and piano. Her cover of Cohenโs Halleujah proved hugely popular at the time on the iTunes chart and caught the attention of German label โSongs & Whispersโ who have since formed a 15 year relationship with Daisy, booking her shows across Europe and beyond.
Another cover song, Umbrella, received her an International Independent Music Award (USA) in 2009, which inspired a self-booked tour of coffee houses up and down Highway One on Californiaโs Pacific Coast. Upon returning to the UK, Daisy was asked to be part of super-group Crippled Black Phoenix alongside members of Portishead and Hawkwind.
Iโm sorry to have her performance at Bradford Roots, and wonder why they put an artist of this calibre on so early, but after hearing this I endeavour to catch her live as soon as, and I believe you will too.ย ย Find out more about Daisy Chapman, here.
Another Triumph for WHO Andy Fawthrop Following the excellent recent production of La Belle Helene at Devizesโ Wharf Theatre back in March (see here), Whiteโฆ
Five Have An Out-of-town Experience You canโt always get that live music experience you crave by simply staying within the walls of D-Town.ย Sometimes, andโฆ
By Ian DiddamsImages by Josie Mae-Ross and Charlotte Emily Shakespeare wrote several plays that were termed in the late nineteenth century โProblem Playsโ. These wereโฆ
Together in Electric Dreamsโฆ. at The Corn Exchange Fashionably late for Devizes Arts Festival, I’d like to thank Andy and Ian for informative coverage ofโฆ
by Ian Diddamsimages by Ian Diddams, Play on Words Theatre, and Devizes Arts Festival Who was paying attention in history at school when they coveredโฆ
The Importance of Being Earnest is rather like a newfound interest in jazz, you must โunlearnโ the four-beat pop you’re accustomed to, to fully appreciate it. You have to rewind, temporarily forget Rick Mayall and Ade Edmondson, forgo all farcical comedy from The Goon Show to Charlie Chaplin, and leave your Tardis in late Victorian England, then, you will laugh.โฆ.in a hoity-toity kinda fashion!
Opening Monday, it’s a sell-out at the Wharf Theatre in Devizes already, assuring me you know the plot and backstory; though I caught last night’s dress rehearsal, I’m not sure I need review it, only to assure ticket-holders theyโre in for a good night, express, once again, why you gotta love our communal and hospitable town’s theatre, and maybe attempt to convince you Iโm an intellectual!
One of the few plays Iโve read, Iโm reminded how ironic and sardonic towards pomposity Oscar Wilde was, and how much trouble he got from it; surely making The Importance of Being Earnest a Victorian Men Behaving Badly, albeit written by a genius of twisting narrative the like I find unable to make a modern comparable.
I find myself wondering how, or even if itโs possible, to modernise it, as they did with Brewsterโs Millions, for example. For it lambasts the snobbery of Victorian social etiquette as nonsensical, ridiculing the formalities of gentry as preposterous folly, and though it suggests insincerity and fabrications should be morally neutral, our protocols to be so feigned with social interactions has drastically improved through equality since, making this feel somewhat lost in time. Such is its ex-post facto beauty, concluding some things are best left the way they are.
This leaves the happy ending scene questionable by todayโs standards. In an unfeasible modern twist itโs surely likely both Jack and Algernon wouldโve been victims of their own circumstance; akin to a double-act of Basil Fawlty and Basil Fawlty. A modernisation of the play would end (spoiler alert) with the penultimate scene, where the ladies discover Earnest was a big, fat double-whammy fib to get in their knickers, and the boys wouldโve been summoned to punishment for their deceptions, liable to sharp kicks to their respective groin-areas!
True, isnโt it? Modern girls wouldn’t have given these unsuitable and practically unhinged suitors the time of day! Theyโd receive only a two-finger salute, probably de-friended and condemned on Facebook, and theyโd both be rung out to dry on Tinder, no matter how loaded they are! It is then, with a curiosity of Victorian ethics which makes this play so endearingly comical, classic and impossible to modernise; go tell Disney!
Though, with a line in the play ironically defuncting happy endings I hadnโt picked up on till last nightโs fantastic dramatisation of it, I strongly suspect that is precisely what Wilde was getting at, only leaving me ponder what he would think of our era today. Thereโs far more connotations to encrypt from this play than first meets the eye, but at least he wouldnโt be threatened with a bouquet of rotten vegetables from his boyfriendโs pop and in his attempt to sue the Lord, get banged up in the big house for it. More likely the Lord would get a wrap on the knuckles for a hate-crime; proving how far weโve emancipated and why this play is so intriguing and poignant, if outmoded comically.
And itโs played out wonderfully, Rob Finlay plays steadfast Jack Worthing, Oliver Beech makes the perfect punster Algernon Moncrieff, and their conflicting characters ricochet off each other like they were performing this in Melkshamโs Bounce House!
Sophie Kerr plays Gwendolen Fairfax, and Anna McGrail is Cecily Cardew, elegantly defining the constricted mannerisms of Victorian ladies, and Wildeโs attempts to satirise it. Comic gold from Debby Wilkinson as Lady Bracknell and Jess Bone as Miss Prism, particularly when the two finally clash. Rob Gill is the bumbling reverend, Tony Luscombe and Ian Diddams make the perfect butlers.
Lewis Cowen is one dedicated director who has made this play shine beyond the rafters of the Wharf. I think youโll love it, being far more intellectual than me, and I finish with an oxymoron Oscar Wilde might be proud of me for; oh, awfully witty, what-what! Photographer Chris Watkins was there, trying to grab some images from him to illustrate this with, for now, I apologise for not taking photos, but guarantee you, itโs yet another stunning performance.
Poulshot’s Award-winning chocolate studio Hollychocs is proud to launch a heartfelt charity campaign in support of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust UK, with a charmingโฆ
Events with diversity, be they ethnic, cultural, or life choices, must be welcomed, encouraged and viewed positively as assets offering variety in our localโฆ
I want Devizine to be primarily about arts and entertainment, but Iโm often pathetically persuaded by bickering political factions to pass opinion on localโฆ
Friday is over, I’m a day late to the party, but there’s anew single from Devizes-own Nothing Rhymes With Orange, and you’ve not heard anything like this from the boys before…..
Starter for ten, Friday is Over sounds four-five notches more professional than anything which went before, a result of 91 Studios in Newbury and a push to obtain a crisper sound for radio by our very own skateboarding Vernon Kay, James Threlfall! (I know, it probably bugs him when I call him that!) But tech is nothing without the skill to use it to your advantage, and from the off Friday is Over twinkles with a surprising eighties synth-pop intro. There’s retrospective elements of what local indie bands like Talk in Code, the Dirty Smooth and Atari Pilot aim to achieve, but not without the archetypical NRWO sound in the forefront.
So, Don’t go off thinking the band are the new A-Ha, the guitars roll and Elio’s vocals build to something we’re familiar with, as Nothing Rhymes With Orange fans. Still though, we’re on another level with this, the bridges and hooks, all chartable stuff from our hometown boys; for crying out loud Devizes Town Council, lets a get a statue of these kids in the Market Place, pronto!
If past tunes filled me with hope for them, this one fills me with assurance, knowing how hard they’ve all worked towards this, and pride too, to say we’ve been following and supporting them since day dot. Friday maybe over, but this is the start of a great adventure and we wish them all the best…. take a listen.
Photo credit: ยฉ Rondo Theatre Company / Jazz Hazelwood A gender-queered production of William Shakespeareโs classic play, โThe Taming of the Shrewโ, will be performedโฆ
The first full album by Wiltshireโs finest purveyors of psychedelic indie shenanigans, Clock Radio, was knocked out to an unsuspecting world last week. Itโs calledโฆ
Bradford-on-Avon Town Councilโs annual festival, aptly titled The Bradford on Avon Live Music Festival is back this weekend, championing local talent with an eclectic line-upโฆ
by Ian Diddamsimages by Chris Watkins Performing Sondheim isnโt the simplest of tasks. Or, rather, singing Sondheim isnโt the simplest of tasks. With his dissonantโฆ
The phenomenally talented Ruby Darbyshire is performing at Silverwood School in Rowde on 27th June. Ruby has kindly offered to support Silverwood Schoolโs open evening…..โฆ
Adam Woodhouse, Rory Coleman-Smith, Jo Deacon and Matt Hughes, aka Thieves, the wonderful local folk vocal harmony quartet of uplifting bluegrass into country-blues has aโฆ
Hey frozen duckling, hereโs whatโs happening over the coming week in the wilds of Wiltshireโฆโฆ
Everything listed here is on our event calendar; go there for links and more info. It may be updated with even more things to do than listed here, so check in later in the week.
Ongoing until 17th February, two enlightening exhibits at Wiltshire Museum, Devizes,ย Lest We Forget: the Black Contribution to the World Wars in Wiltshire, and Eric Walrond: A Caribbean Writer living in Wiltshire. Reviewed Here.
Wednesday 24th
Acoustic Jam at The Southgate, Devizes.
Big Jam session at the Vic in Swindon. Rhod Gilbert & The Giant Grapefruit at The Wyvern Theatre.
Apricity Theatre Turns Ten The Rondo, Bath. John E Visticโs Country Club at The Bell, Bath.
Screening of The Old Oak at the Athenaeum in Warminster.
Thursday 25th
Runny Snotts Acoustic Sessions at The Neeld, Chippenham.
Mark Simmons: Quip of the Mark at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Ellis Evason at the Tuppenny, Swindon, Adult Panto โ Beauty And The Big Beast at The Wyvern Theatre.
Andrew Birdโs tour Taken Seriously is at The Rondo, Bath. Gordon Giltrap at Chapel Arts.
The Farewell Tour โ An Evening With Sir Geoff Hurst at the Cheese & Grain, Frome.
Friday 26th
Lucky Number Seven are the Pump, Trowbridge, with LXRDVIRS and Notre Dame of Tokyo. John Lawโs Re-Creations at the Civic.
BlueSoul at The Boathouse, Bradford-on-Avon.
Avalon Comedy Network: Stuart Laws, Lucy Pearman, Heidi Regan & Josh Weller at Pound Arts, Corsham.
This is Your (Improvised) Musical at The Rondo, Bath. Reggae vibes at St James Wine Vaults with the Biggle Sound System. Australiaโs Ernest Aines at Chapel Arts.
King Awesome at The Vic, Swindon, Texas Tick Fever at the Beehive. Stranger Sings at The Wyvern Theatre.
Saturday 27th
Phereakers at The Southgate, Devizes, Donโt Frett at The Three Crowns.
Josh Kumra at the Bear, Marlborough. Broken Dolls at the Lamb.
Bo Walton Band at Melksham Rock n Roll Club.
A Big shout out to organiser John McConnachie, as Editorโs Pick of the Week is at Calne Liberal Club for the annual 7 Bands in 7 Hours. The Killertones, Real Cheesemakers, Mike & the Misfits, People Like Us, 6 O’clock Circus, Homer and the Chaos Brothers join forces for this fundraiser. This year itโs supporting two young children Hartley, diagnosed with Down’s Syndrome and Fletcher who suffers bowel disorder. The mini-festival comes with a suggested ยฃ5 donation, and starts at 4pm. If you canโt make it you can still donate here.
Martyโs Fake Family at Gloucester Club, Trowbridge. Samantics with Devilโs Doorbell at The Pump.
Junkyard Dogs are at The Consti Club in Chippenham.
Shakespeareโs Fool at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Band of Others at Warminster Conservative Club.
Stranger Sings at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon. Papa Shango at The Vic with Here Comes The Crows in support.
Ukrainian Benefit Evening at The Bell, Bath. Ania Maglianoโs I Canโt Believe Youโve Done This at The Rondo.
Snuff at The Winchester Gate, Salisbury. Wilton Live all dayer at Wilton Community Hall, see poster. Sam Fraser is at Follow Comedy at Qudos.
Hugh Cornwell and special guests The Primitives at the Cheese & Grain, Frome, Bruce Juice, Bruce Springsteen Tribute at The Tree House.
Sunday 28th
Vince Bell at The Southgate, Devizes.
Screening of The Royal Operaโs Rusalka at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.
South West Hotel and Careful Spider play a Schtumm at the Long Rooms in Box. Andy Burden Band at The Bell, Bath.
An Evening with Glenn Hoddle at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.
Monday 29th
Is the opening night of The Importance of being Earnest at the Wharf Theatre, Devizes. This is running until Feb 3rd, and we will bring you a review of it before it opens; watch this space!
Rock The Tots โ โThe 1990sโ at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Most Haunted Live at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.
Brooks Williams & Aaron Catlow at The Bell, Bath.
Tuesday 30th
Stop Making Sense at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Tom Clarke-Hill Quartet plays Jazz Knights The Royal Oak, Swindon. I See Orange at the Vic. Most Haunted Live at The Wyvern Theatre.
Pete Morton at The Bell, Bath.
And thatโs your lot! Let me know if we missed anything, we can list events for free, but a chocolate muffin works better to persuade me! Lots to look forward to this month, Iโll lob a few posters below, but keep your best eye on theโฆโฆ
This summer David is returning with a brand-new show “Historyโs Missing Chapters”, a show made to uncover why, throughout history, some people and events haveโฆ
Under the new management, live music will be making a triumphant return to The Boathouse in Bradford-on-Avon and that Cracking Pair, Claire and Chloe ofโฆ
Always a happy place, our traditional record shop Vinyl Realm in Northgate Street Devizes is back in the game of hosting some live music afternoons.โฆ
One of Wiltshireโs Best by Andy Fawthrop Looking for something to do next weekend? One of Wiltshireโs biggest festivals is happening just up the roadโฆ
If weโve had a keen eye on Swindonโs Sienna Wilemanโs natural progression as an upcoming singer-songwriter since being introduced to her self-penned songs via herโฆ
If you go down to Quakers Walk today, you’d better go in disguiseโฆ and perhaps an open mind….
Who’d thought sharing a post about Devizes Town Council’s honest pledge to โreduce plastic waste and create a sustainable future,โ would unearth such a remarkable and comical find as this โฆ.a lost neck massager in Quakers Walk? Ooh matron!
We received an exasperated comment on the share, backed up by a second witness, politely claiming they’d possibly overlooked this discarded item, left abandoned for all to view, like a Soho apartment’s coffee table conversation piece, not forgoing a potential playful toy for pet dogs to play fetch with!
Note, though, Ruby and Monty in the picture seemed otherwise preoccupied. Their owners claim they were disinterested, but there’s a few other suspicious claims the dog’s owner made, like โI went with my friend and her two terriers to look at the bluebells, and for the dogs to have a run, when we came across it in a clearing and laughedโฆโ Yeah right, likely story!!
Ah, but is this dipstick a single-use plastic I ask myself, among other concerns?! Surely, if returned to its rightful owner it can be reused as often as a milk bottle, though not necessarily for the same purpose, health and safety would warn us.
Just, you know, it might need a battery change.
Another commenter revealed they found a purple one in the Urchfont woods a few years ago, visible from the road, leading me to realise this is far from an isolated incident. Ladies, why can’t you keep control of these things? There must be easier ways to hint to your boyfriends that you need a larger handbag?!
If you think I’m simply after clicks with this saucy scoop, you couldn’t be further from the truth. Unless it’s intended for communal use, a possibility I am not willing to rule out knowing how filthy the population of Devizes can be at times, I firmly believe it would be just and right to publicise this lost item in hope it is reunited with its original owner. As a community, let’s see if we can do that. It feels like the right thing to do. To think, it’s likely sorely missed!
So, if you’re the owner of this lost item, wondering โwhat did I ever do with thatโ it’s in Quakers Walk, Devizes. Do let us know if you find it again; it would make a great, feelgood conclusion to our story! (Please note, though, any images you may send us of yourself reunited with your long lost mechanical bestie may not necessarily be publishable.)
Hibernating since Christmas, now I feel like a turkey, making up for it, stuffing eighteen bands into eight hours, such is the beauty of Bradford Roots Festivalโฆ..
Impossible to provide detailed analysis of each with such a sizable quota, not without an essay-length review, and there’s the handful I missed. Suffice it to say, every act I witnessed at Bradford Roots Festival was top notch, and locally-sourced, just as we like it here on the De-viz-ine!
Over two years from 2019, our man Andy returned from the annual convention and reported back. I skipped through it and published. I need not doubt his words, dedicating my time writing something else. I wrongly assumed at the time, likely from its name, that the Bradford Roots Festival was a folk festival, rather โrootsโ I now believe refers geographically; it’s the music of the here and now. I discovered this for myself attending last year’s and unexpectedly hearing jazz and youthful grunge bands you wouldnโt usually hear at a folk festival!
Open any fire door to the wonderful Wiltshire Music Centre in Bradford-on-Avon, and there’s another surprise behind it. The festival is an annual indoor feast of music over four stages, fundraising for the Centre itself, their Zone Club, a musical group for disabled adults, and a chosen charity, this year’s being Parkinson’s support. I like to define it as a convention of local musicians rather than a festival, only because it’s all indoors and winter, but it doubles up as either. Either way you view it, it’s a brilliant event for all ages. For the elders there’s a bar and food options, for the youngest there’s craft rooms, workshops and naturally for a festival in January, ice cream!
You could also see it as a taster for the wealth of musical acts we have on this circuit; youโll find them performing in our local venues. Some I’ve previously tried and tested, others were new to me, and some essential to check off my ever-growing must-see list.
The latter true of the first, gutted to have been too late for Daisy Chapman at the acoustic Gudeon stage, Jol Rose followed. He’s the Swindon-based Americana soloist I met at a Swindon Shuffle of yore and been meaning to catch perform. Like all others, he didn’t disappoint, despite only catching his finale. Here’s a prolific acoustic magician with the experience under his belt to engage an audience. An open mic hour followed at this stage.
If Jol, though, came as no surprise, Thieves did. My next venture to the Wild & Woolley stage where blues is the order by day, and youth gather for indie by the eve, Thieves were playing an acoustic harmony not unlike the Lost Trades, and hey presto, I’m standing next to the one only Phil Cooper, one third of said Trades! Heโs compere for this stage, and will perform at the bar stage later. As Thieves progressed through a sublime set of bluegrass I likened it more to Concrete Prairie, and of similar quality. I’m staring at the frontman from a distance, thinking, by Jove, thatโs Adam Woodhouse, who I know as a soloist with a penchant for rock n roll covers. This new outfit, Thieves, only formed in June and is barking up his alley, youโd imagine the four-piece to have done this all their life. Adam tells me theyโre playing a Sunday at The Southgate, Devizes, in April, well worth your attention.
The festival breaks for its foyer tradition of Holtโs morris dancers and childrenโs parade, known as the Wassall, then Phil Cooper takes the Bar Stage, kicking off with his own Road Songs, finding time to superbly cover Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.
Such is diversity on offer, when itโs time for some jazz hey presto, again, Iโve finally made my way to the Main Stage for The Graham Dent Trio. Jazz pianist with a double-bass player and Nick Sorensen on sax, this is divine melodic invention, contemporary and unique, though I knew what I was letting myself in for, I saw them last year.
Drag myself away, for Bristol Uni indie four-piece, LilyPetals. New to me, confident youngsters with funky basslines over the archetypal rock, big tick from me. And a tick off my must-see list, Be Like Will on the main stage, a varied strong female-fronted three-piece pub circuit band who used the festival to play through their originals rather than their usual covers to appease a pub audience, which, either way, theyโd accomplish with bells on. The new tune finale was a definite article to how rousing this band can take an audience.
The showstopper though, and itโs a big show to stop, came from Ruby Darbyshire at the Gudgeon. An absolutely spellbinding performance left the crowd in awe as others mingled outside praying someone would leave to replace them; few did. Rubyโs stage presence has drastically improved in a relatively short space of time, her talent to adapt from acoustic folk to jazz scat need not. With just the right balance of originals and covers, she held us in awe, was the only artist to get an encore, and through Sinรฉad O’Connor, Dylan, Bob Marley and Springsteen covers she nailed them all and made them her own. Particularly poignant, Ella Fitzgeraldโs Misty, simply, wow!
Beguiling building layers of goth-rock were sounding from the Wild & Woolley, though, as Bristolโs female-fronted Life in Mono took to the stage. Evanescence in shape, yet solely idiosyncratic, hereโs a euphoric original band to look out for. With Life in Mono indulgently ticked off my must-see, a new one on me rocked the main stage, the steady gypsy-dad-folk of The Mighty Rooster, prior to ensuring I was at the Bar for the unmissable Chippenham folk singer-songwriter, Meg. A passionate and thoughtful young artist, Meg delivers in such a unique yet proficient way I deem it impossible for anyone not to love her.
Such is the tight schedule though, should I need waiver artists weโve seen and featured before in favour of ones Iโve yet to catch live? Trowbridge soul artist extraordinaire, Frankisoul is due on the main stage; anticipation brewing from the crowd while the band frustrate themselves with minimal setup times, resulting in a few technical mishaps, would, in any other circumstances be somewhat off-putting, but, fact is Frankisoul is such a character, and such a vibrant and sublime soul vocalist, hiccups were easy to polish over, still, they came up smiling and were my second showstoppers of the festival.
Clichรฉ is putty in Frankisoulโs hands, if his only cover, Gloria Gaynorโs I Will Survive is so, and they rinsed their originals with gusto and stylish proficiency, even down to a moment of hilarity upon Frankisoul mimicking the coat stage gimmick of James Brown. Itโs these originals which gravitated me towards them, reviewed here, I shivered apprehension comparing him to likes of Luther Vandross, particularly Otis Redding, and yeah, live thereโs a hint of eighties soul, of Kool & the Gang, but now I know he can live up to these.
Meanwhile the wonderful Courting Ghosts were unplugged at the Bar Stage, with their amazing blend of folk-rock, and Melkshamโs finest youth band The Sunnies rocked the Wild & Woolley. One Iโve been aching to catch, yet I didnโt catch enough of due to Frankisoul gluing me to my seat, if I liken The Sunnies to Devizes-own sensation, Nothing Rhymes With Orange, I think itโs fair to now state, The Sunnies angle slightly to more indie-pop, their originals tinged with a carefree and indeed, sunny-side-of-the-street feel; a blessing to watch, bloominโ marvellous!
With lively function band the Corporations attracting those left standing to the main stage, crowds lessened at the Wild & Woolley, sadly just when the epic finale was due. Yeah, itโs Devizesโ Nothing Rhymes with Orangeโs headliner; those in the know and a few curious punters stayed to observe our hometownโs fever as the boys pulled out their typical energetic and competent show. Evermore is their attraction spreading, with gigs lined up as far as Manchester now, NRWO, Iโll be banging on about their brilliance for a while yet it seems!
Conclude this now, Worrow, in some manner, youโre sounding boring! I Know, but, over a colossal word-count only teetering on covering all the happenings at Bradford Roots Festival, and only the one day of it too, I struggle to find anything to grumble about. What a way to start the year, Bradford Roots Festival is amazing, the shell, The Wiltshire Music Centre is a blessing to our county, the value for money is righteous, the atmosphere is equable and convivial, and long may it be so.
One of Salisburyโs most celebrated acoustic folk-rock singer-songwriters Lucas Hardy teams up with the Wiltshire cityโs upcoming talent who’s name is on everyoneโs lips, Rosieโฆ
by Ian Diddamsimages byย Chris Watkins Media One could argue that Anne Frank is possibly the most well-known civilian of the WW2 years, and certainly ofโฆ
Trowbridge singer-songwriter and one third of The Lost Trades, Phil Cooper has actually been doing more than playing solitaire, heโs released a new solo albumโฆ
An effervescent musical, full of promising young talent Written by: Melissa Loveday Images by: Gail Foster After the success of SIX last year, Devizes Musicโฆ
A photo is circulating on X of Calne’s Reform UK candidate Violette Simpson, which for some reason doesn’t appear on her election campaign….I wonder why?โฆ
Big congratulations to Devizes DJ Greg Spencer this week, the creator of Palooza house nights at The Exchange nightclub, for he made the prestigious billโฆ
The first gig and club night exclusively for Secondary school aged youth in Devizes is set for Friday 2nd of February at the Exchange nightclub. In conjunction with St James Church, the Devizes Youth Action Group has organised this event for youth, run by youth and created by youth…..only making me wish I was a little bit younger, just a little bit you understand?!
Two local upcoming youth bands, Steatopygous and BellaDonna, of which we’ve heard great things about and will no doubt hear more, will play the night with Devizes School year 10 lads, Shox, headling the bill, and a DJ set from their drummer, Flam. The bar will be non-alcoholic, and here’s hoping this will spur on further youth gigs and club nights in Devizes.
This night is hosted by Devizes Youth Action Group (DYAG), a newly formed group of youth wanting to make things happen for young people in and around Devizes. It is supported by Devizes School and Devizes Town Council. If it’s one thing to see and hear of youth creating their own bands, it’s another to organise such events for them to play and for all to attend, and furthermore, all going well, Devizine’s brilliant young reporter Flo should be on hand to review it.
This night is exclusively for Secondary School aged youth only. No entry will be permitted for those younger or older.ย Online tickets are ยฃ4. Tickets on the door on the night are ยฃ6. All profits from the bar and ticket sales will be used to support future DYAG events. There will be professional security on the door during the event.
Devizes-based Steatopygous are Eliza, Poppy and Ewan, and define themselves as post punk/riot grrrl, BellaDonnaare B on lead guitar, bassist Ems, and drummer Roxie, headlining are Shox, new to me, but then, I’m passed it! Please give them a follow on Insta. Well done to everyone for organising this, and good luck to the bands and Flam; we show Gen Z in a positive light and fully support your efforts!
Melksham & Devizes Conservatives released a statement on the 7th April explaining an internal audit revealed one of their candidates was โnot qualified by residenceโฆ
Last month we were pleased to announce our involvement with the new Wiltshire Music Awards in conjunction with Wiltshire Events UK, details of which areโฆ
And there was me thinking nothing good comes out of a Monday! Today local bistro Soupchick, popular in the Devizesโ Shambles opened their second branch,โฆ
Stuffed my dinner, scanned the brief, headlonged out the door, forgot about the road diversion into the Market Place, made a u-turn, arrived at Wiltshireโฆ
It was a fantastically successful opening night for Devizes Musical Theatre at Dauntseyโs School for their latest show, Disneyโs Beauty and the Beast, and Iโฆ
Devizes-based chocolate engineer Holly Garner, 2023 Chocolate Champion for the Southwest, has launched her new chocolate classes for the first half of 2024โฆโฆ
From learning how to make her signature caramel (she was Queen of Caramel at Cadburys) to perfect hand-rolled truffles, her classes take place at her Beanery Cafe just outside Devizes. And as a mum and busy business owner, she knows all too well how challenging it can be to plan fun half term activities to keep the kids busy. That’s why she plans her kid-friendly classes to coincide with the school holidays, giving you a fun and chocolatey way to start the holidays.
Kids will learn how to make things like truffles, chocolate bars, and lollipops, and are suitable for kids 5+.ย You get to take home your chocolatey creations, as well as enjoying one of Holly’s 12 tasty hot chocolates and a cheeky discount in the chocolate shop, too.ย
All her upcoming classes, including the 2 family-friendly classes during half term on 23 Feb and the Easter Chocolate Class on the 29 March, can be booked on her website hollychocs.comย
V busy week ahead, too busy to type the word โvery,โ (though I just did type the word โvery,โ) despite the cold spell, nothings gonna stop us now, reminding me somewhat of Ollie & Jerryโs theme โBreakinโ, thereโs no stopping us.โ
Not that it takes me much to be reminded of Ollie & Jerry – I think about them all the time, I wonder where they are and what theyโreโฆ..okay, letโs push on, we donโt need you to be like Turbo, no one to dance with other than a broom, (youngsters pipe down and Google it!) hereโs whatโs happening over the coming week in the wilds of Wiltshireโฆโฆ
Everything listed here is on our event calendar; go there for links and more info. It may be updated with even more things to do than listed here, so check in later in the week.
Ongoing until 17th February, two enlightening exhibits at Wiltshire Museum, Devizes,ย Lest We Forget: the Black Contribution to the World Wars in Wiltshire, and Eric Walrond: A Caribbean Writer living in Wiltshire. Reviewed Here.
Artist Clifton Powell with Eric Walrond portrait at Wiltshire Museum
Wednesday 17th
The Melksham & Devizes Primary have a new year meet at the Kings Arms, Melksham; we recently did an interview with them, a really important issue, check it out here.
The regular Acoustic Jam at The Southgate, Devizes.
Lunchtime Recital Series at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon, with Babatunde Aleshe in the evening.
Opening night of The Wind in the Willows at The Rondo, Bath, running until Sunday the 21st. Meanwhile, Starlings play The Bell in Bath.
British Lion are at the Cheese & Grain, Frome.
Thursday 18th
M3g plays The Tuppenny, Swindon, Zamba Lando at The Beehive, John Otway at The Vic, a memory sing at Swindon Arts Centre, and Get It On at The Wyvern Theatre.
Friday 19th
Borrowed Atlas plays the Pump, Trowbridge, with Ravetank in support.
Cara Dillon is at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Forbidden Nights at Melksham Assembly Hall, ladies!
Stompers at The Boat House, Bradford-on-Avon.
Littlemen at Chapel Arts, Bath.
Dark Prophecy at The Vic, Swindon, UK Pink Floyd Experience at The Wyvern Theatre.
Saturday 20th
Day course: Wood Engraving with Robin Mackenzie at Wiltshire Museum, Devizes.
An album launch gig for Cracked Machine at the Southgate, Devizes, with Clock Radio in support. Siren at The Three Crowns. Real Music are at the Bear, with a Soul, Motown Disco.
Open Mic at The Barge Honeystreet.
Chippenham Record Fair, at The Citadel on Bath Road; free entry.
Editorโs Pick of the Week is Bradford Roots Festival at the Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon; Iโve been saving myself since new year for this! Incredible line-up, all day Saturday and Sunday, preview here, hope to see you there?
Cara Dillon is at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Ian Diddams and Wendy Dopheide take Happy Jack to the Athenaeum, Warminster for a two night run, Saturday and Sunday; hereโs a review from when this show was at the Wharf in Devizes.
The Korgis โ Time Machine at Chapel Arts, Bath.
Apache Cats at The New Inn, Swindon, The Rolling Clones at The Vic. Abba Forever at The Wyvern Theatre, and an RPA Golden Ticket Show at Swindon Arts Centre.
Sunday 21st
Manos Puestas at The Southgate, Devizes.
Bradford Roots Festival continues.
Sing-A-Long-A Matilda The Musical (PG) at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.
Gordie Tentrees & Jaxon Haldane at The Bell, Bath.
Monday 22nd
Giovanni Pernice at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.
The Swing Vote at The Bell, Bath.
Tuesday 23rd
Vasilis Xenopoulos & Tom Berge Trio for the regular Jazz Knights The Royal Oak, Swindon.
Giovanni Pernice at The Wyvern Theatre.
And thatโs your lot, let me know what we missed, we can list events for free, but a chocolate muffin works better to persuade me! Lots to look forward to this month, Iโll lob a few posters below, but keep your best eye on theโฆโฆEvent Calendar!! Also note, we have a new page for weekly events including clubs and activities, here: it’s new so we need to list some more, tell us what you know!
Renowned Devizes auctioneers and valuers, Henry Aldridge and Son announced today they are relocating their auction rooms to The Old Emporium, a Grade II listedโฆ
by Ian Diddamsimages by Ann Ellison. What can possibly be better than watching a performance of โBlood Brothersโ by Willy Russell? Watching TWO performances ofโฆ
by Ian Diddamsimages by Josie Mae Ross and Richard Fletcher John Hodge is well known for his screenwriting of โShallow Graveโ, โThe Beachโ, โA Lifeโฆ
One of Swindon’s premier grunge pop-punkers, The Belladonna Treatment released their debut single, Bits of Elation, with London-based SODEH Records earlier this month. I spokeโฆ
A second single from Swindon Diva Chloe Hepburn, Situationships was released this week. With a deep rolling bassline, finger-click rhythm and silky soulful vocals, thisโฆ
Tuesday before Christmas Iโm in New Society. I gazed across to a table by the window, recalling an optimistic response from local Labour candidate Rachael Schneider-Ross when I quizzed her if she felt she had a chance in this Tory haven, in 2019. โNever say never,โ she replied, predictably, it was not to be.….
This time, though we’re talking local politics I’m not with a candidate or anyone affiliated with a political party. I’m with Anne Graham of the Melksham & Devizes Primary, not a school, rather a school of thought with an ambitious yet strategic plan to topple Conservatives from this supposed safe seat in the next general election; cross fingers, toes, whatever youโve got spare!
In interviewing candidates, I’d always ask if they felt a coalition was a possibility, never with a positive response. If there no unification within the alternative parties, everyone here against the monopoly of Conservatives is divided. Anne and her colleagues in the Primary, Mike White, Felix McGrath, and Claire Gwilliam, call it โsplitting the vote,โ I call it โdivide and conquer.โ
โAll my life,โ she explained, โI have never once voted for anybody who’s become my MP. I think the current electoral system needs changing, though I don’t think that’s going to happen. But when you look at this constituency and other parts of Wiltshire, the number of people who don’t vote for the Conservatives outnumbers those who do.โ
This is correct in the Devizes constituency for 2019, only when considering adding the 30.6% who didnโt vote, reducing Danny Krugerโs 63% win to 43.8%, which Anne was keen to point out with pie charts. Another displays the predictions for the next general election, estimating Conservatives to take only 20.8%. Though theyโre still winning, if combined, the votes of the other big three weigh in at 37.6%.
Without a united strategy to challenge this plummeting majority while the iron is hot, thereโs confusion as who would be best to strategically vote for to overthrow the Tories, virtually a two percent difference between Lib Demsโ and Labourโs predicted results; herein lies the issue. Yet more concerning is this general frustration that it’s unsolvable, and the idea there is no point in voting at all if it’s always a foregone conclusion.
โThat’s a really important group,โ Anne expressed. โThere’s about a third of people who don’t vote, particularly an issue for people under thirty, something like a third of those people are not even registered to vote. If you look at the numbers of the people who don’t vote in this constituency, if all those people voted and they didn’t vote conservative, that would change the result drastically.โ
The Melksham & Devizes Primary offers a possibility we should view as an opportunity, a silver lining, provided enough people gets behind it. Its beauty is you’re not signing up, aligning, or devoting to anything. All they ask is we’re conscious of it and take heed of their valid, professional, and in-depth research.
Anne puts a leaflet in front of me headlined โletโs be clever and vote together,โ and graphically depicting fish. Akin to the most haunting of Bruegel’s images, Big Fish Eat Little Fish, yet unlike the doomed fish in the painting, the smaller fish in this diagram are joined within an even bigger fish. Diagrams are all well and good, but is this possible in reality? Is it possible to overturn this historically Conservative seat, and exactly how does the Melksham & Devizes Primary intend to try? I asked Anne, and by the end of our chat I felt more confident there’s a real chance than ever before.
โI think the only way to outnumber the Conservatives is to make tactical voting public,โ Anne continued, โbasically to get people to coalesce around one of the alternative candidates, the Green, the Lib Dem, or the Labour, based on the best person for this constituency. Maybe that’s a local person, somebody who’s got experience, somebody who’s young and dynamic, whoever people think is the best person. And then to publicise that, saying if you want to vote tactically, we’ve asked through public Q&A sessions to decide who you think is the best placed person to represent the constituency. The majority say it’s this person, so we would recommend if you wanted to vote tactically, you vote for this person.โ
My concern: I may not personally agree with this โchosen oneโ, and in knuckle-draggerโs inane flaw of fighting far-right government with an even further right party, are they invited? Though my initial plan to play devilโs advocate backfired, upon Anne showing me the rightwing-free graphics, weโre clearly only talking middle-of-the-road and left parties, and now Iโve nothing left but to nod in agreeance; I like this idea, and even if I didnโt, a bad plan is better than no planโฆ even Baldrick had a plan!
I wanted to confirm theyโre not asking for anyoneโs allegiance or association, as in signing your name in blood that you will vote for this chosen candidate no matter what. Theyโre only asking people to sign up tothe website so they can distribute this information, which, cometh the day, we will gladly publish the result of their findings.
โWe’re looking for people who want to be kept involved in some way, thoughโ, Anne extended. โPeople who would like to be actively involved โ because I think there are a lot of people out there who are alienated โ feel like their vote doesn’t count. And the other thing is that people are unaware of the new requirements on voter ID.โ
We chatted politics for some time and discussed our reasoning for mutually feeling the Conservatives have lost their path of vison, are out of touch and unsuitable to govern. โI’m very wary of party politics because I don’t like the factional way people fight; I’m more cooperative,โ Anne stressed.
I believe such reasons are widespread yet obvious, and going into them here is a distraction from the objective, to highlight the Melksham & Devizes Primary; it was merely to confirm weโre singing from the same song sheet. Though my personal opinions are unprofessionally formed, on the basics I know and consume, Anneโs interest in politics is more specialised. She recalled her inquisitive childhood, telling me of her mum driving around, how sheโd ask her, โwho designs this one-way system, who says this goes here, who puts these street signs up?!โ
Anne studied for a degree in public administration. โFrom there I’ve worked a lot in the public sector. I’ve worked for some of the big accountancy firms. So going into the public sector, I’ve worked inside local government, and I’ve worked inside the NHS. My whole interest when I was doing my degree was around value for money and the accountability when you pay your taxes. How is that money being spent? How do you know it’s being spent to best effect? How do the policy decisions that politicians make then get translated into the budgets and financial plans that cascade down from the vote in the Houses of Parliament to the town council and the county council?โ
Enough backstory, itโs only to show Melksham & Devizes Primary arenโt randomly pushing a pin into a map. โMy starting pointโ, Anne reverted onto the subject, โis predictions from an organisation called Electoral Calculus. They’ve predicted the general election result correctly for something like seven out the last eight. What they’re currently predicting is a Conservative majority of about 2,000. So, if people carry on doing the same old thing, we will get the same old results, because no other parties are predicted to exceed the number of Conservative votes. However, if you could combine the people who would vote for the Lib Dem and Labour together, you’ve got over 24,000 people. Combine them with the Greens, you’ve got a potential majority of over 12,000. It’s possible, I think. The only way to make a difference is to do something different.โ
โSo, for me, trying to run this primary model is the โdoing something differently,โ because I am really frustrated that nobody’s done this. Why is nobody doing this? Why are people not out there, shouting and making a fuss? Why are the parties not working together? And quite often, the answer comes back to, well, the Lib Dems were in coalition with the Conservatives, and they let you down, which is exactly what you just said.โ
Sheโs right too, I did suggest this when discussing the Tories coming back to power in the Cameron era, casting my vote to LibDems, who sold it to the Tories. But on a local level Iโm back in support of LibDems, alongside Labour and Greens, and I donโt know which way to turn. Iโm only adamant the Conservatives need to be taught a lesson. โIn my opinionโ, Anne said, which is bang on the money, โwe need to think about what’s best for this constituency, the people who live here, and try to get past the someone did this, and she said that, and they did this, and they did that, yeah? The top priority: you change something.โ
โI’m no friend of the Conservatives,โ she continued, โI disagree with a lot of their policies. I think they’ve done a lot of damage to the country in the past thirteen years, particularly they’ve underfunded public services, you can see it day-in day-out. You only need to drive around the area to see potholes, and the reason there are potholes on the roads is because they’ve underfunded local government. That goes under the radar because people don’t understand the government and how it’s funded. The only way in this area is to somehow get people to back a candidate against the Conservatives.โ
Anne reverts my attention to the graphs, โThis graph shows good gains for the Lib Dems: this number has been getting progressively bigger. But there are other polls which put Labour ahead of Lib Dems in this area, so it’s not clear cut: Labour and Lib Dems are always close.โ
The other factor is the moving of the constituency boundaries. To maintain a greater chance of winning more seats, the government has shifted the goalposts, splitting their safe seat in Devizes, which Michelle Donelan is eager to sit upon. โIf now is not the time, I don’t know when isโ, Anne expressed. I was keen to ask how they get this message out.
โSo, we’ve been out with democracy meters, asking questions, what people think about, is the NHS safe in conservative hands, for example. And then people put stickers on the board, like they did with the Brexit campaign. We’ve done one in Devizes and in Bradford on Avon so far, and weโre planning to take it to Melkshamโ. They also plan to go door-to-door. They have a website which, โexplains how it all works, and then we will organise some public question and answer sessions before the general election. We invite the candidates. This is not Hustings. This is not us trying to interfere in the democratic process. All these people stay on the ballot. We invite the public to come and talk to these people. Ask them questions. See what you think. Who do you think is the best person for this constituency?โ
Melksham & Devizes Primary plan to live stream the events too, and record votes on who should be this chosen candidate. โThe question is not who do we recommend,โ Anne concluded, โrather, who do the public think is the right person for the constituency? [The recommendation is by] the people who’ve come to the events who’ve asked the questions in public.โ
The papers she gave me optimistically conclude thus: โlose separately or win together.โ I wish it was this cut and dry. Anne tells me they use a model from South Devon primary, and there are others too, one in East Wiltshire, where Danny Kruger will be standing. I gave thought to the surprise result in a 2021 North Shropshire by-election, a one hundred and seventeen year Conservative stronghold which fell to Lib Dem candidate Helen Morgan. Anne pointed out that that constituency was far more yellow than red, whereas here the vote is much more evenly split.
โThose constituencies have an obvious second choiceโ, she explained. โA lot of the political system โฆand the way that elections are framed in the mainstream media where the constituencies are marginalโฆ there’s a lot of focus. The mainstream political parties will focus their energy and their attention on marginals because those are where the elections are won or lost. We have a situation where we are not marginal and our vote is evenly split, so neither Labour nor the Lib Dems nor Greens are targeting this seat, so they are not putting any significant resources beyond what they normally do into this constituency. They’re just ignored, ignored from their [central offices]. Well, that’s not good enough. Then everyone here thinks, โoh, there’s no point voting because they (Conservatives) just will always be inโ. And then you’ll get people who do go out and vote for the other parties, but [they will vote for] whichever one they may think is best, and so split the vote. So the Conservatives always win. It’s the definition of madness, isn’t it? If you always do as youโve always done, you’ll always get the same result if you don’t do anything differently.โ
This caused me to visualise an animal in a cage, disturbingly trapped and perpetually sauntering back and forth. โYeah, that’s a good analogyโ, Anne agreed. We shouldnโt hold hope for a fictious David and Goliath scenario: only if we have multiple Davids will this work; only if we take the data, collate opinion, and stand united to strategically vote will anything ever change. So, hereโs your starting point: join in on this website and Facebook Here, to follow the progress of Melksham & Devizes Primary and, when general election time comes around, consider the strategic option they present.
Thanks to Anne at Melksham & Devizes Primary for taking the time to explain. We had a nice chat. I reckon itโs a great idea, but it is something I doubt the mainstream media will be willing to publicise, thatโs why weโre here! Dunno about you, but Iโm sick to the back teeth of the underfunding, the ignorance and self-entitlement, the disregard for important social and ecological matters, the partying while people died, the supporting of xenophobia and genocide, the daily scandals and utter selfish thievery from the ones supposed to govern us, the ones we pay to serve us; change is a necessity now, letโs hope this works, I donโt type two thousand words for the love of it, mate!!
I’m delighted to announce Devizine will be actively assisting to organise a new county-wide music awards administration, in conjunction with Wiltshire Music Events UK. Theโฆ
Can You Find The Wiltshire Potholes From The Moon Craters?! Now, at Devizine Towers we are far too mature and sensible to mock Wiltshire Councilโsโฆ
Review by Pip Aldridge Last week, I had the privilege of seeing the Fulltone Orchestra perform at the beautiful Tewkesbury Abbey beneath the Peace Dovesโฆ
If many space-rock acts have more band member changes than most other musicians change their socks, Hawkwind are the exemplar of the tendency. There mightโฆ
Long Street Blues Club didnโt allow the excesses of Christmas and the New Year to slow anything down, and kicked off 2024 in grand style with two amazing, but very different, ย gigs on the same week-end.….
First up on the stage, on Friday night, we had the 4-piece Pete G & The Magnitones as a very worthy and hugely enjoyable support act, with their interpretation of the Chicago Blues.ย But this was only the taster for the real thing to come,ย John Primer with the Giles Robson Band. ย
This guy, an absolute legend, and King of the Chicago Blues, was back โby public demandโ and that was no empty boast, as the room was rammed for a completely sold-out show. Heโs been Grammy nominated three times, and was inducted to the National Blues Foundation’s Blues Hall of Fame in Memphis last year. As the bandleader and lead guitarist for Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon, Magic Slim & The Teardrops, this guyโs virtuosity as a blues musician was forged by real blues legends. Heโs recorded more than 87 albums, with 17 of those in his own name. Heโs written and produced more than 55 songs on more than six record labels including his own, Blues House Productions.
What a pedigree! So there can be no doubting that this guy is the real deal, an absolute Chicago Blues icon, and here he was playing in our town.
Featuring Pascal Delmas on drums, Antoine Escalier on bass, and Giles Robson on harmonica, the 4-piece band delivered a single two-hour plus set of stunning Chicago blues.ย Giles Robson is no slouch either.ย Heโs a multi award winning, internationally recognized Blues harmonica virtuoso, singer and masterful showman. He was the only UK or European artist to appear on Chicagoโs legendary Alligator Records (who described him as โA blues giant, absolute master of the formโ). Heโs only one of three UK blues artists (alongside Eric Clapton and Peter Green) to win a coveted Blues Music Award in Memphis (the Grammys of the Blues). His albums are in the top of the worldโs most prestigious music magazines criticsโ polls.
No disrespect to Pete G, but this main bandโs sound was just so much fuller and more solid. Primer delivered gravelly vocals and some simply stunning guitar licks. The atmosphere and feeling injected into the material was superb, particularly I thought on Rainy Night In Georgia and Hoochie Coochie Man. The pace varied from fully-leaded driving blues, down to more sedate walking blues numbers. And it never seemed to stop โ interspersed with only minimal chat, the numbers just kept on coming. Robson, meanwhile, played some beautiful, powerful, emotional and timeless blues with a deep groove and laden with intense feeling. His howling, growling, squealing sound, was imbued with rhythmic power and sensitive emotional expressiveness. Standing like a pair of giants at either side of the stage, and letting the rhythm section do their thing with great accomplishment in the middle, these two great artists played off each other, varying between a healthy competiveness and at other times a complementary tonal harmony.
The guyโs slogan is โYou canโt paint the Blues without the Primerโ and you could certainly see why. Primer was indeed the real deal, and he delivered a fantastic show that went on long into the Devizes night. Eleven out of ten on my Happy Scale!
So that was Friday done and dusted. But there was still Saturday to go! And so it was that Ian Hopkinsโ LSBC combined with Paul Chandlerโs Longcroft Productions to bring us another amazing, but completely different, show on the very next night.
Damian Wilson and Adam Wakeman were touring their brand new studio album, and Devizes was only the second stop on that tour.
Introductions first – Damian Wilson is an English songwriter and vocalist whoโs known for his exploration into different genres and is considered one of the most versatile singers in rock. To date heโs released six solo albums and three albums as a duo with Adam Wakeman. He balances his career as a singer-songwriter with being an energetic frontman for rock bands and guest vocalist. Heโs toured all over the world fronting bands such as Rick Wakemanโs ERE and Threshold. Heโs performed on the most prominent stages in the UK, during his two-year tenure as the lead in Les Misรฉrables.
Adam Wakeman is best known as the keyboard and guitar player with Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath. Heโs also released nine albums with father Rick Wakeman, and five solo albums. As a classically trained pianist, his albums cross many genres and styles from classical to rock. He co-wrote the 2010 platinum selling album Scream with Ozzy Osbourne and has also toured extensively with Ozzy, Black Sabbath, Rick Wakeman, Travis, Annie Lennox, Will Young, Slash, 10CC and many more. And, as a further feather in his well-decorated hat, he recently stepped in at short notice to play keyboards on tour for Deep Purple.
So yet again โ a couple of impeccable pedigrees. And yet again two guys who absolutely lived up to their billing as brilliant composers, musicians and singers. Right from the opening piss-take chords of Smoke On The Water from Adam, and the belated comedy walk-on from Damian, we were in for a great night. If anybody was in doubt, this was all very different from the previous night โ the Blues it certainly wasnโt. What we got instead was two hour-long sets of superb original songs, interspersed with an easy-going laddish banter between these two stars.
There were delicately-structured songs, soaring vocals from Damian, with sympathetic harmonies and fills from Adam. There were romantic and uplifting melodies from Adamโs keyboard which permeated every song, and provided musical background to the chatty interludes. The tracks they featured from the new album each had a backstory. I was particularly struck with Can We Keep The Light On Longer and Multiplicity โ fabulous songs. I was absolutely loving this.
What I liked slightly less โ and this is my only note of old manโs carping criticism โ was the frequent use of an old skool cassette recorder (with its own back-story) as a comedy device, and the sometimes overlong, extended rambling chatter. I found it a bit self-indulgent and caused the occasional loss of momentum and atmosphere. What I kept wanting them to do was to do what they did superbly โ play/ sing the songs! At times it felt a bit incoherent and under-rehearsed, but there were elements of a double-bluff as the comedy riffs ended and the next belting song came along.
But thatโs a very minor criticism of what was overall a stunningly good performance from two very talented artists. I was kept amused and well-entertained โ a cracking night out.
So โ once again โ hats off to Ian Hopkins and to Paul Chandler for bringing what can only be described as world-class talent to our town. This is why you should support live music and our music venues. Brilliant.
The second single from Georgeโs sessions with Jolyon Dixon is out today, Isnโt She Lonely. With the vaudeville ambience of Queenโs later material and sprinklesโฆ
A new music festival is coming to Devizes this July. Organisers of the long-running Marlborough based festival MantonFest are shifting west across the downs andโฆ
All images: ยฉ๏ธ JS Terry Photography An awards ceremony to celebrate the outstanding musical talent within the city, aptly titled The 2024 Salisbury Music Awards,โฆ
Monsieur, with these Exchange Comedy night you are really spoiling us, for usually comedy in Devizes is just what we make ourselves; laughing at visitorsโฆ
A drone operated by Wiltshire Hunt Sabs was attacked by a second drone, twice, while surveying The Beaufort Hunt, after it recorded them illegally huntingโฆ
The organisers of all-day music extravaganza My Dadโs Bigger Than Your Dad Festival have revealed the first acts on the line up for their fourth outing which is to be held at The Old Town Bowl, Swindon on Saturday 20th July 2024โฆ.
First to be announced is the return of local legend Gaz Brookfield, along with his band The Company of Thieves.
Gaz is shortly about to embark on โThe Almost all Village Hallsโ tour, after allowing himself a quick breather following a successful run of dates promoting his most recent album, Morning Walking Club.
The album, Gazโs ninth, was released in August 2023 and was this week named 37th Best Selling Album of 2023 after going straight in at #1 in the Official UK Folk Album Charts, #3 in the Official UK
Indie Breaker Charts, #6 in the Official UK Download Charts, #10 in the Official UK Indie Album Charts, and even #37 in the Official UK Album Sales Charts.
Co-organiser Ed Dyer said: โItโs our absolute pleasure to be welcoming Gaz and the band back to The Bowl, especially after his recent success, and pleased heโs been able to squeeze us in around his busy touring schedule.โ
In its first three years My Dadโs Bigger Than Your Dad Festival has raised over ยฃ32,000 for Prospect Hospice in tribute to Dave Young, the former landlord of The Victoria and 12 Bar who died in early June 2021 at Prospect Hospice after a hard-fought battle against cancer.
Daveโs last band, Calneโs legendary punk covers outfit, The Chaos Brothers, are also joining Gaz on the day, along with the Swindon based bluesy THUD, whose debut performance was at MDBTYD 2021.
Ed added โThis is only the start of things to come for MDBTYD 2024. We canโt wait to show everyone who else we have in the pipeline!โ
MDBTYD Festival will again see plenty of activities for all the family, including the return of the popular indie market, as well as food and drink from a variety of locally based vendors. Prospect Hospice, based in Wroughton, provides palliative and end of life care for people across the region and has to raise the majority of its costs through fundraising.
For information about Gaz Brookfieldโs upcoming โThe Almost all Village Hallsโ tour, visit gazbrookfield.com or check out his social media pages.
On the eighth day of raw sewage gushing out of overflow drains into the River Kennet atย Stonebridge Wild River Reserve near Marlborough, like a gigantic diarrhoea-infected Oliver Reed relieving himself from the effects of a Special Brew and chlorinated chicken festival into the Buxton Spring, Thames Water has done 100% naff all, nada, and Danny Kruger, the local MP for the party who allowed this to happen, met ARK, a charity for the Rivers Trust for the Kennet catchment area, for a pre-election photo opportunity. The day after, today, no action has been reported to have taken place; let the poo flow freeโฆโฆ
Yeah, Danny went onto his Facebook page to express his outrage, despite being one of the majority of Conservative MPs who, in October of 2021, voted with the House of Lords to reject amendments to reduce sewage pollution, basically allowing water companies to take whatever action they feel like when addressing the amount of raw sewage being dumped into our rivers, effectively passing the buck onto renowned callous profit-making private water companies. Surprised, given baby-faced Danny supported Prime Minister Boris Johnson when Prime Minister Boris Johnson held an inquiry to find out if Prime Minister Boris Johnson held a party during lockdown at Prime Minister Boris Johnsonโs house?! Still the irony escapes Tory votersโฆ.
In a 2021 press release from ARK about the stripping out of the amendment in the Environment Bill, they said, โARK and many other eNGOs are extremely disappointed by this result, as the governmentโs current plans, such as Drainage and Wastewater Management Plans (DWMPs), to address the issue do not compel water companies to take immediate action to tackle sewage pollution, meaning the state of our rivers could continue to decline indefinitely. DWMPs do not explicitly require the improvement of sewage infrastructure, nor do they require a reduction in the harm caused by sewage pollution. DWMPโs are also temporary. Whilst the current Ministers and Water Companies have the shared goal of eliminating the harm caused by storm overflows, there is nothing to say future incumbents will have the same view. Placing this duty on the face of the Environment Bill through this amendment will put it beyond legal doubt that it is the responsibility of all stakeholders to tackle sewage pollution.โ
And here we are in reality, after a minor storm, raw sewage pouring into the Kennet, at Stonebridge, AND since New Yearโs Eve, continuous discharging from Fyfield Sewage Treatment Works, and theyโre continuing; Iโve seen prettier festival toilets. Widely reported as being one of the worst offenders of the new lack of regulations, Thames Water donโt hide it, in fact, after appointing a new CEO with a salary of ยฃ850,000, they say they โwant to be open and transparent about our storm discharge activity,โ and provide an interactive disaster area map, for all to see just how, quite literally, shit the situation is.
Here’s a map of all the outstanding issues of leaking drains Thames Water still hasn’t dealt with, provided by Thames Water themselves!
While we wait in hope, and poop, our local MP might pop back into his constituency once in a while, and tell us of any reply from his letter to Thames Water, I spoke to Peter Force Jones, True & Fair Party candidate for East Wiltshire, asking him where he thinks the blame for this shitshow should lie. โThames water must take huge amount of blame here,โ he expressed, โitโs clear they have continued to pay out massive salaries to those at the top, and are more than happy to mount up debts and pay out dividends despite failing to invest anywhere near adequately enough to update what is still often Victorian age infrastructure.โ
Though Peter was adamant that equally was the governmentโs responsibility to, โput in tough and enforceable legislation (fully empowering regulators) to ensure water companies work hard to quickly see such overflows become a thing of the past. The other problems I currently see are MPs voting down sensible measures that could help, the Environmental Agency seeing a large exodus of experienced staff due to poor wages, and ill-equipped to take meaningful action against water companies. Also, a lack of consideration of capacity of sewers when some new developments are allowed, and sometimes the locations of these.โ
Mr Jones also pointed to privatisation, or more accurately, the arrival of private sector monopolies, saying, โgiven we as consumers have no choice in the matter has not materially helped. Whilst the current government werenโt the ones who did this, they must still take responsibility for core basic services that everyone relies upon.โ But, but, but Danny K visited Ark yesterday for a photo opportunity, isn’t this enough action from the government for you, Peter, or am I taking the piss?! After all, thereโs plenty to take, a nearby river full of it. Least perhaps we should consider this come general election time. Theyโre trying to control shipping in the Red Sea, they canโt even control a popped drain cover in the Kennet.
Without sounding like a stuck record, itโs the same unfortunate news for Devizes Street Festival as it was last year; Arts Council England has notโฆ
Bussing into Devizes Saturday evening, a gaggle (I believe is the appropriate collective noun) of twenty-something girls from Bath already on-board, disembark at The Marketโฆ
Once the demonic entity Spring-Heeled Jack entered folklore it became subject to many books and plays, diluting the once real threat of this Victorian bogeymanโฆ
Devizes singer-songwriter Jamie Hawkins, famed for poignant narrative in his songs and one-third Lost Trade, has always had a passion for filmmaking; Teeth is theโฆ
There are only a few tickets left for this yearโs Devizes Festival of Winter Ales, an important fundraiser for DOCAโฆ.. This year DOCA has teamedโฆ
Fashionably late for the party, apologies, the fellow Iโm not sure if he minds me calling โthe Mike Oldfield of Swindon,โ though itโs meant as a high compliment, Richard Wileman, released his fourth solo album, yesterday (Friday 12th Jan,) The Forked Road. Iโve been lost in its gorgeous blend of prog-rock experimentation and acoustic folk goodness for a while now, perhaps too much to get around to telling you about it!
It is more usual for Wileman to separate his two defining subgenres into composing under the pseudonym Karda Estra, for the experimentally ambient prog-rock, those lush Pink Flyodesque vibes of deep instrumental, and using his own name for the more acoustic folk moments. Yet since Led Zeppelinโs debut in 1969, the two have been married, and here, Richard combines them to great effect. Indeed, it is the former style which draws you deep undercover as a way of a dawning, The Last Book of English Magic is four minutes of lush and gentle instrumental introduction, easing you into this album, the most diverse Iโve heard of Richardโs, playing it out with a reprise, the First Book ofโฆ.
He takes vocals on the second airbourne tune, Butterflies, a floaty beauty youโd know already if you had just bought our compilation album for Juliaโs House, as it was contributed to that project. Wileman describes the album as a โprog-folk horror concept album, rooted in his home county and charting the encounter of a comet with Earth, resulting in the undead rising and converging on The Ridgeway, all bookended by the last and first books of English magic.โ Ifauthor Philip Carr-Gomm transports us across Englandโs vast scholaric of occult arts and explores its history of magical lore and practice, Wileman captures this in music as wonderfully as Zeppelin did with the fictional magic of Tolkien; only this Shire is Wiltshire.
The title track again find us on the experimental instrumental path again, and it’s enchantingly cobblestone, teetering with whimsical harps, from Chantelle Smith, like sorcery evaporating into mist, only to be followed by the summit of this adventure, The Children of the Sun, a duet with Amy Fry, which is blissfully sublime; dreamy is the benchmark here.
Just like the Horses of the Gods album, We Wish You Health, if youโre not whisked into a timeless magical realm within the mystics of your own county by now, seek medical attention! Avenue & Circle is more harp and melodica driftiness, like wandering into the crystal shop in Avebury. Finally, the scene is set, and Richard brings back Amy Fry to vocalise the diegesis unfolding. Comet Vs the Earth is Wilemanโs Forever Autumn, if Justin Hayward was Jeff Wayneโs scene setter in his musical version of War of the Worlds, and what can be more of a Wiltshire related comparison than that?!
Harpist Chantelle Smith duets with Richard on the next tune, Old Bones, delicately resurrecting, never does this venture into anything horrifically jumpy, rather flows gently throughout, even if things are becoming spooky in the next instrumental piece, Spectres of the Ridgeway, which in its very name suggests the narrative of the concept.
Alongside guest vocalist, Amy Fry, who also adds saxophone, and harpist Chantelle, and his daughter Sienna, who captured sound recordings of Avebury, Richardโs multi-instrumental skills are at the forefront, taking on guitars, vocals, bass, keyboards, percussion bouzouki, Appalachian dulcimer, accordion, melodica, and finalises his projects with artwork.
Weโre nine tracks into this storyline, concluding with a dramatic ambient piece. Wilemanโs faint lamentation leaves you wondering if the Inevitable Beast is metaphoric and youโve missed a reality within the plot, and it’s followed by the aforementioned reprise. Combined this album is awash with the timelessness of prog-rock concept albums, of Bowie, and The Who, yet dreamy as Pink Floyd, all this I expected, but in listening to the past two sections, of Richardโs acoustic solo work largely with Amy Fry, and the more experimental angle of Karda Estra, Iโve longed for the two to embrace, and here it is, and itโs all rather lovely, wrapped in mystical narrative; top marks!
A sublime evening of electronic elegance was had at Bathโs humble Rondo Theatre last night, where Cephidโs album, Sparks in The Darkness, was played outโฆ
I caught up with an excited Jonathan Hunter, leader of Devizes Town Councilโs independent party The Guardians, and local loyal youth worker Steve Dewar toโฆ
Experience the Bradford on Avon Green Man Festival, a vibrant, family-friendly community gathering featuring traditional dance, music, song, and folklore throughout the town centre onโฆ
If Iโm considering reviewing worldwide music again, why stop with this planet?! Though Iโve reasoned two tenacious links to mention this madcap Scottish interstellar outfit;โฆ
The team behind popular all-day music extravaganza, My Dadโs Bigger Than Your Dad Festival, can now reveal that nearly ยฃ11,500 was raised for Prospect Hospiceโฆ
By Ian DiddamsImages by Jeni Meade No aficionado of 1960s and 1970s horror films would have missed seeing โRosemaryโs Babyโ, a story of Satanic pregnancy,โฆ
Everything is looking awesome at Devizes Library as they announce the Lego Club for six to twelve year olds will begin on Saturday 27th January!
With bookable sessions each Saturday from the 27th, at 2-3.30pm, places will be limited so either call in or phone on 01380 826190 to book your place.
In addition, the library will be running a drop in session on Thursdays from 3.30-6pm from the 1st February. There’s no need to book for this session.
My only issue with this is that sessions are suitable for 6-12 years….bang goes my spaceship project! I love this idea, as I loved Lego, still do! Well done, and thank you, Devizes Library.
Christmas, a thing of the past, this in 2024; howโs that working out for you so far?! Never mind, Fishy Rishi is gonna make us all better off, apparently; sense a general election in the air, smell fresh dung pungently emanating from Downing Street?! Oh well, hereโs what weโve found to do in the wilds of Wiltshire this coming week, help take your mind off itโฆ..
All info and links can be found on the event calendar, HERE, and it’s forever(ish) updating so plan ahead, with us!
Ongoing until 17th February, two enlightening exhibits at Wiltshire Museum, Devizes, Lest We Forget: the Black Contribution to the World Wars in Wiltshire, and Eric Walrond: A Caribbean Writer living in Wiltshire. Reviewed Here.
Wednesday 10th
The Southgate, Devizes re-opened Monday, after a well-earned rest, Iโm assuming the regular Acoustic Jam is on. Thereโs also a Devizes Salsa Beginners Class, at The Old School, West Lavington; work off all those Quality Street in style!
Regular big jam at The Vic, Swindon, and Bella Humphries will headline the Old Town Comedy Club at the Hop Inn.
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry screening at Warminsterโs Athenรฆum.
Monkey Chuckle at The Bell, Bath.
Thursday 11th
Comedy Loft at the Civic, Trowbridge.
Peter Green tribute, Man of the World has sold out at the Tree House, Frome.
Friday 12th
John Primer Band at Long Street Blues Club, Devizes, Editorโs Pick of the Week.
Sleeping Beauty opens at the Civic, Trowbridge and runs across the weekend.
Hidden Comedy Club at The Neeld, Chippenham.
An Evening of Soul with Billy & Louie at Swindon Arts Centre, Pearl Jam tribute, Earl Ham at The Vic.
The Everlys & Friends at Chapel Arts, Bath.
David Olusoga at the Cheese & Grain, Frome.
Saturday 13th
Ceilidh with Random at Seend Community Centre.
Jonah Hitchens Trio at The Southgate, Devizes, The Unpredictables at The Three Crowns, and Longcroftโs Damian Wilson & Adam Wakeman at Devizes Conservative Club.
Martyโs Fake Family at The Pilot, Melksham.
Wiltshire Jazz Academy showcase at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.
Be Like Will at The Brewerโs, Corsham. National Theatre Live: Skylight at Pound Arts.
Just Floyd at The Vic, Swindon.
Jaz Delorean is solo at Chapel Arts in Bath.
Chemical Dance at the Cheese & Grain, Frome.
Sunday 14th
Jon Amor Trio at The Southgate, Devizes for 5pm.
Deadlight Dance at The Blue Boar, Aldbourne, again, 5pm start.
The Ska Mechanics at the Cider Barn, Draycott.
Panama Jazz Band at The Bell, Bath.
Monday 15th
Hedera at The Bell, Bath.
Jonathan Pie has sold out at the Cheese & Grain, both Monday and Tuesday nightsโฆwhy? Because people like honesty, Fishy Rishi, take a leaf out the Pie! Tbh, I don’t think Fishy reads this, not regularly anyway, let me now if you’re out there Rishi; hands in the air!
Tuesday 16th
Jonny Henderson Organ Trio at Jazz Knights in The Royal Oak, Swindon. Legend โ The Music of Bob Marley at The Wyvern Theatre; this is a brilliant show if youโre a fan of the Tuff Gong.
Barney Kenny at The Bell, Bath.
And thatโs your lot, shut it and be happy! Oh, and let me know what we missed, we can list events for free, but a chocolate muffin works better to persuade me! Lots to look forward to this month, Iโll lob a few posters below, but keep your best eye on theโฆโฆ
In November last year I was mightily impressed with Bristol soul-reggae producer Kaya Street, and reviewed their EP The Soul Sessions, read it here forโฆ
Another Stunning Week-End For Live Music Andy Fawthrop Normally Iโd be raving about just how good the live music was at The Southgate on Sundayย afternoon.โฆ
Developed in Devizes, blossoming in Bristol, as well as a snazzy new website, indie-punk phenomenon Nothing Rhymes with Orange released their next single, and itโsโฆ
Seems odd the perfect combination between Devizesโ only theatre, The Wharf, and one of the longest-running performance group, White Horse Opera hasnโt linked before, butโฆ
The longer I gaze in awe at the lineup for this year’s Bradford Roots Festival at the Wiltshire Music Centre the more tempted to break hibernation for an expedition to Bradford-on-Avon I get, even if it means in Robert Falcon Scott style. If it’s Antarctic conditions out there on Saturday 20th Jan, I’m hiring huskies!
Billy in the Lowground
Four stages of the crรจme de la crรจme of locally sourced music under one purpose-built roof ensures it’ll be warm inside. Bradford Roots Festival is a who’s who of local talent, more music convention than festival, and I don’t know if they took heed of some suggestions I made or we’re simply singing off the same song sheet, but, just, wowsers!
Frankisoul
One thing before waffling on those I do know, there’s much more that I don’t know, yet, which is equally gurt lush, and hope to shed some light on those once done and dusted. For now though, let’s virtually trek stage-by-stage, kicking off with the main stage. Graham Dent Jazz Trio I caught last year and look forward to, Be Like Will aren’t much after and we love those guys, but Trowbridgeโs upcoming soul hero, Frankisoul is a must for me. Reviewing his debut EP left me at loss for a local comparison, and while I’d never use Otis Redding lightly, such is the strength of Frankisoul’s vocals I did, and that’s the highest compliment I can reward, surely?! Though I’ve yet to catch him live, I’m putting him on a pedestal I’m certain he won’t kick over.
Nothing Rhymes With Orange at Devizes Street Festival
Wild and Woolley stage speaks for itself, Mark Green’s Blues Band are worthy of attention based on last year’s stunning performance. Yet it’s the gen z takeover in the latter half of the day down there which is really going to go off. Foxymoron, Melkshamโs finest The Sunnies, and Devizes homegrown sensation, Nothing Rhymes With Orange, are all must-sees. Nestled between them is Bristol’s Life in Mono, who, though slightly older, I’ve only heard great things about.
Courting Ghosts
Newly formed but brimming with experience and talent, Courting Ghosts are unplugged as a finale at the bar stage, which will be something else. It’s also grand to see one third Lost Trader Phil Cooper on the list, Phil was the mc last year, and one rising acoustic magician I beg you to catch, Chippenhamโs Meg.
Meg
There’s another stage I can’t even remember them having last year, The Golden Gudegon, kicked off by Trowbridgeโs incredible Americana artist Daisy Chapman, followed by the impressive force which is Swindonโs Joel Rose, and though the rest are new to me,ย Ruby Darbyshire is rightfully on that list, and I recommend you find the stage for these.ย
And that’s just Saturday! Though unless I win the lottery, or suddenly invent commercially viable cloning technology within a fortnight, Sunday, I’ll sadly miss it. Though Becky Lawrence, Billy in the Lowground, Karport Collective, and Ed Dyke are the ones I’ll be most sad to have missed.
Karport Collective
And there’s my take on it, I’m sure you may have a different opinion and can name drop a whole other set on this stunningly extensive lineup, that’s your prerogative, and I’ll always heed of your recommendations. But one sure thing, Bradford Roots Festival is on, and is a wonderful thing. Fundraising for Parkinsons UK, the Music Centre’s Trust and their inhouse Zone Club, a monthly music-making project supporting the creativity of learning disabled young adults. The Zone Club presents their work on the main stage at 11:30.
Becky Lawrence
Beer from Kettlesmith Brewing and plenty of food and drink. Tickets are just ยฃ32 for the weekend or ยฃ22 for Saturday and ยฃ17 for Sunday onlyโฆ.snap them up, it’s worth it for one of those acts recommended aloneโฆor maybe two, maximum!
Featured Image Credit: Stewart Baxter Riot predictor Nick Hodgson formerly of the Kaiser Chiefs has a new band, the charmingly named Everyone Says Hi, andโฆ
Bob Marley sang โjamminโ โtil the jam is through,โ Jimmy Cricketโs catchphrase was โcomeโere, thereโs more,โ but it looks like The Southgate in Devizes isโฆ
The second feature film for director Keith Wilhelm Kopp and writer Laurence Guy, First Christmas enters development, to be produced by Shropshire-based production company, Askโฆ
Image credit: Forestry England/Crown copyright. Forestry England Nightingale Wood invites dog owners to celebrate Walk Your Dog Month this January….. Walk Your Dog Month isโฆ
Bristolโs fine purveyors of idiosyncratic folk-raving, Ushti Baba, who if youโre in Devizes you might recall played Street Festival in 2022, have a new singleโฆ..
Chucking Fairport Convention a human beatboxer is probably not the best idea, neither would handing Mr C a concertina; herein lies the genius of Ushti Baba.
โA song about the brittle nature of art and of those creating it and the fragility of meaning; the stories we tell ourselves about who we are,โ the band describe it, from an idea originating back in 2015 while jamming with other musicians around a campfire outside squatted garages.
I would never advocate anyone covering Sparksโ This Town Ainโt Big Enough For The Both of Us, but if someoneโs life depended on it, and it was up to the Afro-Celt Sound System to save them, it might come off a tad like this! Though this remark might sound a smidgen critical, it really isnโt intended to be, because that would be one heck of a tricky number to effectively pull off, and while Ushti Babaโs sound is kooky, itโs avant-garde and beguiling, ergo apt for such a unnatural request. If anyone could make a good job of a cover like that, the Baba could, for which youโve got to hand it to them!
Salisbury acoustic singer-songwriter Rosie Jay released her debut EP today, taking its title from her first single from June this year, I Donโt Give aโฆ
I’m loving this new tune! Swindon’s upcoming reggae singer/DJ Silver-Star has teamed up with the legendary General Levy for a drum n bass golden nuggetโฆ
With an album review in the pipeline for Dad which includes vocals from Sienna, our Swindon princess of melancholic poignancy has a new single, Timeslipsโฆ..
Capturing with certain ease dejected youthful pensiveness, rejecting a birthday cake through fears of ageing, this enchanting song hits its haunting intention and echoes the notion Sienna shouldnโt concern herself overly, as through time each song she puts out illuminates both her songwriting talent and power to deliver it with emotion.
Somewhere just outside Westbury a sizable barn hosted the most memorable new year’s eve raves in the mid-nineties, but Iโd never have imagined then, thatโฆ
A Scooby snack-sized pinch punch, first day of the month came from Minety Music Festival this morning upon announcing their headliner for 2025, The Funโฆ
by Ian DiddamsImages by Josie Mae-Ross and Infrogmation Tennessee Williamsโ quasi autobiographical drama โA Streetcar Named Desireโ was first performed in 1947 as the worldโฆ
Purveyors of perfect motion, house music promoters Palooza return to The Exchange in Devizes on Friday 20th December, for its grand finale of the yearโฆ..โฆ
Okay, so, Iโm aย little behind, recently opting to perfect my couch potato posture and consider hibernation, meaning Iโve not yet mentioned Kirsty Clinchโs newโฆ
Our favourite loud Brit-popping local Geordie and gang are back with a second album. Theyโre calling it Gazelles, after the previously released single opener Endless Scrolling Gazelles, a sardonic rap on the overuse of social media. Yeah we reviewed that back in 2022, and it sure was a different approach for Billy Green 3, yet the breezy journey cruising interchanging archetypal indie styles dotted with experimentation puts them firmly back on the mapโฆโฆ.
Thereโs three previously released singles on this eleven-track strong album which weโve covered before, Garden being another stab at social media wrapped in quasi-rap poetry teetering with Geordie mockery, it holds an ironic slate against the charade of social media embodiment. โPeople posting inspirational memes in one post, and ruining people in the next,โ Bill described its subject to me at the time.
Betwixt those, four tunes, Raised Scars is the dreamy side of indie, the Verve, the exotic hopeless romantic melody of I Donโt Really Sleep (โtil You Get Home) drifts more akin to Primal Scream, thumbs up for that, surely showing the trio at their finest. Back to the upbeat rock-rap with one called Not That Deep, swapping back to soulful ballad for With You.
Broken is the third, Britpop still, yeah, but with a melancholic riff drifting over a subtle Latino backdrop, I summed it as โMadchester in Ibizaโ back in 2022.Four tunes follow, The Fire Works cherrypicks the euphoric element of the rest and embellishes it, thereโs a spoken word section here, and the whole U2 album track feel displays yet another tactic that Billy Green 3 is no one trick pony.
Scars sends us carelessly drifting to shore, another previously released single, it seems, this technophobe mustโve missed due to all being on Spotty-fly these-a-days; hadaway and a shite, Bill, get in touch, oh and โup the toon!โ (Thatโs the only saying Iโve got which sounds anything remotely Biffa Bacon.) Where was I? Lovesick, again a single release from 2023, fuses this hopeless romantic standard Billy Green 3 push, yet waivers between song and this spoken converse over a beat decidedly nineties indie-dance.ย
And oh, another reference to the title, Gazelles plays out this beautiful album. Epic closure on the theme of the human disposition versus scrolling through endless media, this one encapsulates every angle explored on the album and rolls it into one conclusion, with a snippet Easter egg at the finale, and thatโs my best gamer reference. Superb album, engineered at Potterne’s Badger Sett studio, especially for the wee brit-popper inside us all, though I expected as much, going on the debut Still.
Even if the second album is always a worry, Billy Green 3 can welcome in the new year confident. Put this on, grab yoorself a braan ale, n kick back like Guimaraes int nivvor leaving St Jamesโ Park! But if you need further reading about Bill and his relation to Wiltshire, see here.
With Black Friday just a few weeks away, Wiltshire based Blackmore Computers Ltd, is encouraging people to think pre-loved if theyโre planning on buying laptopsโฆ
If rural West Country had a penchant for trance in the happy daze of the mid-nineties, heady nights of fluorescent-clad crusties with eyes like flyingโฆ
Congratulations to Rosalind Ambler and Paul Snook from Devizes Writers Group… At the National Community Radio Awards held in Cardiff on 16th November Together!, theโฆ
Two of the county’s top retrospective cover bands meet for a double-bill of action in Market Lavington This Saturday. Calneโs indie rock five-piece Six Oโclockโฆ
Again we find ourselves congratulating and thanking young Chloe Boyle for fantastic fundraising efforts for Devizes homeless charity OpenDoorsโฆ. With friends and family she spentโฆ
Images: Chris Watkins Media It was lovely to spend Sunday afternoon at Devizesโ Wharf Theatre, to see how this yearโs pantomime Hansel & Gretel, isโฆ
Sheffieldโs DIY punk queer emo five-piece, Slash Fiction will be at the Pump in Trowbridge on Wednesday 20th November as part of their nationwide tour.โฆ
by Ian Diddamsimages by Playing Up Theatre Company When is a mousetrap not a mousetrap? When itโs written by Tom StoppardโฆIf you have seen โTheโฆ
Okay, so there must be a truckload of local social and political ranting to cover, but itโs new yearโs day, Iโm going to waffle about magic teapotsโฆ..
When you put out a piece highlighting local festivals happening over the next year itโs inevitable youโll miss a few, and good folk will email, hoping their shindig can be listed. Naturally, weโre always happy to hear from them, and will endeavour to add them to the list. But being this is such a fantastic concept, and besides, itโs called The Magic Teapot, how could I refuse a little extra attention?!
In the economic plight stationary music venues face troubled times, hereโs a mobile venue, which goes from festival to festival, hosting its own little festival inside it; magic indeedy! The Magic Teapot, though, hosts its own annual festival too, happening in the Mendip Hills from the 3rd to 6th May. I put to its creator, the aptly named Joseph Peace, he could put a model of a festival inside the festive teapot, making it like those Russian dolls!
He replied he liked the idea and would ponder it, but more importantly, after I had calmed down from the excitement of hearing from a magic teapot, Joseph told me The Magic Teapot has been running since 2017. โWe currently take The Magic Teapot to around 18 festivals each year,โ he said, โThe Gathering is the only event of our own we currently run, hiring a campsite to do it. It’s quite an undertaking so once a year is enough at the moment. When we get our own land we will be doing regular small events ourselves, hopefully that can happen sooner rather than later, fingers crossed.โ
This is the third year of The Magic Teapot Gathering, why am I last to hear about these things?! A totally acoustic, amplifier-free festival in four Magic Teapot structures which can easily accommodate everyone in the case of poor weather. Headliners for 2024 are 3 Daft Monkeys, Noble Jacks and Mobius Loop; lovely. Lots of opportunities to join in with playing and singing and each venue features a real piano and a warming central fire.
Make no mistake just โcos itโs new yearโs day, Iโm partially frazzled and 2024 hasnโt got off to a great start what with my daughter assaulting me with a teacake to the face last night, I absolutely love this festival with charms on, this whole Magic Teapot idea, and Iโm all tingly with just how communal and beautiful it all looks; somebody put some dandelions in my hair, pronto!
Wiltshire Music Centre is delighted to announce the new appointments ofย Danielย Clark as Artistic Director, andย Sarahย Robertson as Executive Director.ย Danielย andย Sarahย join Wiltshire Music Centre in a newโฆ
By Mick Brianphotos by Chris Watkins Media Disney aficionados will need no introduction to โThe Little Mermaid,โ Disneyโs 1989 film about mermaids falling inโฆ
Remember, remember, weโre moving into November; leaves, loads of โem! Being as we are no longer doing weekly roundups, hereโs some highlights of eventsโฆ
The simple answer is yes, very concerned. Following the publication of an article in Melksham Newsโs last issue questioning the councilโs public notice policy,โฆ
Here we are again with another year under our belts and me trying to best sum it up without restraint; I reserve my right to free speech, spliced with a slither of satireโฆ.
2023 was, in a word, wet. ITV reports โsummer 2023 was unusually wet, with 11% more rainfall than average, but it was also recorded as being the eighth warmest on recordโฆ.โ I’m not sure I remember that last bit, just the perpetual drizzle, between the three months of April showers and the floods of Autumn! It was this, and my failure to find a suitable Peppa Pig costume preventing the promised second fundraising milk round; hopefully this summer, coupled with a free live music event, watch this muddy puddle!
Bit dodgy!
Freedom of speech is another sour point. I’ve tried to focus on entertainment and arts, and keep Devizine away from politics as much as possible towards the latter half of the year, it’s all too depressing. Yet it seems standing against prejudices and genocide is frowned upon by a few vocal sorts, who deliberately intended to degrade Devizine without the foggiest notion of what weโre about, for which, laughably, had the opposite effect; we reached record breaking stats again this year topping last year’s hits by 35% and reaching beyond the 150K mark. This is great, though points don’t make prizes in this game, it means we’re continuing to reach out to more people.
So letโs not dwell on the negatives, only to add the epicentre of my frustrations doesnโt derive from any particular councillors, as some might think. Certainly, in reporting some blackmarks on local issues and politics, one name in particular appears to recur, but the satire I write is never deliberately directed at anyone personally, only their actions, or inactions on the subject in hand. If this upsets you, try to act more positively. Example; if you publish a post on your own local Facebook group asking for event listings, some people will instinctively suggest Devizine is a possible place to look, being as thatโs the aim of what we do here. To ban them for life for merely uttering the word Devizine, which is what happened and was completely out of my control, is petty and deliberately undermining all my efforts and the efforts of our contributors who work hard for nothing to make Devizine what it is; and you donโt expect this behaviour from a town councillor to frustrate me a smidgen?!
I laugh off such minor issues, rather my annoyances derive at the middle of this year when I happened to be updating our event listings and came across a Katie Hopkins show at Meca in Swindon. Make no mistake, this bitter and twisted celebrity is outward racist, homophobic and spreads her hate through national hollering. I posted on our Facebook page, we would not list such an event as it goes against our principles, not really thinking of the consequences from some who enjoy being xenophobic.
Rather than Newquest picking up on the work we do to promote local venues, artists and businesses, or our fundraising attempts, it decides on highlighting us for clickbait by publishing an article in the Swindon Adver slating us for sticking to our morals. The effect of this was hoards of haters, who hadnโt even heard of us until this moment, flocked to our social media to sound their disapproval. I was inundated with all manner of threats by those who assumed, rather than us simply refusing to list the event, I was part of some imaginary gang defying their freedom of speech to spout racism and homophobia; you canโt make it up, and in turn, is part of the reason we stand on certain principles and moral codes while, it seems, the mainstream media are hell bent on rocking the boat and creating a hateful ethos in this once great, now damned country.
Ah, bollocks to those noisy twats in the minority, in wailing my frustrations a multitude commented how they love what we do, and their compliments far outreach the sort of oddball nutjob who would pay their hard-earned cash on a ticket to see a karen bath up racism in Swindon!
So, let’s go month by month, looking over 2023, shall we? Trying to maintain positivity throughoutโฆ..I said โtry!โ
January
We started 2023 much like this one, with a review of the past year; I know, Iโm like a stuck record! January saw us preview Ladies Day at the Wharf Theatre, Seize the Day appearing at the Corn Exchange for a Wiltshire Climate Alliance event, the FullTone Festival, Pure Gritโs Devizes Strongest contest, former Devizes resident, the Brave New Broken Hearts Club gig at St Johns, The Exchange nightclub hosting open mic nights, and Bradford Roots Festival at the Wiltshire Music Centre, of which I attended, cherished and reviewed.
Concrete Prairie @ Bradford Roots Festival
One of the funniest interviews Iโve done was with Marlbroughโs Pants, due to play the final gig for landmark landlord Vyv and Jackie at the Lamb, which happened in Jan, and was hilarious.
These Pants!
Adam Woodhouse at the Three Crowns
We Will Rock You @ Devizes School
Venturing out in January isnโt my cuppa though, truth be told. I broke hibernation to catch Adam Woodhouse at The Three Crowns, and Bill Green gave us a review of Devizes School’s performance of We Will Rock You. Other than this staying in listening to new music is favoured, and we reviewed a new single of the Lost Trades and added their second album announcement, On The Wayside EP by Viduals, and Marvin B Naylor and Rebsie Fairholmโs album Psychedelicat.
On ranting, yes, I told on the billions of untaxed investment under our very feet at Gastardโs wine cellars, and the Old Wharf Cafรฉ not meeting its potential by becoming a meeting room, and, of course, how Devizes Town Councillors lied about bird flu on Crammer, because they did, though seemed to successfully brush it under the carpet, but the high hitter, strangely, was one I wrote on my phone purely for fun, Ten Top Tips for Driving in Devizes. A popular topic, it seems, coming in at the second highest hitter this year.
February
Swindon folk ensemble SGO released a live album from The Southgate, and Devilโs Doorbell did one too, live from the Pump. We also reviewed the studio album Petrichor by The Lost Trades, and Painting With Sound, Will Lawton & The Alchemist’s new EP. This was followed by my first trip to the Pump, to see Will Lawton, with the Lost Trades in support, double-whammy!
Will Lawton & The Alchemists @ The Pump
The Lost Trades @ The Pump
I reported that Jon Amor Trioโs Residency at The Southgate shows no signs of letting up for 2023, and it remains the case to this day. Another unforgettable gig was Adam & His Ants tribute Ant Trouble at the Vic, that was something else.
Jon Amor Trio at The Southgate with Thomas Atlas
Ant Trouble @ The Vic
Andy gave us a review of the comedy night at The Piggy Bank, Calne, and after previewing the Brave New Broken Hearts Club gig at St Johns being unable to attend it, we found the wonderful writer Helen Edwards, who would continue to write reviews for us throughout the year. Thank you Andy, Helen, and Bill, from last month!
Brave New Broken Hearts Club
We previewed the Wharf Theatreโs Liz Sharman returning with another Shakespeare masterpiece, Measure for Measure, and a night of nostalgia and karaoke at The Castle Inn for the My Dadโs Festival organisers. I also attempted to introduce our regular song of the week piece, songs coming from Deadlight Dance, Atari Pilot, Sienna Wileman and Ajay Srivastav, the latter of whom I was later delighted to hear was coming to Devizes Arts Festival.
Measure For Measure
If the Crammer was a sour point last month, in Feb it got a whole lot worse as another swan died, this time in a road accident. We highlighted the campaign group asking the Devizes Town Council for a safety sign to warn drivers to slow down past the Crammer, they sadly rejected it, putting the aesthetic look of the crammer, already awash with pointless signage, above the wildlife, and risk to drivers.
But outside Devizes matters are serious. Yeah, we covered The Great Pothole Debacle for kicks, but the ongoing hunting scandal was paramount. One town councillor banning me from yet another Facebook group for merely suggesting the Wiltshire Police officer going for a promotion in the rural crime unit when she was an active member of a hunting gang was a tad conflicting, especially being in the same month the Avon Vale Hunt was suspended from the British Hounds Sports Association for posting a video of them killing a fox.
Besides this, Wiltshire Police maintained the officer was not acting illegally, instead tried to turn focus on to youth crime, with the PCC and Wiltshire Council staging a drop-in event in Devizes which targeted only youths at a time youths would be at college or school so unable to defend themselves. Understandably we were critical to all this, cos someone has to be! For light in Feb, I took some old photos of Devizes and added pretend modern comments as if they were posted on social media today, to lighten the overall gloomy happenings in local politics.
March
Well, warming up a tad now, March was my 50th birthday and so I had a little do in the Three Crowns, which if I could remember any of it I would never have forgotten it in my life! I mean, if a jobs worth doing I say, we had Ben Borrill kick us off, followed by Vince Bell, and then Deadlight Dance, and then Talk in Code stepped in, and I only wanted a support act, not four main acts before the main act! Iโm forever grateful to all of them, and to top it all off Ruzz Guitar Trio played us out, and thus, I was half a century old and feeling it!
I felt I shouldn’t really review my own birthday party on Devizine, if I could recall it anyway! But we did preview the Open Day at The Wharf Theatre, and Waking Back to Happiness, and Andy reviewed Measure For Measure, all at the Wharf Theatre. I also found time to preview Devizes Arts Festival, Potterne Festival, and the first Devizes Pride.
Poetika
Andy reviewed Thomas Atlas at Long Street Blues Club, with Ben Borrill in support. I took to an amazing Devizes Concert for Opendoors with Will Blake, PSG Choir Chloe Jordan and Andrew Hurst, and a huge congrats to Dora and the PSG for organising that. I also made it down to The Southgate for Concrete Prairie, and Helen reviewed the Poetika Open Mic Night at The Winchester Gate, Salisbury.
Opendoors Concert 2023
Songs of the Week came from Talk in Code, Lewis McKale, Lucky Number Seven and Sara Vian. And we celebrated International Womenโs Day by highlighting our favourite local female musicians.
We announced Bradford-on-Avon raising ยฃ250,000 for a new skatepark, we chatted to Catherine Read, the Green Party Parliamentary candidate for Devizes, and Guardian Candidate for the Devizes East byelection, Vanessa Tanner, who won despite pathetic attempts to derail her campaign by the opposition.
Vanessa Tanner
Meanwhile, Guardian Jonathan Hunter hailed Wiltshire Council had โa complete disregard for the residents of Devizes,โ the Crammer Working Party asking Devizes Town Council to endorse a most dubious approach to future management of the Crammer, Wiltshire Police praised protesters against the fox hunting officer at Devizes Police HQ like it was ever going to any but peaceful, we took a stark look at Devizes Food Bank with Alex Montegriffo, where I got told off for speaking my mind about the Conservative approach to food banks, but they do seem to wear the idea theyโve increased the usage of them tenfold as a badge of honour, do they not?!
But the real highlight and top hitter of March was when a resident of Seend noticed a naked bloke rolling in her neighbours muck heap at night!
April
We previewed Chippenham artist Si Griffithsโ Forbidden Carnival Gallery. Girls Like That, and The Railway Children at Devizesโ Wharf Theatre. The Henry Normal and Nigel Planer tour coming to Devizes, The Vintage Bazaar in Devizes,
Swindon Shuffle, Thirty Years of Dreadzone before playing the Cheese and Grain, King Alfredโs Tower Charity Abseil, Devizes Street Festival, A Beginnerโs Introduction to Oils in All Cannings with Arts Together, a hometown gig for Nothing Rhymes with Orange, and all the local Coronation Celebrations.
NRWO at the Pump
Ben Niamor reported on Carsick, NRWO and Meg at Pump. Helen covered a Bournemouth Writing Festival. Andy provided a review of The Billy Walton Band at Long Street Blues Club. I managed to attend Nothing Rhymes with Orange and support acts in Lavington, one important one will be Dauntsys own Paradigm and I’ll explain why later. Oh, and Jon Amorโs Southgate residency with Leburn Maddox, managed this too.
Jon Amor and Leburn Maddox
Paradigm
Song of the Week included ร lesund and Nothing Rhymes With Orange, also reviewed Across the Water EP by Paul Lappin, 41 Fords album Not Dead Yet, Frankisoul’s EP on Fire, and Age of the Liar by The Burner Band.
Now, see what I was saying earlier about being better behaved on social and political matters as the year went on? Hardly anything throughout April, save an article titled Gorillas and the Pissed in Bishops Cannings! But when a minority of disgruntled villagers falsely accuse a pub of stealing a gorilla statue from Scotland in order to sabotage their business, well, you cannot expect me not to jump at the opportunity to stir the pot!
And, strangely I never did get a response from the local newspaper when our protocol April Fools joke was headlined Gazette & Herald to Buy Out Devizine, but there you go, I thought it was a good idea.
May
Previews for May included Devizes Arts Festival, Female of the Species, Devizes Scooter Rally and John Watterson keeping the Music of Jake Thackray alive in Pewsey.
We had Carmelaโs Wonder Wheels Challenge, and our writer Helen Edwards read her poem on BBC Upload. Helen wrote a breathtaking review of Lou Cox’s poignant comedy Having a Baby and the Shit They Don’t Tell You at the Wharf, and I covered the Railway Children.
Ian Diddams reviewed Waiting for Godot at The Mission Theatre, Bath, and The Four Sopranos at Devizes Town Hall.
Ben wrote on Alex Roberts and Fly Yeti Fly at The Barge, Honeystreet, Vince Bell at the Southgate, and Kyla Brox at Long Street Blues Club.
Si’s Forbidden Carnival Gallery in Chippenham opened with the exhibit Hail The Curious, which I attended the opening of, and I reviewed Devizes Street Festival in two daily parts. What a fantastic year it was.
I also took a trip to Frome to see Big Country and Spear of Destiny at the Cheese and Grain. Loved the venue and the vibe of the town, and ended up on a pub crawl with a friend in the know.
Song of the Weeks came from Canuteโs Plastic Army, and Snazzback, but the idea of the feature is starting to wane. We fondly reviewed Deadlight Dance’s debut album Innocent Beginnings, and Nothing Rhymes With Orange released a new single Butterflies.
Still well behaved on the news front, congratulating Vanessa Tanner as the new town councillor, but I did publish a piece called Your Place, or Mine? Devizes Town Council Squabbles Over Meeting Venue!
The top hitting article of the year came in May, How to Tell if Your Parents Were Ravers! It was a fun piece to write, and its universal appeal is likely the reason for its success.
June
In June my daughter sneakily managed to blag a week’s work experience with me, thinking she’d be able to stay in her PJs, but I sent her out to Chippenham to interview young upcoming folk singer-songwriter Meg, and, apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, she did a marvellous job.
As the mainstream local media seemed intent on sensationalising troubles with youth for clickbait, I refused to accept it was nothing more than an issue with a minority of youths. Nothing new, it’s always been this way. Jess’s interview with Meg got the ball rolling in which we would not only cover youth doing good work, bands and artists and others, but also encourage youth to write and photograph them too. I really believe this was the most positive thing to come out of 2023 for Devizine, and to think it stemmed from this negative trend of others publicising this exaggerated notion there’s a youth crime crisis.
In other areas, we previewed the Wharf Theatreโs upcoming season, Keevil Roots Festival, the fantastic CrownFest, CSF Wrestling, The Lavington Community Choir’s Pied Piper, Swindin Shuffle and My Dadโs Bigger Than Your Dad Festival. Ian Diddams previewed Shakespeareโs Henry VI at The Rondo Theatre, Bath. And I did the Devizes Beer & Cider Festival’s music lineup, though by the time the event came around the organisers sadly seemed to neglect our free promotion and gave us a cold shoulder, not sure what we did to upset them and hope to rebuild on this in the future.
The third highest hitting article of the year was the opening of Tonka Bean in Devizes, proving once again food and drink related stories are popular, still not enough outlets contact us for publicity.
Also we covered Talk In Code’s race to Glastonbury Pilton Party, local artist Clifton Powell commissioned by King Charles for Windrush portrait, and a major step towards revitalising Devizes Assize Court as the new home of Wiltshire Museum. But in all, June was about event reviews.
41 Fords
Devizes Doorbell @ Devizes Sustainable Fair
Starter for ten, we had Devizes Sustainable Fair, 41 Fords at The Southgate, Humdinger at the Three Crowns, Watson and Brown at the Wharf Theatre, which Ian kindly covered, and I sent Helen to the film premiere of Translations in Melksham.
But real group collaboration covered the entire Devizes Arts Festival, Helen on Carrie Etterโs Poetry Workshop, Ben took Elles Bailey and Will Kirk, Ian took The Sisters and The Brothers at the British Lion, and I managed three, Ajay Srivastav, Malavita and Noble Jacks.
Malavita at Devizes Arts Festival 2023
It really was a packed program so thanks to everyone for contributing reviews, but no more than Andy, who virtually squatted the festival, providing words on Christian Garrick & The Budapest Cafรฉ Orchestra, Hawes & Catlow, Chris Ingham Trio, Clive Anderson, Lois Pryce, Marcus Brigstocke, Lucy Stevens, Aglica Trio, Onarole Theatreโs Jesus My Boy, Texas Tick Fever, Sir Willard White, Sue Stockdale, and Tango Calor.
Songs of The Week from Beskar which featured vocals from local singer Chrissy aka One Trick Pony, and Ruzz Guitar Blues Revue. I reviewed albums by Danni W, and Liddington Hill.
Liddington Hill
We had some fun with my Top Tips to Survive a Muddy Glastonbury Festival, and another called Wiltshire Council Replicate Table Mountain in Devizes Pothole!
But poor WC, when Devizes New Chair to Area Board of Wiltshire Council was announced I got my knickers in nearly as much twist as Danny Kruger’s did over an Affordable Housing Development in Devizes, but I admit I jumped the gun on that one, but eat humble pie, na, not me. There’s too much other terrible rightwingy crap happening to focus on minor errors, like the counter protest to a drag queen reading stories at Swindon library.
July
Devizes Pride
Mantonfest 2023
Previewed Box Rocks, Embrace All, Swindonโs festival for disabled, and Matchbox Mutiny, Ben Borrill & Pat Wardโs new duo debut at The Gate, but previews are so springtime, reviews are what was happening in July, and lots of them! Devizes Scooter Rally, CrownFest, Devizes Pride, Mantonfest, and Karen Cannings guest reviewed Lavington Community Choirs The Pied Piper of Hamelin.
Bob Marley Experience @ CrownFest
Devizes Scooter Rally
Two art exhibits reviewed, Anna Dillonโs Wessex Airscapes at Wiltshire Museum and Alexander Kaiโs Figures in Focus at St Maryโs Devizes.
Alexander Kai at St. Mary’s
New tunes from Subject A and Beskar featuring Huntr/s, an album by Onika Venus. But on the subject of youth participation, July was exactly what we wanted. The Pump called for young talent with its Future Sound of Trowbridge project, we had a new tune from Nothing Rhymes With Orange, and I reviewed their gig at the Barge, but couldnโt make the one at Devizes Corn Exchange. This is where the drummer of Paradigm, Florence Lee came in, remember I said weโd mention them again? Well, Flo reviewed the gig and Kiesha Films supplied photography. This is precisely what weโre looking for, youth reviewing and capturing their own generationโs gigs.
NRWO @ The Corn Exchange
Flo did such a grand job I sent her on two historic bear hunts, to report on a Sound Knowledge gig in Marlborough with William The Conqueror and Michael Rosen Hunt at The Cheese & Grain, thank you Florence and Kiesha. Other youth interactions came with The Wharf Theatreโs youth production of Girls Like That, a feature on RAE, and a review of Becca Mauleโs Teenage Things EP.
Becca Maule
My only rant was on the subject of the overworked bus driver who fell asleep at the wheel.
August
Soupchick launching a falafel stall, Wharf Writersโ Group first Podcast, Whereโs the Cat? Chloe Jordan playing the Southgate, the return of the Imberbus, and My Dadโs Festival raising ยฃ9,000 for Prospect Hospice were hot topics in August.
Fulltone Festival 2023
The Fulltone Festival was covered with words by Jemma herself, and double-reviewed by Helen and myself. I also managed HoneyFest, Meg at The Neeld in Chippenham, Beyond Chippenham Streets exhibit, ran a general piece on open mic nights, and went salsa dancing with Devizes Salsa; Eso!
Devizes Salsa
Songs of the Week from Paul Lappin and Ruzz Guitarโs Blues Revue. New singles from The Scribes and Atari Pilot, and Sally Dobsonโs new project Foxbaroque. Albums came in from Dylan Smith, The Radio Makers and Junkyard Dogs.
Mr Tea & The Minions at HoneyFest
I managed one rant on the New Devizes-Melksham Constituency, taking a critical look at Michelle Donelan; harmless banter, you understand?
September
Devizes Food & Drink Festival in September, Ian reviewed Di, Viv & Rose at Wharf Theatre. I ran previews of Omega Nebula at the Muck & Dunder, Swindon Rocks for Children In Need, The Big Sleep Out In aid of Devizes Opendoors, and produced a podcast episode too!
We reported on The Future Smiths, Devizes Parish Wins Prestigious Award for Future Plans, and Watching the Winter Solstice at Stonehenge or Avebury: How to Prepare was an advertorial piece I confess, but while I try not to do these, it paid for this yearโs website fees with some pennies left to put on a gig with.
Songs of The Week from Meg, and Canuteโs Plastic Army. Beyond Reverence, Deadlight Danceโs debut album was reviewed.
I donโt usually report crime, but the headline Epic Fail, Devizes Burglar Steals Doormat was too funny not to run! Herein lies my frustrations though when I reported on Swindon’s MECA defending its right to promote racism, and I stand by my guns whatever the outcome, because we really donโt need this behaviour on the hospitality industry already at its knees.
October
A Typical Saturday of Live Music in Devizes is a Beautiful Thing! Was the headline, again me trotting around three pubs in town to include all gigs in one night! Then there was Seendโs own Live Aid, The Female of the Species, what a night.
The Female of the Species
Retro Relics Games Cafe opened in Lavington, 4Youth: New Street-Based Youth Project for Devizes begun, Devizes Libraryโs hopes to start a Lego Club, New Organ Arrives in Devizes Like โA Phoenix Rising from the Ashes,โ Devizes Teenagers Give Up Spare Time to Help Community Gardening Project, and Devizes Town Council Pledge on Single-Use Plastics.
I previewed Shakespeare Liveโs Autumn tour, World War One play The Last Post at The Wharf Theatre, Calne Music & Arts Festival Stand-Up Comedy Night, a Palestine Solidarity March in Swindon, took two trips to the Pump, one for Amelia Coburn, Ruby Darbyshire and M3G, the second for Professor Elemental and Devilโs Doorbell. Andy provided words on the White Horse Operaโs Gala Concert and Blood Brothers at Long Street Blues Club, and I managed to get down there one night too, to see the Billy Walton Band.
M3G @ the Pump
Mick Brian reviewed Happy Jack at The Wharf Theatre, NervEndings launched a scathing attack on the music industryโs chancers and charlatans, Nothing Rhymes With Orange frontman Elijah released a solo tune I paid a visit to the The Healthy Life Company, and we had an interview with Steve Vick, having renewed their sponsorship of Wiltshireโs Youth Orchestras at Wiltshire Music Centre.
For a giggle I answered Wiltshire Councilโs Public Transport Survey, and I wrote a Halloween gag about Eddie Cochranโs ghost in Chippenham!
November
Mick Joggerโs Devizes gig got a preview, 12 Bars Later popped into The Badger Set,
Ruby Darbyshire
Ruby Darbyshire played Glasgowโs Barrowlands with The Charlatans, and Gail and I met Henry Normal and Nigel Planer at Devizes Town Hall; heavy!
With Nigel Planer @ Devizes Town Hall
James Hollingsworth at The Southgate
Chicago Blues and Russ Ballard gigs at Long Street Blues Club were covered by Andy, and James Hollingsworth at The Southgate too. Ian did TITICOโs The Pirates of Penzance at the Corn Exchange.
Pirates!
Jess Self and cast of Jack & The Beanstalk at the Wharf
I did Jack & The Beanstalk at the Wharf Theatre, and loved it. I skanked in the Muck with Omega Nebula, DOCA Winter Festival and lantern parade, and attended the duo exhibits at Wiltshire Museum opening event.
Omega Nebula
We spoke highly of the Wiltshire Music Centre, and took a look at what was happening over Christmas in Devizes. Wicked Weather Watch launched a campaign to empower youth on climate action.
Winter Festival Devizes by Simon Folkard
We reviewed new tunes from The Scribesโ Jonny Steele, and the Dirty Smooth, and an album by the Two Man Travelling Medicine Show.
December
Illingworth at the Three Crowns
Previewed the Bradford on Avon Green Man Festival, reviewed Barrelhouse at the Southgate and Illingworth at the Three Crowns, and a most memorable gig at theย Wiltshire Music Centre with Kasai Masai.
We had new singles from M3G, Billy in the Lowground, and the Viduals,and an album review of Cephid.
Weโre continuing to highlight local festivals for 2024, and yes, Pewsey took a bit of criticism for the Tedworth Hunt parading without permission this Boxing Day. But, I did go all out on a satirical rant about the roadworks situation in Devizes, and got on my high horse with Councillor Iain Wallis, which some people thought was a little OTT.
NRWO at the Southgate
What I didnโt mention was it was through personal frustration the piece was reflected. Having given myself over forty extra minutes to cross town to get my autistic son to his disabilities football session at Wiltshire FA in Green Lane, we were still fifteen minutes late; punctuality key to his meltdown in the car. For Iain to then take to his social media group defending the appalling coordination of Wiltshire Council and turning comments off, which could have been fair suggestions as to how to solve the issue of future roadworks planning, was counterproductive, so he got a little bashing for his actions, as is all what he and anyone else here has ever got here, criticism for their actions or inactions on the subject weโre covering. It was not, and has never been a personal attack, much as he claims it is. But I do take all the opinions cast under my wing and the result was me getting rather frustrated and annoyed with it all. I believe if the actions of anyone in a position of power, such as an MP or councillor are dubious they deserve to be called out for it, and besides, it is only ever with a shrewd slice of satire which we do it with, not to be taken so seriously.
I threw my teddies from the pram, yes, and suggested giving Devizine up. I slept on it while a load of comments praising what we do here flooded our Facebook page, and this gave me a fresh perspective, running a quick photo article joking that,of course, I wouldnโt give it up, only to receive comments from someone who was previous supportive of Devizine stating I duped them into thinking I would quit; you cannot win! I can only assure you, the feeling was real, all these nasty folk who seem to want to derail us, mock us for standing up for what is right, they do get to me, and do make me feel like quitting, that much is true and the joke was it was all a joke, because it wasnโt. My god, why am I pouring my heart out over this silliness; if you like Devizine read it, if you donโt like Devizine, donโt read it, but donโt parade around slagging us off like youโre the victim, which I took the test of then and there myself and it does inflate the ego; simples!!
I wish you all a happy new year and sincerely hope we donโt need to go down this avenue again, I hope we can provide a platform to promote talented locals, venues, the arts and all, but tell me I cannot spice it up with a little controversial satire, whatโs the point in me doing it I ask you?! 2023 has been a great year, with lots going on, lots to report and so many people Iโm grateful for, for their contributions, input, advice and support, for they far outnumber the oddballs who seem to think weโre stifling creativity or backing some imaginary concept like cancel culture. The simple fact is, no other local media is highlighting and promoting local arts, it depends on the individual social media presence, and somewhere to combine and collate it all, I believe, is a positive thing. Rant over……
Onwards with our look through all the big local events and festivals coming our way in 2024. Note, there will always be additions, many annual events still to fix a date, as we work through the year weโll add them to our event calendar. This is just an overview of what we have so far. Iโve already added the Devizes International Street Festival on the May bank holiday, 26th and 27th, for an unmissable example!
We finished off the first part at the end of May, the last day of the month sees the Devizes Arts Festival begin, which continues through the first fortnight of June, which is where we will pick up from now. Only those two summer months to cover in this part, because thereโs so much happening over this period, and weโll conclude with August until December in the third and final section.
June
31st May- 16th: Devizes Arts Festival
Thereโs been a few leaks about acts at Devizes Arts Festival this year, my favourite so far is to catch the wonderful Lady Nade, but also find Martin Simpson, the Jolly Roger, Hollie McNishโs Lobster Tour, Jo Carley and The Old Dry Skulls, Phil Hammond, Rumour, and Antarctic explorer Tom Crean. Keep your eyes peeled for more info, we love the Devizes Arts Festival and we will be featuring it extensively throughout the new year, so, donโt touch that dial!
Malavita at Devizes Arts Festival 2023. Image: Gail Foster
1st: Shambles Festival, Melksham
Shambles Festival is a single-day dance music event happening at The King George V Park in Melksham. It features diverse entertainment combining DJ sets and live music, with 25+ Acts, Big top festival tents, Veli’cious food stalls, a bar located in a marquee and top-end sound systems, as a priority.
Itโs the second annual outing for this blossoming local dance event in the Sham, organised by 21-year-old Melksham-born DJ, James Wilkins, who states he wants to โsee a better representation of local talent in the arts in rural places.โ
This is precisely the kind of initiative we ache to promote on Devizine, thereโs a great need for more dance music events locally, and wish the team the very best of luck with it. Normally Iโm saying check our event calendar for ticket links and info, otherwise itโs time consuming for me, but Iโll drop this one, HERE, because Iโve a lot of time for this.ย
9th: Lions on the Green, Devizes
Wonderful start to summer in Devizes, when the Lions Club presents a free family day with a car show on the Green.
10th: Bradford-on-Avon Food & Drink Festival
Bradford on Avon Food and Drink Festival is a dynamic and fun celebration of all that is wonderful and delicious in the South West. Produce at its very best, plenty to see, drink and eat and in a vibrant atmosphere in the centre of this gorgeous and historic market town.
See Masterclasses and Interviews from local & celebrity chefs, Artisan Market, Street Food, Live Music, Childrenโs Fun Cooking Classes, Childrenโs Circus Skills, FestivAlesโ Pop up Pub, and much, much more.
15th: Chippenham Pride
Last year Chippenham held the best Pride around these country parts, by a country mile! in 2024 they will be expanding into Monkton Park as well as Island Park. There will be some exciting NEW areas for Chippenham Pride 2024, including a fully licensed bar, an awesome Cabaret stage, a kids area including rides, face glitter and fun stall as well an Education tent. And it’s all Free!
There will also be the much loved Pride walk throughout the town centre and into Monkton Park, well-being and retail stalls, 10 hours of Main Stage entertainment and the official flag raising ceremony at 10am!
15th: Neuroheadz Festival 2024, Cotswolds
Back for its third year, this is a one-day dance music festival with limited camping spots in the Cotswolds, Brokenborough to be more precise!
20th: Summer Solstice
Summer Solstice, locatedโฆerm, well, worldwide, but the best place in said world to see it in, is Wiltshire, at Stonehenge and Avebury, but, you knew that already!
20th: Iford Manor Jazz Festival, Bath
Grownups only, jazz performances sweeping across the beautiful woodlands and Japanese Garden, your chance to discover Ilford Manor, near Bath, in all its glory.
26th-29th: Glastonbury Festival
We have to put this mini-festival in, though if you want to go you should plan much sooner than this! The worldโs most famous festival on our doorstep, and it is much in the notion of this which allows the West Country to have a knock-on effect hosting so many others. There is nothing quite like Glasto, more experience than event, but, these days you have to be punctual. One day Iโll make it back there!
28th-29th: Chippenham Food & Drink Festival
Two day Food and Drink Festival at Monkton Park, Chippenham, bringing some of the best chefs, wine, live music and so much more over one summer weekend. Gather your friends and enjoy good food, good wine, & great times.
29th: Melksham Pride
Proud Melksham gets set for another yearโs Pride in the town.
29th: MantonFest, Marlborough
Mantonfest 2023. Image Gail Foster
Last one of June, and itโs an amazing one. We at Devizine love MantonFest with bells on. Such a quaint little secret garden party near Marlborough, itโs well-established and so welcoming and communal. Another year, another great lineup supporting local and youth acts as well as the best quality tributes to polish the night off, we love it, I told you we love it, didnโt I?!
Mantonfest 2023. Image Gail Foster
July
4th-7th: Minety Music Festival
Minety has fast become the most talked about festival locally, hosting some big names annually, but also taking giant leaps in promoting locally-sourced acts too, Minety is your go-to for a friendly local festival with big impressions and standards. The Feeling and Ash are the biggies for 2024, find Queen tribute Flash and, as I said, you can guarantee some quality local bands too.
5th-14th: Frome Festival
Fromeโs arts and culture festival takes place at various venues over a fortnight. Their mission is to celebrate Fromeโs unique arts scene by providing accessible cultural events for over 12,000 attendees per year and championing the creative community by providing an annual platform for over 100 events delivered by local artists and community groups.
6th-13th: Cheltenham Music Festival
Celebrated since its inception in 1945, Cheltenham Music Festival has become one of the UKโs leading classical music festivals, bringing together eight days of live music in the Regency spa town of Cheltenham each July. The Festival prides itself on encouraging a spirit of curiosity and welcoming bold performances. It is renowned for presenting world-class musicians in magnificent venues around various venues across the town.
6th: Cheese & Chilli Festival Swindon 2024
National touring company organised, still these festivals are a popular attraction, this one takes place at Lydiard Park.
10th-13th: 2000Trees, Cheltenham
This largely indie-based award-winning festival is one I only ever hear great things about.
13th: Devizes Beer Festival
Time once again to drink yourself stupid at Devizes Wharf, but we like it like that!
13th: Somerset Kaya Reggae Festival, Caryford
Bruton Dub Club and Kaya Festival bring you some of the best in UK reggae. Limited tickets for this communal reggae do.
14th Godney Gathering, Somerset
The Godney Gathering has quickly established itself as one of the best single-day micro festivals in the UK, achieving outstanding reviews locally and nationally. 2024 lineup yet to be confirmed, go to this on its reputation alone.
20th: Market Lavington Vintage Meet
Bigger and better than the title might sound, this is a large retro family festival with a village fete ethos.
20th: My Dad’s Bigger Than Your Dad, Swindon
The highlight of the Swindon calendar, supporting the local scene and raising funds for Prospect House, My Dad’s Bigger Than Your Dad is now four years young, and the institution you need to be part of!
Held at the Bowl in Town Gardens makes for the perfect location. No lineup announced yet, but in association with Swindon Shuffleย you can be rest assured you’re in good hands.
20th: Classic Ibiza at Bowood
Commercial venture for the Ibiza diehards, this one will set you back a packet, but for those who attend I hear good things.
25th-28th: Womad, Malmesbury
Being that we don’t get much day-to-day world music in our county, it goes without saying we do have the world’s finest word music festival. Annually for as long as I can recall the Charlton Park estate in Malmesbury plays host to Womad. Tickets are not on sale, sign up on their website for announcements.
26th-28th: Devizes Scooter Rally
Mods, skinheads, scooterists, there’s many scooter rallies up and down this great nation, but no other on this scale locally. Devizes should be proud the Devizes Scooter Club organises this brilliant and hospitable event. It attracts soul and ska aficionados from across the country and welcomes curious locals on equal level. Last year was awesome and affordable. The club is set for another boss rally, so put your braces together and your boots on your feet, and give me some of that old moonstomping!
27th-28th: FullTone Festival, Devizes
Fulltone Festival 2023 Day Two. Image Gail Foster.
It seems a shame FullTone is the same weekend as the Scooter Rally, but that’s the way the cookie crumbles. The FullTone Orchestra returns to the Devizes Green this weekend, with guests and its blend of orchestral and pop. An amazing weekend, a lovely vibe, and breathtaking stage and sound. Talk in Code returns again this year, and I’m certain a scattering of others will separate the Orchestra’s wonderful concertsโฆnice!
27th: Bristol Comic & Gaming Con
Ashton Gate Stadium hosts this convention of all things comic, gaming and film. These events are the commercial side of comic cons, but great fun for families.
28th: Potterne Festival
The best bank holiday you’ll ever have in Potterne! This annual showdown at Potterne Cricket Club is immensely popular and sells out each year. It brags a collection of great local cover and tribute acts and is lots of fun.
28th: M4 Festival, Swindon
Rumour is abound the M4 Festival is happening at Lydiard Park in 2024, but as of yet nothing official has been announced. Be careful, M4 went into liquidation, cancelling last year’s festival at the last minute.
All links to all festivals are on our event calendar, and I am sure many will be added over the coming months. We await news from Trowbridge Festival, Swindon Shuffle, Box Rocks, CrownFest at Bishops Cannings, and so many others yet to announce. For now, summer is nearly upon us, honest!! We will return to cover August and the rest of 2024 asap. I think just June and July are quite enough to take in for now, what with all this wintery wind and perpetual drizzle! Oh, come on summerโฆ.spring would do!
Dumping pumpkins in the woods is bad for wildlife says Forestry England. As millions of pumpkins hit supermarket shelves and make their way to gardens,โฆ
If Phil Cooperโs 2018 โThoughts and Observations,โ was one of the first albums we ever reviewed here on Devizine, itโs been a while since Iโveโฆ
Devizes Outdoor Celebratory Arts announced their upcoming project, YEA Devizes today. Made possible by a grant from National Grid Electricity Transmissionโs Community Grant Programme, theโฆ
Alberta Cross, along with the up-and-coming local bands Something Moves and BroccoliBoy, will perform at a charity gig on Saturday 30th November at 23 Bathโฆ
Chippenhamโs young folk singer-songwriter Meg, or M3G if you want to get numeric, will release her 6th single The Mist on Friday 18th October, andโฆ
Our very own illustrious orchestra, The Fulltone Orchestra, are staging live performances of Enyaโs 1988 breakthrough album, Watermark in Basingstoke, Bath and Cheltenham later thisโฆ
The third single from Billy in the Lowground in as many months was released today, they’ve been ploughing their own furrow since 1991,been meaning to mention them, no time like the present….
No Chance for a Slow Dance sees no chance of slowing down for this Bristol folk rock collective, it’s a foot-tappin’ hoedown of Scrumpy & Western incorporating everything awesome with their live show. No doubt this the most up-tempo yet, arguably the best yet.
With comparisons to the Waterboys and the Levellers, thereโs a distinctive tone to this six-piece we love ’em for. Earlier this month’s release, Fallen Queen mellows the pace slightly, the first single since summer, So The Story Grows nips that bluegrass twang, and together they make a fine collection, hopefully a new album in the works; please check them out, you’ll be pleased you did.
Forget the feud between Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac Shakur, this is England’s West Country rivals The Skimmity Hitchers and Monkey Bizzle in a vicious rapโฆ
Itโs been a fantastic summer for Wiltshireโs indie-pop favourites Talk in Code. I think Iโve caught them live at least four times, and only onceโฆ
I was chatting to Josh Oldfield last week, a Devizes singer-songwriter I believe weโll be hearing a lot more of. Though this interview was pendingโฆ
by Ian Diddamsimages by Josie Mae-Ross Noel Coward is probably best known for โBlithe Spiritโ but he in fact wrote sixty-five stage plays over aโฆ
Comedy in Devizes is a rare thing, unless you count visitors turning right at the Shaneโs Castle junction, reading opinions on the Devizes Issues (butโฆ
Seems like an age since I last visited Bradford-on-Avonโs wonderful Wiltshire Music Centre, though Iโve been listing their vast range of events on our calendar.โฆ
The Tedworth Hunt intend to stage a meeting in Pewsey this Boxing Day, despite not making an application to the Parish Councilโฆ..
Their usual meeting place is moved to Fairground Field, behind the petrol station, as the Pewsey Parish Council have not received an application for them to congress at their usual spot, the parish council owned Bouverie Hall car park.
Wiltshire Hunt Sabs will be elsewhere today, but assure any protesters some Action Against Foxhunting members will be present to advise. It seems, provided they do not trespass, they’re legally above board to continue the meet, but to parade certain rules must be adhered to.ย
Protesters should record and report any illegal activities to police, such as blocking roads or parking spaces, obstructing pedestrians or traffic, using unlicensed vehicles such as quad bikes on roads. AAF provides a comprehensive checklist HERE.
Trial by social media, it seems keyboard warriors aim to point the finger at the Parish Council for disallowing the meet at the hall, but that’s not the case. Pewsey Parish Council Clerk Ali Kent told Devizine, โI never received any request from the Tedworth Hunt to meet in the North Street car park today. We will never know which way any vote would have gone. Accusations that information has been hidden are extremely offensive to those of us who work hard for all of the community.โ
I have to sing some praises for Pewsey Parish Council recently, the construction of the skatepark is a really positive move in creating a space for local youth. On this issue it cannot be judged on speculation. As hunting goes underground it will raise whole new circumstances, but Boxing Day parades are a promotional tool to normalise this barbaric tradition and are being stamped out by local councils. It rests on police to uphold the Hunting Act and prosecute accordingly; a Pandora’s box we’re not opening today!
It is a crying shame the season of goodwill doesn’t extend to our wildlife for these barbaric arseholes, as compelling evidence mounts trial hunting is a smokescreen it is time, in our opinion, to stop this now, by law.
It’s an average Saturday night in Devizes, a day before Christmas eve and there’s no grand event at the Corn Exchange, no Long Street Blues night, nothing spectacular to highlight. There’s a festive buzz in town, but it’s slight. Some choose to stay home, only a scattering adorned with tinsel, and fairy lights hats, out on the lash. To say anything is out of the ordinary is pushing the boat outโฆ.
It falls, therefore, upon two pubs which have in recent years become the stalwarts of live music in town, to provide us with free entertainment, and two acts who though I’ve seen and mentioned many times before, I never tire of hearing. The bustling and lively Three Crowns has John and Joylen, aka the quality end of the scale for acoustic cover duos, Illingworth, and the ever dependable Southgate has Marlborough’s finest blues ensemble, Barrelhouse. It’s a dilemma to see me hopping to and fro rather than devoting myself to one.
You might require a neon flashing purpose built roller-disco with scantily clad twenty-somethings flashing iPhone torches at a superstar DJ, twiddling knobs like vinyl was never invented, to warrant a good night. Me, I’m content with a conical of cider in a welcoming pub and a live band on a circuit for the love of it. And these two Devizes taverns provide this on such a regular basis, they’ve made it the standard benchmark. Not forgoing, both acts booked for tonight are proficiently entertaining, ergo, when I say it’s an average night in Devizes it’s far from a complaint, rather it equates to a bloody good night as far as I’m concerned!
Geography selected my initial pitstop as The Three Crowns, John and Joylen squashed in a corner to allow for a dancefloor, already underway with duo guitars, familiar classic pub singalong covers apt for the establishment. Del Amitri, then, cool as cucumbers slipping an original in goes unnoticed by a crowd expectant of covers; it’s early, there’s a lot of chatting, it’s Christmas, an engaging topic for discussion.
The guys shine through distractions, such is the impeccable and nonpareil distinctive fashion Illingworth rolls these songs out. To the point I’m intrigued by the excited reaction of some in the pub when John kicks into the Cure’s Boys Don’t Cry, for though clearly born generations after this nugget of eighties goth was released, familiarity has them wiggling and mouthing lyrics. My theory, such songs were timeless blueprints and as more accumulate the more challenging is the objective of creating one, also explains why the Pogues and Kirsty MacColl have, apparently, the most modern song on the Christmas streaming chart this week.
If Illingworth knows which buttons to press to retain classic songs in the forefront, and pay homage even, Barrelhouse, who’ve rocked up at the Southgate extend this with some songs few of us were alive to recall the release of the originals, of Bo Diddley, Howlinโ Wolf, et al. This is naturally welcomed by punters at the Gate, and isn’t unusual here. But while there’s a few bands on various west country circuits doing this, like those Junkyard Dogs or Mark Green, it’s normally to older blues aficionados, whereas to see Barrelhouse play their hometown of Marlborough, Mantonfest being the ideal location, is to note, they’ve a colossal following many of which are teenage.
It’s something to behold, youth dancing to songs created sixty to eighty years ago, but while Barrelhouse excel in this, throwing originals in or reworking rock classics like Motorhead’s Ace of Spades to fit the agenda equally goes down a storm. Okay, so youths rarely invade the Gate here, save a few weekends ago when Nothing Rhymes With Orange enticed their younger fanbase, but that’s the beauty of Barrelhouse, it’s universally acceptable, and Devizes folk are warming to this notion I picked up on at a Mantonfest of yore. Their grand performance last night confirmed they’ve crossed over these odd local boundaries and rightfully now get the recognition here they’ve had on their turf for donkeys.
Zero doubt this Christmas jumper wearing five-piece, great to see extended to a sixth temporary member when frontman Martin Hand’s girlfriend sporadically joined for backing vocals in the absence of the infamous โBarrellettesโ would polish up here at the Southgate, I pulled anchor and set sail in the drizzle to check on Illingworth.
Across the carpark John chanted Hey Jude, so I hotfooted it inside to join the easiest drunken chorus ever. The Three Crowns is heaving as ever. Saturday night in Devizes can be ordinary, but thanks to these two boozers the benchmark for ordinary is punching above its weight for a market town this size.
This leaves me ticking both the going out on the lash box and the hangover one too, now onwards with the family celebrations, the gorging of turkey and Quality Street, and paying my gratitude for new socks and Lynx Afrika, but in turn, wishing you all a merry Christmas!
It wonโt be long before the only Quality Street left in the tin are empty wrappers and those toffee pennies no one likes, youโre swapping your Santa hat for your festival jesters one and thinking what a mess you can get yourself into in local fields. Yep, bar humbug, for just a moment, thereโs the locally based big ones to think about spending your Christmas bonus on a ticket forโฆ.itโs festival time 2024!
Not hanging about, and if youโre thinking itโs likely to be a tad nippy for a festie in January, note the iconic winter Bradford Roots Festival is all under the roof of the fabuloso Wiltshire Music Centre in Bradford-on-Avon.
Yet to reveal a lineup, but you need not concern yourself, I guarantee it will host the crรจme de la crรจme of local talent and many from further afield. The organisers say, โAfter the success of last yearโs festival,โ which it truly was a wonderful thing (you can read my tuppence on here) โweโre bringing Bradford Roots back bigger and better with a full weekend of events and activities. Roots is synonymous with community spirit, local talent and an inclusive atmosphere.โ And therein lies my surprise last year; the diversity of the program with lots of upcoming bands as well as ones in the spotlight. Ergo, Iโll leak Devizes-own Nothing Rhymes with Orange, Melkshamโs finest, the Sunnies, and the most wonderful Ruby Darbyshire are all booked, and hope I donโt get into too much trouble for doing so!
ยฃ22 for a Saturday ticket, ยฃ32 for the two-day pass, students or under 18 go half price. I cannot think of a better way to start your festive-filled new year!
27th: 7 Bands in 7 Hours, Calne
Calne Liberal Club plays host to this fantastic fundraiser on Saturday 27th January. Itโs a suggested fiver donation on the door and youโll get an hour each of Homer, People Like Us, Six OโClock Circus, The Chaos Brothers, The Real Cheesemakers, The Killertones and Mike & the Misfits.
February
2nd-4th: InCider Festival, Weston-Super-Mare
โItโs Weston-super-Mare, Eddie, Weston-super-Mareeee!โ Sand Bay Holiday Village plays host to this crazy goodie, established over for a decade, the InCider festival in Feb is only the beginning, with the Cursus Cider & Music Festival running from 24th – 26th May, and the main hoedown, the OutCider Festival from 1st – 4th Aug 2024.
OutCider Festival is an old school, no nonsense weekend of fantastic live music, cider and madness in the Mendips. Organisers clearly state, โno tribute bands. No X-Factor. No Carling lager. No tossers!โ
OutCider Festival features 30+ acts over two alternating, barn-covered stages. The mix of music is eclectic, energetic and definitely not anything mainstream. The camping field is lush and spacious and welcomes live-in vehicles.
3rd: DuckFest, Salisbury
Ducking fagic Salisbury Live fundraiser at the Duck Inn in Laverstock. Beggarโs Bash hosts this one-day introduction to the best of live music Salisbury has to offer.
15th-17th: Bath Bachfest, Bath
Bathโs 13th annual celebration of the music of Johann Sebastian Bach and his contemporaries. The festival was founded in 2012 as a complement to Bath Mozartfest and successor to the long-established Bath Bach Festival founded by Cuthbert Bates and later directed by his daughter, patron Elizabeth Bates.
17th: Devizes Festival of Winter Ales
Raise a glass and celebrate with DOCA at Devizes Festival of Winter Ales on 17th February at Devizes Corn Exchange. Renowned and vital DOCA fundraiser this, in collaboration with Stealth Brew Co. Another double wintery session with a hearty selection of ales and ciders from the countryโs best independent breweries, alongside music and entertainment.
This 18+ event comes in two sessions, Fraser Tilley provides music for the early session, 11am-5pm, and Manos Puestos at the late session, 5:30pm-11pm, plus cabaret from Able Mabel at both.
Tickets Available online at tinyurl.com/winterales2024 Physical tickets are also available to purchase at Devizes Books and the British Lion, Devizes.
April
21st: VW Campout, Stonehenge
The multi-award winning family run park, Stonehenge Campsite and Glamping Pods, situated close to Stonehenge hosts this gathering of all things VW!
May
The Magic Teapot Gathering, Mendip
This is a late addition to our listings, but looks so lovely I had to add it! Full preview Here.
11th: Westbury Food & Drink
Leigh Park Community Centre in Westbury hosts this inaugural free festie for all things foodie!
11th: Bradford-on-Avon Green Man Festival
A free one-dayer, the festival is organised by the town council, a vibrant, family-friendly community gathering featuring traditional dance, music, song, and folklore which runs throughout the town centre on Saturday 11 May 2024, from 9.30am to 5pm. We preview in full, HERE.
17th-26th Bath International Music
The Bath Festival returns for 2024. Click here to sign up to email updates and latest news.
Celebrating its tenth year, Shindig is the most contemporary festival of performing arts in the UK, and renowned for being gurt lush! It particularly focuses on dance music, lineup is yet to be announced but tickets are selling out already, based on the festivalโs first class reputation rather than acts, but I can say Sister Sledge, De La Soul and many other legends of disco and soul have graced the stage at the Dillington Estate in the past.
24th-27th: Chippenham Folk Festival
The 50th Anniversary for Chippenham Folk Festival Folk Festival thai year was an amazing success, enjoyed by huge audiences with talented performers from across the UK and beyond. Time is now running out to buy EARLY BIRD TICKETS.
Cursus Cider & Music Festival, Weston-Super-Mare
Continuing from the InCider for OutCider Festival, Sand Bay Holiday Village plays host to this second crazy goodie!
25th: Love Saves The Day, Ashton Court, Bristol
Massive names in pop and dance, Love does indeed Save the Day. Fatboy Slim, The Sugarbabes and Years & Years headlined 2023, how they top it this year time will tell!
26-27th:DevizesInternational Street Festival
Goes without saying, DOCA’s International Street Festival is over this Sunday and Monday bank holiday, it’s free, it’s officially the best day you’ll have in Devizes!
26th: Could Be Real Tribute Festival, Swindon Town FC
Swindon Town FC hosts ‘Could Be Real’ Tributes Festival, bringing together the UK’s finest tribute artists and bands for a huge all day festival to celebrate a whole era of music and culture and this family friendly festival will be available for those aged 12 years and older.
31st- 16th June: Devizes Arts Festival
Thereโs been a few leaks about acts at Devizes Arts Festival this year, my favourite so far is to catch the wonderful Lady Nade. But hold onto your hats, thatโs enough for now, being as this wonderful Arts Festival reaches mainly into June, weโll feature it again when we come back for the second half of this annual roundup of festivals type thingy, which I will bring you as soon as possible.
All links to all festivals are on our event calendar, and I am sure many will be added over the coming months. For now, hold tight and we will bring new of the big ones over summer and autumn, but I must say, 2024 is already looking rather special!
Wiltshire Music Events UK has hosted tons of memorable events locally, from CrownFest and The Marley Experience at Devizes Corn Exchange, to more everyday gigsโฆ
The “Business Fit For Future” programme has launched with startups across Wiltshire seizing the opportunity to participate in free online business planning workshops. This initiativeโฆ
Featured Photo: Forestry England/Crown copyright Planned timber harvesting is set to begin at popular walking destination, West Woods, from the end of September until Marchโฆ
Despite the population of Devizes throwing confetti and paint at each other in their most celebrated annual ritual, I believe I picked the right weekendโฆ
The newly drafted forest plan for West Woods and Collingbourne is open for public consultation until Monday 7 October. The plan outlines how each woodland willโฆ
If there’s been welcomed stand-ins for the monthly Jon Amor Trio residency at the Southgate in Devizes recently, Ruzz Evans and Eddie Martin, Jon โtheโฆ
You’re so gullible sometimes, you know that?! It’s not even nearly April Fools yet; I wouldn’t know how to abandon Devizine even if I wanted to, and I’m certainly not going let criticism get to me, for if that were the case, I’d have given up years ago!!
Playing the victim card as some do on their little social media groups does wonders for the ego! I thank everyone who made comments or passed wind, convincing me to stick with it. But you should note that the negativity is not from one person or their followers, there was a mountain of hate dumped at my door this year, some of it simply from a Newquest journalist publishing an article about us, because we took a stand against racism and homophobia. Enough said on that matter, but oh, matron…the cheeky scoundrels!!
Here, best explained in photos, is a million-ish (who’s counting?) reasons why I intend to continue creating content on this….ermm, whatever you want to whatchmacallit! And when I now wish you a merry Christmas and Happy New Year, I mean it to everyone, including and especially those who seem upset by what we may’ve put out or at least, how they perceived it…. because that sure wasn’t the intention.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! See you in 2024, and thank you all for your kind support!!
Renowned professor and historian, David Olusoga will be heading to Fromeโs Cheese & Grain on 12 January 2024 to speak on โthe state of the British Union and why black history mattersโ….
History is now front-page news, and is contested as never before. Statues have fallen and the reputations of great men have been called into question. In the upcoming talk David Olusoga will examine why history matters, delve into the causes of the โhistory warsโ and question where they might lead us.
David Olusoga is an historian, writer and broadcaster. He is the author of โBlack and British: A Forgotten Historyโ, which was long-listed for the Orwell Prize, shortlisted for the inaugural Jhalak Prize and won the PEN Hessell-Tiltman Prize. As Professor of Public History at the University of Manchester, he is an expert at examining what history reveals about contemporary society and has regularly contributed to the Observer, The Voice, and BBC History Magazine. A BAFTA-winning filmmaker, he is also a contributor to the Oxford Companion to Black British History. In 2019 was awarded an OBE for services to history and community integration.
He is known for presenting the BBC show โA House Through Timeโ and has recently launched a new BBC series โUnionโ which explores national identity, social class and inequality. Shining a light on our fractured modern society through the lens of the past, the series exposes the fault lines that still divide the UK.
Fans can catch David speaking at Fromeโs Cheese and Grain this January, and he will also be signing books at the event. Full details below and tickets available now HERE.
By T.B.D and D Rose for Devizine. The author can be reached at housetyg@gmail.com
This month the historic Cooper Tires factory in Melksham which began the Avon Tyres brand closes after more than 130 years of tyre production, with 350 workers losing their jobs…..
The rubber factory in Limpley Stoke moved to what was once a woollen mill in Melksham in1890 and began producing tyres three years later. The Avon India Rubber Company (named after the River Avon, which was filled in and diverted to create land for the growing rubber works!), later to become Avon Rubber in the sixties, grew as a business and went on to supply tyres for military use during World War I and for championship racing from the 1950s onward.
Avon Tyres was purchased in 1997 for sixty million by the Cooper Tire and Rubber Company from Ohio USA and then became a subsidiary of Goodyear (named after Charles Goodyear, an early backer of the rubber industry in Bradford on Avon), the tyre supplier for NASCAR, after Goodyear bought Cooper for 2.5 billion dollars in 2021.
Itโs been a bumpy ride for the Cooper Tires; back in 2013 they were faced with an industrial revolt when five thousand of their Chinese workers from the Cooper factory in Shandong went on strike, successfully stopping the company being bought by Apollo, the Indian multinational who got raided in April last year for misusing โsensitive informationโ to gouge prices. Price gouging, according to a Unite The Union investigation, is a major catalyst for recent inflation.
In October 2018 after a mass โmanagement briefingโ was called to discuss cutbacks at the Melksham factory, apparently due to the site being the โthe highest cost facility in the global Cooper networkโ, the company assured the Bournemouth Echo that Cooper will โstill employ hundreds locally and continue to honour its existing obligationsโ.
Light vehicle production was moved to Coopers overseas facilities where labour costs are lower, such as their unit in the Serbian city of Kruลกevac, which had been purchased seven years prior for thirteen million dollars and into which the company invested up to fifty million, the very same unit workers from Melksham had been sent to to train their Serbian counterparts in manufacturing techniques.
Cooper Tires announced the closure of their factory in Melksham, which produced three to four thousand tyres a year, in 2022. The American owned company says the reason they’re closing the factory in Melksham is because they’ve โstruggled to be competitive” in the “current business environment”.
The brand slogan of the Cooper Tire and Rubber Company is “The tire with two names โฆthe company and the man who built itโ but who really built it? I say the workers did, workers who’ve now lost their livelihoods the way the River Avon lost its old course, to profit maximisation. I found a particularly poignant comment whilst researching this story. I hope its author won’t mind my inclusion of it: โwatched the local news with a tear in my eye tonight. They said 3 to 5 years in 2019. They weren’t lying. A major blow for the town and all my friends still working down there. Best of luck for the future to you all. 28 years of great memories for me. Grateful to have been a part of itโ.
The reckless pattern of layoffs in favour of cheap labour must end. It’s about time more of us stood up and spoke out, and gave our society some sturdier wheels.
Supporters of local live music know, least they should do by now, that Swindon is the place to head this following weekend, 12th-15th September, becauseโฆ
Devizes-own indie-pop-punk youth sensation Nothing Rhymes With Orange smashed the Exchange on Friday as a farewell to their local fanbase. They pursue a music courseโฆ
Reports of another road traffic accident at the notorious Black Dog Crossroads near Lavington today coincides with Wiltshire Councillor for the Lavington constituency, Dominic Munsโฆ
For that certain some-Karen who drove through town last weekend, jumped on social media to waffle off the clichรฉ rant โnothing happens in Devizes,โ butโฆ
Trowbridge-Devizes finest musical export for a decade or two, acoustic folk vocal harmony trio, The Lost Trades, step out for a nationwide tour this September.โฆ
Stop for the Noddy Holder moment, itโs Christmas! Our weekly roundup of what weโve found to do in the wilds of Wiltshire is a bumper edition this week, taking us right up to New Yearโs Eve, cos Iโll be a busy as Santa on a mission this yule, and only get the standard two days off work to be with the fam, which the equivalent to you posh lot is a year off to find yourself in Goa!
Please be aware this is not comprehensive and new events can and might yet still be added to our blossoming, occasionally updating EVENT CALENDAR; they might not be added here, so do check in regularly. You can also find links to everything mentioned there, and plan aheadโฆ..to 2024!
One other really important thing before we get going, we need donations to fund this, so, if you can this Christmas, please donate a little stocking filler to keep us going; awl, thank you, For info on how, see HERE. Please and thank youโฆ
Ongoing: Two exhibits at Wiltshire Museum in Devizes: Lest We Forget: the Black Contribution to the World Wars and Eric Walrond: A Caribbean Writer living in Wiltshire. Reviewed Here.
The Kenavon Venture Santa Cruise at Devizes Wharf continues running until 23rd December.
Wednesday 20th
I assume the regular Acoustic Jam at the Southgate, Devizes is on as normal.
Panto at the Civic Trowbridge with Goldilocks & the Three Bears, two shows 4pm and 6pm.
Gav Cross: After Supper Ghost Stories at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Craig Crofton Quartet at the Bell, Bath.
Thursday 21st
Playtime! Christmas Special: A Winterโs Tail and Father Christmas Storytelling at Pound Arts, Corsham.
The Hammervilles at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.
Claire Martin and the Jim Mullen Trio at the Civic, Trowbridge.
Matt Owens & the DVP at the Tuppenny, Swindon.
Sladest at the Tree House, Frome has sold out.
Friday 22nd
Christmas & New Year Meals at The Memorial Pavilion in Seend with Chef Eric Lepine Seend runs until 29th December, with a Christmas Dinner special on the 24th.
Funked Up Christmas Party at the Pelican, Devizes, One Trick Pony fundraiser at the Southgate.
The Parsonโs Nose in Melksham has Plan of Action.
Winter Concert at St Michaelโs Church in Axford by Music for 1-4 voices, and Piano, with Emilia Lederleitnerova-Spriggs, Alice Simmons, Brian Parsons, Gilbert Simmons. A cappella 4 part carols, seasonal songs both old and new, festive piano duets and a few jazzy Christmas favourites. And some warming winter refreshment!
Hooch at The Coopers Arms, Pewsey.
Christmas Sing-a-Long at the Civic, Trowbridge.
Peloton are at The Vic, Swindon.
Karport Collective at The Boathouse, Bradford-on-Avon. Far Cue at The Three Horseshoes.
The Pโhogues at the Tree House, Frome has sold out.
Saturday 23rd
Illingworth at the Three Crowns, Devizes. Barrelhouse at The Southgate.
Apache Cats at The Lamb, Marlborough.
Frenzy at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.
Drama Tots Christmas Special at Kington Langley Village Hall.
Filskit Theatre: Breaking The Ice at Pound Arts, Corsham.
The Fuzz at The New Inn, Swindon. Shepherd’s Pieโs Xmas Rock-Off The Vic.
The Sweet play the Cheese & Grain, Frome.
Sunday 24th
Swing Into Christmas with Terry Franks at the Crown, Bishops Cannings.
Sing-a-Long with Jim at the Beehive, Swindon.
Leon Hunt, Jason Titley, Gina Griffin at the Bell, Bath.
Monday 25th
I havenโt got anything for Mondayโฆ.oh, hold on, Noddy, come in!! I wish you all a very merry Christmas, Brussel sprouts all round!
Tuesday 26th
Xmas Rave at 23 Bath Street, Frome.
Wednesday 27th
Acoustic Jam at the Southgate, Devizes, possible, not sure.
The Shudders at the Beehive, Swindon.
KโChevere at the Bell, Bath.
Thursday 28th
Experimental Blues Orchestra at the Beehive, Swindon
Friday 29th
Jon Amor Trio Christmas Special at The Southgate, Devizes. Mick Jogger & The Stones Experience at The Corn Exchange, Devizes.
SexJazz at the Beehive, Swindon. Rotten Aces at the Vic.
Saturday 30th
The Acrustic Badger Band & The Iโs at The Southgate, Devizes. Sound Hog Disco, Karaoke at the Three Crowns.
Pop-Punk Disaster at The Vic, Swindon
Sunday 31st
Right, here we go: eyes down for a full house, itโs New Yearโs Eve. Iโm not going to type New Years Eve for every entry, so take it as red, itโs New Years Eve, okay?! New Years Eve parties at:
Devizes Scooter Club at The Cavalier, Devizes.
The Reason NYE Party at Seend Community Hall.
Reggae Party with Razah I-Fi at the Royal Oak, Marlborough.
Siren at The Consti Club, Chippenham.
End of Story at The Talbot, Calne.
Blue Soul at the Wiltshire Yeoman, Trowbridge. Train to Skaville at Westwood Social Club.
Party Night at the Civic, Trowbridge.
Parties at The Tuppenny, Swindon, the Beehive, and The New Inn. Rave Against the Regime plays one at The Vic.
Junkyard Dogs are the Winterbourne Arms in Winterbourne Dauntsey.
One Chord Wonders at The Sun, Frome.
Phew, Iโm sure thereโs more, do let me know and hopefully Iโll get time to add them. Obviously, because this is a bumper fortnight edition, Iโm sure lots more will be added, so do keep your eye on the Event Calendar, as this might not be edited, cheers.
Have a great Christmas, and New Year, one and all!
The Fulltone Orchestra has confirmed today that their annual festival will take place on The Green in Devizes from 25th โ 27th July 2025โฆ. โItโsโฆ
Chandra, Hindu God of the Moon, with his own NASA X-ray observatory named after him, and also frontman of a self-named friendly Bristol-based four-piece pop-punkโฆ
Paul’s self-made cover to his latest single, Some Days depicts a fellow sitting under a tree pondering life, while an autumn zephyr blows leaves aroundโฆ
Itโs when you hear those American addresses, like house number 21,456 Park Avenue, you realise Long Street in Devizes is a long street only comparableโฆ
Impressive, in a word, is the Lawrence Art Societyโs annual exhibition at Devizes Town Hall this year, in both quality and quantity; you’ll be amazedโฆ
Following on from last monthโs email, this is a final reminder that yearโs Imberbus service will be running this coming Saturday โ 17th August 2024.โฆ
If The Southgate is Devizesโ finest and most reliable pub music venue, it’s usually favoured by an adult crowd. Yet it’s without doubt that Nothing Rhymes With Orange is the most cherished Gen Z band in town. Having not played Devizes since summer, it was a certainty such a free gig wouldย crash the age demographic of the trusty tavern down a notch or three, never a bad thing, though not a given they’d raise its roof, but, they did that tooโฆ
It’s been on the cards for a while. After a long-lost summer Sunday when the band popped in to witness how it’s done, by the expertise of Jon Amor Trio’s monthly residency. Now, being their first time huddled in the infamous alcove, they brought the most diverse entourage we’ve seen at the Gate, and with zest and a righteous sense of confidence, they provided a proficient, high energy show of their unique brand of indie-punk. The atmosphere was fire.
Ageism didn’t turn up, it chose to stay home, cuddling the sensationalised myth blankie of teenage hooliganism other local media will have you believe, for clickbait. The youngest were respectful of the elder regulars, behaved accordingly, the regulars welcomed the youngsters, and surprisingly, behaved too! If Haribo temporarily replaced cider, the Gate issued a statement prior that all under eighteen must be accompanied by an adult, meeting the delicate balance needed. It’s one thing providing a safe space for the fledgling generation to enjoy, and I salute landlords Deb and Dave for this, but another in this economic climate to insure a gig is profitable for a pub through takings at the bar.ย
Thus it made a most unusual evening at the Gate, one half as the matured yet lively and hospitable establishment it always is, the other town’s teenage fanbase, who wouldn’t usually frequent the place, dancing their socks off and hailing back the lyrics to the group in unison; the benchmark for any band in vogue.
There’s no mistaking the simple notion, Nothing Rhymes With Orange are at a peak right now, locally. How this widens geographically is down to their motivation and commitment, but I, for one, urge those outside our locality to check them out, as the sensation they’re attracting here is akin to Beatlemania. If their stage presence has flourished, their harmony and ability to execute intelligent and often witty narrative in the present, has always been an accomplishment and goal scorer from day dot.
They look like they really want to be there, that’s the ticket, as it reflects on the audience and reverberates equally to their wailing guitars. Frontman Elijah Eastonl is worshipped when he stands amidst the fans, it’s something to behold. The band play on, lead guitarist Fin Anderson-Farquhar covers the riff, splices vocals, bassist Sam Briggs layers it, enthusiastic drummer Lui Venables sets the pace, but more often than not, it’s their unison which compliments Elijah’s spontaneous spotlight moments.
The first half of this show fire-breathing their beloved originals, Monday, Chow for Now, Creatures, with an alternative downtempo take on Lidl Shoes, I felt a little experimentation was afoot, some crashing endings aliken to prog-rock rather than their archetypal punker base. Was this to appease the Southgate regulars or a new avenue for them, I’m unclear, but it was an interesting move.
After Butterflies, the second half was adroit covers heavy, ending with an encore of Manipulation, their most treasured original for audience participation. The boys are back in the studio soon, after having a brief break, and we look forward to hearing what they come out with, because last night at the Gate, they were positively buzzing, a real stocking filler!
Phase Rotate at the Southgate tonight, and leading up to brussel sprout day, Chrissy Chapman as One Trick Pony has a fundraiser on Friday 22nd, Marlborough’s blues aficionados Barrelhouse return on Saturday 23rd, and that’s always an unmissable one.
Something I was trying to skive off doing this year, being time consuming, is a local Christmas shopping piece, but then this terrible roadworks situation occurred, and not knowing when it would end I invited local businesses with websites and/or delivery options to send us their links. Now we can happily declare DEVIZES IS OPEN, the roadworks greatly reduced, and congestion is back to its average levels, which I dare say could do with improvements, but it’s not so bad, and another story for another time!
DEVIZES IS OPEN!
Devizine!
Here’s a rundown of those shops and small businesses who dared opt for the challenge of being presented on this controversial website, (you know, you love it really, as long as you don’t take it too seriously!) and their links for home delivery or website ordering, just in case you’re thinking โI’m all in my cosy jimmy jams now and I’m staying that way till new year!โ
Who knows, perhaps there’s gift ideas here, for the guys still running around like headless chickens. I know all you lovely ladies have it sorted, probably do your Christmas shopping in May; philistines! Where’s the fun/anguish/trauma in being so proactive?! Wait till Christmas eve, guys, it’s great for your stamina and blood sugar levels.
Before we begin, don’t forget the best place to start your journey into local shopping is the wonderful Devizes Retailers and Independents site at indevizes.org.uk where you’ll find much more info, even a map; the map I’d imagine is a real asset for the headless chicken running guys, save them from accidentally landing themselves in the pub!
Some listed here didn’t comment on the Facebook post, but I love them too much to miss them out, some have shops, some are online businesses, some have valid Christmas ideas, others I suspect are just in it for a mention, but we love them all the same!! Listed alphabetically for no other reason than to prove I know my a,b,c, here we go!
Beeze’s
Ah, handmade gifts a plenty, and the toy shop, Little Beeze’s next door too! They can deliver as far as Wroughton, you can pay them a visit in The Ginnel, Devizes….lovely place!
Handmade in town, vintage inspired dollies in tins, dinosaurs in tins, stationery sets and lots of other goodies, Dollies Dimples products are soooo cute they make me go all squishy, and I’m a grown man, (apparently!) Dear Santa, please can you…..
Ah, the Giving Tree, fifteen years strong in the Little Brittox, wonderful gifts, lovely selection, and they can deliver within Devizes. Do you guys remember our 2020 Christmas Shopping challenge, when you found me a Galileo thermometer? See, Devizes, got it all, even a Galileo thermometer!
standing gonk stood in front of a Christmas tree and wrapped presents
The way to man’s heart, or anyone’s with brownies this tasty! You’ve been in there, I know you have, probably have a loyalty card! We love the award-winning Gourmet Brownie Kitchen, we love them there brownies!
Okay, if I give my better half a tea-towel for Christmas……yeah, I think you know where I’m going to end up, move aside Rover, I’m pitching up in your kennel tonight! But you have to see local printmaker Hannah Cantellow’s definite Devizes tea-towel designs, they are rather special. If I had one of these I’d want to keep it, and never wash the dishes with it at all….hey, now there’s an idea!!
Looking to open a printmaking studio near Devizes next year, Hannah Cantellow plans to offer Studio Memberships, Presses & Equipment and Courses & Workshops.
Devizes Treasures Tea Towel ~ Screen printed on 100% natural cotton. Available in a range of gorgeous colours to compliment your kitchen. This pattern design is inspired by the original limited edition linocut โDevizes Treasuresโ. The print celebrates my favourite places and symbols in my home town Devizes in Wiltshire, including the Millennium White Horse, Roundway Hill, Caen Hill Locks, Devizes Castle and many moreโฆ These tea towels have a beautiful quality and will make a gorgeous addition to your home!
With a wonderful Christmas gift shop upstairs, this longstanding eco-friendly shop in the Little Brittox, Devizes, always wins our heart. We’ve mentioned them recently, They also have a delivery and online service too.
Okay, so our very own Wilma Wonka, Holly didn’t respond to our callout, too busy to be scrolling Facebook, I guess, but we cannot have a local shopping article without our mentioning Poulshot’s award-winning chocolatier; we would love you Holly if you didn’t make chocolates, we’re smitten that you do! You can find Hollychocs at the Poulshot Lodge, or go toher website, here.
Yeah, I know, right… me too! Me three!!
Kittags
Made it Poulshot, Kittags supply personalised luggage tags. They claim they are “loved by the military, blue light services and many a parent who has suffered lost school bags!” Mate, I’ve been there; tempted to attach some to the actual child too sometimes!
Local designer and owner of Pins & Needles Vixter Woolista has a fabulous range of accessible crochet and knit kits, patterns and gorgeous hand-dyed yarns. On her website, you’ll find special deals and clearance bargains from Pins & Needles, that are no longer available on general sale in the bricks & mortar shop…. and get knitting; I could do with a new Christmas cardy!
Pins & Needles (Devizes) – a little shop with a big heart and winner of the 2020 British Knitting Awards for best yarn shop in the south west, has a HUGE amount of stock, and a knowledgeable, enthusiastic team.
Roses Ironmongers
Easy to spot when they put a lawnmower on the balcony over the shop! Roses is Devizes’ historic ironmongers, and you can buy literally everything in there; just ask. But they do also have an online presence too, which you can find here.
Shire Garden Machines
Sister to Roses the Ironmongers, Shire Garden Machines have everything to keep your garden perfect all year around, from mowers and tractors to leaf blowers, chainsaws and hedge-trimmers to fuel and spare parts for your garden equipment. They also service all your garden equipment. And there it is, get your hubby a chainsaw for Christmas, he’ll love you forever, it’s a bloke thing!
Okay, look, I’m grateful if I get a Lynx Deodorant set for Christmas, but a restored bespoke French stove is pushing my luck. Maybe not a Christmas shopping item, unless you’re either exceptionally showy, or want to treat yourself, which I think is a necessity too, but we love these classic stoves from the Stove Hunters, who are similar to the Bounty Hunters, just less coconutty!
You can find them online here, or visit them at The Old Granary on Roundway Hill Business Park, Hopton Road, Devizes. And if you do buy one, can I come over for a baked potato? Yes, baked beans AND cheese on it, I’m not a savage!
Sun Flower Macramรฉ
Knot a lot of people know this, (see what I did there?) Catherine, from Potterne, knots macramรฉ home dรฉcor, and also has kits available for you to try your hand at macramรฉ too! Look at this splendid Christmas tree, makes a great decoration, I’m not one for neon flashing lights visible from the moon, these are far nicer; great for your nan too!
The way to any music lover’s heart, vinyl. The toys I got for Christmas when I was young, (and believe it or not, I was, once) are but a fleeting memory, whereas my first long-player, Absolutely by Madness, I still have. Even if you’ve not got a record player, they do these too, and repairs, all the kit you need, expert advise and stacks of records.
Tamsin Quin outside the original Vinyl Realm, 2018. Image: Matthew Hennessy
I’ll be honest, when I handbraked turned my milkfloat into the snowy St John’s Street many moons ago, and popped into meet Pete and Jackie a day before they opened, I fell in love with what they were doing, but, being what I deemed, niche, I admit, I gave the shop a time limit. But today, still going strong, moved to a larger location on Northgate Street, you can’t miss it, all yellowly faรงade, Vinyl Realm, you rock!
That’s all happy shoppers, have a lovely time shopping, I’ll be snoring the theme to Airwolf in the corner! Oh, and if I don’t get the opportunity again, have a merry Christmas and Happy New Year, but I’m sure I will….
I’m enjoy Monday’s stream from the wonderful Visual Radio Arts, recorded right here in Devizes. They’ve been hosting some great shows recently, from Richard Wileman and Amy Fry, John Watterson, and the Honey Pot. This week was the turn of west country folk-rock band Courting Ghosts…โฆ
The first band I managed to catch at last year’s Bradford Roots Festival at the Wiltshire Music Centre, though I have to admit, I was still finding my way around, like a little lost first year on his first day at big school!
These ghosts literally came out of the recording studio last week, nailing their debut album and entering the mixing stage. Contributors to the album includes David Moss playing fiddle, Holly Carter on pedal steel, and Lorna from Fly Yeti Fly adding vocals to a track called I Closed My Eyes. We can’t wait to hear it!
If you go direct to Visual Radio Arts you can check out the interview they did, standard protocol at Phil’s place. There’s also countless past streams archived there. What else you going to do on a winter weekday evening, watch reruns of Homes Under the Hammer?!
Hereโs our bitesize look at whatโs happening in the wilds of Wiltshire this coming weekโฆ. Everything listed here is on our event calendar; go thereโฆ
by Ben Niamor A first outing on Saturday to Sound Knowledge for Devizes favourite Elles Bailey, whose latest album dropped Friday, and this mini tourโฆ
Tickets are limited and selling fast for a staged reading of Oscar Wildeโs most renowned comedy masterpiece, The Importance of Being Earnest, performed in theโฆ
People from the Swindon community flocked to protect their town and itโs residents, in anticipation of the rumoured far right anti-immigration march through their townโฆ
New single out today from Swindon-based gothic-folk duo, Canuteโs Plastic Army, and itโs three yeses from meโฆCan one person give three yeses? Iโm way pastโฆ
Itโs beginning to look a lot likeโฆ. our weekly roundup of what weโve found to do in the wilds of Wiltshire this weekโฆ.. How many sleeps are left? I cheat, I have two sleeps a day, itโs an age thingโฆ..
Please be aware this is not comprehensive and new events can and might yet still be added to our blossoming, occasionally updating EVENT CALENDAR; they might not be added here, so do check in regularly. You can also find links to everything mentioned there, and plan ahead.
One other really important thing before we get going, we need donations to fund this, so, if you can this Christmas, please donate a little stocking filler to keep us going; awl, thank you, For info on how, see HERE. Please and thank youโฆ
Ongoing: Two exhibits at Wiltshire Museum in Devizes: Lest We Forget: the Black Contribution to the World Wars and Eric Walrond: A Caribbean Writer living in Wiltshire. Reviewed Here.
Wednesday 13th
Acoustic Jam at the Southgate, Devizes.
Every second Wednesday of the month, itโs Runny Snotts Open Mic at The Three Crowns, Chippenham.
Lunchtime Recital at Pound Arts, Corsham, Flight of the Firebird with violinist Matthew Taylor and Peter French on piano.
Swindon Arts Centre screens The Muppets Christmas Carol as part of their Memory Cinema, for those suffering dementia.
Winter Wonderband at Chapel Arts. Ya Freshness & The Big Boss Band at the Bell, Bath.
Thursday 14th
Owyado Theatre presents a Twisted Christmas at Seend Community Centre.
Open Mic at The Crown, Bishops Cannings.
Junkyard Dogs at the Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.
Ben Poole is at The Tree House, Frome, Abba Reunion at the Cheese & Grain.
Friday 15th
Book Launch: Marking Time by Sir Mathew Thorpe at Seend Community Centre.
Carols at the Wharf with Devizes Town Band from 6:30, courtesy of the Kennet & Avon Trust. Edโs pick of the week, Nothing Rhymes With Orange at The Southgate, Devizes. Devizes Public Living Room Christmas Shindig at the Town Hall.
Alex Mendham and his Orchestraโs Vintage Christmas Party at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon. Severange @ The Three Horseshoes.
Green Matthews โ A Christmas Carol, at Pound Arts, Corsham.
โRockinโ & โSwinginโ Christmas Evening with Peter Gill & The Good Time Charlies Band at Chapel Arts, Bath.
Diverse Disco, a disco for anyone with disabilities, at Tree Nightclub, Swindon. Cut the Mustard at the Beehive. XSLF at The Vic with Borrowed Time and the Deckchairs in support.
An Intimate Evening With Glen Matlock at The Tree House, Frome. The Jive Aces โ โThe Not Quite Christmas showโ at the Cheese & Grain.
Saturday 16th
Kenavon Venture Santa Cruise sets sail at Devizes Wharf, and trips are daily until 23rd December. Breakfast with Santa at Devizes Fire Station. Christmas Market at Hillworth Park. The SODs Charity Christmas Gig 2023 at the Town Hall. The Big Sound Christmas Concert at St Johns. The Coco Club Christmas Ball at the Corn Exchange. Christmas Family Ravers at the Exchange. Fullhouse play Frankie Miller at Long Street Blues Club. Phase Rotate at The Southgate. And Sour Apple play The Three Crowns, for Simonโs birthday, happy birthday Simon!
The Vooz play The Lamb, Marlborough.
6 Oโclock Circus at The Talbot, Calne.
The Artisan Fundraiser for No7 Creative Space, Chippenham. The West End comes to Chippenham at Christmas at St Pauls. A Christmas Spectacular: Here we come a-carolling at St Andrewโs. 70โs 80โs Disco at The Consti Club.
March for Palestine in Swindon. Swindon Palestine Solidarity (SPS) invites the community to join in a peaceful march on December 16th to call for justice and raise awareness about the ongoing conflict in Palestine. Participants will gather at The Lawns entrance on Old Town High Street, on the corner with Charlotte Mews, at 11 am and begin the march at 11:30 am.
Santaโs Christmas Wish opens at Swindon Arts Centre, running until 24th. Apache Cats at the Queenโs Tap. Mark Valentine Band at the Beehive. Bedrock at The Woodlands Edge. The 12 Bands of Christmas at the Vic, see the poster below!
Rock the Tots Christmas Concert at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon. Franky & The BuzzCatz at The Three Horseshoes.
The Scribes at The Winchester Gate, Salisbury.
Sense Recordings Free Party at The Queenโs Head, Box. The Marching Skaletons at the Bell, Bath.
The Foxes PresentโฆA Cool Yule at Chapel Arts, Bath.
Rhythm Of The 90s & Dave Pearce at the Cheese & Grain, Frome is sold out.
Sunday 17th
Devizes Young Farmers Tractor & Tinsel Christmas Market at the Market Place, Devizes. Andrew Hurst at The White Bear from 5pm.
Santaโs Christmas Wish at the Neeld, Chippenham.
GBH Big Band with Claire MartinIG at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon. Mark Greenโs Blues Band and others from 3am, free admission at the Mount Pleasant Social Club.
ยฃ20K by December 2023 Fundraising Appeal at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Clyveโs Funky Christmas Party at Chapel Arts, Bath. The Blues Mercenaries at the Bell.
Splat the Rat at the Beehive, Swindon.
Cara Dillon โ Upon A Winter’s Night at the Cheese & Grain, Frome. A Dannsa Dub at the Tree House.
Monday 18th
Rock The Tots: Christmas at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Messy Carols at the Beehive, Swindon.
Shing-a-Lings at the Bell, Bath.
Tuesday 19th
Kids Inflatable Christmas Party at The Civic, Trowbridge.
Christmas with Kim Cypher for Jazz Knights at the Royal Oak, Swindon.
Filskit Theatre: Wonder Gigs at Pound Arts, Corsham.
And thatโs all I have so far. Saturday 21st is winter solstice, to plan ahead for events over Christmas keep an eye on our event calendar!
Second impressive single from young Salisbury singer-songwriter Rosie Jay is released today. Sing Another Love Song; a sound of the summerโฆ.. Her debut breakup trackโฆ
Tory tears welled at County Hall this week, when Cllr Richard Clewer, leader of Wiltshire Council threw his teddies from his pram over the Government’sโฆ
Weโre into August already; Christmas before you know it, so you better get outside and taste the sun while it lastsโฆ. Hereโs what weโve foundโฆ
If it’s been a fantastic weekend on Devizes Green with the orchestral Full-Tone Festival, further out of town scooterists, mods, skins and anyone else withโฆ
Ha! And you all thought ‘Driving Home for Christmas’ would be the go-to Chris Rea song while getting across Devizes, but in fact it’s ‘The Road to Hell!’
If you had the bizarre notion that engineering works were supposed to be coordinated by county councils, please seek medical attention, allowing yourself an extra millennium or three for your journey time to the quacks. Small mercies though, it seems, venting your frustrations on the Devizes Issues Facebook group will see you in social media exile, and that could be the breath of fresh air you really need right now!
If Wiltshire Council are coordinating road works they’re doing so with a game of Kerplunk. Driving through Devizes in rush-hour this week is enough to make Jeremy Clarkson consider joining Extinction Rebellion. Roadworks causing commuting chaos in Devizes is hardly news, but this is the first time the number of sets of traffic lights has outnumbered the population of the town!
We have to accept the rolling Wessex Water works providing essential new piping, ongoing until the second coming of the age of Aquarius, but right now they’ve reached the handy junction of Long Street and Sheep Street, closing this cheeky detour off. And given there’s an ongoing issue with piping on Nursteed Road too, perhaps it’s not the best time to lob a third set of traffic lights into the equation at the crucial junction of New Park Street and Northgate Street, basically your only escape route west, especially being this is to accommodate a new build, so no one is affected if it was to wait, save the building contractor.
Enter the ever proactive Wiltshire Council with the genius solution; one more set of traffic lights isn’t going to amount to a hill of beans, not Heniz 33 variety anyway. It was high time for them to suddenly repair just the one of the ten bazillion (that’s a gazillion jillions to you) drain-hole-cover-caused moon crater fashioned potholes, bang outside the Town Hall, which was reported months ago according to a commenter on the Devizes Issues Facebook groupโฆ.ooo, controversial, I’m not supposed to be poking my snout in there. Somebody chastise me with a blue rosette.
All hail the mighty one, for he hath spoken on his all-powerful Facebook page. Defending the indefensible, the happy chappy no one seems to see any conflict of interests in being both a town and county councillor, plus ruling a popular local social media group with an iron fist, laughably lobbed his toys far from his pram at those understandably venting their frustrations there for the unnecessary logjam, apparently. I wouldn’t know, for speaking my mind got me banned. Anyone with a functioning brain cell to realise the true test to know mein fรผhrer Yan Wallish has lost the argument is when he adds, as he did on this occasion, โcomments are going off!โ suffers the same treatment. Off with their heads!
It’s enough to wonder why the smeg he administers a discussion group, if it wasn’t for the numerous occasions he’s blatantly used it to fib and derail competing electoral opposition.
Though this isn’t a rant at any individual, you know me better than to do that, it does relate to the worm who turned, being a few years ago while a businessman in town, rather than a busybody councillor with a penchant to tinpot dictate, he would’ve sided with the frustrations of local shopkeepers who will undoubtedly lose out.
For their sake I’ve refrained from whining about the congestion issue in Devizes, but as the incompetence of Wiltshire Council to update our infrastructure accordingly and coordinate roadworks, has caused Captain Kirk to move to red alert, the elephant in the room is now an elephant sanctuary. Now it is criminal not to raise concern, as I believe sitting in your car for an hour, seeing red, or dangerously clogging our unsuitable village rattrap alternative routes will cause accidents.
I beg you try your best to keep calm, despite being aware it’s easier said than done. The roadworks aren’t going away anytime soon, so we must adapt, plan accordingly.
We have to generally reduce our car usage whenever possible. Be united and courteous when driving around the town, car share wherever possible, maybe buy next year’s Christmas gifts at the same time as this year’s, take a sleeping bag, emergency food and water supplies when trekking more than a quarter of a millimetre, or a laptop to rework War & Peace!
It’s obvious when comments are turned off from debating the issue by those in a position to speak out for us, speaking out for us will transmodify into the usual brown-tonguing exercise and nothing will ever be done to improve the problem.
Just when I think every musician within a ten-mile radius is under our radar, another one pops up, and usually, they produce electronic music. So, I say, look, I know Devizes is a blues town, but Devizine covers all arts, and besides, Iโm an old raver; ergo, if youโre creating music, electronic or not, youโre very welcome hereโฆ.
Proving Iโm an old raver, for photographic evidence is nil and memories vague, West Lavingtonโs musician and composer Moray Macdonaldโs alter-ego Cephidโs forthcoming album, Sparks in the Darkness had me pondering a post on a Facebook group for ravers, which I wouldnโt be on if I wasnโt! Someone posted a video highlighting the work of Delia Derbyshire at the BBC Radiophonic Workshop, another commented rightly she was a pioneer of electronic music, a second added โerm? Kraftwerk?โ causing me to rant; it doesnโt take much these days!
Yeah, Iโll give you, Kraftwerk were the primary electronically generated pop group, but Derbyshireโs magnum opus, the Doctor Who theme, an electronic rework of a Ron Grainer composition, predates Kraftwerkโs first commercially successful album Autobahn by eleven years.
This raises a fascinating point; at electronic musicโs clunky inception few sought it viable for commercial pop. Fatboy Slim pointed out, Youโve Come a Long Way, Baby. The BBC Radiophonic Workshop created sound effects ideally for sci-fi series. Lesser-known German electronic pioneers Tangerine Dream only became familiar to the masses during the eighties for their numerous Hollywood film scores. Organisation zur Verwirklichung gemeinsamer Musikkonzepte, Kraftwerkโs quirky and pre-synthesizer antecedent, was the crรจme-de-crรจme of kosmische Musik, Dusseldorfโs experimental scene of the sixties, but while it took psychedelia and space-rock to another planet, Melody Maker mocked it โkrautrock,โ a name which stuck as its genre.
Seems rockโs phobia of electronic progression was the reason for Britpopโs retrospection to acoustic instruments once rave came of age. The chalk and cheese mingle side by side in todayโs pop; David Grayโs self-dubbed style, folktronica hammered that last nail in.
The relevance of all this is, while immersed in Cephidโs gorgeous complex structures and intense electronic textures, one cannot help but contemplate the combined efforts involved in contributing to this development, as it harks itโs influences and indulges those passed, no matter by Sparks in the Darkness comparisons all would sound timeworn. From the impact the Doctor Who theme mustโve had on the English television-watching nation, to The Art of Noise and Yello, and from avant-garde American electro outfit Newcleus, to Universeโs Tribal Gathering 1997, when I observed every raver ascend from their chosen subgenre tent to pay respects to Kraftwerk. Cephid encompasses these, yet is ultra-modern, uses tech as orchestral, and is as fresh as the Buxton spring; like Jean Michel Jarre came after dubstep, as if 808 State created Tubular Bells!
Futurism and sci-fi remains a large part of marketing presentation for electronic dance music, from the eerie android on the cover of Kraftwerkโs We Are the Robots, to Phil Wolstenholmeโs Vergina sun spaceship on the Orbโs 1992 album U.F.Orb, Sparks in the Darkness follows suit with a mysterious red sphere projecting across a cityscape for its cover, strikingly designed by Tiago Marinho.
The album commences akin to ambient houseโs finest, floating or bubbling spooky and mysterious layers of atmospheric swirls, but its orchestral build indicates time has passed since the fluffiness of The KLF and Orb. Moray Macdonald cut his teeth touring with progressive rock and metal artists such as That Joe Payne, Godsticks, Kim Seviour and Ghost Community. This is sharper, unsubdued, his harder-edged rock influences will insure bands like Pink Floyd, Hawkwind and the Ozric Tentacles will be acknowledged here; erm, The Prodigyโs punk fusion post-Jilted Generation too, in part. The opening track To Catch the Eye of the Heaven flows into the next, as a raver I note Leftfield, and Iโm holding out for it kicking in.
Thirty seconds into the second tune, the single Worlds Before, and it does, and when it does itโs immense, a stomp to make New Order blush, with all the workings of modern technology, you are encased in this, what is a culmination of many years of work, and thereโs no going back.
Moray defines it, โsoaring melodic leads cutting through spacious washes of synths, while propelled by layers of sequencers, drums, and percussion. Pulverising techno seamlessly giving way to complex progressive workouts and moody, groove-driven soundscapes, all packed with lasting melodic hooks.โ Yeah, Iโll go with that! It has the concept album quality in which you must indulge in it completely. By Terminus weโre nodding to up-tempo trance-techno, breaking with vocal coach Angel Wolf-Blackโs celestial chants, but behind its entrancing bleeps binds this driving rock drum, either by Emily Dolan Davies, who has drummed for Bryan Ferry, The Darkness and Kim Wilde, or Graham Brown of The Paradox Twin.
Midway the pace lessens and Of Promises trickles into something definably more electronica, of Tangerine Dreamโs sombre movie moments, of Don Johnson contemplating his fate as he leans on his white Ferrari looking out across Miami harbourโs night sky. Moray Macdonald has created music for film, theatre and art installations, and it shows.
Strobe takes off from where Of Promises lands us, like the later track Dead Handโs Decree, itโs The Chemical Brothers on their best behaviour. Moray states, โthe Cephid was created as an opportunity to bring diverse influences together into a single coherent artistic statement.โ From his work with artists across the modern progressive scene, to his early love of experimental electronic music, many musical facets are represented, but still it flows in one radical and unique package impossible to pigeonhole.
Thereโs no surplus of talent left out of this project, Placeboโs Shelby Logan Warne, and Jerry Kandiah producer of Killing Joke and The Futureheads have mixed and mastered this, and while its not commercialised, just like Delia Derbyshireโs work in the sixties, itโs too groundbreaking to be ignored.
As The Old Me, plays out, even its name prompts me to imagining myself hearing this in a field somewhere in 1991, amidst matted trilby wearing juniors, eyes the size of saucers and dribbling on a Wrigleyโs, it is so innovative, so radical, Iโd probably have had a seizure!
โWhatโs wrong with him!โ one raver asks another as I lie comatose.
โHeโs had a premonition of the future of electronic music and his fragile mind cannot handle it; somebody get him a Technotronic album, pronto!!!โ
The single Worlds Before is out now. Sparks in the Darkness will be released 9th February 2024. Find out more about the project HERE.
Jam-packed July! If thereโs always lots to do throughout the year, July especially so! Hereโs what weโve found in the wilds of Wiltshire this coming weekโฆ.โฆ
Gallivanting through festival season omits crucial visits to my local watering hole; I’ve missed it sooo much, and now feel thoroughly refreshedโฆ with a hintโฆ
Featured Image by Simon Folkard Following the announcement earlier this year about the cancellation of the Devizes International Street Festival due the loss of Artsโฆ
Jam-packed July! If thereโs always lots to do throughout the year, July especially so! Hereโs what weโve found in the wilds of Wiltshire this comingโฆ
The 50th Anniversary of the now legendary Village Pump Festival, which was brought back to the UK festival circuit in 2018 by director Nicholas Reed,โฆ
Jam-packed July! If thereโs always lots to do throughout the year, July especially so!ย ย Hereโs what weโve found in the wilds of Wiltshire this comingโฆ
So yeah, I thought Iโd be funny by commenting โcanโt waitโ on Chippenhamโs upcoming folk singer-songwriter Megโs Facebook post announcing her latest single, because, you see, itโs called Waitingโฆ. okay, Iโll get my coatโฆ.
Released tomorrow, Friday 8th December, thereโs nonsense in my comment because, perks of Devizine, Iโve already heard it, and promise, youโre in for a pleasant surprise. Reason I say this is, it showcases everything I love about what Meg, sorry,M3g is producing. Itโs solemn, solitary, and distantly unique.
Infatuation, admiration from a distance, fearing a possible negative outcome should the object of your desires find out, but the aching of knowing, are emotions present in Waiting, not only in subject but in the innocent and irreproachable way Meg expresses them. The conclusion is poignantly beautiful, personal, and touching. Meritoriously uncommon, Megโs discography is building into something she should be proud of, and Waiting is a great example.ย
If I drop her Spotify link below, do listen to the past songs, and return to it tomorrow, when the Waiting for this new one is over โฆ.dammit, I did it again, my life is one big pun! Follow M3G on Insta, Facebook.
If Iโve recently been singing the praises of arts diversity in Bradford-on-Avon, centred around the Wiltshire Music Centre and not yet touched upon the various other venues such as the Three Horseshoes and Boathouse, hereโs something to wrap it up into one neat package, the Bradford on Avon Green Man Festivalโฆโฆ
A free one-dayer, the festival is organised by the town council, a vibrant, family-friendly community gathering featuring traditional dance, music, song, and folklore which runs throughout the town centre on Saturday 11 May 2024, from 9.30am to 5pm.
They hail โthereโs something for everyone,โ and that story checks out; with over forty dance groups, comprising three-hundred and twenty dancers and musicians, the Bradford on Avon Green Man Festival ranges from Morris dancing to European styles, and encourages you to have a go!
Homegrown Performance troupe, Ganderflankers presents Jack and Jill in the Green, a whimsical journey of a 10ft tall Jack and Jill with their bands and fantasy beasts, visits twelve locations across the town.ย
Wiltshire Music Centre stage hosts a stage at the Holy Trinity Church, and the festival launch party will be held at the Centre on Friday 10th May, ticketed, it features folk-rock legends Lindisfarne. A new addition for 2024 will beThe Three Horseshoeshosting a blues stage, featuring the best local blues musicians. Thereโs also the Folk Club Stage in St Margaretโs Hall. The festival also boasts music sessions in town centre pubs, a regularly featured samba band at the Tithe Barn in the afternoon, a Mummersโ play performed around town, and buskers too.
Pagan Arts & Crafts market with about a dozen stalls selling everything for the closet pagan, shopsโ window dressing, and an Artisan Market with thirty or so local makers. With a childrenโs fun zone with fairground rides, magical storytelling and face painters, The Community Hub for local groups and clubs to showcase their activities, and yet to be confirmed Saturday night party to polish it off, looks like the party is in Bradford-on-Avon in Mayโฆ..twist my arm why donโt you!!
With the unfortunate cancellation of Devizes International Street Festival this year due to Arts Council cuts, all eyes are on our wonderful Hillworth Park nextโฆ
Need to keep informed and updated on the general election and its effect locally? Don’t bother with national media sources, everything you need to vomitโฆ
Jam-packed July! If thereโs always lots to do throughout the year, July especially so! Hereโs what weโve found in the wilds of Wiltshire this coming weekโฆ.โฆ
With the danceable penultimate act attracting a packed crowd, I observed a young teenager, who, on spotting a disregarded beer bottle, picked it up andโฆ
By Mick BrianPhotos by cast and arenaphotography William Shakespeareโs tragedy, inspired by real life eleventh century Scottish kings, is well known by anybody thatโs doneโฆ
Itโs beginning to look a lot likeโฆ. our weekly roundup of what weโve found to do in the wilds of Wiltshire this weekโฆ..
Please be aware this is not comprehensive and new events can and might yet still be added to our blossoming, occasionally updating EVENT CALENDAR; they might not be added here, so do check in regularly. You can also find links to everything mentioned there, and plan ahead.
One other really important thing before we get going, the thing everyone seems to brazenly browse past pretending it didnโt apply to them, we need donations to fund this, so, if you can, please donate a little something to keep us going; awl, thank you. If you love it, donโt lose it, like Bez on a nineties dance floor. For info on how, see HERE. Please and thank youโฆ
Ongoing: Two exhibits at Wiltshire Museum in Devizes: Lest We Forget: the Black Contribution to the World Wars and Eric Walrond: A Caribbean Writer living in Wiltshire. Reviewed Here.
Jack & The Beanstalk at the Wharf Theatre, Devizes, is wonderful, and runs till Saturday, but tickets are sold out, join the waiting list online, itโs worth it.
Wednesday 6th
Acoustic Jam at the Southgate, Devizes.
Christmas Afternoon for Over 60s at The Neeld, Chippenham.
Old Town Comedy Loft at the Hop Inn, Swindon.
Thursday 7th
The Real Cheesemakers & Tom Veck at The Tuppenny, Swindon, Lucky Thief play the Vic with Life in Mono and Ritual Divide. Geoff Marsh Panto Caped Avengers at Swindon Arts Centre.
A Winter Union at Chapel Arts, Bath.
Friday 8th
Fun Quiz Night at Wiltshire Museum, Devizes. Devizes Public Living Room: has a Singalong with Sian & Rob at Devizes Town Hall, Strange Folk play The Southgate, People Like Us at The Condado Lounge.
Michele Stodart is at the Pump, Trowbridge with DG Solaris in support. Soul Strutters are at the Civic Cafe and Be Like Will at The Red Admiral, Hilperton.
Sons of Town Hall at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Leon McCawley at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon, the Boot Hill All Stars Christmas Party at The Three Horseshoes.
The Superskas at Chapel Arts, Bath. The Jon Amor Trio play The Ram.
Riskee & The Ridicule play the Vic, Swindon, with 2 Sick Monkeys and Street Outlaws. The Jake Leg Jug Band at The Queenโs Tap.
TV Smith at the Tree House, Frome, while Complete Madness tribute are at the Cheese & Grain.
Saturday 9th
Young Curators Club, and the Museum Explorers Club for December at Wiltshire Museum, Devizes. A Wreath Making Workshop at The Parish Rooms, on Long Street, Devizes Lions Christmas Fair at The Corn Exchange, from 9am-2:30pm.
White Horse Opera Christmas Concert at St John’s Church, Devizes. SoupChick has a โShow & Sleighโ feast in the Shambles. Black Nasty at the Southgate, James Mitchell at the Three Crowns.
Barrelhouse plays The Lamb, Marlborough, Homer are at The Bear.
The Blunders play the Barge on HoneyStreet with Dissident Noise Factory in support, there’s a Christmas market there during the daytime with Father Christmas and Mad Pete’s Magic.
Legendary local folk band, Stonegallows reunite for a final gig at the Pump, Trowbridge. The 12 Bells offers a more grungy evening with โTerrors From The Deep.โ
The Chaos Brothers play The Talbot, Calne.
Triple JD at the Old Road Tavern, Chippenham. A Ratpack Night at The Consti Club. Christmas Show at The Cause.
The 80s vs. 90s Christmas Party at Melksham Assembly Hall.
Wiltshire Jazz Academyโs December concert at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon, also, Martin Cathy and Jon Wilks. Kitchen Lover at the Three Horseshoes.
Attic presents: Learning to Fly by James Rowland at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Good Times at The Woodlands Edge, Swindon, Diversify Xmas Special at the Vic.
Untamed Burlesque at Chapel Arts, Bath.
L1nkn P4rk & Foo Fakers at the Tree House, Frome. Jon Gomm & Jo Quail at the Cheese & Grain.
Sunday 10th
Matchbox Mutiny are at the White Bear, Devizes from 5pm.
The Jon Amor Trio are at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.
Swindon Recital Series at Swindon Arts Centre
Flash Harry @ The Cornerhouse, Frome. Frome record fair at the Cheese & Grain.
Carols and Morris dancers at the Southgate, Devizes.
The Scummy Mummies at the Civic, Trowbridge.
Ooh, Beehive at the Beehive, Swindon, and Eric Mylod-Okafo Quartet for Jazz Knights at the Royal Oak.
Steeleye Span at the Cheese & Grain.
That’s all folks, unless you know different? Drop me a line to tell me what I missed. It’s free to be listed here, but I’m partial to a chocolate cupcake now and then!
Next week is getting really Christmassy, I’ll drop some posters for stuff coming up below, but don’t miss a trick by keeping up with our updating Event Calendar.
by Ian Diddamsphotos by Richard Fletcher & Lisa Hounsome The concept of historical brutal dictatorships and comedy is not necessarily one that one considers asโฆ
A leopard doesn’t change its spots, and neither does a British Lion. Watch other Devizes pubs change landlord, decor, attractions, and styles. Watch them close,โฆ
Okay, they’ve given me a seat number but I can’t imagine Itโll hold me for long. Soukous is infectious, in a word. The dance music of the Congolese, Kasai Masai wears its crown in the UK. Popular on the festival circuit, they’ve perfected this captivating sound over fifteen years and last night blessed the outstanding acoustics of the Wiltshire Music Centre in Bradford on Avon; an opportunity too good for nasty weather to distract meโฆ..
Jesting with frontman Nickens Nkoso before they unleashed their hypnotic and irresistible rhythms, if he was from the Congo he could’ve at least brought the weather with him; yeah, a chilly evening, perhaps inapt for African music, but they sure warmed up the inside of this cathedral of music. Though Kasai Masai are London based, he originates from its capital, Kinshasa, and he briefly introduced me to the band from various areas of central and east Africa, such as Kenya and Tanzania.
I wanted to gauge Kassi if they treated a gig such as this, an audience predominantly unaware of soukous, any different than, perhaps, a London club where African rhythms are more recognisable, but he seemed certain they tackled them all with equal gusto, expressing the wealth of environments they played at, from arts centres to festivals such as Glastonbury and, naturally Womad. This said, one toe was eased in gradually, the opening songs steady in tempo and largely a Congolese rhumba, the root of soukous. Gorgeously layered, lengthy compositions, meld traditional aspects of the music of their homeland with their contemporary counterparts; the second he informed us is a lullaby, apparently! It was sweet and sentimentally executed, ambient, but still, I was edging off my seat.
It is not the structure of Kasai Masai, a six-piece combo of drummer, bassist, lead and rhythm guitarists, one sporadically swapping bongo and saxophone, and Kassi’s smooth vocals and occasional percussion with maracas, rather the unity and harmony of this tight-knit ensemble which charms one so evocatively. No player is upfront, the saxophone is subtle, bass levelled, the bongos drift, the singer binds it, sure, but the secret ingredient is proficient harmony.
Like many world music styles, you need to untrain your ear from the quadrille plod pop has accustomed you to, think of it like breaking in a pair of old leather boots. Unlike some others, soukous is made easy. Swapping to three chords midway, upping the tempo for the offbeat gives it this danceable surge, like those new air-wear souls which your feet slip straight into and off you walk; soukous is the Nike Air of African music! This theory was put to test last night at the Centre, as Massai began, an unassuming audience paid attention, as he encouraged the crowd to dance, it then became compulsory.
The last few songs of the first half I was aching to shake my thang, as the tempo upped and soukous became prominent, it demands it of you. Such is the main hallโs seated set up, you feel the British unmalleable obligation of reservation. The second half I was adamant, used the excuse I could get better photo angles to the few who made the dare to dance in the dancerโs corner, and abashed, added my real intention! Such colourful, electric rhythms, the like rare in these backwaters, I have to tip my hat to The Wiltshire Music Centre for providing such a diverse range of acts. Yeah, I was on my feet, it was hypnotic, but seconds later, I looked up to the seating, the majority were too.
They held the crowd spellbound as exquisite, exotic rhythms basked the Centre in African musicโs opulence, a true and authentic show of the riveting and beguiling reverberations of a distant land; that is world musicโs appeal, and that is what they delivered with certain perfection.
But the show is only a cornerstone to the whole experience at the Centre. This event was backed up earlier with a drumming workshop hosted by Kasai Masai, highlighting the educative element to the Centreโs ethos. Equal to this, upon me entering this wonderful purpose-built complex, the bar was filled with chat, and students jammed multiple xylophones, accompanied by one pianist, in the foyer; a clue to said ethos, thereโs always something happening at the Wiltshire Music Centre, and as the name suggests, itโs usually something musical!
The Music Centre is hospitable and inviting, and gets full marks for its extensive and diverse programming. It was a brilliant evening, though with an act as mesmerising as Kasai Masai I can only begin to imagine the magnificence in atmosphere at a grassroots festival; if you see them on the lineup, head that direction. The remaining of us, The Wiltshire Music Centre in Bradford-on-Avon is a real gem, check out what is coming up and do pay it a worthy visit.
Cool, Man Andy Fawthrop Devizes Arts Festivalโs programme continued on Thursday night, and it was time for a little jazz.ย As I often say (apparently)โฆ
A Lunchtime Amuse-Bouche by Andy Fawthrop Devizes Arts Festivalโs programme continued on Thursday afternoon with a lunchtime classical concert in the beautiful surroundings of theโฆ
Masterclass by Andy Fawthrop Devizes Arts Festivalโs programme continued last night, and it was the turn of another big name to grace the stage ofโฆ
Over the coming weeks I’m having cuppas with candidates of the Melksham-Devizes constituency crazy enough to indulge my political ignorance and endure my inane waffling;โฆ
World Class Piano by Andy Fawthrop And, following a lively few days of varied events over this last weekend, weโre now into Devizes Arts Festivalโsโฆ
Is that ex still playing on your mind? It’s been an age, mate, but no amount of friendsโ attempts to console you will help, or Domino’s pizza. You need a good old road closure. Yep, mobile traffic lights with a five mile queue to vent your grievances, take your mind off it; come to Devizes, we’ve got loads!
Okay, this isn’t Dear Deidre, that’s such a middle-aged Karen response it worries me to be honest. I do vaguely recall wallowing in self-pity, generally worsening it by listening to Portishead, nothing helped, but it was all so long ago. Thanks to Swindon’s dynamic indie four-piece, Viduals, for the reminder on how it feels!
Seriously though, a new belter from them today, fresh out of Western Audio Studios, called Where Did The Time Go? It’ll warm you up! After fondly reviewing their EP, On The Wayside just short of a year ago, Viduals have leaped and bounded. This is pro-indie-punk going places.
Despite the melancholic subject, this is throwing yourself into the mosh pit stuff, zesty and brim-full of youthful energy, but at the same time exhales a more universal and matured sound for the band. Sure presses my buttons and I’ve been happily married for โฆ..ermm โฆ..oh, where did the time go?!
At least you can be certain, this is a great tune, and if Mrs Devizine reads this I’ll be in the doghouse. Now, where’s that Portishead album, and what’s the number for Domino’s pizza?!
Seven-piece sui generis ensemble The Cable Street Collective were everything I expected them to be last night at The Corn Exchange; another impressive booking forโฆ
As if the FullTone Festival isnโt exciting enough for Devizes, the Town Council has allowed them an extra day, on the Friday 26th Julyโฆ.. Seeingโฆ
Andy Fawthrop Itโs All In The Genes Today Devizes Arts Festival presentation took on a more serious and talkative tone with another marquee signing takingโฆ
The first gig and club night by Devizes Youth Action Group exclusively for secondary school aged youth in Devizes back in February was hugely successful,โฆ
Hereโs what weโve found to do in the wilds of Wiltshire this coming week. Donโt forget your sunscreen and a nice party umbrella! Everything listedโฆ
Have you had โthe visitโ yet? Your local councillor house-calling hand-in-hand with Conservative candidate Michelle Donelan? I have. At least it broke up my busyโฆ
If the opening Friday evening of Devizes Arts Festival was amazing for lively pirate-punk craziness, Saturday night was too for precisely opposite reasons. Bristol’s soulstressโฆ
Mustโve been a sweaty August night last year at our trusty Southgate, when I turned up on the off chance, and staggered home mightily impressed at the levels of swinging juke joint just one husband and wife boater duo, and their drummer, can belt out.…
Albeit Mike and Helen Carter, and drummer Kevin Dempsey, aka 12 Bars Later did covers, and I believe, if memory serves me right, which isnโt often, I admit, but I believe I said you should be producing some originals and Mike replied something along the lines of โitโs in the bag.โ Finally, here is said bag, fresh out of Potterneโs Badger Set studio, five gorgeous blues-rock tracks with Helenโs vocals as smooth as Chrissie Hynde munching Turkish delight. Iโll say no more, take a listen and enjoy!
He’s behind you! Oh no, he isn’t, the director of the Wharf’s panto this year, John Winterton is right in front of me, and we’re having a cuppa in the foyer!
John makes a point, pantomime is an introduction to theatre for many. I can identify, my first experience at a show being an annual amateur panto which included my younger cousin’s dance group. Showing how slim my credentials for reviewing a pantomime are, the only other one I’ve seen was decades later when we took our kids to see Peter Pan at the Bath Royal; but I know what I like and liked what I saw.
And to question the need to write this at all, being tickets are near sold out anyway; this serves to say to those without tickets, you’re missing out, and to golden ticket holders, you’re in for a fantastic treat.
Doubting my decision to attend somewhat, prior to the show. I’m a grumpy old sausage without any need of drag queen clichรฉs, Carry-On titillation, and booing the baddie. Oh boy, did they turn my frown upside down.
Starter for ten, Jack and the Beanstalk at Devizesโ gem of a theatre contains all fundamental elements of pantomime, a loose narrative to distract from, drag, subtle smut, nonsensical comedy, breaking the fourth wall, patchwork clowns and loveable animal characters, parodies of pop songs, fairytale romance, song and dance. Save perhaps the archetypal celebrity. But who needs a Keith Chegwin or Ian from Eastenders when fourteen year old Jess Self takes the lead role of Jack, for if she’s no celebrity yet, she’s a bona-fide star.
This is where I need to take care not to add spoilers, plus note some imagination was required as this was a dress rehearsal and audience participation is key to pantomime above all others. The latter is easier than it sounds, being a big kid at heart, families, I guarantee will love this in equal measure.
To the nitty-gritty, writer Oliver Phipps has created an offbeat tribute to the folkloric fairy-tale which in essence deviates whimsically for comic scope rather than rolls traditional narrative, and tends to be mindful you’re watching a play in Devizes with local references and self-deprecating gags.
There’s atypical charming and fun characters to bounce off Jack, key to this performance is the apt casting. Oliver casts himself as the drag Dame Dotty, mother of Jack, and detonates exuberance and wit. Other notable comic creations to bind this perfect synergy is the Arlecchino patchwork clown Silly Simon, a brother of Jack’s eccentricity played by Oliver Beech, a lovably simpleton cow called Pat (geddit?) who, though we shouldn’t otherwise name-call but in this instance there’s no better way of saying, Jemma Gingell perfects the cow! And the most universal comic character, the egotistical and game show host wannabe, Spirit of the Beans, played immaculately by Jax Brady.
Other than dancers, Berrie Mildenhall, Jamie Linsley, Sienna Swain, Oliva Hibbert, Belle Stalham, and Fleur Brewer, villagers, Helen Pritchard, Ben Bryan, Poppi Lamb-Hughes and youngest actor Lucas Dowling at ten years-old, Jill, the princess love interest, played delightfully by Georgina Claridge, and villainess to boo Mrs Blunderbore, played wickedly by Hayley Baxter, all characters are comically forged, which gets my approval. Even the king and queen, so often not in pantos, are funny, acted by Corrin Barbieri and, down-to-his-jimmy-jams, Adam Sturges, respectively.
If you’re looking for a profound delineation of orthodox folklore, committed to chronicle and honour an original plot, then this isnโt for you, but if you’re not a bore, and seek true kooky panto, with genius wordplay, if you want to guffaw and giggle, sing and get involved, well, this is perfect, and youโll have a great time. I only mention this in remembrance of my Dad, who came over all Mr Spock after every panto, groaning logic, things like, โit could’ve been coincidence the glass slipper happened to fit,โ or โwhy didn’t Aladdin ask the genie for another three wishes as his last wish?โ Pantomime is fantastical and not for overthinking, forgoing continuity and logic, this one is fantastic and matches the description.
Another crucial point of the joys of the humble Wharf Theatre, which came up in chatting with John in the foyer, was that if I bit the bullet of expense and went up the Westend to see a show, sure I’d have an unforgettable evening, but I go for the show’s title, couldn’t now recall the name of the theatre. John delighted in telling me he recognised the same faces, regulars who sit in the same seats. They come for the Wharf’s reputation; I wonder if city theatres could boast the same. The simple fact is, while the Wharf is communal, local, and affordable, it may well be amateur but strides at Neil Armstrong lengths to produce quality shows. Above glitz and glamour of Broadway, what The Wharf compares with, and prioritises, is heart.
Jack & The Beanstalk at the Wharf Theatre, Devizes opens on Friday 1st December and runs up to Saturday 9th. Tickets are sold out, but you can join the waiting list online HERE, hope for a cancelation, and take this as red, not to miss out next year!
With a rolling hook in the chorus, piano riff over acoustic guitar and a heartfelt narrative, hereโs a promising debut single from Salisburyโs young singer-songwriterโฆ
Land ahoy me hearties! Devizes Corn Exchange was boarded last night by Cornish punk pirates Jolly Roger, for a frivolous and swashbuckling opening to Devizesโฆ
Images used with kind permission of Pacific Curd Photography West Wilts and Somerset folk-rock collective Courting Ghosts are about to release their debut album, Fallingโฆ
We’ve been chatting with the Community Organiser and Campaigns Manager of Devizes and District Foodbank, Alex Montegriffo, about an important free community conversation on Mondayโฆ
By Ian DiddamsPhotos by Gail Foster In 1971 Ken Russell enchanted film audiences with โThe Devilsโ, which incorporated nuns in the story โ somewhat controversially.โฆ
Friday evening in the liveliest of Devizes pubs, The Three Crowns, with Devizes best upcoming band, Nothing Rhymes With Orange pulling a two hour setโฆ
In recognition of his selfless ministry and leadership of St James Church, where the community and residents are at the core of everything, birthday boyโฆ
Itโs going to be all strawberries and cheese baps in pith helmets swinging in trouserland bedlam, with chap-hop shenanigans galore at the Barge on Honeystreetโฆ
To look around our beautiful landscapes youโd be understanding of visitors who assume itโs a barren outback with nothing going on, but we know different; look and thee shall find. Weโve a packed week ahead as we move into December, the fun never stops! Hereโs what weโve found to do in the wilds of Wiltshire this weekโฆ..
Please be aware this is not comprehensive and new events can and might yet still be added to our blossoming, occasionally updatingEVENT CALENDAR; they might not be added here, so do check in regularly. You can also find links to everything mentioned there, and plan ahead.
One other really important thing before we get going, the thing everyone seems to brazenly browse past pretending it didnโt apply to them, we need donations to fund this, so, if you can, please donate a little something to keep us going; awl, thank you. If you love it, donโt lose it, like Bez on a nineties dance floor. For info on how, see HERE. Please and thank youโฆ
Ongoing: Two exhibits at Wiltshire Museum in Devizes: Lest We Forget: the Black Contribution to the World Wars and Eric Walrond: A Caribbean Writer living in Wiltshire. Reviewed Here.
Artist Clifton Powell with his portrait of Eric Walrond, on display at Wiltshire Museum
Wednesday 29th
NHS Blood Donation Clinic at The Corn Exchange in Devizes, between 1:30 and 7pm. The regular acoustic jam at the Southgate, Devizes.
Roy Chubby Brown is at The Civic, Trowbridge.
Keith Jamesโ Every Human Heart at Swindon Arts Centre.
Piano Phase Project Sound Meditation at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.
Ushti Baba at The Bell, Bath. Opening at The Rondo Theatre, A Streetcar Named Desire, which runs until Saturday 2nd.
Far From Saints at the Cheese & Grain, Frome is now sold out.
Thursday 30th
Open Mic at The Crown, Aldbourne.
Wiltshire Air Ambulance Christmas Market, Trowbridge. Open Mic at Stallards.
Adele Cliff at Chippenham Comedy Club at The Old Road Tavern, Chippenham.
Christmas Memories at Melksham Assembly Hall.
Jam Night at The Boathouse, Bradford-on-Avon.
FitkinWall: Harpland at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Grubb & Eedens at The Tuppenny, Swindon.
Chris Diffordโs โNot Only But Alsoโ at Chapel Arts, Bath.
Voodoo Room at the Tree House, Frome.
Friday 1st December
Friday sees a Christmas market and Santa’s grotto at The Pelican Inn, Devizes, from 4pm to 9.
Itโs the opening night of Jack & The Beanstalk at the Wharf Theatre, running until 9th Dec. Youโre going to be hard pushed to grab a seat for this now, but do try Devizes Books or join the online waiting list on their website. We look forward to reviewing this on Thursday.
Vamos is at the Old Road Tavern, Chippenham, bringing you the fantastic Will Lawton & The Alchemists with Mac-Lloyd in support, this will be one cool gig, highly recommended; please pay what you can for it. Living Spit: A Christmas Carol at the Neeld Hall.
Tribute to Dire Straits, DS:UK at the Melksham Assembly Hall.
Operation 77 at The Talbot, Calne.
My Fair Lady opens at the Civic in Trowbridge, running up to Sunday.
I Fagiolini Angels & Demons at the Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon. The brilliant Monkey Bizzle at the Three Horseshoes with Cara Means Friend.
Chris Difford is at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Alice Armstrong is a Chapel Arts, Bath.
Ed Tudor Pole at The Winchester Gate, Salisbury.
Jon Amor Trio at the Beehive, Swindon.
Ozric Tentacles & Gong at the Cheese & Grain, Frome, now sold out, but The Specialised are at The Tree House.
Saturday 2nd
Calne River Warriors’ Wreath-Making Workshop at the Pocket Park, Calne.
Christmas Market at Avebury Barn.
Devizes LunaBarge at The Southgate Inn, Devizes. The Unpredictables at the Three Crowns, and the Moonrakers 80s Disco at The Moonrakers, Devizes.
Marlborough Concert Orchestra at St Marys, Marlborough.
Splat the Rat at The Barge Inn, HoneyStreet.
Christmas Light Switch on in Melksham with Plan of Action, on at 5:30pm.
Gary Stringer and Ella Clayton at The Pump in Trowbridge are sold out, and find the 41 Fords at Stallards.
The Dynamos at the Consti Club in Chippenham.
The Reason at Prestbury Sports Bar, Westbury.
FitkinWall: Harpland at Pound Arts, Corsham.
For Editorโs Pick of the Week we head over to the Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon for some African drumming with Kasai Masai in concert, and a drumming workshop beforehand.
Hell Death Fury at the Three Horseshoes in Bradford-on-Avon, with support.
Oye Santana at Chapel Arts, Bath, and Junction 18 have a 100th gig fundraiser for Bath Foodbank at St Mark’s Church.
Panto time at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon, Snow White runs until 31st December. Charlie Baker at Swindon Arts Centre. One Trick Combo at The Woodlands Edge. Operation 77 at The New Inn.
Salisbury Music Awards at The Winchester Gate.
The Lanky Divas have an album launch at The Sun, Frome. Billy In The Lowground at The Tree House. The Counterfeit Beatles at the Cheese & Grain.
Sunday 3rd
Chirton School has a wreath making workshop.
The monthly residency of the Jon Amor Trio at The Southgate, Devizes. The Groom Familyโs Houseparty at Devizes Town Hall.
Christmas Market at Avebury Barn.
Charity Christmas Fair & Santaโs Grotto at The New Inn, Winterbourne Monkton.
Christmas Fayre & Santaโs Grotto at Chippenham Sports Club.
Really Big Really Clever plays the Pump, Trowbridge with NervEndings in support.
Budapest Cafe Orchestra at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon. Mike Hoddinott Trio at The Three Horseshoes.
My Darling Clementine at the Cheese & Grain, Frome.
Monday 4th
Mark Watson at Swindon Arts Centre.
Tuesday 5th
Callum Smith organ Trio, for Jazz Knights at the Royal Oak, Swindon
And thatโs all weโve got so far, but more stuff is added all the time, so keep a beady eye on
ย Abrilli, sole Director and owner of Tonka Bean Cafe Bar in Devizes announced today, due to โsignificant changes in personal and financial circumstances due toโฆ
How did you celebrate your seventeenth birthday? Did you pop up to Glasgow to accompany The Charlatans, on bagpipes, at the historic Barrowlands ballroom, and then have your latest single spun by Chris Hawkins on BBC Radio 6?!
Being honest, the memory of my seventeenth birthday is vague at best, but Iโm pretty certain it wasnโt even in the same ballpark! A huge happy birthday, then, to our upcoming superstar Ruby Darbyshire, and an even huger โwowzers;โ although this is amazing news, itโs fully deserved in my humble opinion. In what she dubbed her โbiggest gig yet,โ on social media, last weekend was a huge success, playing with The Charlatans at Barrowlands.
Ruby now lives on a narrowboat on the Kennet and Avon Canal near Bath with proud dad, Brian, who happened to call me with this astounding news last week. Exploding in exhilaration, he then told me I would have to wait to publish it. I think he just wanted to relay the story to someone, to best contain his understandable excitement!
Previously from Dumfries, Ruby used to busk in Buchanan Street, Glasgow, on many Saturdays, playing guitar and singing, where she raised thousands of pounds for Save the Children. Taken under the wing of the wonderful Pipe Major Jim McConnechie in Dumfries at the age of eight, while Ruby loves playing traditional music, for Remembrance Day, Burns suppers and other fitting occasions, sheโs also known for using the pipes for rock music.
Homeschooled, Ruby now studies music at Bath College, and has become an accomplished multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter and Highland bagpiper. You may well have seen her busking in the Brittox of Devizes, and various other local locations. Particularly memorable in town, was her impromptu appearance with Wayne Cherry on his one-hundred hours of Remembrance fundraiser. You may have been lucky enough to see her play live locally, after listening to and reviewing her debut EP,Donโt Give Up Now, Weโre Nearly There, I made it top priority to attend her next gig, supporting Amelia Coburn, with Meg, at Trowbridgeโs Pump.
On the couple of occasions Iโve had the honour to meet Ruby she remains modest about the attention, but if she doesnโt like to blow her own, erm, bagpipes, journalist for the Times, Nick Fraser reviewed the Charlatansโ gig, stating her guest appearance as the โmost startling momentโ of the event.
Her forthcoming single “Caller Unknown” was made possible by the support of Tim Burgess of The Charlatans who spotted Ruby at Kendal Calling Festival, and through his new charitable initiative, Help Us Help Bands, Ruby won a recording session at the Cheese & Grainโs Bert Jansch Studio in Frome. I, for one, canโt wait to hear the latest song, once Iโve gotten over how simply fantastic this is for our locally-based artist; Iโve gone all goosebumpily! Well done Ruby, we are rooting for you.
White Horse Opera members, Soprano Barbara Gompels, Mezzo Soprano Paula Boyagis, Tenor Carlos Alonso together with pianist Tony James join forces with international cellist Anupโฆ
By Ian DiddamsImages by Chris Watkins Ruth Ellis was hanged aged 28 years old, by Albert Pierrepoint the official executioner in the UK, at Hollowayโฆ
A group of local women and their families are gathering together to lay a huge installation of childrenโs clothes outside the office of Justin Tomlinsonโฆ
You canโt get away from the fact that this town continues to punch way above its weight.ย Firstly, we have DOCA, who organised a simply brilliant Lantern Parade last night, including a switch-on of the Christmas lights and a firework display.ย The Market Place and surrounding streets were absolutely packed with people, and many pop-up food stalls and local businesses were doing a roaring trade.ย It was great to see the town enjoying itself so much.
But we also have Ian Hopkins and LSBC โLong Street Blues Club.ย And last night we had an absolutely knock-out gig that just couldnโt be bettered.
Again, the crowds had turned out, and the room was absolutely packed with blues fans. And, boy, were they royally entertained. First up in the support slot were two UK bluesmanโ Giles Robson on harmonica and Mississippi MacDonald on guitar. They delivered a 40-minute set that was solidly bluesy, stripped-back, and absolutely top-notch. These were two great, award-winning musicians, totally in synch with each other, acting as great musical foils for each other. The vocals were hard, gritty, and throaty. The rhythm was relentless, and the inter-song chat was witty and good-humoured. The audience loved every minute, and I wasnโt the only one thinking that these guys might have been headliners themselves and were worth the ticket price alone. A stunning start to the evening, which couldnโt possibly get any better. Or could it?
Pleased to report that it did, as Ian welcomed three legends of the Chicago blues scene to the stage.
Starting the first couple of numbers as a duo were the awesome Chicago-born Jimi โPrime Timeโ Smith on guitar and vocals, and harmonica wizard Bob Corritore. Both these guys have more than been around the block, producing an enormous catalogue of recordings, contributing to countless othersโ records, and winning a slew of awards over the years. It wasnโt difficult to see why. The quality of the music coming from these guys was simply awesome. The vocals were gritty, the harmonica howling and growling, filling out the vocal phrases. It was cool, inspired, and haunting, and just so, so good.
But there was yet another gear to be engaged, as the full trio got together with the entrance of the stick-leaning, white-capped Oscar Wilson. If the vocals had been good before, they just got better. What a voice this guy had! Now there was even more feeling, more colour, more depth. In a near two-hour set, the trio worked their way through a whole collection of great โwalking bluesโ numbers, including their own compositions, as well as a few blues classics to leaven the mixture (Bright Lights, Big City and Walking By Myself, and Got My Mojo Working).
Proceedings were enlivened by the chatty between-song banter, the audience participation, and the swap-rounds in personnel as first Giles Robson, and then Mississippi MacDonald were invited up on stage to join in the fun. The trio on their own were all stars, but there was no single star, no ego on show. With no drums, no bass and no keys, the driving steady rhythm was provided throughout by Smithโs superb virtuoso guitar work, and the lighter and deeper colours were filled in by Corritoreโs soaring harmonica and Wilsonโs huge growling and emotive vocals. And then there was the step down. Not only did Wilson walk out into the audience, but he slowed his delivery to a talking drawl, drawing out the lines and the meaning.
There was no dancing tonight โ this wasnโt fast, beat-heavy blues. This was walkinโ anโ talkinโ Muddy Waters style blues. The audience responded with massive enthusiasm. There was plenty of love in the room, and deservedly so. If the phrase โmusic connects everyoneโ (as quoted during the evening) is true, then there were plenty of connections made tonight.
This was the real deal Chicago blues, featuring three (or was it five?) world-class musicians, and they were playing in our town. Yet again, Ian Hopkins did a great job in bringing such entertainment right to our very doorstep. Absolutely top nightโs entertainment.
by Ian Diddamsimages from Mark Harrison Facebook Last summer I was lucky enough to see Mark Harrison play at the โTangled Rootsโ festival over Radstockโฆ
In what appears to be a deliberate attempt to smear the campaign of opposition candidate for Wiltshire Police Crime Commissioner, independent Mike Rees, it seemsโฆ
Astronomical winter starts on the 22nd December, yโ know, but the Met Office uses a meteorological definition of seasons, making the first day of winter this coming Friday, the 1st of December. Either way I think we jinxed it, having a Winter Festival this November weekend in Devizes, as the climate sought to take heed and plummet the temperature to a very wintery -4; oh, my poor frosted milk-bottle collecting fingies!
Even I, one who would hibernate given half a chance, donned my beanie and thermal long Johns to turn out for this year’s lantern parade, light switching on, market thingy in the Market Place of olโ D-town, and what a smashing evening was had by the multitudes who gathered there.
Image: Simon Folkard
Yeah, I know, I cry for diversity in our local entertainment and encourage those who challenge the norms, but on some, particularly this occasion, things are best left to tradition. An event systematically built over the years in which little really changes because it doesn’t need to, Winter Festival in Devizes is that family occasion which screams Christmas to you, with the clout of Noddy Holder annunciating through a megaphone. Like it or not, it signifies Yuletide better than a billion shopping trips to B&M for cheap plastic decorations; even I, Uncle Scrooge, cannot deny it’s that season once more!
Bar humbug, DOCA, and the many small businesses knocked it out of the park, or should I say Market Place once again, in providing a little taste of winter wonderland. With sleigh bells ringing, we were listening, in the Brittox snow was very nearly glistening, a beautiful sight, we were happy last night. Not that I’m able to scribe a review in a similar manner to a gig. It is what it is, what it is brings a smile to every face. and you cannot argue with smiles. See this then more as documentation of the occasion with a footnote thanking all who volunteered to stage this impressive show: I saw Santa, thanks DOCA!
With Young Farmers pimping their tractors in lights and tinsel, raring to set off on December 17th, to the enlightening parade of lanterns, and from hot rum toddies served at the Muck, to the aromas of the food stands, to Soupchick busy at the helm, craft fair in the Corn Exchange and projections on the facade of the Shambles, it was a spectacle to behold while Devizes Town Band blessed the Market Place with seasonal anthems.
by Simon Folkard
And that’s about it, really, a communal and hospitable gathering with an ambience of goodwill you cannot fault, need not improve, and annually marking the beginning of Christmas. Even a repeat of Home Alone or Die Hard on the telebox wouldn’t hold me back; bit nippy though, innit?!
Drizzly Sundayโฆagain. Iโve just finished designing the poster, so allow me to reveal the lineup for Rowdefest this coming May, might cheer us up a … Continue reading “Rowdefest 26 Lineup Reveal!”
Featured Image:@jenimeadephotography Just another rainy Saturday afternoon in Devizes, whereby I watched a profound fellow dramatically sacrifice himself to the devil, then popped to Morrisons … Continue reading “Doctor Faustus Sells His Soulโฆ. in Devizes!”
Wiltshire-based charity, Wicked Weather Watch (WWW), is looking to expand its innovative approach to climate education with their upcoming Big Give Christmas Challenge campaign…..
The younger generation is facing an unprecedented environmental challenge with the growing impacts of climate change. Recognising the urgent need for climate education, Wicked Weather Watch is dedicated to teaching primary pupils about the science of climate change, the significance of the Arctic region, and the importance of sustainability. Their unique virtual multi-school Arctic days connect children across the UK, allowing them to learn from real-life Arctic explorers and engage in interactive activities.
Wicked Weather Watch Director, Rhianna Davies-Smith working with students at Yeo Moor Primary School
The charityโs Founder, Sir David Hempleman-Adams, said: “We hear about global warming on the news, but it can be difficult for people to fully appreciate the threat until it directly impacts them. Iโve seen massive changes since 1982 when I first went to the Arctic. Our planet is ours to look after. Children think about this from a very early age, which is why Wicked Weather Watch is so important.”
WWW’s campaign, running from 28th November to 5th December 2023, aims to raise ยฃ4,000 to reach 4,000 students in 2024 through their Amazing Arctic Multi-School Events. In the events pupils will meet an Arctic explorer, learn about the polar regions through fun cross-curricular activities and take part in a sugar cube igloo challenge across the schools. The initiative focuses on connecting pupils to the Arctic region, reducing eco-anxiety, and inspiring them to take climate action.
The Big Give Christmas Challenge, the UK’s biggest match-funded campaign, offers a unique opportunity for donors to double their impact. During the campaign week, donations to WWW will be matched, amplifying the support for vital climate education.
Year 6 Pupils from schools who have taken part in the charityโs events express their concerns and hopes. One student noted, “We are all in this together… everyone is affected by the mistakes humans are making.” Another added, “We really need to help the planet or the polar regions will melt and make sea levels rise, causing flooding. We can all play our part in stopping climate change!โ
Wicked Weather Watch is now asking the community to support their cause in empowering the next generation to tackle climate change. People should visit donate.biggive.org/christmas-challenge-2023 between 28th November and 5th December and search for โWicked Weather Watchโ to make a donation and see it doubled.
About Wicked Weather Watch
WWW was founded by Sir David Hempleman-Adams, KCVO, OBE, KStJ, DL, FRSGS, a renowned polar explorer and writer.ย Sir David was the first person to complete the Adventurers Grand Slam, where he reached the North Pole, South Pole and climbed the highest peak of each of the seven continents. Sir David also led the Polar Ocean Challenge, whichย made history becoming the first British yacht to sail around the Arctic Ocean (anticlockwise) in one summer season.
WWW seeks to provide primary students with climate change education to inspire and turn eco-anxiety into empowerment. Schools can request either a talk from an Arctic Explorer, a climate change workshop, or a talk from a climate change expert. We can also give whole school events and multi-school events – contact us to discuss pricing for these specific events
WWW provides talks and assemblies from Arctic explorers and climate change experts, as well as interactive workshops. All of their offerings are available in person or virtually. They offer primary schools explorer talks, climate change expert talks, workshops on sustainability and the Arctic, and CPD for teachers. So far they have taught over 21,000 pupils.
If we spoke only last month about Wiltshire Councilโs threats to prosecute Wiltshire Music Events over posters advertising a Bob Marley tribute event in Devizes,โฆ
By Florence Lee Images by Kiesha Films โThey promised hardcore shenanigans which never fall below 180 bpmโ SHOX: After seeing Shox in February I wasโฆ
Girls, girls, girls, we love them here at Devizine, especially our esteemed all-female local supergroup The Female of the Species. 2024 will be their ninthโฆ
Two teen Devizes punker bands appear on Trowbridgeโs Pump triple-bill this Saturday, as the search for the Future of Trowbridge reaches its eighth instalment; unsureโฆ
There will be some foot-tapping folky goodness at the wonderful Wiltshire Music Centre in Bradford-on-Avon on Friday. This year’s Bradford Roots Festival may be aโฆ
Oooh, exciting, are you excited? I know I am; been good(ish) all year, no bag of coal for me. With the DOCA Winter Festival coming this Friday and Saturday, and so long as Devizes Town Band play Stop the Cavalry, thatโs my calling and I drop my humbug and start accepting it, and, in the words of the gurt lush Elton, Iโm stepping into Christmas, joining together and watching the snow fall forever and ever, though itโs more likely to be this perpetual drizzle. But whatโs to do over the yule in Devizes? Well, I think weโve got it all jingling here, so break out your eggnogโฆโฆ
Now, before we begin and youโre sitting comfortably, note this is for Devizes only, and perhaps our surrounding villages, but more countywide stuff is listed on our event calendar, and itโs updating all the time, so do check that out. Ticket links and more details of all events listed here can be found on the calendar too.
Also, while I’m here, do check out the windows on display throughout this week as part of Window Wanderland. Take a stroll around Devizes and see the fantastic window decorations, dressed to the theme of ‘Look To The Future’. The decorations are up now until 26th November, illuminated from 5-9pm every evening. Look on the map to see where you can find the windows around town, full map available at tinyurl.com/docawindows23
Okay, here we go, this weekend sees the DOCA Winter Festival, incorporating the light switch on, fireworks, markets, music, and of course our lantern parade. Friday, in the MarketPlace, you know the score, youโve done it before. Oh, and on Saturday too. You can follow this up with the Chicago Blues Trio at Long Street Blues Club, Stones Throw at The Three Crowns, or a Christmas lantern parade Karaoke Party at The Pelican, on Friday that is. Saturday youโll find Adam Woodhouse at The Three Crowns, and The Worried Men at The Southgate, both come highly recommended from us. Polish off your early Christmassy doings with some rock n roll from the James Oliver Band at The Southgate on Sunday.
And just like some tinselly magic fairy dust, weโre into December with our woolly bobble hats and granโs knitted mittens. Jack & the Beanstalk is the pantomime at the Wharf Theatre this year, and it opens Friday 1st, running behind you, oh no it it isnโt, oh yes it is, until 9th December, but please do get in quick on this one, tickets usually sell out faster than Santa eats breakfast on Christmas eve.
The Pelican Inn has a Christmas Fair on the 1st December, from 4-9, and a Santa’s Grotto too! Friday night is 80s disco night at the Moonrakers.
Santa’s Grotto at the Pelican Inn, Devizes
Devizes Lions will be out touring the town from Friday 1st to Thursday 21st December with a cheery Santa, lights and music. Starting at 5:30pm each evening and finishing by 7:45pm at the latest. See below for the routes………
or you can view or download a copy from their website: www.devizeslions.org.uk You will be able to follow Santa’s route each evening in real time from their Facebook Page.
Santa’s Sleigh will be at the Lidl supermarket on Saturday 2nd December and at Morrisons’ supermarket on Saturday 16th December. Devizes Lions will also have a Christmas collection in The Brittox on Thursday 14th December.
Please Note:
Cul-de-sacs
The float will normally wait at the entrance to cul-de-sacs and Santaโs helpers will tell people where he is waiting to greet the children
Times
The float will start at 5.30 each evening and finish no later than 7:45
Weather
Devizes Lions cannot guarantee that they will be able to adhere to the published programme due to inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
The Truzzy Boys plays the Three Crowns that first Saturday of the month, LunaBarge plays The Southgate and on Sunday Jon Amor Trio will have their celebrated residency, with a special guest.
Christmas Wreath making workshop at Chirton School on Sunday 3rd, and the Groom Familyโs Houseparty fundraiser at Devizes Town Hall.
Ah, Soupchick, yay!
Late night opening at HollyChocs in Poulshot, if you want to get really chocolaty on Thursday 7th!
Friday 8th, and thereโs a Fun Quiz Night at Wiltshire Museum, the wonderful Strange Folk grace The Southgate, and People Like Us party at The Condado Lounge.
Saturday 9th is Devizes Lions Christmas Fair at The Corn Exchange from 9am-2:30pm. The White Horse Opera Christmas Concert is at St John’s Church, James Mitchell plays the Three Crowns, and Black Nasty are at the Southgate and Soupchick have a feast, see above. Sunday 10th sees Sunflower Eventsโ Christmas Fair & Craft Market at the Corn Exchange.
Devizes Adventure! The theme for this year is โRoom at the Inn’
This December, the life-sized Advent Calendar will open once again to reveal a different festive, creative, interactive, and fun display each evening (5:30 โ 6:30pm) in the garden of the British Lion pub.
Come and say hello on the 15th December when DOCA will be hosting the Advent Calendar for the evening, and come to see the other fantastic offerings throughout the month – there will be prizes for those who come to all 24 nights.
Friday 15th sees our upcoming favs, Nothing Rhymes With Orange at The Southgate. And on Saturday 16th the first boat launches from the Wharf for the Kenavon Venture Santa Cruise. These run until the 23rd December, but booking in advance is essential. Glad to hear Breakfast With Santa is on again this year at Devizes Fire Station, on Saturday 16th too.
Thereโs a Christmas Market in Hillworth Park on Saturday 16th too. The SODs Charity Christmas Gig is fundraising for Wiltshire Air Ambulance, at Devizes Town Hall, The Coco Club Christmas Ball at the Bear Hotel and the Big Sound Choir have their Christmas Concert at St Johnโs. Christmas for you raver families starts also on Saturday 16th, when the Exchange plays host to The Family Ravers Christmas Party, see belowโฆ.
Aside from all these Christmassy things to do, also on Saturday 16th Fullhouse play Frankie Miller at Long Street Blues Club, Phase Rotate are at The Southgate, and Sour Apple play at The Three Crowns for the birthday boy landlord, Simon.
On Sunday 17th, Devizes Young Farmers Tractor & Tinsel Christmas Market at the Market Place, raising funds for Wiltshire Air Ambulance. Finish this off with an afternoon with Andrew Hurst at The White Bear from 5pm.
Oooh, itโs beginning to feel a lot like Christmas now, as by the following weekend, Funked Up have their Christmas Party the Pelican on Friday 22nd, and One Trick Pony has her fundraiser at the The Southgate, see poster. Illingworth are at the Three Crowns on Saturday 23rd, and Marlboroughโs finest blues ensemble Barrelhouse blesses The Southgate. Then, and only then, you can open your socks and Lynx deodorant sets!
Barrelhouse looking rather Christmassy!
Christmas Eve all I have so far is this from the Crown at Bishops Cannings:
After the Quality Street tin only has those toffee pennies no one likes left, tribute Mick Jogger has his Rolling Stones Experience at the Corn Exchange on Friday 29th, Sound Hog Disco, Karaoke at the Three Crowns on Saturday 30th, and the only new year partes I know of is The Crown at Bishops Cannings who have the Chicken Teddies, and in town, Devizes Scooter Clubโs, at The Cavalier. Triblies off to them, but there must be some others, and some serious updates to this in general, so do tell us if we missed anything and weโll paste you in quicker than pulling a cracker!
Wass that Brah? Just cos I’m 50 I have you know I can still pull a cracker pretty darn quickly…..you’d be surprised how quickly I can pull a cracker!
After an inaugural midweek gig with local legend Andrew Hurst this month, it seems Bromham’s St Nicholas Church could be the unexpected new rural musicโฆ
Spring has sprung! There were two snails on my milk-float this morning, opening โdoing it,โ without shame; absolute filth! โฆ. I should have filmed itโฆ
By Mick Brian.Images by Chris Watkins Media Mention the name of the author โAgatha Christieโ and most people will immediately think of her two mainโฆ
Everything to do in Wiltshire this coming week, right in one handy listing, you know the drill, jump to it, preferably before putting your Christmas tree up, it is, after all, only mid-November; take a chill pill!
Okay, please be aware this is not comprehensive and new events can and might yet still be added to our blossoming, occasionally updating EVENT CALENDAR; they might not be added here, so do check in regularly. You can also find links to everything mentioned there, and plan ahead.
One other really important thing before we get going, the thing everyone seems to brazenly browse past pretending it didnโt apply to them, we need donations to fund this, so, if you can, please donate a little something to keep us going; awl, thank you. If you love it, donโt lose it, like Bez on a nineties dance floor. For info on how, see HERE. Please and thank youโฆ
Ongoing: Dark, the latest exhibit at the Forbidden Carnival in Chippenham runs until 26th November.
Two exhibits at Wiltshire Museum in Devizes: Lest We Forget: the Black Contribution to the World Wars and Eric Walrond: A Caribbean Writer living in Wiltshire. Reviewed Here.
Wednesday 22nd
Acoustic Jam at the Southgate, Devizes.
Memory Cinema at Swindon Arts Centre showing Who Framed Roger Rabbit?
Running until Friday 24th Voices for Life Extraordinary at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.
Kroke at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Clusterfunk at The Bell, Bath. Former ELO 2 Frontman Phil Bates Up Close And Personal Solo UK Tour at Chapel Arts.
Thursday 23rd
Kim Emery at La Bobina, Marlborough.
Dead Man’s Whiskey with Wicked in support at Underground, Swindon. A Christmas Carol at Swindon Arts Centre, Jake Leg Jug Band at the Beehive. Luna Barge at the Tuppenny.
Entertaining Angels at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.
Hear my Voice, the LGBTQ+ poetry night at The Rondo Theatre, Bath.
Passenger Club at The Winchester Gate, Salisbury.
Friday 24th
Continuing into Saturday but the main show is Friday, folks, the DOCA Winter Festival in Devizes is always a wonderful evening. With the lantern parade, light switch on, Devizes Town Band and market, itโs my obvious choice for editorโs pick of the week!
Staying in Devizes, Chicago Blues Trio at Long Street Blues Club, Stones Throw at The Three Crowns, and a lantern parade Karaoke Party at The Pelican.
But itโs Marlboroughโs light switch on and market too, and Mean as Custard plays the Bear.
Writing and Researching a novel with Keith Stuart at Chippenham library, music cafรฉ at the Cause, and Kate Lomas, with Laissez Faire and others play a fundraiser in support of the new Chippenham Arts Centre, No.7.
Sad Dad Club at Stallards, Trowbridge. Parker plays the Pump, with A Bottle of Dog and Happy Dogs in support. And thereโs jazz with the Stilts at the Civic.
Carmen Co at St Michaelโs Church, Mere.
Red Light at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon, The Remnants at The Boathouse, Bradford-on-Avon.
Running to Saturday, The Bean Spillersโ Improvised Musical at The Rondo Theatre, Bath. Sheer Music is at Moles with Pet Needs, the Glitchers and Nothing Rhymes With Orange in support.
Oasish Vs Stereotonics at The Vic in Swindon, Phantom Lymb at the Beehive.
Frome Lantern Parade and Christmas Light Switch on too, with The Membersโ โSound of the Suburbs tourโ coming to the Tree House.
Saturday 25th
Thereโs a lecture at Wiltshire Museum, Devizes called The Hunt for Stourton Castle.ย ย Adam Woodhouse is at The Three Crowns, The Worried Men at The Southgate.
Alex Roberts is at The Barge on HoneyStreet. Trash Panda at The Lamb, Marlborough,ย
Static Moves at the Burbage Legion Hall, The Crofton Stokers at the Woodborough Club,
Billy & Louie at The Crown in Aldbourne, and the Ramsbury Christmas Food and Artisan Market .
The Heart Beats at Melksham Rock n Roll Club.
Freepeace at The Red Admiral, Trowbridge, Ed Byrneโs Tragedy Plus Time tour at the Civic.
Chippenham parkrun at Monkton, Wiltshire College & University Centre Chippenham Campus Open Day also in Chippenham. Chippenham Christmas Market at the Old Road Tavern. Spotlight 3: Modern & Contemporary Art from the Collection of Chippenham Museum, and a Pre-loved Clothes Event at Hardenhuish school.
The Fairytale Ceilidh: A Fantastical Dance Party at Pound Arts, Corsham, and Carmen Co at Grittleton Village Hall.
Bradford-on-Avon Floating Winter Fair today, with Bath Symphony Orchestra at Wiltshire Music Centre, and Borrowed Time & The Sinictones plays The Three Horseshoes.
Justin Adams & Mauro Durante at The Bell, Bath.
Moon at The Vic in Swindon, the World Music Club at the Beehive. Stephen K Amos at Swindon Arts Centre, Swindon Old Town Comedy Club has a Winter Showcase, Gaz Brookfield is at The Hop, Post 12 at the New Inn, and The Flashback Band hold an 80โs night at The Woodlands Edge.
Craig Charles Funk & Soul House Party has sold out at the Cheese & Grain, so has Depeche Mode tribute The Devout at the Tree House, Frome.
Sunday 26th
James Oliver Band at The Southgate, Devizes.
The Stu Henderson Trio: Jazz at the Horseshoe, Mildenhall, Marlborough.
Melksham Record Fair at Melksham Assembly Hall.
Mark Simmonsโ Quip Off The Mark at Swindon Arts Centre.
Wiltshire Youth Jazz Orchestra Concert with Steve Banks at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon. Ruzz Guitar Trio makes an appearance at The Three Horseshoes.
Schtummโฆ. presents Sarah McQuaid at The Queenโs Head, Box. The Schmoozenbergs are at The Bell, Bath.
Frome Vegan Fair at The Cheese & Grain.
Monday 27th
David Celia at The Bell, Bath.
Tuesday 28th
Sarah McQuaid at Swindon Arts Centre, and thereโs a bebop blowout for Jazz Knights at the Royal Oak, with special guests Ian Bateman & Alex Clarke, to remember the great Jazz promoter David Knight on what would have been his birthday.
And thatโs all weโve got so far, but more stuff is added all the time, so keep a beady eye on
Wiltshire Councilโs ambitious plans to resurface all the roads in Devizes before the next ice age have been cancelled because rare dinosaur fossils have beenโฆ
November was one crazy month for our friend and researcher from the Regional History Centre at the University of the West of England, Brian Edwards.โฆ
With howling, coarse baritones Nick Fletcher, the main vocalist of Marlboroughโs gothic duo, Deadlight Dance chants, โhere comes the rain, and I love the rain,โฆ
An exodus of musical lovers and, I’d assume, a healthy handful of friends and family, trekked southwards through winter’s final ambush last night, to enjoyโฆ
The LSBC gigs are coming round thick and fast as the new season gets into full swing.ย And there was another packed house last night to welcome the Russ Ballard Bandโs first appearance at the club…..
First up was new boy Matt Prior to fill the early support slot. This was his first outing on stage, and he looked and sounded pretty nervous. Using guitar, keyboard and backing tracks, Matt worked his way gamely through his set. Iโm not sure that everything worked as well as he might have hoped. His versions of Bowieโs Life on Mars, Henleyโs Boys of Summer and Elton Johnโs Goodbye Yellow Brick Road were not really to my taste, but the audience gave him good support and a warm round of applause.
Then on to the main offering of the evening.
Russ Ballard has appeared with several bands over the years (the Roulettes, Unit 4+2 and, most famously, heading up Argent in the late 70s).ย But his real claim to fame is the large number of hit songs heโs written and recorded, and which have also been hits for other artists (The Shadows, Argent, Rainbow, Kiss, Hot Chocolate, Hello). Itโs actually quite surprising just how many famous songs heโs written.
In a single nearly two-hours long set, backed by a tight 4-piece band, he demonstrated his showmanship, and much of his back catalogue. In among the less well-known, but still highly catchy and sing-alongable numbers, were many of the rock classics โ Back In The New York Groove, Hold Your Head Up, Since Youโve Been Gone and (the ultimate singing the house down encore number) God Gave Rock & Roll To Ya.
The whole set was built on a solid, no-nonsense rock and roll-heavy platform, leavened with keyboard flourishes, and some great throaty vocals. Every number had its catchy riff, and its strong vocal hook. It was almost impossible not to sing along and join in the party. The dance floor at the front filled up, and the band looked and sounded to be really enjoying themselves. There were no long songs, no rambling improvisations, no drum or bass solos โ just straight-up pop-song format short rock & roll songs. The intros were informative, humorous, and short and punchy. The band were slick, polished and well-drilled.
The first Kamikaze moth of the year dive-bombed my face the other morning. Forget blossoming trees and tulips, that’s a milkmanโs sure sign of springโฆbecauseโฆ
The Liberal Democratโs are today celebrating a historic election win in the heart of Marlborough, in the first contested Town Council election for thirteen yearsโฆ.โฆ
After a larger quantity of social media teasers than previous years, Devizes Arts Festival has today revealed their full line-up for 2024. Better take aโฆ
Hereโs whatโs happening over the coming week in the wilds of Wiltshire, hold onto your hats! Everything listed here is on our event calendar; goโฆ
Image: Czampal Iโm laughing, not at the Glasto lineup, but the incalculable comments of negativity it has encouraged in Facebookland. It should be said though,โฆ
Ian Diddams Written by Jonathan LarsonPresented by Maple Theatre Company It’s always hard reviewing a show that one has seen multiple times before, performed byโฆ
In true Royston Vasey style, unfortunately due to time and resources we donโt review international music as we did during lockdown, choosing to focus moreโฆ
On International Womenโs Day a group of women from the Swindon community decided to organise a clothes memorial for the over 11,500 Palestinian children killedโฆ
Apparently Iโve not reviewed a gig at The Southgate for a while, despite attending plenty of themย over the last few months, including the wonderful Courting Ghosts last Saturday night…..
And, apparently, Debbie broke through the 400-gig barrier in early October, a major milestone which we allowed to pass without sufficient fanfare. And (apparently) there are plenty of gigs already booked for 2024. We donโt know how lucky we are in this town!
And, finally, apparently March 2023 marked the 50th anniversary of the release of Pink Floydโs seminal album โDark Side Of The Moonโ. No โ I didnโt know that either, but there you go.
Letโs try and put some of those omissions to rights.
So hereโs the obvious warning โ younger readers should probably look away now. We might mention stuff from 50 years ago. Donโt be frightened โ some of the music was actually quite good!-
Iโve known Frome-based singer/ song-writer James and his work for a few years now, and Iโm well aware of the two different sides to his musical repertoire โ thereโs the acoustic folky/ blues/ prog/ whimsical stuff, and then thereโs barely-concealed Pink Floyd set. We were treated to the former earlier this year at the Gate, but now it was time to wheel out the big guns of prog rock. James, a huge Floyd fan, wasnโt about to let this anniversary pass without a major dusting-down of the whole album, and heโs been presenting this set throughout the year. Tonight was special though โ this was the Gate, this was Friday night. The controls were set for the heart of the sun, and the interstellar overdrive was fully engaged.
The pub was absolutely rammed, which is a great compliment to the quality of the music on offer onย a wet Friday night. ย And soon there were strange looping sounds coming from the stage as James setย off on his journey. ย The first half contained lots of non-DSOTM numbers โ Shine on You Crazyย Diamond, Wish You Were Here, and Comfortably Numb, the latter evoking just the first singalong ofย the night. ย Playing with few breaks, James clocked up 70 minutes of material in his opening salvo.
Then, almost before you could get another pint in, we were off on the main adventure โ the whole of Dark Side Of The Moon *** (see below for the factual stuff). Got all of that? And here was James โ just one bloke in a crowded Devizes pub. And thatโs where the pedals and loops came in. Appearing to play only acoustic guitar and harmonica, James built up the songs through many layers, adding the vocals as the songs swept past. Each song was greeted with a cheer, and there were a good few singalongs. Iโm not going to claim that Messers Gilmour, Mason, Waters and Wright โcould have been in the roomโ, but he made a bloody good fist of it, simulating drums, keyboards, synthesisers, bells, clocks, and even making a passable attempt at Clare Torryโs amazing vocal sequence on โThe Great Gig In The Skyโ.
It was a tour de force, a stunning effort of both musical versatility, but also of concentration. How he had the time to smile and raise himself for some inter-song chat was amazing. He must have been exhausted, but he looked nothing but happy. Itโs the music he loves, and it really showed.
As the final track died away, James was rewarded with a well-deserved cheer and huge round of applause. And he still had enough gas in the tank to give us an encore. What a performer. He did Devizes proud, and I think Devizes responded with full enthusiasm.
Great night, great gig.
*** A bit of background info. ย โThe Dark Side of the Moonโ was Floydโs eighth studio album and wasย developed during live performances before recording began. It was conceived as a โconcept albumโ
that would focus on the pressures faced by the band during their arduous lifestyle, and also dealย with the mental health problems of former band member Syd Barrett, who departed the group inย 1968. The record builds on ideas explored in Pink Floyd’s earlier recordings and performances, whileย omitting the extended instrumentals that characterised the band’s earlier work. The groupย employed multitrack recording, tape loops, and analogue synthesisers. Engineer Alan Parsons wasย responsible for many of the sonic aspects of the recording, and for the recruitment of session singerย Clare Torry, who appears on “The Great Gig in the Sky”.
The album centres on the idea of madness,ย exploring themes such as conflict, greed, time, death, and mental illness. ย Snippets from interviewsย with the band’s road crew and others are featured alongside philosophical quotations. Itโs amongย the most critically acclaimed albums of all time and brought the group international fame, wealthย and plaudits. ย As THE blockbuster release of the vinyl album era, it also propelled record salesย throughout the music industry. Itโs certified 14 times platinum in the UK, and topped the USย Billboard for 984 consecutive weeks. Itโs claimed to have sold over 45 million copies worldwide,ย making it the band’s best-selling release, the best-selling album of the 1970s, and the fourth-best-selling album in history.
Future gigs at The Southgate:
Saturday 18th November Junkyard Dogs
Saturday 25th November Worried Men
Sunday 26th November James Oliver
Saturday 2nd December Lunabarge
Sunday 3rd December Jon Amor Trio + special guest Dale Hambridge
Everything to do in Wiltshire this coming week, right in one handy listing; you might need wellies, or a small sailing vessel!
Okay, please be aware this is not comprehensive and new events can and might yet still be added to our blossoming, occasionally updating EVENT CALENDAR; they might not be added here, so do check in regularly. You can also find links to everything mentioned there, and plan ahead.
One other really important thing before we get going, the thing everyone seems to brazenly browse past pretending it didnโt apply to them, we need donations to fund this, so, if you can, please donate a little something to keep us going; awl, thank you. If you love it, donโt lose it, like Bez on a nineties dance floor. For info on how, see HERE. Please and thanking youโฆ
Ongoing: Dark, the latest exhibit at the Forbidden Carnival in Chippenham runs until 26th November.
Two exhibits at Wiltshire Museum in Devizes: Lest We Forget: the Black Contribution to the World Wars and Eric Walrond: A Caribbean Writer living in Wiltshire. Reviewed Here.
Wednesday 15th
Devizes Flower Club presents A Classic Christmas, a festive floral evening at the Corn Exchange, Devizes. The regular Acoustic Jam at the Southgate.
Fashion Reimagined at The Parade Cinema, Marlborough.
Marmen Quartet at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.
James Mortonโs Groove Den at The Bell, Bath. Caught n the Hop begins at The Rondo Theatre, running up to Saturday.
A Lunchtime Recital with pianist Helen Farrar at Pound Arts, Corsham, followed by Gerard Loganโs Hauntings.
Uncanny: I Know What I Saw at the Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.
Thursday 16th
Open Mic night at the Crown, Bishops Cannings, with Jamie R Hawkins, Will Foulstone and Chrissy Chapman.
Jol Rose & Friends at The Tuppenny, Swindon.
Elf Lyonsโ Raven at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Tubular Bells Plus extracts from Dark Side of the Moon for the Moog Synthesizer 50th Anniversaries at Chapel Arts, Bath.
Massive Wagons at the Cheese & Grain.
Friday 17th
Running from today until Sunday, Devizes Eisteddfod. James Hollingsworthโs Pink Floyd Night at The Southgate, Devizes.
Folk Club at the Barge, HoneyStreet. Open Mic at The Parade Cinema, Marlborough. Josh Kumra at the Bear.
Rock for Heroes at Melksham Assembly Hall.
Christmas Market at the Civic, Trowbridge. Trowbridge Lantern Parade & Light Switch on.
Siren plays The Boathouse, Bradford-on-Avon. Really Good Band at the Three Horseshoes.
Tom Robinsonโs Up Close and Personal at Pound Arts has sold out.
25 year reunion gig for Roundabout at the Castle, Swindon, Editor’s Pick of the Week.
Tailgunner, Heathen Kings and Ambrius at Underground, Shades of Seattle at The Vic, Funkinsteins at the Beehive, Swindon. Phoney Towers at Swindon Arts Centre, Genesis Connected at the Wyvern.
The Roy Orbison Experience at Chapel Arts, Bath.
Dr Beatroot at The Winchester Gate, Salisbury.
Splintering Heart plays Marillion at the Tree House, Frome, while The Orb are at the Cheese & Grain.
Saturday 18th
Saturday sees a Christmas Country Fair at Market Lavington Community Hall.
Window Wanderland begins across Devizes. The Russ Ballard Band at Long Street Blues Club, Devizes, Junkyard Dogs at The Southgate, and Drew Bryant at The Three Crowns.
@59 are at the Barge, HoneyStreet. Broken Dolls at the Lamb, Marlborough.
Sonic Alert at The Pilot, Melksham.
Kevin Brownโs Shackdusters at the Pump, Trowbridge.
Josie Field at The Old Road Tavern, Chippenham. Get Carter atThe Consti Club.
Wonk Unit, 2 Sick Monkeys and Anyminuteno at The Vic, Swindon. Rave Against The Regime at The New Inn. Everybody Singโs One Day More at the Wyvern, and Chloe Petts โ If You Canโt Say Anything Nice at Swindon Arts Centre.
Eco Fest at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon, with Saltlines Raynor and Gigspanner. Birdman Cult, Charleston Lane, and Future Plan at the Three Horseshoes.
Takeshi Matsumoto: Club Origami at Pound Arts, Corsham, and Goldust Productions: The Mayhem Cabaret 2023.
The Kate Bush Songbook at Chapel Arts, Bath
Brian Bilston at the Cheese & Grain in Frome, plus From The Jamโs โAll Mod Consโ 45th Anniversary Tour, and Supalung at the Tree House.
Sunday 19th
Sunflower Events; Christmas Fair & Craft Market at the Corn Exchange, Devizes.
Wiltshire Soul & Blues Club Monthly Jam in Lacock.
Courting Ghosts at Stallards, Trowbridge.
Kentwood Christmas Cracker at the Wyvern, Swindon. The Bootleg Shadows at Swindon Arts Centre. Strays Without Borders fundraiser at the Vic, and David Celia at the Beehive.
Trowbridge Symphony Orchestra at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon. Dry White Bones at the Three Horseshoes.
Rev. James and the Swingtown Cowboys at The Bell, Bath.
100 Years of Silents: Salomรฉ at Pound Arts, Corsham.
An acoustic set from Snuff at The Tree House, Frome.
Monday 20th
NHS Blood Donation Clinic at the Corn Exchange, Devizes.
Rock The Tots: Numbers at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Leburnicus at The Bell, Bath.
Sally-Anne Haywardโs Egg Shortage at Swindon Arts Centre.
Tuesday 21st
Exhibition On Screen: Klimt And The Kiss (Encore Screening) at Pound Arts, Corsham.
The Glen Manby Quartet at Jazz Knights in the Royal Oak, Swindon.
Annie Gardiner at The Bell, Bath.
Thatโs all weโve got so far, but more stuff is added all the time, so keep a beady eye on
Wowzers! Huge congratulations and a colossal thanks to young Chloe Boyle from Devizes, who is planning to spend the night of April 5th sleeping outsideโฆ
Newly formed and locally based collective Palooza hosted their opening night at The Exchange nightclub in Devizes yesterday, offering house music with universal appeal andโฆ
Salisbury-based event organisation Wiltshire Music Events has been ordered to remove posters advertising the Marley Experience gig at the Devizes Corn Exchange on 13th April,โฆ
The fifth single coming out from Chippenham singer-songwriter M3g on Friday, Ashes of Memory, and if Iโve said in the past what separates Meg fromโฆ
Swindonโs sonic indie popsters Atari Pilot are a prolific bunch, and have a new single out called The Rules Never Changeโฆ. And, they donโt. Thereโsโฆ
What an electric and energetic night of dub-fuelled goodness at the Muck & Dundar in Devizes, with Omega Nebula; I need a historical rewind to express how much, and why, I loved it!ย ย ย
The Omega Nebula is between five to six thousand lightyears away, so I’m glad they came to us, as I was on foot, but it surely was an unmissable night in town. Now, I know you know I know you know I Googled that for the sake of the joke, I’m not professor Brian Cox. But what I can adlib is this: in 1989 Osbourne Ruddock was shot outside his home in Kingston, Jamaica. The gunman made off with his gold chain and gun, but the world lost a music pioneer, known as King Tubby.
King Tubby
What has any of this got to do with the tropical holiday-at-home Devizes rum bar The Muck & Dunder you may well ask to bid I quit waffling! I’m getting to it! For in an interim period between ska and reggae known as rock steady, where brass sections waned in favour of more economical vocal harmonies, Tubby noted people danced to the instrumental breaks. With this simple notion, his sound system and experimental sound engineering techniques created dub.
Tubbyโs echo delays, erratic pitch changes, and techniques like โrolling the stone,โ which predates drum n bass by twenty years, became the blueprints of modern pop. His influence on Kool Herc alone is definitive; a Jamaican immigrant to New York, who, fusing it with funk and disco, would create hip hop, the rest cascades from this point. Hence why the dub style of Omega Nebula was so thoroughly accepted and enjoyed by, mostly, conventional millennials last night, rather than the niche subgenre which has, for the past few decades, been recognised as a steady plod and penchant for the crusty hippy types. But, thereโs more to it than this.
Bristol husband and wife duo, Omega Nebula, play to steppers riddims, with all the offbeats, one drops and Tubby’s dub effects, pre-dubstep, yet cherry pick dubstep elements to retain a certain freshness. They turn dubstep on its head with these nostalgic dub traditions; itโs a win-win formula.ย
See, dancehall may chant โrewindโ but reggae rarely looks back, it faces progression headย on, often fiercely competitive to create the next sound. I love reggae for this neverending development, but for me, personally, of a certain age I find it difficult to take dubstep underwing. I’m stuck, groundhog day, in a bygone era whereby the trance-techno fusion of Zion Train and Dreadzone was my final frontier, at least I thought so until last night.
Talking final frontiers, I could suitably review last night at the Muck & Dunder as Mr Spock from Star Trek! โThere’s a sonic pulse coming from the nebula, Captain, transmogrificating into kinetic energy upon interaction with organic life!โ That kinetic energy was felt by all in attendance, it didn’t matter if you were the ageing hippy like me, or youthful enough to acknowledge Little Mix as influential! What Omega Nebula has crafted is simple yet incredibly beguiling, as is reggae in general.
Steppers remains the most upbeat of reggae drum patterns, ergo the Muck jumped, the vocals chanted encouragement, like an MC, yet were as beautifully delivered as dancehall greats Sister Nancy or Lady Saw. The result was the whole vibe was energetically stimulating, contemporary throughout with this nod to the traditions of dub; a truly lovely recipe, which made for a truly wonderful occasion.
But the bottom line is the most important, and that being, perhaps Omega Nebula is groundbreaking, or perhaps theyโre simply part of a bigger and blossoming scene in cities like Bristol, neither way matters when you’re an old nutter living in the sticks. Iโm not so far gone that Iโm unaware of Glasgowโs Mungos HiFi or the Gentlemanโs Dub Club from Leeds, but fear Iโd do myself injury clubbing as I once did! Here in Devizes itโs something altogether different, and it was immensely well received. For which, again, we find ourselves saluting the Muck & Dunder, and to James Threlfall for suggesting them, who, incidentally DJโd through to the end, for bringing us such diverse acts in such a hospitable and attractive setting, with piรฑa coladas and rum cocktails to die for; I donโt care if itโs November in Blighty, when in Romeโฆ..!!
Members of Swindon Palestine Solidarity made themselves heard at the Labour Party fundraising dinner, where Jess Phillips MP was the guest of honour, protesting atโฆ
Swindon indie popsters Talk in Code return tomorrow (1st March) with a new single, Something Of Nothing โฆ..hold tight to your Deely-Boppers, things are aboutโฆ
Think early nineties dance-indie crossover and the Madchester circuit might understandably spring to mind. Yet Pop Will Eat Itself were Brunmies, The Shamen were Scots,โฆ
I trouble procrastinating upon being gifted a previously released CD from an artist for review, unfortunately they land on the backburner, prioritising upcoming news items.โฆ
Ian Diddams Regular readers of Devizine may be well accustomed to hearing the name โVince Bellโ. For those less frequent readers or those that haveโฆ
Bit Wintery, innit? Calendars are going forward, weather is going backwards! Hereโs whatโs happening over the coming week in the wilds of Wiltshire, hold ontoโฆ
Intriguing and divergent is my two word summary of the latest exhibition at Devizes’ Wiltshire Museum, from one who grew up with first-hand second World War stories from my family’s East-end perspective and became fascinated with subtle similarities and vast differences to that of rural Wiltshire, this opens a whole new Pandora’s boxโฆ..
A double show, the first does what it says on the tin, Lest We Forget: the Black Contribution to the World Wars in Wiltshire, exploring the stories and experiences of the Black community living and working in the Armed Forces in Wiltshire during the World Wars. The second focuses on renowned Caribbean writer Eric Walrond, who lived a period of his later life in Bradford-on-Avon, but poor mental health led him to self-refer to Roundway Hospital in Devizes.
Dispersed by several artefacts the walls tell the often shocking realities and hardships faced by Afro-Caribbean and Afro-American soldiers stationed in the UK in general, and relates them to examples and incidents in our county. I shouldn’t leave spoilers here, for it’s truly something you need to digest in the fullness of the displays, but for an example, the secret government attempts to curb interracial relationships as African American troops mingled with โlocal white womenโ are particularly upsetting, and show just how high up ingrained prejudices were. The defence of the realm act was used to prosecute women found fraternising with black GIs on military premises but outside these confounds little could be done to prevent them, especially in rural areas like here. It goes on to show images of orphanages where mixed-race children were abandoned because of the shame it would bring to families and the extent of the abuse their mothers received.
To reflect this to local affairs is to suggest the Afro-American soldiers were far more hospitable and welcomed than their white counterparts, displaying an image of the Three Horseshoes in Burbage, where it was said the Afro-American soldiers would entertain locals on piano while the white GIs tended to remain at the back of the bar not caring to mingle. Such would’ve been social standards in segregated States, sprinkled with jealousy locals found these โnegrosโ intriguing I suspect.
But this is only one of many of the enlightening and frank nuggets of information on display. Amidst uniforms, Caribbean enlistment posters, medals, pins and documentations, these panels bring to life the true accounts with astounding and, more often than not, appalling happenings, yet respectfully pieced together with wonderful and intense research. One such source was Birmingham based The Forgotten Generations, a not-for-profit organisation with aims and objectives to provide historical and current information of British African and Caribbean people for educational purposes.ย
I was honoured to meet director and trustee of the TFG, retired Warrant Officer Royal Air Force, Donald Campbell at the opening event, who passionately expressed the story of fellow trustee and WWII veteran Albert Jarrett, of whom he encouraged to re-apply for medals he earned but didn’t care to claim at the time, leading him to be honoured at Downing Street. Sadly Albert passed away soon after, but I was delighted to meet his wife Barbara Campbell, a dietitian and psychiatric nurse during the war.
Albert’s story is one of many displayed, and an installation in this exhibition is thoughtful creative responses from Tidworth’s Crafty Club. Supported by the Army Welfare Service, the community club provides socialising opportunities to explore crafts. There’s a sequentialย woven decoupage playing tribute to Albert, alongside other artworks.
Centrepiece of the alternative exhibit, of which you can flow between the two, is a portrait of the writer Eric Walrond by Jamaican born local artist Clifton Powell. Clifton is a keen participant of the charity Arts Together, who you may have seen on television recently contributing a portrait of Gilda Oliver to the Windrush Portraits of a Pioneering Generation project for the Royal Collection Trust. The portrait of Eric on display has attracted the attention online of his New Yorken granddaughter Joan Stewart, who thanked Clifton and said โyou nailed the eyes, they’re perfect.โ But for want of a local connection the bridges of Bradford-on-Avon and the gates of his final resting place, Roundway Hospital in Devizes are depicted within the painting.
Harlem Renaissance writer and journalist Eric Walrond led a busy life, born in British Guiana, he moved from Barbados to Panama and onto New York before ending his days in Wiltshire. His magnum opus being a 1926 novel Tropic Death, stories viscerally charting stone quarry workers and builders of the Panama Canal. He was awarded the Guggenheim Fellowship and the Harmon Foundation Award for achievement in literature. An early edition of the book is on display, yet also you’ll find a ledger from the Avon rubber factory in Melksham, where Walrond laboured.
Fascinating to note such a renowned author needed employment in a factory, after his often misinterpreted relationship with Marcus Garvey, as a journalist for publications of his Universal Negro Improvement Association in New York, the very foundations of the later American Civil Rights Movement. But that thought is a reflection of the two exhibitions combined, fascinating though it is, the hardships they faced, even on a local level, is one of many often forgotten sides to the history of the world wars. Ultimate respect should be awarded to the creators of these exhibits, especially over Remembrance, one which opens today and runs until 17th February 2024 at Wiltshire Museum, Devizes, do go to see it.
I am truly humbled to have been invited to preview this at the opening evening and meet the researchers and honourable guests, not forgoing the scrumptiousย Caribbean themed spread, naturally, which was supplied by Abrilli of Tonka Bean; I nipped back inside for seconds when no one was watching! Honestly, you have to keep an eye on me no matter how interesting the exhibit may be….
Hey, teacher! Leave those sausage rolls alone. Hereโs whatโs happening over the coming week in the wilds of Wiltshire, hold onto your hats, there beโฆ
West-side in the Lavingtons last night, tumbleweeds could’ve blown along the High Street as an army of highway operatives rode into the village with heavyโฆ
Featured image by LoraDore After an impressive forty-five years of Guiding in Worton, through Brownies, Guides, Young Leadership, and as the Unit Leader there forโฆ
Hereโs whatโs happening over the coming week in the wilds of Wiltshire, hold onto your hats, letโs lots to get throughโฆ.. Everything listed here isโฆ
This Saturday sees Bristol’s Hip Hop phenonium, The Scribes bringing their Boombox show to The Pump, Trowbridge, and will be the group’s only performance inโฆ
Devizes celebrated rum bar, The Muck & Dundar are hosting a dub reggae night with Omega Nebula on Saturday, and received this weekโs prestigious award of being Editorโs Pick of the Week in our weekly roundup! Because, diversity goes a long way on our local, and often insular music circuits! While thereโs nothing wrong in giving folk what theyโre accustomed to, offering variety scores house points from me, in towns otherwise typecast into subgenres; Devizes is a blues town, Marlborough has a penchant for goth and punk, Chippenham is folk, and so on. Where does Bradford-on-Avon sit in this pigeonholing exercise? Iโm in the dark, but perhaps with good reasonโฆ..
This line of thinking for me began as I accidentally kicked a guitar case departing the Southgate on Wednesdayโs regular acoustic jam night. Apology accepted by the owner of the case, he responded it happened quite often in pubs with a small space. It provoked an image of the Wiltshire Music Centre, whereby thereโs a whole wall of cubby-holes in which musicians can safely store their instruments away from cider-fuelled nutjobs like me; just like coats and bag pegs at school! But itโs not the only school-like thing about this purpose-built music heaven in Bradford, itโs so functional Iโd be glad to get a detention in there! I discovered this wandering their wonderful rooms in awe last winter when attending the Bradford Roots Festival. Behind every fire door was another gig going on like a classroom of music!
Concrete Prairie at Bradford Roots 2023
Now, if it seems to you slightly presumptuous to claim your venue is the โcentre of musicโ in Wiltshire, youโve not visited this place. Overall it seems Bradford-on-Avon offers, perhaps, the widest range of music in our smaller county towns. The lively Three Horseshoes provides free music every weekend evening, and while diverse too, favours upcoming punk and indie bands, whereas the gurt lush Boathouse tends to offer more mainstream acts. Then, theyโve got this place, Wiltshire Music Centre, the lucky buggers!
If diversity is what youโre looking for, youโll be right at home here. Examples, while we eagerly await the lineup for this yearโs Roots Festival on 20th Januaryโฆ.huh? A festival in mid-winter, are you having a laugh, Worrow?! No, though it was the only festival Iโve been to where I had to de-ice the windscreen afterwards, itโs all under the roof of this magnificent building. I was mightily impressed by the range of acts performing there too. It was like a whoโs who of local music, a convention more than a festival, and something really worth trekking down to the Bradford on the Avon for; heck, Iโd go to the Bradford near Leeds for this!ย
Concerts, gigs, whatchamacallits, are often backed up with interactiveness, workshops and classes, and even if you cannot make an event, they often live stream like lockdown was still a thing. Anyway, I digress, examples, thatโs where I was, wasnโt I?! While we endeavour to list it all on our event calendar, thereโs simply too much going on at the centre to reel it all off here and now, mostly my fault for waffling, so do look up their website HERE.
The Museum of Marvellous Things
But if diversity is what youโre after, just up till the end of the year alone, the Wiltshire Music Centre, currently running Oscar Wildeโs The Importance of Being Earnest, plays host to ECO:FEST, a mini festival of music and creative activity delivered in partnership with Climate Friendly Bradford on Avon, Bradford on Avon Town Council and other partners, next weekend, Nov 18th. A magical family giant puppet show which brings picture books to life for ages 3+, The Museum of Marvellous Things on the 12th, to one of the most impressive and engaging new talents in the chamber music scene, Marmen Quartet, on the 15th November.
Thereโs both the Trowbridge Symphony Orchestra, on the 19th, and the Bath one, on the 25th, and in contrast thereโs jazz with Steve Banks on the 26th. December brings some interesting events too, though. Iโm particularly drawn to Saturday 2nd December, when Congo supergroup Kasai Masai perform their unique blend of traditional and modern African sounds. And, as we said about the interactive element before, thereโs a drumming workshop beforehand with Kasai Masai. Then, on Sunday 3rd, Eastern European folk meets jazz withย The Budapest Cafรฉ Orchestraโs hot club swingโฆ.I should take a sleeping bag and camp in Bradford-on-Avon!
Kasai Masai
For the last twenty-five years the Wiltshire Music Centre hosts over 150 concerts a year, involving more than 1,000 professional, community and young musicians, building up a passionate community of music aficionados, players, aspiring young musicians, and amateur musicians. It provides a permanent home for local orchestras, choirs and music groups. It works extensively with young people locally, delivering an exciting Creative Learning programme in Wiltshire and beyond with 30 projects for over 5,000 young people every year, from concerts to education and community work for all ages, abilities and backgrounds.
Billy in the Lowground at Bradford Roots 2023
Their vision, โto maximise the opportunities for live music to inspire, enrich and transform peopleโs lives,โ has a rich history since a group of visionaries recognised the lack of musical provision in the area, and set forth on an ambition to bring performances and rehearsal facilities to the community. Wiltshire Music Centre Trust Ltd is a registered charity, the founding Artistic Director, Keith Nimmo, retired in 2013 and handed the baton to current Chief Executive and Artistic Director James Slater. It is, in Wiltshire terminology, a gurt lush, proper job arts centre with a focus on music! How much more diverse can you possibly want for?!
As part of the global Kidical Mass movement, this event combined a family-friendly cycle ride with aย protest, calling for safe streets for everyone. The rideโฆ
On Saturday, people from across Swindon came to Swindon Palestine Solidarityโs charity dinner to raise funds for Medical Aid Palestine and raise awareness of theโฆ
To international acclaim on the folk circuit, weโve loved to follow the progress of the Lost Trades since day dot, when Phil Cooper enthusiastically toldโฆ
A third instalment of space rock swirls and cosmic heavy duty guitar riffs was unleashed in January from our homegrown purveyors of psychedelia, Cracked Machine.โฆ
This week the organiser proudly presented a cheque for a whopping ยฃ9537.75 to Prospect Hospice staff. The third year of My Dadโs Bigger Than Your Dad Festival, organised in association with South Swindon Parish Council, was held at The Old Town Bowl on Saturday 22 July with around 800 people braving the rain throughout the day…..
Some of the best acts of the local music scene came together to support the event, including Kova Me Badd, Imperial Leisure and The Real Cheesemakers, to raise much needed funds for Prospect Hospice in tribute to Dave Young, the former landlord of The Victoria and 12 Bar who died in early June 2021 at the Hospice. The festival also collaborated with Swindon Paint Fest who hosted an area of creativity which included live painting from six fantastic local artists, with the resulting artworks to be auctioned off in the near future.
Festival co-organiser Gemma Denley-Doswell said โWe are absolutely delighted with the amount raised which, despite the awful weather on the day, has surpassed last yearโs total. We couldnโt have done this without the enthusiasm and support of South Swindon Parish Council, our fantastic sponsors, supporters and volunteers, the performers and traders, and, of course, everyone who braved the rain to enjoy the day. We love working with the team at Prospect Hospice and weโre aiming to raise an even bigger total for them next year!โ
L-R, Jane Green (Prospect Matron), Anna Sprawson (Organiser), Ana Marques and Sanjay Badhan (Future Planning), Debbie Robson (Prospect@Home Lead), Gemma and Aaron Denley-Doswell (Organisers)
Prospect Hospice, based in Wroughton, provides palliative and end of life care for people across the region and has to raise the majority of its costs through fundraising. My Dadโs Bigger Than Your Dad Festival has raised over ยฃ32000 for Prospect Hospice in its first three years.
Sheryl Crouch Head of Income at the hospice said โOn behalf of everyone at Prospect Hospice and all the patients and families that we care for, I would like to thank the brilliant My Dads Bigger Than Your Dad team for their wonderful ongoing support. Year three for this event has seen it grow and gain more and more local support. We were privileged to have cared for Dave Young, who the event is in memory of, and remain privileged to be the beneficiaries of this fantastic event, our thanks go to everyone involved in organising it. As a charity that needs to source over 76% of our running costs, donations such as this one make a significant difference in enabling us to continue supporting our patients and their families and provide care tailored to their needs free of charge.โ
The organisers were joined at the cheque presentation by Sanjay Badhan and Ana Marques from Old Townโs Future Planning, who were headline sponsors of the festival for the second year running. Sanjay said โProspect Hospice provides truly outstanding services and itโs a privilege to help raise money for such a worthy cause.โ
Sponsors of MDBTYD Festival 2023 also included Anytime Fitness, Imagine Cruising, Leightons Opticians, and Lewis Farrant Floor Layer. Part of the fee paid to South Swindon Parish Council to use the venue has been put aside to help raise money for the upkeep of the Old Town Bowl. The organisers of the festival are now planning for MDBTYD 2024, with the date set for Saturday 20th July 2024 and several music acts already confirmed to perform. For further updates follow My Dadโs Bigger Than Your Dad Festival on social media.
Feeel the melody that’s in the (Devizes) air! If the nineties house clubbing revival is whatโs happening elsewhere around the nation, we have to admit,โฆ
Hey you, Feb already, hereโs whatโs happening over the coming week in the wilds of Wiltshireโฆโฆ Everything listed here is on our event calendar; goโฆ
Perhaps best known as the frontman of Afro Celt Sound System, the Belgium-based artist N’Faly Kouyatรฉ will be hitting the road for nine intimate showsโฆ
The Importance of Being Earnest is rather like a newfound interest in jazz, you must โunlearnโ the four-beat pop you’re accustomed to, to fully appreciateโฆ
Hey frozen duckling, hereโs whatโs happening over the coming week in the wilds of Wiltshireโฆโฆ Everything listed here is on our event calendar; go thereโฆ
Contemporary folk rock in the UK tends to come in three formats which never the twain shall meet, usually. Firstly you’ve got your acoustic goodness with melancholic tales of woe and thoughtful romantic prose. It’s more often than not gentle, quirky and despite being either optimistic or pessimistic themed, it’s generally sprinkled with daisy chains and barefoot bearded bumpkins.
The second sort is the all-out frenzied banjo plucking, fiddler frolicking, footstompin’ no bars held scrumpy and western or Celtic fashion, which drags you on to a dusty dancefloor kicking and screaming, but rarely offers intelligent content or narrative. And third, Americana, the idea someone from Chipping Norton can get away with yodelling songs about boxcars and dustbowls while donning a Stetson hat in Waitrose.
If you’ve ever desired something in the middle, something which resets the balance, or cherrypicks the best elements of all and fuses them with a flow so neat it’s like they never parted company at all, you’ve come to the right place. Recorded and mixed entirely in a dark Dorset barn, Folkadelica is the irresistible new eleven strong tuned album from those rootsy alchemists the Two Man Travelling Medicine Show, and it’s released tomorrow (Friday 10th November) on Hangover Hill Records; hold on to my bowler hat, there’s a good fellowโฆ
This is a lukewarm tea in a chipped floral mug, resting on a log near a campfire kinda album, it’s probably got an earthy taste but it’ll sure bring you round. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, never attempts to patronise, but in this it offers intelligent and crafted wordplay, against a backdrop of wonderfully entwined banjo string snapping folk, and twisted with a dash of psychedelia. Largely upbeat even when the chips are down in its narrative, it’s carefree danceable but should you cross examine the subjects, there’s plenty of colourful and intriguing characters played out here.
If it kicks off decidedly punky folk with a banger called the Second Law of Thermodynamics, the in-your-face element doesn’t linger quite so abruptly, musically, yet the album contains a punkish ethos, least its fury, in the narrative throughout. This one is to check youโre awake.
Second tune in is the single which attracted me to it, a self-confessed “apathetic middle England rubbish protest song,” called I’m so Angry I Could Vote. The tongue-in-cheek singalong lambasting the bizarre notion recent government inactions might cause even abstenters to vote relies on the reactionless middle classes creating an anthem, and for the sheer ludicrousy that might happen is its amusing charm. You realise from the off your satirical preferences are in reliable hands, and Folkadelica will take no prisoners.
Thereโs a glass-half-empty suspiciously biographical tale of a failed musicianโs flopped feelings of grandeur called A Lot of People Hate Me, it amuses more than enough. You will find at least one observation you identify with here if not this one. Talk is Cheap is a downtempo gem of Pink Floyd-esque sound with a Positively 4th Street sentiment, amidst uptempo tracks besides the nature of their themes. Beguilingly melancholic and dejectedly romantic in subject are few tunes here, but the middle trio, Stand by the Road, King with No Throne and Starting Again,particularly stand out for broody prose.
Fatalistic raver inspired Smokescreen borders bluegrass and weโre back to footstomping. Repeat is perhaps the most engaging and reflective, if we all have a betraying friend who hit the bottle. Then itโs a vaudeville fashioned poverty commentary, a masterpiece of catchiness on shoplifting. Itโs at this conjunction close to the finale, you consider just how idiosyncratically beautiful this trip has been, like returning home from an offbeat holiday.
Well, you have been trekking with a Two Man Travelling Medicine Show, what did you expect?! The conclusion to this makes you feel like youโve been sitting on that log by the campfire, with your chipped mug, taking heed of this kooky duoโs words, their tales of grief, betrayal, and their slants on the state of politics, or the worth of shoplifting, all warped neatly in sublimely delivered carny DIY ether. Do check it out or continue to live your life influenced by the idiots this album lambasts so eloquently, passionately and satirically; either way, this doesnโt persuade you, merely angles your cuppa in a certain direction, and for that alone, I love it.
Folkadelica: Available digitally everywhere on Friday. Pre-save Spotify.
Devizes-based chocolate engineer Holly Garner, 2023 Chocolate Champion for the Southwest, has launched her new chocolate classes for the first half of 2024โฆโฆ From learningโฆ
Tuesday before Christmas Iโm in New Society. I gazed across to a table by the window, recalling an optimistic response from local Labour candidate Rachaelโฆ
Fashionably late for the party, apologies, the fellow Iโm not sure if he minds me calling โthe Mike Oldfield of Swindon,โ though itโs meant asโฆ
Four hundred years ago, if you had gone to a playhouse (such as they existed) to see a play performed youโd have seen men and boys play all the parts โ it was illegal for females to be an actor. Shakespeare, Marlow, Johnsonโฆ all had their output performed by the male of the species.
Now, in the twenty-first century, we live in far more enlightened times. But that said โฆ The Lord Chamberlain’s Men are a touring Shakespearian troupe that perform in exactly that way of four hundred years ago (incidentally as I write this The First Folio is 400 years old TODAY!). Sascha Regan has famously โ or in some quarters infamously โ created an all-male company that performs Gilbert and Sullivan (and very well too โ close your eyes in particular and I challenge you to doubt the soprano voice singing the female character leads). Matthew Bourne has created all male ballet performances, including Swan Lake, with its light toed dance of the cygnets.
In some ways, the intervening four hundred years has upheld a seeming tradition of all male casting โ although that doesnโt sit comfortably with some in those ballet and G&S worlds at least.
Pirates!
Enter stage left โฆ Jemma Brown. Jemma is hugely supportive of Sascha Reganโs all male G&S productions. Regular readers of Devizine, and Devizes residents, will also know her as one half of the dynamic duo of Browns along with husband Anthony, who have brought the town, county and region TITCO (itself resurrected from her own parentsโ company of the same name) and more latterly the โFulltone Orchestraโ aka FTO. Jemma, a very short while ago, attended an all-girl school โ where she appeared in all female casts (by necessity perhaps butโฆ) of various plays and performancesโฆ including G&S.
So it probably wasnโt a total surprise when Jemma announced that TITCO were to produce and perform an all-female cast production โฆ of โPirates of Penzanceโ the almost definitive Gilbert and Sullivan operetta, loved by many the world over for its silliness, brilliance โฆ and stunning music. Gilbert was the sharply witted satirist for sure โ but Sullivan was a magician with music. (No surprise either then that they also created โThe Sorcererโ). Especially when Anthony โ no small musical genius in his own right in many ways โ is a massive G&S fan anyway.
And so this show was born. Iโll interject with a personal note here (yes, I know thatโs bad form!). When one watches shows that have been around for 400 years, 180 years, even 70 yearsโฆ everybody has done EVERYTHING about them to death. There is nothing wrong with โtraditionโ of course (ask Tevyeโฆ); but if nobody bucks that tradition, then all we ever share is the SAME show over and over again. Art surely demands that different visions are tried โ even if they fail.
And THIS show โฆ. Doesnโt fail. Trust me โ Iโm a journalist!
Pirates!
Itโs a pure โPiratesโ โ nobody has changed the text, lyrics, and music. Of course. But you have females playing policemen, pirates, and a Major General. Well, thereโs nothing new there really is there? Cressida Dick, Anne Bonny, Sharon Nesmith โ for starters. (Google is your friend if you donโt follow that listโฆ). But โ I digress. What of the show?
An opening night audience of well above a hundred speaks volumes in itself. There is a low-level installed stage โ eschewing the Corn Exchangeโs in place elevated stage โ simply yet perfectly lit by the excellent as ever Phil McClounan. Sound by Chris Worthy, which was clear throughout the evening. And of course, the musical accompaniment by the versatile and ridiculously talented Dominic Irving.
And then โฆ the cast. Wellโฆ for those that have followed TITCO over the past fourteen years, there are some familiar faces and names, but the real MAGIC of THIS show has been Jemmaโs ability to bring others into the fold. From those that are already used to treading the boards to complete first timers. Oh yes โ there are some involved for whom this is the first EVER show. Not that you would know watchingโฆ itโs a rumbunctious, effervescent, and vigorous non-stop hundred-minute performance. But donโt worry โ youโve twenty minutes to have a pee in the interval and grab a drink to relax into the second half!
Pirates!
Being all-female naturally, one may expect the female roles to work well โ well, of COURSE they do! Especially with the supreme talents of Terรฉsa Isaacson as Ruth, solos, duets, and triplets delivered with consummate ease. And also, of course, Grace Sheridan as Edith and Georgia Watson as Kate, two daughters of the Major General. And of course, then there is Mabelโฆ OMFG! This production is worth seeing in its own right, but if you need any further convincing, just go to listen to Daisy Woodruffe, totally NAIL Mabel. Wonderful, wonderful stuff from all four!
But โ and here is the elephant in the room I sense in some quarters โ how do these women deliver all those male characters. You know, the Pirates (or Pilots โ what?) and Policemen, especially the Pirate King, Seargeant, and that bloke with the daft birthday, Frederic? Wellโฆ what can I say? You donโt get Bryn Terfel for sure โ but then I doubt Bryn could deliver Mabel for all his brilliance and training, so its 15-all and new balls, please, and YES โ of COURSE they deliver. In fact, it’s this aspect that really, really makes the show. You canโt put a fag paper between the excellence in delivery of all four major โmaleโ characters here. Mari Webster is simply superb โ and believable โ as the Pirate King, all swashbuckling and forthright. And I rarely say that orphan. Sarah Davies with her Brummy Seargeant and wonderfully choreographed daft policemen โ Debby Wilkinson, Mel Coombe and Amanda Kapoor, almost steal the show. And Fredericโฆ now, G&S and even Pirates (which is pretty daft as a concept!) is never pantomime (oh yes it is, no it isnโtโฆ etc). But the concept of a principal boy is a well-established principle (and principal) in British Theatre and Naomi Ibbetson demonstrates that principle in her principal role to perfectionโฆ and her beautiful voice against Daisyโs in “Oh, here is love, and here is truth” is as good as any you will hear anywhere, in any company. That leaves Tina Duffin as the major-general. Now โ we all know the song we want to hear that character sing. Itโs not an easy song to deliver โ its wordy, its tongue-twisty, its LONG! There is no respite. But Tina delivers it clearly, crisply, and absolutely spot on. Bravo!
There is one more male character that orphan gets overlooked. Samuel. Samuel is a sort of Gilbert โtack onโ โ Iโve always got the impression Gilbert had something more to say but had run out of characters to say it, so Samuel got invented. Samuel is played by Laura Deacon. And is probably the best Samuel Iโve ever seen (sorry to people I know who have played the role!). Meaty, meaningful, and really sold the character as not just a Gilbert write in. Double Bravo.
And that leaves the rest of the ensembleโฆ no lumpen chorus here (thanks to Gail of Devizes for that perfect phrase). Lots of pirates and daughters filling the stage โ and theatre floor too at times โ with โbusinessโ and keeping the joyful atmosphere going. I said right at the beginning that for some of these ensemble this was their first ever show, performing in front of people, let alone over a hundred. Bravo to them especially. Bravo to answering the call, stepping up, being in it to win it. Bravo for learning the songs and being joyful. Bloody bravo.
If you like G&S โ go. If you donโt like G&S because you got dragged through it at school, go, or your mum and dad dragged you out to performances 40 years ago when a less โfreeโ interpretation was available โ go. If you think all female casts are โwrongโ โ goโฆ you may just find you enjoy it because after a very short while you really wonโt notice it.
Pirates!
And if you still donโt like it โ just buy a ticket and go anyway. Because itโs the 21st century, and after all, it’s really not that much different than what was happening 400 years ago anyway in many ways.
โThe Pirates of Penzanceโ, performed by TITCO All-Female cast, is in performance at the Corn Exchange, Devizes at 7.30pm every night until 11th November.
If our ground-breaking heroes of boom bap, the Scribes bring the noise during live performances and bless any venue with crowd-pleasing positive vibes, yet are exceptionally proficient at weaving conscious lyrics when the studio record button is pressed, one third of the trio, Jonny Steele has a solo track out today (Wednesday 8th Nov) called X1 to Netanya, and itโs so topical and poignant you have to hear it to believe itโฆ..
Yeah, so, theyโve sent me a lyric sheet with this press release, which I studied with fascination after the initial listen, breaking down each line in awe; this is a nugget of poetic genius, of the now, and this has guts and consciousness.
Under the stirring laid-back keys, soulful hip-hop backdrop produced by One Soul, X1 to Netanya sees lyricist Jonny Steele embarking on spoken word exercise providing a perspective on the perils of the ongoing crisis in Palestine. A dense piece of wordplay and lyricism that demands repeated listens but is content providing a clear and uncomfortable question of what actions weโre willing to accept from our government as we watch these atrocities from a distance.
The accompanying video showcases an isolated performance that highlights the self awareness of being able to wax poetic from the comforts of his location, armchair-theorising on the actions of governments whilst speaking into the ether. Iโll drop the video link below, which goes live at some point today. If you cannot view it yet, please do check back in, it will be two minutes of your life youโll be glad you set aside.
Next time we can see The Scribes locally? The Winchester Gate Salisbury on December 16th, and then nothing confirmed until April 27th when they play the Vic, Swindon.
Bristolโs fine purveyors of idiosyncratic folk-raving, Ushti Baba, who if youโre in Devizes you might recall played Street Festival in 2022, have a new singleโฆ..โฆ
With an album review in the pipeline for Dad which includes vocals from Sienna, our Swindon princess of melancholic poignancy has a new single, Timeslipsโฆ..โฆ
Our favourite loud Brit-popping local Geordie and gang are back with a second album. Theyโre calling it Gazelles, after the previously released single opener Endlessโฆ
Featured Image: FullTone Festival, Devizes 2023 by Gail Foster Onwards with our look through all the big local events and festivals coming our way inโฆ
Itโs only rock n roll, but if you like it, why not break out the lycra and jog over to the Corn Exchange on Friday 29th of December, where youโll find Mick Jogger & The Stones Experience bringing you all the classics from the wildmen of the sixties? A Christmas Cracker to work off those turkey sandwiches and Quality Streetโฆโฆ
Iโve yet to witness this local phenomenon personally, but popular party-function band Purple Fish have donned the outfits of Britainโs most famous and timeless blues rock band ever, The Rolling Stones, for many years now, so itโs a safe bet they know which buttons to press.
Chatting with Aaron Potter, the Ronnie Wood of Mick Jogger & The Stones Experience, I bent his ear about the time I got “owned” by a Little Mix tribute on social media, arguing a tribute act should be of a past act rather than one currently in their prime. Those even littler mixers responded, โbut we provide a safe and affordable environment for youngsters who otherwise wouldn’t be able to see the real thing,โ or words to this effect. Had to confess, they made a valid point. Boy, did I hide my head in shame!
I suppose, a Rolling Stones tribute is similar, being the originals seem to be as immortal as Chrispher Lambert on steroids. Still Mick Jagger is eighty, you cannot expect an eighty year old to perform with the zest and vigour of their youth, can you? Okay, perhaps heโs the exception to the rule, but, just like Little Mix, youโre gonna fork out a small mortgage for the pleasure, and the Stones ainโt rolling into Devizes anytime soon!
Aaron replied in agreeance, supposing the Stones are past their prime, and I backed my thoughts with this video (below) of them doing their thing in Hyde Park way back when. You see, the “being in your prime argument” is only a part of a wider doubt I have with any tribute act, the other is unavoidable because you cannot turn back the hands of time, itโs recapturing the atmosphere of the era, the setting.
So, if you watch this video, note the Corn Exchange would be unable to replicate this precisely, health and safety will not permit a mass of gyrating hippies standing on the speaker boxes, neither will the aroma of exotic herbs I strongly imagine wouldโve been smelt at this concert be permitted by the town council venue. You could try whipping off your kit and dancing with only flowers in your hair, I’m not going to stop you, but Wiltshire Police have enough on their hands already on a Friday night this close to Christmas without having to find a blanket to cover your wobbly bits with!
But you cannot live in the past, my once playful banter with the worth of tribute acts has been turned on its head this year, and Iโve bore witness to some incredible ones. All we can do is be rest assured satisfaction is guaranteed, Mick Jogger & The Stones Experience will put their all into this and bring the party with them. Please, I asked Aaron after reliving this monumental video of the Stones in action, tell me you do Sympathy for the Devil?!!
โYes,โ he affirmed, โyou will hear Sympathy for the Devil.โ Pleased to meet you, guys, I didnโt have to guess your names, theyโre listed on your website; ah, that’s progress for you!! Tickets are a purple one, from HERE.
The Tedworth Hunt intend to stage a meeting in Pewsey this Boxing Day, despite not making an application to the Parish Councilโฆ.. Their usual meetingโฆ
Featured Image: Colin Rayner Photography It wonโt be long before the only Quality Street left in the tin are empty wrappers and those toffee pennies noโฆ
By T.B.D and D Rose for Devizine.The author can be reached at housetyg@gmail.com This month the historic Cooper Tires factory in Melksham which began theโฆ
If The Southgate is Devizesโ finest and most reliable pub music venue, it’s usually favoured by an adult crowd. Yet it’s without doubt that Nothingโฆ
Something I was trying to skive off doing this year, being time consuming, is a local Christmas shopping piece, but then this terrible roadworks situationโฆ
I’m enjoy Monday’s stream from the wonderful Visual Radio Arts, recorded right here in Devizes. They’ve been hosting some great shows recently, from Richard Wilemanโฆ
Snotty nose, change of weather, otherwise Iโd have dragged my sorry ass down to Underground, formerly Level III in Swindon for last weekendโs Children in Need fundraiser with our heroes Talk in Code, and these Malmesbury guys, The Dirty Smooth. Instead I stayed in, feeling sorry for myself; man flu, the struggle is realโฆ.
Rub salt into the wound, why donโt you, Dirty Smooth, and put out a buzzing new single?!ย
Itโs a rare find, a single from The Dirty Smooth, last one was all out Guns n Roses fashioned power rock Black Jack City, last March. A welcomed return then, and Snakebite has a more pop feel, the like Talk in Code are putting out, and their punchy Seed The Spark. Snakebite is tempting, with this archetypal smooth bridge for the band, and it just rolls, slick, give a whirl, do yourself a favourโฆ..
So yeah, I thought Iโd be funny by commenting โcanโt waitโ on Chippenhamโs upcoming folk singer-songwriter Megโs Facebook post announcing her latest single, because, youโฆ
Featured Image: Colin Rayner Photography If Iโve recently been singing the praises of arts diversity in Bradford-on-Avon, centred around the Wiltshire Music Centre and notโฆ
Everything to do in Wiltshire this coming week, right in one handy listing, all you gotta do is grab a warm coatโฆ.
Okay my little poppies, please be aware this is not comprehensive and new events can and might yet still be added to our blossoming, occasionally updating EVENT CALENDAR; they might not be added here, so do check in regularly. You can also find links to everything mentioned there, and plan ahead.
One other really important thing before we get going, the thing everyone seems to brazenly browse past pretending it didnโt apply to them, we need donations to fund this, so, if you can, please donate a little something to keep us going; awl, thank you. If you love it, donโt lose it, like Bez on a nineties dance floor. For info on how, see HERE. Please and thanking youโฆ
Remembrance this weekend, Iโll pop the agenda for Devizes below.
Ongoing, check out the Dark exhibit at the Forbidden Carnival in Chippenham.
Wednesday 8th
Thereโs an online talk with Francis Kilvert and tales of Langley Burrell, courtesy of Wiltshire Museum, Devizes. Acoustic Jam at the Southgate, Devizes, and its opening night for the Invitation Theatre groupโs Pirates of Penzance at the Corn Exchange, running up to Saturday 11th.
Ad Hoc Theatre: Les Liaisons Dangereuses at Pound Arts in Corsham.
Arman Djikolum and Iyad Sughayer at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.
Hegemono Quartet at The Bell, Bath, while Bloody Medea!!! Is the play at The Rondo Theatre.
Women In Rock at Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.
Thursday 9th
The Importance of Being Earnest opens at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon, and is running until Saturday 11th.
Drag โnโ Drop at Rondo Theatre, Bath. Guy Davis at Chapel Arts.
Hannah Rose Platt and Sienna Wileman at the Tuppenny, in Swindon. Mad by Mourning with Abstraction Engine at The Vic, and the Bon Jovi Experience at the Wyvern.
Ruby Wax โ Iโm not as well as I thought I was, at the Cheese & Grain, Frome.
Friday 10th
Sour Apple plays the Kings Arms, Hilperton.
Open Mic at the Barge, HoneyStreet from 8pm.
Moroccan evening with guest Chef Peter Vaughan at The Parade Cinema, Marlborough.
Free entry at the Pump, Trowbridge, with Ed Dyke, Becky Lawrence and Rich Onyett; nice one!
Fulltone Festival: Becky Lawrence. Image by Gail Foster
Nota at The Boathouse, Bradford-on-Avon. 7 Crowns and Scene Killers at The Three Horseshoes. Bristol Ensemble at Wiltshire Music Centre.
Moscow Drug Club at Newton Tony Memorial Hall.
Pierre Novellieโs Why Canโt I Just Enjoy Things? at the Rondo Theatre, Bath. George Harrisonโs Music, โAll things must passโ Duo at Chapel Arts.
Abstract Engine at The Castle, Swindon, Furlined at The Beehive, The Achievers & Greg Brice at The Hop Inn, and Ruby Waxโs Iโm Not As Well As I Thought I Was, moves onto the Wyvern.
The Bonsai Pirates at The Winchester Gate, Salisbury.
Chris Jagger Band at The Tree House, Frome, Huey Morganโs 50 Years Of Hip Hop at the Cheese & Grain.
Saturday 11th
Wiltshire Museum, Devizes opens a double-whammy exhibit, running until the 17th February, Lest We Forget: the Black Contribution to the World Wars in Wiltshire and Eric Walrond: A Caribbean Writer living in Wiltshire, of which I hope to be at the preview evening to bring you news about as soon as.
There is also the monthly Young Curators Club at Wiltshire Museum, and the Museum Explorers Club too.
The Last Post at the Wharf Theatre for one night only, please see our preview HERE.
The fantastic Courting Ghosts make a debut at The Southgate, Devizes. And there’s a last minute booking at the Three Crowns. Blues band The Zac Schulze Gang have a huge national following and have recently moved to Devizes from Kent; let’s welcome them to town!
But my Editorโs Pick of the Week goes to The Muck & Dundar in Devizes who have a dub reggae night with the awesome Omega Nebula. If youโve been reading our review or seen the posters wrongly listed as the Eskimo Nebula instead, that is because the duo have recently changed their name. Tickets Here.
Static Moves at The Barge, HoneyStreet, The Chao Brothers at The Lamb, Marlborough.
Life in Mono with Ophelia Waiting at the Pump, Trowbridge. Be Like Will at The Kings Arms, Hilperton. Endless Love, The Lionel Richie and Diana Ross Story at the Civic.
The Lollypops & Moptops Show at Melksham Assembly Hall.
Corsham Christmas Market.
Wiltshire Jazz Academy at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon, and Sansara Traces of White Rose. Bucky Rage, The Kosher Pickles, and the Reverse Cowgirls at The Three Horseshoes.
Room 101 at The Castle, Swindon, Sons of Liberty at Underground, Cydonia Knights at The Vic, Rich Hallโs Shot From Cannons at the Wyvern.
Jon Amor Trio at the Royal Oak, Bath. A Life in the Theatre at The Rondo Theatre, Martha Tilston with support from Nathan Ball at Chapel Arts.
Amy Winehouse tribute at the Tree House, Frome, Oas-is at the Cheese & Grain.
Sunday 12th
The Museum of Marvellous Things at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon. Frankie & The Buzzcats at the Three Horseshoes.
The White Top Mountain Band at The Bell, Bath.
Sensational 60โs Experience at the Wyvern, Swindon, Juliette Burton at Swindon Arts Centre and Dirty Sound Magnet at The Vic.
Frome Chocolate Fair at the Cheese & Grain.
Monday 13th
Kirris Riviere Blues Band at The Bell, Bath.
Thatโll Be The Day Christmas Show at the Wyvern, Swindon.
Tuesday 14th
Filskit Theatre: Wonder Gigs (Weather) at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at the Wyvern, Swindon.
Thatโs all got this minute, but more will be added, Iโm sure, to the event calendar as the week goes on. Didnโt see your event here, maybe you didnโt tell us about it, and if you did, my apologies, do give me a nudge, or a Cadbury’s Fudge and Iโll make sure itโs amended; have a groovy kind of love week!
To look around our beautiful landscapes youโd be understanding of visitors who assume itโs a barren outback with nothing going on, but we know different;โฆ
How did you celebrate your seventeenth birthday? Did you pop up to Glasgow to accompany The Charlatans, on bagpipes, at the historic Barrowlands ballroom, andโฆ
Photographs by Simon Folkard Astronomical winter starts on the 22nd December, yโ know, but the Met Office uses a meteorological definition of seasons, making theโฆ
Wiltshire-based charity, Wicked Weather Watch (WWW), is looking to expand its innovative approach to climate education with their upcoming Big Give Christmas Challenge campaign….. Theโฆ
Everything to do in Wiltshire this coming week, right in one handy listing, you know the drill, jump to it, preferably before putting your Christmasโฆ
Feeling a tad grumpy and under the weather, what with returning home from work soaked to the skin every day, venturing out on a Friday evening looking forward to the prospect of another downpour come morning is not a decision taken lightly. You’d be forgiven for assuming taking said plunge to watch two self-confessed old guys reading poetry in Devizes Town Hall would be a definite no-no, but this was comedy legends Henry Normal and Nigel Planer; twist my arm why don’t you?
Kudos as a starter for ten for hosting such an entertaining touring show in our humble town. While Devizes Books deserves a mention for the books are in said store, sure, it was a promotional tool for the respected author’s outpourings, but it was well received and the type of event you couldn’t have got any closer up and personal to two renowned characters without taking them to bed, which didn’t happen as far as I’m aware, (Mrs Devizine wouldโve sounded me out) though I confess to being unusually starstruck by Mr Planer’s presence! I kept imagining him waving his eight arms around when the genie granted his wish, “Rick! Rick! Ya gotta see this man! You’re gonna freak!”
‘Cos I was an impressionable nine-year-old when The Young Ones came on the telebox, heralding in a new wave of alternative comedy to the masses. I’d suggest though the magnetism between Rick and Adrian was the making of it, it was half-baked and only progressed later through Filthy Rich & Catflap and Bottom, Neil was arguably the most well-defined character. His comedy pop career legacy is also kingpin to why he was my personal favourite, even prior to my student hippy phase, I hasten to add.
Henry Normal & Nigel Planer Poetry & Comedy Night, Devizes
If The Goons had given our parents surreal comedy, and Monty Python twisted psychedelia into the melting pot, Britain wasn’t prepared for the anarchistic new wave of Footlights’ and The Comedy Store comedians. It was in essence, punk comedy, our parents doubting if we should be allowed to watch it a catalyst to why we had to. To read the prolific Henry’s rรฉsumรฉ is like a who’s who of comedy, and his co-writing TV credits, Mrs Merton Show, The Royle Family, Gavin and Stacey, Red Dwarf, The Mighty Boosh, Alan Partridge, and so many others all display clear roots in the alternative comedy of the eighties, so too did his performance last night.
Though Normal spent this impressive career mostly on the other side of the camera, his charisma as a working-class Midlands lad was projected with such proficiency and hilarity he could fill-in for, even upstage any stand-up comic, and that’s the pinnacle of any comedian. His customary, wry satirical stabs at conservatism were applauded, in Devizes Town Hall, and this made me smirk! Though he did make me promise not to repeat his jokes, which I had no intention of, only here to express how hilarious they were; tins of fruit salad though, I remember well, thanks for jogging my memory!
Though the sublime observation comedy routines of a reminiscing matured fellow dealing with the confusion of a modern era were but foundations for his poignant poetry. And if these introductions were comical the end result was thought-provoking and often sombre in reflection, the contrast his delivery style, the result was inspiring, even if poetry is not usually my forte.
Henry Normal & Nigel Planer Poetry & Comedy Night, Devizes
Surprisingly through both these two prestigious careers in TV and radio, they never professionally worked together in this field, rather they united through their love of poetry in the mid-nineties. Equally surprising to note Nigelโs stage impromptu presence was less stand-up routine than Henryโs, evident he saw himself more actor than writer, still he presented a lifetime range of poetry from one his books, a poetry collection, decidedly more out there and experimental, though equally as skilled. One particularly ingenious verse compared all traditional poetry methods by using each method respectively; it overload my dullard mind by comparison, but finger in the air, boy, that was smart.ย
Similarly to Henryโs stint, the interludes were amusing and enlightening, as he openly and passionately discussed the character of Neil, giving insight to its creation prior to appearing on the Young Ones. The only question I had for him was to ask how much of himself he put into the character, but the sheer enthusiasm of his backstory answered this for me. Heavy, I mustโve, like, had a backward premonition, man!
Nigel fascinated us by reading selected passages from his book, Jeremiah Bourne in Time, a genre-spanning time travelling slice of intelligent fiction, and after another bout of fine poetry from Henry, leaving us with a jaw-dropping final prose, there was an informal Q&A session, where hands went up to ask all manner of queries, only one about roller-coasters being surreal enough to fit the agenda of a younger Henry and Nigel, though today reminiscing was both paramount and favourable for the equally matured audience.
And two ageing fellows reminiscing and reflecting on two glorious vocations was less Uncle Albert than you might assume, given their illustrious life journeys. Throughout they opened up about their personal lives, yeah, name-dropped a bit but who wouldnโt?! Through hardship, fame, parenting and divorce they mustered enough ammo to present their view on maturing and the modern world, yet never without this tinge of nostalgic anarchism, the like which embedded their names on the cornerstone of British comedy.
Henry Normal & Nigel Planer Poetry & Comedy Night, Devizes
An entirely different night for me, whoโs last presence at a poetry slam was never, though I had our hometown poet laureate Gail Foster on hand not only to steal her photos, but to cast a more critical and professional eye, and she seemed to love it too! As an amateur so-called comedy writer I came away inspired to push on with my own wares, though I had to draft this piece out of respect for such a great night from two exhilarating luminaries, and get my rainwear out for another round of milkmanship.
Wasnโt there an episode of the Young Ones with a flood, whereby the gang try to kill Neil with an electric hedge-trimmer, only to be distracted by Mr. Balowski breaking down the door to Neil’s room with an axe?! Glad to say nothing this exciting happened on the milk round, and, like Vyvyan’s hamster, Neil escaped with his life, because last night was thoroughly enjoyable; do catch the tour if it comes your way!
Intriguing and divergent is my two word summary of the latest exhibition at Devizes’ Wiltshire Museum, from one who grew up with first-hand second Worldโฆ
Devizes celebrated rum bar, The Muck & Dundar are hosting a dub reggae night with Omega Nebula on Saturday, and received this weekโs prestigious awardโฆ
This week the organiser proudly presented a cheque for a whopping ยฃ9537.75 to Prospect Hospice staff. The third year of My Dadโs Bigger Than Yourโฆ
Contemporary folk rock in the UK tends to come in three formats which never the twain shall meet, usually. Firstly you’ve got your acoustic goodnessโฆ
If our ground-breaking heroes of boom bap, the Scribes bring the noise during live performances and bless any venue with crowd-pleasing positive vibes, yet areโฆ
Snotty nose, change of weather, otherwise Iโd have dragged my sorry ass down to Underground, formerly Level III in Swindon for last weekendโs Children inโฆ
Hoping to bring you a review of the Beatles tribute in Bath last night, but I thought I’d explain the strange thing which happened on the way back home, because while I accept there’s some weird people in Chippenham, this guy was off his rockerโฆ.
I suppose there’s a lesson to be learned. I’m not getting any younger, and trekking from one gig to review to another is taking its toll. I’m tired, but was keen to catch the last few songs at a gig in Devizes, so I confess, I was putting my foot down. The road was wet, and though usually I’m a careful driver, I guess I just had a momentary lapse of reason. I can’t explain why, I just lost control of the car I guess, on the Bath Road near Rowden Hill.
In those split seconds when fear grips you, I was careening off the road. A lampost abruptly came into my headlights and I was heading straight towards it. There was a moment when I assumed I would hit it and braced myself. That’s when this white figure of a young man stepped out from nowhere, like, from behind the lampost. Noting him there, though he surprised me, I yanked the steering wheel with one final hope to serve away from both him and the lamppost.
The thing was he didn’t seem too alarmed, or particularly concerned I nearly hit him. Oddly upon noticing me he kind of waved his arms, as if willing my car away from the imminent collision. The car spun suddenly, far further than I expected given the full lock, skidding away from the guy and post, I managed to regain control to brake to a halt. It was kind of hard to explain, but as if the guy’s kinetic energy willed the car to safety.
At least I was okay, but really shaken. I felt a chill run through me. Regaining my senses I figured I should find the man, thank him, and check if he was okay. By the time my shivering hand went to open the door he had approached it. A good looking fellow, I guess early twenties. He wore a brown leather jacket with a fluffy collar and underneath it I noted a rather neat pin-stripe suit. His blonde quiff blew as if in a zephyr, even though it didn’t seem windy out there. As I rolled the window down he put two ice cold hands on the descending window and protruded his head into my vehicle.
He seemed understandably agitated and a little confused, I mean I get that, right, given the circumstances, but before I could ask him if he was okay, he asked me if I’d seen someone called “Sheeley,” with a desperation in his rich, Northern American accent. Confused, I said no, being there was no one else around. In this he asked again, for two people called Pat, or Gene, but it was obvious Sheeley was the one he was most concerned about.
He wasn’t happy with me at all, there was frustration in his tone, claiming I had hit his taxi, but there were no other cars involved, or even nearby. It didn’t help that I pointed this out to him, as he expressed a need to get to Heathrow for an early flight home. I know and accept, anyone hanging around this area just outside Chippenham at this time of night is likely a weirdo, right, I mean there’s no clubs or pubs nearby, but there was something eerie about this whole guy’s persona, a lost, almost ghostly presence.
Frustrated, he told me it was his last gig here, he had just played the Bristol Hippodrome, in what he deemed “a backward country which wouldn’t know rock n roll if it slapped you in the face.” I disagreed, and told him I had just seen a great tribute act to the Beatles, who although weren’t exactly the originals, were pretty good. All I recieved was a confused reply; can you believe it, clearly he’s a musician and even if he’s American, he said, “who?” The guy hadn’t even heard of The Beatles! He quipped it was a stupid name for a band, so I asked him who he played for, thinking he might like a gig at Melksham’s rock n roll club.
He didn’t answer, clearly not the time nor place for smalltalk, he continued to look around him, occasionally turning his head to yell, “Sheeley!” Sauntering around he left my car and continued his imaginary search, kicking into the bracken looking for them and desperately calling their names, adding “c’mon everybody,” almost in hollow chanting melody, he cried out, “let’s get together tonight, I got some money in my jeans, and I’m really gonna spend it right!” Like I said, totally off his rocker.
Clearly he was either drugged up or schizophrenic, and blaming me for, apparently, hitting his taxi. I felt obliged to humour him, lest he might get dangerous, so I called the Chippenham police.
Sorry I did now, I mean I know the force is under pressure from cuts and so on, and Chippenham is hardly state-of-the-art, but this Rover P6 police car turned up with some long-haired youngster who’s uniform belonged in a museum! Calling himself “Dave Dee,” of all things, he didn’t even engage with the Yankie nutjob, it was as if he couldn’t see him. He just searched the bushes, unbelievably pulled out a broken Gretsch guitar, and, chuffed with himself, told me how he was going to fix it up and start a band, then got in his battered panda and drove off. Typical, useless copper!
If something’s worth doing it’s best to do it yourself, right? There’s no help from the police these days, so as Dave the copper’s rear lights faded into the night, I thought I’d have to see if I can settle the mind of this American crazy youngster. I mean, he seemed like a great guy, very interesting, and someone I could’ve easily got along with if we’d met under different circumstances. Maybe I could appeal to his better nature?
I sighed and crossed my fingers, opening the car door to find him, but he had gone, completely vanished. I looked everywhere, took my phone torch to the area, there was no sign he was ever there. The bracken he was rumbling in was undisturbed, which is more than can be said for me! I shivered as finally, a cold wind blew down the street, and so I hurried back to my car.
I got into the driver’s seat, feeling frozen and spooked. Gripping the wheel with white knuckles I started the engine and looked out to the road ahead. Slowly I pulled out of there, telling myself repeatedly it was just some prankster playing a joke on me. When I get home I’ll just draft up a review of the gig and try to forget this happened.
Until I got to the bottom of Derry Hill I drove in silent contemplation, but feeling lonely and a tad afraid, I thought I’d bluetooth my phone to the car stereo and just shuffle some tunes. The first song sang out, “Well, when you hear that music, you can’t sit still, If your brother won’t rock, then your sister will, Ooh, c’mon everybody!”
I recall this song, from one of my mum’s rock n roll compilations, but I’ve never downloaded it to my phone, and checking my playlists when I got home, it wasn’t on there. So I checked what was on at the Bristol Hippodrome last night too, there’s no rock n roll show at all, they’re hosting Pretty Woman the Musical!
Freaked out, I went straight to bed, the better half was sound asleep next to me. She suddenly woke up, screamed, “the house’ll be shakin’ from the bare feet a-slappin’ the floor!” And then she promptly went back to sleep. Me, I couldn’t sleep a wink, and she had no recollection of saying anything of the sort in her sleep. And oh, by the wayโฆ. Happy Halloween; Muahahaha!!!!
Of course, I ‘m full of bull, a little spooky fun on Halloween! But the idea came from an eerie blogpost from the Horses of the Gods, taking an article by Albie Morris, first published in the July 1980 edition of โThe Delirium Curiosumโ a now defunct, Wiltshire based underground cultural newspaper which started in 1971 and was dedicated to avant-garde poetry, wyrd folklore, ghost stories, hippy philosophy, Eastern mysticism and other ideas associated with the counterculture.
It suggests a few people have witnessed the ghost of Eddie Cochran at his tragic accident spot in Chippenham, including a chap called Mick Harris from Devizes. Do give it a read, fascinating stuff, and spooky too!
โHereโs to Windwhistle and places of dread, is there nothing to fear from the living or dead?โ
The Horses of the Gods are West Country folk duo, Mike Ballard and Matty Bane, and they are remembering their debut album, We Wish You Health which was released on 31st of October 2020. We fondly reviewed it HERE, and it makes the perfect Halloween listen! They told Devizine a while ago they were working on a second album, which had some folklore references to Devizes, and we very much look forward to hearing it.
Boo! Weโve got everything to do in Wiltshire this coming week, right in one handy listing, as usualโฆ..
Okay my little pumpkins, please be aware this is not comprehensive and new events can and might yet still be added to our blossoming, occasionally updating EVENT CALENDAR;they might not be added here, so do check in regularly. You can also find links to everything mentioned there, and plan ahead.
One other really important thing before we get going, the thing everyone seems to brazenly browse past pretending it didnโt apply to them, we need donations to fund this, so, if you can, please donate a little something to keep us going; awl, thank you. If you love it, donโt lose it, like Bez on a nineties dance floor. For info on how, see HERE. Please and thanking youโฆ
Ongoing, Dark is the latest exhibit at the Forbidden Carnival in Chippenham, running until 24th November.
Wednesday 1st
Acoustic Jam at the Southgate, Devizes.
Lunchtime Recital at the Wyvern Theatre, Swindon, followed by Jimeoin: The Craic.
Track Dogs at Chapel Arts is sold out, but the Gin Bowlers play the Bell in Bath, and opening night of Sheila’s Island at the Rondo Theatre, running until Saturday 4th.
Thursday 2nd
Rich Hallโs Shot from Cannons at Melksham Assembly Hall.
Sayers & English Weather at The Tuppenny in Swindon, Geoffrey Wansellโs Monsters In Our Midsts at Swindon Arts Centre, and Shock Horror at the Wyvern.
Martin Simpson โ A Master of His Art at Chapel Arts, Bath.
Friday 3rd
Calne Bonfire & Fireworks at Beversbrook.
Marlborough Fireworks at Marlborough Town FC.
Devizes LGBTQ+ Drag Queen Bingo Disco @at The Wyvern Club, Devizes. Poet Henry Normal and very special guest Nigel Planer at Devizes Corn Exchange. Susan Santos & Alastair Greene at Long Street Blues Club.
Gaz Brookfield is at the Pump, Trowbridge, sold out Iโm afraid. Meg and Oxygen Thief in support there.
2 Tone All Ska at The Consti Club, Chippenham.
Rosie Hood Band at Pound Arts, Corsham, and Mitchell and Vincent at Fovant Village Hall.
The Terrace Soul Weekender at Alexandra House in Swindon. Get Carter at The Vic.
Hejira is celebrating the music of Joni Mittchell at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon. Karport Collective are at The Boathouse, and Severed Illusions, Peruvian Necktie, Dystopian Dread & Accelerated Mutation all at The Three Horseshoes.
Ignotis, Feedback & Nothing Rhymes With Orange play Burdall’s Yard, Bath.
The Hot Damn! at The Tree House, Frome, The Blues Others โ A Tribute to the Blues Brothers at The Cheese & Grain.
Saturday 4th
Curious Kids: Victorian Homes at Wiltshire Museum, Devizes. Thereโs the Swap Shop at St James from 11-2pm. An extraordinary piece of theatre telling the story of Britainโs Womenโs Land Army of World War II, Lilies on the Land at the Wharf Theatre, and No Fixed Abode play The Three Crowns.
Midlife Krisis Bonfire Night at The Barge, HoneyStreet.
Apache Cats at The Wheatsheaf Inn, Calne.
Chippenham Kickboxing Academy: Hero of the Hall at Melksham Assembly Hall. Raindrops at Melksham Conservative Club.
Martin Jenkins Groove Ensemble at the Old Road Tavern, Chippenham.
Be Like Will at The Wiltshire Yeoman, Trowbridge. Franki Soul at Emmanuelโs Yard.
Two Diamond Souls โ an evening with Odin Dragonfly at the Old Rectory Stanton St Quintin.
Nick Harperโs Tempus Fugitive with support from Patrick Duff at Pound Arts, Corsham.
There will be a Palestine Solidarity March from 2pm, meeting at Regents Circus, Swindon. Mortellica at The Vic. Myra DuBois: Be Well at Swindon Arts Centre. Trois Amigos at The Woodlands Edge.
But we stay in Swindon for Editorโs Pick of the Week, when Talk in Code, The Dirty Smooth, Kotonic, and Mirrored Faces join together at Underground (formerly Level III) for a BBC Children in Need fundraiser.
Fistful or Rage at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.
Young Francis Hi Fi at the Royal Oak, Bath, Santarnal at The Bell. A free party at The Queenโs Head in Box.
Out In The Streets Launch Night: Drum & Bass & Jungle at Salisbury Guildhall
Martin Stephenson & The Daintees at The Tree House, Frome, and Fleetwood Bac at the Cheese & Grain.
Sunday 5th
Day course of Wood Engraving with Robin Mackenzie at Wiltshire Museum, Devizes. Devizes Bonfire Night at Devizes Town FC. The Grand Order of Water Rats presents a Charity Variety Spectacular at the Wharf Theatre. And itโs the Jon Amor Trioโs monthly residency at the Southgate starting at 5pm, special guest is Adam Holgate.
Blondie & Ska at The Royal Oak, Corsham. Stories In The Dust at Sherston Village Hall.
An Evening with Glenn Hoddle at the Wyvern, Swindon.
Patsy Gamble Collective at The Bell, Bath.
Monday 6th
The Opening of the Garden of Remembrance by the Royal British Legion at the War Memorial in Devizes, I shall leave further details of days and times of services relating to Remembrance below.
Dave Gormanโs Powerpoint To The People at the Wyvern, Swindon.
The Good Stuff at The Bell, Bath.
The Hunna at the Cheese & Grain, Frome.
Tuesday 7th
Simon Spillett & Ross Hicks Trio at Jazz Knights in The Royal Oak, Swindon. I am The Manic Whale at The Vic, Hancockโs Half Hour at the Wyvern.
Marina Elezovic at The Bell, Bath.
Ondara is at The Tree House in Frome.
Thatโs all for now, folks, but our event calendaris updating, and to plan ahead, check it out. Devizine is going out to over 100K local folk and listing your event will remain free, nudge me if youโve told me and itโs still not listed, all you have to do to insure it is here is to tell us about it!
Residents from communities across Swindon are organising another show of solidarity with the people of Palestine…..
They are inviting everyone to join them at 2pm on Saturday 4th November at Regents Circus. There will be several speakers and a march through the town centre, setting off at 3pm.
Numerous mosques, unions and Swindon Palestine Solidarity have called for a big presence to demand a ceasefire and to let aid through to Gaza.
Abdul Khalique, Chairman, Board of Trustees, Hazrath Shajalal Central Mosque in Swindon said on behalf of the board, โThis is an Urgent Call for Justice in Palestine. Hazrath Shajalal Central Mosque Swindon issues a heartfelt plea for global solidarity in addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Palestine. As homes are demolished, families displaced, and lives disrupted, we stand united against oppression and advocate for the basic human rights of the Palestinian people.”
Hazrath Shajalal Central Mosque urgently calls for:
End the Violence: Cease hostilities immediately, paving the way for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Humanitarian Aid: Facilitate the immediate delivery of humanitarian aid to alleviate the suffering of those affected by the crisis.
Restore Dialogue: Encourage all parties to engage in constructive conversations for a sustainable and just peace.
International Intervention: Call on global leaders and organisations to intervene, ensuring a fair and equitable resolution.
Hazrath Shajalal continued, “This is not just a political issue; it’s a universal concern. We invite individuals, organisations, and governments to join us in this call for justice, as we work towards a world where the rights of every individual are respected.”
Mehmet Guvercin, Chairman of the Wiltshire Turkish Community said, “It is always the innocents that suffer in a conflict. The innocent people in Gaza are completely stuck there and cannot escape. We cannot just watch on our TVโs. Even if we cannot stop this conflict, we have to help the innocent people of Gaza. What is happening in front of our eyes has to be looked at from a humanitarian point of view.”
A spokesperson from Swindon Palestine Solidarity said, “We are organising these events from a framework of supporting the application of international law and principles of human rights. These principles also lead us to stress with utmost vehemence that our grievance is with the actions of the Israeli state and those governments that are complicit with its crimes โ we condemn absolutely any attempt to victimise communities in Britain in this context. We act from a sincere wish to see an end to all violence, especially violence against civilians, but we recognise that this will never be achieved unless the root causes of that violence are addressed. We do so from a foundation of our enduring support for the right of the Palestinian people to freedom, self-determination and return.”
“This will be a peaceful event with families and children attending, with people from different religions and none; people of differing races and backgrounds from across our communities. The police and council have been notified of the event. We ask that you invite your friends, family and community to stand with us in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Palestine.”
Residents from communities across Swindon are organising another show of solidarity with the people of Palestine….. They are inviting everyone to join them at 2pmโฆ
Steve Vick International (SVI), a leading innovator in pipeline engineering solutions, is thrilled to announce the renewal of their sponsorship agreement with the Wiltshire Musicโฆ
Boo! Weโve got everything to do in Wiltshire this coming week, leading us into Halloween and the end of the monthโฆ..as we always doโฆ.boo! Itโsโฆ
Creators of original music who may psychologically build a hierarchy with them atop, tribute acts on the bottom and cover bands hovering somewhere between, tendโฆ
4Youth (South West) are pleased to announce the beginning of a 2.5 year street-based youth work project based in Devizes, Wiltshire on Monday and Thursdayโฆ
Steve Vick International (SVI), a leading innovator in pipeline engineering solutions, is thrilled to announce the renewal of their sponsorship agreement with the Wiltshire Music Centre (WMC). This renewed commitment reflects SVI’s dedication to supporting the local community and nurturing the next generation of musical talent….
Since January 2020, SVI has proudly sponsored Wiltshire Music Centre, and they are continuing their commitment as major sponsors of the West of England Youth Orchestra and the Wiltshire Youth Jazz Orchestra. SVI, headquartered in Bradford on Avon, is deeply rooted in its local community, and has a strong desire to give back through charitable support.
Steve Vick, Chairman of Steve Vick International, expressed his enthusiasm for the sponsorship renewal, “We’re very excited to continue supporting the West of England Youth Orchestra and the Wiltshire Youth Jazz Orchestra. Their exceptional musicianship has consistently impressed me. Our connection with Bradford on Avon is significant to us, and we’re dedicated to being an integral part of the community. We are particularly passionate about fostering young talent and helping them achieve their full potential.”
James Slater, Artistic Director of Wiltshire Music Centre, echoed Steve Vick’s sentiments: “We are extremely grateful to Steve Vick International for their support. Partnerships like this are crucial to our mission of providing high-quality opportunities for music engagement at the highest level.”
Wiltshire Music Centre is not only a cultural gem but also a vital institution that plays a pivotal role in the community. With over 150 concerts each year and the participation of over 1,000 professional, community, and young musicians, the Centre’s purpose-built auditorium is celebrated for having “the finest acoustic outside London” (Sean Rafferty, BBC).
As part of their renewed sponsorship, Steve Vick International plans to be actively engaged in the local cultural scene by offering their staff opportunities to attend concerts throughout the year. This involvement underscores their commitment to fostering a vibrant arts and music culture within Bradford on Avon and its surroundings.
This interview is courtesy of Steve Vick International, the Major Sponsor of the Youth Orchestra at Wiltshire Music Centre.
To celebrate the renewal of their sponsorship, SVI recently conducted an exclusive interview with Gabriel Vick, the talented son of Steve Vick, who currently holds the leading role in “Mrs. Doubtfire” in the West End. This interview highlighted the Vick family’s deep-rooted love for music and theatre, which has been a driving force behind their continued support of Wiltshire Music Centre.
Can you share with us how your journey into the world of theatre and music began? What sparked your interest in this field? “My parents were always creators of theatre, and my earliest memory is when they were part of a theatre company that staged โA Christmas Carolโ at the Merlin Theatre in Frome. I was 4 and played โIgnoranceโ. I learned piano at 8 years old and really took to it. I loved playing Oliver at the age of 10 at my local prep school and then auditioned to be a chorister at Wells Cathedral School and was offered a scholarship to sing in the cathedral choir. I learnt so much about how to read and interpret music. I took up trumpet too.”
Growing up in a family where music and the arts are a prominent part of life, how did that influence your passion for music and theatre? “My parents had taken two shows (and us!) to the Edinburgh festival in 1989 and 1990. They were a regular part of the local village theatre production company and I was part of many productions directed by my mother in the late 90โs. They had weekly tickets to the theatre Royal Bath on Thursday nights but didnโt always want to see what was on and would let me go instead. So, in my teens I watched so many musicals and this attracted me to musical theatre.”
Were there any specific artists or mentors who played a significant role in inspiring and shaping your career in the performing arts? “Paul Denegri at Wells Cathedral school was a real pupil’s favourite; he taught brass but was more of an agony aunt. My choir master Anthony Crossland (who now lives in Bradford on Avon) was someone I looked up to along with the support of Andrew Nethsingha (now organist of Westminster Abbey). Roland Robertson was a fantastic director of music at Prior Park allowing pupils to take centre stage whilst being an excellent musician providing many opportunities for us to play and sing. Acting was always more of an instinct to me and so I canโt really single out a mentor or artist. I did train at the Royal Academy of music and Mary Hammond and Karen Rabinowitz were champions of mine.”
You’re currently playing the leading role in “Mrs. Doubtfire” at the Shaftesbury Theatre in London Can you tell us about your experience preparing for and performing in such a beloved production? “I auditioned for Mrs Doubtfire by stringing together 10-12 impressions with jokes to make the panel laugh. These were not in the script, but I knew they were looking for playful manic improvisation and a love of character voices. I got hold of all the script and song material as early as I could even though I didnโt even have an audition yet. All 5 auditions were done in a week as the American team were limited by Covid. I had a feeling this was the role for me but I really had to hustle for it! The character is a beloved gift which I am careful to treat with respect so that the audience get who they came to see. However, over the course of the play they soon feel comfortable with my interpretation, and we generate so much joy in that theatre together.”
“Now that I am some months into a year-long run of the show I treat myself like an athlete. There are 28 costume changes, tap dancing, break dancing, countless impressions and singing which is a huge demand on my body physically and mentally. I monitor everything I eat, my weight, water consumption, supplements, I have vocal massages, vocal training, physio, strength training and I sleep long and well. It is safe to say I work very hard to be in peak condition for each and every audience.”
What advice would you offer to aspiring young musicians and actors who are just starting their journey in the world of performing arts? “Try everything and be prepared to risk looking silly. A diversity of playing experiences helps you hone in on what you are good at and some things may surprise you. Be strong, be patient and work hard.”
Your father, Steve Vick, is sponsoring the West of England Youth Orchestra at the Wiltshire Music Centre. What does it mean to you to see his passion for music and arts support the next generation of talent? “I am so glad that my father is supporting music for the west country youth; he has certainly seen it benefit me. He has cried many times at my singing in Wells cathedral to now on the west end stage! Dad took up saxophone about 20 years ago and loves to play in an orchestra himself. There is a joy to simply making music together, young, and old.”
Could you share a little about the impact organisations like the West of England Youth Orchestra and the Wiltshire Music Centre have on fostering young talent and the importance of their work? “In the late 1990โs I benefitted from an orchestra called โBath Baroqueโ in which I played natural trumpet. Sadly, it ran out of funding but I learnt so much and was enriched by meeting a wider community of musicians. I expanded my repertoire and learnt musicianship skills but also the practical personal responsibility that it takes to commit to an orchestra. The music festivals were also an important part of our calendar taking place at venues just like Wiltshire Music Centre.”
As a performer deeply connected to both music and theatre, do you believe there are valuable lessons or experiences that young musicians and actors can learn from each other? “I found in my youth that my peers were inspirational. I took up trumpet because my friend encouraged me to do so. It also helped foster friendships and sharing of musical influences. I believe through my experiences I have learnt that everything in life is a collaboration; we are all standing on the shoulders of giants.”
Finally, what can the audience expect from your performance in “Mrs. Doubtfire,” and do you have any upcoming projects or aspirations you’d like to share? “Mrs Doubtfire is the role all my skills culminate in. It truly is a gift and one that I give everything to; I am on stage practically the whole time, so you see a virtuosic performance of singing, dancing, comedy, impressions and even a new musical instrument! I am happy to say I have no immediate projects beyond this as I am living in this fantastic moment of my career.”
Steve Vick International’s commitment to Wiltshire Music Centre demonstrates their dedication to building a brighter future for musical talent in the region and ensuring that the arts continue to thrive. With this renewed sponsorship, SVI and WMC look forward to inspiring and nurturing the creativity of young musicians, enabling them to reach new heights.
Gliding through October at colossal speed, with temporary bursts of cold spells hinting winter at us, and some, some I repeat, faintly whispering theโฆ
Devizes Town Councillors voted unanimously to adopt a Single-Use Plastic Policy and appointed Councillor Vanessa Tanner as the Plastic Free Champion for the town,โฆ
An early and rarely-performed play, ‘Two Gentlemen of Verona’ has feisty heroines, lovelorn & bickering young men, dictatorial parents, foolish suitors, cross-dressing, letters galore,โฆ
If my Saturday’s entertainment at The Pump was decidedly offbeat and a tad bizarre, what with chap-hop, pith helmets and vintage jazz played throughโฆ
Boo! Weโve got everything to do in Wiltshire this coming week, leading us into Halloween and the end of the monthโฆ..as we always doโฆ.boo! Itโs that time of year when I get repetitive strain injury from typing โHalloween Party!โ
Okay my little pumpkins, please be aware this is not comprehensive and new events can and might yet still be added to our blossoming, occasionally updating EVENT CALENDAR; they might not be added here, so do check in regularly. You can also find links to everything mentioned there, and plan ahead.
One other really important thing before we get going, the thing everyone seems to brazenly browse past pretending it didnโt apply to them, we need donations to fund this, so, if you can, please donate a little something to keep us going; awl, thank you. If you love it, donโt lose it, like Bez on a nineties dance floor. For info on how, see HERE. Please and thanking youโฆ
Happy Jack is running at the Wharf Theatre, Devizes, until Saturday, weโve a review of it HERE.
Wednesday 25th
Devizes in Bloom invites you to plant a bulb for Christmas, at Hillworth Park. Donโt forget the regular Acoustic Jam at the Southgate, Devizes.
Music for Miniatures has a Bubble Bach at The Neeld, Chippenham.
Changing Times: The Impact of Total War in Wiltshire and its effects Post-War, 1939-1955, with Julie Davis at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Memory Cinema, films designed in a setting suitable for those with dementia, are showing High Anxiety (PG) at Swindon Arts Centre, while thereโs a Quiz Night at The Castle.
Mike Oldfieldโs Tubular Bells and Pink Floydโs Dark Side of the Moon are reenacted at the Rondo Theatre, Bath, and the Sun Kings play The Bell.
Thursday 26th
Those wonderful River Warriors of Calne invite families to the Pocket Park for half term autumn activities. Thereโs also a Demonstration of Mediumship at Calne Town Hall.
The Brewery Inn, Seend start their Halloween Haunted Garden, which runs until 31st October, which is HalloweenโฆBoo!
Open Mic at Stallardโs, Trowbridge. Open Mic at the Crown, Aldbourne.
Hags: A Magical Extravaganza by Scratchworks at Hullavington Village Hall, and Luke Wrightโs Silver Jubilee at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Spontaneous Potter at The Wyvern Theatre in Swindon, while Nervendings and Fluff play the Vic. Fran McGillvray & Mike Burke at the Tuppenny.
Parameter Promotions Presents Lewis Poole Live at The Electric Bar, Bath, and the Rondo Theatre has Butchered.
Friday 27th
Friday sees the opening of a new exhibit at the Forbidden Carnival in Chippenham, called Dark, and it runs until 26th November.
Devizes Arts Festival Comedy Night at The Corn Exchange, Devizes, and theyโre celebrating Daveโs birthday at The Southgate with an ongoing Beer & Cider Festival all weekend with lots of music, no doubt. Halloween Party at the Bridge, Horton.
Trash Panda at The Coopers Arms, Pewsey. Static Moves at The Bear, Marlborough, and Marcus N Kellie Lutener is at The Lamb with a Halloween Party.
A Festival of Remembrance concert at the Civic, Trowbridge, while the Pump another round of The Future Sound of Trowbridge with Mobscure, Ravetank and LXRDVIRS.
Halloween Family Disco at The Neeld, Chippenham.
Abbamania at Melksham Assembly Hall, Halloween Party at the Pilot.
Hags: A Magical Extravaganza by Scratchworks at Hawkesbury Upton Village Hall.
Highly recommended Siouxsie and the Banshees tribute, Painted Bird at The Vic in Swindon, Sister Sister at North Swindon Club, Bad Good Times at The Queens Tap.
Sean Collinsโ Smokinโ Funny at the Rondo theatre, Bath, Josienne Clarke at Chapel Arts.
Bon Giovi at the Cheese & Grain, Frome, Faux Bonamassa at the Tree House.
Saturday 28th
Autumn in the Park at Hillworth Park in Devizes. The Four Sopranos have a CPRE fundraiser at the Town Hall. Susan Santos at Long Street Blues Club. The Southgateโs ongoing Beer & Cider Festival, with music from Red Light and Free Peace.
The celebrated Halloween Party at The Three Crowns, Puscifer Presents Global Probing Halloween Bash at The Snuff-Box.
Editorโs Pick of the Week!
But, if youโre going to a Halloween party Iโm a firm believer you should pick it up as a ska-loween one! Therefore it makes purr-fect sense that the Skaloween at Devizes Scooter Club HQ, the Cavalier should be Editorโs Pick of the Week, with ska band Skamageddon. In case you were wondering, the music is ska, the theme is halloween!!
Dorothy House fundraiser at The Lamb in Urchfont, with Humdinger.
Oktoberfest at Seend Community Centre.
Hooch at The Coopers Arms, Pewsey.
Apache Cats at The Talbot, Calne.
The Monster Ball at Melksham Assembly Hall.
Shivers and Shadows at The Neeld, Chippenham, followed by the Emeralds Boxing event.
The Worried Men at the Pump, Trowbridge, Train to Skaville at The Gloucester Road Conservative Club, Halloween with the Buttmonkies at Stallards, Be Like Will at The Red Admiral.
A mod, northern soul and ska night at The Players in Westbury. Band of Others, with optional Halloween fancy dress at the Cock Inn, Warminster.
Triple JD Band at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford On Avon.
Rachel Fairburnโs Showgirl at the Rondo Theatre, Bath. Steven Brinbergโs celebrated tribute to Barbra Streisand, Simply Barbra, is at Chapel Arts. Siren plays The Devonshire Arms.
The Vintage Bazaar at the Cheese & Grain in the daytime, but with Glenn Hughes sold out, people of Frome need to head for 23 Bath Street for the Frome Fair Fundraiser, a Night of BOO! – Boot Hill All Stars will entertain you.
Jo Caulfield at Swindon Arts Centre. Destination Anywhere has a mod-soul-ska club night at The Vic. Down & Dirty Halloween Party at The Woodland Edge, the amazing SexJazz at The Castle, and Damn at the North Swindon Club.
Sunday 29th
Thereโs a Haunted Hayride at Poulshot Village Hall; now, that sounds fun!
Devizes Town Band at The Corn Exchange, with Chloe Jordan for an autumn themed concert. Blues at The Southgate, Devizes with Thomas Atlas.
Guinea Lane Saxophone Quartet at the Heritage Centre, Pewsey.
October Jam at The Wheatsheaf, Calne.
Thereโs a fundraiser for Friends IVF treatment at The Vic, Swindon, with Mirrored Faces, Copper Creek, Thieving Magpies, N/SH, and more.
Junkyard Dogs play the Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.
King Dinosaur at The Bell, Bath.
Monday 30th
Rock The Tots: have some Spooky Fun at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Reverend Richard Coles: Borderline National Trinket at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.
Nightshift at the North Swindon Club.
Mobrasuto at The Bell, Bath.
Tuesday 31st
Trick or treat! It is Halloween and I know of no Halloween party; weโve exhausted ourselves already rather than exorcised ourselves!
There are the regular Jazz Knights at The Royal Oak, Swindon, with the Robert Fowler Quartet, Gigspanner Big Band at Swindon Arts Centre, and Gary Delaneyโs Gary In Punderland at The Wyvern Theatre.
Then, Bobโs your dadโs brother itโs November, and though I confess thereโs still a lot of updating to do, which I must stop playing online backgammon and get on with, thereโs lots to be keeping you out of trouble, so keep an eye on our event calendar for updates for next month.ย
Devizine is going out to over 100K local folk and listing your event will remain free, nudge me if youโve told me and itโs still not listed, all you have to do to insure it is here is to tell us about it!
With a wide selection of family-friendly and retro board games, RPGs such as Magic the Gathering, Warhammer and Pokรฉmon,ย and serving tea, coffee, cakes and,โฆ
Wiltshire Council are asking public transport users, residents, businesses and visitors in the county to take part in a public transport review, to helpโฆ
Righty-oh, no time for messing about, weโve lots to get throughโฆ. What have I become?!! Thereโs always time for messing around. Hereโs a snapshotโฆ
Devizes teenagers from Wiltshire Army Cadets recently gave up their Saturday morning to help with a community gardening project on Windsor Drive in Devizes…..โฆ
Take a play written in 1982, about two people born in 1914, from West Yorkshire. Written by a professional playwright with huge global stage hits to his name…โฆ..
Perform it in a theatre in 2023, with two actors born in the early 1960s, in Wiltshire. Directed by a retired head teacher with much local based success in community theatre.
What do you get?
Let us take a step back from that question for nowโฆ
John Godber, of โBouncersโ (1977) fame was a schoolteacher and then professional writer, who crafted this biographical play about his own grandparents. It was his first ever play, written when he was 25 years old, as it happens, though it didnโt see the light of day publicly for some while. It is written in reverse chronology. That is, the play opens with the two protagonists, Jack and Liz, in their later years and works its way backwards through their livesโฆย from death, to married life and its tribulations and joys, to being grandparents, and parents, marriage, honeymoon, courtship and that first date.
Jack is a cantankerous, bullish miner. Liz is a far from kowtowed Yorkshire lass who gives as good as she gets, and in snippets we glean from the story holds all the aces in the relationship in reality.
Jack is played by Ian Diddams, Liz by Wendy Dopheide. Both are the same age in real life, as we meet them as their characters at the start of the play. Whilst by the end of the play they are aged seventeen, so wonderful are their portrayals that it easy to see via their mannerisms and control of voice that they pass for such youthful individuals. Ian is a no stranger to the Wharf Theatre, whilst this is Wendyโs first appearance there. The play is directed by Lyn Taylor, who has both directed and performed across Wiltshire.ย Technical is headed up by Jon Lewthwaite, more than ably assisted by a multitude of talented people sliding sliders, making noises, and pressing buttons! There are also two other characters in this play, unlistedโฆย Wendy and Ian as themselves, as narrators. Godberโs writing and their acting flips effortlessly between southern English 21st century actors, and an early to mid-20th century Yorkshire couple. Then there are the side characters, played by the same two actors. Here Wendy gets kudos for also playing not only herself and Liz, but also a grandson, a ticket seller, a barman and a neighbour. Ian merely has to double up once โ he gets the easy ride clearly. Oh โ and I nearly forgotโฆย take your time and think carefullyโฆย you may even spot the un-named John Godber in the playโฆ
So โ back to that questionโฆย What do you get?ย You get something quite excellent.
Now โ lets be fair โฆย great shows start with a great playwright, so take a bow John Godber. It is a play that is fifty-five pages long of quite small font. Both characters have over four hundred and seventy lines of dialogue each. Hamlet is Shakespeare’s longest play. In its entirety it is over FOUR HOURS LONG to perform. Its titular character has three hundred and fifty-eight lines. Horatio has the next largest number of lines โฆย at a hundred and nine.
Let that sink in a moment.
So โ how does it stack up? Itโs a simple, even stark, set that sets the tone nonetheless perfectly.ย A hatstand, a bookshelf, a coal scuttle and a gramophone represent Jack and Lizโs home. Two chairs centre stage complete the set. But these are no ordinary chairs. They not only represent easy chairs and dining chairs but also a bath, a birthing table, a washstand, railings, and a bench. Less is more they say and here director Lynโs vision really comes to the fore. Allied to this is a wonderfully choreographed lighting set โ want a fireplace with flickering flames? No problem.ย A northern nightclub with glittering lights?ย A doddle. How about a cinema?ย Easy-peasy.ย Not to forget some wonderfully evocative sound effectsโฆย seaside, cinema again, and of course and obviously (!) the Tower Ballroom at Blackpool.
Costumes are simple but effective with minimal fuss. Working class garb with outer garments garnered from the aforementioned hatstand.
And then thereโs the music. Mario Lanza, John Hanson, Kitty Kallen, Reginald Dixonโฆย amongst others. Their doleful tones โ and tunes โ haunt the first act in particular. And a memorable rendition of a duet by Maurice Chevalier and Hermione Gingold.
And thatโs it. Just under two hours including an interval gives you an insight into a 20th century Yorkshire minerโs family. Two wonderful performances by Wendy and Ian, great directing by Lyn, and top technical input by โthe crewโ.
Do yourself a favour and get to see this, this week at the Wharf Theatre, Devizes.
And returning to that question at the very start of this piece once againโฆ
What do you get? You get community theatre at its finest.
The Winter Solstice at either Stonehenge or Avebury remains one of the most awaited Pagan celebrations of the year, with thousands of visitors gathering toโฆ
The Future Smiths, a new community-driven organisation set up to advance entrepreneurship and innovation, is proud to announce an exciting initiative aimed at aspiring entrepreneursโฆ
Saturday 4th November Underground, 73 Commercial Road, Swindon, SN1 5NX Swindon’s biggest indie pop Talk In Code are working alongside Underground, based on Commercial Road in Swindon, ourโฆ
Creators of original music who may psychologically build a hierarchy with them atop, tribute acts on the bottom and cover bands hovering somewhere between, tend not to prioritise what’s popular, whereas pub landlords value what will get the punters drinking, viewing it differently. Neither are correct, there is no right nor wrong in this, just opinion. But to witness The Female of the Species is to find the truth worth of a covers setโฆ.
I’d wager a majority at the Community Centre at Seend last night aren’t as fortunate as me to get to grassroots venues and witness the variety within our burgeoning music scene. They’ve been looking forward to this night out, they’re buzzing with anticipation, and to let the band know how much they’re appreciated. Thus the Female of the Species will endeavour to recreate the kind of songs to flush them with nostalgia and gift them with a memorable evening. They do this with so many bells on, they ring out a local annual occasion of monumental importance, and I’ll explain why.
Starter for ten, we’re gathered here to put the “fun” into fundraising. Each year these lovely ladies vote for a charity to donate to, after eight years must’ve raised an incalculable amount for worthy causes; Mind, Young Melksham, Wiltshire Air Ambulance, Carmelaโs Stand Up to Muscular Dystrophy, to name a few, and in doing so received a Civic Award in 2019.
This year’s is Alzheimer’s Support, a countywide accredited charity and one I personally can associate with. My reasoning I won’t pester you with, as I did chewing the ears off the volunteers on the night! Supporting people living with all types of dementia, their services include award-winning day clubs and one-to-one home support, with over forty community activity groups including, Music for the Mind, Movement for the Mind, memory cafes, art groups, discussion groups, nature and gardening groups, all designed to keep minds and bodies active and reduce isolation.
Secondly, the Female of the Species aren’t a regular band per-say, rather a supergroup amalgamated from female-fronted local bands who annually assemble for this unmissable one off. Jules Moreton of Trowbridgeโs Train to Skaville, Nicky Davis from People Like Us and The Reason, Julia Greenland from Soulville Express, Claire Perry from Big Mammaโs Banned, Charmaigne Andrews from Siren, and the unforgettable Train to Skaville saxophonist, Karen Porter. All being amazing performers in their own right, together they’re an unsurpassable force which appears more harmonic with each year that passes, despite having obligations to their individual bands. The result is something to behold, and this year was no exception.
Eighties night, best defined last night. Though I could argue the tagline, The MTV Years is ambiguous and not forgoing American, being few here had access to MTV in said decade, though “Top of the Pops Years” would’ve been equally enigmatic! None of which matters, over the plethora of eighties pop classics sublimely delivered by the unique troupe, opening with Jules leading on Glenn Frey’s The Heat is On, followed by Nicky on Tears For Fears’ Everybody Wants to Rule the World, to an apt finale of Sisters are Doing it for Themselves; of which they certainly were, and blowing the roof into Seend Cleeve and beyond.
Through Sledgehammer, Echo Beach, Addicted to Love, 99 Red Balloons, and every hit gen x cherished on a Now, That’s What I Call Music volume, Julia leading on Easy Lover, Claire’s Yazoo stint though dressed as Boy George, Char on Dude Looks Like a Lady, Nicky’s Cher turning back time, and a wonderful Blondie medley were among the highlights of a cooking first half alone, as the crowds realised why leg warmers at discos was a short lived trend!
Aha, the second half took on us, followed by more eighties classics than you could shake a Rubik’s Cube at, particularly adroit was The Bodysnatchers’ Do Rock Steady, Heart’s Alone, and naturally, Footloose.ย
They gave Erasure respect, Nicky did a Tina Turner homage, but, wow, how Julia nailed Chaka Khan’s Ain’t Nobody. All this sprinkled with the fancy dress and usual stage banter associated with Female of the Species, as is, if I may be so chauvinistic, akin to any group of girls on a night out, a “gaggle” being a possible collective noun I’ll sure be hammered for suggesting! Undoing all my good work now, informing you this annual occasion is unmissable, but equally as important to keeping eyes peeled for next year’s, is to go gig searching on your circuit for the relevant bands these singers perform with.ย
A superb night out in Seend, then, arguably nothing so different from previous years, but if it ain’t brokeโฆ.
Support this year came from Sham-Trowbridge rock covers group Legacy, of which Jules’ sister fronts. With a powerful vocal range, they surprised me, wrongly assuming it would be heavy metal-ish, they opened with Jumpin Jack Flash, and built decades with everything from the Undertones’ Teenage Kicks and Nutbush City Limits, to Pink covers and Sex on Fire, finally wrapping an energetic and enjoyable set up with Summer of 69.ย
If, just as the Female of the Species did too, every tune might be perceived as clichรฉ classic hits, Legacy belted them out amazingly with precision and passion, tipped off, I guess, to what pushes this crowd’s buttons, and making for an engaging support to this utterly brilliant supergroup.
Geographically centroid to the Devizes, Melksham and Trowbridge triangle, Seend Community Centre makes for a great and spacious venue to host this, boasting a grand stage and acoustics, the bar is affordable, the staff are welcoming. Look out for forthcoming events there, including next Saturday’s beer-gulping, thigh-slapping Oktoberfest!
Okay, clever clogs among us Iโm sure will tell me the Eskimo Nebula is a bipolar double-shell planetary nebula, 6,500 light-years away which is surroundedโฆ
According to the confines of youth cultures of yore, I shouldnโt like Marlborough-based duo Deadlight Danceโs debut album, Beyond Reverence, as while attempts to fitโฆ
By Ian Diddams Three women meet at university in 1983. Mixed backgrounds, sexual preferences, dreams. From early reticence, to friendship, to love. Sharing despair, hope,โฆ
This week I popped in to see Justina at Devizesโ Healthy Life Company in the Little Brittox, and she took me upstairs โฆ. okay, pack it in, you lot! If youโre reasoning I best not read this any further think again, especially if youโre stuck for a few Christmas shopping ideas, because upstairs, and I didnโt even know they had an upstairs, a wonderful Christmas market is blossomingโฆโฆ
There I stood amidst a mini winter wonderland, chock full of gift ideas as Justina explained they do this every year, and showed me the centrepiece, a colour-changing mushroom lamp which will be raffled at the end. She told me a delightful story of a past raffle prize, which fascinated a young boy who came up everyday after school to see it. โHis Dad eventually bought him a ticket,โ Justina continued, โand when we went to pull the raffle we pulled out two tickets by accident. One was the little ladโs and the other was my other half! So we had to tell him what had happenedโฆโ Thereโs me speculating Justinaโs โother halfโ was left disappointed, โit was very sweet.โ Then she directed my attention to this yearโs prize.
โWe do it every year, and weโve still got lots of things to arrive. Itโs all from good companies that we like, like the English Soap Company, most things we have here are from English companies.โ
And there was me thinking Justina had some bad news, on the basis of the Little Eco Shop in Couch Lane shutting down. โThe whole industry of zero-waste shops, most of them have closed, thereโs hardly any left,โ she expressed. But the Healthy Life Company has been trading for an amazing forty years, and Justina has been at the helm for the last fifteen of them, it was popular, shoppers dropping in throughout our chat. โI never meant to stay this long,โ she told me, โBut Devizes does that to you, doesnโt it? And I love it!โ
So, long live the Healthy Life, I reckoned, as Justina showed me the more daily products downstairs. โThis is all our refills which weโve been doing for a long time now,โ she explained, showing me a tiered system for storing products. They have to sell fast in the refills and if they donโt, Justina showed me some packaging made from potato starch, โso itโs home compostable. Another thing we do, if it comes in this packaging, that gets taken away and is made into pet food bags.โ
Twenty-six different liquid products I was introduced to next. โWe have this thing we call the Devizes Refill Challenge,โ Justina went on to, โwhich says, just make one change. Itโs not about making masses of changes. If every family in Devizes went, right, one bottle, what one can we lose, letโs do washing up liquid, or laundry; itโs a real easy win. If everyone did one tiny change, youโd probably save six hundred plastic bottles a month.โ I supposed, once you were doing this, and you were here among the other liquid refills, you’re more likely to try others, until it becomes the new norm.
Organic veg is a new thing for the Healthy Life Company. โResearch from the Soil Association is saying now that one of every three foods has pesticides in it. So, organic is about minimising the amount of stuff thatโs in your shopping basket which isnโt good for you.โ Though, the blinkered illusion is this comes at a price, wonderful though these independent and caring shops are. โIโve done a price-check,โ Justina said, โcomparison against Sainsburys and our organic veg is cheaper, and it’s not a not a massive difference between organic and non-organic.โ Then she worried it all sounded middle-class, โbut if youโre going to cut meat out of your diet, occasionally, perhaps once a week, and go to veg, you might as well have some veg with optimal nutrition, and it will be cheaper than buying that meat!โ
Optimal nutrition was a term Justina used quite a bit, and there was me, thinking about nipping into Greggs afterwards! But what of this current trend of lunch on the run? I wondered why The Healthy Life didnโt sell lunchtime snacks, and lo-and-behold, it seems I came here on the right day. โWe just want people to come in, do a price check; we are mindful of quality and price,โ she told me, a tad understandably frustrated with the scaffolding outside and the roadworks; herein where I suggested my lunchtime snack idea.
Great minds think alike(!), a new fridge was being installed later on that day, by coincidence, to offer vegetarian Buddha bowls, salads and wraps. Although Devizes may be awash with choice for such, The Healthy Life are hoping, with over twenty nutritional ingredients in each, and available from Wednesday to Friday, lunchtime you might pop in, and while youโre there, check out the Christmas gift ideas upstairs, try the Devizes Refill Challenge or just browse this lovely independent shop we are lucky to have here in town.
The Healthy Life Company can be found at 4 Little Brittox, Devizes. Tel: 01380 725558 or email: enquiries@thehealthylife.co.uk and they also have a wonderful online shop with more products they can store in the shop, HERE.
Me? I bypassed Greggs in the end; another time, cold and malign sausage and bean melt, another time!
Chippenhamโs folk singer-songwriter Meg gets our early song of the week this week, and The Cycle is only her debut single…. Iโve spoken twice toโฆ
Kempston joystick! There’s a new single from Swindonโs sonic indie-rock blasters Atari Pilot, and it seems theyโre waiting for the summer to fall. Hint, guys,โฆ
Schools are back, summer has finally arrived, hereโs what weโve got this coming week…… Not comprehensive, more will be added to our event calendar asโฆ
Not as the title might suggest…. Since I peaked too soon over the bank holiday, coupled with working it, yeah, I sadly missed Monday’s entertainmentโฆ
Let’s face facts, they’re not referring to their average age here, are they?! Todayโs topic is belting through town like a headless chicken escaping Colonelโฆ
All images ยฉGail Foster It may be a wrap for another successful Full-Tone Festival in Devizes this bank holiday weekend, but talking to conductor Anthonyโฆ
4Youth (South West) are pleased to announce the beginning of a 2.5 year street-based youth work project based in Devizes, Wiltshire on Monday and Thursday evenings………
The aim of street-based youth work is to engage and build trusting relationships with young people and to positively influence their lives by providing support and guidance, signposting through engaging them in enjoyable activities and informal and social education.
The project is a partnership between Devizes Town Council, which has provided the funding, and 4Youth (South West), a charity which delivers centre- and street-based youth work activities for young people aged 9-25 in Melksham, Atworth, Westbury and now Devizes. The charity also offers 1-to-1 counselling and group workshops at a range of sites across Wiltshire through its TeenTalk service.
4Youth has recruited a new team of Devizes based youth workers who will be delivering two street-based sessions per week from the beginning of October 2023. These sessions will begin by engaging young people in Devizes town centre on Monday eveningโs and in the estate around 40 Acres Road Park on Thursday evenings; the routes may change over time, as young people begin to engage and tell us where they would like the team to be.
As the name suggests, street-based youth work takes place on the streets, parks and other public areas in the communities where the young people spend time. It starts where the young people โare atโ – both geographically and developmentally. It delivers informal and social education and address whatever needs are presented to or perceived by the youth worker. As street-based youth workers have no physical building or specific activity over which they have power or control, the relationship between young people and youth worker is entirely voluntary and constantly up for negotiation.
Hannah Parry, Area Coordinator for 4Youth, said, โThere can often be a perception that county towns like Devizes donโt have as many issues as more urban towns and cities, but thatโs often not the case. They can also experience a lack of opportunities, various kinds of disadvantage and deprivation, youth unemployment, low educational attainment and health issues, as well as anti-social behaviour and crime, such as gangs, drugs and county lines, and crime rates can sometimes be more concentrated in rural towns than in bigger cities.โ
Youth work is a key tool for detracting young people away from harmful activity by supporting them to engage with positive activity, to address challenges and barriers and to move forwards happily, healthily and productively in their lives. Street-based youth work has often been thought of as a way of trying to get young people to stop offending or engaging in anti-social behaviour, but in reality it has much more to offer young people and communities. Street-based youth work does work with young people to discourage ASB and youth offending, but at its core it offers as much value as any other form of youth work.
โAs well as supporting young people where they are now, our Devizes street-based team will be helping to understand the youth scene and gather the voices of local young people around their needs and aspirations. This will help us to understand the issues young people in the town face and how these can be addressed. We will use street-based youth work to build a stronger community relationship for the young people of Devizes by supporting them to have a voice within and to participate in the town.โ
You can keep up to date with 4Youth (South West) via Instagram and Facebook and find out more about their services via their websites – 4youth.org.uk and teentalk.org.uk
Imagine, it’s only just eight pm on the opening day of Honey-Fest at the legendary Barge on HoneyStreet, and the haystack-filled marquee is already positivelyโฆ
Another wonderful nugget of lonely contemplation from the chillaxed Britpop kahuna, Paul Lappin, formerly of Swindon now residing in the South of France. Unfortunately Youโฆ
Righty-ho then, this weekโs rodeo roundup of all the lovely fings to Scooby-Doo across Wiltshireโs rolling landscape is rather like when you went on holidayโฆ
devizine.com 