Author: Darren Worrow

New Organ Arrives in Devizes Like โ€œA Phoenix Rising from the Ashesโ€

Featured image: ยฉGerry Lynch

A new organ for St Johnโ€™s Church in Devizes arrived today in two trucks โ€“ although it will be some time before it is installed and working…..

The instrument, which was kindly gifted by Trinity United Reformed Church in Plymouth, was identified by a working group as being ideal for the Church. It has been used several times for the National Young Organistsโ€™ Competition. 

It is part of a project to get a pipe organ back in the church, which is known for its choral tradition, for the first time since the fire of 2006. An electronic organ installed then as a temporary solution is still being used, but is ageing rapidly, requires increasing amounts of servicing, and will soon need to be replaced.  

The Rector of St John with St Mary, Devizes, the Revโ€™d Jonathan Poston, said, โ€œitโ€™s great to have the organ in Church!”

โ€œWeโ€™re all exhausted because weโ€™ve been here since 8.15 this morning unloading it and it has been two wagon-loads of stuff. Weโ€™ve managed to get it in church and packed away. ย Weโ€™re really looking forward to our campaign to get our new pipe organ back in place. Itโ€™s going to be fantastic for the choir, and great for our church.”ย 

โ€œRealistically it will take at least 12 months to get the organ working, as it is a huge project, but it will be well worth waiting for.โ€ย 

Mike McClelland, the churchwarden who facilitated the setting up of the organ working group, said, โ€œThis is a phoenix rising from the ashes of the ruins of the old organ which was burnt.โ€ย 

โ€œWe are now preparing for a faculty, or permission from the Diocese of Salisbury to make significant alternations to the Church, building on faculties granted in 2002 and 2008. We canโ€™t start work until we get the faculty, and we also need to raise some money for the project. We do hope to both start and finish work during 2024.โ€ย 

Teams of parishioners worked hard to move the pipes into the church and clean up afterwards. This had to be done urgently as this is just the first part of a busy day at St Johnโ€™s โ€“ the Bishop of Ramsbury, the Rt Revโ€™d Andrew Rumsey, confirmed five young people and one adult in the church that evening. 

The project is being led by Lance Foy Organs of Truro. 

Trending…..

Devizes; Full of Scummy Mummies!

Guys out on โ€œthe pullโ€ on Thursday in Devizes were cut short. The Scummy Mummies were back in town, and youโ€™ve never heard so manyโ€ฆ

Pride Where Pride is Needed

Pride month finds me wondering if Pride events are actually needed more in our smaller market towns where awareness and acceptance is perhaps lesser thanโ€ฆ

World War One play The Last Post heads to Devizesโ€™ The Wharf Theatre this November

A new World War One play will be coming to Devizesโ€™ Wharf Theatre this November, ahead of Remembrance Day……

The Last Post brings to life a series of letters between a boy in Folkestone and his father who is fighting on the Western Front in Belgium.  The span of the play is 70 years but begins in 1914.  William Downing is desperate for his father Joseph to come home in time for Christmas. That this sentiment was so rooted in the reality of all the soldiers and their families of the time makes this play so poignant.

The show is suitable for the whole family, and the eighteen-show run across England is the first time that the moving adaptation of Keith Campionโ€™s book will be in theatres, following a hugely successful run in schools last year.

The theatrical adaptation of The Last Post is performed by just three actors, taking on a multitude of characters from ten-year-old boys to, in one memorable scene, Lord Kitchener himself.  The skill of the actors mean that the show is always entertaining but grounded in reality.

The play is produced by Hobgoblin Theatre Company, a leading Theatre-In-Education company, which gives thousands of children their first taste of theatre every year.

Dan Foley, the showโ€™s director, said, โ€œWhen Keith approached us to adapt his book we leapt at the chance. The book has been a fantastic resource for teaching World War One in the classroom and we felt a stage version could reach even more people.โ€

โ€œAfter the reaction from schools last year, we knew this was a special piece and deserved to be in theatres. Keithโ€™s story offers an insight into the reality of life at home and on the war front ahead of Armistice Day, 105 years on from the end of World War One.โ€

The challenge of turning written letters into an engaging piece of theatre has been dealt with by using a split stage and multimedia projections.ย  The books author, Keith Campion agrees. โ€œI am delighted with this incredible adaptation of The Last Post.ย  Powerful and poignant, it brings the book alive in an accessible and moving way for young children and families.โ€

โ€œThe danger when teaching events from over 100 years ago is that they can end up becoming a dry list of battles and political changes that lose children. By putting them through the eyes of a person their own age, then children become engaged,โ€ continues Dan.

โ€œWe feel strongly that the story of the Great War is just as powerful now. We hope the people of Devizes will agree.โ€

The show will be on at The Wharf Theatre on 11th November at 1:30pm. Tickets are available HERE.

Trending…..

After Ruby, Barrelhouse and RowdeFest 26

Images by Jess Worrow A busy late spring weekend across the county, with major events from Bradford-on-Avon to Swindon, but I’m bringing quality acts Iโ€ฆ

Chatting with Ruby Darbyshire

There’s the story of one newfound fan who, after her performance, asked Ruby how many copies of her CDs she had, bought the lot andโ€ฆ

Shindig Festival Goes Ahead, with Bob Vylan

After months of speculation, controversy, and local media bias, The Shindig Festival at Malmesbury’s Charton Park has been given the green lightโ€ฆ.. Despite Newsquest floggingโ€ฆ

NervEndings Launches Scathing Attack on Music Industry Chancers and Charlatans

Oh, do you suffer for your art? Are you told itโ€™s all a labour of love? You are not alone, but more often than not, it is a sad reality, unfortunately. The disappointment of those with stars in their eyes, the general assumption youโ€™re a monkey, available to be hoodwinked and willing to accept peanuts for your toils, is no new thing across all mediums, but itโ€™s not getting any easier, quite the opposite. If anything it makes you want to scream โ€œsomeoneโ€™s got to say something about itโ€ฆโ€ฆโ€

Enter left, Swindon alt-blues rock trio NervEndings, who on Friday (6th October 23) launch their latest single, Democracy Manifest, for if no creative industry is hit worse from this plague of con artists than the music one, they thought better than to take it lying down, and write a bullet-biting song about unrequited love, or imaginings on how the world can be a happier place. Democracy Manifest rolls through you like a haunting wake up call, itโ€™s of the Rage Against the Machine or Levellers level of energy and bitterness, and it attacks โ€œthe dark side of the music scene.โ€

This belting four minutes of bluesy, riff-laden vexation is said by the band to be โ€œa direct response to real-world theft and deceit that occurs far too often in our local music scenes,โ€ and if I shudder with irony to say you can pre-save it on Spotify here, though I do hope the band will consider Bandcamp too, what I believe to be the lesser of evils in an online era, though I accept perhaps not the most popular; sign of said times, but I still favour it.

Active on our local scene and never without a dynamic show, NervEndings have the energy and gusto of the Deftones or Foo Fighters, so the theme is apt, as if the fury of what they witness is captured in a bottle. Itโ€™s a charging single, a welcome return to recordings for this prevalent and le dernier cri band, echoing throughout local venues.  

Vocalist and guitarist Mike Barham expresses his thinking, โ€œWe all have this rose-tinted view of our own scenes sometimes and we hope that everyone is in it for the same love of the music that brings us to it in the first place. But the ugly truth is that some people just see music scenes as a way to extort people, to make a quick buck and abuse their power. We couldnโ€™t stand for that any more.โ€

โ€œI got sick and tired of watching certain people taking our younger bands for granted, people getting lost in a cycle and we wanted to give them a song to rally behind. This is our way of telling anyone who wants to get involved in making and celebrating music, in whatever form, that the abusers, the thieves and the liars will always be weeded out one way or another.โ€

But Mike, Iโ€™m a paranoid old hippy, getting my coat! I hope he knows what doughnut Iโ€™m referring to, and post-lockdown it felt acceptable, though the subsequent year they blagged further and I put my foot down. Resonating the Whoโ€™s Wonโ€™t Get Fooled Again, they might trick me, once, but if the message in this song gets through to the guilty and causes them to think otherwise, then your excellence is done. But furthermore it stands as a warning to those who may fall into the trap, and I salute you for it. 

What maybe more is, standalone, itโ€™s the belting slice of energy and encapsulating tune, resounding the millennial underground bands with thickly applied layers dropping into calm and rising with passion and fire, we most likely need right now.ย Pre-save this whopper with charcoaled fries.

Trending….

Wife Cooks Husband in Devizes!

A wife cooked her husband on Thursday evening in Devizes. I watched the whole thing unfold, but would have politely passed off any offering ofโ€ฆ

New Devizes Mayor; Congratulations, Vanessa!

Three short years ago, we first spoke with Vanessa Tanner, campaigning in the Devizes Town Council by-election for Devizes East. In those few minutes, Iโ€ฆ

Should Wiltshire Council Fly the Pride Flag?

Wiltshire Council will discuss granting itself permission to fly the Pride Progress flag outside County Hall and other Wiltshire Council offices during Pride Month. Theโ€ฆ

M3G, De-Anchored

At the end of last year Chippenham singer-songwriter M3G released the single Rooks. I felt it set her bar at a whole new higher level.โ€ฆ

Weekly Roundup of Events in Wiltshire: 4th – 10th October 2023

Righty-oh, no time for messing about, weโ€™ve lots to get throughโ€ฆ. What have I become?!! Thereโ€™s always time for messing around. Hereโ€™s a snapshot of Professor Elemental last time he was in Trowbridge to prove it; heโ€™s back at the Pump this Saturday, you wonโ€™t find another hip hop gig quite the same!

But we do have lots of things to do this weekend in wonderful Wiltshire, hereโ€™s what weโ€™ve found, but do check in the event calendar, as it will be updated whereas this wonโ€™t. So, to make it clear to all:

HERE IS THE EVENT CALENDAR!

Please, if you can donate a little something to keep us going, do, thatโ€™s all I ask. We need to fund this, people. For info on how, see HERE.  

Pay a visit to Wiltshire Museum, Devizes, for the Anna Dillon exhibition; reviewed HERE, this ends on October 15th.

Oh, and check out Si Griffiths’ Clown Soup at the Forbidden Carnival in Chippenham too!

Wednesday 4th:

The Edward Twohigre exhibit at Katharine House Gallery in Marlborough opens on Saturday, but thereโ€™s a walk and talk session today, see the poster. 

The Regular Acoustic Jam at the Southgate, Devizes

Swindonโ€™s Old Town Comedy Club at The Hop Inn has headliner Louise Leigh. Swindon Music Service presents A Night at The Proms at The Wyvern Theatre.

George Mabuza Group at The Bell, Bath.

Nik Kershaw at the Cheese & Grain has sold out.

Thursday 5th:

Ruled by Raptors at The Vic, Swindon, Quo, Fish, Boazard at The Tuppeny. Geoff Norcott  plays Swindon Arts Centre, and Sarah Millicanโ€™s Late Bloomer is at The Wyvern Theatre.

Friday 6th:

Friday sees the opening of the Calne Music & Arts Festival running from 6th-15th October. Thereโ€™s a private view opening for the Art Exhibition at Marden House. From thereafter the Open Art Exhibition will be on display throughout the Festival.

Wilswood Buoys play the Pump, Trowbrige, with Meg, Ed Dyke and Henshaw in support.

Plan of Action play the Parson’s Nose in Melksham.

An Evening of Mediumship with Nikki Kitt at The Neeld, Chippenham.

Platform 4: Triffids! At Pound Arts, Corsham, Iโ€™ve no idea what that is but it sounds interesting!

Coleview Music Festival begins in Swindon, elsewhere in the town, Giselle at The Wyvern Theatre, and Swan Lake. KERRANGโ€™D at The Vic, Fleisch at Underground, Texas Tick Fever at the Beehive, and Bazooka Joe at The Queens Tap.

Ant Trouble play a free gig at The Royal Oak, Bath; this is one of the best, if not the best tribute acts Iโ€™ve EVER seen, Adam & the Ants fans be warned, you will mislay the last forty years! Also, find the Titus Reggae Band at Chapel Arts.

Nicky Blackmarket is up for a banger at 23 Bath Street, Frome, Mik Artistikโ€™s Ego Trip is at The Tree House, Laurence Jones at the Cheese & Grain.

Saturday 7th:

I believe I have the right date this time around! Itโ€™s Marlborough Mop Fair, and find @59 at The Lamb in Marlborough.

Grizzly at The Barge, HoneyStreet.

In Devizes, thereโ€™s the Fantasy Radio screening Faith, Hope & Charity at the Wharf Theatre, but I believe this is sold out, Iโ€™m not 100% sure. But, get on those tabletops, People Like Us play The Three Crowns, Split Whiskers at The Southgate, and Rockhoppaz at The Crown. 

Staying in Devizes, the White Horse Operaโ€™s Gala Concert at Devizes Town Hall, and calling all honey lovers & bee enthusiasts, The Annual Wiltshire Bee & Honey day is at The Corn Exchange, Devizes.

But Editorโ€™s Pick of the Week goes to Long Street Blues Club, theyโ€™ve got The Billy Walton Band.

Grief Operaโ€™s Love Goes On at St Andrews in Chippenham.

Free Family Day at Calne Music & Arts Festival from 11-4pm. There will be a 360-degree immersive Theatre Dome experience, Calne Samba Band, Clareโ€™s Circus, a variety of activities by Calne Wordfest, Music and Art workshops throughout the day, an Art treasure hunt, Stilt walker and more! Refreshments and light lunches will be available. Children must be supervised at all times. 

Calne Choral Society kick off the music, performing Faurรฉโ€™s Requiem at St.Maryโ€™s Church, and itโ€™s onto Truckstop Honeymoon at Marden House, Calne.

41 Fords are at the Pilot, Melksham.

Frank Zappa tribute, Burger & The Beast at Stallards, Trowbridge, while Professor Elemental is at the Pump, with Devilโ€™s Doorbell in support, that has to be editorโ€™s pick of week, or have I done that already? Can I have two?! I think I can, Iโ€™ll just check with my legal department! 

Kirsty Clinch at Suave in Westbury.

REME Museum, at MOD Lyneham has an Annual Model Show.

Sam Avery at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon, Tool Shed at The Vic, Fuzz at The Woodland Edge, Jim Blair at the Castle, Last Train Smoking at The Queens Tap, DV8 at North Swindon Club, and Sonic Alert at The Wine Bar, Highworth.

October Live at the New Inn Amesbury is looking good, with Illingworth, Becca Maul, Tipsy Gypsies, and The Duskers.

Harvest, what an album! The Songs of Neil Young from the album are performed by Orange River Remedy at Chapel Arts, Bath.

Frome record fair in the daytime at the Cheese & Grain, Think Floyd in the evening, and 

The Sums (Sum 41 Tribute) & Riot! (Paramore Tribute) at The Tree House.

Sunday 8th

TwoManTing at The Southgate, Devizesโ€™ I love those guys!

Triple JD at The Red Lion, Lacock.

Darts tournament at the Civic in Trowbridge.

Calne Music & Arts Festival has Jemima Palfreyman โ€“ Piano Snapshots from Mussorgsky to Broadway and everything in between and Life Drawing workshops.

Scott Bennett at Swindon Arts Centre, Corsairs at the North Swindon Club.

Monday 9th

Visual Radio Arts has a live stream, free to view, of The Honey Pot.

Calne Music & Arts Festival has a Guitar Recital from Mark Willcocks, rising star Sammy Till-Vattier in concert, Iโ€™ve seen this St.Johnโ€™s, Marlborough prodigy at MantonFest, and itโ€™s something amazing. Thereโ€™s a Drink & Draw at the Lansdowne Strand Hotel too.

Filskit Theatre: Wonder Gigs at Pound Arts, Corsham.

Tuesday 10th

Pewsham Scarecrow Trail starts at Kingโ€™s Lodge School, running until 14th October.

Calne Music & Arts Festival have Yoga in Art, Music Scholars of Marlborough College In Concert, and Jazz Club โ€“ Introducing Amadou Diagne in concert with the Touki Trio

Talking Jazz, the only other thing Iโ€™ve got on Tuesday so far, is the regular Jazz Knights sessions at The Royal Oak in Swindon. Theyโ€™ve got Bluprint, which is Daniel Newberry Saxophone, Guy Shotton Organ, and Alex Goodyear, Drums.

But we will have updates as the week goes on, so check in on theโ€ฆ.

EVENT CALENDAR!

You need this to plan ahead too, so do yourself a favour and bookmark that page! Have a great weekend and donโ€™t even utter the C-word, itโ€™s only October for crying out loud! I know, youโ€™re excited, me too, nearly wet my knickers thinking about those jingle bells!

Trending…..

Ready for RowdeFest?

Not long now, for Rowdefest! Which, as the name suggests, is in Rowde, near Devizes, on Saturday 30th May, and is a free, community spiritedโ€ฆ

Time to Be Thinking About CrownFest 2026

Not just a pretty spiral church, there’s plenty for Bishop’s Cannings to be proud about. Evidence with the personal touch recently defeated a brazen landgrab,โ€ฆ

Vinyl Realm Settles Into New Home

A median haul of vinyl can weigh in, but thereโ€™s no longer a trek down Northgate Street for record collectors and musicians alike. Vinyl Realmโ€ฆ

Devizes Teenagers Give Up Spare Time to Help Community Gardening Project

Devizes teenagers from Wiltshire Army Cadets recently gave up their Saturday morning to help with a community gardening project on Windsor Drive in Devizes…..

The Clean Up Devizes Squad (CUDS) , a well-known and respected community organisation in the town, led and partnered with the Wiltshire Army Cadets on the project, clearing and replanting one of the community green spaces they manage along Windsor Drive on Saturday 16th September.

Green Space Before…..

Georgina Byrne, Joint CUDS Coordinator and Project Lead, said, โ€œThe aim of this project was to replant the area with pollinator friendly perennial plants and bulbs to encourage wildlife, butterflies, and bees. The help and support of our own CUDS Volunteers and the Army Cadets has been invaluable in transforming this overgrown area to one for everyone to enjoy.”

During…..

Lorna Williams, Devizes Detachment Commander, JUNO Company, Wiltshire Army Cadet Force, said, โ€œIt was a great day with so much achieved by all! I’m very proud of our Cadets for giving up their Saturday morning and helping out with this project. Many of them hadn’t gardened before, but they really got into it with great results!”

This community green space is opposite Nursteed School, and itโ€™s hoped that people will go along to see it in full bloom next year.

And afterwards!

CUDS is a community driven volunteer organisation based in Devizes whose aims are to โ€œClean and Greenโ€ Devizes. Originally established in 2013 as part of Devizes in Bloom run by Devizes Town Council but now an autonomous organisation. They manage four green spaces in Devizes, carry out regular group litter picks in the town, and often partner with other local groups and events with similar aims.

For more information, contact Shirley Urwin, Joint CUDS Co-ordinator, on cudsvolunteers@gmail.com

The Army Cadet Force is a national, voluntary, uniformed youth organisation. It is sponsored by the British Army offering a broad range of challenging adventurous and educational activities, some of them on a military theme. Their aim is to inspire young people to achieve success in life and develop in them the qualities of a good citizen

Contact details: HQ Wilts Army Cadet Force, Le Marchant Barracks, Franklyn Road, Devizes SN10 2FE. Email: wx-wil-0mailbox@rfca.org.uk or 01380 724114

Nothing Rhymes With Orange Frontman Releases Solo Tune

Featured Image: Gail Foster

If the most popular band to come out of Devizes recently, Nothing Rhymes With Orange are really gathering pace and attention nationally, frontman Elijah Easton has turned his hand at a solo singleโ€ฆโ€ฆ

A Californian author friend with her roots in Venezuela once told me about chilli peppers with the opposite effect to the chillis we here take for granted; they cool rather than heat. Good this, Street Lights takes us on a different journey with Elijahโ€™s familiar vocals. Akin to the chilli, if NRWO are heating up right now, this solo single is Newton’s third law, the equal and opposite reaction; this is cool!

To listen to it alongside the NRWO skate-punker outpourings is to listen to Springsteenโ€™s Iโ€™m on Fire alongside Born in the USA. Yeah, so its romance theme isnโ€™t so divergent, but the acoustic-folk-folktronica approach is. But donโ€™t run off spreading rumours of a band break up, though, this is more Careless Whisper, and something Elijah has been working on, self-producing alone whilst theyโ€™re saving pennies for some studio time to record future band tunes. Selected as BBC Introducing in the West Showcase Act, itโ€™s worthy of your ears, and displays the range Elijah is willing to explore.

Meanwhile you can find Nothing Rhymes With Orange at Moles, Bath, on Friday 24th November supporting Pet Needs and Glitchers, and again in Bath on Thursday 30th November supporting The Manatees at Komedia.

Trending….

Radium on Liddington Hill

Swindon-based adrenaline pumping five-piece Liddington Hill released their first EP for three years, and Radium is highly radioactiveโ€ฆ.. For most on the North Wessex Downs,โ€ฆ

Calne Music & Arts Festival Stand-Up Comedy Night

Giggle, Chortle, Guffaw, Hehe, Ha! Laugh! Whatever your style… if you fancy a mid-week festival smile – pop along to the Calne Music & Arts Festival Stand-Up Comedy Night!! Wed 11th October, Marden House, Calne @ 7.30pm.…

Graham Coulam, stand-up comedian and host of the Hungerford Comedy Club, will compere and introduce two well known acts from the comedy circuit: award-winning Paul Ricketts and Steve Gribbin, a guitar playing satirist famous for his comedy songs. Laughter is guaranteed!!

ยฃ10 Entry, ยฃ8 Festival Friends and ยฃ1 Under 18s.

To book your tickets, visit www.cmaf.org.uk or visit our ‘in person’ Box Office at the Calne Council Offices, Bank House, The Strand, Calne, open Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm.

And there’s lots more events at the Calne Music & Arts Festival up for grabs, including the Lost Trades. We’ve listed them all on our event calendar, and see their website for booking.

Trending….

Serenโ€™s New Single; Worm

Thereโ€™s a cold remote ambience of burrowing doubt in the opening of Westburyโ€™s singer-songwriter Serenโ€™s debut song, in which, as the title suggests, she usesโ€ฆ

The date is set for Imberbus 2026 !

We are pleased to start 2026 by announcing that this year, we are planning to run the Imberbus service on Saturday 15th August 2026 whenโ€ฆ

Don’t Click on Illegal Rave Rage-Bait!

The biggest risk for any media reporting negatively on illegal raves is that, in their youth, their fifty-plus target audience probably attended illegal raves themselves!โ€ฆ

A Typical Saturday of Live Music in Devizes is a Beautiful Thing!

If Devizes was a woman, my patient and understanding wife would be livid because I’m smitten, and I’m about to explain my reasoning. Please humour me best you canโ€ฆ..

Starter for ten, ignore the sensationalising of a few roadworks by the local press, it’s having no negative effect on congestion, and ignore political sway, for the corruption is nationwide. I’m about entertainment in our humble market town, of which comparatively we’re punching well above our weight, on any atypical evening such as this.

Such causes me the dilemma of what pub to pick and what live music to enjoy. A problem I sought to solve by attempting to trundle between all three, though with questionable repercussions; I don’t get to witness and report on an entire set for any of them. A personal niggly I’m willing to shoulder, for the average punter either choice saw a great night of talented musicians doing their thing. Devizes is open for business, and is highly flammable!

Yes, I’d have loved to have dropped into the Pump in Trowvegas, Wiltshire Music Centre, and the Crown in Bishops Cannings, where they hosted a free all-dayer with Talk in Code and Purple Fish, but this takes driving, and occasionally, I want a cider, or four! There’s a thing, doing this is a hobby, you wouldn’t deprive me of sticking around the Vizes and enjoying a jar, would you?!

There is no grand public event in town tonight, as often there is, just three honest and wonderful pubs putting on free live music. My starter was the Southgate, where, after guesting at a particularly memorable Jon Amor Trio residency, Philadelphia-born axeman LeBurn Maddox made a welcome return. Justified as my top choice, because while I’ve witnessed the other two more local acts in The Lamb and Three Crowns before, the chance to catch this bluesman doing his thing is far rarer. And boy, can he play the electric blues with passion and plentiful saucy banter; a sublime performance in our lively juke joint, a longstanding blessing to Devizes.  

Another outstanding night at the trusty Southgate, which despite having the most varied and regular music programme in town by a country mile, predominantlyย remains favourable to the Mel Bush effect of Devizes being a blues town, appreciated by the regulars and reverberating this afternoon when Jon Amor makes his regular residency.

But though I coulda-shoulda stayed for the duration, I gotta dust my broom and make haste for The Lamb. Once the go-to pub in town, the birthplace of Sheer Music in the Fold, and historically simply a functioning and aesthetic tavern, it’s recently waned in popularity, but while it’s certainly true tonight, they’ve attempted to bounce back and have the breathtaking gothic-folk-rock four-piece Strange Folk to assist. Hailing from Hampshire, this proficient band we’ve seen playing these backwaters at the Gate, and on the Vinyl Realm stage at a DOCA street festival of yore, still, they’re not widely known here, ergo attracting wider appeal to a pub rarely providing music was never going to be a simple task.

Strange Folk are tight in performance, unified in sound. With the hauntingly impassioned vocals of Annie, a kind of PJ Harvey or Kate Bush, they polish covers with uniqueness, such as the apt Stones’ Gimmie Shelter, and have a repertoire of epic, mind blowingly emotive original pieces. Think Fairport Convention doing a Siouxsie and the Banshees tribute in the vein of Pink Floyd with Evanescence, if your imagination stretches that far!

Bottom line, Strange Folk deserved a bigger audience. Getting a foot on the first runner of live music in a small town with two other venues renowned and currently trending for it is no easy task. I suggest The Lamb books acts popular locally to attract a returning crowd before an outside chance such as Strange Folk, wonderful as they are.

Leaving the Lamb with reservations, if we don’t use this iconic tavern do we risk losing it to another antique shop?! I’m not willing to let it happen, not the Lamb, it’s legendary.

With the night coming to its cumulation, I hotfooted it across the carpark to the rear of the Three Crowns, echoes of Illingworth covering Pink Floyd’s Wish You Were Here growing as I approached, upset this is usually the outro to their set, but too steadfast to check the time! 

It unfortunately was, my consolation being I’ve seen the Illingworth duo play a number of times, and you can guarantee the creme de la creme of acoustic era-spanning covers, the kind of setlist to appease the broad demographic of the Three Crowns. Here’s a town pub currently winning the race, deservedly. Food served late, efficient cashless bar, its spacious, comfortable, covered, and heated yard has an epoch of supporting wider-appealing local live music acts. The benchmark for booked bands is literal here; blast nostalgic Britpop covers to attain tabletop dancing!

It was as rammed as expected there, my only reservation being I only caught the finale of Jon and Joylen, a duo you cannot fault. Still, I downed a Thatchers haze, got a cuddle and good chat with them both, and blagged a haven for eating the best chicken sandwich in town, from the most excellent Kebab House, in Jon’s van, which he gratefully dropped me home in; what an utter legend!

In conclusion, even if there’s no grand ticketed event at the Corn Exchange, Devizes is happening, and is the perfect town for a great night out, thanks to wonderful pubs like the Southgate, the Three Crowns, encompassing other lively options such as karaoke in the Pelican,ย  and I sincerely hope and pray, The Lamb rejoins the list too, we simply have to support it. Please keep an eye on our event calendar and weekly roundup articles .The next music night there will be advertised, and I hope to catch you there then.

Watching the Winter Solstice at Stonehenge or Avebury: How to Prepare

The Winter Solstice at either Stonehenge or Avebury remains one of the most awaited Pagan celebrations of the year, with thousands of visitors gathering to mark the longest night of the year. Attendance levels have risen at Stonehenge since the lifting of restrictions, allowing participants to once again commune with one another and get up close and personal with the sacred stones that have stood their ground for around 5,000 years. Observing the solstices is a deeply traditional practice to mark the passage of time, and one that farmers and ancient dwellers relied on heavily for harvesting and livelihood. Today, the Winter Solstice is celebrated as a day of renewal โ€“ and reconnecting with nature and the self…..

During this festive time, members of New Age tribes like the Pagans, Druids, and Wiccans, as well as onlookers, make their respective journeys to the site well before dawn breaks. A massive horn is sounded to mark the beginning of the ceremony, after which numerous rituals take place โ€“ be it chanting, singing, or other activities โ€“ before everyone watches the sun rise perfectly in between the stones to signify a new year ahead.

Now, unlike the Summer Solstice celebration, where traditional Druid attire may call for a flowing white robe, the weather conditions during the Winter Solstice are naturally very different. To adequately prepare for one of the most magical nights of the year โ€“ and to ensure you stay warm and comfortable throughout โ€“ itโ€™s important to pack the right gear and come properly bundled up for the festivities.

Warm clothes for the cold

Because the Winter Solstice typically occurs on the 21st or 22nd of December, you can expect temperatures to fall in the 0ยฐC to 7ยฐC range, which means warm clothes are an absolute must. Aside from thick outerwear, opt for multiple layers of heat-trapping fabric, such as polyester and merino wool. Wearing several thin layers of clothing instead of a few thick layers may help keep you warmer โ€“ the air trapped within each layer will insulate heat better and keep it around your body. Donโ€™t forget a scarf and headwear to top things off. Additionally, there are around eight to fifteen rainy days in the month of December, which means youโ€™ll want to pack adequate rain protection.

Sunglasses for sun protection

This celebration is all about witnessing the magnificent sun, so one would be remiss not to pack some sun protection, especially for your eyes. Part of the celebration involves looking directly at the sun as it rises and sets over the famous stones, and that can pose a risk to eye health. Even if it is cloudy, it doesnโ€™t mean the sunโ€™s rays canโ€™t still cause some damage. A pair of polarised sunglasses are ideal if you want to see the sun rise and set without fear of damaging your eyes. These glasses can block glare from the sun, which can also lead to improved clarity and contrast while offering 100% UVA and UVB protection against the sunโ€™s rays. The Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer Classic features acetate frames, which wonโ€™t absorb cold, unlike their metal counterparts, so even if it is bright and still bitterly cold as it can be in the middle of winter, you’ll still be comfortable. Also, during winter celebrations, a handy pair of sunglasses can protect your eyes from harsh, cold winds, so keep them on to minimise eye irritation and ensure your vision is clear for taking that picture-perfect sunrise shot.

Shoes to trudge through mud

Given the rainy season, the grass around Stonehenge can get muddy if itโ€™s rained the night before. A durable pair of wellies will keep your feet snug and protected. The original Muck Boot Forager has foldable rubber, meaning you can adjust it to three different heights depending on weather conditions. The memory foam insole will keep you comfortable, and the outsole provides traction that will keep you from slipping and tripping as you explore the site and touch the stones.

When youโ€™re well-dressed and well-prepared, especially for such a momentous occasion, you can avoid weather-related discomfort, keep from catching a nasty cold, and truly focus on celebrating with those around you. If anything, the thing that will keep you warmest during the Winter Solstice is the company.

Trending….

The Makers Exchange; DOCA Call to the Creative

Thimbles on standby, Devizes Outdoor Celebratory Arts are calling all creative craftspeople and makers to their new project, The Makers Exchange. Itโ€™s a new craftโ€ฆ

The Future Smiths: Inspiring Entrepreneurs and Igniting Innovation in Swindon & Wiltshire

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 entrepreneurs and business owners in our region….

“Future Forge” Business Growth Programme โ€“ January 9th to March 6th

The Future Smiths are inviting applications for their highly anticipated “Future Forge” business growth programme, which will run from January 9th 2024 to March 6th 2024. This comprehensive programme is designed to offer entrepreneurs and small business owners, offering them the tools, knowledge, and connections to unlock their full potential.

Duncan Robinson and Simone Ward-Baptiste, Co-Founders of The Future Smiths, bring a wealth of expertise to the programme. Their leadership ensures that those one the programme will receive mentorship and insights from individuals who have been at the forefront of innovation and business development in the region.

“As entrepreneurs ourselves, we understand the challenges and opportunities that come with building and scaling a business,” said Simone Ward-Baptiste, Co-Founder of The Future Smiths. “We are dedicated to supporting local businesses and creating an ecosystem where collaboration and innovation thrive.”

The Future Forge programme is tailored for startups, early-stage businesses, small business owners, and ambitious individuals eager to make a significant impact in their respective industries. Participants can expect a comprehensive curriculum covering essential topics such as brand strategy, marketing, and financial management, providing them with actionable insights and practical tools.

“At The Future Smiths, we believe in the power of community, collaboration, and innovation,” said Duncan: “The Future Forge programme reflects our commitment to providing entrepreneurs in the area with the resources they need to thrive.”

To learn more about The Future Smiths, register for networking events, and apply for the “Future Forge” programme, visit www.thefuturesmiths.co.uk/ .Limited spaces are available, so interested individuals are encouraged to apply early.

Trending…..

Harmony Asia Can Do This

Itโ€™s a question Iโ€™ve asked Chippenham singer-songwriter Harmony Asia on each rare occasion I catch her for a chat; if sheโ€™s planning to capture aโ€ฆ

How it Feels for a Bluebeard!

The first time I heard the name Bluebeard and the Desperate Hours, I presumed their sound might be folk or blues inspired. Judging a bookโ€ฆ

Extended Lineup for CrownFest

It was back in October when we revealed CrownFest at The Crown in Bishopโ€™s Cannings was returning this summer, and January when we last mentionedโ€ฆ

The Big Sleep Out In aid of Devizes Opendoors

Join Devizes Opendoors for The Big Sleep Out 2023 and raise funds to help homeless and vulnerable adults here in Devizes get the support they needโ€ฆ..

Youโ€™ll experience a small taste of the difficulties homeless people have to deal with including freezing cold, vulnerability and the difficulty of carrying on your day with little sleep. And of course, youโ€™ll be raising money for a great cause.

Hereโ€™s all the ways you can get involved:

Join The Big Sleep Out – Friday 13 October 7.30pm to 7.30am – Follow this registration link

Sleep out at St Jamesโ€™ Church in Devizes. There will be some hot food and drinks, and youโ€™ll need to provide your own warm clothing and sleeping bags. All children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Raise money by asking friends and family to sponsor your Big Sleep Out.

Organise your own Big Sleep Out – Follow this registration link

Why not plan your own Big Sleep Out at work, at school or at home in the garden?  Theyโ€™ll give you a handy โ€˜how toโ€™ guide and you can raise funds by asking everyone to sponsor your Big Sleep Out.

Pay to stay in bed – Follow this registration link

Want to support Devizes Opendoors but canโ€™t sleep out? Donโ€™t worry โ€“ you can donate to โ€˜stay in bedโ€™ instead! Simply head to their website to make a donation.

Whatever you choose to do, every penny you raise will go to Devizes Opendoors services providing hot meals and showers, clothing, food and support for the most vulnerable adults in our community.

Trending……

Chandra Likely To Go Boom!

Buzzwords, like โ€œturbo,โ€ or โ€œsonicโ€ are cliche, overused trends which gain popularity because they sound impressive, even if they are empty of meaning. Iโ€ฆ

Only The Brave Burn The Midnight Oil

Hurrah, at last! Only The Brave is the debut song from Burn The Midnight Oilโ€™s revised lineup; something Iโ€™ve been anticipating since watching themโ€ฆ

Epic Fail, Devizes Burglar Steals Doormat!

Okay so, we’ve had the cat burglar, now we’ve got the mat burglar! In a Facebook post to make you wonder if you’ve travelled back in time to April 1st, Devizes Police reported an appeal for identification of a man who attempted a burglary in the early hours of August 27th at Lower Wharf. His surprised looking mug was caught on door-cam, best guess causing him to flee without gaining entry to the property. But not wanting to go home empty-handed, the guy made off with just the doormat!

Anyone with information should call 101 and quote reference number 54230090420, and though we shouldn’t joke about the incident, being burglary is no laughing matter, and our sympathies go out to the persons affected, the end result of this story is too tempting not to. Unless, of course, the burglar is Aladdin and this was his getaway vehicle, I can’t see the logic in taking the doormat, only out of spite for the homeowner having a camera to deter him, perhaps.

All morning I’ve been trying to put myself in his clown shoes to understand why I would think in that circumstance, “ah-ha a doormat, I’m having that!” But fear, a town with a Wilkos no longer, this was bound to happen at some point. Are doormats now a sought-after item on the black market? Has anyone approached you to ask you if you want to buy a doormat recently?!

But most concerning of all is the way of the world today, seemingly living by social media trends; could this entice copycat, or copymat, even crimes? Should we do more to protect our doormats? They are, after all, loyal servants to our dirty boots, and should yours go mysteriously missing, would it cause you great upset? The mind boggles, least mine does!

Devizes Parish Wins Prestigious Award for Future Plans

The parish of St John with St Mary in Devizes has won a prestigious award for its plans for St Maryโ€™s Church on New Park Street in the town.…

Last Friday, the town centre parish won the Innovation prize at the annual awards of the Diocesan Advisory Committee for Salisbury, the church body which examines and approves proposed changes to churches in most of Wiltshire and Dorset.

Nigel Carter of St Maryโ€™s Devizes Trust said, โ€œWe were delighted to win the top prize for โ€˜Innovationโ€™ for our plans to revitalise St Maryโ€™s, making it fit for a wide range of community and artistic uses for decades to come while remaining a place of worship.”

The Revโ€™d Gerry Lynch, Curate of St John with St Mary, Devizes said, โ€œCredit for the proposals for the future St Maryโ€™s of winning an award is shared between many people who have put their time, energy, and imagination into ensuring this spectacular Grade I listed building is a blessing for the people of Devizes for generations to come. Both the parish and the St Maryโ€™s Devizes Trust have played an enormous part.”

โ€œChurchgoers and non-churchgoers from a wide range of interests, over many years, have worked so hard and all itโ€™s a pity that all of them couldnโ€™t have come down to Salisbury to receive the award together, as all of them deserved it.โ€

left-to-right: Nigel Carter, St Maryโ€™s Devizes Trust; the Rt Revโ€™d Andrew Rumsey, Bishop of Ramsbury; the Revโ€™d Gerry Lynch, St John with St Mary, Devizes.

Devizine would like to congratulate everyone who has worked so hard on this ambitious and exciting project, and we look forward to a time when the work is complete and a programme of events is on the horizon. Nigel expressed, “we have a formidable fundraising task – similar to that associated with the Assize Courts – so maybe five years before completion.”

Swindonโ€™s MECA Defends its Right to Promote Racism

A sad state of affairs in which it is equal in measure that the campaign against Swindon venue MECA hosting known far right extremist and racist celebrity Katie Hopkins will have a diverse effect in actually promoting the event, the reactions to the outcry highlights how deep and ingrained the issue of racism is locally. I put this to campaigner Kate Linnegar of the group Swindon Stand Up to Racism, who replied, โ€œa risk I considered, but if it raises awareness, the people who go to it are probably lost to our beliefs already.โ€

Evidently, one Facebook commenter lambasts, โ€œreally shows who the snowflakes are,โ€ yet equally, it shows who the gammons are too, as another writes, โ€œwithout freedom of speech – we wouldnโ€™t know who the idiots are.โ€

And freedom of speech is a phrase being knocked about quite a bit over this controversy, the only issue with it is the wonky interpretation of the term by those in support of racism. If weโ€™re talking leftwing, rightwing here, historically itโ€™s the latter determined to stifle freedom of speech, something George Orwell warned us about. I would challenge anyone to find me a liberal or leftwinger which denounces freedom of speech, but sorry, being allowed to incite prejudice and hate is NOT freedom of speech, not even in the same ballpark, neither is it legal.

Amnesty International states โ€œin certain circumstances free speech and freedom of expression can be restricted. Governments have an obligation to prohibit hate speech and incitement. These are dangerous. Restrictions can also be justified if they protect specific public interest or the rights and reputations of others.โ€

Furthermore, youโ€™d like to think it should be in everyoneโ€™s moral standing not to incite hate, as is the golden rule from Luke 6:31, to โ€œDo unto others as you would have them do unto you.โ€ But hey, if โ€œfreedom of speechโ€ is all fine and dandy with you guys, it would be acceptable for me to suggest you are wrong, Katie Hopkins is not a comedian, rightwing extremists do not do jokes, they are the fucking joke. Sheโ€™s an egregious xenophobic, homophobic and fascist hag, but I didnโ€™t say this, I only suggested if I wanted to, according to your philosophy of the issue, it would be inoffensive and acceptable. 

But Swindon MECA seem adamant a vociferous racist homophobe, who incites hatred at every available opportunity and has been banned from several countries such as South Africa for doing so, will not be tempted to voice such bollocks at this event. They told us, โ€œas a venue, whilst we do not agree with or condone many of the statements Katie has made in the past, we firmly believe that everyone has the right to a place on our stage. The event in question is not a hate rally as it is being portrayed by some. It is a comedy show, reviews of which state that Katie pokes more fun at herself than anything else and we do not have concerns that the event will be anything other than the comedy show that has been promised.โ€ 

Reviews direct from her PR agent, ahem, if I said in reference to this statement, MECA hasnโ€™t got the balls to stand up for the decency and equality it claims to uphold against the idea itโ€™s going to make some serious wonga from this and stick two fingers up to the cultural diversity of the town itโ€™s located in, but I purposely slip on a banana skin whilst saying it, MECA would, in effect, honour my right to do so, as itโ€™s comedy, and provide me my place on its stage? Remind me to ask them!

They unbelievably continue thus, โ€œTo limit those able to perform here because they may have opposing views and opinions to us would do a great disservice to the community. In the past we have played host to many controversial figures and comedians without issue and, as a venue, are not willing to play into the harmful cancel culture of recent years.โ€ Cancel culture, I give you. They. Said. This. Shite! A random muse generated by the far right as an excuse to incite prejudges at will and get away with it. Thereโ€™s no such thing as cancel culture, you fucking knobjockey grand national winners, the only thing cancelled is the braincells of anyone using the utter piffle!

It is nothing to do with limiting โ€œopposing views and opinions;โ€ does it look to you from this article that I am what you call a โ€œsnowflake,โ€ or in any manner opposing the usage of freedom of expression when I try so desperately hard to get this through the concrete breeze blocks you call your cranium?! Itโ€™s about stopping the spread of unjustified hatred due to prejudges, like the colour of oneโ€™s skin, their gender orientation, weight, if they happen to need glasses, choose not to eat meat, or whatever pathetic and inane slurs this washed up, hateful, cobblestone slag posts on her dire, wank-stained Twitter account! 

Ah, evidently, two can play that game, you go waste your hard-earned dollar on this complete bollocks when thereโ€™s a hundred better events at a hundred other local venues who seem to have a better moralistic standing. We are boycotting this glorified bingo hall, clearly with an agenda supporting racism is not something we will entertain here. Naturally, you are welcome to your opinion, but this is not โ€œcancel culture,โ€ you shinest spanner in the toolbox, it is common fucking sense in what is supposed to be a caring and compassionate country, slowly being overrun by dickwarts of the highest calibre.

Weekly Roundup of Events in Wiltshire: 27th September-3rd October 2023

Summer is done and dusted, youโ€™ve got to lower yourself onto the toilet seat that little bit steadier, as we move into autumn. Still, the silver lining is thereโ€™s always lots to do locally; hereโ€™s what weโ€™ve found coming up this weekโ€ฆ.

Not comprehensive, as I tell you each time, more will be added to our event calendar as we move through the week and they come to our attention, so check in on it from time to time. If you donโ€™t let us know about your event you cannot expect it to be here, drop us a line and guarantee itโ€™s listed here, it costs nothing.

Please, if you can donate a little something to keep us going, do, thatโ€™s all I ask. We need to fund this, and any extra will be put into hosting events, something we would like to do more of but without financial support it makes it impossible. Any donations will be kindly accepted, you will get special attention, and we thank you. For info on how, see HERE.  

Pay a visit to Wiltshire Museum, Devizes, for the Anna Dillon exhibition; reviewed HERE, this ends on October 1st.

Ongoing until 29th Sept, The Incredible Quizzical Bath Pub Tour.

Clown Soup exhibit by Si Griffiths at the Forbidden Carnival in Chippenham. 

Devizes Food & Drink Festival is up and running, until 1st October.

Wednesday 27th

Acoustic Jam at The Southgate, Devizes.

Subject A at The Bell, Bath.

ZambaLando at โ€œMoose Hallโ€ Old Town, Swindon, Lunchtime Recital at The Wyvern Theatre, with Ed Byrneโ€™s Tragedy Plus Time in the evening.

Thursday 28th

Devizes Film Club Presents Lunana at The Wharf Theatre, and thereโ€™s a Murder Mystery Dinner at The Corn Exchange.

Marlborough Literature Festival opens, running until 1st October.

The Unravelling Wilburys at Melksham Assembly Hall.

The Last Baguetteโ€™s Playtime! at Pound Arts in Corsham, with the The Jackie Oates Trio in the evening.

Zambalando plays Savernake Street Hall, Swindon, Guy Tortora at The Tuppenny, Cooper Creek at The Beehive. Big Drink, One Man Boycott, Liddington Hill and the Starkers at The Vic. Magic Of Motown at The Wyvern Theatre, and the Phoenix Players โ€“ โ€˜I Thought I Heard A Rustlingโ€™ at Swindon Arts Centre, running until Saturday 30th.

Ed Byrneโ€™s Tragedy Plus Time goes to the Cheese & Grain, Frome.

Friday 29th

The Unpredictables are at The Churchill Arms in West Lavington.

Autumn Beer Festival at The Bell, Lacock.

Open Mic at Marlborough Town FC. El Toro at The Bear, Marlborough.

Sice Boo from The Boo Radleysโ€™ โ€˜The Secret of Happinessโ€™ at The Pump in Trowbridge.

Martin Kempโ€™s Back to the 80s at The Civic.

Thereโ€™s a 24 hour Danceathon at Cumberwell Park Golf Club in Bradford-on-Avon, for the Fearless charity.

The Unravelling Wilburys at The Athenรฆum, Warminster.

Diverse Disco, a party for disabled and learning difficulties, at The Tree, Swindon. The Britpop Band at the Vic, The Heretic Order and The Self Titled at Swindon Underground (formerly Level III,) Devizes Road Oktoberfest at the Tuppeny in Swindon continues all weekend. Echo at the Queenโ€™s Tap. Tea & Tour of the Spotlight Room at Wyvern Theatre, followed by Babatunde Alesheโ€™s Babahood.

LGBTQ+ poetry night, Hear my Voice at Rondo Theatre, Bath, The Alter Eagles at Chapel Arts. 

The Tom Petty Legacy at the Tree House, Frome, with Graham Parker & the Goldtops at the Cheese & Grain.

Saturday 30th

Leburn Maddox at The Southgate, Devizes, Illingworth at The Three Crowns, Strange Folk at The Lamb.

Thereโ€™s also a grand lineup at The Crown, Bishops Cannings, with music from 4pm, Steve Morano Band, Talk in Code and Purple Fish. they’ve a fire-dancer between the acts, BBQ and pizza, free entry, splendid pub, twist my arm, why don’t you?!

Thereโ€™s the Hillbillies at the Barge on HoneyStreet, and The Monkey Dolls at The Lamb, Marlborough.The Monkey Dolls @ The Lamb, Marlboroug

Josh Kumra @ The Bear, Marlborough

Pete Lambโ€™s Heartbeats play an Alzheimerโ€™s Support fundraiser at The Spencers Club in Melksham. Seriously Collins at The Melksham Assembly Hall.

Truckstop Honeymoon at the Pump in Trowbridge, with Swingletree in support, The Jon Amor Trio at The Red Admiral, Hilperton. Scout Killers at the Civic and Be Like Will at The Greyhound.

Ultimate Meatloaf at The Consti Club, Chippenham.

Six Oโ€™clock Circus at Calne Liberal Club.

Sarah-Louise Young: The Silent Treatment at Pound Arts, Corsham.

The Lone Sharks at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon. And a Bradford Roots Sessions evening at the Wiltshire Music Centre, with Concrete Prairie, Courting Ghosts, and Fly Yeti Fly, proper job, ed’s pick of the week that one right there be, oo-argh!

The Spooky Kids and Korn Again at The Vic, Swindon, Tundra at The Woodlands Edge, And Solo at North Swindon Club, Click at The New Inn, Hush at The Queens Tap, and Sh!t-Faced Shakespeare โ€“ Much Ado About Nothing at The Wyvern Theatre.

Celebrate Zappa : Treacherous Cretins at The Tree House, Frome, Motรถrheadache at The Cheese & Grain.

Sunday 1st

Monthly residency for the Jon Amor Trio at The Southgate, Devizes, with guest Ruth Hammond.

Fireman Sam is at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon, and Victorius at Underground.

Interstate Express at The Bell, Bath.

Monday 2nd

Ope

Billy Billingham MBE โ€“ Always A Little Further at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon

Orfic at The Bell, Bath

Tuesday 3rd

Calne Music & Arts Festival starts with the Nonpareil, a Local Photography Group Exhibition. It runs across the festival until 28th October, at the Heritage Centre, Calne. Open 10:00 โ€“ 16:00 Tuesdays to Saturdays (closed Sundays & Mondays) Visit the Heritage Centre to see the exhibition of photography by โ€œNonpareilโ€, a small group of very experienced local photographers. It includes Award Winning Images from their Exhibitions and Salons that have been exhibited around the country. The festival lineup is in full on our event calendar.

100 Years of Silents: Our Hospitality (1923) with live musical score, at Pound Arts in Corsham.

Queenz โ€“ The Show With Balls! at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon, with 

The Haunting at  Swindon Arts Centre.

Thatโ€™s all folks, but there are lots more to come!! Let the sunshineโ€ฆ..but do check in on our event calendar too, as updates will be on there, not here, this is just a guide. Have a great week whatever you do do!

And hey, we’re doing a monthly podcast again now; a bit of fun and some great local music on there, please take a listen…. at your own risk!

Devizes Food & Drink Festivalโ€™s Starter; The Market

The sun certainly shone on Devizes yesterday as the Devizes Food & Drink Festival kicked off with its celebrated free foodie market in, aptly, the Market Place……

You should take note itโ€™s not the be-all-and-end-all of the festival, only the starter. The Devizes Food & Drinks Festival combines twenty-four separate events over nine days, ending on 1st October. Thereโ€™s a packed programme from a teddy bearโ€™s picnic at Hillworth Park to Saxon Forager Craig Brooks introducing Viking and Anglo Saxon age cuisine, but for many, the market is the icing on the cake.

The finale is also popular, a free World Food Day, where for a 50p taster you can explore worldwide cuisines created by local residents with their roots from various countries. This takes place at the Corn Exchange on Sunday 1st October from 12:30.  

Now, not wanting to criticise the amazing efforts and hard work which goes into the event, as it is fantastic to wander the square and smell the lovely food being prepared, browse some great local produce stalls, and enjoy taking a break at the Wadworth bar with some live music, but I confess, nothing particularly lurched out at me demanding me to eat it! Perhaps Iโ€™ve become accustomed to the annual affair, or perhaps I was in a grump, but in previous years there were a selection of interestingly different stalls, of Baos, street ravioli, or a grill selling burgers of kangaroo, ostrich, crocodile and various other unusual slices of dead animal, which sadly seems to lessen with each year that passes.

I tip my hat to the Rutts Lane Cider stall, The Goat Farmer, and the Cosy Gyros also in attendance, and salute thereโ€™s many welcomed returning participants, from Tray Cake to that strange silver van which although the cooking is hidden from view, does magically produce a tasty burger. There was a Japanese noodle stall, paella and churros, but these are all things weโ€™ve seen at previous yearโ€™s markets, or else other town events.

The only one to sell it to me was a Caribbean preserves stall selling banana jam, which surprised me, otherwise I shrug at food stuff I can buy from regular places in town already and cheaper too. This conclusion ended with me fulfilling my promise to bring something home for the family, but popping over to Savannah Sweets in the Shambles, to bag a gurt lush variety of goodies for a similar price to three negligible packets of fudge on one of the stalls. Now I know it costs to independently create and market your own produce, and Iโ€™m even willing to accept the fudge on the stall mightโ€™ve tasted superior, but in this economic car-crash era, there has to unfortunately be a budget. Dammit if even a hotdog would set me back seven quid; am I at Wembley?!

I reflected on this samey feel last year, considered virtually copying and pasting the article and changing the dates, but I kept it positive, as I really want to convey a positive review as much as possible, and for what it was, especially if youโ€™ve not been to a previous yearโ€™s before, as I said, it is great, donโ€™t wish to sound like Iโ€™m taking it for granted, just think some creative input and souring of something usual and new is an angle fading annually.

In last yearโ€™s report I said, โ€œif last year I winged โ€œFromeโ€™s eclectic-influenced folk four-piece, The Decades made for the perfect entertainment, but again, they were the same band which played there in 2019,โ€ they were there again this time too,โ€ they were even there again this time! The Decades are great, and apt for the occasion, but working an entire day is hard on them, and they regularly need to take breaks, where the Market Place is left void of entertainment. I know and accept the focus is on food and drink, being the Food & Drink Festival and all, but offering some different musical acts would be an easy change to make.

I also bore witness to bored kids being dragged unwillingly around. Once theyโ€™ve had an ice cream, erm; perhaps workshop tables could be introduced, build your own pizza, decorate a gingerbread man, or dare I suggest a Bugsy Malone fashioned custard pie fight? Thatโ€™d certainly liven it up a bit!

Grumpus Maximus rant over, concubines can spoon feed me grapes and fan me down, and I will say, The Devizes Food & Drink Festival market will always be a regular must-do on our event calendar, is always worthwhile attending, though I believe some further thought is needed to prevent it becoming monotonous to regular annual attendees.

Trending…..

The Return of The Fold Music Venue in Devizes

If your average Tuesday night in Devizes might feel like The Day The Earth Stood Still, it certainly felt this way for me yesterday; I was at an open mic, down The Foldโ€ฆ.. Yeah, youโ€ฆ

Dulcet Tones Rock Back to Bassett!

You’re a teenage Tom Cruise, at least you wish you were, but stay with me on this! Your parents are away, you’re home alone with dad’s liquor cabinet. For certain, you’re going to get intoโ€ฆ

Talk in Code Headlined Devizes Winter of Festive Ales

Devizes Outdoor Celebratory Arts key into the town’s majority demographic for its first annual event of the year, mature couples, with an affection for sampling the widest varieties of beers and ales. In this Theโ€ฆ

The Munster Returns to Slam-Dunk Wiltshire Council Budget!

Well, I admit, the Black Dog Crossroads has reopened with shiny new traffic lights and looks pretty groovy, as far as road junctions look groovy. But I will forever be flabbergasted how the Wiltshire councillorโ€ฆ

Big Ones: The Major Events in Devizes This Year

No one knows why, apparently, but fish are dying in our canal; everyone says wait for the EA report, except for the fish. A town full of road works, burnt out buildings and roads whichโ€ฆ

Devizine Steps Down From Organising Wiltshire Music Awards

After much deliberation, Devizine is to pull out of any further organisation of the Wiltshire Music Awardsโ€ฆ.. It has not been an easy decision, and I remain super-proud of what Ed and I achieved lastโ€ฆ

Swindon Rocks for Children In Need

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, our local live music venue to run a “Swindon Rocks for Children In Need” live music charity event on Saturday 4th November.  

With four local bands on the bill (Talk In Code, Kotonic, Mirrored Faces and The Dirty Smooth) this promises to be a fantastic celebration of the best original music from Swindon and a fabulous charity fundraiser for Children In Need.

Talk in Code at the Fulltone Festival. Image Gail Foster

Tickets are just ยฃ7.00 from https://www.seetickets.com/tour/swindon-rocks-for-children-in-need and everyone will receive a free raffle ticket on entry for our big Children In Need raffle with some amazing prizes from Swindon Town FC, Swindon Wildcats, STEAM Museum Swindon and many local businesses who have pledged their support. Local businesses who wish to donate a raffle prize may contact lindsey@talkincode.co.uk  

Save the date! Saturday 4th November and get your tickets now to support Childrenย In Need and Swindonโ€™s local original music scene!

Song of The Week: Meg

Quick one from me today, you’ll be happy to hear! Song of the week comes from Meg, dreamily expressing her romantic thoughts, hidden from the rain; how apt for today!

Okay, we’ve mentioned Meg quite a bit recently, she got song of the week for the last single, saw her perform at the Neeld, and my daughter interviewed her prior, see here; I believe it’s thoroughly deserved, have a listen and decide for yourself….

Link Tree

Devizine Podcast Sept 23

Pinky promise or idol threat? I’ll let you decide, but the aim is to produce a monthly podcast after prototypes at the end of last year failed due to my procrastinating agenda. Here’s the first one, an hour of great locally sourced music, unfortunately in bad company!

Tuneage of the highest quality, and thankfully not too much of me waffling and cursing, from Horses Of The Gods, Deadlight Dance, Will Lawton, Concrete Prairie, Canute’s Plastic Army, Chris TT, SGO, 41 Fords, Devil’s Doorbell, Liddington Hill, Wilding, Subject A, Carny Villains, Nothing Rhymes With Orange, Viduals, Atari Pilot, Talk in Code…. enjoy, or at least try!

Who Are The Eskimo Nebula, Appearing at The Muck?

Okay, clever clogs among us Iโ€™m sure will tell me the Eskimo Nebula is a bipolar double-shell planetary nebula, 6,500 light-years away which is surrounded by gas making it resemble a person’s head surrounded by a parka hood, hence its name. I knew that already and didnโ€™t need you to tell me, or Wikipedia, honest, but Iโ€™m talking closer to home; the Bristol dub duo due to skank up Devizes on the 11th November. Quit the astronomical smalltalk, pass me a piรฑa colada, thereโ€™s a good chap, weโ€™re off to The Muck!

Yo, gotta love the Muck & Dunder, itโ€™s like being on a Caribbean holiday right here in Devizes. I kinda fell out of there scanning the Brittox sulking, oh, it was just a dream, Iโ€™m not maxing relaxing on Mullins Bay. But more to the point, they bring us diversity to our music scene, and I donโ€™t mean a dance troupe. Weโ€™ve seen the likes of The Allergies, The Scribes, and Gardna, weโ€™ve bore witness to sporadic salsa street dancing outbreaks, but, itโ€™s a rum bar, we need reggae.

This one, I believe, is down to our resident Vernon Kay and all-around good guy skateboarder, James Threlfall, who likely wonโ€™t speak to me for weeks after that quip(!) as heโ€™s featured Eskimo Nebula on his BBC Introducing in the West show, and for the record I love Vernon, it was a compliment. Thank you, James, Stuart and Shelly, for bringing them to the Muck, because I hadnโ€™t heard of them, thought I was a nilly know-it–all about reggae, took one listen online and was like, thatโ€™s up my street knocking loudly on my door.


Their agents, Diplomats of Sound, describe them thus: โ€œEskimo Nebula are a husband and wife electronic duo, taking influence from Jamaican and UK sound system culture. Their music is a blend of hard hitting dub, high spirited reggae and powerful bass, all brought together by their own joyfully uplifting and recognisable sound. Multi-instrumentalists Adjua and Dean Forrest, who together fronted eight piece reggae outfit Backbeat Soundsystem on Easy Star Records, have joined forces to pursue their passion for electronic production. Their show is a live/electronic hybrid performance, where you can expect a dynamic fusion of synthesisers, dub sirens, huge bass, live instruments, killer vocals and trippy effects.โ€

โ€œRevered for having a captivating stage presence and for connecting with the audience on a deep level, Esikmo Nebula will leave you inspired, empowered and energised. With continuous support from BBC DJโ€™s including reggae legend David Rodigan on BBC 1Xtra, this exciting new project is speedily on the rise and their live show is not to be missed!โ€

Nuff said, if itโ€™s good enough for good ol’ Rodigan, itโ€™s good enough for me, and as for the rest of you, Iโ€™ll drop some YouTube and links below to convince you to join me, tickets are a brown one, get ’em HERE.

Weekly Roundup of Events in Wiltshire: 20th -26th September 2023

With the last minute heatwave looking as if itโ€™s packing its bags, we move into autumn still with lots to do locally, the silver lining of the clouds aboveโ€ฆ..ย ย 

Not comprehensive, as I tell you each time, more will be added to our event calendar as we move through the week and they come to our attention, so check in on it from time to time. If you donโ€™t let us know about your event you cannot expect it to be here, drop us a line and guarantee itโ€™s listed here, it costs nothing.

Please, if you can donate a little something to keep us going, do, thatโ€™s all I ask. We need to fund this, and any extra will be put into hosting events, something we would like to do more of but without financial support it makes it impossible. Any donations will be kindly accepted, you will get special attention, and we thank you. For info on how, see HERE.ย ย 

Pay a visit to Wiltshire Museum, Devizes, for the Anna Dillon exhibition; reviewed HERE.

Ongoing until 29th Sept, The Incredible Quizzical Bath Pub Tour.ย 

New exhibit at The Forbidden Carnival, Chippenham, Si Griffiths obsession with clowns…..

Wednesday 20th:

Ah, the regular acoustic jam at The Southgate, Devizes.

Memory Cinema at Swindon Arts Centre, for those suffering dementia and their carers, what a wonderful idea, this sessions theyโ€™re screening Labyrinth (U.) Absolutely Dragulous at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.

Women Who Give No F*cks at the Rondo Theatre, Bath, while Azhaar & Global Wave at The Bell.

Thursday 21st:

Superfirends play the Pump, Trowbridge with Beetlehead in support.

Andalusian guitarist/composer Juan Martรญn at Chapel Arts in Bath, while Fiona ALenโ€™s On the Run is at the Rondo Theatre.

Pete Firmanโ€™s TrikTok st Swindon Arts Centre, and running Thursday to Friday at The Wyvern Theatre, Splash Test Dummies.

Friday 22nd:

That time again for the Marlborough Mop Fair.

Funked Up play The Pelican, Devizes.

Talk in Code appears at The Three Horseshoes Bradford-on-Avon, with Nothing Rhymes With Orange in support.

Richard Durrant at Pound Arts in Corsham.

Ex-Wishbone Ashโ€™s Martin Turner is at Chapel Arts, Bath , an Evening With Martin Stephenson at the Rondo Theatre, Bath.

Peter & The Test Tube Babies at The Vic, Swindon with Slagerij. Skaโ€™D For Life at the North Swindon Club, To Sleep at Swindon Arts Centre.

Lump play The George & Dragon, Salisbury.

Crazy Arm are at the Tree House, Frome, with Jo Whileyโ€™s 90s Anthems at the Cheese & Grain.

Saturday 23rd:

Marlborough Mop Fair again. And an Open Mic at the Parade Cinema from 6-8pm

Heddington Scarecrow Trail: continues Sunday too!

St Johnโ€™s Charity Michealmas Fair at Devizes Corn Exchange, and the Devizes Food & Drink Festival begins, running until 1st October.

The Hoodoos at The Southgate, Devizes.

Junkyard Dogs at the Cock Inn, Warminster.

Hell Death Fury at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon

CarmenCo at Langford Parish Hall, and Owen Spafford & Louis Campbell at Pound Arts, Corsham.

Diversify at The Vic, Swindon, Operation 77 at The Woodlandโ€™s Edge, Take It Easy โ€“ The American Classic Rock Show at Swindon Arts Centre.

The Radio Makers have an inStore at HMV Bath.

Slagerij headlines a ska-punk fest at The Winchester Gate, Salisbury.

Strange Folk at The Sun Inn, Frome, Cats In Space at the Cheese & Grain.

Sunday 24th:

Mr Griff at The Southgate, Devizes from 5pm.

Melksham Ladies RFC V Devizes Ladies RFC at Melksham Rugby Club.

Open Mic at The Old Road Tavern, Chippenham.

Junkyard Dogs at Stallards, Trowbridge.

James Hollingworth at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.

Dr Zeboโ€™s Wheezy Club at The Bell, Bath.

The Replays at North Swindon Club.

CSF Pro Wrestling: Showdown at The Cheese & Grain, Frome. 

Monday 25th:

Rock The Tots: Food, Glorious Food at Pound Arts, Corsham.

Electio, a new play from local playwright Peter Hynds at The Vic, Swindon. Supreme Queen at The Wyvern Theatre, continues on Tuesday.

The Malbec Orquesta at The Bell, Bath.

Tuesday 26th:

Quentin Collins & Tom Berge Trio at Jazz Knights, The Royal Oak, Swindon while Jen Bristerโ€™s The Optimist is at The Wyvern Theatre.

Ian Perry at The Bell, Bath.

Thatโ€™s all folks, but there are lots more to come!! Let the sunshineโ€ฆ..but do check in on our event calendar too, as updates will be on there, not here, this is just a guide. Have a great week whatever you do do!

Trending….

Whatever Happened to Pancake Races in Devizes?

It seems Shrove Tuesday celebrations in Devizes have fallen as flat as aโ€ฆ.well, you get the gagโ€ฆ Traditionally organised by Age Concern Wiltshire, and oftenโ€ฆ

Rowdefest 26 Lineup Reveal!

Drizzly Sundayโ€ฆagain. Iโ€™ve just finished designing the poster, so allow me to reveal the lineup for Rowdefest this coming May, might cheer us up aโ€ฆ

Song of the Week: Canute’s Plastic Army

Swindon Celtic folk at it’s finest, Anish Harrison and Neil Mercer smash it again, this one is sublime, it’s called Wild, no spoilers, just listen, immerse yourself, and perhaps buy it for a quid, you can’t even get a chocolate bar for that these days!

Canute’s Plastic Army played Swindon Shuffle last night, too early for me to to get down there, so this single makes up for it. Got to catch them live as soon as feasibly possible, stick it on my never-ending must-do list for me, there’s a good chap.

Trending….

Agricultural Appropriation with Monkey Bizzle

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 andโ€ฆ

Doctor Faustus Sells His Soulโ€ฆ. in Devizes!

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 Morrisonsโ€ฆ

Chandra Finds Heaven on Earth

Usually I just write what I think, but if I had a point-scoring system this new single from Bristol-based indie-pop outfit Chandra would tick everyโ€ฆ

Beyond Reverence: Deadlight Danceโ€™s Debut Album

According to the confines of youth cultures of yore, I shouldnโ€™t like Marlborough-based duo Deadlight Danceโ€™s debut album, Beyond Reverence, as while attempts to fit into my new surroundings of Marlborough meant my teenage musical tastes meandered in a rock direction, I drew the line at โ€œgoth,โ€ but on matured and eclectic reflection, still donโ€™t like this, I love itโ€ฆโ€ฆ

Released on Friday (15th September 2023) the sublime Beyond Reverence will be digitally available via Ray Records. You can download it via Bandcamp, stream from all platforms, and a special small run of limited-edition CDs will be available through the band; I suggest you take one of these options, it goes way beyond my expectations.

The two-and-a-half-minute sombre bassline peregrination overture to the opening track, Nice Things sets mood and pace, and Iโ€™m knee-deep in retrospective melancholy, the desired effect Iโ€™d imagine. Contemplating growing up in suburban Essex, a friend of my elder brother, so cool attired in the look of the new romantic, all frilly shirt sleeves, black eyeliner, all Adam Ant, whereas I? Standard hand-me-downs! He gave my brother a new wave electronica mix tape I adored. Echoing the pop of the era, ergo, I was unaware though already accustomed, to a degree, just later washed away with the carefree and whimsical hip hop and electro fashion, pre-acts jumping the incensed bandwagon post Grandmaster Melle Melโ€™s The Message.

To reaccept the dejected goth element of new wave electronica would take puberty, frustration at the bling and gun direction hip hop was heading and attempts to acclimatise to the west country rural village I found myself dumped in. Solace in the wild romantic fantasy of soft metal and general rock like Springsteen I discovered, but those โ€œgothโ€ pupils of St Johns would require a radical shift to modify myself to. One of those St Johnโ€™s pupils was Tim Emery, one half of the Deadlight Dance duo, something we can laugh about now, but then, I wasnโ€™t ready for the plunge, no matter how newfound schoolfriends supplied me with Sisters of Mercy and The Fields of the Nephilim tapes. I ventured as far as the Cure, but only to improve my chances of getting off with girls; it failed miserably, but thatโ€™s another story for another time!

The origins of Deadlight Dance stem back to 1989, the year I left St Johns, when Tim formed a short-lived Sixth Form goth band with Nick Fletcher. Friends for the best part of thirty-five years, the two periodically worked on music together. Born from lockdown, Deadlight Dance is a project to merge their favoured retrospective bands, The Cult and The Mission, with contemporary acts like Bragolin, Actors, Twin Tribes and Molchat Doma.

Story goes, during an initial jam Tim โ€œfinally convinced Nick to sing,โ€ a turnaround from the original collective idea to source guest singers. But itโ€™s in Nickโ€™s deep growling vocals and the elegant synths of the second tune, Innocent Beginnings, and up-tempo haunting Infectious where I get these reflections of the roots of gothic, the ominous, Bowie-esque component of new wave electronica, particularly of Joy Division, and herein lies my reasoning for taking to Beyond Reverence, even if Iโ€™m not about to dye whatโ€™s left of my hair black anytime soon!

At eleven tracks strong the album is epic, evolved from an original intention to record an EP, another crisp and proficient achievement for Nick Beereโ€™s Mooncalf Studios. While the sound is retrospective themes are of contemporary social conscience, Innocent Beginnings comments on the environment, the following, Dark Circles about autism. Though the single Missives from the Sisters sticks to true goth prose, a classic tale of misogyny set in the time of witchcraft, and being โ€œgothโ€ it levels on this topic appropriately, and duly sullen. Though thereโ€™s a lot here which suggests you need not be in the niche, it has wider appeal than I imagined it might.

Thereโ€™s an interesting instrumental interlude, Samuri Sunrise, which reprises a Sunset at the finale, with four tunes between them, two unorthodox cover choices. A quirky interpretation of Lou Reedโ€™s Iโ€™m Waiting for my Man I get, but the latter I was far from suspecting, a sorrowing rendition of Heartbreak Hotel you must hear for yourself!

Deadlight Dance are picking up radio play, and while usually they go out with pre-recorded synths and drum tracks, they equally operate acoustically on mandocellos and mandolins. If you came to my birthday bash early enough to find me semi-sober, youโ€™ll have seen them, theyโ€™re opening the Saturday shift at the Beehive at Swindon Shuffle this weekend, alongside Concrete Prairie, the Lonely Road Band, Atari Pilot and Liddington Hill. Thursday 21st sees them at Nick Beereโ€™s open mic at the Mildenhall Horseshoe, and Saturday 23rd they support Ghost Dance at Bathโ€™s coolest record shop Chapter 22. They are delighted to be included on the bill of the legendary All that is Divine VI Festival in London in 2024, and with big plans Iโ€™m left with no doubt this album will push this the maximum.

Beyond Reverence is up for pre-order on Bandcamp, released tomorrow 15th September 2023. Find Deadlight Danceโ€™s Website HERE, and on Facebook & Instagram. Find your inner goth and cheer them up a bit with this nice present, I enjoyed it so much Iโ€™m going to see if my lace trim gothic corset still fits and try it with this spikey rivet leather neck collar; somebody draw me a pentagram pronto! ย 

Trending……

Devizes Issues Wants You!

Dubiously biased and ruled with an iron fist, the mighty admin of the once popular Devizes Facebook group, Devizes Issues, is using the iconic Greatโ€ฆ

Who Broke into Joyrobberโ€™s Car?!

Poor Joyrobber, got his car broken into, on his birthday too, but avenged them in song! Requiem for my Car Window is this mysterious characterโ€™sโ€ฆ

Lady Nade; Sober!

Dry January, anyone? Well, Lady Nade just plunged into an outdoor 4ยฐC eucalyptus sauna for a social media reel. But whilst I’d require a stiffโ€ฆ

Ha! Let’s Laugh at Hunt Supporters!

Christmas has come early for foxes and normal humans with any slither of compassion remaining, as the government announced the righteous move to ban trailโ€ฆ

Di, Viv & Rose โ€“ Wharf Theatre, September 11th to 16th

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, loss. Love conquers all.…..

The play opens with a simple set, three cleverly used telephones โ€“ pre mobile days as an era. Early scenes are short, sharp, frenetic, reflecting youth and urgency, energy and the simplicity of student life. As the play progresses the scenes become longer, less frenetic (though losing no natural pace and rhythm) again reflecting the increased complexities of life. We share with the three their aspirations, of career, promiscuity, love. These provide clashes, arguments, disagreements as each character struggles to comprehend anotherโ€™s chosen path. There are surprises on the way โ€“ some happy, some โ€ฆ life changing, some tragic. This is a gently poignant, bitter-sweet comedy .. a few genuine laugh out loud moments, many internal amusementsโ€ฆ  and several gut wrenching, even tear inducing scenes.


The audience on Tuesday night was healthy โ€“ fairly full, but just four men. Whilst this play deals with female friendships and where men are peripheral unseen but discussed characters, some bad, some good, sometimes amusing, this is far from being โ€œchick lit on stageโ€ or especially not an anti-men piece.ย  Itโ€™s a cracking portrayal of human interaction and of lifeโ€™s rich pattern. It deserves a more mixed audience.

Three mesmeric performances โ€“ Di (Georgia Watson), Viv (Claire Warren) and Rose (Tempeste Day), woven together by superb direction (Alison Warren), based around a simple set (Wharf Technical crew ๐Ÿ˜Š ). Another example of excellent community theatre. On our doorstep here in Devizes. If you are still picturing local theatre as wooden performances and lumpen ensemble with stilted line delivery โ€“ come and change your perception. Grab one of the few tickets left, get to the wharf this week, and catch one of the remaining performances.

โ€œDi, Viv & Roseโ€ is playing until September 16th, at 19:30 each night.
Tickets from the Devizes Hub, online at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/the-wharf-theatre/di-viv-rose/e-bdxezq  or call ; 0333 666 3366 .

Trending…..

Rooks; New Single From M3G

Chippenham folk singer-songwriter, M3G (because she likes a backward โ€œEโ€) has a new single out tomorrow, Friday 19th December. Put your jingly bell cheesy tunesโ€ฆ

Burning the Midday Oil at The Muck

Highest season of goodwill praises must go to Chrissy Chapman today, who raised over ยฃ500 (at the last count) for His Grace Childrenโ€™s Centre inโ€ฆ

St John’s Choir Christmas Concert in Devizes

Join the St Johnโ€™s Choir and talented soloists for a heart-warming evening of festive favourites, carols, and candlelit Christmas atmosphere this Friday 12 th Decemberโ€ฆ

For Now, Anyway; Gus White’s Debut Album

Featured Image: Barbora Mrazkova My apologies, for Marlboroughโ€™s singer-songwriter Gus Whiteโ€™s debut album For Now, Anyway has been sitting on the backburner, and itโ€™s moreโ€ฆ

A Heroic Homecoming: Nothing Rhymes With Orange Live From The Exchange, Devizes.

Nothing Rhymes With Orange on stage for their headline slot. Four lads local to the Wiltshire area have been letting their presence be known of late. With the indie music scene of the region needing fresh artists, Nothing Rhymes With Orange have really begun to seize their opportunity. ย An abundance of live shows as well [โ€ฆ]

A Heroic Homecoming: Nothing Rhymes With Orange Live From The Exchange, Devizes.

Weekly Roundup of Events in Wiltshire: 13th – 19th September 2023

With the last minute heatwave looking as if it MIGHT be packing its bags, we move into autumn still with lots to do locally, the silver lining of the clouds aboveโ€ฆ..ย ย 

Not comprehensive, as I tell you each time, more will be added to our event calendar as we move through the week and they come to our attention, so check in on it from time to time. If you donโ€™t let us know about your event you cannot expect it to be here, drop us a line and guarantee itโ€™s listed here, it costs nothing.

Please, if you can donate a little something to keep us going, do, thatโ€™s all I ask. We need to fund this, and any extra will be put into hosting events, something we would like to do more of but without financial support it makes it impossible. Any donations will be kindly accepted, you will get special attention, and we thank you. For info on how, see HERE.ย ย 

Pay a visit to Wiltshire Museum, Devizes, for the Anna Dillon exhibition; reviewed HERE.

Ongoing until 29th Sept, The Incredible Quizzical Bath Pub Tour. 

Di & Viv & Rose opens at the Wharf Theatre in Devizes on Monday, and continues until Saturday 16th.  

Abigailโ€™s Party continues at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon until Wednesday 13th.

Wednesday 13th

Acoustic Jam at The Southgate, Devizes, bring an instrument, voice, or just do as I do, just sit back, perhaps joke about playing the triangle, and enjoy the musicians doing their stuff!

Rosalie Cunningham comes to Chapel Arts, Bath, weโ€™ve seen Rosie at MantonFest, groovy, psychedelic rock n roll, loved it! The Bobby Kennedy Experience at the Rondo Theatre, and 

Dusk Art Rhythm Quartet at The Bell, both in Bath too.

Thursday 14th

Melksham Music & Drama presents Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Melksham Assembly Hall, opening Thursday, running till Saturday.

Editorโ€™s Pick of Week made easy this time, Swindon Shuffle not only raises funds for Prospect Hospice, itโ€™s free, and a virtual cathedral of our local live music circuit. In the words of the great Zaphod Beeblebrox, โ€œeveryone who’s anyone is going to be there,โ€ albeit he was referring to Millways the restaurant at the end of the universe, weโ€™re only on about Swindon, still, it fits! feat your eyes on the poster below, enough said….

Running across the various pubs over the entire weekend, kicking off on Thursday, Iโ€™m not going to list them all, because hereโ€™s the poster and that says it all.

Elsewhere in Swindon, The Story of Guitar Heroes  at The Wyvern Theatre, and Andrew Birdโ€™s Taken Seriously at Swindon Arts Centre.

The Annie Keating Band at Chapel Arts, Bath, plus support from Steady Habits. Markus Birdmanโ€™s Platinum at the Rondo Theatre.

Friday 15th

Seend branch of the Royal British Legion hosts the Pop Pickers at the Seend Community Hall.

The Future Sound of Trowbridge series sees a third instalment at The Pump, with Rae and Foxymoron supporting The Sunnies.

Rockabilly Rumble at North Swindon Club, John Kearnsโ€™ The Varnishing Days at Swindon Arts Centre, The Ultimate Boyband Party Show at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon, and the Shuffle continues throughout the weekend.

Aretha & the Soul Sisters with Lisa Grand & the Jezebel Sextet at Chapel Arts, Bath, Will Collierโ€™s Chet Baker Project at the Rondo Theatre.

Peter Doherty plays the Cheese & Grain, Frome.

Saturday 16th

Devizes Heritage Day, leaflets are available from participating venues and also Devizes Books, and Wiltshire Museum. Devizes RFC V Chosen Former Pupils at  Devizes Rugby Club.

Dr Zeboโ€™s Wheezy Club at The Southgate, Devizes.

Live Music and Family Funday for Wiltshire Mindโ€™s 30th Anniversary at The Pilot, Melksham,  and a Psychic & Crystal Fayre at Melksham Scout Hut, 10am-4pm.

Heritage Open Day: Hidden on the High Street  at the Neeld, Chippenham, and a new exhibit by Si Griffths at the Forbidden Carnival, see poster.

Sour Apple plays Kings Arms, Hilperton. Matt Owens and Courting Ghosts at The Pump in Trowbridge.

Train to Skaville are at Swindon Underground, formerly Level III, Simplicity at The Woodland’s Edge, 80s Mania at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon, And Solo at the North Swindon Club, and of course the Shuffle continues throughout the weekend.

Roving Crows at Chapel Arts, Malone Sibun unplugged at the Rondo Theatre, Bath.

These Wicked Rivers at the Tree House, Frome.

Sunday 17th

Eddie Martin plays a Sunday session at The Southgate, Devizes from 5pm.

Ruzz Guitar Blues Revue at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon from 3pm.

Warminster Heritage Open Day at the Athenaeum

Emerald Storm at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon, Ska Katz @at North Swindon Club.

The Glad Rags at The Bell, Bath.

Monday 18th

Thatโ€™ll Be The Day at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.

Lewis Barfoot at The Bell, Bath.

Tuesday 19th

Psychic Sally at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon, and Jazz Knights has Roger Beaujolais & Tom Berge Trio at The Royal Oak.

Thatโ€™s all folks, but there are lots more to come!! Let the sunshineโ€ฆ..but do check in on our event calendar too, as updates will be on there, not here, this is just a guide. Have a great week whatever you do do!

Trending…..

Butane Skies Not Releasing a Christmas Song!

No, I didnโ€™t imagine for a second they would, but upcoming Take the Stage winners, alt-rock emo four-piece, Butane Skies have released their second song,โ€ฆ

One Of Us; New Single From Lady Nade

Featured Image by Giulia Spadafora Ooo, a handclap uncomplicated chorus is the hook in Lady Ladeโ€™s latest offering of soulful pop. Itโ€™s timelessly cool andโ€ฆ

Large Unlicensed Music Event Alert!

On the first day of advent, a time of peace and joy to the world et al, Devizes Police report on a โ€œlarge unlicenced musicโ€ฆ

Winter Festival/Christmas/Whatever!

This is why I love you, my readers, see?! At the beginning of the week I put out an article highlighting DOCAโ€™s Winter Festival, andโ€ฆ

Devizes Winter Festival This Friday and More!

Whoโ€™s ready for walking in the winter wonderland?! Devizes sets to magically transform into a winter wonderland this Friday when The Winter Festival and Lanternโ€ฆ

REVIEW โ€“ Ian Parker Band @ Long Street Blues Club, Con Club, Devizes โ€“ Saturday 9th September 2023

In The Heat Of The Night

Andy Fawthrop

It must be that time of the year.ย  Summer is going out in a blaze of heated glory, and Autumn is about to come calling.ย  Weโ€™ve already had the last Bank Holiday of the year and, apart from the ankle-biters being back at school, last night was also time for the annual singalong frenzy of The Last Night of The Proms.ย  After this you know itโ€™s all downhill to the clocks going back, Halloween, Bonfire Night, and The Big C.ย  But no point getting miserable and all teary-eyed just yet.ย  Before we get to the fake-Dickensian marketing exercise that forces the first mince-pies to hit the supermarket shelves, weโ€™ve got plenty to look forward to in D-Townโ€™s music scene.

And last night was just typical with competing gigs at The Cavalier, The Corn Exchange, and The Southgate to choose from.ย  Or there was always Twilight Cinema in Hillworth Park.ย  But I couldnโ€™t find my Ray-Bans, so I decided that the best way to start things off was at the Con Club, with the new Autumn/ Winter season of concerts lined up by Ian Hopkins and his team at Long Street Blues Club.ย  First guest of the new season was the Ian Parker Band.

It was hot and sweaty in there, but that just suited the music.  A goodly crowd had ignored the various other blandishments on offer, including Englandโ€™s opening game in the rugby World Cup, and turned out to welcome two great guests back to the club. 

First up was support from local boy Joe Hicks. Heโ€™ll be touring with his band in November and December in the UK & Germany, but for tonight it was just the man, his guitar, and a few pedals.ย  Last time I saw Joe was here in the club just before Covid and I remember enjoying his performance.ย  Since then, he and his songs have matured.ย  Introducing self-penned songs from his debut album of last year โ€œThe Best I Could Do At The Timeโ€, Joe produced an engaging and accomplished performance.ย  The songs, delivered with understated guitar, and his tell-tale falsetto voice, were mesmerizingly good.ย  The inter-song chat, self-deprecating humour and snatches of audience participation easily won people over.ย  Joe is well above yer average troubadour, and definitely worth checking out.

Then we were onto two helpings of the four-piece Ian Parker band.  Ian is a 20-year blues band veteran and has played as a session musician with much of UKโ€™s blues royalty.  His sets contained mostly self-penned material, leavened with just the right amount of covers.  Leading from the front on guitar and vocals, we launched straight into Muddy Watersโ€™ Hoochie Coochie Man, then settled down into a bluesy groove.  Again, there was great inter-song chat, the clear connection with the club, and with the enthusiastic audience.

The guitar work was clean, sparkling and inventive, with the band behind him providing just the right platform for his inspired and meandering solos.  We were in blues territory, but there was plenty of wandering off into something more inventive and reflective.  There were nods to BB King (Help The Poor), Willie Dixon (Weak Brain, Narrow Mind) and a really stunning reworking of Dylanโ€™s All Along The Watchtower.  Cue huge applause, a great finish, and a well-deserved encore.

So, the new season is up and running, with some great talent lined up to play (see the clubโ€™s website).  Tickets available online, at Devizes Books and at all the usual outlets.  Do yourself a favour and get along to some of these gigs.

Future Long Street Blues Club gigs:

Saturday 7th October 2023                          Billy Walton Band

Friday 13th October 2023                            Blood Brothers – Mike Zito & Albert Castiglia band

Friday 3rd November 2023                           Susan Santos & Alastair Greene

Saturday 18th November 2023                  Russ Ballard Band

Friday 24th November 2023                        Chicago Blues Trio

Saturday 16th December 2023                   Fullhouse play Franki

Trending…..

Snow White Delight: Panto at The Wharf

Treated to a sneaky dress rehearsal of this year’s pantomime at Devizesโ€™ one and only Wharf Theatre last night, if forced to sum it upโ€ฆ

Chatting With Burn The Midnight Oil

Itโ€™s nice to hear when our features attract attention. Salisburyโ€™s Radio Odstock ย picked up on our interview with Devizes band Burn the Midnight Oil andโ€ฆ

Ed Byrne: Tragedy Plus Time

SYNDICATED INTERVIEW

By Jason Barlow Images: Roslyn Gaunt

Is there no end to the manโ€™s talents? A staple of revered panel show Mock the Week, Ed Byrne has also sledded down the side of a volcano for Dara and Edโ€™s Great Big Adventure, upstaged Martin Sheen and Robert Downey Jr on The Graham Norton Show, and demonstrated his driving skills on Top Gear and The Worldโ€™s Most Dangerous Road. He’s also proven himself to be quiz show dynamite on the likes of The Chase: Celebrity Special, The Hit List, Pointless Celebrities and All-Star Family Fortunes. Never agree to attend a pub quiz with Ed Byrne. You will lose.

But for all his dalliances with the world of television light entertainment, Ed remains at heart one of the worldโ€™s truly great stand-up comedians. He has honed his craft for a remarkable 30 years now, garnering a hatful of awards and a constant, borderline bewildering stream of five-star reviews along the way. Whisper it, but itโ€™s tempting in 2023 to take story-telling skills and a wit as sublime as Edโ€™s for granted. However, while he prepares to take his 14th show, Tragedy Plus Time, to the Edinburgh Fringe and onwards for a comprehensive UK tour, audiences need to ready themselves because Ed Byrne is heading into highly emotional new territory.

โ€œItโ€™s something of a departure, and Iโ€™m slightly worried about that,โ€ he concedes. โ€œIโ€™ve never really had the desire to write a show that had an overly serious element to it. I got a lot of five-star reviews on the last show [2019โ€™s If Iโ€™m Honest], but some four-star ones that opined, โ€˜well itโ€™s funny, but thatโ€™s all it isโ€ฆโ€™ As if thatโ€™s not enough these days. Frankly, just being funny is a furrow Iโ€™ve been happy to occupy. But this new show features some heart-wrenching, soul-bearing stuff.โ€

That much is indisputable. For Tragedy Plus Time, Ed bravely ventures into the world of grief and loss, a decision prompted by the passing of his younger brother Paul, aged just 44, in February 2022. Comedy that takes death as its cue is not unprecedented, but itโ€™s a path that takes considerable creative courage to explore.  

โ€œI was in two minds about whether to do a show of this nature,โ€ Ed explains. โ€œThen I decided this was the subject I was going to tackle but I wasnโ€™t quite sure how to go about it. But once I started down that road, that was itโ€ฆ Then my main worry was, how funny is it going to be and is it going to work?โ€

These were legitimate concerns. Of course, thereโ€™s funny and thereโ€™s funny. In Tragedy Plus Time, Ed consistently delivers the latter while expertly locating the poignancy that sits at the intersection of sadness and loss. This isnโ€™t gallows humour; this is something else altogether.

โ€œThe first time I performed it,โ€ he continues, โ€œit lasted more than an hour. That surprised me, but it was too long, so I had to decide whether to cut funny jokes or material thatโ€™s meaningful. That kind of decision was new to me, and whatโ€™s really annoying is that the one person I would have asked for advice on that is the guy the showโ€™s about. Itโ€™s like when you get dumped by someone and youโ€™re heartbroken. The one person youโ€™d usually want to talk to about it is the very person who dumped you.

Says Ed, โ€œIโ€™ve spoken to people who worked with Paul, who was a comedy director, and theyโ€™ve said that his thing was, โ€˜you can be as emotional as you like and as serious as you like, but there has to be a jokeโ€™. So the idea of saying something purely for the emotional gut punch was off the table.โ€

Nor is Tragedy Plus Time unrelenting by any means. The genius of it is that it takes the most difficult of subject matter and encourages the audience to laugh in its face in a way they would otherwise simply never do. Ed has also deliberately eschewed a linear narrative structure in favour of an approach that mirrors the unpredictable nature of grief itself.

โ€œObviously I donโ€™t want the whole thing to be an onslaught,โ€ he says. โ€œThatโ€™s partly because of the digressions, and thatโ€™s why theyโ€™re there. But they also illustrate how grief works in that you can still have a good time, you can still be happy, you can still have a laugh about other things and be frivolous. But grief is always there waiting for you when youโ€™re done with being silly.

Image: Roslyn Gaunt

โ€œThe show does elicit a very pure emotional response in the audience. Thereโ€™s something about the fact that when somebody dies, everyone else carries on like nothingโ€™s happened. Because nothing has happened to them. So thereโ€™s an anger in grief, tooโ€ฆ how can everyone else carry on as though nothing has happened?โ€

Ed candidly admits that mining his familyโ€™s bereavement for comedic effect would challenge his performing skills โ€“ and emotional bandwidth โ€“ in a unique way. Is this a nightly catharsis for the Irish comedian? To an extent, yes.  

โ€œDeath is universal. We will all lose someone. So the best thing to do is laugh at it,โ€ he says. โ€œAlthough I was aware, when I was first writing and performing this new show, that there was a danger I might, you know, lose it onstage. I did a work-in-progress at the Museum of Comedy and there was an audible crack in my voice. On the third performance I did actually cry on stage, and Iโ€™m sure for anyone who was there [assumes a very theatrical voice] โ€˜it was a very powerful experienceโ€™. But I donโ€™t want it to be the sort of thing where I rip my heart out and stamp on it for the audienceโ€™s delectation. Iโ€™ve been able to throttle back my emotions and keep them in check.โ€  

What of the origins of the concept that comedy is Tragedy Plus Time? Itโ€™s widely credited to American writer, humourist and quote machine Mark Twain, as many of these things are. Having researched it, Ed says thereโ€™s no conclusive proof that he coined it. Twainโ€™s contribution to the arts might have benefitted from an audio/visual dimension, if such a thing had existed in the 1880s, but itโ€™s something Ed has avoided. Until now.

โ€œThere are WhatsApp messages from Paul that I wanted to share and I could have just read them out. But that wouldnโ€™t have the same resonance, and you have to see them to fully appreciate the context. Then thereโ€™s a video of a weird guy who produces celebrity obituariesโ€ฆto be honest, Iโ€™m still tinkering with the audio/visual aspect, so there may well be more of that in the show. Itโ€™s a supplementary element, though, itโ€™s not integral. I donโ€™t want anyone to worry unduly about the introduction of technology to the proceedings.โ€

Tragedy Plus Time isnโ€™t Ed Byrne deconstructing comedy or going meta. Thatโ€™s not what he does. Nonetheless, this is a satisfyingly left-field move from one of the undeniable masters of comedy. It is as moving as it is funny, and vice versa.

โ€œIs it OK to talk about this stuff? Iโ€™d say this. Every night hundreds of people who didnโ€™t know who Paul Byrne was will leave the theatre knowing who Paul Byrne was. Iโ€™m happy with that, and I think I give a good account of him on stage. I wouldnโ€™t say heโ€™s up there with me every night, but heโ€™s there every time I think about the show, and Iโ€™ve got to make sure I do right by him. I briefly entertained a notion of writing a one-man play, with me sitting and talking to him towards the end of his life. But you know, Iโ€™m a stand-up comic. Itโ€™s what I do. I said to the audience in one of the early previews, โ€˜yes, it is sad. But donโ€™t worry because the show is funny. Because believe it or not, Iโ€™m actually quite good at this.โ€™โ€

Ed Byrne is touring nationwide. For more information, please visit http://edbyrne.com/

Ed Byrne is at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon on 27th September and The Cheese & Grain in Frome on the 28th September.

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The Lost Trades Float on New Single

Iโ€™ve got some gorgeous vocal harmonies currently floating into my ears, as The Lost Trades release their first single since the replacement of Tamsin Quinโ€ฆ

Barrelhouse are Open for Business with New Album

Rolling out a Barrelhouse of fun, you can have blues on the run, tomorrow (7th November) when Marlborough’s finest groovy vintage blues virtuosos Barrelhouse releaseโ€ฆ

Ruzz Guitar Swings With The Dirty Boogie

Bristolโ€™s regular Johnny B Goode, Ruzz Guitar Blues Revue goes full on swing with a new single, a take on The Brian Setzer Orchestraโ€™s 1998โ€ฆ

Song of the Week: Meg

Chippenhamโ€™s folk singer-songwriter Meg gets our early song of the week this week, and The Cycle is only her debut single….

Iโ€™ve spoken twice to Meg, and she expressed her excitement at going to the studio, both times! This builds in layers and composition, again as in her live performances, thereโ€™s some empyrean prose, delivered with a certain unique charm. It’s great Meg, we love it here.

To find out more about Meg, check out our interview with her, and a later live review at the Neeld.

Link to streaming sites HERE

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Joyrobber Didn’t Want Your Stupid Job Anyway

A second track from local anonymous songwriter Joyrobber has mysteriously appeared online, and heโ€™s bitter about not getting his dream jobโ€ฆ.. If this mysterious dudeโ€™sโ€ฆ

Devizes Chamber Choir Christmas Concert

Itโ€™s not Christmas until the choir sings, and Devizes Chamber Choir intend to do precisely this by announcing their Christmas Concert, as they have doneโ€ฆ

Steatopygous go Septic

If you believe AI, TikTok and the rest of it all suppress Gen Zโ€™s outlets to convey anger and rage, resulting in a generation ofโ€ฆ

The Wurzels To Play At FullTone 2026!

If Devizesโ€™ celebrated FullTone Festival is to relocate to Whistley Roadโ€™s Park Farm for next summerโ€™s extravaganza, what better way to give it the rusticโ€ฆ

DOCAโ€™s Young Urban Digitals

In association with PF Events, Devizes Outdoor Celebratory Arts introduces a Young Urban Digitals course in video mapping and projection mapping for sixteen to twentyโ€ฆ

Jol Roseโ€™s Ragged Stories

Thereโ€™s albums Iโ€™ll go in blind and either be pleasantly surprised, or not. Then thereโ€™s ones which I know Iโ€™m going to love before theโ€ฆ

Atari Pilot are Waiting for the Summer

Kempston joystick! There’s a new single from Swindonโ€™s sonic indie-rock blasters Atari Pilot, and it seems theyโ€™re waiting for the summer to fall. Hint, guys, itโ€™s usually, particularly this year, when the kids go back to schoolโ€ฆ.

I’m not wrong, though, am I? Never without that euphoric retrospective tinge, Atari Pilot I liken to Talk in Code, for swinging indie poptastic hooks and unrivalled energy, yet with undertones of sonic soundscapes akin to post-rave dance music, of the Chemical Brothers and Daft Punk et al.

This one certainly doesnโ€™t skip on it,though its theme reminds me of Don Henly, and is equally as passionately delivered. From Jerry Keller to Taylor Swift, summer may be a common topic, but winter songs only hark on aboutโ€ฆ.whoa there, donโ€™t even say the C-word until late November, I thank you! And anyhoo, all the seasons are given a mention in this breezy pay-what-you-like track, save spring. What have you got against spring, Atari Pilot? Donโ€™t make me get all Zebedee on you, I happen to like spring!

Check this out, before it pisses down! Catch them at the Beehive at Swindon Shuffle!

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Vince Bell in the 21st Century!

Unlike Buck Rogers, who made it to the 25th century six hundred years early, Devizesโ€™ most modest acoustic virtuoso arrives at the 21st just shortโ€ฆ

Deadlight Dance New Single: Gloss

You go cover yourself in hormone messing phthalates, toxic formaldehyde, or even I Can’t Believe It’s Not Body Butter, if you wish, but it’s allโ€ฆ

Things to Do During Halloween Half Term

The spookiest of half terms is nearly upon us again; kids excited, parents not quite so much! But hey, as well as Halloween, here’s whatโ€ฆ

CrownFest is Back!

Yay! You read it right. After a two year break, CrownFest is back at the Crown in Bishop’s Cannings. So put a big tick ontoโ€ฆ

Donโ€™t Give Up Now, Ruby Darbyshire

As discoveries of young local talent never seem to wane here at Devizine, hereโ€™s one with a difference, weโ€™ve not featured yet; you may have seen Ruby Darbyshire busking a showstopper with bagpipes, but itโ€™s far from the limits of this girlโ€™s mind-blowing talentโ€ฆ.

Her live studio recording is a four track EP, acoustic folk originals, titled Donโ€™t Give Up Now, Weโ€™re Nearly There, and itโ€™s something you simply MUST listen to, I order you to! My benchmark for a great writer is imagining myself at the same age merely attempting to scribe something on par, the conclusion being the profoundness and emotive expression of Ruby here crosses the winning line while Iโ€™m not even off the starting block, and me, with bagpipes, donโ€™t even contemplate it!

Using a comfort blanket as a metaphor, a pensive ditty called Insomnia opens, the title explaining the lucid theme, first person prose reflection on growing up and fatigue. The EP ends with the struggle for self-control customarily portrayed as the devil on one shoulder, angel on the other, but perhaps questioning her impulsive behaviour moreso. Devil Doesnโ€™t Want This leaves you aching for more, itโ€™s edgy and darker than the two relationship subjects between them.

Pandora is perhaps the deepest dimensionally, a personification of the Pandoraโ€™s Box idiom, Ruby nails the process of a labyrinthine of issues once pursued generates greater problems, and itโ€™s conveyed sublimely. Donโ€™t Want to Hear You Cry is less abstract, but equal in emotive, matured outpouring. In summary of the whole EP, itโ€™s a beautiful thing, sublime.ย 

Echoes of Opportunity Knocks winner and Paul McCartneyโ€™s first venture into production, Mary Hopkins in her delivery, Ruby bears all the hallmarks of a classic female folk singer, ofย Holly Near, vocally, of Joni Mitchell in calibre and of Dar Williams in emotive outpouring, akin locally to the rapturous Daisy Chapman.

Often seen busking or at open mics with her dad, Brian, itโ€™s clear Rubyโ€™s music evolved from a musical family at a tender age, a prodigy flourished, to hear the results is blissful. Gig dates can be found on her website, here. Sheโ€™s at the George in Lacock on Wednesday evening (6th Sept.)

Ruby supports Amelia Coburn at the Pump on Saturday 14th October, with Meg, she writes to tell me she โ€œjust heard yesterday that I’m on stage at the Bradford Roots Festival in January,โ€ and goes onto explain Tim Burgess from the Charlatans, organiser of the Kendal Calling festival asked to return next year, donating her a day’s recording at the Cheese and Grain, with musicians and Freddie Cowan from the Vaccines as producer. Full-gone conclusion, in my opinion, Rubyโ€™s music will grow into a phenomenon, and you need to hear it blossoming.

Trending now…

Six Reasons to Rock in Market Lavington

Alright yeah, itโ€™s a play on band names and thereโ€™s only really two reasons to rock on Friday 17th October at Market Lavington Community Hall;โ€ฆ

Weekly Roundup of Events in Wiltshire: 6th – 12th September 2023

Schools are back, summer has finally arrived, hereโ€™s what weโ€™ve got this coming week……

Not comprehensive, more will be added to our event calendar as we move through the week, so check in on it from time to time.

Pay a visit to Wiltshire Museum, Devizes, for the Anna Dillon exhibition; reviewed HERE.

Ongoing until 29th Sept, The Incredible Quizzical Bath Pub Tour. 

Wednesday 6th.

The regular Acoustic Jam at The Southgate, Devizes.

Ruby Darbyshire at The George, Lacock.

ShakShak at The Bell, Bath.

Thursday 7th.

Priscilla, Queen of the Disaster at the Civic, Trowbridge.

Robyn Hitchcock at Rondo Theatre, Bath.

InAir and Kotonic at The Vic, Swindon.

Gavin Osborn is at The Tuppenny, Swindon with Meg in support.

The Serial Killer Next Door with Emma Kenny at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.

Friday 8th.

Burbage & Easton Royal Cricket Club has a beer and cider festival  with Kova Me Bad and The Zoots.

Goatfest opens at Goatacre, Calne.

Lewis Poole plays the Pump in Trowbridge with Start The Sirens and Work Experince.

Peloton at The Vic, Swindon.

The Wonder of Stevie at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.

The Tannahill Weavers at Chapel Arts, Bath.

Grace Petrieโ€™s Butch Ado About Nothing is at the Rondo Theatre, Bath

Shindiggers have a Shimmy Discotheque at Club Lomah, Bath.

Lou Coxโ€™s celebrated Having A Baby โ€“ The Sh!t They Donโ€™t Tell You In Books comes to the Frome Memorial Theatre.

The Sunbirds are at the Tree House, Frome.

Saturday 9th:

Trowbridge RFC V Devizes RFC at Trowbridge Rugby Club

King Alfredโ€™s Tower Charity Abseil for SOS Africa is taking place on the 9th, 10th 16th & 17th September.

Bit hot for cosplay, but thereโ€™s a Sci Fi Day at The REME Museum, Lyneham.

Thereโ€™s a Twilight Cinema at Hillworth Park, Devizes, screening Top Gun Maverick.

Autumn Fabric Pumpkin Making Workshop at the St Johnโ€™s Parish Rooms, Devizes.

Grizzly Rhys plays The Southgate, Devizes.

Chloe Jordan and Pete Lambโ€™s Heartbeats play a Wiltshire Air Ambulance fundraiser at The Corn Exchange, Devizes.

Long Street Blues Club, Devizes opens for a new season with The Ian Parker Band.

Bristolโ€™s boss reggae and ska legend Ya Freshness & The Big Boss Band are at Devizes Scooter Club in the Cavalier.

The Boot Hill All Stars are at The Barge on HoneyStreet, with Whistling Treason.

Barrelhouse play The Lamb, Marlborough.

Mantonfest 2023

Saili Katebe at the Yelde Hall, Chippenham.

Bobbiโ€™s Academy Of Dance โ€“ Dance First Think After at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.

Salisbury RFC have their Beggar’s Bash.

The Unravelling Wilburys play Chapel Arts, Bath.

Frome 80s Festival at the Cheese & Grain.

Lifesigns are at The Tree House, Frome.

Sunday 10th.

Hillworth Park Proms with Devizes Town Band at Hillworth Park, Devizes.

The Jon Amor residency at the Southgate, Devizes from 5pm, guest this month is Adam Phillips. 

Nothing Rhymes With Orange plays at The Exchange nightclub, with Stoneface and Ignotis in support.

Pewsey Carnival Week begins, running until 17th.

Daisy Chapman, with Carrie Martin and the Gordon Wood Band at Schtumm, Queenโ€™s Head, Box.

Old Baby Mackerel at The Bell, Bath.

Swindon Recital Series at Swindon Arts Centre.

Bridget Christieโ€™s Who Am I? at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.

Monday 11th:

Di, Viv & Rose opens at The Wharf Theatre, Devizes, running until the 16th.

Wiltshire Motorcycle Rally at Salisbury Rugby Club.

Abigailโ€™s Party opens at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon, running until the 16th.

Von Wildenhaus at The Bell, Bath.

Tuesday 12th

Kosta Burgess at The Bell, Bath.

Libor Smolds & Daniel Newberry Quartet at Jazz Knights, The Royal Oak, Swindon.

Thatโ€™s all folks, but itโ€™s early days for September, and there is lots more to come!! Let the sunshineโ€ฆ..but do check in on our event calendar too, as updates will be on there, not here, this is just a guide.

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Oh Danny Boy!

Oh Danny Boy, oh, Danny Boy, they loved your boyish Eton looks so, but when ye was voted in, an all democracy wasnโ€™t quite dying,โ€ฆ

A Quick Shuffle to Swindon

Milkman hours with grandkids visiting it was inevitable a five hour day shift was all I was physically able to put into this year’s Swindonโ€ฆ

Swindon Branch of Your Party is Growing

Following the excitement and success of the first meeting of โ€˜Your Partyโ€™ in Swindon, a second meeting has been arranged for 18th September 7.30 -โ€ฆ

No Rest For JP Oldfield, New Single Out Today

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 the circuitโ€ฆ

DOCA’s Early Lantern Workshops

Is it too early for the C word?! Of course not, Grinch! With DOCA’S Winter Festival confirmed for Friday 28th November this year, there willโ€ฆ

Some Work Experience At The Southgate!

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 entertainment at our trusty Southgate. Deborah plonked a cheap-as-chips scrumpy on the bar for me, to cure my Southgate withdrawal symptoms, and rubbed salt into the wound by telling Well Hung Heart was her “gig of the year.” Never would’ve guessed!

Across Devizes pubs sought to cater for the dregs of carnival-goers with discos and karaoke, no other thought live music might be an idea, and on those justified grounds attending the Southgate was a no-brainer.

I assumed the Gate might bring in something more generalised, but punk was promised from a Chippenham trio called Work Experience, (who I’d yet to witness,) and punk we got. Though playing to a majority regular who was around for the punk era, mixed verbal reviews came across, because the contemporary pop-punk pigeonhole is a far cry from its roots, and I get that, time moves on, but they were proficient, beguiling and more importantly, loud!



They bought an entourage to lower the age demographic, which is (wink) no bad thing! Though it is The Southgate, and you’re guaranteed a great atmosphere even if Sir Patrick Stewart was reciting War & Peace.

While the band name is new, it’s a reformation of JCJ, brainchild of frontman Julien Biddulph, alongside him, drummer Theo Lender-Swain and bassist Charlie Gibbons. They’ve recently supported Nothing Rhymes With Orange and Lucky Number Seven in two sold-out shows at The Pump, and that’s all I got on them, but never doubt Kieran of Sheer’s word on such matters.

Julien came across well-mannered and passionate about his craft, but behind the instruments, they belted out some refined and (what sounded like) intelligent originals with the hook in perfectly coordinated steady riffs. Yet as common to the genre, the rather subdued vocals could’ve been notched up a bit, nothing a good technician couldn’t solve. It’s the Gate dammit, and we like it rawer than Ol’ Dirty Bastard, and there’s a joke in there to boot; don’t make me spell it out!

They sprinkled the set with some covers, too, few of which I knew, but if Stacey’s Mom is the Wonderwall of pop punk, they delivered it without clichรฉ, and it never fails to amuse.

Okay, so holding onto the bar at the end badly preaching history on Don Lett’s Roxy was at least done subtly to someone of equal age and I didn’t embarrass myself by thickly layering my Uncle Albert moment on the band. You’d be fooling yourself, hoping for a Clash cover, for Blink 182 is an equal classic to this generation, and I’m fine with that, honest, guv.

One surprise was Work Experience stripping back for a fantastic acoustic Tom Petty cover. Yeah, Free Falling, doesn’t matter who covers it, always will love it. And this point leads me neatly onto the support who simply introduced himself to me as Jonah, unnecessarily twisted my arm with a pink shot like a mini McDonald’s shake, as he blessed the Gate with some thought-provoking self-penned acoustic magic.


Honestly, sweet liquors don’t sit on the palate well while drowning oneself in scrumpy, but it was only in the absence of tequila, we did what we did! Nevertheless, like the shot, Work Experience was a gamble for a carnival night, and it paid off in my opinion.

You can catch them this Friday at The Pump with Start the Sirens supporting Lewis Poole, but full praises to the Southgate, as ever, felt so good to be back after venturing the summer festivities. They played a wildcard, introduced and hosted an enthralling, young upcoming band, and aside from being the friendliest boozer in town, I support that notion and their dedicationโ€ฆ me? I’m vegging out for the rest of the day!

Song of the Week: Becky Lawrence

Song of the week, on a Saturday, yeah I know, but this oneโ€™s just been released yesterday, and Iโ€™m a little behind, and opening myself up for a Bart Simpson styled joke with that, I‘m fully aware, thank you!

Becky Lawrence, asking you not to come at her with your bad vibes, which I rarely have any anyway, and there’s nothing to project bad vibes about this, this tune is immediately lovable, crying out to be song of the weekโ€ฆ.

Becky at Full-Tone Festival Image: Gail Foster

Contemporary Americana with a kick, self-defined as โ€œswamp-sassy-country,โ€ Bad Vibes produced by Honey B. McKenna comes with guitar assistance from Jordan, and is a nugget of beguiling wonderful with a hook, undoubtedly the best yet from this emerging local artist.

Those in Devizes mightโ€™ve seen her play it at Full-Tone last weekend, James has spun the tune on BBC Music Introducing in the West; itโ€™s a hit with us too!

LinkTree

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Talk in Code Down The Gate!

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 catchโ€ฆ

Recommendations for when Swindon gets Shuffling

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 goingโ€ฆ

20’s Plenty Says Devizes Town Councillors

Let’s face facts, they’re not referring to their average age here, are they?! Todayโ€™s topic is belting through town like a headless chicken escaping Colonel Sanders. Iโ€™ll give credit where it’s due, Gazelle and Herod’s whippersnapper reporter Justin reported the proposal for speed limit reduction from 30 to 20mph in Devizes town centre. And what I’m going to say might shock you, but I’m with the town council on this oneโ€ฆโ€ฆ

The crucial article stated Wiltshire Council proposals to create 20mph zones from the A360 from Northgate Street to Long Street, via The Market Place and St John’s Street, as well as other roads in and around the town centre.

It goes on, โ€œthe scheme has been supported by members of the town council during consultation, with councillors โ€œpushing for a reductionโ€ for some time,โ€ and quoted Devizes Guardian, Cllr Jonathan Hunter, who believes the change would, โ€œhave a positive impact on both road safety and air quality in the town centre.โ€

Yet, itโ€™s the comment section, yeah, where keyboard warriors usually fire off blanks from their spud-guns, where we find questionable responses. Mostly piffle, as you could imagine, but some raise an eyebrow, so rather than they go unchallenged, I thought Iโ€™d point them at Cllr Jonathan Hunter directly.

The only one bang on the money goes under the handle โ€˜Miker G,โ€™ who, if memory serves me righty had an excruciating 1986 chart-topper with DJ Sven, rapping over Madonnaโ€™s Holiday. He gives it, โ€œIโ€™d love to know how to get through Devizes going as fast as 20mph;โ€ Showstopper! Nice one Mike, for no matter how you ring-reng-a-dong for a holiday, youโ€™ll probably only get as far as Ocean City on New Park Street! The others left their sense of humour behind, letโ€™s concentrate on them.

Award for the most ill-informed goes to โ€˜Synical Sam,โ€™ without getting cynical Iโ€™m presuming he means cynical, and he called out Jonathan as a liar, twice in the same sentence! โ€œTell the truth Cllr,โ€ he suggested, โ€œit is a cash cow, we all know it so tell the truth.โ€

Using caps lock I think I can handle this one lone. Jonathan is a TOWN COUNCILLOR, and the TOWN COUNCIL do NOT get revenue from speeding fines, silly sausage! โ€œI have zero connection with Wilshire Council,โ€ Jonathan confirmed, โ€œIโ€™m not involved in any of the actual decision making. Itโ€™s just the fact we’re applauding it. Weโ€™re a local group, saying we’d like to see this in more areas. The fact people are thinking Wiltshire Council are gonna suddenly put cameras on to try and get revenue is just an absolute ridiculous myth!โ€

Even if, as I did waffle on the idea, using St Edithโ€™s Marshโ€™s 30mph as a shiny example where they love to sit masticating on onion bhajis, the police can rock up on the day of the changes and hand out tickets like nightclub owners hand out flyers, Devizes Town Council wonโ€™t get so much as a bite of their samosa. Jonathan dismissed it promptly. โ€œThe police would have to comment on that, that’s not a council affair.โ€ Though it opened a Pandora’s box on the way he envisioned those who accidently went over the speed reductions should be handled. โ€œAnybody can make a mistake and we should have a tolerant society; we shouldn’t have a forensic kind of measurement of everything we do.โ€

It’s the environmental issue we need dwell, the only rational point in the comments. Ingeniously named โ€˜Newsfanโ€™ typed, โ€œfor my layman’s, unscientific mind, please tell me how air quality is improved by vehicles crawling through at 20mph. Especially as this will more than likely mean being in at least 3rd gear if not lower. I’m sorry but the pedestrian is not King no matter how much you penalise the motorists or quote ‘green improvements’.โ€

This made me ponder if there was any truth in this, though Miker G might rap it matters not, getting up to 20mph in Devizes town centre is a dream. In response โ€˜Jimmy Hillyโ€™ took from an extensive study by TFL, โ€œ20mph zones do not appear to worsen air quality and they dramatically reduce road danger. They also support a shift to walking and cycling, generate less traffic noise and reduce community severance.โ€

Jonathan dismissed it too, and weโ€™ve fact-checked what he says with Sustainable Devizes. โ€œI think there’s a lot of people, you know, sat somewhere on a keyboard with some made-up kind of human knowledge about whatever, without any facts, and you know, it’s life isn’t it? Life is full of lots of different views. The scientific facts for drivers of internal combustion engine powered vehicles are the more you press that accelerator the more fuel you will burn, the more emissions that you will create, obviously. The more environmentally friendly the vehicle is, as in its CO2 emissions are lower the less impact that will have, but even going from 30 to 20 is significant. When you multiply that by X amount of thousands of cars going through Devizes or wherever it happens to beโ€ฆ…โ€

โ€œWeโ€™ve a constrained traffic situation and not helped by the fact if you want to go to Salisbury or Andover or Swindon, you’ve gotta go through Devizes. It’s a mediaeval town and 21st century traffic, but if, and this is the point I made in The Gazette, if everything is in sync, if everything is going to 30, it doesn’t make any difference if everything’s going to 20. Because you’re in sync it will have an impact, and obviously on safety as well.โ€

Twenty, thirty, forty, makes no odds, you will always have spanners who ignore it, but if it makes the average moralistic motorist slow it can be no bad thing. Once the twenty limit is normalised, as it already is across many other towns and villages locally, you wonโ€™t contemplate it, as was the backlash against drink driving rules or seatbelts in the eighties; watch this video, redneck! How bizarre in reflection, and if boy racers complain about a meagre ten-mph reduction after some time, your argument will seem as absurd.

Twenty is plenty, get used to it, and climate change denialists, you should want to slow down; too fast on a disc-shaped planet and youโ€™ll drive straight over the edgeโ€ฆ do us all a favour!!

Trending…..

A Busy Week For Lunch Box Buddy!

It was great to bump into Lunch Box Buddy in Devizes today. Last week was hectic for him; first BBC Wiltshire stopped by his standโ€ฆ

Wither; Debut Single From Butane Skies

Whilst dispersing highly flammable hydrocarbon gases into the atmosphere is not advisory,  Butane Skies is a name increasingly exploding on local circuits. The young andโ€ฆ

Devizes to Falafel Out Loud!

Here’s a Devizes foodie top secret I’m about to spill the chickpeas about; Anya of that delicious kitchen in the Shambles, Soupchick is launching a falafel stall a little bit closer to the main Shambles’ gate, by the community fridge; twist my arm why don’t you!

Inspired by Peter Vaughn’s popular falafel stand at The Bistro, a past divine smelling regular feature at Devizes carnival, Falafel Out Loud will open on carnival day this coming Saturday. Thereafter, over September, it will open on Mondays. “We don’t really have a falafel stall in town,” Anya explained, “although I don’t think there’ll be a demand for it everyday, but once a week if everybody knows it’ll be here on a Monday, they can come.”ย 

Well, they do now. Thanks for the scoop, Anya, I only popped in for a bowl of soup! And in that here’s the thing, it was just a bowl of tomato soup with fennel and chilli, served with a seeded roll; how does she make tomato soup with fennel and chilli so absolutely scrumptious I had to check my surroundings, see if I could get away with licking my bowl?!

Given this, I’m only imagining what heavenly delights her falafels will offer. Because me, right, I love a cholesterol-hugging cheeseburger as much as the next carnivore, but those little Middle Eastern herby balls of spiced chickpeas are tasty enough to turn Colonel Sanders into a vegan, and I swear by them at big festivals like Glasto where I wouldn’t trust the meat vendors. So, I might catch you down there, and we’ll become fanatical falafel friends?!

Weekly Roundup of Events in Wiltshire: 30th August – 5th September 2023

Bank holiday done and dusted, hope you had a good one whatever you did. But Wiltshire shows no signs of letting up on great things to do moving into September; hereโ€™s a roundup of events this coming weekโ€ฆ..

Not comprehensive, more will be added to our event calendar as we move through the week, so check in on it from time to time.

Pay a visit to Wiltshire Museum, Devizes, for the Anna Dillon exhibition; reviewed HERE.

Ongoing until 29th Sept, The Incredible Quizzical Bath Pub Tour. 

Wednesday 30th:

Acoustic Jam at The Southgate, Devizes.

Devizes Salsa at West Lavington Village Hall; new members welcome!

The Deadnotes play the Pump in Trowbridge with The Sunnies and Lindup Brothers

Thursday 31st:

Thereโ€™s an Open Mic at The Crown, Aldbourne.

Happy Kingsley plays The Neeld Bar in Chippenham from 8pm.

End of the Road Festival in Salisbury opens, running until Sunday.

VirginMarys & Lucky Number Seven play The Vic, Swindon.

Friday 1st:

Thereโ€™s an Open Mic at the Barge on Honey Street.

Too Complicated at The Wellington, Marlborough.

Letโ€™s Rock this Country with Shania & Friends at Melksham Assembly Hall.

The Pump in Trowbridge begins its series of Future Sound of Trowbridge gigs, with Nothing Rhymes With Orange, Feedback and Paradigm. 

Queen 2 at the Neeld Hall, Chippenham, The Blue Moon Band at The Old Lane.

41 Fords at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.

2 Sick Monkeys at The Castle, Swindon,Blind River Scare at The Beehive, State of the Quo at The Vic, and the Deprivation Festival at Underground, formerly Level III.

Phil Beerโ€™s 2023 Solo Tour at Chapel Arts, Bath.

The Scribes play The Winchester Gate in Salisbury.

Ion Maiden at The Tree House, Frome, with Aynsley Lister at the Cheese & Grain.

Saturday 2nd:

Devizes RFC V Thornbury at Devizes Rugby Club. 

And, of course, itโ€™s Devizes Carnival: The parade departs from the Green at 5:45pm, with an environmental theme.

Julien Biddulphโ€™s trio, Work Experience debut at the The Southgate, thereโ€™s karaoke at The Three Crowns, and a Carnival Disco Party at the Pelican.

Swindonโ€™s Apache Cats make their debut at The Bell in Great Cheverall.

Over The Lamb in Marlborough we see the second Famous Hangover Sessions, with a great lineup, Royal Soul from 12pm, George Wilding from 1pm, Jimmy Morre at 2:30, Jolie & the Souls at 4pm, Rivera Arcade at 5:30, Nothing Rhymes With Orange at 7pm, Mick Oโ€™Toole from 10pm.  

Trash Panda plays Great Bedwyn Cricket Club.

And itโ€™s Pewsey Pride at The Coopers, with The Reason and, of course, Miss Luscious Lips!

The celebrated homemade festival, Party on the Drive 3 is in Chippenham, and Yanniโ€™s Old Skool Reggae Night at The Neeld. 

Be Like Will play Southwick Sports & Social Club, Shot By Both Sides at Stallards in  Trowbridge, and From Jovi are live at Trowbridge RFC, with The Sunnies as special guests.

Swindonโ€™s second annual Paint Fest will be happening across the town centre. Blitz Kids with Head Noise and Thee Acid Tonguea offer a night of new wave and synth, psychedelic punk at The Vic.

Hatepenny at The

Dire Streets tribute at Chapel Arts, Bath.

41 Fords are at The Sun in Frome, Sex Pistols Exposรฉ at the Tree House.

Sunday 3rd:

Gunina Lane Saxophone Quartet with The Pewsey Players, Take Five and Pewsey Winds at St Maryโ€™s Bishops Cannings. 

The White Horse Vehicle Show, Westbury.

Old Town Street Foods Festival, in Swindon, with Absolva and Furyhead offering some melodic metal at the Vic.

Monday 4th: 

I got nothing, yet, keep an eye on the calendar!

Tuesday 5th:

Curious Kids at Wiltshire Museum, Devizes.

Thatโ€™s all folks, but itโ€™s early days for September, and there is lots more to come!! I’m telling you, next Saturday you are seriously spoiled for choice, you lucky, lucky, people!

Trending…..

FullTone Festival 2026: A New Home

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 toโ€ฆ

Full Time for Full-Tone Festival 2023, Hereโ€™s to Next Year!

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 Anthony Brown, seems like itโ€™s full steam ahead for next year, with a few changes. With such a busy weekend in general, the one possibility I believe we can leak is it may not be on the same date, other than this youโ€™ll have to wait to see!

And it was a busy weekend, alas I didnโ€™t get the full-on Full-Tone experience I shouldโ€™ve done and looking through Gail Fosterโ€™s awesome snaps today I see what I missed, including the wonderful Becky Lawrence who we absolutely love here at Devizine Towers. Fortunately, we do have some coverage, as our equally wonderful writer Helen Edwards dropped in on the Saturday, and then I made haste for the Green on Sunday, as soon as I washed the dishes, as is my part of the bargain with the very patient and understanding Mrs Devizineโ€ฆโ€ฆ

Becky Lawrence ยฉGail Foster

Full-Tone Festival: Saturday: Helen Edwards

Day one at the festival was fantastic. When I arrived the magnificent Full-Tone Orchestra was in full swing with Jemma Brown (one of the key organisers of the festival) at the microphone – and what an incredible voice she has!

ยฉGail Foster

The vibes were chilled, and family focused, the food and drink options were varied and reasonably priced and the tunes were banging.  Perhaps thatโ€™s the wrong word for the earlier afternoon classical proms and TV & movie music but by the end of the evening the dance anthems were pumping out. The crowd in front of the huge Glastonbury-esque stage was thronging, glow sticks in hand with face glitter and fairy-light flower headbands adorned. Those festival goers not dancing were sat in their camping chairs chilling with mates or queuing for food, all bopping their heads to the music. All except those of school age. They were hanging with their friends, the older ones walking laps around the site enjoying the freedom and festival atmosphere.

I left before the end and saw that the entertainment and enjoyment on The Green had spread past the impenetrable, black sheeted fencing. There were many set up on the opposite side of the road with their blankets laid and tents erected enjoying the music from afar.

Pete Lamb’s Heartbeats @ Fulltone Festival 2023 – Day One ยฉGail Foster

I got talking to people in the food and drinks queues to ask their thoughts about Devizesโ€™ only two-day bank holiday festival.  I spoke to a couple who live locally and, also, a few who had travelled from neighbouring Calne, Trowbridge and Westbury to attend. Hereโ€™s a few of their comments:

โ€˜I donโ€™t enjoy the bigger festivals; thereโ€™s too many people and I feel overwhelmed. This is my second year here.  Itโ€™s got such a safe atmosphere and amazing and varied musicโ€™.

โ€˜Itโ€™s brilliant! I canโ€™t wait to get to the front and dance!โ€™

โ€˜Itโ€™s such a welcoming festival, everyoneโ€™s so friendly.โ€™

Fulltone Festival 2023 – Day One ยฉGail Foster

The sound engineers got the balance spot on; the orchestra was majestic throughout, yet the singersโ€™ voices were clear (and brilliant). If youโ€™ve never heard a 50-piece orchestra playing modern music from the movies and TV through to dance anthems, then youโ€™ve got to get to get yourself a ticket to Full-Toneโ€™s next festival.

The people who put their efforts and passion into its success have given Devizes an annual festival to be proud of. Itโ€™s become an event that brings our community together, gives a phenomenal orchestral experience and makes the โ€˜what to do over bank holidayโ€™ decision even harder!

The sound is unforgettable, the vibes are perfectly chilled and itโ€™s a great value for money weekend.

Fulltone Festival 2023 – Day One ยฉGail Foster

Full-Tone Festival: Sunday: Darren Worrow

Day two of the Full-Tone Festival here in Devizes, and I’m afraid they’ve got me rocking up this time around, the big bad editor to cast my beady eye on matters; itโ€™s Sunday and Iโ€™m grouchy, God dammit!

Allow me thus, to summarise the magic with a story, as I annoyingly tend to do (what? Itโ€™s an age thing, you donโ€™t gotta read it!) An anecdote which sees me front and centre absorbing those overwhelming acoustics, bumping into a friend Georgie Devon, who was looking stunning in black dress and glitter, causing me to wonder if she was up there singing on that magnificent stage, and I was right, she was, but I had no idea she could sing!

Fulltone Festival 2023 Day Two ยฉGail Foster

For Chris, Snedds, Titch and Jambo, aka the southwest’s champion indie-pop band, Talk in Code, they’ve arrived semi-fresh from the Victorious festival in Southsea, they’re no stranger to a stage, and naturally, they rocked it. For a smidgen over half-hour, they stole the stage, wowing an audience perhaps unaccustomed to festivals, least hoping for classic singalong covers, with their irresistible originals. Talk in Code donโ€™t do covers, they’re an originals band, but both their catchy songs and energetic stage presence holds said audience spellbound, as if they got what they wanted. What Iโ€™m suggesting is you might well be induced into some John Hughes eighties soundtrack, for Talk in Code rinse in the retrospective charm of the era so much I find I liken them to bands like Simple Minds, rather than something contemporary.

Talk in Code @ Fulltone Festival 2023 Day Two ยฉGail Foster

Apt then, for them to be placed prior to a set by the orchestra and guest singers of eighties classic pop, which was both โ€œradโ€ and โ€œwicked,โ€ in the eighties slang meanings of the words! Unlike you lucky lot, I had to work this morning, and had Heartโ€™s Alone, perpetually looped in my head, a particularly adroitly performed cover amidst the many wonderful renditions of a very best of Now, Thatโ€™s why I Call Music compilation; utterly brilliant, Full-Tone. I loved that song, and all the big-haired soft rock chicks; how would Heart get me alone? Well, they only had to ask!

Fulltone Festival 2023 Day Two ยฉGail Foster

Back to knowing those Talk in Code guys to seal my overall angle on this piece. It was a no-brainer their set would be this electric, but for the occasional and amateur singers, such as Georgie, the opportunity to deliver a song here on this now iconic stage for the town, amidst a full orchestra, is golden, not to mention the cherry on the cake as to why Full-Tone is so Devizes, and so magical.

Even when star in the making, Jess Self, gets up there, the thrill on her face says what I’m trying to convey, and this young star is accustomed to the stage. The ensemble of these musicians and performers is a monumental occasion for our humble market town. For those not from Devizes, or who hasnโ€™t been to a Full-Tone, imagine, if you will, The Proms, mix it with Pete Tongโ€™s Heritage Orchestra, add a spice of community festival, and stir in a pot of village fete.

Jess Self @ Fulltone Festival 2023 Day Two ยฉGail Foster

Then some keyboard warrior goes on Facebook clutching at straws to find any minor issues to whinge about the event. โ€œThe least the orchestra could have done was to prevent the rain and stop the traffic,โ€ I joked with chief organiser Jemma Brown, as the rant included the grass was wet and there was noise from the road!

The Full-Tone Orchestra can musically pull a rabbit from a hat, but they’re not gods! Just a collection of talented individuals, a majority of which are local, and the coming together on this scale, the logistics in organising it, the opportunities it provides, the attention to detail, from first aid to side stalls and from portaloos to one man standing conducting a variety packed programme for a full weekend is bonkers amazeballs, and to nitpick unavoidable paltry I can only imagine is based on pathetic jealousy.

โ€œHere’s a man who needs his bed!โ€ I guesstimated to conductor Anthony Brown as he approached to greet me. I had one question for him, as we stood next to this impressive stage surrounded by a mass of crowds clearly enjoying themselves without an inkling or care of online rants. The stage has become iconic, the event has become ingrained in just a few short years in our town’s culture, as I predicted after the inaugural one. The million-dollar question for him; where do you take this next?

Fulltone Festival 2023 Day Two ยฉGail Foster

Anthony elucidated it would continue annually but was keen to express there would be some changes. Yet what is important right now, Full-Tone this year was an extension of its previous success rate, it was spectacular on a level apt for a mass audience to enjoy and was a cherry on top of the cake already baked through previous years.

Unlike DOCA events it gets no arts grant, so it must put a price on it, and as we said prior, comparatively it’s reasonable. It is what it is, and I’m not going to suggest it’s everyone’s cuppa, even, but plonk yourself in the middle of it, witness those having fun or stand in awe of the talent and the acoustics they breath into it, and you cannot put a justified complaint in, impossible! Full-Tone works, and Full-Tone is enjoyed by the masses, masses which wouldn’t usually consider an orchestral occasion or festival, for this it is magical, and as Anthony hinted, here to stay; wonderful.

Fulltone Festival 2023 Day Two ยฉGail Foster

Trending…..

Devizes Dilemma: FullTone or Scooter Rally?!

Contemplated headlining this โ€œClash of the Titans,โ€ but that evokes the idea of a dramatic power struggle with fierce consequences rather than proof Devizes canโ€ฆ

Goodbye to The Beanery but Hollychocs Lives On

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 openingโ€ฆ

As Sweet as HoneyFest!

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 positively pumping, largely due to the energetic hoedown of Bristol’s Mr Tea and the Minionsโ€ฆ…

Too tempting not to, a double whammy with Devizesโ€™ homemade upcoming marvels, Nothing Rhymes With Orange opening, I made a pit stop at HoneyStreet to black my nose and didn’t really want to leave!

I was intrigued as to where the ยฃ125 weekend ticket stub would go in comparison to an atypical weekend at the Barge, which, face it, is usually a mini festival itself! Though there’s no colossal stage erected, the sizable marquee makes for an apt music area, as in past events. Though this weekend thereโ€™s extra concentration angled at creating an appealing non-stop lineup for the entire weekend and as the ticket includes camping too, it is justifiable. Though, day tickets available on the gate are priced at a far more reasonable tenner; given these factors Honey-Fest is a must for the hedonistic alternative, and you will be guaranteed an amazing bank holiday weekend. It didnโ€™t take more than half-hour for me to acknowledge this!

The Barge ends up being the spiritual home of anyone who passes through, a magic which holds in the air surrounding it. Though, if it has been this way for decades, what Lenny and his team have created recently, is the kind of environment we, as regular attendees since the nineties, would have wished it to be like back then. Ergo, Honey-Fest is a win-win, a festival within a campsite and wharf surrounded pub, which already hails the spirit of counter-culture festivals of yore, anyway!

And I couldnโ€™t suggest a more apt act than the astoundingly fantastic Mr Tea & The Minions, I told them on Facebook theyโ€™d love the Barge, a no-brainer indeed. A headline act, Iโ€™d say, but scheduled early to fit their agenda, it was back to Bristol then onto a festival in Kent, followed by a trip to Guernsey for another.

They first came to my attention seeking out alternative forms of ska when doing a regular slot on Boot Boy Radio, an internet station designed to appease Two-Tone diehards. A desire to expand the agenda of the show from simply being retrospective led to me discovering South American ska, and Balkan. The latter so crazy and energetic, a mix of skaโ€™s offbeat and oompah and brassy Truba, and their folk. It is a recipe certain to rub off internationally. I became aware of Bristolโ€™s burgeoning scene, bands like the Smerins Anti-Social Club and Carny Villains and was already aware of the Scrumpy & Western folk flavour of The Boot Hill All Stars, et al. Aside the name Mr Tea & The Minions amused me, their sound was an instant love, for while others blend the influences of west country folk and Balkan ska, most adapt swing into the melting pot, or just fly off the handle of carefree loops of instrumental nuttiness. Here is a band composing structured songs with narrative within those confounds, most definably ska-folk, often amusingly but always with purpose, while still maintaining the infectious high-energy tomfoolery. I soon hurried off a review of their album Mutiny in 2019. ย ย 

Over the moon when Loz booked them for Devizes Street Festival last year, I roamed the Market Square excitedly ordering everyone to watch them, and they did, and they agreed, if I remember rightly! Gladdened they came out with the title track to Mutiny at HoneyFest and done a sublime rendition of Junkyard Lovesong from the album, but greater pleased to hear some new songs, like their latest single Twitchy Feet, and a swinging self-stylised finale cover of The Bloodhound Gangโ€™s Bad Touch, which simply rained fun. Here is the liveliest, friendliest six-piece family band with the structure and proficiency to command any age to a dancefloor I know of locally; what an amazing start to Honey-Fest, leaving me pondering, if this is an intro, what was yet to come.

Though none of this occurred before young singer-songwriter Marley begun musical proceedings at 4pm, which unfortunately I was still polishing off some beans on toast at home for, and followed by our favourite Devizes band, the utterly awesome Nothing Rhymes with Orange, which, since missing their stint on Fantasy Radio on Thursday, was what I was making a beeline Pewsey direction for. In fact, last time I did catch them it was also here at The Barge, an intended and worthwhile detour homebound from MantonFest.

That time though they were wedged in the corner of the bar and raising its roof. Here in the marquee the sound mechanics would be greater, yet they would need to overcome the niggly issue Elijah was Lost-Voice Guy for the evening! Though they prevailed, the charismatic frontman persisted, and Sam Briggs filled in too, as unperturbed they produced their collection of beguiling indie-rock originals, including their latest creation, Cats Eyes, and wowed the audience young and old, varying degrees of hippies, tipi glampers, passing druids, the odd stilt walker and every other charming and fun oddity who will pass by you at the Barge, making it such the magic place it is!

But the showstopper was a demanded encore just when Elijahโ€™s voice had all but given up, he asked the audience if anyone knew the words to Sex on Fire, to which a random volunteer affirmed, and Elijah asked she come on stage to assist. And she did, and it was as advertised, on fire. But more importantly, it signifies how this upcoming band are fast becoming accustomed to the spotlight, breaking the fourth wall and dragging the crowds into their banter. Something they could always do in their comfort zone of a loyal fanbase, but to rock up to a varied audience like the Barge, isnโ€™t so simple. Their performance was in short, the essence of a blossoming phenonium.

But of course, this was all but the very beginnings of HoneyFest, and if so, the whole shebang will wow you. Hats off to the team at the Barge, not just for staging this particular extravaganza, but for the many wonderful memories there and how theyโ€™ve maintained this spirit, supported our local live music circuit and created this divine pocket of resistance from the surrounding cliquey conventional area. Thereโ€™s food wagon, thereโ€™s a toy and clothes swap tent, thereโ€™s magical art displays, and crazy street theatre type crazies, but as I said, it may not be as hugely altered from the standard ethos of a weekend camping at the Barge as it could be, but itโ€™s welcoming, itโ€™s as wonderful as the Barge has ever been, and if it isnโ€™t brokenโ€ฆ…

To conclude my findings, look, weโ€™re overloaded with things to do this bank holiday, I know, itโ€™s gone bonkers, but if youโ€™ve no plans for tonight, this place could have your name all over it, and if not, hereโ€™s hoping thereโ€™s more annual HoneyFests. Failing any of those, of course, any weekend at The Barge is a blessing and whole heap of fun; forever recommended with festival jesterโ€™s hats on and bells on.

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Park Farm; Mantonfest Came to Devizes!

The first Park Farm Festival happened Saturday, it was fabulouso, and in some way Mantonfest came to Devizes; conveniently for me as I had toโ€ฆ

Ann Liu Cannon’s Clever Rabbits

Ann Liu Cannon is the Marlborough success story I hadn’t heard of until yesterday; thanks to local promoter and frontman of the Vooz, Lee Mathewsโ€ฆ

Live in Pewsey, at the First Oak-Fest

Amidst another packed summer weekend’s schedule laid that lovable large village Pewseyโ€™s turn to shine; always a law unto itself, things went off; if itโ€™sโ€ฆ

Meg at The Neeld in Chippenhamย 

Yeah I know, those Nothing Rhymes With Orange lads were pepping up the Crown in Devizes for a Fantasy Radio live lounge last night, and we’re devoted to singing their praises, but over in Chippenham young folk singer-songwriter Meg was doing an intimate set in the Neeld bar, and since my daughter Jess did a fantastic interview with her a few months ago, I was eager to cross Meg off my never-ending must-see live listโ€ฆ.

Glad I did, Meg was everything I’d expected and a tad more. Self-penned marvels of whimsical contrasts, between abstract prose of youthful dreams and harsher realities, make for a mostly melancholicus muse, thoughtful and delivered so utterly beautifully it encapsulates you like every good folk singer should, but Meg most definitely does, and Meg most definitely is only at the beginnings of a fascinating journey and one I suspect she’ll document diary-like in song.

Bags of potential here, for her audience to mature with her words, as Potterheads have with Rowling’s, in which Meg is often
quizzically humble, as if asking her audience the kind of questions your teenage self might’ve pondered alone on a ruffled duvet. It causes it to connote honesty, opening her innermost thoughts and desires to you, and the result is spellbinding. So much so, there’s times you assume the song has ended and she’s breaking the fourth wall with customary annotations, but Meg will smile a special smile, and continue the piece, and it’s touching in a unique manner; I’ve never seen another blur the lines between song and chat as well as this.



Yet the most engaging element is the passion in which she performs. In Jess’s interview, Meg was keen to express the connection between her music and her autism, suggesting it was part of her, so she didn’t think she would have one without the other. It equates to a channelled joyful passion, which unavoidably rubs off to her audience.

Look out for Meg, regularly support act at Trowbridge’s Pump and a keen open mic participant at The Old Road Tavern’s.

Focus, New Single From The Scribes

Good to hear The Scribes are back with a new single, Focus

Ah, now the hook on this is immediately snappy, with that repetitive ghostly dope beat, The Scribes demanding you Focus, and like any good boom bap, the lyrics take too much untwining to define appropriately, but I know what I like. Iโ€™m trying to stay focussed, guys, straight up, but this captivating loop pounds your head, and the effect of this method lyrically the Scribes play off from each other is mesmerisingโ€ฆ.

The single is from long-awaited The Scribes X Vice Beats – The Totem Trilogy Part 2 EP, the first part of which we reviewed here back in 2020, and since weโ€™ve been on a journey to find anyone half as good as the Scribes on the UK hip hop scene, but only so far come up with the ensemble who happened to have worked with the Scribes! This time around theyโ€™ve turned my attention onto smooth and dynamic, in a Rodney P manner, London-based rapper Donnie Numeric, who fits like a glove into this troop.ย 

They rocked Devizes last November at the Muck & Dundar, theyโ€™re coming to Salisburyโ€™s Winchester Gate soon, where theyโ€™re welcomed regulars, and the launch of this single sees them party at The Exchange in Bristol, the night this nugget drops; Friday 25th August. If I link the video to Focus below, you wonโ€™t be able to preview it until tomorrow when it goes live, thatโ€™s where Iโ€™m the lucky one, but honestly, the wait is worth it. The video was filmed by Lloyd Ashman Media, and it functions as a visual cue to the skill of this tongue-twisting talented trio, and makes you shiver somewhat at how this rolls.

With a progressive disc of annihilating hip hop this fresh, it is easy to see how The Scribes have been centre of attention recently, as Exposure Music Awards Best UK Urban Act, and the EatMusic Radio Awards Best Live Act too. Theyโ€™ve 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. But through all this, thereโ€™s no pretentiousness when you meet them, no chip on a shoulder stereotypical of the scene, just fete perusal of where theyโ€™re heading, added with a healthy slice of banter. The Scribes are the real McCoy, and this is just another shining example of why. 

Trending…..

IDLES’ at Block Party

With their only UK shows of the year quickly approaching, the 1st and 2nd August will see IDLESโ€™ and music festival Block Party take overโ€ฆ

Foxbaroque; Sally Dobson Drops Us A Message, and a New EP!

Even if you were once on our local music circuit but youโ€™ve escaped the wilds of Wiltshire, you are always welcome here! It was lovely to hear from Sally Dobson last week, as she dropped us a message to show off her new project Foxbaroque, and the EP stemmed from it, Calamity Janeโ€ฆโ€ฆ

Once a stalwart acoustic soloist of our local circuit, staying in Pewsey at the time, Sally gave us a broad gothic angle, yet always with a cheery outlook personally. Foxbaroque continues in the vein of her previous solo songs under the alias Salamander, and of that as the electronica goth duo Strange Tales. In fact, one of the three tunes, No Wrong, is already on our last 4 Juliaโ€™s House compilation, which you can grab here; wow, told you we had exclusives!

Sally, bottom right, at Saddleback’s Battle of the Bands in 2018. With John Edwards, George Wilding, Claire, Mike Barham, Jordan Whatley, Jack Moore, Tamsin Quin, and Jamie R Hawkins.

Calamity Jane flows expressively, like Kate Bush meets Siouxsie Sioux, and itโ€™s produced by Curtis Simmons, released through Satellite Kid Records, with drum and percussion from Romain Delettre. Twelve minutes well spent, Foxbaroque is a unique sound swirling of post-punk progression, ardent hooks and expressive and sincere.

https://open.spotify.com/album/6GMHgZRxy8qr2hgA1QgcIp?si=wNqEMXrySuG4TCII2QIelw

Trending…..

Song of the Week: Paul Lappin

Another wonderful nugget of lonely contemplation from the chillaxed Britpop kahuna, Paul Lappin, formerly of Swindon now residing in the South of France. Unfortunately You makes for our song of the week, and youโ€™ll be drawn into its five minutes of drifting prose and beautiful composition, of that Iโ€™m certain.

Paul Lappin

A man of many talents. I love the personal touch of designing your own cover too, in which Paulโ€™s watercolour and pen work has nearly equalled his artistic skill in music. And it goes so well to accommodate the mood of the tune, which is melancholic bliss. 

Trending….

Clock Radio Turf Out The Maniacs

The first full album by Wiltshireโ€™s finest purveyors of psychedelic indie shenanigans, Clock Radio, was knocked out to an unsuspecting world last week. Itโ€™sโ€ฆ

Weekly Roundup of Events in Wiltshire: 23rd – 29th August 2023

Righty-ho then, this weekโ€™s rodeo roundup of all the lovely fings to Scooby-Doo across Wiltshireโ€™s rolling landscape is rather like when you went on holiday as a nipper and your folks bought you your chosen comicโ€™s summer specialโ€ฆ a bumper edition!

Okay, millennials and gen z, youโ€™ll need Google to make any sense of that. The rest of us greying lot will remember spilling Ready Brec on their oversized Beano, Dandy or Nutty summer special while listening to the rain hammering onto a caravan roof, but everyone knows with the bank holiday looming, thereโ€™s a lot to get through, so here goesโ€ฆโ€ฆ

Oh, one quick thing while I remember, as these roundup posts are getting more popular, (we had over 10K hits for last weekโ€™s) you can see from below itโ€™s too much to stick on a Facebook post, so we do it this way because those not on Facebook can also see whatโ€™s happening, but more importantly, this list is published early in the week for ticketed events, events which come to our attention, like those smaller pub gigs which pop up on Facebook or Twitter(if we can still call it that) during the week will NOT be listed here, but they will be on the updating event calendar HERE. So, DONโ€™T take this preview piece as comprehensive, DO check the calendar later in the week.

 Pay a visit to Wiltshire Museum, Devizes, for the Anna Dillon exhibition; reviewed HERE.

Also The Forbidden Carnival in Chippenham has a street art inspired exhibit, Reviewed HERE.

Ongoing until 29th Sept, The Incredible Quizzical Bath Pub Tour. 

Wednesday 23rd:

The regular Acoustic Jam at The Southgate, Devizes.

The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon kick off their weekend earliest, with โ€œsummer of loveโ€ festivities, thereโ€™s spoken word and The Cleverly Brothers tonight.

Joe Pasqualeโ€™s The New Normal: 40 Years Of Cack comes to The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.

Fromage en Feu at The Bell, Bath, Iago Banet, The Galician King of Acoustic Guitar at Chapel Arts.

Beaux Gris Gris & The Apocalypse are at the Tree House, Frome.

Thursday 24th:

Nothing Rhymes With Orange are part of a Fantasy Radio Live Lounge at The Crown, Devizes, with poetic interludes by Gail Foster. You can cheat and listen to it on Fantasy, or come down the pub!

The Undercover Hippy at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.

James Kirbyโ€™s The Honest Man Tour at Chapel Arts, Bath.

Mr Love & Justice at The Tuppenny, Swindon. Ghosts of this Town  Album Launch Party at The Vic, Horrible Histories โ€“ Barmy Britain at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.

Friday 25th:

Emergency Awareness Training! Wiltshire Air Ambulance at Hillworth Park, Devizes, but also the chance for the kids, and parents of course to meet Bluey from 12-2pm. 

Yeah, Iโ€™ve no idea who Bluey is, but I know these guys will rock, Plan of Action at The Three Crowns, Devizes, and these guys will skank, Blondie & Ska at The Pelican, and well, we just love People Like Us who are at the Condado Lounge; spoiled rotten for choice Iโ€™d say, Devizes!

Honey-Fest over at the Barge on Honey-Street starts, and what a great lineup there; Mr Tea and the Minions! Further afield, it’s the Reading Festival.

Radiation Sickness at The Consti Club, Chippenham.

Riff Raff Aurora at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford on Avon. West of England Youth Orchestra at the Wiltshire Music Centre.

Jurassic Earth at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.

And music in Swindon is coming up roses: Stop Stop & Studded Rose at The Vic, Black Rose at the New Inn, Stratton, and Sonic Alert at The Queenโ€™s Tap.

โ€˜Shadowing Hankโ€™ Justin Daishโ€™s tribute to Hank Marvin & The Shadows is at Chapel Arts, Bath.

Dr Beetroot heads another glamping live music sesh at the Baa, near Salisbury.

Saturday 26th:

Continuing on Sunday, itโ€™s time again for the FullTone Festival on the Green in Devizes; yay! And if youโ€™re not going to this, or fancy popping out for a stroll, the fantastic Ruzz Guitar Trio play The Southgate.

Humdinger plays The Coopers, Pewsey.

Forest Fest at The Foresters Arms, Melksham has Manhattan Nights, This Way Up, and Martyโ€™s Fake Family, kicking off at noon.

Cooperโ€™s Creek are at The Wheatsheaf, Calne. Zero Hour at The Wiltshire Yeoman, Trowbridge.

Bradford-on-Avon have Castlefest at the Castle, and the fun continues at the Three Horseshoes with cabaret and circus acts. Ocean Blue, a relaxing duo of sax-based pop classics, jazz, blues, Boassa nova, and funk at the Boathouse.

In Swindon, 12 Bars Later at the Wroughton Club, Comedy at the Bowl at the Old Town Bowl, Apache Cats at The Queens Tap. The Little Mermaid at The Wyvern Theatre.

Sunday 27th:

Jim Blair at The Southgate, Devizes, while FullTone continues on the Green. The Potterne CC Festival is on, thereโ€™s a bus to the village from the town centre.

Talbot-Fest at the Talbot in Calne, see poster.

Start the Sirens play The Grapes, Melksham.

A happy 16th anniversary to the Open Mic night at the Old Road Tavern in Chippenham. This one kicks off at 7pm.

Starry Eyes, a charitable trust based in Trowbridge, which provides an opportunity for people of all ages, shapes, sizes and backgrounds to get involved in music, has a Disney Day at Studley Green, Trowbridge. Tickets will be available on the door with a range of activities and entertainment available.

The Summer of Love festival comes to a Reggae Reggae Sunday finale, with Troy Ellis with Hail Jamaica at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.

Itโ€™s Sazz at the New Inn, Stratton, Swindon, 21st Century ABBA & Elton at the Old Town Bowl.

The Original Mike Hoddinott Blues Allstars at The Bell, Bath.

And The Hammervillesโ€™ Bank Holiday Beach Party at the Cheese & Grain, Frome.

Monday 28th:

Unmissable should the headline read; Well Hung Heart at The Southgate, Devizes. But thereโ€™s more, The Reason plays The Three Crowns, and The British Lion holds its Black Rat Monday, with a BBQ and the amazing Be Like Will.

Box Rocks at the Queenโ€™s Head in Box, is the fundraising smasher of bank holiday Monday, previewed HERE, fantastic lineup yet again!

Another outdoor all-dayer at the Lamb Yard in Bradford-on-Avon, see poster.

Kid Hyena at The Bell, Bath.

Tuesday 29th:

Bank holiday over, back to work! I chant this because Iโ€™ve forgotten what a bank holiday is; no rest for the wicked (and I mean wicked in eighties ironic slang, cos Iโ€™m of that era. Nowadays they say โ€œsick,โ€ whatโ€™s wrong with them?!)

But thereโ€™s still Jazz Knights at The Royal Oak, Swindon with Swing From Paris, and Rob Clamp plays The Bell, Bath.

And weโ€™re not slowing down when we delve into September, you know? The Deadnotes play the Pump, Trowbridge with The Sunnies in support on Wednesday 30th, The End of the Road Festival kicks off in Salisbury the day after that.

Into September, thereโ€™s lots to look forward to from the off, The Future Sound of Trowbridge series starts with Nothing Rhymes With Orange at The Pump on Friday the 1st, with our wonderful new writer Florence Leeโ€™s band Paradigm in support.

Then thereโ€™s Devizes Carnival, Pewsey Pride, Swindon Paint Fest, the infamous Party on the Drive 3 in Chippenham, Hillworth Park Proms in Devizes, Burbage Beer Festival, a Sci Fi Day at The REME Museum, Calne, Chloe Jordan and Pete Lambโ€™s Heartbeats at the Corn Exchange Devizes for an Air Ambulance fundraiser, the new season of Long Street Blues Club begins, boss reggae with the arrive of Ya Freshness at Devizes Scooter Club, Nothing Rhymes with Orange play the Exchange, Pewsey carnival, The Wharf Theatreโ€™s Di, Vi and Rose, Swindon Shuffle, Devizes Food & Drink Festival, and so much more to come!

Trending……

Thieves Debut EP

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 aโ€ฆ

All Aboard for Imberbus on Saturday !

Since sending out our last Imberbus email earlier this week, we have had several new subscribers to our mailing list, partly due to some advance press coverage yesterday. We therefore thought that we would send the email out again for their benefit and also share with you the answers to a few of the questions [โ€ฆ]

All Aboard for Imberbus on Saturday !

Dylan Smith: Cruel to be Kind

Yeah, the title of Dylanโ€™s debut album, Cruel to be Kind could be an insight into how we conduct our reviews, but being as I missed him yet again when he came to the Southgate, I should really be kind to be kind, asides, thereโ€™s nothing in this album to be cruel aboutโ€ฆ.

My excuse was festival season, I was invited to The Devizes Scooter Rally the weekend his name was chalked upon the Gateโ€™s blackboard. Looking for a skinhead friend of mine there proved impossible amidst a sea of skinheads! Without this turning pythonesque, dwelling on Dylanโ€™s fantastic beard, the likes of which Iโ€™d have spotted him straight away with, should he have been there, allow me this brief Arthur Twosheds Jackson moment, and weโ€™ll digress onto his music!

While listening Iโ€™m contemplating his very name suggests he comes from a musical family, or fans of the Magic Roundabout at the very least. It could be duly noted Dylan these days may well be a name given by parents with no clue to the legendary folk singer, a Dylan the age of Dylan Smith would suggest otherwise. This I havenโ€™t asked him about, Iโ€™m making an assumption here, because this album is so eclectic, yet from whichever angle a track off it comes at you, itโ€™s proficiently delivered with the seemingly ease to justify the notion Dylan Smith was born for this.

The title track opens this fifteen track musical marathon. Itโ€™s the nice, smooth and breezy folk-rock I was expecting, itโ€™s Tom Petty, vocally, and with a similar hook. However the one time I did meet Dylan, which was when he was backing Becky Lawrence on guitar at the Female of the Species annual fundraiser in Seend, and I asked him to summarise his sound, he was rather generalised and heterogeneous about pigeonholing it. The intro of the second tune, Play the Game, was unexpected, until I recalled that conversation. I mean, through to its conclusion it holds a strong wailing guitar riff, but it kicks in as if Iโ€™m about to listen to Orbital, or some other nineties downtempo slice of electronica. It is at this conjunction you accept Cruel to be Kind is going to be a ride through musical influences.

Dylan with Becky Lawrence at the Female of the Species Halloween Party in Seend!

Then, weโ€™re back into rock citing Nashville country by the third tune, with a drifting sound and a reminiscing theme. If you were a nipper in 1983, as is its title, youโ€™ll nod, and perhaps think the witty cultural references are wicked (in the eighties ironic slang usage of the term!) younger listeners may need Google, but Iโ€™d predict the effect remains the same; this tune celebrates the diversity Of Dylanโ€™s work, and his ability to apply ruminative narrative.

By now youโ€™re immersed in Dylanโ€™s world, and willing to accept whatever he deems appropriate to throw at you. Check You Out, is quirky and the tad saucy of ZZ Top in content, followed by a beautiful ballad, or two, but weโ€™re only halfway through and anything could happen. Memory Lane again focuses on retrospective reminiscences, with a bouncy acoustic number, Iโ€™m awash thinking of classic influences, yeah, Dylan and Cash, but the experimental side of the Beatles and Beach Boys too, and this one finishes on a whistle akin to Otis sitting on the dock of the bay. 

In conclusion to citing influences, a Nils Lofgren of Trowbridge, and as a guitar teacher too I guess Dylan needs to be diverse, perhaps, but thereโ€™s so much going on here, stop the press; nine tunes in and Living Fantasy is funky electronica pop! Then whoa, bluegrass supersedes, and weโ€™re back in Dylanโ€™s comfort zone, this Tom Petty folk-rock rings throughout, but thereโ€™s no accounting where heโ€™ll go next. A man after my own heart, I feel, as I couldnโ€™t do desert island discs, couldnโ€™t bear to reduce myself to a few genres, let alone a few albums!

But thereโ€™s thoughtful prose, genius writing, and adroit guitar work throughout this musical melting pot, even if Dylan canโ€™t decide on moderating to a subgenre; his style is unique and detectable from whatever pigeonhole you care to plonk a particular tune into. The album drifts along in similar fashion to the close, it’s beguiling, yet as thereโ€™s a lot of it, you begin to take Dylanโ€™s talent for granted, until itโ€™s over. There is a pocket of variation when Lucie Reyonds vocals on a song called Something to Share. Now, if this one doesnโ€™t standalone to prove the wealth of Dylanโ€™s virtuosity in composure and writing, nothing will.

Itโ€™s wonderfully enchanting, as is the album, an interestingly diverse treasure youโ€™ll return to and discover more to, like gags in an Airplane movie! Now whoโ€™s taking us back to 1983, and if we could, Dylan, just return to your fantastic beard for a moment?!

For more info on Dylan Smith and to buy the album, see Dylan’s Website HERE

Trending….

You; Lucas Hardy Teams With Rosie Jay

One of Salisburyโ€™s most celebrated acoustic folk-rock singer-songwriters Lucas Hardy teams up with the Wiltshire cityโ€™s upcoming talent who’s name is on everyoneโ€™s lips, Rosieโ€ฆ

Bands At The Bridge

Organised by Kingston Media – to raise money for Dorothy House and Wiltshire Air Ambulance – the 3rd of May saw Bands At The Bridgeโ€ฆ

Phil Cooper is Playing Solitaire

Trowbridge singer-songwriter and one third of The Lost Trades, Phil Cooper has actually been doing more than playing solitaire, heโ€™s released a new solo albumโ€ฆ

Open Mic at the Bell, Great Cheverall, and Other Local Open Mic Nights

Who is Mike anyway, and why is he so open?!

If I said these four words, in this order: open, mic, cellar, and bar, lots of Devizes folk will be evoked with fond reminiscences of Alan Jones and Richard Ben’s regular sessions down in the basement of the Bear Hotel. Many local musicians cut their teeth there, else if already established, rung out their labour of love, and that, in a nutshell is what open mic nights are all aboutโ€ฆ.

But with the event being kaput, I get asked time over, here at Devizine, if I know of any still operating. So last night I popped along to see Nick Beere of Marlborough’s Mooncalf Studios, hosting one at the Bell in Great Cheverell, and off the back of it thought today we could talk about it, and present a more general piece on local open mics; double-whammy.

“I don’t know why I got started doing it,” Nick tells me, as he sets up for the next act. Far from karaoke, Nick is tweaking technical bobs, engineering the sound and advising newcomers, to make them both comfortable and sound professional. There’s a communal feel about open mic nights without pretence. Vince Bell is there, no stranger to an open mic, explaining their importance as a bridge from practising and playing to your friends and family, to getting out gigging. Indeed, there’s an unplanned duo playing tonight, Lisa the singer, and though it’s a nervous start for them, the applause received sent them brewing with deserved confidence.

While you can take it as red Vince delivered his sublime acoustic goodness, he’s here with Devizes singer-songwriter Sorrel Pits, coming across as one of those artists to make excuses, prior to pulling off some beautiful songs adroitly self-penned with meaningful prose.

Guitarist Steve Nicholls and bassist Troy Orourke are also present, uncertain about the future of their band Alfred’s Tower since the singer left, but accompanied on cajon they produced some wonderful instrumental pieces. They asked me if I knew of any singers in need of a band, so if you’re on the hunt get in touch with us and I’ll hook you up. And within this here’s another notable point about open mics, they’re convention-like for networking, a social get-together of like minded talent, and new connections will undoubtedly be made at them.

The Bell at Great Cheverell makes for a hospitable village free house, catering for diners more so, yet often hosting live music; those Truzzy Boys being a particular favourite. No one seemed bothered by being treated to a selection of songs after their meals. Nick runs the open mic here on the second Tuesday of the month, the first Monday of the month he does similar at the perhaps more apt Lamb in Marlborough, and the third Thursday at the Horseshoe in Minal. 

To get involved with open mics, a quick Facebook search is all you need to do to get the ball rolling. Though there’s lots of said groups inactive though, especially post-lockdown. I’ll stick a few groups and pages which we’ve discovered and are currently running at the bottom of this piece. For if you want to break into the local scene, open mic could well be your route. 

Other local open mics worthy of your perusal are Tom Harris’s at the Barge on HoneyStreet. The next one being 22nd September. Join HERE for updates.

In Devizes I only know of one, The Exchange nightclub runs. The next one is Thursday 7th September, and thereafter the first Thursday of each month. HERE is the group you need to join. Though another similar thang, even more communal than open mics are acoustic jams, a particularly popular one being each Wednesday at The Southgate.

Stallards in Trowbridge have open mics on the last Thursday of each month. This group is HERE.

The Old Road Tavern in Chippenham has regular open mics on the last Sunday of the month. Group is HERE. Next evening is Sunday Aug 27th, 7pm to 10.30pm, their 16th anniversary. Chippenham FM’s Brian Reid has been running it since 2014. “We regularly get thirty-forty people each month,” he told us.

Another crucial point Brian made was the Old Road’s is open to poetry and comedy too, as others are likewise. “We have a space which I am proud to say is welcoming and attentive and supportive of newcomers,” he explained, “and a lot of experienced participants come too.”

In Bath Connor McLeod has a regular Monday evening at Belushis, and there’s a general open mic group for Bath, HERE.

Similarly Salisbury has one HERE.

Delaney’s in Wantage have open mics the first Thursday of the month, next up also 7th September. 

For Open Mics across Wiltshire, HERE, and For Open Mics throughout the Southwest, HERE. Have mic will travel!

And if I missed your favourite one, let us know, and we’ll add, provided you don’t expect me to sing personally, as there’s a government health warning on that!

Trending….

No Alarms No Devizes, Aptly in Devizes!

If I’ve been galavanting recently, gorging on other local townโ€™s live music scenes, what better way to return to Devizes than a visit to theโ€ฆ

Wiltshire Music Awards Website Goes Live

Last month we were pleased to announce our involvement with the new Wiltshire Music Awards in conjunction with Wiltshire Events UK, details of which areโ€ฆ

Soupchick in the Park

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,โ€ฆ

Song of the Week: Ruzz Guitar’s Blues Revue & The Mike Eldred Trio

Ah, I reckon weโ€™ve had Ruzz and the Revue up here for song of the week more than once before, but hereโ€™s a decidedly syncopated five-accent hambone rhythm of Bo Diddley beat the like youโ€™ve never heard him play beforeโ€ฆ.at least Iโ€™ve not! Must be their recent US tour rubbing off, all that playing in the desert malarkey!

Hailing from LA, The Mike Eldred trio consists of Mike on guitar and vocals, Chris Smith on bass and drummer Brian Fahey. Casting a spell alright!

Find Ruzz doing his birthday show at the Cheese & Grain, Frome on 10th February, but if you can’t wait that long, how’s about The Southgate, Devizes, where the Ruzz Guitar Trio will be there to entertain you on the big bank holibobs, Saturday 26th August….yes, that is a fortnight away!

Trending….

Family Easter Holiday Events

Devizine isn’t only about music and gigs for grownups, y’know? It’s about events for everyone. This Easter we’ve lots of things to do over theโ€ฆ

My Dad’s Festival overcomes the rain and raises nearly ยฃ9,000 for Prospect Hospice

Featured Image ยฉAnthony Hunt Photography

The team behind Swindon’s popular all-day music extravaganza, My Dadโ€™s Bigger Than Your Dad Festival, have revealed that nearly ยฃ9,000 has been raised for Prospect Hospice following this yearโ€™s event…..

MDBTYD 2023, organised in association with South Swindon Parish Council, was held at The Old Town Bowl on Saturday 2nd July with around 800 people braving the rain throughout the day. This was the third year of the festival, which was organised 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 after a hard-fought battle against cancer.

Image: ยฉAnthony Hunt Photography

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. Sheryl Crouch, Head of Income at the hospice said: โ€œMy Dadโ€™s Bigger Than Your Dad is a real celebration of our community and an event that Prospect Hospice is proud to be a part of. The story of local music promoter Dave Young and the support he and his family received from the hospice is reflected in this event through its energy, varied line up of bands and array of entertainment throughout the day, all supported by many local sponsors and volunteers. The event is a true community collaboration, much like the hospice.”

โ€œThe event has raised an amazing ยฃ30,000 so far and this will be used by the hospice to ensure other local people like Dave can benefit from outstanding care at the end of their lives. We want to thank everyone involved in making the day happen, and all those who attend, for their ongoing support and ensuring we can be there to support further families that need us.”

โ€œThe date is already set for next year and we canโ€™t wait to be part of it.โ€

My Dadโ€™s Bigger Than Your Dad Festival 2023, which had the support of Future Planning as its headline sponsor for the second year running, took place over two stages with 16 acts performing on the Old Town Bandstand acoustic stage and the main stage in the Old Town Bowl.

Image: ยฉAnthony Hunt Photography

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.
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.

Co-organiser Ed Dyer said: โ€œIโ€™ve got to say that yet again we have been blown away by the support Swindon showed to our one-day festival. Sadly, the sunshine of the previous years evaded us but the atmosphere was still terrific with people dancing in the rain and leaving with massive smiles on their faces.
The precise figure is to be confirmed but we couldnโ€™t be more pleased that we are going to be able to donate almost ยฃ9000 to Prospect.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.

After a well earned break, the organisers of the festival are now planning for MDBTYD 2024, with the date set for Saturday 20th July 2024. For further updates follow My Dadโ€™s Bigger Than Your Dad Festival on social media.
Early tickets for next yearโ€™s event are on sale via the website mydadsbiggerthanyourdad.co.uk

Trending…….

Situationships With Chloe Hepburn

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, thisโ€ฆ

Devizes to Host New County-Wide Music Awards

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. Theโ€ฆ

Ruby, Sunday at the Gate

It’s a rarity that I should drag myself off the sofa on a Sunday these days, one usually reserved for the monthly Jon Amor Trioโ€ฆ

๐€ ๐๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ญ ๐จ๐Ÿ ๐Œ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ข๐œ ๐š๐ง๐ ๐Œ๐ž๐š๐ง๐ข๐ง๐ : ๐…๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ญ๐จ๐ง๐ž ๐Ž๐ซ๐œ๐ก๐ž๐ฌ๐ญ๐ซ๐š ๐š๐ญ ๐“๐ž๐ฐ๐ค๐ž๐ฌ๐›๐ฎ๐ซ๐ฒ ๐€๐›๐›๐ž๐ฒ

Review by Pip Aldridge Last week, I had the privilege of seeing the Fulltone Orchestra perform at the beautiful Tewkesbury Abbey beneath the Peace Dovesโ€ฆ

Wharf Writers’ Group Release First Podcast

Folks at the Wharf Writers’ Group, based in Devizesโ€™ Wharf Theatre, release a new series of podcasts, Where’s The Cat? the first one published todayโ€ฆ.

There will be twelve weekly episodes, each a short play written and performed by members of the group. In this inaugural episode by John Osborn, a man is looking to redeem his birthday present of a time travel voucher. Warning – contains strong language. You can find it on Apple Podcasts HERE.

Trending…..

Hells Bells! AC/DC tribute in Devizes

With our roads being the state theyโ€™re in, is it any wonder on the 5th April Hells Bells, rated as the UKโ€™s top AC/DC tribute,โ€ฆ

Cracked Machine at The Southgate

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 mightโ€ฆ

Geckoโ€™s Big Picture

In 1998 a pair of pigs escaped while being unloaded off a lorry at an abattoir in Malmesbury and were on the run for aโ€ฆ

Park Farm; New Music Festival in Devizes

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 andโ€ฆ

Results of Salisbury Music Awards

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,โ€ฆ

Weekly Roundup of Events in Wiltshire: 16th – 22nd August 2023

Last week I predicted summer 23 had finally arrived, now, well, it doesnโ€™t look smashing now, does it?! Ah, hereโ€™s what weโ€™ve found this coming week to do in wonderful Wiltshireโ€ฆ..

Usual gubbing, all the info and ticket links are on our jam packed event calendar, HERE, and you can plan ahead too. Any updates after today will also be put on there, so do check in later in the week too, as this is not exhaustive or comprehensive, or other such long words like that!

Do pay a visit to Wiltshire Museum, Devizes, for the Anna Dillon exhibition; reviewed HERE.

Also The Forbidden Carnival in Chippenham has a street art inspired exhibit, Reviewed HERE.

Ongoing until 29th Sept, The Incredible Quizzical Bath Pub Tour. 

Wednesday 16th:

Acoustic Jam at The Southgate, Devizes. Devizes Salsa Class in West Lavington.

Mango Factory, Latin flavoured grooviness from double-drama-vocalist party patrol, arrive at The Bell, Bath. 

Johnny Marr is at The Cheese & Grain, Frome.

For kids on school hols, Pound arts has a Sketch and Doodle session, but Lego Animation workshops at the Wiltshire Music Centre in Bradford-on-Avon have now sold out, though Sing Your Head Off still has places.

Thursday 17th:

Tom Speight is Instore at Sound Knowledge in Marlborough.

Thereโ€™s the Summer Youth Project at the Wyvern Theatre, Swindon, with The Wizard Of Oz.

Showstoppers at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon, and Australiaโ€™s most admired and versatile songwriters and instrumentalists, Liz Stringer is at Chapel Arts in Bath.

Friday 18th:

Devizes and Marlbroough are playing swappies, Marlborough-based Trash Panda will make a Devizes debut at The Three Crowns, and Ben Borrill and Pat Ward now known as Matchbox Mutiny, play the Wellington in Marlborough!ย 

Thereโ€™s Jazz at the Cafe in Trowbridge Civic Hall listed on the calendar, but Iโ€™ve drawn a blank link to this, so check ahead with the Civic Hall.

โ€˜The Chas and Dave Storyโ€™ featuring Rockney at Chapel Arts, Bath

Fantastic Marillion tribute, Marquee Square Heroes play The Vic, Swindon.

And for a camping trip, consider The Baa in Combe Bisset near Salisbury, which has live music weekend with Captain Accident & the Disasters headlining; I must check this place out!

Saturday 19th:

Devizes gets colourful, yes, itโ€™s DOCAโ€™s Colour Rush & Confetti Battle!  

The Jake Leg Jug Band appear for one night only at The Wharf Theatre, Devizes, Mark Smallman play The Southgate. 

Sausage and Cider Day at The Brewery Inn, Seend, where those Junkyard Dogs will be.

Absolutely Elton at the Consti Club, Chippenham.

Itโ€™s the MidLife Krisis Summer Family Event at Supermarine, Swindon; best of luck with this one, guys, I know how hard youโ€™ve all worked towards it. Meanwhile, Down & Dirty play The Vic, Rio at the Woodland Edge, and Michael Jackson tributeJay Styles at the New Inn, Stratton.

Calf2Cow presents Lewis Carrollโ€™s Jabberwocky & Other Nonsense, at Pound Arts in Corsham.

Be Like Will are playing a free BBQ at True Story, unit 7 of the Curtis Centre in Westbury. 

The songbook of Marvin Gaye starring Nate Simpson, at Chapel Arts, Bath.

Meatloaf tribute, Maet Live & The Never Neverland Express at the Cheese & Grain, Frome.

Sunday 20th:

The Jon Amor Trio welcomes Bennett Holland to the unmissable monthly residency at The Southgate, Devizes.

The Convulsions at the Bell, Bath.

Thereโ€™s also the Mid-Somerset Show 2023.

Monday 21st:

I got nought as of yet, other than 6 1 6 1, wunder-drummer Matt Brownโ€™sย  new band debut at the Bell, Bath. But you know, early days, stuff might change as the week goes on, this is why you have to keep one eye on our updating Event Calendar!ย 

Tuesday 22nd:

Pete Canter Quartet play Jazz Knights at The Royal Oak, Swindon.

And thatโ€™s that, folks! Of course, the county is gearing up for a bank holiday next weekend, so next weekโ€™s rodeo roundup will be jam packed, but really, you wanna start planning now.

Even Wednesday leading up to it is solid, with not only the acoustic jam at The Southgate, but Bristol gipsies Fromage en Feu at the Bath Bell, Beaux Gris Gris & The Apocalypse playing the Tree House, Frome, and Iago Banet, Galician king of acoustic guitar at Chapel Arts. Oh, and Joe Pasquale at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon!

And the week goes on like this, the weekend is exploding! Friday, Bluey visits Hillworth Park, Plan of Action visits The Three Crowns, Blondie & Ska visit The Pelican, People Like Us do the Condado Lounge, and thatโ€™s just Devizes!

HoneyFest kicks off at The Barge on Honey-Street, not forgetting the Reading Festival, and a host of other great gigs and events. Saturday sees the magical Fulltone Festival in Devizes, where Ruzz Guitar Trio also returns to The Southgate.

CastleFest at The Castle in Bradford-on-Avon, and into Sunday with Potterne Festival, TalbotFest in Calne, and too many gigs to list. Bank holiday Monday sees Black Rat Monday at the British Lion in Devizes but also, Well Hung Heart at The Southgate and The Reason at The Three Crowns; options, people, too many to choose from!! And I was thinking about popping over to Box for Box Rocks at the Queens Head, Dammit, someone clone me, at least six times!

And then it’s into September, back to school and the Pump’s Future Sound of Trowbridge, a series of gigs supporting upcoming local bands and musicians, Swindon Shuffle, and a new season for Long Street Blues Club.

Until then, hold your horses, and I hope to see you out and about! Have a great week!

Trending……

Static Moves at The Three Crowns Devizes

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 Theโ€ฆ

Michelle Donelan Out of the Chicken Run for New Devizes-Melksham Constituency, But What Difference Will These Changes Mean?

So, the Boundary Commission for England’s final recommendations for new Parliamentary constituencies, which carves the Devizes constituency into three unequal parts, was submitted to the House of Commons for their perusal in June, and it’s time for MPs to scramble for the safest seats, which Westminster dubs “the chicken run.” But what, at great taxpayer’s cost, will these changes really mean for us? 

Not much to be honest, other than confusion as to who your MP is. And as a majority in the Devizes area will come under the newly formed Devizes-Melksham constituency, which Chippenham MP Michelle Donelan wants her claws in, less chauvinistic attitudes and using parliamentary persuasion to indoctrinate antiquated evangelist beliefs, perhaps. Though looking into Donelan’s backstory, she’s hardly an advocate for equality, not the personification of Amnesty International, unfortunately.

But if ol’ Danny K signed his own death warrant by segregating and offending half the population of his constituency according to gender, time is a healer. Here comes the Tory girls; it stands that our existing constituency is the safest Conservative seat in the area, and they’ll fight tooth and nail for the shards of it.

It makes sense with depleting support for the Tories nationally, that constituencies like Devizes will split to shoulder neighbouring constituencies which might possibly be lost to the opposition otherwise. Donelan’s Chippenham constituency would lose Bradford-on-Avon and Melksham, gaining the thinner ice of Royal Wootton Bassett and Calne, so it makes sense to jump ship.

Hence why Michelle is keen to abandon Chippenham and defect to Devizes-Melksham. This Westminster parlance, or  โ€œchicken runโ€ is no new thing. The phrase was coined in the years leading up to New Labourโ€™s 1997 landslide, when several Conservative MPs, fearing a tricky contest on home soil fled for greener pastures.

Question is, what’s Michelle Donelan like as an MP? Well, although a Christian too, her online persona doesn’t preach like our Danny K, rather is filled with feelgood shares of constituents raising funds for worthy charities; as if the corruption of the current government she supports hasn’t been kingpin as to why we need such charities and now is the time for us all to dig deeper and fundraise, because we’re all so affluent, aren’t we?!

Online Donelan comes across as hard working and responsive to pleas from her constituents, but against her hardlined Conservative voting record this feels like a facade, and with a previous career in media marketing she would be of a professional standard to sell ice to Eskimos.

Currently serving as Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, she’s also had her mitts in the Johnson government as Minister of State for Higher and Further Education, but under Truss bunked off after less than 36 hours in her new role, resigning, writing Johnson had, “put us in an impossible position.” No shit, Sherlock, you certainly took the long route around to unearth this revelation of subterfuge!

Michelle is no stranger to debunking after a devastating loss. In her first, the 2010 general election, the safe Labour seat of Wentworth and Dearne in South Yorkshire, she took only 17.6%, to Labour MP John Healey’s 50.6%, shoved her tail between her legs and headed for the gold-paved streets of Chippenham!

Hardly Amazonian demigoddess Princess Diana of Themyscira here to save us from, erm, though Wonder Woman had no arch-nemesis, Cheetah was a popular supervillain, so let’s call Danny K it, for the purpose of this analogy! Donelan’s voting record (TheyWorkForYou) doesn’t convey the people-person connoted passionately on her Facebook page, sadly. 

This shows a militant xenophobic, homophobic Brexiteer, always voting against a right to remain for EU nationals already living in the UK, against more EU integration, against UK membership of the EU, and consistently voting for military action against ISIL, and against investigations into the Iraq war. 

It shows Michelle as utterly reprehensible on asylum seekers, and mistrusts the more general population, consistently voting for requiring the mass retention of information about communications.

A general running theme through her voting record reveals the common Conservative thread of giving large corporations a leg-up and down-treading the working class, voting for increasing the rate of VAT, reducing capital gains tax, and for restricting regulation of trade union activity. She voted for a reduction in spending on welfare benefits, and against paying higher benefits over longer periods for those unable to work due to illness or disability.

Selling off the NHS to the highest bidder is something she also appears passionate about, and voted against allowing the terminally ill to be given assistance to end their life; Michelle likes to see you squirm in pain from beginning till the very end.

Hardly the people-person she makes out locally, voting against equal gay rights, and against laws to promote equality and human rights. You try to find me media coverage of Chippenham’s first openly gay mayor Declan Baseley’s MP observing the etiquette of welcoming a new mayor to the position, I challenge you!

And, fracking hell, don’t even get me started on her appalling stance on environmental issues, we may as well abandon the planet now, as she will with Chippenham!

But, why, why all this hostile ethos to the important matters, besides making sure businesses profit? Okay, what if I told you Michelle Donelan’s partner is Tom Turner, Commercial Head of Stronghold Global, exposed by the Good Law Project for involvement in the PPE procurement scandal? Does it ring any alarms? Or, his father Benjamin Turner, who has also landed lucrative Government PPE deals, as director at Toffeln Ltd, a shoe-making firm which landed a ยฃ1.1m contract from the DHSC in April 2020 to suddenly supply visors despite no previous experience. Ah, noย conflict of interest there, nothing to see here, move along and accept your hopeful new MP, Devizes.

What the hell, Devizine, she’s wearing a blue rosette?! Sigh; it’s like talking to a brick wall. You’d vote for a 4×4 plinth of plywood scrawled with Satanic worshipping slogans if it was wearing one of those; the very reason she’s coming our way. What would it take to change the minds of a majority, to think away from their traditional blind voting agenda? Because a government whose incompetence drastically increased deaths during a pandemic and partied while you watched granny snuff it on video call doesn’t seem to have had any impact at all.

Trending……

The Emporium in Devizes to Close

If Devizes boasts an abundance of independent gift shops of unique and exquisite or often novelty items in the face of a national pandemic ofโ€ฆ

Mental Rot; New I See Orange Single

Hold on tight, the new single from I See Orange, Mental Rot embodies everything I love about this Swindon grunge trio, and takes no prisonersโ€ฆ..โ€ฆ

RowdeFest 2025!

Okay, I canโ€™t keep the secret any longer or Iโ€™ll pop! While all the hard work is being organised by a lovely committee, because theyโ€ฆ

Events This Weekend; January Into February!

If weโ€™re nearly out of the prolonged gloom of January, note itโ€™s still winter but weโ€™ve climatised and are ready to party. February this yearโ€ฆ

Junkyard Dogs are Let off Their Leashes

If I’ve spent some days now, highlighting a wealth of local talented teenagers, forming new bands, and creating a blossoming scene, this isn’t one of those days. And if I’ve reviewed musical releases breaking new ground, this isn’t it either. This is about the Junkyard Dogs, a popular Trowbridge based blues band who kindly posted their CD, Off The Leash, through my letterboxโ€ฆ..

It’s nice to receive something other than bills from Pat, and I’m mature enough to recall a day pre-spotty-fly and Deezer-not-a-geezer, when all music for reviewing was sent via this antiquated method; it’s nice to have something to hold too, something physical. And if I convey ageism I’m hypocritically in the same boat, but on the grounds they’ve a self-penned song titled Too Fat, too Old, Too Bald, Iโ€™d imagine and pray they don’t mind; old enough to know better, too old to care, they are Junkyard Dogs, after all.

For I was wondering, when they announced they had an album coming out if they’d polished their pub circuit act and glossed it with a studio makeover, and I furthered it with intrigue but also with concern that this route may not have had the same dynamic blast of their live show. Which is justified, it can and has happened to others.

But it hasn’t here, they’ve rightfully opted to give us a disc recorded live, at The Mason Arms in Warminster last year, only mastered at Sonic Temple, and this simply works, as I don’t believe it’s the kind of groundbreaking CD to be rushing off the HMV shelves, rather the kind of keepsake you pick up after being blown away by a stupendous show, and can happily take a little piece of it back home with you; a secret treasure.

So, if you do catch these guys live, do also beg them for this CD, it has a cover parodying Tarintino film Reservoir Dogs, despite this being a blessing on the ear rather than the slicing of one as seen in the film, and you will love it!

I trust myself to divulge this fact, as many readers are Devizes based, and Devizes is a blues town, I’ve mentioned before what I call the Mel Bush Effect. But personally, I love it because I love my blues rooted, and though the Dogs are electrically amplified their style is deeply rooted too; harmonicas aplenty.

The opening song proving my point, the 1955 prototypical rocker Flip, Flop and Fly, Big Joe Turner’s similar follow-up arrangement to Shake, Rattle and Roll, a tune covered by Bill Haley which essentially spurred a musical revolution, but quintessentially was originally deemed jump blues.

And I favour that term above the later coined rhythm and blues, as it defines it, it encourages a jump rather than melancholic contemplation of delta blues, and it makes for a massive percent of the Dog’s set, it’s lively, itโ€™s carefree, itโ€™s songs about long-legged women, ambiguous usage of the term jelly roll, and flying by the seat of oneโ€™s pants; I rest my case. 

Off the Leash is the kind of truckload of fun which could instantly turn a reading room into a juke joint! This said, there’s a fair quantity of this on our circuit, I accept the point, but few do it with the gusto, proficiency and authenticity of Junkyard Dogs.

Mostly self-penned nuggets of blissful blues, other covers include Dale Hawkinsโ€™ Susie Q, definably from the golden age of rockabilly, and Robert Parkerโ€™s rhythm and blues signature Barefootinโ€™, but the most adroit is the finale of the gospel classic Jesus on the Mainline, originally recorded by Rev. Gatemouth Moore, but covered extensively by the likes of Ry Cooper and Fairport Convention. The tune features Cindy Wilson on vocal harmonies with Jonboy, Craig and Danny, and it highlights a certain diversity in Americana the Dogs will stretch too, making a poignant finale. 

But for the most part, this CD is about letting the good times roll, and for this it works a treat. Who, who, who, whoever lets these dogs out, need walkies themselves, to go see them live, this album only stands a testament to why. 

Trending…..

Beyond Chippenham Streets

It’s the second exhibition at Chippenham pop artist Si Griffiths’s Forbidden Carnival gallery, and if the previous was an overall of the curiosities of alternative art we can expect to see there, this has a more specific theme of street art and graffitiโ€ฆ.

It’s been a long rocky road for graffiti to be accepted by the art world, and while in the UK Banksy’s popularity has swayed opinion, the legalities of the practice hinders the gap from walls to gallery, as much as renowned street artists are celebrated. Yet graffiti has a solid history, from slogans on ancient civilisations to the competitive nature of New York gangland borders blossoming into wild-style typographic designs at the dawn of hip hop culture. Such was the vying essence of an emerging scene which took dadaism to the next level, questioning where art should be rather than what art is, artistic flare took the movement away from typography to complex โ€œburners,โ€ or depictions influenced by pop art and underground comix artists such as Vaughn Bode.    

Still, Si seemed a tad scuppered when I met with him, with attempts to engage local street artists to contribute. An underlying fear of identification and cred may well be the cogitate pattern, though while their concerns are understandable, Si wants to encourage and work with street artists, as it functioned party to Swindonโ€™s inaugural Paint Fest last year. For itโ€™s the very model for the alternative ethos The Forbidden Carnival is about; quirky, unorthodox and counter-culture. For this much, the exhibit fits like a glove, though it is largely works by Siโ€™s circle of artist associates inspired by the street art movement.

For a taste of something different this exhibit is still worth your while, thereโ€™s some amazing pieces on show here. Artists Rae Melody, Sarah Christie and of course Si himself contribute some zany compositions in their own style, some of which are printed, some of which are hand-painted onto skateboards for purchase. Not for me, with no sense of balance, but I would undoubtedly have the coolest board around!

One particularly interesting artist on display here is Dave E See, aka Guts, with the freaky surreal comix style you could scan forever and still miss something, thereโ€™s clear influences from S Clay Wilson, Victor Moscoso and Rick Griffin, to Dr Adolf Steg and Jamie Smart, yet with a defined and distinctive graffiti-fashioned line theyโ€™re likely the artist who most fits the bill for this particular show, if it wasnโ€™t, perhaps, for Jimmer Willmott.

Beyond the Streets has Jimmerโ€™s name all over it, bristol-based artist who borders street and gallery, and goes the extra mile to mischievously perpetuate his work into unsuspecting places. Hereโ€™s the artist’s answer to Simon Brodkin, who hilariously defaces Tony Blairโ€™s face on the cover of his autobiography and slips on a primely located window display at his local waterstones. An artist who depicts American cops with donuts-for-heads and hidden messages in alphabetti spaghetti, and front-of-centre of this exhibit thereโ€™s an example of Jimmerโ€™s sully men-at-work signs, which he often puts back into society.

In my opinion Jimmerโ€™s work is precisely the kick in the backside the art establishment needs to note street artโ€™s value and place as a contemporary movement. It leaps off from the groundwork of Banky with mirth and comical impishness. Putting such works which espouses the outdoor tenet of street art in a gallery is a bold move for a city gallery, to have this in Chippenham is simply exciting and enthrallingly different. 

The Forbidden Carnival is open to view over weekends from 10am to 3pm, or you can request a private view by contacting the studio. Beyond the Streets runs until 27th August, but Si has plans for more thrilling exhibits in the future, including a Halloween themed one, which I hope to tell you more about nearer the time. For now, go check this outโ€ฆ..

Trending……

Weekly Roundup of Events in Wiltshire: 9th – 15th August 2023

Donโ€™t hold your breath, but is โ€ฆ .isโ€ฆis that summerโ€ฆ. coming? Ah, hereโ€™s what weโ€™ve found this coming week to do in wonderful Wiltshireโ€ฆ..

Usual gubbing, all the info and ticket links are on our jam packed event calendar, HERE, and you can plan ahead too. Any updates after today will also be put on there, so do check in later in the week too, as this is not exhaustive or comprehensive, or other such long words like that!

Do pay a visit to Wiltshire Museum, Devizes, for the Anna Dillon exhibition; reviewed here.

Also The Forbidden Carnival in Chippenham has a street art inspired exhibit, I hope to pay a visit and report back tomorrow.

And thereโ€™s the Cepen Park Emoji Trail for Dorothy House, see the poster.

Wednesday 9th:

Acoustic Jam at The Southgate, Devizes.

Lots for youngsters at the Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon, Fidgety Feet Dance & Drama, and two sessions of Fly Like a Bird for 5-7yrs, and then from 8-10yrs.

Thursday 10th:

Little Piccolos Summer Workshop and Beautiful Bunting at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.

Lego workshop, Bricking It at Pound Arts, Corsham.

Sarum Live Open Mic & Jam, at the Duck Inn, Laverstock, Salisbury.

Friday 11th:

The Roughcut Rebels at The Old Lane, Chippenham.

The Radio Makers & Deadlight Dance at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.

More crafts and kidโ€™s stuff at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon; Celebrate the Sun, and again, two aged sessions for a Frozen Dance Party, with a screening of Frozen 2!

Road Trip at The Vic in Swindon, Swipe Right at the Queenโ€™s Tap.

Outdoor Cinema Night โ€“ Dirty Dancing at Warminster School.

Stofest โ€“ 2nd attempt! at South Newton & Wishford Village Hall near Salisbury.

Whoโ€™s Next tribute at the Tree House, Frome. Live music at The Baa, see below…

Saturday 12th

Seend Fete on the Green, by the Lye.

Melksham Assembly Hall get all Lego, see the poster.

Duane Conn & The Connections at The Southgate, Devizes, Down The Hatch at the Three Crowns.

Pants at the Lamb, Marlborough, Second Hand Band at The Three Tuns, Great Bedwyn

Top Of The Pops Band at The Consti Club, Chippenham.

Happy 20th birthday to Venom at Club Ice, celebrating with a birthday bash at Westbury.

41 Fords are at The Royal Oak, Corsham.

Frenzy at the Three Horseshoes, Bradford on Avon.

Editorโ€™s pick of the week is Swindon & Wiltshire Pride at Regents Circus, all rainbow blessings to you!

Elsewhere in Swindon, Homer is at The Swiss Chalet, Retro Electro at The Vic, Barrelhouse at Queenโ€™s Tap, and The Vipers at the New Inn in Stratton.

Illingworth plays The Avon Brewery, Salisbury.

Rosie Merritt is live at The Queen Charlotte, Andover.

Rat Race at the Cheese & Grain, Frome; ska!

Sunday 13th:

All About The Music have their first Record Fair at Devizes Conservative Club, 10am-4pm.

Be Like Will are at The Farmhouse Inn in Southwick, Trowbridge.

Mike Hoddinott Trio at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.

Ortonesque at the Old Town Bowl, Swindon.

Monday 14th:

Lego Animation Workshop at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.

Tuesday 15th:

Another Lego Animation Workshop at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.

Alex Goodyear Trio presents the Music of Oscar Peterson at the regular Jazz Knights, at The Royal Oak, Swindon.

The Winchester Gate, Salisbury, have their regular poetry evening, Poetika 114 โ€“ Pirates and Mermaids.

And thatโ€™s your lot, for now, do check into our event calendar as between picking my nose and bum, I might yet updateโ€ฆ what? No one reads this far anyway, do they?! This is a checkpoint, see whoโ€™s still awake! Good reason for it though, itโ€™s when we look at future stuff to be doing, and thinking about bookingโ€ฆโ€ฆ.

Like Liz Stringer at Chapel Arts, Bath on Thursday and a Tom Speight Instore at Sound Knowledge Marlborough.

Next weekend is Devizes DOCA Colour Rush & Confetti Battle, followed by The Jake Leg Jug Band at The Wharf Theatre. Sausage and Cider Day at The Brewery Inn, Seend. Sunday find the monthly Jon Amor residency at the Southgate, Devizes, yay!

And raver-families, check out The MidLife Krisis Summer Family Event at Supermarine, Swindon!

Further into the month, of course we have another one of those bank holiday things; FullTone in Devizes, Potterne Beer Festival, Box Rocks, Talbot-Fest in Calne, Ruzz Guitar Trio at The Southgate, Devizes, Cooperโ€™s Creek at The Wheatsheaf, Calne, 12 Bars Later at the Wroughton Club, Swindon, and so so much more will be coming in, I promise you! We might yet have a summer after all!

Then, beginning September we see the Pump feature the Future Sounds of Trowbridge, a series of gigs for upcoming bands, which Iโ€™m going to have to tell you about in a separate post, as Iโ€™m too excited and need a weeโ€ฆ..groundbreaking journalism, accept no less; have a great week!!

ยกViva La Devizes Salsa; Eso!

Looking back over the years of Devizine, Iโ€™ve engaged myself with more ‘loco’ undertakings than I care to count, things I wouldn’t have otherwise considered attempting; all part of the fun. More often than not I come away thinking it was alright, but seldom follow it up with a burning desire to continue, itโ€™s sadly onto the next story. Today though was incendio; Iโ€™m enthralled by a trip to the Muck & Dundar to meet the Devizes Salsa Group, only kidding myself to assume Iโ€™ll be sitting there taking notesโ€ฆ..

Fantasy Radio DJ Michael Linford twisted my arm to give it a try, still naturally I was apprehensive, sauntering in. Though I love to dance, itโ€™s best defined freestyle dad-dancing, and Iโ€™ve never taken so much as a single instructed step. Not forgoing, whenever I see those salsa dancing champs at any Latino styled Devizes Arts Festival events my two left feet plod feels upstaged; I just nod in awe; wowzers, they look so cool, as I shamefully retreat from the dancefloor! Though when I left today I can hardly profess to being Jim Carreyโ€™s The Mask, I certainly had a lot of fun!

Upon expressing my initial anxiety to Karen, who runs the group, she reassured me, โ€œwe want everyone to come and have fun, we don’t want it to be strictly for people who can do all the moves, itโ€™s not about that, we do a bit of freestyle, but itโ€™s mostly about new people to come and give it a go.โ€

Now, if you know me youโ€™ll hazard a fair guess I tried to hinge myself to the rum bar, but was hoisted front and centre from the off, next to instructor Phil, who makes it look childsplay, and me like Mr Blobby on a bender, yet took us all through the basic steps timed perfectly, and more importantly, gradually! Up here for thinking, down there for dancing, pal; lo and behold I was side-to-side, backstepping, occasionally doing it to the rhythm too!

Am I here to promote the group, are they desperate for new members? While there was no indication of flailing appeal, the group could do with a few more masculine dancers; can I say men, without getting in trouble with the PC brigade?! Sometimes the ‘masculine dancers’ need to take two partners to compensate, (if thatโ€™s not an incentive enough, guys.) I should stress having a partner is something, but you’ll be equally welcome not having one.

As a whole, an ensemble gathered to chat, but they’re bustling, and eager to break out some moves on the floor. Unlike a more formal dance workshop, salsa is not ballet, only subtly ballroom related, the structure is paced to suit all ages and experience, and the ethos is to enjoy yourselfโ€ฆ which I did, thank you, thoroughly!

Karen tells me it’s been running for seven years, โ€œbut it was a different group, I wasnโ€™t running it then. We started up again, after lockdown, in Market Lavington.โ€ The group meets on Wednesdays at the Old School on Church Street in Market Lavington, today at the Muck & Dundar was a drop-in session for newcomers to get a taster. On a previous taster session such as this they broke out of the Muck and swamped the Brittox with an improv Fame moment of dancing in the street, a video of which captured the attention of Devizes Facebook users.

While thereโ€™s no membership fees, it usually costs a fiver to cover hall hire costs. Karen was keen for me to note her involvement was purely for the love of it, โ€œI just want the world to throw off their cares and dance,โ€ she expressed; yeah, me too but you do with it style, Karen, I usually just bob up and down like a buoy in a stormy sea!

Men versus multitasking argument away, getting to grips with the basics wasnโ€™t so simple, and when I thought I clinched it, it was but a warm-up! Encouragement was plentiful, though, with no pretence, the members made me feel so very welcome; I didnโ€™t step on any of their feet! Karen underlined the importance of it being a social group, and it certainly was this.

Salsa is this though, cool fun. An American coined blanket term for all Latino style dances, so we danced mambo, pachanga, and rumba, at least I think we did! โ€œWe cover all basic salsa,โ€ Karen explained, โ€œLA salsa, and there will be Bachata, which we all love because it slows it right down, so, you know, we canโ€™t keep it going all night, and then, towards the end we go into full flight and all hell lets loose, going into merengue, and even reggaetรณn.โ€

Bachata is typified by a slow, sensual beat, similar to Cuban bolero, which meant my two left feet could keep up while concentrating on the choreography, just; it was the changes which threw my sieve-for-a-brain, but something about old dogs and new tricks, I enjoyed learning something new today, and it’s Sunday! Yet as described, the pace picked up a bit as the session progressed; while freestyling, to a degree, least it wasnโ€™t so regimental to keep to the steps, and never did I fear I’d be told off Lydia Grant style (Google her, whippersnappers!) the exuberance gave flavour to the overall enjoyment of it all. Reggaetรณn I can improvise!

And dammit, it was fun, and addictively engaging, on watching Phil, Karen and other senior members go for it, all of whom were so helpful and non-judgemental, I felt if I could perfect this enough, you know, to get over those initial first steps, the enjoyment would be multiplied, friendships here will be made, even if I never make it to Patrick Swayze level, least I’ve had the time of my life-ish!

If you fancy being the next salsero or salsera of Devizes, hereโ€™s a link to the Facebook Group with all the info on it. Might even see you there, though, not wishing to put you off the idea, you donโ€™t have to dance with me! Oh, those poor Devizes Salsa Group dancers, theyโ€™ll be wearing steel toe-caps if they know Iโ€™m coming back!!

Trending…..

Discovering Swindon Story Shed

With Dad’s taxi on call in Swindon and a few hours to kill whilst her majesty is at the flicks, it was fortunate local authorโ€ฆ

The Rise of Winter Festivals

Once upon a time it seemed to me, that folk would grin and bear the winter weather for the sake of a Christmas lights switchingโ€ฆ

In Retrospect With Gary Martian

So yeah, not only has Cracked Machine and Clock Radio drummer Gary Martin added a letter A to his name to make it sound moreโ€ฆ

The Fulltone Music Festival – Wiltshireโ€™s Own Iconic Festival in its Own Words, with Additional Waffling From Me!

Introducing the rising star of the south west music scene – The Fulltone Orchestra. This dynamic ensemble comprises a rotation of over 90 exceptionally talented musicians from across the region, led by fantastic musical director, Anthony Brown. Their performances are nothing short of extraordinary, defying genres and taking audiences on a captivating musical journey โ€ฆ… okay, you got me, it’s a copy and paste job direct from the press release. Chief organiser Jemma Brown tells me, โ€œfeel free to change any of that. Itโ€™s proper job PR malarkey!โ€ She knows me too wellโ€ฆ..

I will, thank you Jemma, would have anyway! So, it’s me rapping now, hiya, you alright? Yeah, it’s nearly time for Devizes’ own Fulltone Festival, on the August bank holibob, of which I had this to say about the inaugural one, โ€œin the history of events in Devizes, the magnitude of what The Full-Tone Orchestra achieved yesterday will forever be imprinted.โ€

Butโ€ฆwhat’s that you say? Bit pricey innit?

Not forgoing the fact no one is stopping you from distantly spectating in a deck chair on the Little Green like being at a Pink concert where sheโ€™s at Wembley Stadium and youโ€™re seated somewhere near Harrow, with footballs flying dangerously overhead and forever wondering how absolutely astoundingly awesome the acoustics would sound within the epicentre of that magnificent stage, your statement is merely justifiable, it weighs in at forty-five pound coins. You know, you could always go to one concert of the BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall, say Sir Simon Rattleโ€™s Mahler Symphony No 9 at ยฃ72 a pop, for two and a half hours; working out at ยฃ28.80 per hour.

Or perhaps The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestraโ€™s Rachmaninovโ€™s Rhapsody at the Lighthouse in Poole, setting you back a similar price but for only two hours; ยฃ24 an hour. Most affordable option is Bowood’s Ibiza party next July, five and half hours with one set by an orchestra and the rest DJs. Thatโ€™ll damage you just ยฃ48; about ยฃ8.72 per hour.

Putting FullTone into this perspective, if you attend the whole weekend youโ€™ll get approximately seventeen hours, which works out at ยฃ2.65 an hour; you wouldnโ€™t even get car parking in London or Bournemouth for that, for crying out loud into an Aldi budget-range sickbag!!!

Look, Iโ€™m going to shut up and finish off with the press release. I’ve said my piece, welcome to the real world, okay? Itโ€™s entirely up to you, Iโ€™m no press office consultant, just the milkman with no reason to tell fibs, other than perhaps to his wife! All I know is itโ€™s a fantastic weekend right here in D-town, bringing in other local acts as well as the orchestra; the kind of event of which, when you attend, youโ€™ll understand why it costs so much to stage, and where every penny has been spent.

What follows from here is the official news! Attendees can revel in the orchestra’s own captivating performances, featuring an array of genres, including Proms, iconic Movie and TV themes, massive dance anthems reminiscent of the Bowood sets, a nostalgic afternoon of West End Musical Theatre hits, and a throwback to the 80s with two hours of classic hits from the shoulder pad era! But that’s not all! The festival also features special guest sets from awesome artists like funk, house, and Latin dance music group – The House Iguanas, the New Orleans-inspired brass band – The Brass Junkies, the beloved local legends Pete Lamb and The Heartbeats, and the soulful opera and West End sound singers – The Four Sopranos.

The Sunday lineup promises to be equally exceptional, with performances from the vibrant 60 voices of The Big Sound Choir, the formidable big band – 41ยบ, and the truly brilliant Talk in Codeโ€ฆ.. Oh, oh, can I rudely interrupt one last time, pretty please?! You know we love Talk in Code, and not because they stingley got me a beanie hat from their own merch stall at my birthday bash at the Three Crowns, like Iโ€™m their walking advertising billboard, or something, but because we love โ€˜em, love their tunes, and when they took me to the seaside to be a roadie for the day and I did nothing more than drink the bar dry of cider, smile at female punters telling them I was โ€œwith the band,โ€ and watch them carry their own stuff in!!

Talk in Code

Attendees from previous festivals describe the event as โ€œamazing that we have this on our doorstep and that itโ€™s so well priced! I genuinely look forward to this every year!โ€

Experience the magic of live music from a massive orchestra, get up close to a whole host of musical instruments, amidst an iconic outdoor setting in the centre of Devizes, as the performances begin at 1pm and carry on into the evening. There will be an array of food and drink stalls, and attendees also have the option to bring a picnic for a leisurely and enjoyable day.

Tickets for The Fulltone Music Festival are now available for purchase at fto.org.uk. Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in an unforgettable musical extravaganza!

And thatโ€™s that box ticked off! I mean they have sent me a mahoosive setlist, but you don’t need spoilers, do you? After all, I might catch you there, but I must say, itโ€™s a wonderful weekend.

Trending…..

Christmas Greetings From Devizine!

Here’s our Christmas video Greeting, ho-ho-ho! Filmed on location at DOCA Winter Festival, Devizes, 2024 by Jess Worrow. Merry Christmas everyone!

When William the Conqueror Came to Marlborough

By Florence Lee

William the Conqueror might not be a band known by everyone, but quite simply should be. With Ruarri Joseph on vocals and guitar, Naomi Holmes on bass and vocals and Harry Harding on drums and vocals, their heavenly harmonies, beautiful music and captivating performance quite literally conquered all expectations the audience walked in with….

Their newly released album โ€˜Excuse Me Whilst I Vanishโ€™ was mixed by Barney Barnicott (Arctic Monkeys, Stereophonics, Sam Fender) and recorded on vintage equipment to create a sound unlike other Indie Rock artists. Their idiomatic approach to music is refreshing to your ears, especially when being played in the beautiful venue of St Peters’ Church in Marlborough.

It is obvious to see that all band members are and have been friends for a very long time by the ease in their music and performance, but it also clear to see the individual influence on certain songs and performances. With influence coming from all over the music industry, their albums take on a sound unlike others. Mixing blues, folk, punk and groove music hints to artists like Saint Etienne or Joe Bonamassa. Personally, I think the vocals sounds like a slow Antony Kiedis song.

Thanks to Sound Knowledge, I was lucky enough to be able to interview these talented musicians. Read below:

Why are you called William the Conqueror?

โ€˜A combination of being supremely confident and stupid. Sort of what I was like as a child โ€“ so it just to represent that youthful confidence with also youthful idiocy. I was very brave calling us William the Conqueror, but very stupid as well.โ€™

How and why did you come together as a band?

โ€˜That was quite a natural thing that happened. We were all in Cornwall at the same time. We sort of met each other on the Cornish music scene many years ago and started playing together. It was all quite natural. Kind of accidental. Started playing together and then it just became a band โ€“ It is the best way.โ€™

How do you go about writing you music and do you have any tips?

โ€˜Just always have a pen in your hand; you donโ€™t know when some idea might come to you. Late at night generally, on my own with nobody interrupting me. Tired and about to go to bed and suddenly an idea will come and I will stay up for the night. Though, they are usually finished in a soundcheck.โ€™

Where does your inspiration come from?

โ€˜All over. No one place. We are like a Frankenstein band. Naomiโ€™s comes from a kind of disco, groove background. Harry more like funk and soul, mine some blues and folk. We try to chuck it all in and see what happens.โ€™

How did each of you get into music?

โ€˜Just listening. I have always just loved it since I was small. You just react to music and have a love for it. It just takes you over and consumes you and before you know it, you are doing this.โ€™

โ€˜I donโ€™t ever remember thinking โ€˜right I am going to become a musician.โ€™ If you are passionate about it, it just happens.โ€™

If you could play with one band or artist who would it be?

โ€˜Tom Waits โ€“ I would love to play with Tom Waits.โ€™

โ€˜I would like to just be friends with a lot of people. I am not sure I would love to play with them as it would be a bit terrifying. Being around that process would be very interesting, you would learn so much. But I would just sit behind them and worry the whole time.โ€™

One for the drummers: What drum sticks do you use? [Editor’s note: essential question from our wonderful new writer, Florence is drummer for local upcoming band Paradigm – so please, shower their insta with follows!]

โ€˜Well, I use 7aโ€™s, because they are lighter and you can then play light. I like 5aโ€™s because they are a bit more like explosion sounds. I donโ€™t ever use nilon tips, I only use wooden tips because I prefer the sound. Anything I like the feel of really. I use Vic Firth a lot. Tonight I used Vaterโ€™s.โ€™

Thank you very much Sound Knowledge to let me meet these incredible artists,

Florence.

Forthcoming Events and InStores at Sound Knowledge:

Sunday 22nd October 2023 – BOMBAY BICYCLE CLUB @ St. Peter’s Church

Friday 1st September 2023 – HANNAH GEORGAS Instore

Saturday 26th August 2023 – WILLIE J HEALEY Instore

Thursday 17th August 2023 – TOM SPEIGHT Instore

Trending…..

Chapters, New Single From Kirsty Clinch

Okay, so, Iโ€™m aย  little behind, recently opting to perfect my couch potato posture and consider hibernation, meaning Iโ€™ve not yet mentioned Kirsty Clinchโ€™s newโ€ฆ

Devizes Writers Group Win Silver Award

Congratulations to Rosalind Ambler and Paul Snook from Devizes Writers Group… At the National Community Radio Awards held in Cardiff on 16th November Together!, theโ€ฆ

Hansel & Gretel: Panto at the Wharf!

Images: Chris Watkins Media It was lovely to spend Sunday afternoon at Devizesโ€™ Wharf Theatre, to see how this yearโ€™s pantomime Hansel & Gretel, isโ€ฆ

Atari Pilot New Single

A drifting retrospection of sonic electronica new wave from Swindon’s purveyors of cool, Atari Pilot, is out today. A single with a Peter Pan fashioned postulation anyone within their target audience would surely identify with, despite the title sounds a bit too mathematical!

If 4x /22 equals 88 back in class, rather this tune refers to the immature wishes of a forty something supposing they’re going on twenty-two; in your dreams, pal! But in most middle age dreams, Iโ€™d imagine.

Going by the song that’d pitch me at the mental age of early thirties and I can shrug, mentally I’d wish younger still, but not so much that I’d be back at school, no, thank you. About twenty-five would suit me, please, Atari Pilot, make it so. Failing that, just continue prodding my time travelling reverie with your catchy tunes!

Even if I’d consequently be but a Sega Megadrive gamer at that era, with a blue mohican, collecting golden rings with gusto, rather than an Atari pilot per-say, it’s still a nice thought to plant in my mind, and done nicely with a beguiling grower of a track.

It’s up as a name-your-price download on Bandcamp, give it a whirl, you big kid, you!ย 

Trending…..

No Worries; Worried Men at The Pump

Long overdue a visit to the Pump in Trowbridge, Jamie Thyer, frontman of the Worried Men twisted my arm Friday night and there I was,โ€ฆ

Ian Siegal at Long Street Blues Club

Devizes is often spoiled for choice when it comes to live music. Swindon folk ensemble SGO at the Gate would’ve been an excellent decision forโ€ฆ

Wiltshire Music Centre Announces New Joint Leadership

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 new co-leadershipโ€ฆ

What’s Happening During November in Devizes?

Remember, remember, weโ€™re moving into November; leaves, loads of โ€˜em! Being as we are no longer doing weekly roundups, hereโ€™s some highlights of events inโ€ฆ

Chloe Jordan to Play the Southgate on Saturday

Who recalls schooldays when you had a relief teacher, and well, they were a bit naff, didnโ€™t have a scooby-doo what was what, and generally allowed you to stare aimlessly out of the window, or fill your rough book with doodles?! This is not the case with our Southgate, who, due to the cancellation of the Chaz Thorogood Trio this coming Saturday, have the one and only Chloe Jordan chalked up on their gig-boardโ€ฆ..

Now, word of warning for anyone attending unaware of Chloe, hold onto your glass, because I do whenever Chloe sings for fear of being in such awe itโ€™ll slip out my hands! For this soprano singer usually reserved for opera and classics at the likes of the Town Hall or Corn Exchange promises to perform covers on piano, the like of โ€œPink, Taylor, Alicia, Adele to more cheesy ABBA and Elton,โ€ in which she confesses is a โ€œnew genre of music for me.โ€ Though itโ€™s unlikely, if Chloe was to perform a tune from trash metal anarchists Slipknot, it would still sound angelic!!

Chloe Jordan: Opendoors Concert 2023. Image Gail Foster

So yes, something of a different night at the Southgate expected, but of an outstanding quality, and making it impossible to say our trusty watering hole of reliable live music doesnโ€™t give us diversity in its music program. I mean, quality too, obviously, look out for bank holiday Monday when homegrown axeman Robin Davey brings his Californian legends Well Hung Heart to the red carpet, and note also his old pal Jon Amorโ€™s monthly residency is pushed forward to the Sunday 20th August this month. Jon invites Sheffield keyboardist Bennett Holland, who Iโ€™m hoping comes complete with hammon organ.

The wonderful Strange Folk on the 12th of this month is another guaranteed winner, and not forgetting the Lightning Hobos on the 26th, continues to make the Southgate the toppermost place to catch free live music in Devizes.

However, should Chloe inspire you, which you only need attend for such to happen, also pay attention to 9th of September when she performs at the Corn Exchange with Pete Lambโ€™s Heartbeats in aid of Wiltshire Air Ambulance. Options though, as the Long Street Blues Club opens its new season on the same night with the Ian Parker Band, and Devizes Scooter Club has Bristolโ€™s finest ska export Ya Freshness & the Big Boss Band at the Cavalier. Spoiled for choice, Devizes, you lucky lot, but this Saturday, do check out Chloe at the Gate, an extraordinary change of plan!!ย And this is why I Love you, Devizes!!!

Trending…..

YEA Devizes: DOCA New Youth Project

Devizes Outdoor Celebratory Arts announced their upcoming project, YEA Devizes today. Made possible by a grant from National Grid Electricity Transmissionโ€™s Community Grant Programme, theโ€ฆ

The Mist; New Single from Meg

Chippenhamโ€™s young folk singer-songwriter Meg, or M3G if you want to get numeric, will release her 6th single The Mist on Friday 18th October, andโ€ฆ

The Lucky Stars of The Radio Makers

Bristol-based The Radio Makers have laboured over their forthcoming album Lucky Stars (Got My Radio) for four years, and it shows; youโ€™ll find out for yourself how that toil has paid off on its release next Monday, 7th Augustโ€ฆโ€ฆ

Though decidedly new wave throughout, Lucky Stars begins as if weโ€™re retracing steps from punk to the new wave era. Reverberating vibes of post-punk the album kicks rock straight out at you; Edible Hearts is borderline punk, but the followup, Echoes immediately signifies that change to the new wave movement. Weโ€™ve gone from something which wouldnโ€™t look out of place on an eighties Joel Schumacher or Tim Burton soundtrack, to something perhaps more for John Hughes, in just two tunes. Going on this alone, Iโ€™m slouching back in my chair in anticipation for a substantial slice of retrospective goodness, and I got it.

Then, Jo-Jo slows the tempo, with subtle hints of goth drone, weโ€™re progressing through the era, with black eyeliner and a bottle of Chinazo, because thatโ€™s the only booze the woman we asked outside the off licence would buy for us! Now, if youโ€™ve been there, outcast youth of 88, attired for the Batcave, all is not lost to Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift; Song For Rainy Afternoons perhaps belts out the best hook so far, but by halfway through weโ€™re still plodding on a steady goth tempo. Girl Who Looks Like You surely confirms gothic dominance, sitting comfy somewhere between Killing Joke and Bauhaus. Stands to reason, Lucky Stars is produced by Steve Evansson who has worked with Siouxsie Sioux.

Recorded at EAM and NAM studios in Wiltshire, the Radio Makers describe their album as โ€œsongs about love, life and people,โ€ which fits like a glove into the kind of subject matter of the common prose of the genre. By subject, even if ironic, Iโ€™m a Poseur chants back into that Bowie glam punk, particularly noticeable on this wonderful bridge and slam back in, if thereโ€™s going to be a sing-a-long on this grower, itโ€™s this.

And then the title track comes across as being in the period all these new waves bands realised they needed some more Chinazo and had to aim for chart success. Never could they have dolloped the toilet doings of modern day pop, at the time, but as The Cure developed into the near-acceptable face of goth-rock, this turn in the album suggests to me that it has not been overlooked either. Itโ€™s no bad โ€œselling outโ€ type thing, in fact it bought the subgenre crashing a tsunami over the defensible face of new romanticism slush of a mainstream 1986, and for those who may have listened to Duran Duran, were now turning to Joy Division and Sisters of Mercy.

Course, youโ€™ll be totally engulfed by the eighth tune to concern yourself with pigeonholing; I only do it in a best attempt to define a sound, so you’ll have some idea of what you’re getting. Though I often felt like a window-shopper in this general genre, at the time, The Radio Makers is one of those bands which makes you realise the worth of the depths of a epoch, and wish, if you could travel back in time, youโ€™d be leatherman draped in velvet, with fishnet stockings and black painted fingernails! Talk About You, is a perfect example, a drifting ballad finale of precision and skill, and it polishes this moreish album adroitly. 

 A nimble and captivating pilgrimage to an era of yore, with compelling freshness; well played, indeed.

It will be available on CD and 12โ€ vinyl (from The Radio Makersโ€™ BandCamp page) and on all digital platforms. A mini launch tour takes them to Le Pub, Newport – Friday 4th August, Hen and Chicken, Bedminster, Bristol for the official album launch party on Saturday 5th August, with Deadlight Dance in support. Then at the Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon on Friday 11th August, Bristol HMV, Saturday 12th.

They play Box Rocks Festival at The Queens Head, Box on Monday 28th August, previewed here. Party in the Park, Filton, Bristol on Saturday 16th September, and appear at Bath HMV, on Saturday 23rd September.

Weekly Roundup of Events in Wiltshire: 2nd – 8th August 2023

August already, Christmas before you know it. I bet youโ€™ve done your Christmas shopping already, havenโ€™t you?! Me? I canโ€™t remember what I had for dinner yesterday. But I do have whatโ€™s happening across wonderful Wiltshire this coming week, and here it isโ€ฆ..

Usual gubbing, all the info and ticket links are on our jam packed event calendar, HERE, and you can plan ahead too. Any updates after today will also be put on there, so do check in later in the week too, as this is not exhaustive or comprehensive, or other such long words like that!

Do pay a visit to Wiltshire Museum, Devizes, for the Anna Dillon exhibition; reviewed here.

Wednesday 2nd:

The regular acoustic jam at The Southgate, Devizes.

Blackberry Wood at The Bell, Bath.

Thursday 3rd:

It is the annual Lawrence Art Society Exhibition at Devizes Town Hall, and congratulations to them, for it is their 70th year. Running until Saturday 5th August.

Emergency Awareness Training from Wiltshire Air Ambulance at Hillworth Park, Devizes.

Wilderness Festival near Chipping Norton opens, likewise does the Outcider Festival near Bristol.

Friday 4th:

Sound Affects are at The Pelican, Devizes.

Open Mic at the Barge, Honey Street.

Post 12 at the Queenโ€™s Tap, Swindon.

A paw-fect open-air theatre show for all the family, Dr Dolittle is at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon, followed by The Great Gatsby in the evening.

Whitesnake UK is at The Cheese & Grain.

Saturday 5th:

Curious Kids at Wiltshire Museum, Devizes

Womenโ€™s World Cup โ€“ Girls Football Tournament at Wiltshire FA Green Lane, Devizes

6 Oโ€™clock Circus at The Three Crowns, Devizes.

Chaz Thorogood Trio at The Southgate, Devizes.

People Like Us at The Lamb, Marlborough.

Cooperโ€™s Creek at the Crown, Aldbourne.

Jive Talkin Perform The Bee-Gees at The Neeld, Chippenham.

Editorโ€™s Pick of the Week, The Embrace All Festival at Old Town Bowl, Swindon, a festival open to all, but designed especially for people with disabilities. See the poster, previewed HERE, theyโ€™ve got some great acts and wow, it is such a wonderful idea too!

Rotten Aces at Queenโ€™s Tap, Swindon.

Fall From Ruin plus Our Last Goodbye at  the New Inn, Stratton, Swindon.

Rave Against The Regime at the Woodland Edge, Swindon.

The Dung Beatles at Chapel Arts, Bath.

Sunday 6th:

Jon Amor Trio at The Southgate, Devizes

Flats & Sharps at The Bell, Bath.

Courting Ghosts at The Electric Bar, Bath.

Monday 7th:

Devising Drama workshop at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon, and a Rock The Tots Summer Party too!

Summer at Queenโ€™s Park, Swindon has The Jabberwocky & Other Nonsense! From 2:00 pm โ€“ 4:00 pm.

Lady Noir at The Bell, Bath.

Tuesday 8th:

Fidgety Feet Dance & Drama at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.

Robin Hood at Old Town Bowl, Swindon.

The Kim Cypher Quartet are atJazz Knights in The Royal Oak, Swindon.

And thatโ€™s all I have so far, folks, but more will be added to the calendar throughout the week, Iโ€™m sure; have a great week!

Trending…..

Devizes Scooter Rally 2023

Have rally will travel; seemingly the scooterist’s motto, chatting to various friendly clubs nationwide, and individuals too, such as a dapper lone mod who rode up from Bridport on a three hour trek, while loitering with a pint of Thatchers in a field at Lower Farm on the Whistley Road. Overall, it’s more than fair to say, thanks to Devizes Scooter Club’s valiant and sedulous toil, Devizes is firmly on the map of must-do scooter ralliesโ€ฆ.ย 

It would, without this blossoming national appeal have been a massively lesser affair; scooter culture being niche and though a blanket term retrospectivelyย  incorporating mod, skinhead and punk subcultures, isn’t, perhaps, appealing to enough locally to have successfully created something on this grand scale. Those local aficionados, or even with a passing interest in the scene therefore are truly treated, as Devizes Scooter Rally this weekend was spectacular.

There’s various reasons for saying this; a hospitable atmosphere throughout the event from attendees and organisers, a controlled and diligent attitude to structure, the underlying notion you’re not going to get ripped off at the bar or elsewhere, a donation to The Devizes & District Opportunity Centre, a worthy charity indeed, a calculatedly perfect site design from bar, venue to campsite, a wide variety of side stalls, and an apt music programme of talented bands and DJs, but mostly, it was the combination of them all which made it as fantastic as it was.

41 Fords

I spent the finale late night moments with some of the club’s valid members, as they reviewed an overall of the weekend, discussing rights against possible improvements. And with expandable site potential, just how far the annual rally could blossom before it becomes less congenial. As such they’ve set the date for 2024, 26th-28th July; if you missed this weekend put it in your diary, if you went I’d imagine you already have!

Sharp Class

So, I rocked up to wet my whistle on Friday, eager to catch up with those Trowbridge rockabilly stalwarts, 41 Fords, and witness Brighton’s revitalised mod marvels Sharp Class. Being there was another day to come, and I wanted to see you there Saturday, I knocked up a quick review of it: HERE. Saturday though, I’m on Shanks’s pony and up for a party; which was delivered to me uncompromisingly.

Apologies, too late to catch The Butterfly Collective, but my arrival coincided with the Roughcut Rebels’ set. Haven’t seen them since Mark moved to pastures new, but Jimmy Moore makes for a great frontman stand-in for Finley, and it was business as usual for this locally renowned Britpop mod band who plucked covers, like Wonderwall, otherwise clichรฉ if not delivered by such an enthralling group from their extensive repertoire.ย 

Roughcut Rebels, with added Jimmy Moore!

Next up a rare treat, Cath and Gouldy concentrating rather on wider variated Day Breakers outfit, and folk duo Sound Affects, but to have them back under The Killertones guise both more apt for the occasion and a delightful return to their new-wave-two-tone covers set. It was as whatever guise they operate on, perfected and bewitching, with vast improvements from already proficient young drummer, Katy York.

The Killertones

There was me figuring they’d peaked too soon, after ska classics like Pressure Drop, to speed into uptempo two-tone, like The Specials’ Little Bitch and Rancid’s Timebomb, but a sublime set slid nicely into new wave, particularly adroit being The Chords’ Maybe Tomorrow; dammit if Gouldy didn’t go all Morten Harket on us with an offbeat Take on Me, such a rework finale left the crowd spellbound and me realising how much I’d missed these guys!

With Terry Hendrick’s Soul Pressure on the wheels of steel while the headliners set up, a fashion to see the rally into the wee hours, betwixt it regulars at the rally, the south-coast’s longest established ska ensemble Orange Street ripped the roof off.

Terry Hendrick

I could’ve predicted it such, but it didn’t affect the show’s infectious appeal. At an eight-piece complete with brass section, Orange Street are a highly capable homage to Jamaica’s “first national sound,” which infatuated the youths of sixties Jamaica, and thereafter spread worldwide through era-spanning waves. The second wave most memorable to Britain through Windrush exports appealing to mods; the tsunami known as Two-Tone. And to which the band rightfully nodded to, but also provided original engaging material which fits like a glove into such a set. 

Orange Street

The effect is akin to the attraction of the offbeat backwards shuffle, ska, which Prince Buster accidentally discovered during a recording session at Duke Reid’s studio Treasure Isle, not only reflects in the band name, the studio alongside Coxonne Doddโ€™s Studio One, both located on this legendary Kingston street, the equivalent of Nashvilleโ€™s Music Row for reggae, but also in their performance which kicked off with a interlude of Madness’s Buster tribute, The Prince. Though it wasn’t long before the opening medley flowed neatly into the Specials’ Dog the Dog, and thereafter the whole spectrum of ska UK chart hits from Bad Manners to The Beat.

While other similar bands attempt to fuse later reggae styles, punk, or general electronica, Orange Street remain faithful to the roots and are therefore a premium choice for an event like this, cradled by a culture nostalgically devoted to it too. And in such, the event is so encapsulating there’s a jollity in the air impossible to hide. Coupled with the wider appeal outside the atypical scooter rally, with this extended and blossoming setup which had taken the Scooter Club weeks to set up, this is rather of festival proportions and equally as brilliant. 

It only leads be to heartfeltly thank and congratulate The Devizes Scooter Club for bringing us another astounding event which offers diversity to our local music circuit, a jolly good beano, and also attracts nationwide fans to our areaโ€ฆeven if I’ve been hearing their hairdryers zipping back and forth the dual carriageway all weekend!!

Trending……

Autumn-Winter Comedy in Devizes

Comedy in Devizes is a rare thing, unless you count visitors turning right at the Shaneโ€™s Castle junction, reading opinions on the Devizes Issues (butโ€ฆ

Forestry Operations Due to Start at West Woods

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 Marchโ€ฆ

Swindon Gets Shuffling!

Despite the population of Devizes throwing confetti and paint at each other in their most celebrated annual ritual, I believe I picked the right weekendโ€ฆ

Devizes Scooter Rally Revs Up

First day back from my holibobs and though duties are to unpack and cut the flying ant infested grass, twist my arm, I reckon I can squeeze in a trek down the Whistley Road. Usually just a rat trap you take at your own risk, this weekend is home to hundreds of camping scooteristsโ€ฆ.

Devizes Scooter Club’s third Scooter Rally and things are looking exceptionally organised. Post-lockdown they set up here last year, relatively a slighter thing than this weekend, I understand. If you consider this a niche market, Devizes Scooter Rally has a festival feel, scooter enthusiasts have gathered from afar, but not to make it feel insular, Devizes Scooter Club invites locals too, and has laid on a shuttle bus from The Pelican; they certainly pull out the stocks.

There’s an extensive campsite, with showers, and stalls are plentiful from Jamaican food to clothes and scooter essentials. Fish n chips to brownies and parkas to engine oil surround a large marquee for a northern soul to ska disco, dispersed with some live acts.

From the music tent extends a plentiful seating area which flows nicely to the bar; the effect is functional and professionally designed; especially given this unpredictable British summer climate. It’s an impressive sight, dammit if they havenโ€™t even got a pool table in there!

Day one done, this is going to go off tonight too. But for now we were treated to the wildcard, Trowbridge’s finest purveyors of feelgood rockabilly, 41 Fords. They never fail to enthuse the party, and if rockabilly isn’t usually on the agenda at a scooter rally, their infectious assortment of covers always raises a smile and taps a foot.

Headlining is Brighton-based Sharp Class, a young trio of highly accomplished Jam-like aficionados, and with fire in their hearts and an enthusiasm to mimic the mod culture they can effectively slip in a few akin originals between covers of The Jam and Clash, to Spencer Davis and The Kinks and make them not look misplaced. Sharp Class is a show of pure energy, verging on a tribute, though slyly original too, adroitly slipping between the two and hardly coming up for air.

Today’s (Saturday 29th July) lineup doubles the fun, The Butterfly Collective are on at 2pm, with our own The Roughcut Rebels at 6pm, Swindon favourites with added Sound Affects Cath & Gouldy,ย  The Killertones from 7:45pm and the grand finale of one of the finest contemporary ska bands on the circuit, Orange Street. Then, naturally the Soul Pressure sound system, including legendary Northern soul DJ Terry Hendrick takes it to the wee hours, and Saturday all nighter tickets are a snip at ยฃ15, so polish your boots and give me some of that old moonstomping!

Weekly New Songs Roundup

Ah, let us have a shiny new feature, being Iโ€™m trying to keep up with all the lovely new songs coming out, and failing because Iโ€™m putting them as individual articles when I could be rolling them into one, maximising my productivity and giving me some breathing space! Hereโ€™s a selection of tracks recently out or forthcoming from our bank of local talent!

Ruzz Guitar Blues Revue: 10-31

Staggering new track from Ruzz and the Blues Revue, featuring Chris Smith and Brian Fahey. Available worldwide on all download and streaming services from June 10th.

The Two Man Travelling Medicine Show: I’m So Angry I Could Vote

Punky folky bluegrass shenanigans โ€ฆ hereโ€™s the new single, from Dorset’s finest, The Two Man Travelling Medicine Show; I’m So Angry I Could Vote! Available from Weds 16th August.

Deadlight Dance: Infectious

Infectious is the third single from Deadlight Dance, a Wiltshire, UK-based ’80s alternative/goth duo compromised of Nick Fletcher and Tim Emery. The song was written by Deadlight Dance, and produced by Nick Beere and Deadlight Dance at Mooncalf Studios. The video was made by Haunting The Atom. The zombie shots in the news report were produced by Cottonbro Studio.

William The Conqueror: Shots Fired (From Heaven) 

Okay you got me, not local, but coming to Marlbrough tomorrow, via Sound Knowledge, preview here. From the album ‘Excuse Me While I Vanish’ – out now https://wtc.lnk.to/EMWIVID

The Sunnies: Relapse

Just out, and added last minute, Melksham’s finest indie-punkers, The Sunnies have dropped Relapse, check it out!

https://open.spotify.com/album/1tw2mRSt5nAsVxyCoV1ELK

If we missed one, please send it to us and it will make the next Weekly New Songs Roundup, pinky promise… today’s was just a little experimental prototype and besides, I’m off out in a minute, honest guv!!

Trending…..

Wiltshire Council to Trial Street Art Wall in Melksham

Dope Wiltshire Council keepin’ it realz n ting, piloting a new legal art wall in Melksham to give artists the opportunity to showcase their talent without vandalising property; have we entered a new era for the county council, or a parallel universe?! Did they sustain a head injury breakdancing at County Hall?! Like, whatever, it’sโ€ฆ

Darren Worrow's avatar by Darren Worrow

Have Your Say on Forestry Englandโ€™s Future Plans for West Woods and Collingbourne Woodland

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 will be managed over the next 10 years to provide sustainably grown timber for the nation, promote public access for informal recreation, and improve habitats for wildlifeโ€ฆ. The main aim for West Woods,โ€ฆ

Darren Worrow's avatar by Darren Worrow

Devizes International Blues Festival in January

Benefits of having a Mayor who runs a blues club! Devizes blues fans get a late but great Christmas present when Mayor Ian Hopkins brings us this peach, a Devizes International Blues Festival on Saturday January 18th at the Corn Exchange; this news should warm you up! “This is the biggest show I have everย putโ€ฆ

Darren Worrow's avatar by Darren Worrow

Who Knows, RAE?

With my boat sailing unchartered territory on this voyage of discovery for local talented youth, the rabbit hole continues deeper the further we network and rare findings simply keep coming, and today is no exception; singer-songwriter RAE is something rather specialโ€ฆ.

At seventeen, Corsham-based RAE most recently played Chippenham Pride, where she duetted with Jarret Brown of Melkshamโ€™s upcoming-now-household name The Sunnies. The tune is called PJโ€™s, and it features on her own self-penned debut four-track EP, Who Knows, which was launched early last month.

Thereโ€™s subtle innocence in Raeโ€™s acoustic opener, Do You Want Me Too? Simplicity is the key, capturing this truckload of potential in Raeโ€™s delivery, and the ghostly musing of youthful romantic doubt. Thereโ€™s even a studio moment of discussion left in, to create that personal touch. This is followed by the aforementioned duet with Jarret, PJโ€™s. Here is where Raeโ€™s ability to compose the perfect acoustic ballad shines, clearly thereโ€™s a lot of thought and emotion wrapped in the beguiling chorus, and those verses are sublimely crafted.

Title track comes next, again dealing with mixed young romance emotions, a steady tempo enchants you, RAE knows precisely how to pluck the heartstrings. Yet the finale, I Hope U Donโ€™t Miss Me is moderately uptempo by comparison, the moreish peach of the EP, the catch of which will have you chanting along, guaranteed, and as it fades you are left hanging cold, wanting more.    

It left me more than pleasantly surprised; thereโ€™s a sparkle here, like tasting iced sparkling spring water, with a slice of lemon, when you thought you were about to drink tap water! On Raeโ€™s Soundcloud thereโ€™s also a cover of Niall Horanโ€™s Heaven, which she puts her own stamp on; though this captures the skill of her delivery, through her own intelligently drafted lyrics, this EP goes the extra mile. Something about the clarity in a voice and guitar combo which is the raw essence of talent, and Rae has this natural bewitching ability to make you stop and listen.

As we continue sailing, to discover more locally-based talent, Rae is one you may have overlooked, but I urge you to anchor up and take a concentrated listen, as I tingle with anticipation at what she will produce next, for Who Knows is a wonderful and highly accomplished starting block. Do please have a listen, and tell me it’s not just me!!

LinkTree to RAE Music 

Trending…..

Deadlight Dance New EP Chapter & Verse

Marlborough gothic duo Deadlight Dance are due to release an EP of new material. Itโ€™s called Chapter & Verse and itโ€™ll be out onโ€ฆ

Going on a Michael Rosen Hunt at The Cheese & Grain!

By Florence Lee

To be able to capture the attention of an age group from little children and grumpy teens to parents and even grandparents is not something that everyone can do. But Michael Rosen is not just everyone.….

He was completely charismatic and had the audience in stitches for his whole show. He grew up surrounded by education, learning, and books, as his parents were primary and secondary school teachers. As he told the audience, when he was younger, he had โ€˜three parents.โ€™ His mum, dad, and then his older brother, Brian. Brian is older than him by four years, and liked to tell him about his day at school, but also teach him everything he had learnt. Rosen shared the memory of sitting in their shared room whilst his brother would imitate their father at the breakfast table. Within seconds, the whole room was lit up with laughter.

No one was sat without a smile on their face. His impression was animated and came to life as soon as his mouth opened. Everyone was transported into a world of childhood memories.

Michael was born in London and came from a family that was filled with love. He was always interested in writing. He wrote poems for his mother to help her when he came back home from university, and these poems were collected to make his first book. His father was always a bit of a performer, but Michael only found out that he was a performer after writing his first book: โ€˜Mind Your Own Business.โ€™ He was put in front of around 300 children and completely changed his way of thinking while these 300 kids sang his poem in rhythms and sounds; it was a new way of writing poems.

It was clear to see that as soon as Michael stepped out onto the stage, he wanted to get to know his audience and fans. He instantly pointed out people eating โ€˜Hariboโ€™sโ€™ in the front row and got to know โ€˜Henry,โ€™ a young fan eagerly watching for his next joke. Rosen then introduced himself as Michael Raisin and asked the audience questions about their opinions on raisins. Everyone, once again, was laughing as soon as he made a joke.

Michael talked about how he named his books and told stories about people asking him what it was called and having to reply, โ€˜Mind Your Own Business.โ€™ This caused an eruption in the hall, but he continued to when people asked him about his second book. This time, he would say โ€˜Wouldnโ€™t You Like To Know,โ€™ and getting the response: โ€˜Yes, I would like to know.โ€™
Not only did he interact by talking to the audience, but he also made the audience speak and act out his poems with simple movements. Even โ€˜the dads.โ€™

His captivating poems had everyone doing exactly as he said. As I said earlier, capturing everyoneโ€™s attention is a very hard thing to do, but it seems to me that Michael did it with ease. Had Michael not gone into writing, stand-up comedy would have suited him perfectly. If anyone has the chance to spend an hour with this enthralling author, donโ€™t hesitate to go. You will not regret it.

Box Rocks; Spend August Bank Holiday Monday in Box?

Not a typo, even if my irritating grammar check says it’s so, and not ruling out some might like to spend bank holiday Monday “in a box;” each to their own. But Box Rocks, at the Queen’s Head, in Box is an institution, and this year is looking decidedly temptingโ€ฆ..

Forever a bank holiday Monday thing, Box Rocks actually started on Whitsun in 1994. The idea, concocted over a few drinks between like-minded musicians, was to perform a charity gig on the roof overlooking the gardens and car park at The Queens Head in Box; their very own Apple HQ, Savile Row!  

The First Box Rocks, 1994!

โ€œAfter the first few years,โ€ they tell, โ€œwe were advised that putting musicians and alcohol eight feet in the air was not the best idea, so we moved the stage into the garden at ground level!โ€

In 2002, due to the Queen’s Golden Jubilee, it was shifted to the August Bank Holiday, and due to its blossoming attraction, moved to the carpark, where it remains to this day, with the slogan โ€œ8 bands over 8 hours.โ€

Over the years Box Rocks has raised thousands of pounds for the RUH Forever Friends appeal and other local charities, the past couple raising over ยฃ7,000 for Dorothy House. 

Danni W

But enough of the history, Box Rocks goes ahead come rain or shine, on Monday 28th August this year, itโ€™s a fiver or more donation to the Dorothy House on the gate, no animals except guide dogs, only food and drink purchased on the grounds and under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.

Nothing Rhymes With Orange

And the lineup is looking a little something like this: from 2pm the Phoenix River Band kick off, 3pm is Danni W, whose album we recently fondly reviewed but yet to catch live, Tom Petty homage, Petty Minded from 4pm, a fine choice, sirs, Nothing Rhymes With Orange take the 5pm slot, followed by The Sunnies, indie-punkers similarly taking the Sham by storm, and From Jovi at 7pm, which may/may not be a tribute act!

The Sunnies

After dinner, those fantastic Bristolian new wavers The Radio Makers at 8pm, still got their forthcoming album to review, Iโ€™m getting to it, honest! And a finale of Fleetwood Mac, with Fleetwoodโ€™s Back. So, yeah, might catch you there, if they let me out of my box.

Trending….

Fulltone Confirmed For 2025 in Devizes

The Fulltone Orchestra has confirmed today that their annual festival will take place on The Green in Devizes from 25th โ€“ 27th July 2025โ€ฆ. โ€œItโ€™sโ€ฆ

Get ‘Lifted’ by Chandra

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-punkโ€ฆ

Local Book Review: Dadโ€™s New Dress

Spent most of Pride month, and the following month too (what? Iโ€™m a slow reader and a busy chap!) reading an apt book, given toโ€ฆ

Some Days with Paul Lappin

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 aroundโ€ฆ

Nothing Rhymes With Orange Release New Single Monday, on Monday!

Rapping on this today, because Devizes young heroes Nothing Rhymes With Orange unleash their latest catchy banger, Monday, tomorrow, which is coincidently or not, a Monday, and we all know Mondays are a load of old tosh and if we had a half decent government Mondays would be banned by now, and being itโ€™s Monday I doubt I’ll get time to mention it then, because itโ€™s Monday, which is kind of what this indie-punk treat is aboutโ€ฆ..

I could direct the bandโ€™s attention to Smiley Lewis, who prior to The Boomtown Rats, New Order and The Bangles, had a single whinging about Mondays way back in 1954, and note the though the concept is far from new, Nothing Rhymes With Orange are not only the first to reference a Greggs steak bake in a song about Monday, but also, Smiley Lewis or none of the above ever drooled on their mate while sleeping on the bus, as far as history books reveal.

The band tells us the tune has โ€œmore of an indie-punk sound, a step away from the softer indie-rock of previous tracks and weโ€™re exploring this genre with more songs of a similar style.โ€ Though the subtle difference will, and does already, encourage the live audience into a frenzy at the bridge, to consider such may not be as commercially viable is to note it was the track picked up and played by BBC Introducing this month. Canโ€™t blame them really, itโ€™s a brilliant tune.

โ€œThe inspiration for our new single, โ€˜Monday’, came about when we were chatting about the โ€˜Monday morning dreadโ€™,  when you wake up tired and everything goes wrong,โ€ they explain, though you could effectively walk into a lamppost on any other day, you can bet your bottom dollar it will be on a Monday, but Iโ€™m afraid, when it comes to pastries, you get what you pay for, boys; believe me, Iโ€™m something of an expert on them.

Image:ย Kiesha Films.

Timeworn romance topics can be a stable subject, but something which drops in some light-hearted humour itโ€™s more often than not a chicken dinner, particularly within their genre. I pray you’ll recall Wheatus for Teenage Dirtbag rather than A Little Respect, or Foundations of Wayne for Staceyโ€™s Mom rather than Someone’s Gonna Break Your Heart.

It sure is a great tune, with a lot of work gone into it, despite the festival season in full flight, and the band have certainly been gathering appeal and pushing new geographical boundaries, with 30K streams across all platforms. Still to come, theyโ€™re live on hometown Fantasy Radio from The Crown in Devizes on 24th August, and a couple of summer festivals remain, Honey Fest and Box Rocks. They also play The Pump on 1st September, The Lamb, Marlborough the next day, their self promoted gig at Devizes The Corn Exchange on the 10th, and its onto Moles in Bath, and weโ€™re looking at 15th December for them to make their debut at the trusty Southgate. 

Pre-save Monday, for Monday, HERE!

Trending…….

Imberbus is running this Saturday !

Following on from last monthโ€™s email, this is a final reminder that yearโ€™s Imberbus service will be running this coming Saturday โ€“ 17th August 2024.โ€ฆ

Marlborough, I’ve Seen Your Pants

โ€œWe can’t stop here. This is Tory country,โ€ I chuckled while fiercely yanking the handbrake, as if Dr Gonzo was in the car. We canโ€ฆ

Ruzz Up The Gate!

I was intending to start this along the lines of โ€œyou don’t need me to provide another reason why I love The Southgate,โ€ but thisโ€ฆ

Weekly Roundup of Events in Wiltshire: 26th July – 1st August 2023

Hereโ€™s what weโ€™ve found to be doing locally this coming week into August alreadyโ€ฆtake a raincoat for this is British summer time, yay!

Hereโ€™s a thing, all the info and ticket links are on our jam packed event calendar, HERE, and you can plan ahead too. Any updates after today will also be put on there, so do check in later in the week too, as this is not exhaustive or comprehensive, or other such long words like that!

Ongoing through the month, Marlborough Open Studios, countywide artist open studios, where you can invite yourself  into many artistโ€™s homes for free to see their work and what biscuits they have! Open Studios runs on the first four weekends in July between 11am and 5pm.

Do pay a visit to Wiltshire Museum, Devizes, for the Anna Dillon exhibition; reviewed here.

Ongoing until Sunday, the Westbury Festival continues until 30th July, with lots going on there.

Wednesday 26th:

The regular acoustic jam at The Southgate, Devizes, and Negra Santa at The Bell, Bath.

Thursday 27th:

Jam Night at the Boathouse, Bradford-on-Avon.

The Beware of the Bull show, An Audience Without Jake Thackray, which you might have seen in Pewsey, is at Chapel Arts in Bath.

The ELO Experience at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.

And festivals kicking off are Womad near Malmesbury (27th-30th) and the same dates for Camp Bestival near Lulworth;  you lucky lot! 

Friday 28th:

Ah, Editorโ€™s pick of the week, Devizes Scooter Rally 2023 all weekend. The Scooter Club are saying the date for pre-order tickets has passed, but you can pay on the gate, except for overnight campervans and caravans, which must have been pre-booked. Friday has 41 Fords and Sharp Class, Saturday The Butterfly Collective, Roughcut Rebels, The Killertones, and Orange Street. Previewed HERE.

Devizes Town Hall has a magic night with Chris Hiscock.

The other biggie is Trowbridge Festival at Southwick, only a few ticket options left for this now, so get in quick.

Jaspreet Singh: With Love, Jaspreet at Swindon Arts Centre, The Daybreakers at The Vic, Good Times at the Queens Tap, and The Dukeโ€™s Theatre Company presents Twelfth Night Summer Tour at Old Town Bowl.

Billy in the Lowground at the Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.

R.E.M by Stipe at the Tree House, Frome.

Saturday 29th:

Dylan Smith at The Southgate, Devizes, Midnight Hour at The Three Crowns.

William The Conqueror has an instore at Sound Knowledge in Marlborough, with an intimate gig at St. Peterโ€™s Church. Miles Kane is at Marlborough Town Hall, and Barrelhouse are at The Bear. Reggae Garden Party at The Pelican in Froxfield.

Spiritual medium Mitch Garlington at Melksham Assembly Hall.

Calne Bike Meet 2023.

The Last Baguette: Pandoraโ€™s Box at Pound Arts, Corsham.

People Like Us at Prestbury Sports Bar, Warminster.

In The Night Garden at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon, and also running on Sunday. 

Sophia & The Soul Rebels at The Moonrakers, Swindon, Shades of Seattle at The Vic, and Rotten Aces at the Woodland Edge.

LCassidy, Backsy MOC + MissFaithee (Situationships) at St Margaret’s Hall in Bradford On Avon, Us-Two at The Boathouse. 

The Dom Harrison Dilemma at The Bell, Bath.

Metallica Reloaded at The Cheese & Grain, Frome.

Sunday 30th:

Pims in the Park at Lydiard Park, Swindon, a great Julia House fundraiser, with some great bands including our favs Talk in Code, Sarah C Ryan, NoMiddle Ground and N/SH.

Monday 31st:

Mal Webb & Kylie Morrigan at The Bell, Bath.

Tuesday 1st:

Rock The Tots are at Old Town Bowl, Swindon.

Thatโ€™s all I have for now, but early days, and more will come in, so pay attention to our updating event calendar, and follow our socials for updates and new stuff to do, rather than relying on me editing this, because I rarely get time for it! Have a great week!

Subject A Takes us to Paradise

Whatโ€™s four years between releasing new material?! We fondly reviewed Subject Aโ€™s album Writerโ€™s Eyes back in 2019; theyโ€™ve a new single out this week, and itโ€™s worth the waitโ€ฆ.

The brainchild of Swindonโ€™s finest purveyors of everything offbeat, pianist Erin Bardwell and bassist Dean Sartain, Subject A is the experimental dub project you need to take heed of. This new double A starts with a mellowed and gorgeous electronica dub track, Paradise. Much in the vein of Massive Attack and the nineties Bristol trip hop scene, with the definite nod to reggae, as in what Oxfordโ€™s Zaia are putting out. So, equally as weโ€™re geographically in between Bristol and Oxford, so too is this uniquely Swindon sound!

Starter for ten is the ambience of this aptly named tune, provided through a firm collective of Rachael Birkinโ€™s Viola, Harki Popliโ€™s Tabla (who we know from Will LawtonandtheAlchemists,) and these dreamy vocals and flute of Heather O’Neill; the result is sublime. Add regular drummer Matty Bane to Erinโ€™s keys and Deanโ€™s bass, and all you need to complete the effect is subtle brass, a trumpet, provided by Colin Berry.

The final track is a dub of Paradise, which levels up the reggae tip, reminding me of when the Mad Professor went to work on Massive Attackโ€™s albums. But nestled in-between is an outside chance called The Bottle, a gem of upbeat ska-fuelled dub, perhaps more Mungoโ€™s Hi-Fi than Massive Attack, but most certainly a nod back to their Two-Tone roots; this is the Specials in modern day format, it skanks, itโ€™s irresistibly danceable, and with vocals by Neil Sartain it simply has that floorfiller appeal and shows the diversity of Subject A. Recoded at Earthworm, this is a peach!

Trending…..

Sing Another Love Song with Rosie Jay

Second impressive single from young Salisbury singer-songwriter Rosie Jay is released today. Sing Another Love Song; a sound of the summerโ€ฆ.. Her debut breakup trackโ€ฆ

Cotswold Water Park to be Renamed

Here’s a prime example as to why I could never be a councillor….. Cotswold District Council will vote on changing the name of Cotswold Waterโ€ฆ

Devizes Scooter Rally Rules, OK?!

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 withโ€ฆ

Matchbox Mutiny; Ben Borrill & Pat Wardโ€™s New Duo Debut at The Gate

If youโ€™ve caught either brilliant local soloist, Ben Borrill or Pat Ward performing live in the past, youโ€™ll understand what welcomed news it is that the pair have formed a duo called Matchbox Mutiny, and their debut gig is at the Southgate, Devizes, this Saturday 22nd Julyโ€ฆ..

Iโ€™m lucky enough to have been at the beginning of one eveningโ€™s acoustic jam sesh, which happens every Wednesday at the Southgate, where prior to others turning up, Ben and Pat played together for a while, so I know this will be a great match. I offered, at the time, to play the triangle, but Iโ€™m still waiting for that phone call!

The duo will be putting their acoustic spin on various covers, and they have more than a few classics in their arsenal. So best of luck with it guys, Saturday night at the Southgate. Thereโ€™s a double-whammy in this, that Jamie R Hawkins will be filling in for Benโ€™ regular slot at the Moonrakers that evening; spoiled for choice, Devizons!

Show Matchbox Mutiny some Facebook lovinโ€™ HERE, and though I cannot make it unfortunately, if thereโ€™s anyone able to scribe a paragraph or three about it we would welcome your contribution, as Iโ€™m sure youโ€™re in for a great night!

Trending…..

The Next Season at the Wharf Theatre

Featured image byย Chris Watkins Autumn, finish your ice lolly, as we need to to start thinking about it! Our wonderful, one and only, theatre inโ€ฆ

A Perfect Picnic in the Park

A perfect sunny(ish) Sunday at Hillworth Park in Devizes, if not to overcome one’s fear of public speaking while dressed in a giraffe onesie andโ€ฆ

The Future Sound of Trowbridge; The Pump Calls for Young Talent

The Pump in Trowbridge, is a music venue called such because it is a renovated pump room, but I always like to think the pump disambiguation should also be a metaphor for the heart, for it is the heart of live music in our county town, and it sure has a lot of love to give!

Iโ€™m delighted today to be able to announce the Pumpโ€™s search for the next generation of Trowbridge’s best and brightest musical stars, and theyโ€™re naming it The Future Sound of Trowbridge!

Already renowned for their unrivalled and at times blistering live music experience, The Pump is hoping to continue to inspire and educate the next generation of music stars, by offering our venue and platform. Giving young people the agency and opportunity to present and perform their music and art to their peers, in a professional environment.

Skill level and performance length arenโ€™t an issue; But the desire to get upย and perform is essential! The Pump will provide an exceptionally safe space for people to perform in, with expert help at hand to assist any musician through their technicalย requirements to be in the best possible position to perform their music live!

Now, I always figured if any local venue has done most to encourage youth already, itโ€™s been The Pump. Sheer Musicโ€™s promoter, Kieran Moore, tells me, โ€œbe that as it may, we want to formalise it in the shape of a project, and here it is!โ€

โ€œThere are no limits on the style, type or size of the music,โ€ he continued, โ€œwe aim to unearth what latent talent we have in Trowbridge and offer the opportunity to SHINE!โ€

You could be the next pioneer of the spoons, an aspiring violinist or an Avantgarde psych rock, pedal noodler. You could even be a rapper or DJ. The options are limitless, but the opportunity is here and now!

You must be aged between 14 and 25, and not already in an established* band. 

Pre-existing local musicians will be able to perform.

There are also opportunities for those who wish to be involved with the delivery of the events. Aspiring sound engineers or lighting engineers are welcome to contact The Pump.

You may be a photographer, or zine writer or blogger. You may be a graphic designer. All of these skills are valued and can be explored and developed with your peers, to gain experience and contribute to your community! 

More information can be found at;

http://www.thepumptrowbridge.co.uk/ or you can email:ย 

thepumptrowbridge@gmail.com

The first event has already been confirmed, with young indie hopefuls Nothing Rhymes With Orange set to perform on Friday 1st September, with a line up including more young musicians from the area.

The Future of Rock and Roll is in your hands, the future of Music is YOU!

Trending……

The Pleasure was all Minety!

Broke my Minety Music Festival cherry, and it was gurt lush! When it comes to live music and festivals, I initially set a high bar.โ€ฆ

DOCA Picnicing in the Park!

With the unfortunate cancellation of Devizes International Street Festival this year due to Arts Council cuts, all eyes are on our wonderful Hillworth Park nextโ€ฆ

Michelle Gonelan Makes History

Last political rant from me for a while, given all that happened today, pinky promise! Hitler shot himself, then, as requested, he was doused inโ€ฆ

MantonFest Magic, Again

With the danceable penultimate act attracting a packed crowd, I observed a young teenager, who, on spotting a disregarded beer bottle, picked it up andโ€ฆ

Girls Like That at Devizesโ€™ Wharf Theatre Opens Tomorrowย 

What if I told you the forthcoming production at the Wharf Theatre in Devizes was staged by the Wharf’s own Youth Theatre Group? Would you preconceive it to be akin to a school production? Would you assume it amateurish, or immature? Girls Like That is none of the above, I was invited to a sneaky preview dress rehearsal type thingy, and it’s complex, multi-layered and poignantly provocativeโ€ฆ.

I left the Wharf contemplating the model protagonist versus antagonists is ambiguously played out here, as the centre of attention, due to a lewd photograph of her going viral, Scarlet, played wonderfully by Chloe Lagden, is silent throughout the majority of the play, and until the closing scene where she lays it thick on the line; the layers of blame, of victim of circumstance, and the harassing group banter leaves a bitter taste of irony, of who is right and who are wrong.

Even the title remains questionable once the play has concluded; does the โ€œgirls like thatโ€ refer to the Scarlets of this world, and their terrible mistakes, or her peers who seem determined to gossip and spread hearsay through their outrage at what she did? I remain undecided, but an open-ended play is favourable if you wish to leave with deliberations about your own social engagements, which it certainly does. Face it, we never truly grow out of our malicious adolescent craving to better ourselves by putting others down, and I only said that because my dad is a black belt in karate!

Of course, it focuses on contemporary methods of harassing, online, but there’s interesting monologues dividing the present day, of twenty year gapped reminiscences, examples of masculine abuse and inequality, which though you assume are only there for an insight to past techniques of humiliation and how they differ or are similar to today’s, there’s a twist at the conclusion to roll them nicely into the narrative…. not forgoing, elders in the audience will love the cultural reverences I’d suspect the actresses would need to Google!

The nine other young actresses, Scarletโ€™s frenemies, each play their parts of equal substance, as if they were made for them. I pondered if they each took reflection from this on their own actions, or this is the superb direction from renowned director Lou Cox, or more likely a bit of both. But one thing I am sure of, the cast; Samantha Scott, Bea Yates, Eloise Bromley, Darcey Oswin, Megan Hughes, Pip Aldridge, Jess Harding, Jess Worrow, and Lisa Grimes, together with Chloe, play utterly convincing parts with gusto and actuality.

There’s subtly placed humour too, satirical and black, and it’s easy to see now how Girls Like That was named best play for young audiences at the Writersโ€™ Guild of Great Britain Awards in 2015, though I would argue with strong language and passionately delivered prose, here is a story to leave an impression on the most hardened adult mind equally.

Clogs and stilettos this play, for me, because being an honest reviewer, anyone who requests a nudie photo of me must either be criminally insane or a director filming a whole new level of twisted horror-comedy; walking in someone else’s shoes is most effective when they’re an entirely different style of shoe. Even if you cannot relate to the circumstance presented in Girls Like That, I believe there’s a moral there for us all, as the naivety of the characters mature, the nature of gossip and backbiting never really fades through age, it just gets more complex and crafty. Ergo, anyone, a victim, perpetrator or both will identify with this gritty, reality-driven play, but all will relish in its gorgeous portrayal.

The popularity of recognisable shows at theatres in general, means previous performances at our wonderful Wharf Theatre, such as The Railway Children, can be taken as red, whereas something lesser-known like this you have to take a chance. Iโ€™m only here to express my thoughts, and would humbly suggest Girls Like That displays the diversity of performances the Wharf are willing to put on, and you will leave breath-taken.

Well done to Lou and her team of aspiring, and indeed, inspiring actors at the Wharf Theatre Youth Group, itโ€™s marvellous!

Girls Like That starts tomorrow, Thursday 20th July, and runs until Saturday 22nd. Shows at 7:30pm, tickets are from ยฃ10, from the Wharf website HERE, or from the Box Office on; 0333 666 3366.

Trending…….

Devizes Arts Festival Rules, OK?!

Alas, it’s been a long week since the Devizes Arts Festival called time. It feels a little like when my Dad would take the Christmasโ€ฆ

Weโ€™re Going on a Bear Hunt to The Cheese & Grain!

The first day of the school summer holidays will be marked with a very special performance at The Cheese & Grain in Frome, with one of the worldโ€™s best-selling childrenโ€™s authors and poet, Michael Rosen, on Monday 24th Julyโ€ฆโ€ฆ

With over 140 books published to his name, including the classics โ€œWeโ€™re Going on a Bear Huntโ€ and  โ€œA Great Big Cuddleโ€, plus 55 million views on his YouTube Channel โ€˜Kids Poems and Stories with Michael Rosen’; the Number 1 selling children’s author is all set to come to the Cheese and Grain. 

Recently seen on BBC Breakfast and The Repair Shop, the visit also follows Rosen receiving the prestigious PEN Pinter Prize just last week, an award honoured to those whose work is committed to a fearless exposition of truth about contemporary life. 

Michael Rosen is one of Britainโ€™s best loved writers and performance poets for children and adults. His first degree was from Wadham College, Oxford and he went on to study for an MA and a PhD. He is currently Professor of Childrenโ€™s Literature at Goldsmiths, University of London where he co-devised and teaches an MA in Childrenโ€™s Literature. 

Michael is also a popular broadcaster and has presented BBC Radio 4โ€™s acclaimed programme about language, โ€œWord of Mouthโ€ since 1998, as well as regularly presenting documentary programmes for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Radio 3, including the Sony Gold Award-winning โ€œOn Saying Goodbyeโ€. 

Michael has published in the region of 200 books for children and adults, including โ€œThe Sad Bookโ€ with Quentin Blake (Walker Books) – a meditation on bereavement written after the loss of his son, Eddie; โ€œWeโ€™re Going on a Bear Huntโ€ with Helen Oxenbury (Walker Books) – made into an animated film for Channel 4 broadcast Christmas Day 2016 – and โ€œA Great Big Cuddleโ€ with Chris Riddell (Walker Books) . His poetry for adults includes โ€œDonโ€™t Mention the Childrenโ€ (Smokestack) and โ€œSelected Poemsโ€ (Penguin). Non-fiction work for adults includes โ€œGood Ideas: How to Be Your Childโ€™s (and Your Own) Best Teacherโ€ (John Murray), โ€œThe Disappearance of Emile Zola, Love, Literature and the Dreyfus Caseโ€ (Faber), and his memoir โ€œSo They Call You Pisher!โ€ (Verso). 

He has written a book for children and teachers on writing poetry โ€˜What is Poetry?โ€™ (Walker Books) and has done three booklets for teachers on writing and reading. These are available through his website http://www.michaelrosen.co.uk. He writes up a monthly news page on the website and a blog for teachers giving ideas for writing. 

Michael writes a monthly open โ€œletterโ€ to the Secretary of State for Education in The Guardian where he critiques Government policy on schools from the standpoint of a parent. He visits schools, teachersโ€™ conferences and university teacher training departments where he is in demand to give performances, workshops and keynote addresses. He also appears regularly at literary festivals all over the UK and Ireland. 

Michael has received several honorary awards, including degrees from the Open University, the University of Exeter, the University of London Institute of Education and the University of East London/Tavistock and Portman NHS Trust. For outstanding contribution to childrenโ€™s literature he received the Eleanor Farjeon Award and was Childrenโ€™s Laureate 2007-2009. In recognition of his contribution to the profile of French culture in the UK, he was made Chevalier de lโ€™Ordre des Arts et des Lettres. 

There are two shows on 24th July:

Show 1 doors at 10.30am – TICKETS

Show 2 doors at 13.30pm – TICKETS

Info: www.cheeseandgrain.com

Trending…..

Talk in Code are All In for New Single

Swindon indie pop virtuosos Talk in Code released their brand new single, All In, Yesterday, via Regent Street Records. And We. Love. Talk in Codeโ€ฆ

Weekly Roundup of Events in Wiltshire: 19th – 25th July 2023

Is thisโ€ฆ..is thisโ€ฆ.summer, pray tell?! Hereโ€™s what weโ€™ve found to be doing locally this coming weekโ€ฆโ€ฆ

Hereโ€™s a thing, all the info and ticket links are on our jam packed event calendar, HERE, and you can plan ahead too. Any updates after today will also be put on there, so do check in later in the week too, as this is not exhaustive or comprehensive, or other such long words like that!

Ongoing through the month, Marlborough Open Studios, countywide artist open studios, where you can invite yourself  into many artistโ€™s homes for free to see their work and what biscuits they have! Open Studios runs on the first four weekends in July between 11am and 5pm.

Do pay a visit to Wiltshire Museum, Devizes, for the Anna Dillon exhibition; reviewed here.

Ongoing until Sunday, the Westbury Festival continues until Sunday, with lots going on there.

Wednesday 19th:

The regular acoustic jam at The Southgate, Devizes.

Memory Cinema at Swindon Arts Centre screening Goodnight, Mr. Tom, this for anyone who suffers dementia, and their carers. Tea & Tour of Wyvernโ€™s Spotlight Room in Swindon.

A Craig Crofton Quartet at The Bell, Bath.

Thursday 20th:

Girls Like That opens at The Wharf Theatre, Devizes, The Wharf Youth Theatre presents this, directed by Lou Cox and running until Saturday 22nd. If Iโ€™m rushing out this weekโ€™s roundup, it is because Iโ€™m off to the dress rehearsal, so please look for a review of it tomorrow!

Amadeus Orchestra at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.

Peter and the Test Tube Babies at the Tree House, Frome, The Bluetones at the Cheese & Grain.

Shades of Silver at The Tuppenny, Swindon, and Do You Believe In Ghosts at The Wyvern Theatre.

Friday 21st:

Summer BBQ with Plan of Action at Seend Community Hall.

Just Jinny at The Pelican, Devizes, Sour Apple at The Three Crowns.

The Korgis with The Lost Trades and Rachel Hill at The Laverton in Westbury.

IGGZ Create My Own Lane EP Launch Party Ft Wordlife And Friends at The Pump, Trowbridge.

Highly recommended, Siouxsie and the Banshees tribute Painted Bird with Ian Dury tribute Dury Duty at The Vic, Swindon, Andrew Lawrenceโ€™s I Forgive You at Swindon Arts Centre.

Scott Lavene at Pound Arts, Corsham, highly recommended from us!

Bite The Hand at The Three Horseshoes in Bradford-on-Avon.

Rory McLeod at The Bell in, Bath and This Flight Tonight โ€“ A Tribute to Joni Mitchell at Chapel Arts.

The Guns N Roses Experience at The Cheese & Grain, Frome.

Saturday 22nd:

Arty Kids at Hillworth Park, Devizes. Match Box Mutiny, newly formed duo of Ben Borrill & Pat Ward at The Southgate.

Marlborough Festival has been postponed until 2024, but find Static Moves at The Lamb, Marlborough. 

Rave Against the Regime at The Barge on Honey-Street.

The Accidents at Melksham Rock n Roll Club.

Twist of Rock at The Pewsham, Chippenham.

Dr Zebo at Victoria Garden, Westbury, Junkyard Dogs at The Angel.

Cider, Reggae & Rum Festival in Trowbridge. Trowbridge Repair Cafรฉ at the Town Hall.

The Brackish at Pound Arts, Corsham.

Westward Plus! at The Boathouse in Bradford-on-Avon.

Mutter Slater Band at The Bell, Bath, The Jake Leg Jug Band at Chapel Arts.

But all eyes on Swindon this Saturday, for Editorโ€™s Pick of the Week: My Dadโ€™s Bigger Than Your Dad Festival at the Old Town Bowl.ย ย 

Plus, Coopers Creek at The Moonrakers, The Flashback Band at The New Inn, Dragoneye at The Queens Tap, and Mean As Custard at The Woodland Edge. The Kirsty Farrow Dance Academyโ€™s This Is Me at The Wyvern Theatre, and Prime Theatre Showcase presents Dreamland at Swindon Arts Centre.

Sunday 23rd:

Sound Affects are doing an afternoon at The Southgate, Devizes, from 5pm, usually.

Coopers Creek at The Electric Bar, Bath.

Revolution Performing Arts โ€“ The Golden Ticket Spotlight Show! at Swindon Arts Centre, and Kitty Langan Studio โ€“ Oh What A Night! at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.

Monday 24th:

Radio Banska at The Bell, Bath.

Tuesday 25th:

Jazz Knights at The Royal Oak, Swindon has Chris Cobbsonโ€™s African Jazz Project, and 

Bridesmaids of Britain at The Wyvern Theatre.

And thatโ€™s your lot, unless you know different? Listings are free, get in touch!

โ€œMake This Your Last Day?โ€ A Thought on the Bus Driver Who Fell Asleep at the Wheel

So, bus driver Xavier Peediyakal of Swindon, admits he fell asleep at the wheel when he collided with an oncoming vehicle, and has been banged up for eighteen months. We are sorry to hear the Calne BMW driver with whom he collided with sustained multiple injuries and a few passengers on the bus also received minor injuries, but have to question remarks made about the incident by PC Leigh Mayhew, of Wiltshire Policeโ€™s Serious Collision Investigation Teamโ€ฆ.

For, it seems, PC Leigh Mayhew also dozed off when he left the real world, but at least passed his level one in supercilious patronisation at training college. He stated on a Wiltshire Police Facebook post, โ€œthe case should send a clear message to drivers, especially those operating large vehicles, of their responsibilities to operate safely. Tiredness can kill โ€“ please take a break if you feel that your tiredness is likely to impact your ability to drive safely.โ€ Well, I never; who knew?!

See Facebook Post Here

The key point here is legally he is correct, of course; legally it is the responsibility of the driver. The company which employs him is not to be blamed, nor the system which pushes the buttons; the wheels on the bus go round and round. But as itโ€™s Sunday Iโ€™ve got a story to tell which I feel relevant, so if youโ€™re sitting comfortably then Iโ€™ll beginโ€ฆ.. 

Once upon a time I was pleased to be back working after struggling to find a job for a year. I was to be a delivery driver for a company you will likely know. I will not name them as I believe they have since changed management, and hopefully work ethics. A week into my job, ending my day last afternoon I was told tomorrow I was on โ€œthe London run.โ€ This consisted of a 2am start time; my argument I had never done the run before fell on deaf ears. On a zero hours contract I started when they told me, I finished when they told me, and if they didnโ€™t have any work, my family did not eat.

Letโ€™s call the chap who usually does this run, Rupert, for want to add a smidgen of humour to an otherwise unamusing anecdote. โ€œLook at Rupert,โ€ the boss barked, โ€œheโ€™s walking around with two stones in his eyes, someone else has to do the run as well.โ€ Funny thing; they didnโ€™t tell Rupert he had the morning off, and was there upon my arrival, so joined me to show me the ropes. Lucky he did, the sat-nav was as much use as a chocolate fireguard, and being the concept was to deliver to a few locations and return with one big collection ready for the daytime vans, I would never have found my way and be back in time without his occasional navigation tips, through snoring the remaining journey.

On the return journey I supposed I would be put on a local run which ended earlier than rest, he just laughed at my naivety. I was told to swap vans, as it was the only one they had left; a Mercedes, the pride of fleet, and I was to do โ€œthe Swindon run,โ€ which I had also never done before. A deceiving title, the route took me through Marlborough to Wotton Bassett and Wroughton, into Swindon, sure, but continued to Newbury, Oxford, right into Buckinghamshire and the North Cotswolds; oh, how we laughed!

Later in my employment it was a run I would master, but without guidance on any running order, I devised to head north from Swindon, take out the Cotswolds, and loop back through Oxfordshire to finish at Newbury. Being I had been working since 2am without a break, time was of the essence, but my sequence was, of course, wrong; the phone rang when I was at Bicester to bark annoyance at me, I hadnโ€™t done the drop at Newbury and they were desperate. I turned around and raced back down the notorious A34, and back up again. To cut an exceptionally boring story short, it was 6:30pm when I reached my final drop near Buckingham. It was chucking it down by the time I returned to base in Devizes, and after eighteen and half hours of consistent driving my eyes were near closing by their own accord. So much so, I caught the rear bumper on the wall of the narrow entrance to base, and scratched it.

I was accused of โ€œdeliberate sabotage,โ€ and yelled at no end. It was the first time of many I had heard their infamous saying โ€œmake this your last day, then?โ€ For if you refused a job, no matter how long you had already worked for that day, there were, apparently, a thousand more people out there willing to. If you did not complete the task as quickly as possible, despite a more formal job description being you should not speed, you would be lucky if you, and your family too, were only mocked in an insanely offensive form of banter and not handed your P45.

I continued with this absurdity, bit my tongue and took the corporate shafting for years, so I could put food on the table. I have to wonder if PC Leigh Mayhew has any understanding of this situation, as it is for millions of unskilled workers.

Of course, you are right, Leigh, tiredness can kill, but we know this, and anyone with an ounce of moral standing would so obviously abide by it. You are only preaching to the converted, the ones without said moral standing will not take heed, neither will the pressure of the system of a competitive market.

Replies to the Facebook post reflect this: โ€œMaybe he wasnโ€™t able to take adequate rest breaks. Maybe he felt he couldnโ€™t report to his superiors that he wasnโ€™t fit to drive. I would have less sympathy if he was driving a personal vehicle that he had a choice to drive but to be paid to do a job sometimes you feel obligated to push through no matter how crappy you might feel.โ€

โ€œYou say don’t drive tired but it’s almost unavoidable when companies will work you to the bone and if you call in because you’re tired you will be penalised for it. What are we meant to do when either option is to risk your job?โ€

โ€œTake a good look people. This is what happens when there is a driver shortage.

The company reports millions in profit, shares that with the irresponsible shareholders and doesnโ€™t think to share it amongst the people who really matter. But instead will put all the pressure on said individuals!โ€

โ€œMessage to drivers??!!!! Maybe to companies, is them making drivers work long hours!!!! Try to sit for 5.30 hours constantly and don’t get tired!!!!โ€

Thereโ€™s a whole lot of exclamation marks on that last quote, which I think suggests an exclamation, defined as โ€œa sudden cry or remark expressing surprise or a strong emotion,โ€ because it is a crying shame and a shocking surprise that a leading officer of Wiltshire Police could be so insensitive to the daily affairs of a wider issue than this particular isolated incident.

I am unaware of the work ethics of Stagecoach, but believe they should look into it, but not to single out any one company, as many, letโ€™s face it, are guilty of pushing drivers to their limits, and drivers are persuaded to do this in order to protect their job. It is not an open and shut case to simply prosecute the driver, but the policeโ€™s job to investigate why a driver was driving so tired.

Iโ€™m not ruling out a driver might well be burning the candle at both ends, it may well be the case in certain circumstances, but a fear of your job if you tell them you are not up to the task is the culprit in my more general rant, given my personal experience. And they all lived happily ever after, the end.

Nothing Rhymes with Orange at Devizes Corn Exchange

By Florence Lee. Images by Kiesha Films.

Booking Devizesโ€™ most prestigious venue, The Corn Exchange was mighty ambitious for newly formed promoter Lost Monkey Productions, but to say that Nothing Rhymes with Orange was a marvel last night would be an understatement. They completely enthralled the whole hall and captivated the attention of everyone listeningโ€ฆ..

Image: ยฉKiesha Films

Last night kicked off with OverStory, a band only created earlier this year. They had a mix of exceptional covers and originals which were both extraordinary. They even brought on a female voice, which added diversity and elevated their performance. Their relaxed music created a chilled out mood that the audience enjoyed. You couldnโ€™t tell they only called themselves a band early this year. These boys go to Bath College studying music and call their music phenomenon โ€˜messing around.โ€™ I look forward to seeing Overstory โ€˜mess aroundโ€™ again.ย ย 

Image: ยฉKiesha Films

OverStory then handed the baton to Foxymoron, who exceeded all high expectations. They delivered originals, all with a unique sound that the crowd thoroughly enjoyed. Foxymoron portrayed both great charisma, and a natural ability to perform. Their song โ€˜signsโ€™ was compelling to watch and listen to; I hope they release their music soon. The audience was enchanted with the band and was hanging on to every note. Their fan base is ever expanding with each performance and everyone is hoping to witness their flourishing successes.ย ย 

Image: ยฉKiesha Films

As soon as Nothing Rhymes with Orange walked onto their stage, the audience was buzzing with anticipation. NRWO started their set with their new single โ€˜Butterfliesโ€™ whilst the crowd belted out every word, even though it was only released at the end of May. The dedication of their fanbase to know every lyric truly reflects how NRWO has a committed growing audience, which enjoy both their company and music. They continued their set and continued to amaze all that were there to witness it. They produced an astounding cover of the Kings of Leonโ€™s โ€˜Sex on Fire.โ€™

Image: ยฉKiesha Films

The place was absorbed by the energy from the audience and the band’s connection with each other. Continuing from that remarkable cover, NRWO performed more originals and unreleased music, which had the audience engrossed in their show. They performed nearly all their released music, including โ€˜Creaturesโ€™ and โ€˜Chow for Nowโ€™ as well as their unreleased song โ€˜Monday,โ€™ which was played on BBC Music Introducing. The fluidity between their own songs and a few covers was incredible and well practised. Their individual performances and characters are starting to develop as well as maturing into a tight band. Their bright guitar, interesting riffs, unique voice and insanely fast and technical drumming gives them an individual sound which separates them from the boy bands of this day in age. The love for their own music and the music of the other performers is projected through the interactions with both. It is clear to see that Nothing Rhymes with Orange appreciate the growth that their band is rightfully getting. 

Image: ยฉKiesha Films

Nothing Rhymes with Orange shows the coming generation of musical talent in an amazing light. They are kind to their fans, respectful of everyone who helps them and show appreciation to any support that they receive. They are not only a band, but friends of the audience, which shows as they feel at home on stage. Coming from a local school, it shows that โ€˜ordinaryโ€™ people can create something which inspires and includes the people around them.  I canโ€™t wait to see what all the bands come up with next. 

Image: ยฉKiesha Films

Trending……..

Beskarโ€™s Ella Fitzgerald Collaboration with Huntr/s

Scottish music producer Beskar made our song of the week feature in June with drum n bass doubleA The Prophecy, featuring Devizes vocalist Chrissy Chapman, aka Huntr/s, and they’ve returned today with another rolling tune on Grand Theft Audio, which even if youโ€™re not into drum n bass youโ€™ll recogniseโ€ฆโ€ฆ

Theyโ€™ve taken Ella Fitzgeraldโ€™s Fever to techstep heights, which is an interesting approach, if Iโ€™d suggested the more ambient subgenre โ€œintelligentโ€ drum n bass would I be showing my age?! At least this is contemporary and danceable, forget my blissful reminisces of the Logical Progressions of LTJ Bukem, for when Roni Size did break new foundations I was still at it, and this is equally as beguiling.

But if, as a hardcore junglist, you assume queen of jazz Ella Fitzgerald wasnโ€™t bad e-nuff foโ€™ a drum n bass rework, you should take note, she escaped to Harlem from an abusive father and skipped school to run for the mafia, and serve as a police lookout at a local brothel. She went from orphanage to state reformatory, and it was only her voice which got her through, as the New York jazz clubs were dubious about her scruffy appearance. Iโ€™d wager that is more roughneck than youโ€™ll ever be, blud!! Enjoy the tune, itโ€™s a chicken dinnerโ€ฆ.

Link HERE

Trending….

Lady Nade at Devizes Arts Festival

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 soulstressโ€ฆ

LilyPetals Debut EP

One of many young indie bands which impressed me at Bradford Roots Festival, and proof thereโ€™s more than the name suggests at The Wiltshire Musicโ€ฆ

Courting Ghosts Debut Album: Falling My Friend

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, Fallingโ€ฆ

Lavington Community Choir dazzles with The Pied Piper of Hamelin

Review by Karen Cannings. Photography by Gail Foster.

Market Lavington Community Hall was filled with music and applause on Friday 7th July, as Lavington Community Choir presented their summer concert under the direction of Paula Boyagis…..

The choir showcased their vocal skills and versatility in a range of jazz-inspired songs, accompanied by a talented jazz ensemble featuring Tim Price on piano, Tony Jones on flute, James Monckton on double bass, Henry Liebling on Sax, Nick Kingman on percussion/drum kit and Nick Hale on miscellaneous percussion.

The first part of the concert included some classic jazz tunes such as ‘Moon River’ and ‘The Way We Were’, arranged for choir by Bernard Wight. The choir sang with rich harmonies and expressive dynamics, creating a warm and engaging atmosphere. Jessica Phillips, Soprano, charmed the audience with her sweet voice in ‘Let there be Love’, while Paula Boyagis, Mezzo Soprano, delivered a rich and expressive performance of ‘Autumn Leaves’. Jim Donovan then entertained everyone with his rendition of ‘Mack the Knife’, complete with a trilby hat!

The second half featured a jazz cantata based on Robert Browning’s poem ‘The Pied Piper of Hamelin’, composed by accompanist Tim Price when he was only 16 years old as a student at Dauntsey’s School. The choir, soloists and jazz ensemble brought this humorous and whimsical story to life with catchy melodies, lively rhythms and colourful narration. The original director of music at Dauntsey’s School, David Price, was present in the audience to enjoy the revival of his former pupil’s work. The conductor of the cantata was Paula Boyagis, who also sang the role of the Piper (complete with flute solos) resplendent in a colourful costume of red and yellow.

Mark Wastell, sang and acted his role as the Mayor with great conviction.

The community choir welcomes new members who want to join them. Videos of the concert are available on YouTube.

Trending…..

Poppy Rose, Ready Nowโ€ฆ.

Not being able to hold a note myself, I tip my hat to any musician in a band. Yet thereโ€™s something so much more valiant,โ€ฆ

William The Conqueror to Invade Sound Knowledge, Marlborough!

Yeah, not really who youโ€™re thinking of, you history swot! Rather the Cornish Americana/English alternative folk-rock trio of multi-instrumentalists Ruarri Joseph, Naomi Holmes, and Harry Harding, whoโ€™s unique blend of genres from both sides of the Atlantic can be heard on albums such as 2017’s Proud Disturber of the Peace and 2021’s Maverick Thinker.

Yeah, them, well, theyโ€™re paying an in-store visit to Marlborough on the 29th July, via Sound Knowledgeโ€ฆ. theyโ€™re also at Bexhillโ€™s Musicโ€™s Not Dead the day before, if you want to get historically appropriate and as geographically close to The Battle of Hastings and still see this quality band!

Theyโ€™re there as part of an album launch tour, โ€˜Excuse Me While I Vanishโ€™ released on 28th July, via Chrysalis Records. The story of the album goes along the lines of frontman Ruarri Joseph finding himself cocooned at home during lockdown, ruminating on an uncertain creative future, watching on as his wife Mandy, a valiant mental health social worker, engaged with the all-too-real dilemmas of the pandemic-riven here and now. Her example motivated Joseph to become a temporary care worker, an experience which would provide renewed focus and influence the songwriting on the new album.

โ€œMy wife was insomniac for the first six months of lockdown, which made it impossible for me to moan or grieve the fact that everything Iโ€™d been working on for the last five years had come to a standstill,โ€ he explains. โ€œIt was a much-needed perspective and made me realise what a selfish undertaking William had been โ€“ navel-gazing with my head in the clouds when what people needed was boots firmly on the ground, preferably on the feet of someone like Mandy.โ€

But, the bandโ€™s fourth album finds the indie-rock trio firing on all cylinders as Joseph confronts the thin line between creativity and madness, inspired by compassion for the real-life angels of the world.

Produced by the band in a playground of vintage gear, and mixed by Barny Barnicott (Arctic Monkeys, Sam Fender, Kasabian), the resulting albumโ€™s ten tracks marry earworm tunes with insistent, imperious, soaring rock shapes, punctuated by chorus hooks that are simultaneously nuanced and anthemic. Josephโ€™s compelling semi-spoken vocals and swamp-blues-Seattle-scuzz guitars are propelled by the rhythm section of Naomi Holmes and Harry Harding as โ€˜Excuse Me While I Vanishโ€™ delivers an effortlessly winning blend of melody and ensemble dynamics, the most accomplished William The Conqueror album to date.

With William The Conquerorโ€™s live performances drawing wildly enthusiastic comparisons to the likes of Kings of Leon, Nirvana, Buffalo Tom and The Marshall Tucker Band, the trio performed to a packed room at The Great Escape earlier this year and recently completed a European tour with Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats.ย 

The band will also play at Latitude Festival this month, before embarking on a nationwide in-store tour in support of the albumโ€™s release across July and August and a full headline tour in October. Other venues close to us include Bristolโ€™s Rough Trade on 30th, and Oxfordโ€™s Truck Store on 1st August, but the all live shows are based in larger towns and cities, you have to hand it to Roger and his team at Sound Knowledge, the ones who brought George Ezra to Trowvegas, theyโ€™re bringing in the names only cities would get the pleasure to witness, and this particular gig is certainly one the eye for olโ€™ Haroldโ€ฆ..sorry, I couldnโ€™t resist!

The trio will be playing a short set at St. Peter’s Church, Marlborugh on Sat 29th July. It’s a FREE event, but let the record store know if you’d like to attend by sending them a message or popping a note in with your album pre-order, HERE.

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Becca Mauleโ€™s Teenage Things

I mean, yeah, press releases can be as handy as sitting next to Einstein in a physics test, but reviewing music isnโ€™t an exact science, and while they speed up the process itโ€™s tempting to allow them to spoon-feed you. Sometimes itโ€™s a pleasant surprise to go in blind, as it was with Teenage Things, the debut EP from Salisburyโ€™s young singer-songwriter Becca Maule, due out this Saturday, the 15th Julyโ€ฆ..

I donโ€™t know why, perhaps taken in by earlier images of Becca sporting a pink bob, and by her supporting Carsick, but as Iโ€™ve not had the opportunity to catch her performing I dove in with a preconception this was going to be an all-out riot grrrl explosive thrash of punker style emotional outpouring with little to credit her with other than, well, that was loud!

What I hadnโ€™t taken into account was it was produced at Haxtonโ€™s Tunnel Rat Studios with backing by Jolyon Dixon, the studioโ€™s wizard and one half of duo Illingworth, and as a result itโ€™s a dreamy soundscape over acoustic goodness, as is the style Illingworth also purveys. But if the drifting musical ambience has something Pink Floyd-come-melancholic indie, like The Verve or Radiohead, about it, Beccaโ€™s voguish and relaxed vocals breath the freshness and vigour of youth into this, and it flows sublimely.

Opening tune Mother Nature is an obloquy commentary on the political ignorance of environmental concerns, and as such while Beccaโ€™s self-penned vilification drifts causally alongside the sound, this observation gives in to a spiralling angle of fury; a definite slice of the punk I was expecting slowly builds throughout the tune. This, Iโ€™d argue, is astute and profoundly crafted songwriting for someone twice Beccaโ€™s age; sheโ€™s eighteen and just completed an extended diploma in music performance & production at Wiltshire College.

Teenage Things is no whim project for Becca, the single was released shortly after she performed the title track two years ago, with another Poison Roses, to win a Tunnel Ratโ€™s talent competition, telling the Salisbury Journal at the time, โ€œwinning the studio time is golden for me – as a student I donโ€™t have much money and therefore booking studio time is really hard; winning the time means I can professionally record all the ideas in my head instead of trying to do it at home on my not-so-good laptop.โ€

Letโ€™s just say, that paid off! Vocally I was immediately taken to imagining if Kirsty MacColl came after Lily Allen, she might sound a little something like this. Though not the rap of Kate Nash, her causal inflection brews hints of that voluble style, itโ€™s refined singing still, and I mean this as a high compliment. Though thereโ€™s no mention of Kirsty MacColl, Becca replied, โ€œI love Lily Allen, so defo a compliment,โ€ after I put this to her. Am I showing my age now?!

This slightly more upbeat title track follows in this five track EP, and as the name suggests, the subject is teenage anxiety, and the curse of misunderstanding elders. Itโ€™s a woeful mard rather than Anthony Burgess fashioned vexation, over a steady beat. If antidepressants like Fluoxetine are insinuated itโ€™s subtle but poignant nonetheless. From here you accept, Becca has more than a few things to say, and she does so with zest and expression. While her peers will identify with this song, parents should take heed too, and consider theyโ€™ve forgotten what it was like to be a teenager. This is a double edged sword.

With a conceptual running theme evolving, Little Girl continues on the subject of confusion over coming of age; this drifts so nicely, it is the song Madonna shouldโ€™ve replaced Papa Donโ€™t Preach with! Now, if Becca has got you onboard and youโ€™re now contemplating how marvellously plotted this is, she throws Affliction of Melancholy Lies into the pot, and peps up the emotive intelligent songwriting another notch or twelve. This moves onto the next stage, relationships and their breakdowns, and is simply gorgeously ruminative. 

And though I donโ€™t want this to end, Creatures has the most beguiling singalong chorus, folding in dark indie connotations, and Iโ€™m undecided if the safety of wild animals topic is metaphorical, or not, but it is a gratifying cumulation to a sublimely played EP which you really need to delve into wholeheartedly, rather than simply listen to, and that is a rare gem these days.

Iโ€™m so much more than pleasantly surprised, Iโ€™m in awe; use any part of this as a press release if you wish, Becca, but perhaps your astute words and the beautiful way you have presented them speak volumes for themselves, and as I said at the beginning, the wow-factor is often a dish best left as a revelation!

I’ll pop Beccaโ€™s Link-Tree HERE so you can check in on them on Saturday 15th and stream the EP, and will update this review too with links to it. 

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Weekly Roundup of Events in Wiltshire: 12th – 18th July 2023

Another summery week ahead of us, and our weekly report on all the stuff weโ€™ve found to do. We will continue to support all local events and we wonโ€™t succumb to petty squabbling about any of them, by anyone.

It seems unfair that we seem to get minimal respect for what we do by a few local councillors, perhaps it is because of this reason, I really donโ€™t know. Devizes Town Council posted on their Facebook page last week, asking for suggestions to improve the free local council-run pamphlet โ€œThe Messenger.โ€ I was the only one who offered an idea, being the events list in it only promotes those events governed by the council, that it would be helpful to both us and their readers if they could include a kind of โ€œfor more information on local eventsโ€ link to Devizine, but they have not bothered to even respond.

It begs the question why Devizes Town Council would ask for suggestions and not reply to those few who do; a simple yes or no would have sufficed! Now that I’ve said it Iโ€™m sure it will get political, Iโ€™ll be witch-hunted and banned from social media pages again when all Iโ€™m guilty of is telling people about events going on, so here we go; do let me know if anything below offends you or is any way โ€œbullyingโ€ someone, wonโ€™t you?!

Donโ€™t forget nothing is comprehensive, other events might well be added during the week as and when we discover them, so check in on our event calendar, for more info and links on these, updates and planning ahead.

Ongoing through the month, Marlborough Open Studios, countywide artist open studios, where you can invite yourself  into many artistโ€™s homes for free to see their work and what biscuits they have! Open Studios runs on the first four weekends in July between 11am and 5pm.

Do pay a visit to Wiltshire Museum, Devizes, for the Anna Dillon exhibition; reviewed here.

Wednesday 12th:

Acoustic Jam at The Southgate, Devizes.

Jarman at Swindon Arts Centre.

Amadou Diagne & Group Yakar at The Bell Inn, Bath.

Sophie Duker at the Cheese & Grain, Frome.

Thursday 13th:

Mark Thomas: England and Son (Work In Progress) at Pound Arts, Corsham.

Chris Murphy at The Tuppenny, Swindon.

Ghosts of this Town album launch at The Vic, Swindon.

Friday 14th:

Lost Monkey Productions presents Nothing Rhymes With Orange, Foxymoron and Overstory at the Corn Exchange, Devizes.

The Unpredictables at The Peppermill, Devizes.

Wrestling Night at Marlborough Town Hall.

Slageri & Kimng Alias at The Barge Inn, Honey-Street.

Sour Apple at The Pig and Whistle, Melksham.

Nervendings and Mosaic at the Old Road Tavern, Chippenham.

Jazz at the Cafe with Jacqui Hicks at The Civic, Trowbridge.

The Carrivick Sisters at Pound Arts, Corsham.

Barrelhouse at The Vic, Swindon.

Sara Petite (4 piece) plus support: Savannah Gardner at Chapel Arts, Bath.

Heathen Apostles  at the Tree House, Frome.

Asian Dub Foundation at the Cheese & Grain, Frome.

Saturday 15th:

Arty Kids at Hillworth Park, Devizes.

Wiltshire FA Wildcats Festival at Green Lane Playing Fields, Devizes.

Italian Auto Moto Festival in the Market Place, Devizes.

Devizes District Wargames Group: Attack 2023 at Devizes School.

Chris Murphy & Barney Kenny at The Southgate, Devizes.

Roughcut Rebels at The Three Crowns, Devizes.

Midlife Krisis Summer โ€“ Summer Dance at The Barge, Honey-Street.

Humdinger at The Lamb, Marlborough.

On Remand at The Crown, Marlborough.

Sour Apple at the Ship, Upavon.

Market Lavington Vintage Meet Family Fun Weekend

Family Fun Day at Woodborough Social Club from 12-4pm.

Pewsey Pride at the Coopers Arms.

The Passion of Joan of Arc at Pound Arts, Corsham.

Never 42 at Swindon Arts Centre.

Whole Lotta DC at The Vic, Swindon.

Nicki Leighton-Thomas โ€“ One Good Scandal at Chapel Arts, Bath.

Later with Frome College at the Cheese & Grain, Frome.

Newton Faulkner at the Cheese & Grain, Frome.

Gorilla Riot at The Tree House, Frome.

Sunday 16th:

Deadlight Dance & Reverence 80 at The Blue Boar, Aldbourne.

Characters Stage School: The Addams Family at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.

GM Dance Academy Showcase at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.

Warmington, Lindley and Webb at The Bell Inn, Bath.

Monday 17th:

The Westbury Festival opens with lots of great events running until 30th July. 

Rock The Tots: Rock Gods vs Princesses at Pound Arts, Corsham.

BD Lenz at The Bell Inn, Bath.

Tuesday 18th:

Open Mic at The Angel, Westbury.

Jazz Knights at The Royal Oak, Swindon with Roger Beaujolais & Tom Berge Trio.

Harri Mason at The Bell, Bath.

And thatโ€™s all we have so far, do check into our event calendar for updates, and have a great week!

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A View to a Thrill

“The Thrill of Love” at the Wharf Theatre by Ian Diddamsimages by Chris Watkins Media Just over a year ago, the Wharf theatre performed aโ€ฆ

Simply the Best, CrownFest!

If last year I trundled off the 49 at Bishops Cannings in a blazing heatwave alone, this time things were different; the bus was heaving with revellers, mostly unprepared for the torrential rain forecast, enough to warrant me query out loud if anyone onboard wasnโ€™t going to CrownFest, and if not, did they have a pac-a-mac I could borrow?!

Attendance figures made for a vast improvement to last yearโ€™s inaugural festival at this wonderful village watering hole, which although was a thoroughly smashing occasion, due to a date clash with Devizes carnival could have been better attended. In fact, the unavoidably unpredictable British summer time climate could possibly be my only whinge this time around, as the rationale maintained “might as well make the most of it,โ€ rang through the beer garden of the Crown, and everyone, it seemed, had a fantastic time.

And to add importantly, downpours were sporadic and at better times the sun poked his head around the gloomy clouds to say hi. Dapper in country attire, Capโ€™n Rastyโ€™s Skiffle City Rockers were already underway, with highly entertaining skiffle variations of classic pop covers, a few traditional folk singalongs thrown in for authenticity. New to me this one, they were utterly proficient with an air of timeless cool.

Nonchalant was the vibe in general, though, in the face of adversity; a possible landslide to the next village, or trench-foot at the very least. Lesser in sidestalls, perhaps due to the forecast, the arrangement of tables and chairs which last year caused an elongated divide between the stage and bar had been realigned and by design everything was tickety-boo.

But it has to be awarded, the medal of honour for service and total dedication to the cause, to all the young staff at the Crown who worked tirelessly under mounting pressure to serve everyone their poison and tucker with a smile. Basically, gen z staff retained decorum, ironed every trivial issue, and restlessly served their elders, generation x, who generally fell drunkenly into marshland and partied like they were sixteen again and never saw Abba or Tina Turner!

And for want of a better nutshell there it is. Anyone there, lucky enough to have seen the originals of any of these triple billed tribute acts in their prime, would’ve been in the minority, for all intents and purposes, I couldn’t pick a more skilled one between them. This retrospective appeal is why tribute acts are a welcomed trend, and after every new one I witness I’m convinced of their worth and place in live entertainment that bit more.

If three succeeding tributes was a good move by music organiser Tunnel Rat Studio’s Eddie Prestidge, I call allowing all acts an extended ninety minute set a risk which also paid off. Band changes were fewer and swiftly operated; birthday boy Fantasy Radio DJ Marc Anthony was there anyway.

Personal favourite goes without saying, taking the finale, The 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. I know my reggae, and this was irie dread-I to the highest heights.

On the other hand, despite Abba not being my cuppa, I was converted by the Abba All Stars even in the most torrential section of the day; imagining how beguiling the Swedish innovators of pop would have been in their heyday was made easy with these confident young band looking and sounding every bit the partโ€ฆWaterloo, or portaloo, it didn’t matter now, we were soaked to the skin, and we didn’t care, and this was mostly thankful to the Abba All Stars. Quote me on this at your own risk, as it’s something I’d never thought I’d say; “I loved this Abba tribute!”

Nestled between though was my most negative preconception, having seen in the past the kind of Tina Turner tribute to put you off of Tina Turner tributes for life, and forgoing the wealth and power of a voice like Tina’s is near impossible to effectively pull off, but Kinisha Morgan-Williams did, with bells on. The Tina Turner tribute known as Simply the Best was indeed as advertised. It was nothing short of phenomenally accurate, even on those soulful ballads, Kinisha absolutely rinsed it and wowed the crowd. Particularly memorable was Kinisha’s Nutbush duet with Eddy Armani; what a dynamic show blessed in realism and excitement.

But, simply the best part of CrownFest was this insatiably friendly festive vibe with an air of enthusiasm and unification from staff, volunteers, punters to performers there was the underlying notion this is the start of an annual landmark in local feelgood festivals in which the villagers welcome revellers and assign themselves to good times. After the success of this weekend, we hope CrownFest will continue; you should consider yourself extremely unfortunate if you miss next year’s.

The sum of all these parts meant CrownFest was nothing short of the kind of superb spirit drizzle couldn’t dampen. Though if locally sourced acts were shorter in billing, those Junkyard Dogs can bark up enough wattage for three bands, with their irresistible electric blues covers. Oh yes, the Dogs did their thing and rocked the show prior to this plethora of tributes and is always an unmissable hoedown. Leon Daye Band unfortunately I arrived too late for, could still taste the toothpaste, soz.

Time to summarise, if I have to accept it’s all over for another year. On our doorstep, a small pub-run festival only in its second year which packs far more punch than this definition, and far beyond the average of its kind. We could debate musically it’s geared towards generation x, against the notion the eighties produced timeless acts legendarily to all, but as, proudly, I’m of that era, CrownFest 2023 was an awesome all-rounder, with or without an umbrella.

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Anna Dillonโ€™s Wessex Airscapes: Elevating Wiltshire

Step into Wiltshire Museum in Devizes before October 15th and youโ€™ll be treated to an exhibition which will make you look at the beautiful views most of us drive past daily in a whole new colourful and graphical contextโ€ฆ..

The exhibition, titled Wessex Airscapes: Elevating Wiltshire by artist Anna Dillon and drone photographer Hedley Thorne is certainly unique. The former being the astoundingly distinctive landscape artist whose painting turned my head ascending the stairs of the Bluestone Gallery, once of Swan Yard in Devizes. Through its unique characteristic bordering graphics, I immediately recognised her print used on an album cover by Woodbrough folk ensemble, the Yirdbards.

Something Iโ€™ve been toying with since, this dividing line between art and graphic design, for the first few terms on a graphics course in art college we were subjected to a vigorous routine of life and still life drawing to perfect sketching and painting as a fine artist, prior to exploring more graphical theories like typography and design.

Hereafter never the twain shall meet, and I wished Iโ€™d ventured down the fine art avenue rather than graphics (too late now!) Within her work, though, Anna straddles this divide; capturing the perennial spatial character of our local landscape, its topographical quiddity, yet of clear line and bold colours, a manner not usually attributed to landscape art.

The wonderful contours of the sarsen dropstone impressions, folds and rolling meadows and agricultural plough lines across the Marlborough Downs, are all depicted as the gestural line found in graphic design, and the result is extraordinary. I was dying to know how Anna defined it, as fine art or graphics.

โ€œIโ€™m quite a messy person in life,โ€ Anna confessed. โ€œBut when it comes to painting it’s the neatest, so very controlled, because I was trained as a graphic designer and illustrator for about fifteen years,โ€ she confirmed, showing me some abstract monoprints which she hoped would highlight her graphic training. โ€œSo, I think when I then became a painter, I did paintings, but not both, but now, yes, you can see the graphics side, the neatness, and I like that, I like that control, I donโ€™t know why.โ€

Unaware this is Anna and Hedley’s second โ€˜Airscapesโ€™ exhibition, the first, at Radley College in 2021, showcased Oxfordshire and Berkshire landscapes, I supposed the Wiltshire landscape to be perfect to capture graphically, as further west the hillsides are steeper and rugged, further east is flatter. โ€œAh,โ€ she expressed, โ€œthe only regret I have is that I feel like I havenโ€™t painted enough, thereโ€™s so much of Wiltshire, this is two years of work, but I feel like thereโ€™s so much more to explore.โ€

The style of this series of aerial landscapes has seen a natural progression, Anna pointing out an earlier Avebury work from 2009, โ€œthe colours are much more vibrant, I donโ€™t think I would paint it like that now, even the trees are stylised.โ€ Though clearly the origin of the recent paintings displayed is here; the graphic distinction is lucid, whereas now itโ€™s much more refined, integrated with the standards of either watercolour or oil landscapes, the grass, bracken and trees details bear realism, whilst the clouds retain this solid format. โ€œI see shapes in the clouds,โ€ Anna expressed, โ€œthey become sculptural form, for me, and theyโ€™re estranged, so as youโ€™re exploring it, youโ€™re trying to go with the shapes; itโ€™s all about shapes, colours and contrasts.โ€ 

Overall you maintain this fantastical imagery of what one could imagine to be a โ€œtoytownโ€ version of the Wiltshire landscape, ideal for a childrenโ€™s book illustration, but I say this is with the highest calibre, and compliment, of course. In fact, Annaโ€™s work has featured in several books.

โ€œItโ€™s more of a subtle pallet,โ€ was how Anna described her latest work, โ€œIโ€™ve used darker colours,โ€ and she veered off onto knowing when to finish a piece and not continuously add touches, โ€œbecause you get a bit blind to it, being in the studio day in day out, you can get a bit, not stale, but sometimes you can overwork a painting or underwork one too.โ€

See, thatโ€™s an artist who cross examines their painting in the studio for an age, not a graphic designer who, governed by the industry, is encouraged to hastily knock a piece of work out and get onto the next job. โ€œI did like graphic design,โ€ Anna explained, โ€œbut I didnโ€™t find the work had any value, itโ€™s kind of throwaway,โ€ though she did show me her logo for a river trust, in which there was a clear relationship to that of her landscape paintings. It is so gorgeously original, it has to be seen to understand.

The exhibit is backed by Hedley Thorneโ€™s breathtaking low altitude aerial photography the paintings are worked from, and they are joined by Annaโ€™s father, Patrick Dillon, who has written the exhibition book, along with contributing a small display of artefacts and documents. 

In all, the exhibit would excite anyone interested in heritage, local cultural-historical artefacts or geographical topography, to artists and graphic designers alike, or indeed anyone interested in viewing a different approach to a classic standard, within landscapes you will recognise, as in so much as a cartoonistโ€™s line is akin to a signature, instantly recognisable as their own, so too are these impressive individually stylised works; well worth a visit.  

The Tap at The Peppermill to Host Open Mic

Two local musicians have joined forces as Nightingale Sounds to host their first Open Mic Night at the new Tap at the Peppermill in Devizesโ€ฆ.โ€ฆ

The Wiltshire Gothic; Deadlight Dance

With howling, coarse baritones Nick Fletcher, the main vocalist of Marlboroughโ€™s gothic duo, Deadlight Dance chants, โ€œhere comes the rain, and I love the rain,โ€ฆ

Onika Venus is Back with a Midnight Remedy

Unbelievably two years have nearly passed since Onika Venus gave me a convenient excuse to poke my nose into what Sheer’s Kieran was doing up at Trowbridge Town Hall. Billed as reggae, arm twisted, I took a listen to the debut album, and have been infatuated since; now, we have a follow-upโ€ฆ..

Because while the term roots is bounded around within reggae music, progression never levels, and retrospection rarely arises, save perhaps within the skinhead/scooter culture. Contemporary reggae strives forward endlessly, millennial slackness dancehall has waned to charter a reunion with RnB, and this is where Onika fills a gap on the UK scene.

Onika Venus at Trowbridge Town Hall 2021

But there was more in the melting pot than met the eye, yes, Onika has a sublime voice, rich with Jamaican heritage, but her marriage to Mark, with a penchant for Americana roots meant the debut album, Everything You Are, stretched back into an association with country music not seen since roots reggae days of yore. Though the album is best described as experimental as opposed to retrospective. Still, those tracks serving a Jamaican offbeat were likely the most memorable.

So, I’m content the follow-up Midnight Remedy, released today (7th July) bursts straight into a reggae riff. Turn it Up is bold and brassy, this element breathing a subtle nod to rock steady. Thumbs up so far for pulling off the tricky sequel, for if it rides this train it wouldnโ€™t be a bad thing.

This rock steady riff does continue for the following tune, Who’s Sleeping in my Bed? Topically, it reminds me of the Dawn Penn classic Are You There? With an air of “nah fuss” jollity within it, this is best classed as sunshine reggae; if someone else is sleeping in her bed, she’s not going to let it rain on her parade.

With a broken love theme, Faded Rose still rides a more tenuous offbeat, but this cleverly placed RnB element, which we saw in the debut album, comes back into play and we’re off, stirring the melting pot, equally as refined as the debut album.

Not long to wait to return to rock steady, though with a chatty dancehall vocal placement, and a one drop riddim, the title track Midnight Remedy, chants on the groove, probably the most beguiling yet, especially when that hammond organ plays it to fade; boss reggae gets some attention and I’m smitten.

Heart in a Bubble carries on from the good work of Midnight Remedy, blossoming romance is a tried and tested subject for the rock steady style, arguably the most creative period of the Jamaican recording industry, and this salutes such output.

Gravity, though, is the most experimental yet. Blues by any criticโ€™s pigeonhole, in mood and sound, offering a welcomed darker side to Onika. The offbeat returns for a topically rainy day blues again with Teardrops, only to be proceeded with Something’s Gonna Break, a ballad with a fair slice of eighties-fashioned stanzas, and sax solo. Save Whitney, vocally superior, though, to said pop hits, this drifts along sublimely.

There’s pressures of lockdown themes, with electronica undertones in an eighties soundclash style, but retaining the silkiness of Onika’s house style, followed by a chugging train-themed soul smoothie, aptly Runaway Train. And the finale sees us back with these hints of eighties power ballad again, but whatever the flava, this is one absolutely beautiful album, soulful and uplifting throughout, truly a welcome return for Onika and her proficient band; melancholic when required, bouncy and joyful otherwise, but always wrapped in this most wonderous rich voice it couldn’t be anything less than a winner!

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The Drum n Bass Huntr/s of Old Devizes Town

In true Royston Vasey style, unfortunately due to time and resources we donโ€™t review international music as we did during lockdown, choosing to focus moreโ€ฆ

Alexander Kai’s Figures in Focus at St Maryโ€™s Devizes

Featured Image by Gail Foster

St Mary’s Church in Devizes may be a while yet before becoming the vision of a fully fledged arts centre, but it’s certainly showing its full potential this coming weekend with a stunning exhibition from local artist Alexander Kaiโ€ฆ..

A prolific multimedia artist with the skill of another far elder, Alexanderโ€™s display is breathtaking, and in such an apt environment. At ease with the browsers he expressed great fondness for the setting, remarking on the changing light as evening set in, as I supposed the atypical Bauhaus gallery to be inapposite when you can glide through the pews and find alternative embodiments of countenance within, what is largely life drawing and portraiture with few, but some, landscapes. โ€œI really wanted to integrate the building into it,โ€ he explained, โ€œbecause it is the most magnificent space.โ€ 

Mike and Mike by Alexander Kai. Image: Gail Foster

Yet the range here is equal in mediums and subject to the quantity. Thereโ€™s many charcoal sketches and sepia life drawings, acrylic and oil works, even some sculptures, and while subjects vary from classic to stimulatingly contemporary, and few with foreboding undertones while others propitiate ebullience, they all capture a moment in time, or an expression with narrative, and are all exquisitely executedโ€ฆ. I’ve said too much already, pay it a visit!

But it’s the precision of expression and quality and range of skin tones which draw you into Alexander’s work. Four paintings in the chancel contradict each other and act as an example of this astounding artist’s range. Far left the torso up of a shirtless young man striding forward with a mammal skull clasped in hand simply connotes an eerie sensation akin to a psychological thriller, whereas far right there’s a more common painting of a Roman sculpture bust, and nestled in between are two works, one a stunning portrait of a younger woman, the third a family type triple pose with elders and youths.

Every contour of the ageing skin of the older lady is so precisely and richly rendered I got to suppose the smoother skin of youth is easier to depict. Alexander thought otherwise, saw the challenge of wrinkles against the contrast of the symmetry of youthful beauty, and reasoned the older the subject the greater story they had to tell, which he captures in that expression and ambience. And in a nutshell, that’s the key, I felt, to the brilliance of this artist, that whatever the medium, subject or style, there’s reason, a story to tell. 

Alexander Kais’ Figures in Focus opens tomorrow (Friday 7th) at St Maryโ€™s, Devizes and runs until Sunday (9th.) The church is open from 11am to 4pm, except on Saturday when it closes later at 6pm. Follow Alex Kai on Instagram.

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Let’s Clean up Devizes!

You’ve got to love our CUDS, the Clean up Devizes Squad, hardworking volunteers who make the town look tidy and presentable. Here’s your chance toโ€ฆ

Ashes of Memory; New Single From M3G

The fifth single coming out from Chippenham singer-songwriter M3g on Friday, Ashes of Memory, and if Iโ€™ve said in the past what separates Meg fromโ€ฆ

Never Changing the Rules With Atari Pilot

Swindonโ€™s sonic indie popsters Atari Pilot are a prolific bunch, and have a new single out called The Rules Never Changeโ€ฆ. And, they donโ€™t. Thereโ€™sโ€ฆ

Embrace All: Swindonโ€™s Festival For Disabled and Learning Difficulties

Envy being too strong a word, perhaps longing would fit how I felt when I saw Facebook photos of families excitedly packed in a car like they’re about to go on their holibobs, rather heading off to Glastonbury Festival instead. Festivals have trended to be family occasions, but I know a member of mine wouldn’t take to such an environment, no matter how I might enjoy them myself. It wouldn’t do for them to be squashed in like sardines, and all the goings-on would mean sensory overload.

If you identify with this conundrum, I might have found an answer. Embrace All is a fully accessible, inclusive one day festival, aimed at people with all disabilities, happening at the Bowl in Old Town Gardens, Swindon on Saturday 5th August. While many festivals cater for disabilities with varying degrees, this is the only event Iโ€™ve heard of specifically designed for such, and I have to say, what an absolutely wonderful idea.

The story behind Embrace starts with Rachael Chun and Katie Brown, who both work in social care. With them both on maternity leave back in February, they started a bi-monthly disco at the Tree nightclub in Swindon, Diverse Disco, for anyone sixteen plus with disabilities. โ€œWeโ€™re stopping the discos for now due to the hot weather,โ€ Katie explained, โ€œbut our next one is on the 14th of July.โ€

Taking this brilliant idea to the next stage, Embrace All will be the first of its kind, a festivalย open to everyone but tailored to adults and children with disabilities. โ€œIt’s aimed at all disabilities,โ€ Katie continued, โ€œbut a lot of the individuals that come to our events have learning difficulties and autism.โ€

Creating easy access into and out of the venue and ensuring they cater for all dietary requirements. A sign language interpreter will be onsite and they have a Revolootion (a toilet with a hoist.) โ€œWe are so committed to creating a more accessible and inclusive society and we hope that this will have a really positive impact on the disabled community,โ€ Katie expressed, โ€œit’s so wonderful to see so much happiness and them just having fun with not a worry In the world.โ€

Alongside a range of DJs for a party at the end, they have an impressive lineup, including I See Orange, Here Come The Crows, Joli and the Souls, and one I think will be particularly suitable, the Sarah C. Ryan Band. Sam Swancott, HoneyFunk, Adrianaโ€™s Keys, Chloe Hepburn, Jeanette Etherington, Joshua Heather, and The Carers in Harmony also have slots.

The Sarah C Ryan Band

Diverse Disco has had a number of other events ranging from Teddy Bearโ€™s Picnics to an Abba tribute night, beach and pyjama parties. Tickets for the Embrace Festival are ยฃ15 for adults, ยฃ12 for under 18s, free for one carer, ยฃ40 for a family ticket, plus booking fees.ย The Embrace Festival GoFundMe page is HERE.ย 

For more information on the Embrace Festival, and all other forthcoming events by Diverse Disco, thereโ€™s a Facebook group, HERE. Do check in with them for any questions you might have and book early as possible as spaces will be limited. As Katie expressed, โ€œit’s not too busy either, we try to keep minimalย  numbers so there’s plenty of space for everyone.โ€

We wish the team at Diverse Disco all the very best for this and other events, Iโ€™m still in awe at what a thoughtful and genuinely wonderful idea this is!

Trending…..

Peace, Love, Americana and Jol Rose

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.โ€ฆ

Weekly Roundup of Events in Wiltshire: 6th – 11th July 2023

Bit drizzley innit? Usually waits until after the kids break up from school, so maybe the sun will put his hat on then, or perhaps this will just continue until the rainy season in autumn; who can tell? One thing we can tell you though, thereโ€™s lots to occupy yourselves around these backwaters with this coming week, and here it all isโ€ฆ..

Donโ€™t forget nothing is comprehensive, other events might well be added during the week as and when we discover them, so check in on our event calendar, for more info and links on these, updates and planning ahead.

Ongoing through the month, Marlborough Open Studios, countywide artist open studios, where you can invite yourself  into many artistโ€™s homes for free to see their work and what biscuits they have! Open Studios runs on the first four weekends in July between 11am and 5pm.

Running until the 8th July, Bradfordiansโ€™ Amadeus at the Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.

Wednesday 5th:

Acoustic Jam at The Southgate, Devizes.

Christ Church Primary School Summer Concert at the Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.

Starting today, running until Saturday 8th July, Henry VI at the Rondo Theatre in Bath; two Devizes actors in this, Lucy Upward and Ian Diddams, break a leg, guys!

Starting today, running until Friday 7th July, Wilkes Academy showcase at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.

Thursday 6th:

Live music every Thursday at The Tuppenny in Swindon, this week itโ€™s The Rigmarollers.

The Nell Bryden Trio, plus support from Isabella Coulstock at Chapel Arts, Bath.

And hip hoppers fav, the Nass Festival kicks off all weekend at Shepton Mallet.

Friday 7th:

Alexander Kai exhibition at St Marys, Devizes runs until Sunday. Hope to have a preview piece up by Thursday on this, see poster.

DOCA Carnival Quiz at The Shambles in Devizes.

Innes Sibun is at The Southgate, Devizes.

Find a Music Weekender at The Barge, Honey-Street.

Shot by Both Sides at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.

Moscow Drug Club at Chapel Arts, Bath.

Sefrial at Pound Arts, Corsham.

Moving Pictures (Rush Tribute) at The Vic, Swindon.

Funke and the Two-Tone Baby @ The Cheese & Grain, Frome.

Saturday 8th:

Lacock Scarecrow Trail begins.

Wessex Airscapes, an exhibit from the unique Anna Dillon at Wiltshire Museum starts,and runs until October.

But we hope to be at Editorโ€™s Pick of Week, CrownFest at The Crown in Bishops Cannings. Be quick in getting a ticket for this, it may already be sold out. Preview HERE.

Chaos Brothers play The Three Crowns in Devizes.

Howlin Matt is at The Southgate, Devizes.

Thereโ€™s a Family Festival at The Parade Cinema, Marlborough, with Ann Liu Cannon, The Zoots, Crystal Tides, The Vooz, Hip Route and Nothing Rhymes With Orange.

Chippenham Food & Drink Festival

Wilton Carnival

@Fest at The White Hart, Atworth. Plan of Action headline a Dorothy House Hospice Care fundraiser there.

Lunchtime Piano Recital with Andrew McCormack at Pound Arts, Corsham.

Hugh Pascall Quintet at Pound Arts, Corsham.

Bath Minerva Choir presents Feasts and Fables at  Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.

Dreamwave plays The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.

Miss Kelโ€™s Academyโ€™s The Best of British at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.

Chocolate Theatreโ€™s Grease at Swindon Arts Centre.

Shepherd’s Pie play The Vic, Swindon.

Thresholdโ€™s Party In The Park at Old Town Gardens, Swindon, with an Abba tribute.

I Canโ€™t Believe itโ€™s not Buddy, Buddy Holly show at Chapel Arts, Bath.

Straighten Out, Stranglers Tribute at The Tree House, Frome.

Sunday 9th:

Model Folk plays The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.

Wiltshire Young Musicians Summer Festival from 1.30PM at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.

Tanwood Performing Artsโ€™ Dancing On Sunshine at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.

Monday 10th:

Wizard of Oz Drawing Event at The Little Hop, Swindon.

Rumours of Fleetwood Mac at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.

Frome Festival begins, with Raghu Dixit at the Cheese & Grain.

Tuesday 11th:

Jazz Knights at The Royal Oak in Swindon has Gethin Liddington and the Dave Jones Quartet 

Rhythm of the Dance at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.

And thatโ€™s all we have so far, do check into our event calendar for updates, and have a great week!

Trending……

Date Set for Devizes Pride

Hear ye, oh, hear ye, with much yet to plan for the event, we’re pleased to announce the date of Saturday June 29th has beenโ€ฆ

Mantonfest 2023; Best One Yet!

All Images by Gail Foster

One of the fundamental elements which makes Mantonfest such an absolutely brilliant festival, aside its beautiful location and friendly atmosphere, has to be the varied age demographic. It may be the case Marlborough doesn’t do separate niche festivals for this, and for that, but I’m thinking after my third consecutive Mantonfest, Marlborough doesn’t need to when it’s all encased in this Treacle Bolly bowl of wonderfulโ€ฆ.

If I smiled to note the same bunch of groupies gathered front of stage for the standard protocol Barrelhouse hour I see annually, a smidgen more grownup each time, it was far from the only time I smiled.

Barrelhouse

For as well as Barrelhouse, who on their home turf can attract kids from nine to ninety-nine with this insatiable groovy appetite for vintage jump blues, beach balls and, this year, a homage to Tina Tuner with a Rolling on the River cover, this age demographic was truly catered for musically, this year, I think, more than ever, and I’m backing this claim with another couple of examples as to why.

Reason one being the simplest; the penultimate act is a timeless recipe for success. The fairground version of ska, via an incredibly entertaining Madness tribute from Hull, Badness. Not content with knocking out Baggy Trousers, Night Boat to Cario et al, in a fashion unpretending to mimic the appearance of Madness visually and drop in a little of their own panache, they encompassed the entire two-tone and eighties reggae scenes with equal gusto.

Badness

Badness was a chicken dinner, not only their proficiency and amusing stage banter, but of the formula; ska gets everyone up dancing. They were a blessing to a festival doing amazing without them.

Badness

This was equalled by a high-energy finale whereby tribute Rolling Stones Now not only mimic the era-spanning royalty of British blues, but recreated groundbreaking concerts. Showmanship ablaze with swagger and colourful costume changes, this was a true crowd-pleaser. Something of a history class both entertaining and precise, but more importantly coupled with Badness made a finale which catered for all. As a group of young teenagers loudly requested Baggy Trousers as an encore for Badness, I realised these classics aren’t only relished in retrospective appeal to my generation, but are timeless danacable favourites for everyone.

Mantonfest 2023
James Oliver Band

Second example why this year’s Mantonfest catered for its age demographic so astoundingly, was prior to show-stopping performances of rock n roll and blues, firstly from Welsh guitar virtuoso The James Oliver Band, Tony Briggs as a replacement upright bassist, and Jodie guest vocalling, whoโ€™s energy is unparalleled by the funny faces he pulls while strumming, sixties legends Swinging Blue Jeans, and nestled in between, the aforementioned Barrelhouse set, Mantonfest hosted an hour or so of upcoming talent from St Johnโ€™s School.

Swinging Blue Jeans

There we have it, those ageing rockers The Swinging Blue Jeans, still so cool with their classic cuts of sixties hits, still commanding the stage with gusto and a depth of experience beyond all else, against a plethora of young local students eager to advance their music, surely meets my criteria for a festival for all. 

Renee Hawkins

Five acts in this section I hope the festival will repeat, was kicked off with a nervous looking Renee Hawkins, who through her divine voice came out the other end of her songs looking deservedly chuffed and a hundred percent more confident. Followed by Elton-like pianist Sammy Till-Vattier who breathed so much expression into some self-penned marvels I nodded akiness to Bowie in subject matter, and thatโ€™s a high acclaim for anyone.

Sammy Till-Vattier

A second student at the keyboard, Beth Jones, with equally accomplished vocals blessed the festival with some beautifully spun covers, and while they found time for a second tune from wonderful Paul Simon-esque acoustic guitarist Tom Schusster, who previously had first billing at the festival, nestled between those two we had a surprisingly funky collective known as Jvno.

Beth Jones
Jvno

Jvno, pronounced Juno, were sublimely united and tight, with talented saxophonist, two vocalists on bass and drums, and some mechanically ambitious original songs; technically a tricky stunt, the funky rhythms of a contemporary Average White Band, but going on their confident showmanship and collaborative genius, given time these guys are seriously heading places.

If I hark the talented upcomers in my town, Chippenham, Melksham and from Swindon to Salisbury, everywhere young people are creating an exciting new generational scene. Sitting on the grass at Mantonfest thinking about Nick Harper giving a young George Wilding a shot at Avebury Rocks, I reaffirmed Marlborough is no exception.

Of course, the proficiency of Swinging Blue Jeans or James Oliver is going to rock my world, the archetypal brilliance of a Barrelhouse show at this festival built for them I will never tire of, and though Iโ€™m sorry to say I missed breakfast rockers @59 and Olโ€™ Man Witcomb & the Bergamots, I made up for it with the fun of two fantastic tribute acts, the icing on the cake for me personally was this St Johns section, that and some unique chicken and chips I had from a vendor called Surf n Chips, naturally!

We continue to highlight upcoming talent at Devizine, because face it, sadly the mainstream local press seems only interested in projecting an image of gen z hooliganism for clickbait.

Mantonfest 2023

Overall, Mantonfest is a little gem which grows in equal amounts of kindness and charm as it does in stature, yet it seems it hardly expands to unworkable proportions. It doesnโ€™t strive to be the next Glasto, seemingly content with its regulars. Like an exclusive club, if you know you know. Mantonfest will continue, I hope to simply be what it is. If itโ€™s not broken is the motto. 

Still, with a wonderful idea to contrast the appeal of matured rockers and embrace the younger ones who tend to not mess around here, rather, to become apprentices of the music theyโ€™re witnessing, and that is something commanding the utmost respect for Mantonfest.

Nothing Rhymes With Orange at the Barge, and Beyond!

Another quick one from me, to say Devizes upcoming indie band Nothing Rhymes With Orange smashed it out of the park and down the Kennet & Avon all the way to the Barge on Honeystreet last nightโ€ฆ..

Canโ€™t give a full review as I only rocked up with a half-hour to spare, but it was plenty to witness, Nothing Rhymes With Orange are no hometown novelty. Punters at the Barge on Honeystreet were equally enthralled by their dynamic show of originals and the occasional cover. Of which one hailed out their request for an encore should be an original of theirs, which was interesting as it fully projects what weโ€™ve been saying all along about this band; their dedication to creating an exclusive and prototypical sound is primary, yet while their ability to project that to an audience is something theyโ€™re continuously perfecting, the result is sheer exhilarating.

It was at this point then, I stress, Nothing Rhymes With Orange seemed more at home and familiar in these pub venue surroundings than ever before, despite what is a legendary local venue with an historic appreciation for the quirky and unusual, it didnโ€™t phase them to perform confidently and superbly. I left thinking everywhere these young guys go they will imprint their music on those who attended and while they may have amassed a blossoming fanbase here, it will only extend further. But more to the point, it is so thoroughly deserved!

Heading a generational scene and finding time to network within it to showcase others is clearly making an impact, as a group of local youngsters form a new production company called Lost Monkey Productions, who arenโ€™t taking things one step at a time, rather hosting NRWO with Foxymoron and Overstory in support at Devizes most prestigious venue, The Corn Exchange on Friday 14th July.

Tickets for a tenner (hurry!) HERE.

Trending…..

Mantonfest 2024

Images: Gail Foster Whilst festivals around us come and go Mantonfest has been a constant of the Wiltshire music calendar since 2009….. The 29th ofโ€ฆ

Swindon Palestine Solidarity Hold Charity Dinner

On Saturday, people from across Swindon came to Swindon Palestine Solidarityโ€™s charity dinner to raise funds for Medical Aid Palestine and raise awareness of theโ€ฆ

The Lost Trades to Release Live Album

To international acclaim on the folk circuit, weโ€™ve loved to follow the progress of the Lost Trades since day dot, when Phil Cooper enthusiastically toldโ€ฆ

Devizes Hosts First Pride

Okay, god knows I need my beauty sleep more than most, and on a promise to attend the wonderful Mantonfest, it was only ever going to be a brief drop-in to Hillworth Park to check out Devizes inaugural Pride, but I’m glad I did.

After an evening of drag queen bingo at the Wyvern Club, people gathered for a picnic styled event at the park with a handful of stalls and attractions. It was only ever going to be a small event, compared to Chippenham’s recent first Pride where they pulled out all stops, but it most certainly was well attended and a landmark in progressing Lgbtq in the town. A huge congratulations should go out to chief organiser Oberon Christmas, drag queen act Miss Lucy Luscious Lips and all in the Devizes LGBTQ group.

Likely the influence of the new Chippenham mayor Declan Baseley, not only the youngest mayor at 27, but first openly gay person too, which accelerated the appeal in Chippenham, hopefully will rub off on neighbouring towns also staging a Pride at varying levels. I’m of the thinking, though, it shouldn’t need the undertaking of someone in both the LGBTQ community and council to assist in staging such events, and town councils could do more to financially support such annual occasions, we all could.

Clashing with town’s annual beer festival was Devizes Pride’s major teething trouble, but it sure is a step in the right direction and wonderful to see the rainbow flags flying out of park as attendees dispersed from the park. What the small group achieved here this weekend was far bigger than the event itself. But as Oberan explained to me, it was a lot of work for them to stage themselves. Pride is not a LGBTQ meeting, but rather an open to all celebration of the common acceptance of equality on many levels, and, personally, I felt this was the vibe at Devizes’ first Pride. From small acorns, I’d really like to see this event sponsered and supported by the town in the coming years. Whatever we can do to help this move forward, Devizine will.

Just Meg; an Interview

by Jess Worrow

I confess a few nerves about my first interview, in a coffee shop in Chippenham, however after meeting folk singer-songwriter Meg, it became more like a chat between two friends. Meg is appearing on the line-ups of many local festivals and venues, from Trowbridgeโ€™s Pump, Chippenham Pride and Folk Festival, to MDBTYD festival in Swindon.….

I asked her which gig she was most looking forward to, โ€œthe Minety Festival is where most of my focus is, as it’s the closest,โ€ she explained. Meg is playing the Minety stage on Friday night alongside other upcoming artists such as Boston Green and The Sunnies, and amidst legends like Dodgy, Reef and Scouting For Girls.

But which are her favourite venues and most memorable gigs? โ€œIt’s a difficult question, I find gigs better when there are friendly people and a good environment. I did a gig with Boston Green at Newark Hall in Chippenham; they were amazing!โ€ Meg was passionate about the Pump in Trowbridge, which presents opportunities to upcoming and diverse musicians. โ€œKieran,โ€ she said, โ€œwho runs it is really involved in helping young musicians.โ€

I was keen to understand the difficulties for younger people getting local bookings, at sixteen it must be hard to get gigs being many venues are pub-based. โ€œAt times it can,โ€ Meg said, โ€œI’ve had a few venues whoโ€™ve said no because theyโ€™re 18 plus, so, like bars and clubs, as legally it would be very difficult. Then getting the fan base in because many of them are younger as well.โ€

Whatโ€™s Megโ€™s favourite thing about performing? โ€œThe fact I can do it and that there’s an audience who cares enough to actually listen, and who will come up and talk to me afterwards; itโ€™s really sweet. And of course, I love it! I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t love it.โ€

Glastonbury is a dream gig for any artist, Meg included. โ€œThough I don’t think I’d like to go there unless I was playing,โ€ she remarked. Meg cited Florence and the Machine and Aurora as influences, โ€œthey have been hugely influential on my personal style. When I was first going out, I didn’t have many originals, mainly doing Florence and Aurora covers.โ€ But now Meg is a prolific writer. โ€œAt this point,โ€ she expressed, โ€œI’m doing all originals, but this time last year I only had two and was doing mainly covers. I actually wrote a bunch of songs whilst doing my GCSEs! Itโ€™s a good way to relieve stress. So, I have a lot more material now.โ€

Enough for an album, and at such a young age? Meg was thrilled about an opportunity to record her songs, โ€œI mean thatโ€™s got to be exciting, right?โ€

โ€œI’m so excited for that!โ€ Meg expressed, โ€œI’ve got two days booked, so hopefully I’ll get all the songs I’ve got going at the moment recorded. Yess, there’s going to be an album! We are going to aim to start releasing around September, and then the album will probably come out between then and Christmas.โ€

โ€œI feel like the music industry isn’t always that accessible to become successful in, but at my age, I think I have the freedom to put a lot of time into it, and I’m obviously still supported by my parents, and I love them so much; they help me a lot with it!โ€

I wondered where Meg got her inspiration. โ€œInspired by the work of Aurora and Florence and the Machine,โ€ she began, โ€œI love nature so that can sometimes help. And rain, whenever it rains I seem to get ideas! A month ago it was really misty and I wrote a song which is called Mist, which is one of my favourites. When inspiration strikes you just have to write; I often find Iโ€™ll be writing songs in the back of my school books!โ€

Where did it all begin? โ€œThis probably sounds cliche,โ€ Meg replied, โ€œbut it’s always been there, as soon as I could talk I started singing! I was four when I wrote my first little song. I would always sing with my mum when I was younger which really helped get me into it and my dad played musical instruments so that helped too.โ€

Mist being her personal fav, Meg continued, โ€œThere is this one that’s a calm one; some people say it’s sad, but it’s very nostalgic for me. It’s called Hide in the Rain. There is also another one that’s really helped me through a lot of things, called Together, because Iโ€™m autistic the song has helped remind me I can unmask, I don’t have to pretend to be someone else and it’s fine to be me.โ€

Mentioning Together, about her autism, I asked Meg when she is writing her songs does she try to represent autism? โ€œI think Together is the only song I’ve written about it. But I do quite openly talk about it and I don’t think it should be something people are scared to talk about. For me personally it’s part of who I am and I really value that part of me. It’s made some parts of life difficult but it’s made parts of my life better. I honestly don’t think I would be doing this if I wasn’t autistic, in a weird way. All of my songs are about me in some respect and it’s a part of me I can’t escape.โ€

Does Meg get performance anxiety? โ€œSometimes, it often depends on the gigs. At new environments like a festival Iโ€™ve never been to, or when I’ve got a lot of new songs I haven’t performed, I found then that it can be very nerve-racking.โ€

It was lovely chatting to Meg, I asked her what her proudest musical accomplishment was, so far. โ€œI’m not sure. It’s hard to say, but coming second in Take the Stage in Chippenham, when I was fifteen has to be up there!โ€ And Iโ€™m sure there will be many more!

You can find Meg performing at Minety, Trowbridge Festival, MDBYTD and The Shuffle and regularly at The Pump. 

Follow MEG on Instagram Facebook

Trending……

Wormwood; Cracked Machineโ€™s New Album

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.โ€ฆ

The Worried Men Take the Pump

And Morpheus said unto Neo, โ€œunfortunately, no one can be told what the Matrix is. You have to see it for yourself.โ€ Funny cos, Iโ€ฆ

Daisy Chapman Took Flight

Okay, so, if I praised the Bradford Roots Festival last weekend and claimed to have had a fantastic time, itโ€™s all as true as Harrisonโ€ฆ

New Nothing Rhymes With Orange Single

Friday is over, I’m a day late to the party, but there’s a new single from Devizes-own Nothing Rhymes With Orange, and you’ve not heardโ€ฆ

Time to be Thinking About CrownFest!

Itโ€™s time to be thinking about that nearby little village with a big punch and a spire. CrownFest at The Crown in Bishops Cannings is occurring next weekend, Saturday 8th July, and if last yearโ€™s inaugural festival is anything to go by youโ€™re in for a treatโ€ฆ..

Because the whole term โ€œfestivalโ€ has become somewhat ambiguous during these trending times, some pubs seem to take the wonky assumption that you can grab a man with a guitar off the street, put him in a marquee, flog undercooked hotdogs and call it a festival! Crownfest, you should note now, does it proper and gurt lush, and last year was hard to imagine it was their first time. It was professionally put together and catered for all; real stage, side stalls, childrenโ€™s entertainment and rides and plenty of food options. And most importantly of all, it was simply a stupendously friendly and buzzing event.

There was never a point where something was a hassle, like free car-parking, camping is reduced to ยฃ15 per (6m x 4m) pitch this year, pets are welcome, toilets and showers are available and it was exceptionally well presented with friendly but effective security; personally I couldnโ€™t fault it other than the fact I fell off the bus too late to catch Pete Lambโ€™s Heartbeats, as they were running ahead of schedule! What festival have you ever been to which runs on time, let alone ahead of schedule?! It must say something about the dedication gone into CrowFest numero uno, and it showed.

Being punctual isnโ€™t something Iโ€™d usually need to enforce at any festie, but perhaps here, as here is the lineup and (apparent) times! Headline amidst a further couple of tributes, from 9:30 till the close, Bob Marley & The Wailers tribute The Marley Experience is surely something youโ€™d be looking forward to? Only ever witnessing one Marley tribute before called Legends, I have to say that one will be a hard act to follow, but in checking out The Marley Experience online, take it from a reggae aficionado himself, these guys sound equally โ€œtop ranking.โ€

If May brought us the terrible news of the queen of rock ‘n’ rollโ€™s passing, Tina Turner was perhaps the most misunderstood icon of the eighties. The controversial Ike & Tina Turner Revue of the seventies which put her in the spotlight, equally was her trauma. Unlike Marley tributes, Tina Turner ones are plentiful, and this could go either way. Being honest, with tribute acts I find thereโ€™s no inbetween, theyโ€™re either astoundingly great, and pay a homage to the act theyโ€™re attributing, or are a shocking embarrassment! Thing you need to do when deciding on a tribute act is research, and I assume Eddie music coordinator has done his homework, as Kinisha Morgan-Williams, the Tina Turner tribute act booked, sounds โ€œsimply the bestโ€ on this here YouTube vid, and she is on at 7:45.

Prior to the private dancer, thereโ€™s an Abba tribute, Abba Allstars from 6pm. Again, I find myself contemplating my โ€œno in betweenโ€ theory of tribute acts, and the Chiquitita video shows, even for someone like me whoโ€™s not the biggest Abba fan, these Allstars are proficient and sound sublimeโ€ฆ.they might make an Abba fan out of me yet!

Though Iโ€™m a 100% fan of those Junkyard Dogs, on at 4:15pm; a local band of the fiery blues variety and never to be missed. Cap’n Rasty’s Skiffle City Rockers, on at 2:30, is a new one on me, but the name alone is enough to entice. Then, along with Fantasy DJ Marc Anthony, and Guinness Book of Records holder for freestyle football skills Dan Magness, who did keep-me-ups for twenty-four hours, and causing me to wonder how he went to the loo during it, (I will ask him and report back) we also have Gloucesterโ€™s fantastic and energetic alt-rock collective, the Leon Daye Band, who kick off proceedings at 1pm.

With all that in mind, I suggest you head on down to the Crown at Bishops Canning and grab a ticket, or online here, but if you go in person no chatting up the infamous gorilla statue, though; I saw her first!ย 

Trending……

Learn the Art of Chocolate with HollyChocsย 

Devizes-based chocolate engineer Holly Garner, 2023 Chocolate Champion for the Southwest, has launched her new chocolate classes for the first half of 2024โ€ฆโ€ฆ From learningโ€ฆ

Major step towards revitalising Devizes Assize Court as the new home of Wiltshire Museum

Exciting news for Wiltshire Museum in Devizes, who has received initial support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for an ambitious and exciting project โ€˜Assizes for Devizes: Unlocking Wiltshireโ€™s Storiesโ€™.ย  Made possible by National Lottery players, the project aims to revitalise the derelict Devizes Assize Court into a vibrant community hub and iconic new home for Wiltshire Museum and its world class collection.….

Development funding of ยฃ300,748 has been awarded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund to help Wiltshire Museum, working closely with the Devizes Assize Court Trust, to progress plans for the project before applying for a full National Lottery grant in 2025.  If successful, work would start on the Assize Court building in three- or four-yearsโ€™ time, with a target opening date of 2030.

โ€˜Assizes for Devizesโ€™ aims to create a cultural and community destination at the heart of Wiltshire, supporting tourism and the regeneration of the local area.  Essential conservation works to the Assize Court will enable the revitalisation of the building to include a multi-use community and event space, a designated learning area and innovative new museum galleries.  The project will also include an exciting programme of local activities, events and volunteer opportunities.

During the two-year development phase we will be holding community days, including โ€˜pop-upโ€™ exhibitions to seek the views of local people on plans as they progress.  These ideas will be developed with Purcell, our appointed architects, along with adjoining owners, Wiltshire Council and Devizes Town Council.

Martin Nye, Chair of Wiltshire Museum, said โ€œWe are delighted that the Heritage Fund have supported our project to restore this wonderful building and give a home that is fit for purpose for the award-winning Wiltshire Museum. We are all excited by the opportunity to connect the Assize Court building to the rest of Devizes, and to create a vibrant destination for the very wide range of visitors who come from far and wide to see our marvellous collections.โ€

Peter Troughton, Chair of the Devizes Assize Court Trust, said โ€œThis fantastic news is a vital and hugely encouraging step on the long journey to giving a new life to this important building.  The financial help that the project has received to date has been invaluable, enabling us to get to where we are today.  Our thanks to Historic England, Devizes Town Council, a number of charitable trusts and individuals who have made this possible.โ€

Stuart McLeod, Director of England – London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: โ€œWe believe that investing in heritage means investing in the community it belongs to. It has the power to make our communities better places to live, bring a sense of pride and boost the local economy. Weโ€™re pleased to support Wilshire Museum with their Assizes for Devizes project. It will not only see a Grade II* listed building brought back to life, but also create a space for the community and a new home for the Wiltshire Museum. We look forward to working with the team to progress their plans to apply for a full grant at a later date.โ€

A key part of the work over the next two years will be to raise the significant additional funding required to complete the project through applications to trusts and foundations and in securing philanthropic support.

The Wiltshire Museum has been engaging visitors since 1874 in its current buildings on Long Street, Devizes and is home to Designated collections, including stunning treasures from the Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site landscape.

The Devizes Assize Court was built in 1835 and has been derelict since the 1980s. It has been on Historic England โ€˜Heritage At Risk registerโ€™ since the schemeโ€™s inception in 1988.

Ooh Ah, Shuffling to My Dadโ€™s Bigger Than Your Dad…

If you fancy having a whole heap of fun while helping raise some funds for Prospect Hospice, who have provided end of life care to the people of Swindon and north east Wiltshire for over 40 years, you have two exciting festival options.…..

Firstly lands in your lap on Saturday 22nd July, when Swindonโ€™s Old Town Gardens plays host to My Dadโ€™s Bigger Than Your Dad Festival. Bit long-winded name for a festival, but it’s certainly original and stands out, provided the idea of primary playground sayings for festivals doesn’t trend on the back of it and we have The My Dad’s a Blackbelt in Karate Festival, or even worse, The Ooh Ah Lost my Bra in my Boyfriendโ€™s Car Festival!

In its third year the festival is a 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. The festival has raised over ยฃ24,000 for Prospect Hospice in its first two years.

Headline sponsor this year will be Future Planning, an independent financialย planners and mortgage advisers based in Swindon. Acts include countywide favourite rockers, The Ukey Dukes, Kova Me Badd, The Vooz, and Splat the Rat, ska and reggae cover giants Train to Skaville, sonic indie darlings Atari Pilot, upcoming indie post punk favourites Viduals, The Pop-Punk Revolution Tour, crazy rappers Imperial Leisure, and in a comedy rock subgenre of their very own, we can never forget the Real Cheesemakers. Plus thereโ€™s acoustic goodness from Hip Routeโ€™s Jim Blair, Drew Byrant, Joel Rose, Meg, Jules Hill, Shedric.

If this isnโ€™t enough for you, Swindon Paint Fest will be hosting an area of creativity with six fantastic local artists demonstrating their talents by live painting in the Sunken Garden. There will also be a guided spray paint and acrylic pen workshop led by Emma from Old Townโ€™s Mams gallery where  participants will be able to have a go with using the spray paint and acrylic pens onto a canvas board creating an artwork which they are able to take home. 

Caryn Koh from Swindon Paint Fest said, “We at Swindon Paint Fest are excited to collaborate with My Dad’s Bigger Than Your Dad event which is a great initiative raising money for Swindon’s Prospect Hospice.โ€

Food and drink vendors, including Gurt Wings, have been brought in to keep revellers fed and watered, as well as an independent business market and a funfair area for children.

Adult tickets are a purple one, ยฃ20 from their website mydadsbiggerthanyourdad.co.uk . Paper tickets are also available from Holmes Music, The Tuppenny and The Castle Inn.

Second option is in September when, from Thursday 14th to Sunday 17th, Swindonโ€™s Old Town comes alive with locally-sourced live music in a pub stroller type fashion with Swindon Shuffle. The lineups at five music venue boozers, The Victoria, The Hop Inn, The Beehive, The Tuppenny, and the Castle basically reads like a whoโ€™s who of local music, and itโ€™s all free, provided you spare a little cash for Prospect Hospice buckets scattered around the venues. Fringe events are also to be found at Baristocats and the Prospect Hospice Books & Media shop.

โ€œThis yearโ€™s event is shaping up to be the biggest ever and includes something for pretty much everyone out there,โ€ The shufflers say, and theyโ€™re not telling fibs. Swindon Link, Sheer Music, Swindon Folk Club, and many others all muck in to help create the enormous homage to David Young and raise funds for Prospect. I made it down last year for just Saturday. I’m thinking I might need to find a B&B this year and a sudden attack of skivalitis from work this time around!

From alt-rock of All Ears Avow and Modern Evils, to the sludge doom of Phantom Droid. The likes of Stay Lunar, Moon UK, Viduals and Chasing Dolls keep the indie-kids dancing and there are first shuffle experiences for up and coming bands Trippy Kicks, I See Orange, and  Mirrored Faces UK.

If something rootsier is more your thing, you are also well-catered for with the widescreen americana of Matt Owens Music & The Delusional Vanity Project and Concrete Prairie headlining stages, along with folkier offerings from the likes of Fly Yeti Fly, Canute’s Plastic Army and Splat The Rat.

Subject A bring a touch of Ska and Reggae to proceedings and there is creative and impossible to pigeonhole music from Will Lawton and the Alchemists, Richard Wileman / Karda Estra & Amy Fry Music and new band The Wheel 2!, who feature many of the faces behind the amazing and much missed Diagonal People. Thud and Bone Chapel bring some blues to proceedings and Swindon Folk Club again curates a stage.

With over sixty acts on the main bill you need to put this in your diary, but for now, whether your Dad is bigger than my Dad, or not, all eyes are focussed on 22nd July, when the wonderful park venue of the Old Town Bowl comes aliveโ€ฆ.and to think, thereโ€™s some wonky folk who groan Swindon is a cultural void, same ones still probably trying to get their bra back from their boyfriendโ€™s car, ooh ah!

Trending….

Richard Wileman on the Forked Road

Fashionably late for the party, apologies, the fellow Iโ€™m not sure if he minds me calling โ€œthe Mike Oldfield of Swindon,โ€ though itโ€™s meant asโ€ฆ

Lego Club at Devizes Library Announced

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!โ€ฆ

Rootless; New Single Ushti Baba

Bristolโ€™s fine purveyors of idiosyncratic folk-raving, Ushti Baba, who if youโ€™re in Devizes you might recall played Street Festival in 2022, have a new singleโ€ฆ..โ€ฆ

Timeslips; New Single from Sienna Wileman

With an album review in the pipeline for Dad which includes vocals from Sienna, our Swindon princess of melancholic poignancy has a new single, Timeslipsโ€ฆ..โ€ฆ

Gazelles: Follow-up Album from Billy Green 3

Our favourite loud Brit-popping local Geordie and gang are back with a second album. Theyโ€™re calling it Gazelles, after the previously released single opener Endlessโ€ฆ

The Magic Teapot Gathering

Okay, so there must be a truckload of local social and political ranting to cover, but itโ€™s new yearโ€™s day, Iโ€™m going to waffle aboutโ€ฆ

Devizine Review of 2023

Here we are again with another year under our belts and me trying to best sum it up without restraint; I reserve my right toโ€ฆ

Weekly Roundup of Events in Wiltshire: 28th June – 4th July 2023

Hey, busy week this week, hereโ€™s what’s happening across the county. Donโ€™t forget thereโ€™s more info on these, ticket links and irregular updates on our fantabulouso Event Calendar, so get ahead one step ahead of the game!

Ongoing, Hail the Curious, the inaugural exhibit at The Forbidden Carnival in Chippenham; check it out by the end of the month. Devizes Tennis Club starts week one of their Tennis Holiday Camp at Devizes Tennis Club; book here.

Wednesday 28th:

Ah, the regular acoustic jam at the Southgate, Devizes.

Jo Brand: Work In Progress at Swindon Arts Centre.

William KZ at The Bell, Bath, The Beat featuring Dave Wakeling at Bath Forum. 

Thursday 29th:

Open Mic at Stallards, Trowbridge.

B-Sydes & Old Man Boom at The Tuppenny in Swindon, while Something Underneath and Chasing Dolls are at the Vic, Drew Bryant is at Timmyโ€™s Bar, and Coldplay tribute Coldplace at The Wyvern Theatre.

Comedy at Komedia in Bath with Phil McIntyre presents Danny Bhoyโ€™s Now is not a Good Time, Danielle Ward and Tread Softly Productionsโ€™ hilarious, intelligent and seriously moving, no-holds-barred look at being a woman in comedy, The Half at the Rondo Theatre.

Friday 30th:

The acclaimed Welsh film, Translations gets a screening at Melksham Assembly Hall, Helen gave us a preview, HERE.

Drew Bryant is at The Pelican, Devizes, with Illingworth at The Three Crowns. And we look forward to Devizes first Pride on Saturday with Drag Queen Bingo at The Wyvern club and an LGBTQ+ Club Night at The Exchange.

Thereโ€™s an Open Mic at Marlborough Town FC, Swipe Right play the Bear, and Reading Dub Club with the Jah Lion Movement visits the Barge on Honey Street.

B-Sydes at the Pump, Trowbridge, with Old Man Boom in support.

Opening is the amazing Minety Music Festival, nr Malmesbury, and happening all weekend.

Chippenham Comedy Festival starts at the Old Road Tavern, and continues until Sunday 2nd July.

Modern Evils, Viduals and Trippy Kicks at The Vic, Swindon, while Moon and Truck are at The Castle, and Jon Amor Trio at the Beehive. Comedy at The Wyvern Theatre with Phil McIntyre presents Danny Bhoyโ€™s Now is not a Good Time.

Iona Lane with Malin Lewis at Pound Arts in Corsham.

Spectrum at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.

The Ministry of Burlesque cabaret at Komedia, Bath, while the Rondo Theatre have Eleanor Higgins and Bush Productions queer cult sensation, In Pursuet, following two sell-out runs at Edinburgh Festival Fringe. And โ€˜Your Songโ€™ โ€“ a Celebration of the Songs of Elton John at Chapel Arts.

Keith Brymer-Jones is at The Memorial Theatre, Frome, with Led Zep tribute Coda at the Cheese & Grain.

Saturday 1st:

Marlborough Open Studios starts, and runs over the first four weekends in July between 11am and 5pm. This is a countywide open studios extravaganza where you can visit many different local artists in their studios. 

It is Mantonfest near Marlborough time again; yay! Nothing Rhymes With Orange are at The Barge on Honey Street.

Free to take clothes, swap and donate at Devizes Swap Shop at St James Church from 11am-2pm. It is Devizes first Pride at Hillworth Park, and of course, the 22nd Devizes Beer & Cider Festival. To finish, Jamie Williams & The Roots Collective will continue from the beer fest over to the Southgate.

Thereโ€™s the Heddington and Stockley Steam Rally and Country Fair. 

Becky Lawrence & The Reason play The Green Dragon in Market Lavington.

Saucy Jack at The Pilot, Melksham.

Barney Kenny & Chris Murphey at The Pump in Trowbridge.

Matt Woosey at Pound Arts in Corsham.

Trowbridge Symphony Orchestra at Wiltshire Music Centre in Bradford-on-Avon, and highly recommended Adam and the Ants tribute Ant Trouble at The Three Horseshoes, with The Sylvertones at The BoatHouse.

Italia Conti at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon. My Chemical Romance and Fallout Boy tributes at the Vic, The Black Charade and Fell Out Boy!

Figgle Fest 10th Anniversary, at Figheldean Village Hall Salisbury.

Tribute to Small Faces, the Small Fakers Band has sold out Chapel Arts, Bath.

Gordie Mackeeman & His Rhythm Boys at Frome Memorial Theatre, with An Evening with Simon & Oscar from Ocean Colour Scene at The Cheese & Grain, and Foo Fakers & Nirvanot at the Tree House.

Sunday 2nd:

Carmelaโ€™s Wiltshire Wonder Wheels 100km & 10km Charity Cycle Ride.

Jon Amor regular session at the Southgate in Devizes, increibley with the Gris Gris, Robin Davey and Greta Valetni; just wow!

Inspire 2023 free music festival at Warminster Pleasure Grounds.

Zone Clubโ€™s Summer Celebration Concert at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.

Regular first Sunday of the month Blues Jam at the Vic in Swindon.

Monday 3rd I got nought, yet.

Tuesday 4th:

Running until 8th July, the Bradfordiansโ€™ Amadeus at the Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.

Jazz Knights at The Royal Oak in Swindon brings you the Alex Goodyear Quartet.

That’s your lot for this week, unless you know any different? It’s free to have your event added to our EVENT CALENDAR and feature on our weekly rodeo roundup, so don’t make me come chasing after you, do let us know about them. Have a sixties style fab and groovy weekend!

Trending……

New Single from Billy in the Lowground

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 meaningโ€ฆ

The Closing of Cooper Tyres

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 theโ€ฆ

Nothing Rhymes With Orange Storm The Southgate

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 Nothingโ€ฆ

A Sneak Peak at the Wharf Theatreโ€™s Upcoming Season

Delighted by winning the Best Theatre/Arts Venue category of the Wiltshireโ€ฏMuddyโ€ฏStilettos Award 2023, Devizes Wharf Theatre wanted to thank everyone who voted for them. โ€œWe are so proud of our little theatre and all our incredible volunteers,โ€ they told Devizine, โ€œthe theatre literally would not run without their time and effort. Thank you also to everyone who supports us whether that be by coming to shows, volunteering, or, indeed, nominating us for this award in the first place!โ€

Muddyโ€ฏStilettos is all about celebrating and supporting local businesses and this year saw over 800,000 people voting on various categories around the country, and we congratulate the Wharf, for it really is a wonderful little theatre on our doorstep; but we all knew that already, didnโ€™t we?!

There is only one more show left of the summer season at the Wharf, one Iโ€™m personally looking forward to. Girls Like That is a gritty reality-driven drama directed by Lou Cox, and performed by the Wharf Youth Theatre Group. It explores the pressures on young people today in the wake of advancing technology, and was named Best Play for Young Audiences at the Writersโ€™ Guild of Great Britain Awards 2015. It runs from 20th-22nd July.

Thereโ€™s an audition notice for 9th July, a currently untitled new play by the amazing Freddie Underwood.

And itโ€™s on with the new program. Saturday 19th of August sees The Jake Leg Jug Band at the Wharf. An authentic sound of 1920’s and 30’s America, from jazz, blues, gospel and ragtime, this trio put their own twist on songs of murder, betrayal, gambling, liquor and redemption.

From Monday 11th September to Saturday 16th, find Amelia Bullmore’s comedy, Di and Viv and Rose, dealing with friendships among a group of three cohabiting female students in 1983, displaying how their solidarity precariously survives physical separation, career paths and even mortality.

On Thursday 28th September thereโ€™s a Devizes Film Club screening of Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom. A 2019 Bhutanese drama film directed by Pawo Choyning Dorji. The first film from the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan to be nominated for an Oscar, it follows a young teacher with a dream of moving to Australia but finds himself teaching a classroom of eager children, and a yak!

October 23rd to 28th sees Lyn Taylorโ€™s Happy Jack, a 1989 play by John Godber, about a couple who live in a mining village in West Yorkshire.

Steaming into November, and the 4th has an uplifting story of heroism and love by Ali Smith, Cadbury’s Angels. Set in wartime when a group of women working on the production line at the Cadbury factory in Birmingham decided to secretly send letters and cards inside the tins of chocolates that were dispatched to the soldiers fighting on the front lines. To the men fighting miles from home, and away from their loved ones, these women became known as The Cadbury Angels.

Sunday the 5th November, remember, thereโ€™s Water Rats Charity Variety Spectacular, some top stars all raising money for the Water Rats Charity.ย 

Saturday 11th November thereโ€™s two showings of The Last Post, a poignant, moving and thought-provoking stage show for children and families. The story revolves around the correspondence between Joseph, who is at war, and his son William at home.ย The split stage, multi-rolling and use of projections allows for fast-paced transitions from England to Belgium so the audience remains immersed in this simple but moving story that entertains in an appropriate and engaging manner.ย 

With November behind us, oh no it isnโ€™t, December now, and where would be without panto time? This year will be Jack and the Beanstalk, and itโ€™s running from Friday 1st to Saturday 9th.ย 

Bounding into 2024, we can expect to find Oscar Wildeโ€™s farcical comedy, The Importance of Being Earnest, from 29th January to 3rd February. Auditions for this will be on 18th September, see here.

All tickets for the above performances will be at the box office as of Saturday 1st July. Anything we publish hereafter is top secret speculation taken from leaked documents from the very top of the Wharf Theatre, and I will likely be shot for merely whispering them to you …..in some over dramatic theatrical way too!

Stagecoach Performing Arts School are visiting with a production of Frozen Jnr, followed by a Lonnie Donnigan tribute show on February 24th.

2nd March sees the Music of Simon & Garfunkel show come to Devizes and in April you can look forward to something very Agatha Christie. From 13th May until the 18th, Amanda Whittingtonโ€™s The Thrill of Love is the performance. Set in a smoggy 1953 gentlemanโ€™s club in Londonโ€™s West End, where young manager, Ruth Ellis, had it all, the money and lifestyle that she had always dreamed of. However, by 1955 she had lost it all and was the last woman to be hanged in Great Britain.

And on the 1st of June, expect Top Secretโ€™s explosive family show, The Magic of Science.ย  An opportunity to surround yourself with the mystery of magic, cleverly fused with wondrous and miraculous feats of science. It is promised the venue will be transformed into a real-life science laboratory and lots of unbelievable “how did they do that!” moments.ย 

Trending…..

Waiting for M3Gโ€™s new Single…..

So yeah, I thought Iโ€™d be funny by commenting โ€œcanโ€™t waitโ€ on Chippenhamโ€™s upcoming folk singer-songwriter Megโ€™s Facebook post announcing her latest single, because, youโ€ฆ

Bradford on Avon Green Man Festival

Featured Image: Colin Rayner Photography If Iโ€™ve recently been singing the praises of arts diversity in Bradford-on-Avon, centred around the Wiltshire Music Centre and notโ€ฆ

Viduals Release New Single

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, orโ€ฆ

12 Bars Later Pop into The Badger Set

Mustโ€™ve been a sweaty August night last year at our trusty Southgate, when I turned up on the off chance, and staggered home mightily impressedโ€ฆ

Song of The Week: Beskar

Quick one from me, a belated song of the week, The Prophecy by Beskar featuring Huntr/s. A debut single on RAM Records from Scottish music producer Beskar, named after the Mandalorian steel from the Star Wars universe; if this is the way I love it! Gorgeously dreamy, reach for the stars, rolling drum n bass style with flavours of classics from yore such as LTJ Bukem, Guy Called Gerald and Goldie.…..

It comes as a double A with a track called Path I Canโ€™t Follow, both of which features the vocals of Huntr/s, and therein is our local connection. This Huntress is Chrissy Chapman from Devizes, who you may have caught last weekend singing with Tom Harris at the Sustainable Fair in the Market Place, unless, like me the lazy sausage, you drifted up that bit too late!

Now Iโ€™ve heard both these euphoric tracks Iโ€™m even more gutted to have missed them; Chrissy, the vocals in drum n bass really maketh the ambience of the tune, otherwise it would be just a series of breaks and beats, and though said breaks and beats are sublimely aligned here, it is the icing on a deluxe cake!

Chrissy worked for a record label during 2021 run by the once frontman of Foreign Beggers,ย PAV4N. โ€œThis led to meeting artists and then doing a live stream charity event,โ€ she told us, โ€œsome of them watched and put me in touch with Beskar.โ€

Mandalorian armour wouldnโ€™t stop me from dancing to this! Well done, Huntress, keep shining the light, and Beskar too of course, tune!

Trending…..

Tonka Bean’s Taste of Trinidad in Devizes

Guess who limboed into Tonka Bean, to poke their nose in a day before the official opening? Though I’m a sucker for new ventures, especially with a Caribbean twist!

Nestled nicely on St John’s Street where sadly The Vaults micropub once stood, this is the new cafe-bar labour of love of mum and daughter team Abrilli and Mya. Abrilli was sweeping up, getting everything ready for opening day tomorrow (Friday 23rd June at 8:00am and closing at 21:30 pm,) but stopped to welcome me with her backstory. A school teacher who has lived in Devizes for sixteen years with her roots in Trinidad, these new pastures hope to bring both a little piece of Trinidad to Devizes, with a general Caribbean theme to boot.

The bar is situated in the same place it was with the Vaults, the rest is transformed with a bamboo wall and colourfully painted tables and chairs, yeah, I get the vibe, there’s definitely a tropical ambience already. Though you shouldn’t make the word association of bean with coffee, tonka beans are South American black seeds akin in flavour to vanilla, this is not a coffeeshop, though they will serve coffee!

If Abrilli is rather restricted without a kitchen, she’s determined to overcome; the motto of Trindad is “together we aspire, together we achieve,” after all.

Hot and cold foods will be bought in, she was keen to note ninety percent locally sourced. The Happy Food Company will supply sandwiches and salad boxes, Jamaican patties were a sure thing, and she smiled to announce her own recipe curried goat too, served in roti. This sparked a chat about Eastern influences in Caribbean culture and cuisine; she was impressed with my slim knowledge of chutney style, a soca subgenre using Indian instruments!

But turning it back to Trindad cuisine possibilities, Abrilli explained saltfish accra, and a sailfish breakfast dish she called buljol. Alongside wine and spirits, passionfruit, papaya, and mango smoothies, she wet my appetite with “those kinds of tropical flavours that give people that fresh Caribbean feel.” Here was the point where she gave her utmost respect to the success of the Muck and Dundar rumbar in town, but with no dilemma if Tonka Bean is Caribbean themed it had to sell rum punch too, “of course I’m going to have rum punch!”ย 

Neither would a Caribbean themed bar be complete without accompanying the standard issue sweet tooth, and Abrilli introduced me to her snow cone machine in which shaved ice with syrup is a popular snack in Trinidad.

The building has a spacious basement the renovation of which to extend Tonka Bean hinges on its initial success, while Abrilli intends to reapply for a live music licence, this won’t happen anytime soon, but expect background music of tropical twist! This bold venture I wish the very best of luck, but if the success hinges on creating a happy atmosphere, you only need to look at carnival to acknowledge you can not beat the Caribbean for happiness!

Small acorns, or tonka beans even, at this early stage, but I came away feeling overwhelmed with positivity about this place, and the cafe bar in Devizes with a different angle. Of course, it all depends on the support the town shows it, and enthusiasm is already building. Abrilli had to close the gates after I left, as people tended to poke their noses in to see if it was open yet; I was the lucky one, but here to report Tonka Bean is going to be irie with all the joy of a Caribbean getaway in our hometown!

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