This afternoon I find myself contemplating what the future holds for historical discovery and learning for all ages, fun and educational exhibits and events in Wiltshire; and it looks positive! Devizes is blessed to have Wiltshire Museum already, but the future looks even better, the future isโฆ. Assizes!
Wiltshire Museum announced today, The National Lottery Heritage Fund has awarded ยฃ8.5 million towards the ยฃ14.8 million Assizes for Devizes project to transform the derelict Assize Court building into a spectacular new home for the Museum. Derelict for decades, the once huge court house of architectural distinction, on the Heritage At Risk register, The Assize Court has been a sour issue for too long, and in its current condition is sadly an eyesore. The project will restore its historic features, and breathe new life into the building; Wiltshire Museum and in turn, Devizes will thrive.
Since 1874 The Wiltshire Museum has been delighting visitors at Long Street in Devizes, and is home to nationally important designated collections, including stunning treasures from the Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site landscape. It also hosts many exhibits, educational events and lectures for all ages, childrenโs craft workshops and so much more.
Director of Wiltshire Museum David Dawson said, “we are delighted that the Heritage Fund has demonstrated its confidence in our plans to transform the former Devizes Assize Court into the new home for a reimagined Wiltshire Museum. At last we will be able to give the museumโs internationally significant collections a fitting home, while rescuing an important at-risk listed building and providing a focal point for town centre renewal. We are grateful to National Lottery players, our loyal members and our other funders, existing and future, for their commitment and support.โ
Peter Troughton, CVO CBE, Chair of Devizes Assize Court Trust, which initially saved the building by purchasing it in 2018 with the support of generous donors, said, โthe National Lottery Heritage Fund award to the Wiltshire Museum is fantastic news! It will transform the museum, save the historic Assize Court building and give the people of Devizes a community hub like no other. It will be an enormous help to the campaign to achieve the vision for the award-winning museum, already supported by the town, Wiltshire County Council and leading charitable foundations.โ
Ohโฆa slice of onion from my bratwurst plopped into my mulled wine; where does one go to complain about this?! Other than that, Devizes Town Council and DOCA’s Winter Festival was the best one for many years, officially opening yuletide in Devizesโฆ..
Over time the simple premise of switching the Christmas tree lights on has become a large-scale event which differs in traditions from town to town, possibly competitive even. Some here envy the Sham’s monstrosity of an electronic tree sculpture, others favour our real tree. Wotton Bassett hosts great lively rock bands, like Barrelhouse this year. But while I love those guys, nothing says Christmas to me more than Devizes Town Band brassing off the seasonal Shakin Stevens classic. And, face it, Trowbridgeโs lantern parade was an idea they nicked from us, which we may/may not have pinched from Chinese New Year, but who’s splitting hairs?!
In the modern era I’ve no experience of other town’s shenanigans in which to compare Devizesโ efforts with. I just know and am more than content with the spectacular show we stage here. A massive well done and thanks to all involved, it was a magnificent occasion, much better than last and other previous years.
To start at the end, fireworks were welcomed back after last year’s dubious light show replacement. Despite them being dubbed โsilent fireworksโ the effect was near equally impressive. Perhaps Fantasy Radio blasting out the decibels made up for the lack of explosions, and everyone’s dogs could join in the fun. I thought the radio couldโve been turned down a notch, during intervals of the Devizes Town Band playing, to enhance them when they did, but thereโs no telling radio DJs!
And as for light shows, St John’s looked absolutely magnificent. It’s one thing to project images onto a wall, it’s another to use it to compliment a 900 year old beautiful church, where children and PTAs usually just collect their lanterns and wait in relative darkness!
The Market Place was also transformed into a visual feast, a bustling market with plenty of food and drink options. Devizes Town Band proudly showcased on a grand stage was a new great idea, and excited faces of all ages gathered to watch the lantern parade. It is a wonderful, popular family occasion, this year being one of the very best.
The town came out to play. Folk gathered at the end of the lantern parade by The Corn Exchange, though, were unfenced and naturally pushed forward so Santa’s sleigh on a trailer was forced to stop there and let the lantern bearers pass behind it, rather than park sensibly by the stage. This was the only technical error, as their view of the lanterns were now obscured by Father Christmas and the Mayor offloading with a stepladder! But Devizes is Devizes, and we retain our astute sense of humour regardless. As Santa dismounted and the lanterns passed behind, folk shouted in jest, โget out of the way Santa!โ โYou can’t park there!โ and โit’s not all about you!!โ
And from the basic children’s lanterns to the regular spaceman, chickens and even the odd Minecraft Ghast, the parade swept through the Market Place gloriously, and we cheered Father Christmas as we counted down the moment the tree lights would glitter and Christmas in Devizes begins for another year.
But it’s not just about wandering through the stalls, deciding what food and drink to treat yourself to and perhaps buying fudge, or auntie a jar of chilli jam, because while you did, entertaining street theatre and glittery ladies on stilts (who I failed to pick up the phone numbers of) bustled through.
The best had to be those giant stockings moving around and charming the kids with puppet bears chatting; that was a stroke of genius. I know if I was five and saw that I’d probably have wet myself with excitement, but now I’m fifty-somethingโฆwell, best check for a wet patch just to be certain!! No, that was a mulled wine spillage as a piece of onion plopped into it; thought I’d told you that?!
I did bump into Santa though who was off-duty and, at the time, mysteriously carrying a stepladder. Being as I’ve been good-ish all year, I acted like I’d met Mick Jagger and posed for a photo with him; a quality occurrence which made my night!
But it wasn’t any one element of the event which made it, it was the colossal show they staged, all the elements so well coordinated and coming together in unity which caused this to be so magical. The expressions of joy on children and drunkโs faces was priceless and from the maker’s market to the teacup rides, everyone seemed to be having fun, even the weather was agreeable!
If I was triggered in the week by Facebook whingers witch-hunting DOCA, the newspaper reporting it, or anyone else they could blame, (like, bizarrely, Americans) for their own agitations at the name of this event, for not, apparently, being religious enough, and I said I hope they donโt come if they were only to wine-hole, Iโve changed my mind. I wish they did come now. Theyโd have seen for themselves the evening had plenty of Christmas spirit and Christmassy elements to it, whilst embracing many other aspects of winter too, and nobody really gave thought or the slightest botheration to its name, they just wanted to enjoy the moment. And they did.
The work that went into this by all involved, mostly volunteers, was absolutely incredible, and I hope it will pave the way for a new chapter in the work of DOCA, of which Devizes should be grateful and proud.
So, until next year weโll be rockin’ around the Christmas tree, letting the Christmas spirit ring, having pumpkin pie, later, and possibly doing some caroling; if thatโs still not Christmassy enough for disgruntled keyboard warriors next year Iโll dress up as the Archangel Gabriel, if they so wish, so they can winch me up and suspend me across the Market Place where everyone below will see my Grinch boxersโฆ.donโt tempt me!!
Christmas has come early for foxes and normal humans with any slither of compassion remaining, as the government announced the righteous move to banโฆ
Chippenham folk singer-songwriter, M3G (because she likes a backward โEโ) has a new single out tomorrow, Friday 19th December. Put your jingly bell cheesyโฆ
Wiltshire Music Centre Unveils Star-Studded New Season with BBC Big Band, Ute Lemper, Sir Willard White and comedians Chris Addison and Alistair McGowan revealingโฆ
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Whoโs ready for walking in the winter wonderland?! Devizes sets to magically transform into a winter wonderland this Friday when The Winter Festival and Lantern Parade opens in the Market Place; excited?! Well, I say magically, it actually takes a lot of hard work to put on; thank you to DOCA and all the volunteers. A spokesperson for DOCA was confident things were all good last week, and was only worried about the weather forecastโฆ..
At present my thoroughly unreliable weather app suggests a 43% chance of rain, but keep your glass of mulled wine half full at least, thatโs considerably less than 50%, and going on current climate, the rain is sporadic and light. DOCA promises the festival to be โour most enchanting yet, with a full day and evening of festivities, creative workshops, stunning street performances, and a mesmerizing lantern parade.โ Looking into it with a bit more detail and including everything else going on might yet put me on the good list!
The grand finale, the Lantern Parade & Fireworks details firstly. Father Christmas will be making a special appearance at St. Johnโs Churchyard from 5:30pm to 6:10pm. At 6pm the parade gathers at St. Johnโs Church Gate. 6:15pm the parade starts, winding through the town centre. 7pm is the Light Switch-On at The Market Place. 7:05pm there will be silent fireworks, best viewed from The Market Place; Iโve not seen silent fireworks before, certainly not heard them!
As is tradition, Devizes Town Band will entertain while the Market Place will be alive with market stalls, tasty tucker and drinks, and shopping opportunities. The Makery Market will be showcasing unique, handmade treasures from local crafters and makers from 12 noon to 8:30pm Friday, and from 11am to 6pm on Saturday, at the Corn Exchange.
The beloved winter warmer, DOCAโs famous mulled wine stall will be running on Friday only, from noon to 8:30pm. Of course, lots of our shops, cafes and bars will remain open. Someone did post a request for a list of shops staying open on local Facebook groups, like they canโt do this without Google Maps! You got legs? Use them! Be like Dora and explore! But hey, hereโs what we knowโฆ..
The Shambles is a magical place at Christmas, with projections by Young Urban Digitals & PF Events, a specially created animated light artwork made by local young people. Savannah Sweets, Biddles, SoupChick and Sunabody Care pottery and bodycare will be open. Cositas Bonitas, The Healthy Life and many other shops will stay open late across town. Cafes too, including the new beauty salon come cafe, Velvet & Bloom, and hot rum totty outside The Muck and Dunder.
Thereโs a mystery โlive bandโ outside The Pour House, and a choir concert at St Andrewโs Church. The Unpredictables at The Three Crowns comes highly recommended, DJ Random at The Southgate too, and a Lantern Parade Disco Party at The Pelican Inn. Snow White is the running panto at The Wharf Theatre, and itโs brilliant!
From 5pm onwards, find some spectacular street performances around the Market Place. Bristolโs infamous roaming band, The Ambling Band will bring infectious energy with their blend of pink and brass. The Glitter Belles are dazzling high-rise performers with sculptural creations straight from the 1970s disco era. Keep your eyes peeled for Stockings Up, a pair of gigantic Christmas stockings bursting with presents and magically strolling around town, two women on stilts covered head to toe in glitter ball costumes and silver glitter, a woman in a red coat talking to a puppet bear in a larger than life sized Christmas stocking and The Flying Buttresses, an illuminated tree with books that light up attached.
From 4 to 8:30pm find, at St. Johnโs Churchyard, an Illuminated Garden, an enchanted world of light and magic with stunning lanterns created by DOCA community workshops. Another light installation will be Chirp & Drift by Kathy Hinde, a mesmerizing installation where illuminated instruments chatter in Morse code messages, accompanied by gentle harmonies from accordion reeds hidden within. After a few glasses of mulled wine you might also be chattering in Morse code!
Also look out for an old piano also by Kathy Hinde, a kinetic sound sculpture with videos of birds projected onto the strings, and Emergency Exit Artsโ Giant butterflies; but remember, a giant butterfly is for life, not just for Christmas.
Creative Workshops also feature. Wellard & Wild Botanical Workshops on Friday 28th at various times. From Kokedama to terrariums, epiphytes to festive wreaths, learn traditional methods to create beautiful botanical designs. Contemporary Wreath Making on Friday 28th from 2pm to 5pm at The Ceres Hall of the Corn Exchange, where you can create your own stunning, brightly-coloured wreath using repurposed plastics, berries, and sequins. Learn millinery flower-making techniques with accomplished maker Nancy Rose Stott. And there is Tin Can Brooch Making on Sunday 30th from 2pm to 5pm, at The Southgate Inn, where you can design and sew a unique brooch using reclaimed materials.
Donโt forget the Window Wanderland Trail, running from Friday 28th November to Monday 1st December. For more info on all this and to book workshops, check out DOCA website. For everything else going on locally, keep this frequency clear and love Devizine!
Other stuff going on: Saturday thereโs a jumble sale in St Andrewโs Church. A clothes swap in The Shambles. Lights Switch On in Waiblingen Way. Innes Sibun is at The Southgate, the Buzzing Fridges at The Three Crowns, and The Liverpool Echoes at The Conservative Club.
Letโs get Christmassy; cue the Shakinโ Stevens, children playing, having fun, it’s the season, love and understanding, but not too much snow falling please, Shaky!
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 up in a word, the word would be โdelightfulโฆ..โ
With Ian dedicated to all things theatrical here on Devizine, panto is reserved for my tuppence; that has become as much a Christmas tradition as Brussel sprouts! Snow White is the choice to loosely base the crazy and fun shenanigans around this time, and while I usually attend just to announce what a treat you’ll miss out on unless you’ve a ticket, this time the Wharf has doubled the run to a fortnight, so it’s not sold out … .yet. The question remains, is it worth your while?
The answer is not hiding behind you. Oh, yes it is! Of course it’s worthwhile, silly!
The time, dedication and professionalism which goes into each and every pantomime at the Wharf is something the team behind them should be proud of. This year sees some unity with various local theatre groups, and their talents bless the show. โThis year we see people coming from Stagecoach, Potterne Panto, Pewsey Vale Amateur Dramatics Society, Centre Stage Dance Academy, Devizes Musical Theatre, Bristol Old Vic, and Melksham Music and Drama,โ director and chairman of The Wharf Theatre, Pete Winterton informed, and with additional scriptwriting from Helen Pritchard, Pete wrote and directed this yearโs panto.
Helen plays the face of the magic mirror, brutally honest yet cheeky with the Evil Queen, played with passion and skill by Georgina Watson, from PVADS and who undoubtedly performs the best solo. Yet a truly magnificent antagonist is never a thing without a trusty sidekick, and, no stranger to the Wharf and Stagecoach, twelve-year-old Gigi Underwood takes that role superbly.
Georgina Claridge, perfect to play Snow White, choreographed the show, which, even at the dress rehearsal stage, looked polished. Archer Lee plays the prince, Rory Lee is his chaperone Dandy. Thereโs a delightful team of seven young dancing villagers, Kira Drezanics, Maisie Lee, Bea Stacey, Myrah Williams, Madeleine Newman, Phoebe Newman, and Coco Fuller, ranging from nine years to thirteen years old and bubbling with talent.
Of course thereโs also seven, only slightly smaller people, a running copyright infringement gag, which mysteriously fades after time, and theyโre returned to being called dwarfs without explanation, or hopefully, lawsuit, but does a panto need explaining?! If the show is loosely based on Snow White, the seven โassociatesโ of Snow White are a unit of parodies, the most bizarre being Corrin Bishop, who plays a politician version, wittily just waving and shaking hands with the audience akin to a silent film star. Jessica Bone as Nurse seems the natural leader, but Jenni Prescott and Ben Byran add humour with roles called Misery and Snorey, respectively. Kelly Williams and Cameron Williams are either shy and throaty, but the icing on this cake is the youngest and smallest, Smiley, played by Stagecoach student Ella Cook, whose natural flair for dramatics charms.
Then, even more important than any plot, for there is a basic runoff narrative from Uncle Waltโs adaptation of the Brothers Grimmโs Sneewittchen, is the comical Dame and their sidekick. There can be no other team better chosen from these wild woods than Adam Sturges, who dons the drag so divinely, to play Dolly, and his partner Oli Beech to play their son James. Oli and Adam are stalwarts at the Wharf, playing apart they both shine but as a duo they are comical genius, naturally proficient at improv and breaking the fourth wall to take these essential roles, delivering them with hilarity, and binding the panto with joyful audience participation.
If panto at the Wharf follows its own methods which bucks traditions of pantomime, Snow White is no exception, and that is what makes it unexpectedly fun. Nitpicking, I thought it unorthodox to not end the first half with a song, though they right this wrong with such a fantastic musical finale it makes up for it. But, Iโm left wondering if slapstick is a thing of the past. Because, cliche or perhaps not politically correct, there was a lack of visual humour in this show; is it too risque for modern kids to see a custard pie in the face?!
Though little ones will not tire of this, itโs fantastic, yet summarised, and doesnโt extend to unnecessary proportions. The humour rests majorly on gags, many of local direction; mocking neighbouring towns, etc. But there are the customary encouraged singalongs, games, and fun pop song adaptations for all ages to love. Thereโs amusing treats, like the mysterious characters appearing from the woods, and the ingeniously adapted charactersโ traits.
Pantomime is the golden opportunity to introduce young people to the theatre, and is the one occasion when those not regular theatre-goers will take a chance. Snow White is a delight, an enjoyable family treat; go see it and start Christmas. The children will be delighted; I was and Iโm a 52 and three quarters-year old kid!
Snow White opens on Tuesday 25th November and runs until Saturday 6th December. Curtains at 7:30pm, two matiness at 2:30pm on the Saturdays. Tickets HERE or at Devizes Books.
Itโs beginning to look a lot like Christmas at the Rowdey Cow cafe and ice cream parlour; their Christmas Tree Light Switch On is this Friday, the 21st Novemberโฆ..
If you thought an ice cream parlour was restricted to summertime, think again! Itโs the first time the Rowdey Cow near Devizes has held a Christmas light switch on event, and we wish them all the best with it. The fun begins at 5:30pm, and the lights will sparkle at 6pm.
Ice cream might only be for the daring, but theyโve marshmallow toasting and festive food & drinks, plus gift stalls, Christmas crafts, and a cozy Christmas film of which theyโre asking children to vote for their favourite on their Facebook page; Iโm voting Arthur Christmas, hands down!
Free mince pies and mulled wine if you turn up before the big light switch on at 6pm. They promise a very special guest too. I think I might be able to guess who it might be, and Iโve been good all year, well, good-ish!
And if you cannot make it, there’s lots of chances to have Breakfast with Santa at various dates in December, see HERE.
In association with PF Events, Devizes Outdoor Celebratory Arts introduces a Young Urban Digitals course in video mapping and projection mapping for sixteen to twenty years oldsโฆ.
Itโs an introductory session on video mapping and projection mapping, hosted by PF Events and run by a professional video engineer. These sessions will cover the basics of projection mapping and introduce attendees to the software used to create beautiful works of technological art.
These will be preliminary sessions used to build the content for the final video map that will be projected onto St Johns Church on the night of the lantern parade on the 28th November.
This is an opportunity to gain an Arts Award certificate while training and learning. You’ll produce a record/log to tell the story of your journey through the process of making this work of art. You’ll learn about relevant artists who create similar work, and share your journey with others.
Training will be at The Lounge on 25 Sidmouth Street, Devizes SN10 1LD, on dates 15th, 22nd and 28th of November, from 09:30 – 13:00 and 14:30 to 17:00, 16:30 to 20:20 on event day, 28th November. Ages sixteen to twenty are welcome and up to twenty-five for SEND participants.
There are limited places available so enrol quickly to avoid disappointment!
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 what family fun and activities we’ve found locally to pass the time, save on Haribo and prevent wine 0’clock overloading…..
There’s a list of pumpkin patches at the end! What more do you want?!
Have a fangtastic fortnight, and oh, and come back to spook this list again soon, as I’m sure more will be added!
Wed 15th
Okay, let’s kick off early, Wednesday 15th, school gates still open, but St Thomasโ Church Trowbridge has a Brownie Trail session from 6:45, find the link below…..
Rag and Bone Arts CIC‘s recurring event in Chippenham for ages 12+. You can do art and design or acting improvisation, delivered in 10 week blocks. Taught by professional actor Rebecca Osborne, learn how to think on your feet, respond and listen and make up scenes using just your brilliant mind and spontaneous ideas.
With over 4.5 million social media followers and countless TV appearances under his belt, Pete Firman is the UK’s top comic magician. Join him for an evening of ‘Tricks & Giggles’, as Pete brings his trademark blend of magic and comedy from the small screen to stages around the UK with this brand-new show. Expect impossible feats, sleight of hand and big laughs from one of magic’s most exciting performers! As seen on Amazon’s Good Omens, ITV1’s Tonight at the London Palladium and The Next Great Magician, BBC1’s The John Bishop Show and The Sarah Millican Television Programme. He’s probably also popped up on your social media feeds with his mind-boggling and regularly viral magic videos. Age restriction: 11+.
Steph & Craig Mitchell presents a spooky and ghouly edition of their Gigs for little onesโฆ and their grown-ups!
Weโre edging closer to Halloween, and Steph & Craig are back with all things spooky and ghouly! Donโt worry โ nothing too scary for the babies and Littlesโฆ or grown-ups for that matter! But there will be some seasonal bangers โ think Monster Mash, Ghostbusters and The Cranberries to name a few.
Get into the mood and come in spooky fancy dress. Who ya gonna call? Rock The Tots!
Sessions are approximately 1 hour long, without an interval. Suitable for children aged 0-6, and their adults. Under 1s go free!
Journey to the Centre of the Earth @ Pound Arts, Corsham
Standard: ยฃ15
Lamphouse Theatre presents โฆ Journey to the Centre of the Earth!
Take a break Rick Wakeman, back to your trailer Brendan Fraser, watch and learn Jules Verne, Lamphouse are going on a journey all the way to the centre of the Earth! Two intrepid explorers, one impossible mission (featuring at least one joke about a big hole), and no special effects budget whatsoever. What could possibly go wrong?
From the makers of War of the Worlds (On a Budget) and Frankenstein (On a Budget) this new comedy take on Jules Verneโs classic novel will be one epic night out, full of belly laughs, brand new music and really impressive* dinosaurs.
Featuring Tom Fox and Becky Owen-Fisher, the familiar faces behind the On a Budget series, Journey to the Centre of the Earth will be another fan favourite. Expect silly jokes, catchy tunes, ridiculous costumes and lots and lots of cardboard.
Come along to the 1st Devizes Halloween Bingo for an afternoon full of treats and spooky fun at 1st Devizes scout hall 29 Southbroom Rd Devizes SN10 5AD. Eyes down 4pmโ6pm. Bingo games for everyone. Fancy dress โ come in your best Halloween costume! Prizes & goodie bags. Yummy food and refreshments. Raffle with lots of surprises. The perfect way to enjoy Halloween with the whole family!
It’s Trowbridge Carnival, see the link below for details!
Join Waterstones, 29 Borough Parade, Chippenham SN15 3WL for their Sunday afternoon storytime where they will be reading the slimy ‘The Dinosaur That Pooped A Monster’ by Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter. All are welcome.
Mon 20th
Rock the Tots: Spooky Fun @ Pound Arts, Corsham
Steph & Craig Mitchell presents a spooky and ghouly edition of their Gigs for little onesโฆ and their grown-ups!
Weโre edging closer to Halloween, and Steph & Craig are back with all things spooky and ghouly! Donโt worry โ nothing too scary for the babies and Littlesโฆ or grown-ups for that matter! But there will be some seasonal bangers โ think Monster Mash, Ghostbusters and The Cranberries to name a few.
Get into the mood and come in spooky fancy dress. Who ya gonna call? Rock The Tots!
Sessions are approximately 1 hour long, without an interval. Suitable for children aged 0-6, and their adults. Under 1s go free!
Our friendly historian Brian Edwards has a talk on white horses in Pewsey. I’m not sure how family-friendly this will be, but budding historians might find it of interest.
Running until Saturday 25th. Written by Willy Russell, the legendary Blood Brothers tells the captivating and moving tale of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with fateful consequences. Few musicals have received quite such acclaim as the multi-award winning Blood Brothers. The production ran for more than 10,000 performances in Londonโs West End, one of only five musicals ever to achieve that milestone. It has been affectionately christened the โStanding Ovation Musicalโ, as inevitably it โbrings the audience cheering to its feet and roaring its approvalโ (The Daily Mail). The superb score includes Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me Itโs Not True. Age Guidance: 12+
Wed 22 โ Sat 25 Oct โข 3pm & 7:30pm โข Admission ยฃ15 โข Community Theatre
By Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss Presented by Merriman Productions
His-storyโs about to get overthrownโฆ again! Back by popular demand, Merriman Productions present SIX: TEEN EDITION; a full-length adaptation of Toby Marlow and Lucy Mossโ international phenomenon SIX, modified for performance by teen actors for family audiences.
Divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived. From Tudor Queens to Pop Icons, the SIX wives of Henry VIII take the mic to remix five hundred years of historical heartbreak into a euphoric celebration of 21st-century girl power! This new original musical is the global sensation that everyone is losing their head over.
All children must be accompanied by one adult per child. If you have multiple adults coming (parents/grandparents), we kindly ask that they wait in the cafรฉ for the workshop to finish.
Numbers are limited. Booking is essential and due to limited spaces please book early to avoid disappointment. Sessions are ยฃ9.50 per child. Refreshments will be available from our coffee shop to purchase. Our age recommendation for our Art Clubs is 3-11.
All children must be accompanied by one adult per child. If you have multiple adults coming (parents/grandparents), we kindly ask that they wait in the cafรฉ for the workshop to finish.
Numbers are limited. Booking is essential and due to limited spaces please book early to avoid disappointment. Sessions are ยฃ9.50 per child. Refreshments will be available from our coffee shop to purchase. Our age recommendation for our Art Clubs is 3-11.
Our awesome Parks and Open Spaces crew is rolling out their tractors, electric vehicles, and cool machinery for you to explore โ talk about a joyride!
This year, weโre joined by Arty Kids Pottery Painting, Crazy Cheeks face painting and Chloeโs Mobile Farm. And donโt forget to flex those brain muscles with our Halloween themed word search โ go on a letter hunt around the park and see if you can conjure up the spooky words!
Dress to impress in your Halloween finest! The Deputy Mayor will be on the lookout for the best costumes at 1:30pm right outside the Cafรฉ โ and there are prizes up for grabs in these categories:
Ages 6 and under
Ages 7-12
Ages 13+ (adults, unleash your inner ghoul!)
Come for the fun, stay for the spooky vibes โ see you in the park!
This October half term, The Woodbridge Inn is bringing the community together for a spooktacular celebrationโand everyoneโs invited!
Dates: Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th October Thursday 30th & Friday 31st October Fest opens at 12PM | Fun until 6PM
Whatโs waiting for you: Pumpkin Picking Craft & Produce Market โ handmade gifts, bakes, jams, plants, sweets & more Sweet & Cake Stalls Arts & Crafts Activities Face Painting & Hair Braiding Burgers, Hot Dogs & Autumn Eats Fun Tarot Readings Live Music & Autumn Vibes Beer, Wine & Seasonal Sips from the Bar
Whether youโre here to shop, snack, sip, or simply soak up the spooky atmosphere, this is a celebration for all ages. Weโre proud to support local businesses and bring our community together for a few days of festive fun.
The Parade Cinema Marlborough Family Halloween Trail
Our annual halloween trail makes it’s return on Saturday 25th October at The Parade Cinema Marlborough!
Each ticket purchase for Corpse Bride or Hotel Transylvania on the 25th October gives a child a free spot on our yearly Halloween Trail around Marlborough, open from 11am to 2:30pm. We expect the trail to take around 45 minutes to complete, so last entry for the trail will be 1:45pm.
Book your tickets now… if your dare! www.theparadecinema.com 01672 646232 (Between 10am & 7pm)
Longleat Ghost Tours
This October Half Term, Ghost Tours are making a spooky return during Longleat’s Great British Autumn event. Longleat House was built between 1567 โ 1580, and it is believed to still have people who featured in its history making their presence felt. Discover the supernatural stories as expert guides reveal the tale of Lady Louisa Carteret, known as the Grey Lady, who is said to still walk the corridors searching for her lover.
Kidsโ Halloween Spooktacular @ Broadtown Brewery – Hop Chapel and Hop Gardens, Lydiard Tregoze
Bring the kids along to The Hop Chapel on Saturday 25th October from 1 – 3pm as we transform The Old Brewhouse into The Old BOO-house!!
๐ We’ll have two whole hours full of Halloween fun, with pumpkin carving, ghoulish games and more (all treats no tricks, we promise – we don’t want to scare your little ones!)
๐ป We’ll have a prizes up for grabs for the best pumpkin design, best pumpkin carving and the best dressed, so don’t forget your costumes!
from 25th Oct to 2nd Nov 2025, get out into the great outdoors this October half term for an insect-themed trail around the 270 acres of parkland. ยฃ2.50 per trail (normal admissions apply). Booking not required. Running 10am to 4pm, with last entry at 3pm.
Looking for a fun and creative way to spend time with your child or grandchild this October? Our Autumn Half Term Chocolate Experience is the perfect school holiday activityโdesigned for adults and children aged 5 & up to enjoy side-by-side.
Hosted by The Southwestโs Chocolate Champion, Holly Garner, this joyful and cosy experience is all about making sweet memories together as the autumn chill sets in.
๐ซ Start with a hot chocolate treat Warm up with a choice from our Ultimate Hot Chocolate Menuโfeaturing 12 indulgent flavours to begin your chocolate-filled day.
๐ Discover where chocolate comes from Taste raw cocoa beans, sample our signature blends, and learn how chocolate is madeโplus how we support small, ethical cocoa farms around the world.
๐๐ปMake & decorate your own chocolates Roll up your sleeves and create your own delicious chocolate treats to take home (if they donโt get eaten first!).
๐ Enjoy a special shopping discount Take home even more chocolatey joy with an exclusive Hollychocs discount on the day.
Rowdey Cow Halloween Festivities
Perfect for parents, grandparents and carers looking for something memorable to do with their children this autumn. Whether itโs bonding time, a school holiday treat or a special birthday surpriseโthis is time well (and sweetly) spent.
Join us at the Rowdey Cow for our halloween festivities
Pick a pumpkin from its patch & come in to carve your spooky artwork!
Join us for a more relaxed visit at the REME Museum during this special opening outside of our regular hours.
We have designed these โLights Up, Sounds Downโ days to reduce sensory input for individuals who would prefer a quieter experience. These sessions are primarily for, though not limited to, anyone who has sensory processing disorder; autism; social, emotional or mental health needs; dementia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or any other sensory needs.
During these days we will have:
Lights On โ our overhead gallery lighting will be turned on, without spotlights, to create a brighter environment in which to explore. Sounds Down โ we will reduce sound effects throughout the museum as much as possible by turning off most โsurround soundโ interactives and reducing volumes. Sensory maps โ we have marked out any areas around the museum where you may find louder interactives or visual effects that we cannot turn off. This means you can choose your own route and avoid any areas as you wish.
If you would like to bring any sensory items (including but not limited to ear defenders, magnifying glass, book, squeezy toy) that will help you or your loved one to enjoy their experience better, please feel free to do so, just make sure you hold onto it and take it home with you!
Join Filskit Theatre for an uplifting and relaxing hour with a talented live musician playing beautiful acoustic versions of well-known folk, jazz and pop songs. Enjoyable for both big and small ears alike thereโll be beautiful, atmospheric sensory visuals perfect for even the youngest audience members. And, as itโs halt term, bigger kids are welcome too so bring them along for this hour of fun and sensory play for the whole family.
October Holiday Activities @ Wiltshire Museum Devizes
October Holiday ActivitiesLecture Hall 28th October 2025 10:30 am – 12:00 pm 10:30 am – 12:00 pmCome along to our spooky Halloween activities for ages 3 to 11: pebble skulls spooky ghosts paper pumpkins and puppetsโฆ
Book OnlineOctober Holiday ActivitiesLecture Hall 28th October 2025 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm 1:30 pm – 3:00 pmCome along to our spooky Halloween activities for ages 3 to 11: pebble skulls spooky ghosts paper pumpkins and puppets.
Art Workshop in Rowde
On Tuesday morning, the 28th of October, from 9am to 12 noon, an Art Workshop takes place, at The Mind Tree Cafe in Rowde. It’s creative fun with collage and mixed media, hosted by Nancy Rose. It’s ยฃ30 for the session, and you must book in advance by emailing nancyrosehats@yahoo.com
This October Half Term, join us at the REME Museum for spooktacular STEM and crafts activities for all the family to enjoy.
โRocket Poweredโ โ Tuesday 28 October Drop-in, Education Suite
Design and launch your own bottle rocket or air powered car, using the same principles of engineering in rocket science! Led by our Education Officer, Andrew.
Miniature Assault Course โ Every day 28-31 October Drop-in, outdoors
Take on our miniature army-style assault course! Race your way across the course or take your time and enjoy the challenge! Please note: This activity is weather dependent.
Princess Pirate @ Pound Arts, Corsham
Adult: ยฃ10 Child: ยฃ10 Under 2s: FREE
Pirate Princess is a heartwarming story of hope against adversity told with physical theatre, clowning and circus. This brand new solo show by circus performer and professional idiot Gemma Bond tells the tale of poor shipwrecked Princess Poppy. Can she overcome a big dress, extreme weather and the ultimate test of strength to see her way to safety?
Inspired by strong and inventive women of history, Poppy must transform physically and mentally if she is to have any hope of rescuing herself from eternity on an island in the ocean. The show encourages all to reuse, repurpose and recycle as Poppy reinvents her outfit and her mindset to overcome her predicament.
A visual feast of colourful costume and a unique crowโs nest on a pole prop, this is a fun filled show for children aged 5 to 11 and their families.
All children must be accompanied by one adult per child. If you have multiple adults coming (parents/grandparents), we kindly ask that they wait in the cafรฉ for the workshop to finish.
Numbers are limited. Booking is essential and due to limited spaces please book early to avoid disappointment. Sessions are ยฃ9.50 per child. Refreshments will be available from our coffee shop to purchase. Our age recommendation for our Art Clubs is 3-11.
The Sheep Ate Up The Fairies @ Trowbridge Museum
3 days of captivating talks, hands-on crafts & engaging activities start today!
A one hour boat trip on Friday 31st October at 16:00 and 18:00 along the canal packed with fun and games for the children. Fancy dress welcome.
Please Note: Dogs are accepted at the discretion of the Skipper on the day who will check with other passengers first. Family tickets not available.
Children must be accompanies by at least one adult.
Kenavon Venture is a wide beam boat, seating up to 38 passengers, operated by volunteers of the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust. To book a private charter of this or any other trip, please send an enquiry via the main website.
โBuild a Tankโ Junk Modelling โ Friday 31 October Self-led, Creation Station
Come and create your own special REME-inspired vehicle to take away with you! Get creative and see what you can make from recycled materials. The only limit is your imagination!
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 will be a number of creative workshops and makery sessions, not forgetting the creation of those wonderful handmade lanterns for the parade; here’s some early sessions in which you can get creativeโฆ
A number of lantern making workshops in the run-up to the Winter Festival Lantern Parade have been allocated. Including open-to-all workshops at different venues with materials provided โ all they ask is a small donation. DOCA suggests ยฃ5 for a small lantern, which requires one light, but you are welcome to pay as you feel.
Come along to one of their open public workshops to make a lantern in preparation for the parade. All materials are provided, and all are welcome.
Image: Simon Folkard
Held at Wiltshire Museum, Long Street, Devizes, the workshop Schedules are:
Saturday 20th September – 10:15am – 13:15pm, 14:00 – 16:30.
Sunday 21st September – 10:15am – 13:15pm, 14:00 – 16:30.
It was great to bump into Lunch Box Buddy in Devizes today. Last week was hectic for him; first BBC Wiltshire stopped by his stand in the Brittox, which was busy dishing out free lunches for children during the summer holidays, as is Buddyโs mission. Then came an appearance on Points West, and even Jamie Oliver shared his social media postsโฆ..
Has the media exposure gone to his head?! He modestly agreed with me, that it was nice, โit shows Iโm being acknowledged,โ he smiled, and continued to help children decide what sandwiches they fancied. And therein lies the magic, there was never a feeling in meeting Buddy that he was here for prestige.
โHeโs not doing it for media attention,โ Buddyโs mum Emily clarified, โin fact he finds that quite overwhelming. Heโs doing it because thereโs families who need it, and thatโs the reality of it. And if he can help those families to make it a little easier then thatโs all he wants to do.โ
There were sandwiches with various fillings, crisps, biscuits and fruit, even some toys. Folk gathered, no questions asked, no condescending notions, just a brilliant idea being put into motion by a teenager and his family. I asked Buddy if it was his idea, and how he came up with it.
โIt was my idea,โ he replied, still handing out apples, โand it originated from seeing some friends who were on free school meals, needing that extra help during the holidays too.โ
Buddy and his family began funding it themselves and now it relies on sponsors and private donations. There may be a few charity-led organisations doing similar in other areas, but Buddy is the first person weโve heard of individually taking this gesture of goodwill on themselves. I asked Buddy, not if he wanted to head a national charity doing this, for we joked he might end up sitting in an office! Rather if he feels he has, or will, inspire others to do likewise in other areas.
โYeah, I could inspire some people, I hope so,โ Buddy told me. โIโm doing it as an individual. Iโm here three times a week, every week for the summer holidays, and thereโs a thought I could do it at Christmas time.โ
โIt would be lovely if he did inspire other people,โ Emily explained, โbut his primary goal is to make sure that anyone who needs food in Devizes has food.โ
In these trying times, I forever find myself shocked at rising supermarket prices. Accepted, I cleaned my rose-tinted specs declaring how big Wagon Wheels once were, and how they were ten pence, but this inflation issue is not showing evidence of slowing anytime soon. โYes,โ Emily agreed, โsome schools and councils do provide ten pounds for the school holiday, but you cannot buy much for ten pounds, so what Buddy is doing really does make a difference.โ
It really does. I left with a lump to the throat, and somewhat lost for words; rare for me, I know!! What a thoroughly decent, philanthropic and selfless way for a fourteen-year-old to spend their summer holiday. What an absolute legend, Buddy! Thank you.
Two things remain: firstly to any family in need, Lunch Box Buddy is outside Haine & Smith, next to Cafe Nero, in Devizes town centre, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, for the duration of the summer holidays, from 11:30-12:30. Follow him HERE for updates, Facebook HERE.
Secondly, to Devizes Town Council; you know I love you all, (wink!) this lad deserves a Civic Award, imho!
Daphneโs Family & Childhood Connection to Devizes Celebrations of Daphne Oram have been building in London since the beginning of December, for those in theโฆ
Part 1: An Introduction March 1936: newlywed French telecommunications engineer Pierre Schaeffer relocates to Paris from Strasbourg and finds work in radio broadcasting. He embarksโฆ
Yesterday Wiltshire Council published an โupdateโ on the lane closure on Northgate Street in Devizes as the fire which caused it reaches its first anniversary.โฆ
Join the St Johnโs Choir and talented soloists for a heart-warming evening of festive favourites, carols, and candlelit Christmas atmosphere this Friday 12 th Decemberโฆ
This afternoon I find myself contemplating what the future holds for historical discovery and learning for all ages, fun and educational exhibits and events inโฆ
Featured Image: Barbora Mrazkova My apologies, for Marlboroughโs singer-songwriter Gus Whiteโs debut album For Now, Anyway has been sitting on the backburner, and itโs moreโฆ
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Wiltshire Music announces a new season for Autumn Winter: and the first under the new leadership of Daniel Clark, Artistic Director and Sarah Robertson, Executive Directorโฆ.
Since first opening in 1997, Wiltshire Music Centre has been a musical hub, bringing the best in live performances to the area as well as providing a home for local orchestras, choirs and music groups. The upcoming season will feature returning WMC favourites while also spotlighting exciting new artists and expanding the programme, signalling a fresh direction and commitment to musical discovery.
Audiences can look forward to internationally recognised artists including a first visit to WMC by Kingโs Place resident ensemble and Southbank Resident Orchestra,โฏAurora Orchestra (21 Nov) a rare UK appearance by the phenomenal Bill Frisell Trio (22 Nov), classical season opener by Roderick Williams, one of the UKโs most sought after baritones, alongside theโฏCarducci Quartet, (28 Sep) and experimental folk singer-poet Richard Dawson (9 Nov), among others.
Other classical season highlights include celebrated Baroque violinistโฏRachel Podgerโฏperforming withโฏBrecon Baroqueโฏ(8 Oct) and returns to the WMC stage by virtuosic pianist,โฏJeneba Kanneh-Masonโฏ(Sun 26 Oct) andโฏI Fagiolini, who bring their musical storytelling back to the stage with leading local choir, Bath Camerata (13 Dec).โฏThe Young Artist Programme supporting the brightest young stars is back with Classic FM 2024 Rising Star and violinist Nathan Amaral (17 Dec) and Syrian-British pianist, Riyad Nicolas (12 Nov), exploring piano works from Bach, Beethoven and the Arab World.
A season of sensational jazz kicks off with Giacomo Smith and an all-star line-up celebrating 100 years of Louis Armstrong (27 Sep), a tribute to Nina Simone by Lady Nade, contemporary jazz and inventive improv from Danish Jazz Awards winners Jasper Hoibyโs 3Elements, and much more.โฏ
Alongside traditional folk offerings of Gypsy, folk inspired music by Budapest Cafe Orchestra (15 Nov) and โworld-folkโ by Dallahan (31 Oct), the line-up also features contemporary sounds, including spellbinding Welsh triple harpist and vocalist Cerys Hafana (18 Oct), the critically acclaimed duo The Breath (2 Nov), and London folktronica band Tunng (19 Nov).
Families can look forward to CBeebies Musical superhero and Podcast host, Nick Cope and his festive themed show (7 Dec) while earlier in the year, thereโs a Halloween special for all the family with The Paper Cinema (1 Nov) and their immersive puppetry and visuals.
Referring to the Centreโs rich history, Daniel Clark says โWith these concerts, we have aimed to honour the spirit of musical curiosity so present in those early days, with a diverse programme spanning past, present and future. In our next season, you will find a collection of extraordinary musical experiences, handpicked for our wonderful auditorium and marking the start of our own journeys as stewards of this special venue.โ
Daniel Clark joined in January this year, alongside Sarah Robertson. Sarah was previously Director of Communications and Special Projects at Bristol Beacon, leading the marketing and rebranding of the venueโs ยฃ132 million transformation. Daniel, with over 25 years in the arts as a Creative Director, composer, and musician, formerly led the Creative Programme at the Story Museum in Oxford.
Highlights:
Aurora Orchestra: one of the most innovative and boundary-breaking ensembles in classical music make their WMC debut performing Mendelssohnโs much-loved โItalian Symphonyโ, and Prokofievโs expressive Violin Concerto No 2 with Chloe Hanslip โ all performed from memory. (21 Nov 2025)
Bill Frisell Trio: Wiltshire Music Centre welcomes legendary jazz guitarist and composer and his acclaimed trio featuring Thomas Moran on bass and Rudy Royston on drums. This will be just one of a handful of UK performances, that includes the London Jazz Festival. (22 Nov 2025)
Artist Residency: Groundbreaking clarinettist, active educator and composer Giacomo Smith performs a series of concerts: โThe 1925โ (27 Sep) celebrating 100 years of Louis Armstrong featuring UKโs jazz talents, Joe Webb and Laura Hurd; Giacomo Smith + Wiltshire Youth Jazz Orchestra (12 Oct), a special afternoon of brilliant big band magic with talented young musicians; Giacomo Smith & Mozes Rosenberg โManoucheโ (14 Nov), a special quartet project paying homage to Djanjo Reinhardtโs musical legacy.
Penguin Cafe Plays Music from Penguin Cafe Orchestra: The sounds of Music from the cult avant-pop band of the 80s & 90s is played by group founded by Arthur Jeffes, son of the original creator, Simon (18 Nov)
Little Rituals presents Heliocentrics: Special event presented by Bradford on Avonโs coolest coffee shop, Little Rituals: an evening of psychedelic-funk-jazz, audio-visuals, pop- up vinyl shop run by Melkshamโs indie record shop, Doubles and cocktails. (29 Nov)
Having to unfortunately miss Devizesโ blues extravaganza on Friday, I crossed the borderline on Saturday to get my prescribed dosage of Talk in Codeโฆwith aโฆ
No, I didnโt imagine for a second they would, but upcoming Take the Stage winners, alt-rock emo four-piece, Butane Skies have released their second song,โฆ
Featured Image by Giulia Spadafora Ooo, a handclap uncomplicated chorus is the hook in Lady Ladeโs latest offering of soulful pop. Itโs timelessly cool andโฆ
If youโve seen Jess Self performing at the Wharf Theatre, singing at the FullTone Festival or elsewhere Iโm certain youโll agree with us; Jess has that star quality which lights up the stageโฆ..
At 13 Jess won Vernon Kayโs Talent Nation, studied performing arts at Trowbridgeโs Stagecoach and has appeared in many productions including Devizes Music Academy’s Six:Teen, The Railway Children and lead roles in more pantomimes at The Wharf Theatre than I could name!
Weโre delighted to hear Jess has made the final seven hopefuls for West End Kids, the UKโs renowned pre-professional company for musical theatre training and elite performance. From hundreds of entries, the final seven young contestants are decided by public vote, to win a scholarship for their training programme.
Jess said, โthe first show I ever went to watch was Matilda when I was 9, after the show I said I want to do thisโ and I haven’t stopped singing since. This would be a dream come true for me!โ
Now, this is where you come in, interactive which we are! Please help Jess reach the dream, vote for her and support local talent. Vote HERE by entering your name, and confirming by email. Voting ends this Sunday, 3rd August, so donโt delay.
Schools out for summer, yelled a man called Alice, but that was in 1972. We’re about what you can do THIS school summer holiday with those little munchkins; here’s what we’ve found…
Please note as soon as we publish this we’ll be bombarded with events we have missed; at least that’s what usually happens! So, bookmark this article as it will update, as will our event calendar, as soon-(ish) as they come to us! Do not fear, we’ll help you through this period, parents, and prevent you having bored kids and compulsory wine-o’clock!
WC says school hollibobs begin Thursday 24th July and parents are freed on Monday 1st September, but we’ve found stuff from Monday 21st, so let’s get this ball rolling from there…..
Holiday Club at Southbroom St James Academy, Devizes
A Churches Together in Devizes Holiday Club is taking place from Monday the 18th to Friday the 22nd of August at Southbroom St James Acadamy in Nursteed Road. The sessions are from 9.45am to 12.30pm each day, and itโs for children going into school years one to seven in September. Go along and make new friends this summer. Thereโll be Bible stories, games, activities, crafts, songs, drame, and much more. Thereโs a suggested donation of ยฃ1 per day. Email devizeschurches.holidayclub@gmail.com for further information and booking details.
If it’s good enough for Knight Rider it’s good enough for me. I see the Hoff ditched his Knight Industries Three Thousand on the Green for a stroll around Devizes on Sunday. He probably found a crusade to champion the cause of the innocent in a world of criminals who operate above the law, whereas I ended up at the British for a scrumpy or threeโฆ.
Unlike some guys who act like Spongebob Squarepants on his tenth bag of Haribo at Chessington World of Adventures, I can only get yay excited about a car show. But Devizes Lions do it with cherries onโฆ and debatably false advertising. There were no lions on the Green, but it was Lions on the Green this Sunday past, an annual free fete/car show crossover which never fails to appeal universally; kids nag mums for Rowdey Cow ice cream while dads furiously argue for three hours with a total stranger in sandals that the Mk2 2.8 Injection Granada handles better than the Mk1 with a 3.0 V6 engine.
I browse unacquainted with such matters, unfazed by contemporary cock extensions, but in admiration of vintage, retro cars and those with a movie reference attached. Every local from MP Brian Matthews to Pete of Vinyl Realm, and outsiders like Marty McFly have brought their big boy toys along to display, as Fantasy Radio blast Gary Numan. It’s a sunny morning, it’s a lovely occasion, it’s raising funds, and there’s nothing to dislike about it.
Cars ticked off, hot dog and an extended conversation with a detectorist who’d discovered a variety of civil war shots and cannonballs on Roundway, if the Lions on the Green is a great and unbroken walkthrough event it coincided with Crammer Watch Day further along on, at the Little Green.
With long term solutions outstanding for unsafe conditions for wildfowl on the Crammer, there appears to be a far more communal tenet between concerned residents and the council compared to the outcry a few years ago, and this day was intended rather to celebrate the Crammer than address expensive possible solutions. As it stands, the simple fix is to raise public awareness that the only escape route for swans is across the roadside and they should apply caution when driving throughโฆ.please.
With live painting from the Lawrence Arts Society, stands from the RSPCA, Sustainable Devizes and hosts Friends of The Crammer, conservation was a topic, if overshadowed somewhat by historical tomfoolery, which was something new to the day and personally my highlight.
A random team of amateur thespians, some from the Wharf Writers Group and others along for the giggle and wearing of knitted beards, staged a short promenade satirical play โreenactingโ the fable of the moonrakers, aptly at The Crammer. The premise didn’t sound so inspiring to me, and I thought I might have to hold my tongue. The actuality surprised me, it was absolutely brilliant!
Pythonesque humour delivered with skill on a local legend, deliberately naff props such as a paddling pool for the pond, and astutely scripted silliness, it was indigenous and hilariously original.
Authenticity deliberately skewed for amusement; they couldn’t have done this anywhere else but here, the setting of the beloved fable, which is amusing enough without the added gags. Francis Grose was a witty Victorian chubster and nothing more needs to upset the applecart about the origin of the moonrakers, as this wasn’t intending to proclaim historic fact checking rather to amuse, which a country gent in Harris Tweed with a carrot in his mouth pretending to be a donkey will inevitably achieve.
I don’t know where the Hoff got to, but he missed a rarer treat than reuniting with Pamela Anderson for a titillating slow-motion beach jog. Oh, and a whistle stop to Morrisons was a let down culturally compared to what was outside. Along the road I shrug at a classic bus, for its appearance would’ve been more expected trekking the Sahara than parked outside the faithfully traditional British Lion, and there was no explanation for it being there.
Nevertheless I’m one step away from the bar, pondering if there’s one thing expected in Devizes: it’s that The British Lion doesn’t change, because it doesn’t need to. With Devizes Arts Festival is full swing, they’ve arranged a Cwmbran roots trio called Whiskey River to play us some of their sublime classic rock covers, Celtically, with a deep southern Americana twist, as a free fringe event; I cannot argue with this.
Devizes live music aficionados amassed and were thankful, as if they needed an excuse for a pint and fundraising burger from the barbecue. The British Lion is a fond institution, Whiskey River was a great break from our usual circuit, The Lions put on a brilliant and well organised family event, Crammer Watch added to an already great day and those awesome actors with rakes did make us laugh as promised.
It was all too much for me, the White Bear and Southgate continued the music, but I needed a little lie down, while our roving reporter Andy outdone me, partying like Prince in 1999, so I’m also putting up his account of weekend adventures for it’s fuller, far more informative and factually accurate than mine, even if it doesn’t mention Pamela Anderson, because really, she didn’t show. Devizes though, doesn’t need Pam, the fun never stops here, Sunday proved it.
Images by Hans Shell, Ruth Wordley, Helen’s PolarPix and Bird is the Word
If you’re going to write on a subject you must research it, but if you’re going to write well about it you need to get involved in order to understand the details often hidden to outside observersโฆ.
I learned this a year into creating Devizine, when I decided to hold an anniversary gig. Event organiser Dean Czerwionka basically held my hand through it, as I hadn’t a Scooby-Doo of the immensity of variables involved. Since then, I’ve dug myself deeper into the practical, to understand those obstacles and overcome them, so when being critical, I’m aware of how much work goes into putting events on.
Did you seriously buy that baloney?! Really, I’m an attention-seeking party animal who loves to showcase, whenever feasible, the talents of those I spend hours tapping my keyboard to review, then steal all the credit for it! The whole balancing on a learning curve stuff is only a bonus ball! But it is a delight, whenever the opportunity arises, to witness the actualities of my labour, and one such opportunity occurred yesterday, a short walk from my home.
Rowdefest happened Saturday in my village, an idea to retain aspects of a traditional fete yet modernise it to reflect a mini-festival, in which I had to get my foot in the door of.
Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, but for myself and the committee, Rowdefest 2025 started months ago, with tea, cake and planning at Barbara’s house. Then, an amount of WhatsApp messages, a Facebook chat coordinating the band’s specs with Simon Stockley, the solo sound engineer worth an entire team of professionals.
RowdeFest Committee pose at the end!
Then there’s the mountains I didn’t climb; Clare’s tribulations to provide a bar, Liz’s organisational skills to provide food vans, sponsors and collect raffle prizes, Kirsty creating a book stall, Geraldine and Angie tying things together, tea, cake and a photo exhibition in the church, chairperson Sue binding our meandering meetings into some kind of order, and so much more from many villagers and parish councillors mucking in, till the point on Friday I was driving a milk-float down Rowde Court Road with a huge tent on it and it all suddenly felt real!
Event organising with a team is wrought with disagreements, problem solving, worries which drag you to examine speculating weather apps daily, and fingers-crossed assurances everything will be alright on the nightโฆ.thankfully it was, so Rowde was blessed with a hugely successful, beautiful occasion. An equally huge thanks and congratulations must go to all involved in its making, but none so much as our chief, Barbara. Even if one of them was me, I still reserve the right to report on it, for there is no flattery necessary, feedback from others gives me the confidence to say this was as fantastic as I perceived it as!
Devizes Jubilee Morris Dancers
For me personally, it was all about community merriment, and of course, the entertainment. Under the premise we wanted lively bands I took to organising a lineup consisting entirely of tried and tested locally sourced talents, and calling in a few favours! Opening the event then, the Devizes Jubilee Morris Dancers arrived, did their thing literally with bells on, and got the blossoming crowds engaging in a final routine.
Between the two Morris dancing sections, Mat Fucci of Fucci Fit teased the crowds with a workout, and under the beating sun they got as physical as Olvia Newton-John in 1981, or near to it!
ANdrew Hurst with Lucianne Worthy
Then the live music started with my wildcard, the experimental imaginations of music scholar and tutor, Andrew Hurst. With exceptional bassist Lucianne Worthy, they whisked the audience through multi-instrumental tangents, wonderfully.
Talk in Code
Usually a headline act next, and it was only 3pm, with the crowds still on our villageโs own delicious Rowdey Cow ice cream rather than ciders! Wiltshireโs finest indie-pop darlings, Talk in Code kindly pepped it up, making a pitstop on their way to Swindonโs Castle venue. Blasting their eighties pop flavoured originals gorgeously across our small playing field was an indicator this was going to go off rather different from your average village fete!
That was my doing, and apologise if it came as a shock to some sensitive residents. What attendees didnโt witness was me, once being informed about their complaints, slightly sulking in guilt behind the scenes. Yes, what started as a village fete had now gone full-blown festival, which I believed was the intention and well advertised as such. My resolution was, other than gorging on biscuits, that, in times like this, we have to go with the majority. As the huge crowd gathered, of all ages, appeared to be lapping it up, dancing and cherishing every moment, coupled with the expressions of delight I witnessed on the faces of some disabled children in wheelchairs when I held the gate open for them, well, they counteract a billion complainers for me, and Iโm certain there was far, far fewer of them than that!
Talk in Code with Peggy-Sue Ford of Don’t Stop the Music radio show
Talk in Code shines like a beacon to everything dedication can achieve on our local circuits, and their reputation builds with every appearance; I was overjoyed to see them, as, like anyone they meet, theyโve become my friends. The second act tends to be more modest with their skills, but The Sarah C Ryan Band will always be one of my most favourite bands. They deliver a sublime melodious panache in style and sound, the kind I liken to Fleetwood Mac, but my daughter suggested Florence and The Machine; either works.
The Sarah C Ryan Band
Through cooler originals and the odd cover, Sarah and her band held the crowd spellbound, after wondering if anything would equal Talk in Code, now they were assured I had many more tricks up my sleeve!
Thieves
WIth the crowd simmered, time to allow Thieves to do their thing. Semi-acoustic vibes, Iโd go out on a limb and suggest this is the finest Americania youโll find around these waters. Authentic bluegrass to rootsy blues, this wonderfully accomplished four-piece vocal harmonise on a level which left our unsuspecting attendees around the hay bales spellbound and those in the know nodding impressively. It was the set to end all sets, setting the scene to bliss, as I wandered receiving everyoneโs approval, but I had one more band yet to introduce.
Burn The Midnight Oil
Given the chance, Talk in Code mightโve headlined, safe in the knowledge of what they will deliver. Despite knowing front-girl Chrissy Chapman for many years, and fondly reviewing her vocal collaborations on drum n bass tunes, when she put together Burn The Midnight Oil I met with the original lineup to interview them and hear a little rehearsal, but regrettably, I still hadnโt had the opportunity to tick them off my must-see list.
Okay, so, I took a chance here, suspecting theyโd be good, and heard all the good reports, but I didnโt begin to imagine just how good. Burn the Midnight Oil totally rocked the finale, with fantastic originals slipped unnoticed into a set of covers, they made the perfect end to the day. Dressed in a divine white dress of sentimental value to Chrissy, she took her accomplished band and the audience on an elevated hour plus expedition of bluesy rock which no one wanted to ever come to an end. It was total and utter dynamite!
Alannah Mylesโ Blue Velvet rang out across our playing field, as we gathered the committee and volunteers to be cheered before an encore. Chrissy has a confident stage presence. Her interactions with the audience were so professional, I had to take a double-look to check if it was still my dear friend up there!
But, thatโs the magic right there, to take our talented locals and celebrate their skills as they deserve to be celebrated, allow them to shine with the freedom of expression to deliver works theyโve written and composed, disperse them with classics if they wish to, and introduce the quality of local talent to audiences which may not have the opportunity to follow our local live music scene. That was my objective, as that is alway my objective, and I thank the Rowdefest committee for allowing me to do that in my own village, rather than hiking up Dunkirk Hill again, or trekking further afield; Bradford-on-Avon had a town music festival on, at a level our village couldnโt compete with, but those at RowdeFest wouldnโt have cared at that point; it was magical.
Bramblerose Designs
Okay, Iโm still at one thousand feet about what we accomplished yesterday, but I donโt believe time will water my excitement down. This should go down in the village history books, and if not, it will always be remembered by me. Again my sincere thanks goes to all involved, the committee, the attendees which included MP Brian Matthew, and our media friends Bird is the Word, Peggy-Sue Ford and Alan Watters of our village magazine, but especially the acts and Simon, who came to my rescue; thank you all, for your time, dedication and for superbly rocking my village!
Words by Ollie MacKenzie. Featured Image by Barbora Mrazkova.ย The creative process can be a winding, long, and often confusing journey. Seeing a project comeโฆ
Whoโs ready for walking in the winter wonderland?! Devizes sets to magically transform into a winter wonderland this Friday when The Winter Festival and Lanternโฆ
One part of Swindon was in perfect harmony last night, and I donโt mean the traffic circumnavigating the Magic Roundabout. Rather The Lost Trades wereโฆ
Raging expressions of angered feminist teenage anguish this month, perfectly delivered by Steatopygous via their mindblowing debut album Songs of Salome, I hail as theโฆ
Bradford-on-Avon Town Councilโs annual festival, aptly titled The Bradford on Avon Live Music Festival is back this weekend, championing local talent with an eclectic line-up of impeccable performers across its multiple venues and in association with the Wiltshire Music Centreโฆ..
The festival launched in 2022, sees music pouring out of venues across the entire town over three days of music. From indie to rock, pop, jazz and blues, there really is something for everyone at this yearโs festival. โOur town is a hub of creativity,โ organiser Katie explains, โand weโre proud to keep that spirit alive through the BOA Live Music Festival.โ
It runs from Friday 30th May to Sunday 1st June; itโs a long listed lineup, hereโs what weโve found and recommend you donโt miss if youโre attending. Throughout the weekend there will be music at eight venues: Westbury Garden, Trinity Hall (St Laurence School,) Lamb Yard, Timbrellโs Yard, The Three Horseshoes, The Castle Inn, The Canal Tavern, and of course, Wiltshire Music Centre.
On Friday 30th May at 7.30pm, Wiltshire Music Centre brings Jah Wobble & The Invaders of the Heart to the festival. As a bassist, Jah Wobble is well-known for his heavy, hypnotic bass grooves, which often serve as the backbone for atmospheric, genre-crossing tracks. Covering everything from reggae to rock, dub bass to drum and bass, and global influences, his deep, melodic, and trance-like bass is central to the experience. He will open Bradford on Avon’s Live Music Festival for the Centre, along with this band of world-class musicians- the Invaders of the Heart.
Jahโs career speaks for itself, spanning over 40 yearโs heโs played on countless albums, with performers such as PILโs John Lydon, Brian Eno, Bill Laswell, U2โs The Edge, Sinead OโConner, Primal Scream, Bjork, The Orb, The Cranberries Dolores O ฬRiordan and many more, as well as a regular on the hit TV show Never Mind the Buzzcocks.
Jah Wobble and the Invaders of the Heart at Wiltshire Music Centreis ยฃ27 / ยฃ14.50 U18s + students, but observe this special offer code: 30% off at checkout using promo code BOA30. Highly recommend it.
Also on Friday you can find The Bowie Experience, 8pm at the Trinity Hall of St Laurence School. I highly recommend Karport Collective with Jess Chivers in support at The Castle Inn. Find some carnivalism at The Three Horseshoes from 5pm with delinquent fuzz jugernaut The Bucky Rage, BullyBones and Glasgow nuggets of Kosher Pickles!ย And with Bird is the Word taking over music at The Boat House, who has Band of Others on Friday, you are spoiled for choice.
Nothing Rhymes With Orange @ The Exchange ~ The Last Big Devizes Gig
Decisions get even harder on Saturday 31st May, at the main stage at Westbury Garden youโll find Retro Electro headlining at 9pm. The penultimate act is our favourites, Nothing Rhymes with Orange. All after a lineup of Karport Collective, Feast of Fools, Funky Monkey Bubble Club, Sian & Rob Colquhoun, the incredible Becky Lawrence and the Jazz Factory.
Meanwhile, at Lamb Yard I highly recommend Melkshamโs indie pop band The Sunnies headlining at 9pm, after JPQ, JB & the Mojomakers, Lorikeet, Lone Sea Breakers, Body & Soul, and Jess Chivers from 3pm. The Castle Inn has The Relayz, Westward, This Way Up, I highly recommend Dylan Smith, Broken Focus, Lee Broderick, Joe Hunt, and I highly recommend Becky Lawrence, all from 1pm
Saturday night at โThe Shoesโ youโll find The Bucky Rage, Kitchen Lover, Kosher Pickles – Well Brined, and The Borough. The Canal Tavern has Star Shaped Pegs, Mojo & Yuji, Lloyd & Art, and Jake Lockhart. Timbrellโs Yard has Lorikeet, highly recommend Ruby Darbyshire, Sian & Rob Colquhoun, Jess Chivers, Sour Apple and Feast of Fools.
Itโs all afro-beat at Wiltshire Music Centre on Saturday with The Gasper Nali Band, highly recommend it. Famous since a film of him went viral, Gasper Nali is a not-so-traditional babatoni player from Lake Malawi. The babatoni is an African one-string home-made 3-metre long bass guitar, and with a stick and an empty beer bottle. Together with a cow skin kick drum and catchy melodies, he creates the most amazing and danceable original Afro Beats possible!
Gasper has toured the UK and Europe several times since his breakthrough video, playing in all environments from seated arts centres spaces to major festival stages. This year, Gasper will be transforming his customary one-man-band show and perform with a three-piece band for the very first time in the UK. Along for the ride is Malawi born songsmith and cultural proponent Luhangah on additional vocals and percussion, as well as Gasperโs long-time producer and collaborator Mattias Stรฅlnacke on guitars.
Gasper Nali Band: Bradford on Avon Live Music Festival at Wiltshire Music Centre starts at 7.30pm. ยฃ16 / ยฃ9 U18s + students. Another SPECIAL OFFER here: 30% off at checkout using promo code BOA30.
Sunday is the first of June, and what a way to see the month in. At The Three Horseshoes from 3pm, for some mod, funk and RnB with The Convulsions. Trinity Hall has The Hipcats: A Century of Sinatra with support from JPQ from 7.30pm, and Judas Goat & the Bell Weather from 3pm, who we highly recommend too!ย
Itโs nice to hear when our features attract attention. Salisburyโs Radio Odstock ย picked up on our interview with Devizes band Burn the Midnight Oil and theyโฆ
Next week, MP for Melksham & Devizes Brian Mathew will be taking on Skynet and raising a question in Parliament about the impact of Artificial Intelligenceโฆ
In thanking everyone who supported this year’s Wiltshire Music Awards, Eddie Prestidge of Stone Circle Music Events revealed his intentions of continuing with the awards intoโฆ
Featured Image: Lillie Eiger Frome Festival is launching itsย โ25 for 25โย fundraising campaign with a very special concert featuring three locally based acts:ย Tom Mothย โ best known asโฆ
Iโve got some gorgeous vocal harmonies currently floating into my ears, as The Lost Trades release their first single since the replacement of Tamsin Quin withโฆ
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 release Openโฆ
by Ian Diddamsimages by Ben Swann and Ian Diddams Self-appointed โMoroseโ Mark Harrison was once again on totally top form at Komedia last Sunday entertaining usโฆ
Wiltshire Council confirmed Blue Badge holders can park freely in council-operated car parks again, following a vote at the Full Council meeting on Tuesday 21 October;โฆ
The phenomenally talented Ruby Darbyshire is performing at Silverwood School in Rowde on 27th June. Ruby has kindly offered to support Silverwood Schoolโs open evening…..
Silverwood School near Devizes, has an ambition to provide a truly integrated system of outstanding education for those with special educational needs and disabilities in Wiltshire up to 19 years old.
Silverwood Charity Trust supports the school by fundraising to enhance the educational experience and advance the abilities of the children and young people at the school. A pleaโฆWe are looking for donations for a raffle that we will hold at this event. Any offer will be much appreciated and we thank you in advance for your generosity. We can collect donations at your convenience.
The Trust has made grants across the Chippenham, Trowbridge, and Rowde Campuses totalling ยฃ20,000, built a multi-use sensory walkway at the Rowde Campus to allow wheelchair access to the woodland areas, and has submitted a planning application for an Animal Resource Centre (ARC).
With the new building work at the Rowde Campus complete, the Trust is delighted to hold an open evening at 6pm on Friday 27 June 2025, to which they hope you can join them to learn more about the School and Trust, and support the young people at Silverwood School by raising vital funds for the ARC.
An effervescent musical, full of promising young talent
Written by: Melissa Loveday
Images by: Gail Foster
After the success of SIX last year, Devizes Music Academy is beginning to make a name for itself with its second musical production, Everybodyโs Talking About Jamie, which featured two electrifying performances on 19th April at Devizes Schoolโฆ.
And wow! What an incredible show it was! Bringing this musical sensation to life โ including Northern accents, multiple set and costume changes and complex dance numbers โ was ambitious. Yet after only a week of rehearsals, 23 talented young performers, aged just 13 to 18, poured their hearts and souls into a performance that was dynamic, professional and full of impressive talent. It had heart, humour and heels so high I wouldnโt be able to walk in them, let alone dance!
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie
From the opening scene, it was packed with raucous energy and perfectly delivered sass that immediately transported us to a gritty Sheffield comprehensive, where Year 11s contend with the wonderful and frightening possibilities that lie ahead of each of them. Jamie New, an openly gay 16-year-old who dreams of becoming a drag queen, was instantly likeable as he and the rest of the cast swept us into his pop-fantastic daydream โAnd You Donโt Even Know Itโ.
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie
Inspired by the BBC Three documentary Jamie: Drag Queen at 16, Everybodyโs Talking About Jamie was written by Tom MaCrae with music by Dan Gillespie Sells, from an idea by Jonathan Butterell. First produced by Sheffield Theatres, the show took Londonโs West End by storm in late 2017 and has brought infectious joy to audiences ever since.
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie
But this is a story about more than a boy wanting to wear a dress. Itโs a multi-layered tale of family and friendship, and having the courage to step into the person you were always meant to be. Set in a working-class area of South Yorkshire, England, the story is grounded in a world thatโs relatable, keeping it from becoming overly sentimental. Instead, it feels edgy and vibrant, whilst not shying away from the struggles individual characters face.
What made this amateur โTeen Editionโ so special was the thrill of watching real teenagers bring these teen characters to life. Under Jemma Brownโs expert direction, with vocal coaching by Teresa Isaacson and choreography by Sarah Davies, the cast delivered a level of talent that could easily hold its own on a West End stage.
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie
The whole ensemble was brilliantly cast, with every member delivering a believable storyline through genuine and multi-dimensional acting, powerful vocals and sharp choreography.
Jacob Leggett was made to play Jamie. At just 15, he brought the perfect mix of camp charisma and youthful innocence to the role, whilst also capturing Jamieโs wit, cheekiness and vulnerability. His rendition of โWall In My Headโ was captivating, building beautifully into an emotional crescendo that gave me chills!
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie
Meanwhile, Ruby Phipps gave Pritti, Jamieโs loyal, studious best friend, a quietly headstrong presence. Her solo โBeautifulโ was sung with elegant control, allowing each phrase the space and diction needed to feel both precise and spontaneous. Although she and other cast members werenโt Muslim, the production honoured the spirit of diversity by respectfully representing the Muslim community, complete with hijabs.
As a parent, I was moved by Lisa Grimeโs portrayal of Jamieโs mum, Margaret, especially her song โHeโs My Boyโ. It was heartfelt and mature, with excellent vocal range, and had me reflecting on the bittersweet truth that while we strive to shield our children from pain, life will inevitably hurt them, and yet we thrive on seeing them live authentically. Our children, in all their brilliance and vulnerability, are our greatest accomplishments.
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie
Another standout came from Cory White, who doubled as the school bully and Jamieโs dad, whoโs harsh lines stung, but showed subtle remorse that added depth to his characterisation.
Ted Maughan was commanding as Hugo and playful as Loco Chanelle, offering a refreshing contrast with his confident spoken-word delivery style and lively American accent.
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie
The set design was simple but effective, with props such as a balloon arch for the prom scene creating a party feel. Transitions between classroom, kitchen, bus stop and prom seemed to happen as if by magic, enhanced by effective lighting and seamless costume changes, from school uniforms to dazzling prom gowns. The spotlight reveal of Jamieโs red dress was especially powerful, leaving the audience wanting more.
Dynamic choreography and colourful harmonies elevated the production, from coordinated group numbers to breakout moments allowing individual characters to shine. Particularly memorable was the schoolgirls’ clapping routine in โSpotlightโ, reminding us of the charactersโ young age, while a dance duet between Cory White and Chloe Whitcombe during Margaretโs โIf I Met Myself Againโ added a poignant, dreamlike quality to the song. But I especially loved the title number โEverybodyโs Talking About Jamieโ, which kicked off Act II, with its excited, gossipy feel, as multiple characters bounced their individual lines off each other before erupting into an energetic and synchronised dance sequence that had the whole room buzzing!
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie
Itโs genuinely hard to believe this was amateur musical theatre. The level of professionalism, emotional authenticity and pure talent displayed by every single cast member absolutely blew me away. These young performers truly brought a little bit of glitter to the grey.
With so much promising young talent on our doorstep, it begs the question: whatโs next Devizes Music Academy? Whatever it is, I canโt wait!
You can catch an abridged version of Everybodyโs Talking About Jamie at the Fulltone Festival, The Green, Devizes, on Friday 25 July. For tickets, visit www.fto.org.uk
The premise is really quite simple, the prospect is positively glowing with brilliance, the result remains to be seen, but on Sunday the 4th May Devizes will know for sure where the future of events in the town rests โฆ.. No pressure Devizes Yea team!!
It was never a nice thing to have to announce our beloved Street Festival had to be cancelled due to arts funding cuts, but being as the Market Place was booked for an event on the date, Devizes Outdoor Celebratory Arts are determined to put on a show regardless.
The fantastic part to all this is that DOCA has brought together teenage volunteers to create a new annual festival in Devizes Market Place, under the name Yea Devizes. The most important thing for all to note about this is, this is not the street festival, nor a replacement for it, it should not be compared to it, and most important of all, it is NOT just for teenagers. Even if the committee of organisers are youths, this event welcomes everyone, of all ages.
DOCA say they โnoticed very few young adults attended traditional local events and therefore sought out youth ambassadors eventually creating Devizes Youth Event Area (Devizes Yea). The youth volunteers wanted to represent their own interests, making local events appeal to our young adults. Theyโre using their skills and collaboration to create this festival, with an aim of bringing together all generations of our community.โ
I met up with the team at their weekly planning meeting, and over a massive map of the Market Place, plastered with sticky notes highlighting all the great ideas theyโve collectively worked on, I was mightily impressed. Under the direction of DOCA expert Annabel, Elsie, Bea, Jo, and Sam are the Devizes Yea core ambassadors, learning the tricks of the events trade, and likely how much hard work goes on behind the scenes to create large scale eventsโฆ. and thereโs more than you imagine.
Jess, my daughter, just joined as press officer, (which puts us ahead of the game of telling you about it!) But Devizes YEA are still looking for teenage volunteers to help in the build-up to and the event itself. So, if you are a young person living in the local area and want to get involved contact: yeadevizes@docadevizes.org.uk or find out more on the DOCA website or Instagram.
โThere will be something for everyone at this outdoor event,โ Devizes Yea promises, โwith a range of live music, circus acts, poetry open mics, plot35 Devizes community gardening, cooking demonstrations, food traders and more. There are also chances for teenagers to get involved on the day with sound tech and learn from professional sound engineers who will be setting up the main stage.โ
We think this is a great idea, and look forward to seeing the results. Oh, and wish them all the best of luck with the first event on 4th May, obviously. This could be the start of something amazing, and I must stress the point once again, that this day is designed and intended to be for everyone, not just our younger residents. Even middle-aged young-at hearts, duty bound to show them how itโs done on the dancefloor; Dad-dancing mode switched to crazy legs… and I’m off, nobody attempt to stop me!!
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 the school holiday, you just need to scroll our event calendar to find them!
Oh, okay yeah, wine o’clock already and it’s only the first day?! I’ll list what we’ve got so far below, make it easy for you, but you should keep an eye on the calendar as it updates daily with more stuff to do!And, it should go without saying by now, if you’ve know of anything else let us know and we can add it!
Imber Village open days โ April 7th to April 9th
Featured Image Credit: Jamie Carter Special guests Lightning Seeds to Support Forest Live, Forestry Englandโs summer concert series presented with Cuffe & Taylor, has announced much loved and revered Scottish hitmakers Deacon Blue as the latest headliner for its 2026 shows. Deacon Blue will be joined by Lightning Seeds at the stunning Forestry England Westonbirt Arboretum on Thursday June 25rd June…….โฆ
Bristolโs regular Johnny B Goode, Ruzz Guitar Blues Revue goes full on swing with a new single, a take on The Brian Setzer Orchestraโs 1998 album title track The Dirty Boogie….. Another high-energy bout of rockabilly guitar divinity we love from Ruzz, but this time weโre transported back to 1920s New Orleans dancehalls for thatโฆ
Wiltshire country singer-songwriter Kirsty Clinch released a Christmas song only yesterday, raising funds for the Caenhill Countryside Centre near Devizes, and itโs already racing up the iTunes country music chartsโฆ. Itโs one thing to get your song out locally, but Kirsty was excited to announce that she, โwoke up this morning, and we are stillโฆ
Itโs only the beginning of the Easter school holibobs and your little ones are already making a racket upstairs; what do you do? Is it wine oโclock already? Devizes Outdoor Celebratory Arts might have another answer – a free drumming workshop!
From Monday 7th April to Wednesday 9th, DOCA have Junk Street Drumming workshops with the Drum Runners, at the Baptist Church on Sheep Street Devizes. Itโs free, you can make your own instrument from recycled materials and learn to create some great rhythms using drums provided, some are even made from old bicycle wheels!
Drum Runners offers educational and fun outdoor workshops throughout the UK, to bring people and skills together. Energy, rhythm, culture and eco awareness for community events. You can find out more about them HERE, otherwise get drumming!
They run from 2pm to 4:30pm, Mon 7th April is for ages 12+. Tuesday 8th April is for families and all ages are welcome. Wednesday 9th April is for ages 12+.
Pot pourri, Rodney, mange tout! If weโve brought to your attention as large a variety of local festivals as possible, here is one that is completely unique, and you will learn something from, rather than, like me, remaining speaking French with the fluency of Del-Boy!
Marlborough School of Languages is the newly branded Marlborough Language Tutorsโ Hub; a group of independent language tutors who offer a wide range of courses and workshops for secondary school students and adults. They are now taking bookings for the 2024/25 academic year. But as well as these workshops and a Spanish student exchange program, over the week from the 7th to the 11th July they are holding a summer fiesta across Marlborough’s grand high street; a unique week of language, culture and fun!
The fiesta is an immersive summer experience designed for language enthusiasts of all levels, it includes morning language lessons in Spanish, French, Italian and English as a foreign language with expert tutors. There are afternoon cultural talks and workshops in language, culture, and gastronomy, and to really twist your arm, you will also enjoy meals at top local restaurants, a paella feast on Wednesday, and a finale celebration of wine tasting, tapas and live music the tutors call the “Battle of the Nations.”
It must be a challenge second only to teaching pet hamsters quantum mechanics, to teach the average English person a foreign language! Personally, I assume shouting in the same English what has already been misunderstood, while ingeniously adopting a wonky foreign accent will generally suffice! But you should be rest assured the team at Marlborough School of Languages are a dedicated bunch.
There are eight fully-qualified tutors at Marlborough School of Languages. Valรฉrie Calder for French, who comes from Champagne, Italian tutor Claudia Marin from Venice, Laura Simons who teaches English, Welsh and French, Kate Browne from Canterbury, who teaches English, and four Spanish tutors, Nazaret Garcรญa Val from a town in Zaragoza, Nacho Panadero Carroceda from Vigo, newest member Ignacio Vargas online only from Cantabria, and the founder Marรญa Gonzรกlez.
โAfter years of tutoring students of all ages in Wiltshire and London, I decided to offer the locals the opportunity to make their learning experience a social event too,โ Marรญa explained, native Spaniard from Lugo, in the beautiful Galicia who has lived in the UK for twenty-five years, teaching at Marlboroughโs St John’s Academy, organising Spanish learning clubs in local primaries and is now working at the Department of Modern Languages in Marlborough College.
Marรญa Gonzรกlez
Maria said, โWe aim to give our students, whether secondary school pupils or adult learners, a chance to really immerse themselves in the language and understand a little about different cultures from our base in the picturesque Wiltshire market town of Marlborough and online. We offer them the opportunity to engage in cultures and perspectives beyond their immediate environment.โ
“The tutors at the fiesta will be Andrew Brown (French), Matt Gow (EFL), Claudia Marin (Italian), and I will teach Spanish,” Maria continued, “Andrew and Matt both worked at Marlborough college and they are just doing this event with me. They have 30 and 25 years of experience so, over the moon with their input!”
This could be the golden opportunity to broaden your horizons and learn a language the fun way, discovering new cultures, and making unforgettable memories. Always a silly sausage, I struggled with languages in school truth be told, troubling with English even, but had my teacher brought in a paella feast things might have been oh so different!!
There are limited spaces available for this, so secure your place with a ยฃ100 deposit HERE. The cost overall is ยฃ345 per person. Book now at: www.marlboroughsol.com
Contact Marlborough School of Languages at info@marlboroughsol.com or call 07940910821 for more informationโฆ. or informaciรณn, con su permiso mi amigoโฆ okay, thereโs no fooling you, I used Google translate, but you might not need to after this and the world will be your oyster, or ostra!
Okay, I canโt keep the secret any longer or Iโll pop! While all the hard work is being organised by a lovely committee, because they showered me with biscuits Iโve been doing the easy bits of arranging some live music and designing a poster for Rowde Fest 2025โฆ..
Itโs happening on Saturday 31st May from 1-7pm, itโs free, you can roly-poly down Dunkirk Hill, and join our village family fete-like festival at the Rowde Small Playing Field (next to the church); no pressure, but I think youโll like it!
Burn The Midnight Oil
Already confirmed we have music from Thieves, Adam Woodhouseโs marvellous Americana quartet. With a village connection, the most wonderful new band on everyoneโs lips, Burn The Midnight Oil are playing too. The incredible Sarah C Ryan Band are up for it, and local legend Andrew Hurst is also on the blossoming line-up.
Sarah C Ryan Band
And I believe we may have some super-duper, and I mean super, surprises, like, โpossiblyโ the best indie pop band in Wiltshire, and acoustic god, and oh, did I say itโs super-duper?!
Hold the front page!! More great acts to be confirmed!
Update: Wiltshire’s finest indie-pop band Talk In Code have just confirmed; you’ll love these guys!
Thieves
Thereโs Devizes Jubilee Morris dancers, childrenโs activities, face painting, food and drink and side stalls, and more. You all should know by now Rowde has the best ice cream this side of Italy, so yes, Rowdey Cow are sure to be there.
Talk in Code
It is all free, but, you lovely people, we really need some kind donations on the gate, if you can, so we can ensure we can make it an annual occasion.
If you’ve an idea for a side stall, please let us know and I’ll pitch it to the committee, they don’t bite, or at least I’ve seen no evidence of it yet.
Andrew Hurst
Iโm even over-excited to share the poster with you! Subject to alterations, as if I could possibly find any more room on it for other acts yet to confirm, the poster has been collated by me, but is also the fine artistic work of three pupils from Rowde Academy. So a huge thank you to Luca Dowling, Theo Doherty, and Lila Ransome for their inspirational pictures, which were incorporated into our poster.
It was never just the fervent ambience created which made me go tingly with excitement about Melkshamโs young indie band Between The Linesโ demo singleโฆ
A second track from local anonymous songwriter Joyrobber has mysteriously appeared online, and heโs bitter about not getting his dream jobโฆ.. If this mysterious dudeโsโฆ
Itโs not Christmas until the choir sings, and Devizes Chamber Choir intend to do precisely this by announcing their Christmas Concert, as they have doneโฆ
If Devizesโ celebrated FullTone Festival is to relocate to Whistley Roadโs Park Farm for next summerโs extravaganza, what better way to give it the rusticโฆ
This afternoon sees the inaugural grand ceremony of Stone Circle Music Eventsโ Wiltshire Music Awards taking place at the Devizes Corn Exchange. Itโs a selloutโฆ
In association with PF Events, Devizes Outdoor Celebratory Arts introduces a Young Urban Digitals course in video mapping and projection mapping for sixteen to twentyโฆ
I caught up with an excited Jonathan Hunter, leader of Devizes Town Councilโs independent party The Guardians, and local loyal youth worker Steve Dewar to rap about an imminent youth centre coming to Sidmouth Street in Devizesโฆ.
I was aware Jonathan swore to create a youth project in town some years ago and was engaging with teenagers, researching what their expectations of such a place might contain.
โThis is all part of a speech I made in council years ago,โ he told me, โAsking the council to support three objectives, which were civic recognition for young people, to put them on equal standing to all the other recognitions we do in the annual civic awards, which we now do and thatโs brilliant. The second was a street engagement program where we work with disenfranchised young people, on the streets, through an outreach team.โ
โItโs taken four years to get the premises,โ he continued. โThe council have decided to redeploy what was an old bed shop. What it does is gets to the youth right in the middle of town, gives them their own cafรฉ.โ
If like me, your memories of youth clubs are dubious, based on the out of touch approach of our elders at the time, I was keen to discover how much of the project will be created by youths themselves. โThe vison is that they get to run it and be integral rather than a bunch of older people meaning well but not necessarily understanding all the issues and concerns young people have,โ Jonathan replied. โItโs going to be brilliant!โ
He used the word โbrilliantโ numerous times, our own version of Paul Whitehouseโs Fast Show character, Brilliant Kid, right here on our town council!! But are we to overcome the stigma of said youth clubs of the past which tended to not engage the youth who might need it most?
โAbsolutely,โ Jonathan responded with his constant air of enthusiasm, โIโm really focussed on that, taking a collaborative approach with different people, with Steve Dewar, who inspired me five years ago to stand. Steve spoke of a โmissing piece in a jigsawโ with youth provision. I just wanted to go and bat for young people, and doing whatโs right for the community rather than a political party or any ideological stuff, and make things happen that way, which Iโm glad we can.โ
I couldnโt think of a better local youth worker than Steve Dewar to be involved in this project, but as the sole-creator of a mobile youth charity and his mobile Youth Pop-Up Cafรฉ travelling the county providing leisure facilities to youth, I was concerned his involvement with the youth centre would reduce usage of the pop-up cafรฉ project. โWe, as a charity havenโt had any financial provision for staffing the centre, that would be perhaps an independent youth worker,โ Steve explained, โor someone employed by the council, to man it. The challenge we have as a small charity is weโre also committed to supporting young people in schools, through detached youth work, and thereโs only me in this area and a few volunteers.โ
โIt is a constant battle and challenge, and is nationally, to reinvest back into youth workers as a vocation, to give it the time and professionalism that we think it deserves,โ Steve expressed. โUnfortunately cuts to services has removed a lot of that peoplepower, to be able to commit to it. As much as I would love to give more time to it, as I certainly have a heart and vision for it, that needs to align with our other projects.โ
โFor me the challenge will always be an applicate to Wiltshire council, town councils that a centre-based provision isnโt a quick fix and isnโt a one-size fits all. It must compliment and work alongside with detached youth work, such as our pop-up van, schools-based work, and uniformed organisations, other charities. It must be a part of that. The Pop-Up Youth Cafe has had its busiest year, and weโre in the process of converting another van, to be able to respond to more needs across the county. Obviously, I want to see all these elements of youth work flourish.โ
Jonathan informed me there would be three floors, the ground floor as a youth space โwhere they can congregate with a coffee bar or whatever they want to put in. They can hang out and discuss things in a safe space and enjoy each otherโs company, without the cost of a coffee in a regular place.โ
Plans for the first floor is โan aspirational hub, where different youth agencies can come together and work direct and deliver their visions. The top floor weโd love to se it going to an external educational provider which works with young people who might be disenfranchised from normal education, that are getting bused or taxied around the county access basic maths and English, to have something more local, which is sits far better for these local young people who have slipped through.โ
Current town Mayor and councillor Ian Hopkins has also been working towards the project. Jonathan furthered, โalso, what weโve done in conjunction with this is, Ian Hopkins and I, are building a relationship with Devizes School, which is going well. We had a forum last week with the head and a selection of students. Theyโre really interested in this; they want to be involved and take a lead and be part of it.โ
โWhat was brilliant was, when we met with the school, one of the studentsโฆ these young people are so eloquent, articulate and knowledgeable, I was massively inspired by themโฆ one of them said, โwe need to help the parents too,โ because there are parents out there who are looking after and struggling to help teenagers growing up. Itโs not an easy task, and some parents out there could probably do with some support; that came from the young people, that wasnโt our suggestion, so thereโs possibilities on the top floor to develop a meeting place for parents to come together and share ideas and concerns.โ
On youth engaging with the project, Steve added, โif we were doing it without them, weโve missed the point. Thatโs why Iโve advocated several our local councillors to engage with young people and working in better partnerships with school staff so young people are involved, on the grounds on training.โ He exampled a girl today who had been helping him create posters to go up in the youth space as they develop it, to let people know to โwatch this space.โ โAnd we spoke about what she thinks the teenagers need and want.โ
โResults of the school survey was young people would like safe places to go,โ Steve explained, โand safe people to be able to speak to, and thatโs nothing new, itโs been the case for years, and is certainly true in Devizes. Yet weโve not been able to respond to them. Thatโs why Iโm so chuffed, pleased, stoked, that hopefully Devizesโฆ well, that this is the start of the journey which is starting to respond to that.โ
โIโm really encouraged,โ Jonathan said, โand weโve got some seeds running through the area board, but I want to attract some funders to be able to run it, and for it to be successful and sustainable for years to come.โ
I thought out loud, that the previous youth club in Devizes being attached to the school may have been viewed a hindrance and rather off-putting to the youth, whereas this, regardless of the schoolโs keen involvement, is geographically separate from it.
โYes,โ Jonathan agreed, โBang in the centre of town! And what weโre looking at next is a brand, thereโs a provisional name that weโve given it, but young people are examining different kind branding and names, to give it the right kind of profile as well, and thatโs with them. I think they should be the architects of that, and how they want it to develop. Itโs just a great breakthrough, more to do, and talking with Steve and Ian, we want this to be super sustainable, and we want it to run itself.โ
โIโm looking for this to have a halo effect,โ Jonathan said, โmaybe the minority of young people who find themselves disenfranchised and donโt have the infrastructure that some can enjoy, or maybe they donโt have good role models, they might look at this place and think Iโd rather be there in a positive environment than be caught up in anti-social behaviour.โ
Steve spoke fondly of a new national youth program, discussing a coloration of a lack of youth services has resulted in a trend of anti-social behaviour, โand those links as to how we, as communities, invest in our young people positively, goes in line with those elements to society which will take advantage of our young people,โ he explained. โSo, doing nothing, to me, isnโt an option, and thatโs why Iโm pleased the town and county council and other local organisations, hopefully local businesses as well, will get onboard with insuring that Devizes has the pullies to develop youth work provision.โ
On the matter of a prospective opening date, Jonathan estimated, โthe work is underway, weโre aiming for spring, an aspirational date. Itโs all about working together, and I was really encouraged by MP Brian Matthewโs support, he recognises thereโs a void of this kind of activity, which weโre aiming to fill.โ
It all sounds amazing, certainly far better than my memories of a youth club, where youโd discover the most diluted orange squash known to mankind, in a drafty scout hall, and two kids playing on an undersized snooker table, while an aged vicar snored on a broken wooden chair in the corner! Itโs all too late to save me, but good news for those just slightly younger than me! That, thanks to the organisers of this project, the youth are positively encouraged to engage with inputting what they want to get from the project.
Experience the Bradford on Avon Green Man Festival, a vibrant, family-friendly community gathering featuring traditional dance, music, song, and folklore throughout the town centre on Saturday 10th May 2025 (9.30am to 6pm). And the best part is, it’s free!
Witness over 50 dance groups, including 500 dancers and 120 musicians, featuring Morris dancing and diverse European styles.
Join the whimsical journey of our 10ft tall Jack in the Green and Jill in the Green, visiting 12 town centre venues with bands and fantasy beasts.
You’ll also discover the kid’s zone, artisan market, community hub, pagan arts and crafts.
Groove to a samba band, mummers’ play, Folk Club stage, Wiltshire Music Centre stage at Holy Trinity Church, a great venue with fantastic acoustics, Blues @ The Shoes stage, live pub music with English folk music in The Canal Tavern organised by the regular BoA session players, The Dandy Lion hosting an Appalachian session, French music outside in the sun at Timbrellโs Yard, buskers and more!
A Friday night launch party at the Wiltshire Music Centre is always a great start to the festival. This year it is on Friday 9th May, and theyโve booked the fantastic John Martyn Project.
The full programme is available on the BoA Green Man Festival website: boagreenmanfest.org
The BoA Green Man Festival has something for everyone โ so dress up for the day and really get into the swing of things.
by Ian Diddamsimages by Penny Clegg and Shakespeare Live โAntony & Cleopatraโ is one of Shakespeareโs four โRoman Playsโ, and chronologically is set after โJuliusโฆ
Unlike Buck Rogers, who made it to the 25th century six hundred years early, Devizesโ most modest acoustic virtuoso arrives at the 21st just shortโฆ
by Ian Diddamsimages by Chris Watkins Media and Ian Diddams Whilst probably best known for his editorship of โPrivate Eyeโ magazine and thirty-five years asโฆ
I mean, Devizes own contemporary blues throwback, JP is getting bookings, and rightly so. He’s off to Trowbridgeโs Lamb next Saturday for a double-bill withโฆ
If I had to be magically turned into a candlestick or a teapot, I believe Iโd rather be a teapot than have a wax candle on fire wedged into the top of my head! Fear not, itโs not a worry Iโm losing any sleep over, rather the kind of bizarre fleeting notion which popped into my mind when previewing Devizes Musical Theatreโs next production, Beauty & The Beastโฆ.
The wardrobe is definitely out of the question, anyway I digress! For if thereโs one local amateur theatre collective to make you question the definition of โamateurโ itโs Devizes Musical Theatre, in my experience. To pay a kingโs ransom for a West End production is to expect, much less assume, youโre in for a treat, but to see the dedication and hours of labour which goes into an amateur production like those of Devizes Musical Theatre, is the surprise element, that the magic isnโt so far from a professional production.
So, get ready, Gaston, for a tale as old as time, as Devizes Musical Theatreโs curtain is rising once again for Beauty and the Beast. Itโs running from Wednesday 2nd April โ Saturday 5th April 2025, at Dauntsey’s Schoolโs Memorial Hall in West Lavington and tickets are available now at www.devizesmusicaltheatre.co.uk or Devizes Books.
Devizes Musical Theatreโs last sold-out show was Sister Act back in March 2024, of which I reviewed and said โitโs the combination of their motivation and exceptional effort which makes this such a dynamic show, coupled with the elementary notion, Sister Act has universal appeal and is simply fun on a stick!โ But no one listens to me, so please note the show was nominated for Best Musical and Best Publicity at the prestigious Rose Bowl Awards.
โTickets are already flying off the shelves,โ weโre informed, so donโt miss your chance to experience the magic of live theatre right here in our community. Whether you laughed with the nuns, hissed at Curtis and his baddies in Sister Act, or youโre a newcomer to the DMT productions, this show is guaranteed to leave you spellbound; be their guests, be their guests, be their guests!
All other image usage here was credited on the original articles, to locate sources again would take a long time, so please accept my apologises. If you see an image you own and wish to be credited for it, please ask. Thank you.
Okay so, three days into 2025 and my chicken kiev parped at me. Is this an augury?! A prediction of how this year is going to play out?! Even my dinners will be farting in my general direction? Que sera sera, weโre not looking forwards, weโre looking backwards, at how 2024 passed here at Devizine Towersโฆ..
Start with stats, โcos after 2023โs doubling on hits from 2022, we failed to make a similar hike, achieving about 9% less hits than 2023. Iโm not going to lose sleep over it, it was a great year, but figure thereโs a few reasons for this drop. Firstly, despite a shock general election, Iโve tried to avoid controversy and local political satirical slants as much as possible. Unfortunately itโs often me playing the grumpy old toad which gains attention, but I really wanted to focus more on arts and entertainment news, as thatโs our ethos, the spoof and opinion articles are just me, abusing the platform to magisterially backseat drive.
Result, though; we rid ourselves of Tory tyrants, in parliament at least, thereโs still work to be done to obliterate the impact and ingrained cluelessness of elitist robbery of the working class and have a fairer system for all. Whatโs my opinion of Starmer so far? Not impressive, thatโs for sure, but by comparison with the circus of thieves which was the last government I think weโre in a better place overall. Iโm certainly not going to jump the bandwagon in disparaging him, knowing the alternative is this growing trend for fascism. Though itโs not the shouty sort of fascism of the Third Reich, itโs more ignorance is bliss, pie n chips, pint in hand C3PO gammon nescience. But, enough said about that!
Other reasons for the slight drop in hits could be due to the rising cost, my own fatigue and motivation to head out; I do worry what will become of Devizine with my aging and possible inability to get to gigs and events. A massive thank you must go to our contributors, then. Though submissions can be sporadic, we always need budding writers, especially younger ones to keep what weโve built here, and report on happenings, because left up to local press weโd be doomed; they seem to favour national clickbait headlines over supporting local arts and entertainment, but likely they deem it is their only way to keep their heads above financial waters. I can’t blame them, but I can have a sly quip or two about it!
It is the accolades we receive from those talented locals which we promote and highlight which keeps me going with Devizine, and I thank them for motivating me. That is therefore where the concentration should be now, not on politics.
Another is top secret, but if youโve been contemplating that Devizine simply isnโt funny anymore, Iโll reveal my best jokes are being saved for a book Iโm near to finishing. I think youโll like it, itโs absolute filth! And lastly, currently Iโm so utterly fed up with social media. Itโs all so bloody serious, nothing is taken with a pinch of salt, nothing is carefree or amusing. And if I do publish something on there for fun, the jokes fly over someoneโs head, they take it the wrong way, get offended and execute a witch hunt against me. Itโs all so petty and obnoxious, akin to road rage, rather than the creative outlet of its potential, and likely, original intention.
If itโs not bombarding me with targeted adverts as a constant reminder Iโm getting old, like care homes and life insurance, it’s flooded with utter crap, often using AI to illustrate misinformation and promote the rightwing bias of the owners, attempting to sway the masses; and it works too, thatโs why they do it.
As a result Iโve massively reduced my screen time for such wet fart dribbles. Iโll share our articles on our social media platforms, but rarely feel inclined to interact with the gusto I once did. It is a shame, and it means you need to bookmark our wonderful website and check into it generically rather than wait for your social media platform to prompt you. Otherwise, fuck it, Iโm doing this for bugger all reason, nearly as less than a few pennies it might yet generate. A fundraiser event may be a necessity now, at least an excuse for a much-needed party to lift my spirits! It is January though, a depressing little bugger, our annual review usually turns into whinge!
January
January Iโm usually in hibernation, many are, so previews of events to come are more common as I hide in my hubby hole. Last year we ran ones on The Magic Teapot Gathering, the first line up announcements for My Dadโs Bigger Than Your Dad Festival, NโFaly Kouyatรฉ of the Afro-Celt Sound System coming to Wiltshire Music Centre, and of course, the Bradford Roots Festival of which dragged me out of my cosy pit for! Two previews for new initiatives in Devizes worthy of previewing in January too were Palooza, a house night to happen in March, and Devizes Youth Action Groupโs U18 gigs, both at The Exchange.
We announced a Lego Club starting at Devizes Library, and looked at courses in the art of chocolate at HollyChocs. I reviewed The Importance of Being Earnest at the Wharf Theatre. Andy ventured out to Long Street Blues Club, but for me, it seems the year begins with The Bradford Roots Festival, blooming lovely that occasion is, then I go back into winter hiding again!
Bookworm time, and Jan saw a review of Sorrel Pittsโ novel Broken Shadows; undoubtedly the best read weโve ever reported on. And of course, recorded music reviews came thick and fast during those winter months. Albums from Billy Green 3, Richard Wileman and Daisy Chapman. Singles from Sienna Wileman, Nothing Rhymes With Orange, and Ushti Baba.
In the news, politics was brewing for a general election, we talked to the Melksham-Devizes Primary on where best to place our vote. We also reported on the sewage in the Kennet, and the MP who voted to strip legal duty on water companies to reduce harm caused by storm overflows. Yet regardless of all of this, the highest hitting article of the month by far was about a lost dildo found by dog walkers in Quakers Walk; you canโt make up a golden scoop like that!!
February
Still wintery, we looked into SoupChickโs new art gallery in Shambles, Valentina, celebrated thirty years of the Devizes Writers Group, the Kidical Mass bike ride calling for safer streets in Devizes, the Worton & Marston Brownies needing volunteers, and the Swindon Palestine Solidarity charity dinner. But my personal favourite was Darren and The Chocolate Factory, when I joined a family workshop at HollyChocs!
Other memorable events of Feb cannot be topped after Gaz Brookfieldโs Village Hall Tour arrived in West Lavington. Though I also recall with fondness the Errol Linton Band at Long Street Blues Club, The Worried Men at the Pump, and Deadlight Dance at The Southgate. Ian gave us a review of Vince Bell at the Southgate, and Carrie at The Rondo Theatre. And we welcomed a new writer, Florence Lee who reported on Devizes Youth Action Groupโs First Club Night.
Music in review came from Cracked Machine, The Lost Trades, The Jon Amor Trio, Jol Rose, and Talk in Code. We previewed The Beat at The Cheese and Grain, the Jesus Jones tour, Devizes Pride, Gaz Brookfield, Mantonfest 2024, The Scribes at The Pump, and that The Marley Experience was coming to Devizes.
March
Politically we had a clue to the change in the tide, with a historic Lib Dem win in Marlborough Town Council, shame the trend didnโt carry onto the GE there. We reported on a Palestinian Children Memorial in Swindon, and a Palestine protest at Labour Party fundraiser. We had a recap on the good work Devizes Clean Up Squad do, and opinionated on Wiltshire Councilโs threats of prosecution against Wiltshire Music Eventsโ posters in Devizes.
I think the hero of the month goes to our bravest 7-year-old, Chloe, who slept out for Devizes OpenDoors. Though Chloeโs feat might yet have been slightly upstaged by our Brian, who discovered Led Zeppelinโs mystery thatcher, became a national hero to prog rock fans, and was the subject of a Wiltshire Museum exhibit.
We previewed FearFreeโs fashion show at the Condado Lounge, Devizes Musical Theatreโs Sister Act at Dauntseys, our Shelly on the wheels of steel at the Muck & Dunder, and Devizes Arts Festival. Andy went to Cinelli Brothers at Long Street Blues Club, Ian gave a review of โRENTโ at The Rondo Theatre. I had two unforgettable nights out, when Ian Siegal joined the Jon Amor Trio at the Southgate, and the first Palooza got me dancing my socks off for my birthday at The Exchange.
An album from Deadlight Dance and singles from M3G, Atari Pilot, and Life in Mono got covered, and we rediscovered our Chrissy from as yet unformed band Burn The Midnight Oil, providing vocals for drum n bass tracks. Oh yeah, I had a rant at those ranting about the Glastonbury line-up too!
April
April fools, of course, when we headlined โDevizes Road Resurfacing Plan Abolished Due to Dinosaur Fossil in Pothole!โ The rest, though, was sadly true. Wiltshire Police Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson lied through his teeth, Amnesty in Salisbury responded to the Rwanda Bill, and Michelle Donelanโs fake magazine campaign leaflet was promoted by drink driving fox hunter Jonathan Seed. Meanwhile, Wiltshire Council continued to gloat about prosecuting fly posters, attacking Adrenaline Stompers in Westbury this time, whilst The Marley Experience concert in Devizes was attacked by some nasty Facebook posts, falsely claiming it was cancelled.
But away from nastiness, Chloe raised ยฃ600 for Devizes OpenDoors and we previewed Devizes Lionsโ sponsored walk for the homeless charity too. The Peppermill started an open mic. We also previewed Simply The Best; Tina Turner Tribute at the Corn Exchange, The Female of the Species fundraising this time for Rainbow Early Years in Trowbridge, two teenage punks bands appearing at the Pump, Steatopygous & SHOX, a Bradford Roots session special with Bill in the Lowground, Daisy Chapman & Thieves, the Patsy Gamble Jazz Trio in Bromham, White Horse Operaโs Pucciniโs โLa Bohemeโ at Lavington School,
Six:Teen Edition, Devizes Music Academyโs first show, Paloozaโs second night at The Exchange, and Swindon Jazz & Soul Festival, which I attended and loved!
Reviews also from James and the Cold Gun, Lucky Number Seven, Nobodyโs Dad, The Real Cheesemakers at The Pump. Jinder and Mark Harrison at the Queens Head in Box. Barrelhouse at The Southgate. Roughcut Rebels and The Clones at the Three Crowns. Shox & Steatopygous supporting Menthol Lungs at The Pump. The Lost Trades at The Piggy Bank. Six:Teen Edition. โSkylightโ at the Rondo Theatre. โThe Thrill of Loveโ and โAnd Then There Were Noneโ at the Wharf Theatre, and The Marley Experience came to Devizes and everyone loved it regardless of the grandstanding whingers!
May
A month of ups and downs, we previewed Professor Elemental, Madam Misfit and the Real Cheesemakers at The Barge on Honeystreet, Frome Festival, White Horse Operaโs Mathieson Trust fundraiser with Anup Biswas and The Brand New Heavies at the Cheese and Grain. We reviewed music from LilyPetals, Courting Ghosts, Nothing Rhymes With Orange and Poppy Rose.
We talked about Affordable school costs for all, Swindon families uniting in memory of innocent children killed in conflict, and while Vicar Gerry Lynch faced a soaking at Pottenre fete, St James Devizes Vicar Keith Brindle was honoured as a Canon of Salisbury Cathedral! But sad news was to hear Devizes International Street Festival was cancelled, and funding was needed to keep Confetti Battle going ahead. And Tonka Bean was closing too.
Events picked up though, Ben hailed the Beaux Gris Gris gig the best Devizes has ever seen. Meanwhile I was with Illingworth and catching up with George Wilding at the Crown in Bishops Cannings. Andy attended Peter Knightโs Gigspanner at Pound Arts Centre. Ian covered โThe Incident Roomโ at the Rondo Theatre, โSister Actโ at St. Augustineโs, and โThe Thrill of Loveโ at The Wharf Theatre. There was a homecoming gig for Nothing Rhymes With Orange at the Three Crowns, and another one of those nights when I went on a round robin tour of live music in Devizes, at Long Street, The Southgate and Three Crowns. The only time for a spoof article that month was for one headlined โLabour Party Could Change Star Wars Day to โSci-Fiโ Day so to Not Offend Trekkies!โ
June
June is about going out! Ben gave us reviews of Jim Blair and the Mojo Makers at The Beehive, Swindon, and Robert Vincent & Ryan Davis PAs at Marlboroughโs Sound Knowledge. I caught I See Orange at The Pump with Devizes-own Steatopygous.
Ian checked out โThe Collaboratorsโ at the Rondo Theatre, and โWhereโs The Cat? Live!โ at the Wharf Theatre, and then there was Devizes Arts Festival which we all covered as extensively as possible.
A Junco Shakers at The British Lion, The Slambovian Circus of Dreams, The Sound Of Blue Note, Duo Tutti, Martin Simpson, Belinda Kirk, Lucy Porter, Ida Pelliccioli, Adam Rutherford, Edward Cross Quintet, Dr. Phil Hammond, Jolly Roger and The Cable Street Collective all reviewed, mainly by Andy, but a few by myself and Ian too, even had one from the Wharfโs own John Winterton. What a great year for Devizes Arts Festival, my personal favourite? Easy, that was Lady Nade.
All this and I still found time to preview Devizes Scooter Rally, the return of Devizes Youth Action Group gig nights, and FullTone Festivalโs youth-supporting extra day. Review music from Talk in Code and Rosie Jay. But if anything kept me busiest, it was interviewing candidates for our MP post, Green Party candidate for Melksham-Devizes Catherine Read, Labour candidate Kerry Postlewhite and Lib Dem candidate Brian Matthew. It was an honour to meet them all, and I enjoyed chatting to them in New Society. Any one of them had the potential to do a more honest job, but there was something about Brian which made me think, hey, thatโs the guy for the job; the best thing about it, a majority agreed with me; crazy times!!
July
And so, it came to be. After fourteen tiresome years of Conservative lies and robbery, continuously leaning further into far right extremism, openly promoting hate and dividing the nation, they got thrown out of there, but didnโt take it on the chin! โMichelle Gonelan Makes History,โ was one article we published to make fun of the knicker-twisted attitude of those poor losers. Furious Tory supporters took to local Facebook groups, and we made fun of that too, with a headline deliberately in caps-lock, โWOK SNOWFLICKS GIT THERE KICKS ON DEVIZS ISSUES (BIT BETTER) THIS ELEKTION!โ And then, even our county council leader wept like a baby over the new government scrapping the Stonehenge Tunnel! Oh, such fun!!
We continued to focus on DOCAโs fundraising efforts, and took a recap visit to Devizes OpenDoors too. But July is festival season, and we were too knee-deep in sunny vibes to worry about the disgruntled minority upset with the election result.
Firstly, it was a shame Devizes Scooter Rally and the Full-Tone Festival had to be one same weekend, such that I attempted to do both but spent most of my time cruising from one to the other, great though they both were. And it was a time when our recommendations came to pass, as Meg was booked for a rather smashing MantonFest, and The Sarah C Ryan band played DOCAโs Picnic in the Park, in which I played compere, in a giraffe onesie! Happy days.
Ian went to My Dadโs Bigger Than Your Dad Festival, in Old Town Gardens, Swindon, and I popped over to check out Minety, and crowned it the best local festival Iโve been to. Other great nights out included Talk in Code & Laissez Faire at The Southgate, Ian reporting on The Rob Lear Band at The Piggy Bank, Calne, โFaithโ at the Rondo Theatre, and โMacbethโ at Cleeve House, Seend.
We also previewed the next season at the Wharf Theatre and announced there were only a few remaining tickets for Trowbridge Festival. Events, events, events, thatโs what summer is for, not worrying about politics, it all ends with the same poor results. I believe it doesnโt matter who is at number ten, and while itโs probably better to have the last lot gone, we will never recover this financial pothole until we ALL face up to the fact the cost of Brexit has ruined us, and until we accept it and freely discuss without prejudice and arguing, what we can best do to recover from it, instead of blaming the current government for problems rooted in politics long before they won, we will see those comforts the UK have become accustomed to drop from us one by one. The closure of venues, pubs, shops, event organisers, the hardship of creatives, the general disillusionment that a new government can fix it overnight, all paints a very gloomy picture. Therefore, as I said at the beginning, Iโm done with politics, and feel Devizine should focus on supporting the arts and entertainment as much as possible.
And thatโs the end of the first half of this 2024 review, weโll see a lack of political matters during the last six months of the year, and a new ethos of positivity in the face of such gloomโฆ..I hope!!
You should know me well enough by now to accept I donโt beat about the bush; itโs supermarkets and chain-storeโs own silly fault for the rise in popularity of the Christmas Market, for lavishing their shelves with uninspiring commercialised, plastic rubbish!
There, there, got that off my chest! Now,Christmas Markets are popping up locally faster than Santa on Christmas Eve, but if you cannot make it to one, or simply prefer to shop in your jimmy-jams, hereโs some ideas for Christmas presents weโve found which won’t break the bank, and support local craftersโฆWelcome to the Devizine Online Christmas Market, jingle your bells!
DIY it, with Pins & Needles!
One affordable and genius idea springs to mind; do-it-yourself. For as well as personal and unique designs by owner Vixter Woolista, Pins & Needles in Snuff Street Devizes has all your knitting and crochet needs, and an online shop too, here. With a fabulous range of accessible crochet and knit kits, patterns and gorgeous hand-dyed yarns, Pins & Needles is a little shop with a big heart, and winner of the 2020 British Knitting Awards for best yarn shop in the south west.
Good Reads!
We donโt get as many book reviews from local authors as weโd like, but this year saw two great reads, which would make ideal presents for your book worm.
First up, Sorrel Pits published Broken Shadows, and this has to be my personal favourite novel Iโve ever had the pleasure of reviewing. A gripping thriller based locally, this really is a page-turner. Hereโs the review, you can grab this from Devizes Books, or online here.
This year also saw local author Molly Andersonโs Dadโs New Dress, an emotional rollercoaster of searing honesty into family ties and commitment. Reviewed here, at Devizes Books and online here.
Polish up on your cooking!
Novel idea we hope your recipient wonโt take the wrong way, cookery classes at The Farm Cookery School on Bromhamโs Netherstreet! They have adult and childrenโs courses available, and various Christmas meal related workshops too! Christmas baking masterclass anyone? Beats a can of Christmas Tinner!! Find them Here.
Chocolate, of course!
Hollychocs in Poulshout, award-winning chocolates; need I say more, other than you shop online for them, HERE.
Getting Crafty
Upstairs in The Healthy Life Company in the Little Brittox, Devizes, you will find the most fantastic display of Christmas gift ideas, many sourced locally. We reported on this last year, see here.Find them online here.
Bramblerose Designs is by local artist Ginnie Burns, stocking lots of Christmas gifts and cards, fantastic tie-dye T-shirts and prints of her colourful local landscapes. Find them HERE.
Cositas Bonitas in Albion Place on Sidmouth Street, Devizes has beautifully handmade crafts, like personalised baubles and cute drawstring Christmas sacks, knitted advent calendars, decorated jars and decorations. Find them on Facebook, here.
Merlin Glass Studio & Gift Shop in Woodborough Yard is run by crafter Louise Spink, has some great Christmas craft workshops, and sells beautiful decorations and glassware designs. How can you resist these little robin brooches? Awl! Find them Here.
Moonflower and Me has original hand illustrated artwork, handmade resin & clay Items and more fascinating gift ideas. Check out their magical mushroom terrarium baubles; gorgeous! Find them Here.
Over the Yarnarm is a small, unique business cruising the British waterways, bringing a touch of handmade warmth to every corner they visit. Operating from a cosy liveaboard narrowboat, sharing our passion for all things yarn. Find their Etsy shop here, be a star and grab yourself a knitted star!
Enter artist Matt Bakerโs World of Thoodles. Donโt know what a Thoodles is? Find stickers, prints, stationary and badges of these colourful kawaii fashioned monster characters here. We think they rock, and Iโm 51 years young! Find Thoodles HERE.
And lest we forget the white bear at Christmas, Arthe! Lots of prints and some fantastic Christmas tees up for grabs, HERE! Find Arthe Christmas cards at Black Dog Coffee on Couch Lane.
That’s all folks! Well, there’s bound to be many more jumping the bandwagon once they see this, expecting me to do a thing called “editing,” I’ve heard it’s all the rage these days. Have a lovely Christmas everyone, here’s our Christmas card video message, filmed on location at DOCA Winter Festival, by Jess…..
As the excitement continues to detonate to an exploding point for our very first Stone Circle Music Events Wiltshire Music Awards on 25th October, weโฆ
by Mick Brianimages from Lauren Arena-McCann The playwright Tom Stoppard is probably best known for his work โRosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Deadโ, his absurdist comedyโฆ
You might think it’s a laryngologist’s dream come true, this Lewis Capaldi-led decade’s penchant for the blue-eyed soul singersโ melismatic strain to cause Mick Hucknallโฆ
Nothing cruel about our George Wilding; with his perfect match and another local legend of local music, Jolyon Dixon, they’re knocking out great singles likeโฆ
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Being as we received a taster of wintery weather to come this week, I believe itโs okay to use the C-word; yes, Christmas!!
Hereโs everything weโve found to do in and around Devizes, so far, from now until New Yearโs Eve, in addition, of course, to decorating trees, picking all the toffee pennies out of the Quality Street tin, and enjoying watching Hans Gruber fall from the Nakatomi Plazaโฆ.
Do remember though our event calendar is constantly updating, so do keep an eye on it, as more events may well be added when theyโre brought to our attention. And if youโre in another town, check our event calendar for events in your area; sorry you are not included here, we still love you, but thereโs only so many hours in a day!
Lets go from this weekend, but be warned, thereโs a lot to get through. Ongoing photographic exhibition at the Valentina Gallery, opposite SoupChick in the Shambles, ends on 2nd December.
Thursday 21st November sees an Evening of Mediumship with Psychic Medium Nikki Kitt at the Corn Exchange.
Friday 22nd: Public Living Room is open at the Cheese Hall from 1.30-4pm. John Girvanโs celebrated Ghost Walk of Devizes, takes on a Christmas spin. You find tickets at the Wiltshire Museum website. Queen tribute Qween UK plays the Corn Exchange. Recommended trip out of town: boom-bap legends The Scribes are at the Barge on Honeystreet.
Saturday 23rd November: and thereโs a Sighthound Stroll at 12pm. Devizes Eisteddfodโs Junior Showcase at the Town Hall. The FullTone Orchestra is at the Corn Exchange with an 80s special, so get your rah-rah skirts dusted and ready.
The Sylvertones are at The Three Crowns. The Ben Fletcher Band at The Southgate. DJ Emilo is bringing in the sounds at the Exchange. And for a short trip out of town, I recommend The Killer Circus show at Market Lavington Community Hall, with a double-header of mod-indie, britpop and ska with The Killertones Underground and 6 Oโclock Circus. Or The Publicans at the Royal Oak, Pewsey.
Sunday 24th, The Duskers are at the Southgate for 5pm start, same time, itโs nice to see live music back at the White Bear too; Andrew Hurst kicks those Sunday Sessions back into gear.
Tuesday 26th sees Devizes Lions Bingo Night at the Conservative Club.
Wednesday 27th, donโt forget the acoustic jam at the Southgate.
Thursday 28th – do not miss this, the fantastic Ruby Darbyshire is doing a Fantasy Radio Live Lounge from 7pm at The Pelican. The Last Thursday of each month is also open mic time in the Cellar Bar of the Bear Hotel, from 7:30pm.
Friday 29th is the Winter Festival, on go the lights and Christmas begins officially in Devizes!
12:00 โ 20:00: Indoor & Outdoor Markets and Creative Installations. Lantern Parade at 18:30. 19:00 is Christmas Light Switch On. Window Wanderland begins and runs until 2nd Dec. Look out for the Cascade Chandelier, in the Shambles!
There will be several opportunities to get crafty over Winter Festival weekend with bookable artist-led workshops. More workshops will be dropping soon, so keep an eye on DOCAโs social media! Willow Reindeer Workshop from 10am to 4pm at the Yeoman Room, Corn Exchange. Sarah Jayne Edwards works in willow in all scales, she made the Sanctuary that appeared on the Green in Devizes 2023. Spend a day with her where she will support you to create your own beautiful willow reindeer.
All materials will be provided on these creative workshops, no experience needed. Event capacity for each is only 8 people. Participants must be aged 16 years or over. There are 2 free places allocated for low-income participants, no questions asked. If you would like to claim one of these places, please email: info@docadevizes.org.uk
Elsewhere in Devizes, the fantastic People Like Us are at The Three Crowns, itโs the Pour Houseโs official opening party, and karaoke at the Pelican. Big Plus: itโs panto season at the Wharf Theatre with the opening night of Hansel & Gretel; this is superb, Iโve seen the rehearsal, youโre going to love it, young and old. Hansel & Gretel continues until 7th December, tickets are sold out, but you can join a waiting list.
Saturday 30th sees a Devizes Lions book sale at St Maryโs Church.
Devizes Outdoor Celebratory Arts Winter Festival continues, presenting ‘Crow’ by Avanti Display. ‘Crow’ is a beguiling, genre-defying, beautifully odd show. It teases us with strange images, magical clowning and bewitching visual images. Accompanied by a live inventive score. Video projections expand their comic and curious world, suggesting ideas both profound and absurd. This is a ticketed event at Sheep Street Baptist Church and starts at 6pm.
Also part of the Winter Festival, from 10am to 3pm, thereโs an Outdoor Market with Music & Street Entertainment, and Makery Sessions Craft Workshops at various times. Porcelain Christmas Decorations Workshop at Parnella House from 10am to 1pm, with Geraldine Francis.
Contemporary Wreath Making Workshop at 2pm to 5pm at Parnella House with Nancy Rose Stott, an accomplished maker, best known for her amazing hats. All materials will be provided, no experience needed. Event capacity: 8 people only. Participants must be aged 16 years or over. There are 2 free places allocated for low-income participants, no questions asked. If you would like to claim one of these places, please email: info@docadevizes.org.uk
Thereโs also a Christmas Wreath Making Workshop at Poulshot Village Hall, not DOCA related.
Groovedream at The Three Crowns. Red Light at The Southgate.
And relax, itโs Sunday, but it is December 1st! Curious Kids: Winter Fun at Wiltshire Museum, Devizes. The Pelican has a winter festival Christmas Lunch. JP Oldfield is at the White Bear at 5pm, the Jon Amor Trio residency at the Southgate, same time, and One More Shot at the Black Horse.
Monday 2nd, find a new open mic session at the Pour House, set up by the one and only JP Oldfield; very busy boy atm!
Wednesday 4thDecember: acoustic jam night at the Southgate.
Friday 6th sees a new regular acoustic session on Fridays at The Southgate, this week has JP Oldfield, Sammi Evans & Bryan Davies playing. White Horse Opera presents some Christmas Music at St Andrews. Itโs Christmas Mixup night at the Exchange.
Saturday 7th, thereโs a tour behind the scenes at Wiltshire Museum, and another Ghost Walk Christmas Special with John Griven.
The Shudders are at The Southgate. James Mitchell at The Three Crowns. The Coco Club Christmas Ball at the Corn Exchange. Christmas Party at the Exchange. Recommendations out of town, find a reggae night with Knatti P at the Barge on Honeystreet and Ruby Darbyshire at the Woodbridge.
Sunday 8th sees a family Christmas Party at West Lavington Village Hall in aid of Juliaโs House. Sunflower Events Christmas Fair at the Corn Exchange. Christmas Fayre at The Barge, Seend Cleeve.
Music at the Southgate from 5pm with The Wholesome Soul Trio.
Wednesday 11th, acoustic jam at the Southgate.
Thursday 12th is the second Exchange Comedy Night for The Mayorโs Appeal.
Friday 13th thereโs Devizes Good Afternoon Choirโs Christmas Invitation with Children from Wansdyke School at St Andrewโs Church. Young Curators Club: Mid-Winter Celebrations: Yule and Saturnalia at Wiltshire Museum.
Saturday 14th: Table-top Sale for Camps International to Peru Trip: 12-4pm at The Wharfside. LECTURE: Digging for Erlestoke by Leigh Chalmers and Dr Phil Harding at Wiltshire Museum. And the opening of a new exhibit at the Museum, Megalithic Connections โ Drawings & Etchings by Dave Gunning, which runs until 22nd Feb.
Christmas Market at Hillworth Park, in which Santa is fully booked, but heโs also at, Breakfast With Santa at the Fire Station! Santa! Hey! I know him!
The Big Sound Christmas Concert at the Corn Exchange. Sour Apple at the Three Crowns, The Worried Men at The Southgate. And Karl Maggs has got the Jingle Bangers in the mix at the Exchange.
Sunday 15th, Wish Tree Gathering from 3-5pm at Quakerโs Walk. Devizes Town Band Christmas Party at the Corn Exchange. And Manos Puestas at The Southgate at 5pm.
Wednesday 18th, acoustic jam at the Southgate.
Friday 20th, John Grivanโs celebrated Ghost Walk of Devizes, takes on a Christmas spin. You find tickets at the Wiltshire Museum website.
Devizes most celebrated house nights, Palooza returns to The Exchange.
Saturday 21st: Barrelhouse at The Southgate. Adam Woodhouse at The Three Crowns, and the Long Street Blues Club Christmas Party with the Thomas Atlas Band. DJ Mike Alford is at the Exchange.
Sunday 22nd is the Tractor & Tinsel Run at the Market Place. Charity Fundraiser with Burn The Midnight Oil, new band fronted by the fantastic Chrissy Chapman at The Southgate, from 5pm.
Monday 23rd: The Unpredictables at The Three Crowns, being anything but unpredictable!
Tuesday 24th: Spend Christmas Eve at The White Bear, where the one, the only Jamie R Hawkins will be singing a few songs with Vince Bell too.
Thursday 26th: The Last Thursday of each month is also open mic time in the Cellar Bar of the Bear Hotel, from 7:30. We assume this will take place as usual.
Friday 27th: Drew Bryant at The Three Crowns. Twixmas Fun Quiz at The Pelican. DJ Stevie MC at the Exchange for an after Christmas Party.
Saturday 28th: The Killertones Underground at The Southgate; nice one!
Tuesday, New Yearโs Eve: find Soundhog Karaoke at The Three Crowns. Back to Skool New Yearโs Eve Party at the Pelican. The Original PJ & Mister M at the Bear Hotel. DJ Karl Maggs at The Exchange, and NYE Party at Seend Community Centre; Happy New Year!
Thatโs your lot, unless thereโs something we missed? Tell us about it, please do, we can add it, it isnโt going to cost you anything more than being nice to me when you see me next! I hope everyone has been good all year, and wish you all a merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Thereโs a new single from Bristol-based Nothing Rhymes With Orange out tomorrow (Saturday 20th September) which takes the band to a whole new level, andโฆ
The Wiltshire Music Awards are delighted to confirm a new headline partnership with Stone Circle Music Events, who will sponsor the Awards for 2025 andโฆ
Following the excitement and success of the first meeting of โYour Partyโ in Swindon, a second meeting has been arranged for 18th September 7.30 -โฆ
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 circuitโฆ
There’s something to be said for the function duo route with universal appeal, you could be working somewhere hot! Powerhouse vocal harmony duo Reflections areโฆ
Again we find ourselves congratulating and thanking young Chloe Boyle for fantastic fundraising efforts for Devizes homeless charity OpenDoorsโฆ.
With friends and family she spent Saturday morning selling teddies and soft toys outside Morrisons in Devizes, this time raising ยฃ61.40. But if weโve featured Chloe before they are usually for her individual fundraising efforts. However, it is in her and her familyโs continued efforts in which Chloe has been a hero and an inspiration, raising a grand total of ยฃ1372.95 so far.
What began as a stall selling her own cuddly toys, has amounted to collecting donations from others, and continuing this amazing work. Mum, Julie proudly told me how the community has got behind this, and led her stall to be found regularly around the area, at our many great events like FullTone, and special occasions at Hillworth Park. If you see Chloeโs stall around and about, do take a look and buy a bear or two! Congratulations Chloe, you are a star!
It was lovely to spend Sunday afternoon at Devizesโ Wharf Theatre, to see how this yearโs pantomime Hansel & Gretel, is coming along. If my preview is behind me now, or if โoh, no, it isnโt,โ Iโm happy to confirm ticket holders are in for a real treat, and those without a ticket I urge you to be as quick as a quick thing being quickโฆ..
Tickets for panto at the Wharf sell out fast every year, rightfully. I believe thereโs only a handful left. It may beg the question why Iโm here to preview it at all, but with our Ian hot on the scene of anything theatrical these days, Iโve missed being at our communal little theatre. While I may not be so knowledgeable on Shakespeare’s plays, I know what I like, and Iโm smitten for a great panto.
First time panto co-director Karen Ellis, who works with Jessica Bone, told me thereโs a slightly different approach this year. I couldnโt tell, Jack & The Beanstalk was wonderful last year, Hansel & Gretel is going to be as amazing as a gingerbread house decorated with sweeties!
A few sweets need tweaking, Iโm at an early rehearsal, neighbouring seats are occupied with ladders and paint pots. Opening night is Friday 29th November, and with extra dates added the show runs until Saturday 7th December, with matinees on the Saturdays. With professionalism abound from whatโs essentially an amateur production, from my sneaky peek alone, Iโve no doubt, this show is going to absolutely sparkle and thrill young and old equally.ย
It was interesting, though, to see the inner workings of a panto developing, the many elements needing synchronisation I wouldnโt have contemplated before now, and the attention to detail to something which might seem somewhat improvised to an outsider. It might be a couple of hours of quality family entertainment to you, but from script, expertly crafted by The Wharf Writersโ Group, to this stage where only a few Iโs need dotting and Tโs crossing, has taken a year of hard work from a thoroughly dedicated group of very talented people.
And the hard work explodes like a supernova. As any panto should, the narrative is slight and loosely based on the Brothers Grimm fairy-tale. The show concentrates on slapstick, corny gags, drag, parodies of pop songs, slight tragedy, and a huge dollop of funny banter and audience participation, with a sprinkling of storyline. Brush up on your children’s TV show themes, anything more might be deemed a spoiler, but I can assure you, youโre going to love it; all these elements are in grand abundance, and it thoroughly entertained me.
Starter for ten, neither Hansel, parts shared by two great young actors, Rory Lee and Tamsin Antignani, nor Gretel, similarly played by Emily Edwards and Gigi Underwood, are the protagonists here, rather the main parts depict an investigating police officer, Buttons, and his love interest, comically named Carrie Okie. The latter is played superbly by Georgina Claridge, also responsible for choreography, and the former, Officer Buttons is sublimely brought to life by Darcey Oswin; both masterful and confidently versatile in acting and singing, they work together like the perfect double-act.
Adam Sturgesโ thespianism flare, with a natural ability for improv makes for the quintessential dame; he remained in character and high heels when I chatted to him outside! Is this the first pantomime dame to have a son, I wondered? Shaken, but not stirred and played by Lucas Dowling.
Likewise, Helen Pritchard makes for an excellent witch, and there’s supposed to be a compliment in there! Lesley Scholes is hilarious as a discluded fairy godmother, and the randomly placed comical duo is supplied brilliantly by Oli Beech and Liz Sharman.
Other singing and dancing characters are cast aptly, with Archer Leigh, Jo Benyon-Tucker, Cathy Chappell, Corrin Bishop, Poppy Lamb-Hughes, Emily Webb and Ben Bryan. It wouldnโt be Christmas without a panto, and even a Grinch like me, after watching just a rehearsal for this early in November, could sense sleigh bells jingling and ring-tingle tingling all the way home!
I cannot guarantee your Brussel sprouts will be perfectly timed to coincide with the turkey, but I can assure you without doubt, Hansel & Gretel at The Wharf Theatre will warm your hearts and send you home smiling from elf ear to elf ear!
But hurry and be lucky to pick up the few remaining tickets HERE.
Formerly known as Judas Goat and the Bellwether, the now renamed band have announced the release of their latest single, โDrill Baby Drillโ (coming outโฆ
Photograph byย Simon Folkard It’s been a rocky road for Devizes Outdoor Celebratory Arts (DOCA) these last few years, and I didn’t mean the crushed biscuitsโฆ
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 catch themโฆ
Valedictorian graduate of Bates College in Maine, and with a PhD in neuroscience from Harvard, neuroscientist Lisa Genova self-published her debut novel, Still Alice inโฆ
Swindon’s annual colossal fundraising event The Shuffle is a testament to local live music, which raises funds for Prospect Hospice. If you’re ever going toโฆ
Remember, remember, weโre moving into November; leaves, loads of โem! Being as we are no longer doing weekly roundups, hereโs some highlights of events in Devizes during November, but do pay attention, thereโs lots more listed on our event calendar, from all over our county, and itโs always updating, so keep checking in HERE too!
Daveโs birthday beer festival at the Southgate, for the entire weekend and into Monday. Find Sammi Evans, Josh Oldfield & Gordon Thompson there on Friday 1st, and Courting Ghosts, I believe, are there on Saturday; not sure about the rest, but I think the focus is on the beer; if you can focus on beer! Happy birthday, Dave!
Talking taps, we send our best of luck to The Pour House, taking over the old Vaults in St Johnโs Street, Devizes. Itโs their grand opening on Friday 1st.
On Saturday 2nd, there’s a tap top sale in Couch Lane, we have the Lions Club Arts Coaching Day, and Quakers Walk Community Biodiversity Group are bulb planting and preparing wildflower beds. Sunflower Events host a Christmas Market at the Corn Exchange from 11am to 6 on Saturday, 11am to 4 on Sunday.
While those Roughcut Rebels return to the Three Crowns, and Dave’s birthday beer fest continues at the Southgate, Mississippi MacDonald Band kicks off a long month of gigs at Long Street Blues Club, with Sons of the Delta in support. Isosceles Theatre Company are at the Wharf Theatre on Saturday, with a performance of Murder; Just What the Doctor Ordered. In aid of Swindon & Devizes Sands, thereโs a Back to School disco at the Wyvern Club.
Sunday 3rd, itโs Devizes Fireworks at the Football Club. Jon Amor Trio residency at the Southgate. A concert in Chirton too, see poster below!
Monday 4th, The Opening of the Garden of Remembrance at the War Memorial, 10.45hrs.
Wednesday 6th, the regular acoustic jam night at the Southgate, of course!
Thursday 7th, Devizes Film Club is at The Wharf, with a screening of Finnish film Fallen Leaves.
Friday 8th, Muck & Dunder have a DJ set from Dub Pistol Barry Ashworth. Devizes Arts Festival presents a night of comedy at the Corn Exchange. And The Devizes Eisteddfod opens for Music, Speech & Drama, and runs until 17th November 2024.
Saturday 9th has the Provincial Booksellers Fairs Associationโs Book Fair at the Corn Exchange from 10am. Stone’s Throw are at The Three Crowns. And while Swindonโs amazing folk ensemble SGO are at the Southgate, The Ian Siegal Band are at Long Street Blues Club with Ruby Darbyshire in support, both unmissable!
Sunday 10th: Remembrance in Devizes. 09.15hrs Muster in the Marketplace. 10.00hrs Church Service at St Johnโs Church. After service Reform in Long Street. 11.00hrs Last Post-Two Minutes Silence- reveille Wreath Laying and Parade Marches Back to Marketplace.
Mr Griff & The Grifters play The Southgate, Devizes, from 5pm.
Monday 11th: Remembrance in Devizes. At the War Memorial: 10.45hrs for The National Two Minutes silence.
Wednesday 13th, sees the regular acoustic jam at the Southgate.
Friday 15th find the brilliant Siren at the Three Crowns.
Saturday 16th thereโs a Mynt Image Craft Fair at the Corn Exchange, from 10am. Free entry and a great range of superb quality products.
John Otway makes a welcome return to Devizes, at the Long Street Blues Club, and Billy and the Lowground in support; a different night for the club, highly recommended this one!
Wednesday 20th, sees the regular acoustic jam at the Southgate. Devizes Flower Club is jingling all the way to the Corn Exchange.
Thursday 21st and thereโs an Evening of Mediumship with Psychic Medium Nikki Kitt at the Corn Exchange.
Friday 22nd Queen tribute act, Qween UK at the Corn Exchange, no excuses for spellings from us, that is what it is, lets hope they will rowk you!
Saturday 23rd you can find The Sylvertones at The Three Crowns, but not a lot else I’ve heard about as of yet. Time maybe to pop over to Lavington for this….
Wednesday 27th, sees the regular acoustic jam at the Southgate.
Thursday 28th head down to the Pelican, where Fantasy Radio presents a Live Lounge with Ruby Darbyshire. Also, itโs open mic night at The Cellar Bar, Bear Hotel from 7:30pm.
Friday 29th is DOCA Winter Festival, lights switching on, lantern parade, mulled wine, Devizes Town Band playing Santa Claus is Coming to Town, and all the gubbings; and thatโs when Iโm officially in the Christmas mode! Window Wanderland runs from here until 2nd Dec, and the fun continues into Saturday too!
Double-whammy, the Hazel & Gretel panto opens at the Wharf Theatre on Friday too. Note, due to popularity theyโve added dates, and it runs until the 7th December now. I will be going to see it long before you, and Iโll be here to tell you about it; what? Perks of the job!!
Also on Saturday 30th, ever popular covers unique trio People Like Us will be at the Three Crowns. White Horse Opera at Market Lavington Community Hall.
That’s all for now, folks! Did I miss something out? Did you tell us about it?! We update all the time, so, rest assured more will be added when they come in, and if you cannot find something to entertain you here, you can leave town! In a nice way, you understand, we do have roads and Devizine lists events within range of Devizes as well as in Devizes; so remember, remember, to check the EVENT CALENDER!!
Dumping pumpkins in the woods is bad for wildlife says Forestry England.
As millions of pumpkins hit supermarket shelves and make their way to gardens, porches, and windowsills across the region, Forestry England is reminding members of the public not to leave spent pumpkins in forests or woodlands.ย
Each year, well-meaning social media posts circulate that encourage people to leave pumpkins in the woods for wildlife to eat. But pumpkins are not natural to woodlands and can make some animals very poorly, such as our declining population of hedgehogs. Decomposing food waste can also attract pests and spread disease.ย
Instead, Forestry England recommends getting creative in the kitchen to use up Halloween pumpkins or recycling them at home.ย
Forestry England senior ecologist, Sam Pegler said, โWhile itโs wonderful that people want to do their bit for nature, leaving rotting pumpkins in the countryside isnโt good for wildlife. Some animal centres may accept a small number of pumpkins for their residents, but these are carefully given to appropriate species and removed before they rot down. This isnโt possible in a forest setting, so is best avoided completely.ย
My favourite way to use pumpkin is to explore the countless free and tasty recipes online. It isnโt all about soup, pumpkin is brilliant for stews, curries, pies, and even pasta and risotto dishes. If pumpkin really isnโt your thing, it can be disposed of in your food recycling container or composted at home. The high water content of pumpkin makes it a great composting material to add nitrogen and moisture to your compost bin.โ
There was a geographical population imbalance this bank holiday Monday in Devizes which risked the entire town conically sloping into the back of Morrisons; noโฆ
Devizes Outdoor Celebratory Arts announced their upcoming project, YEA Devizes today. Made possible by a grant from National Grid Electricity Transmissionโs Community Grant Programme, the Youth Event Activity Devizes will be a youth festival area within the International Street Festivalโฆ.
Working with the incredible young adults we have in our community, DOCA will support them to plan and run their own outdoor event, putting all the decisions in their hands and enabling them to show everyone their interests and capabilities. All along the way they will be able to learn and develop the skills needed to put on outdoor events and arts management.
The flyer was designed by their youth advisor, who also helped to develop this fantastic opportunity from the start. If you are between the age of 16 – 21 (up to 25 with SEND) then please use this form – https://tinyurl.com/5xnsrk4p – to let them know if you are interested in being a part of this, whether as part of the core Youth Event Management Panel or further along the line.ย
Trust me to question the SEND element to this, as it is often the case SEND people will shy away from events due to sensory overload. But Annabel of DOCA is addressing this, and enlightened us, โwe understand that it can be confronting for some people. There are behind the scenes roles where we can help them avoid most of the madness if they wish, although as you say it may be too much for some. We are happy to work with anyone to make the experience work for them if possible – and in fact having someone with lived experience of SEND on the team could help us develop more SEND-friendly event spaces.โ Ah, I like this answer!
It was great to bump into Lunch Box Buddy in Devizes today. Last week was hectic for him; first BBC Wiltshire stopped by his stand in the Brittox, which was busy dishing out free lunches for children during the summer holidays, as is Buddyโs mission. Then came an appearance on Points West, and even Jamieโฆ
Whilst dispersing highly flammable hydrocarbon gases into the atmosphere is not advisory, Butane Skies is a name increasingly exploding on local circuits. The young and aspiring Frome โa little bit emo, a little bit notโ four-piece released a debut single Wither last month (while I was on my jollies.) So, even though this mention ofโฆ
The excitement and hope generated by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana announcing a new political party has reached Swindonโฆ.. A broad range of people have been keenly messaging and talking to each other and have decided to work together with everyone who supports this new party, to have a marked and positive presence in theโฆ
So it came to pass that Josh (aka J.P.) Oldfield wanted to promote a gig in Devizes, home town etc. And in so doing realised somebody else would have just released a new album, so invited them along โ and that person said โyesโ ๐ And so it was bornโฆ a double header in theโฆ
If I was bowled over backwards by Rubyโs teaser single last week, its title, Crowned Lightbringer, now also belongs to this five-track EP, released today, and as you might guess, youโre in for a treatโฆ.. Thereโs so much incredible time, effort and adroitness pouring out of this itโs actually scary how talented Ruby Darbyshire isโฆ
Running from the 4th to 13th October, The Calne Music & Arts Festival celebrates its 50th anniversary, and tickets for the varied events are on sale nowโฆ.
Arts Festival President Carole Browne said, โin the year that we celebrate our 50th anniversary, our Patron, Dame Judith Weir, who was composer in residence at the 1975 festival, will be handing the baton to another prestigious composer, Brett Dean, who will take up the position in 2025.โ
โWe are indeed fortunate to have so many musicians and artists who have made their home in Calne. This is a year of many anniversaries. 40 years ago the iconic Harris factory, established in 1770, which dominated the centre of Calne and became its biggest employer,was demolished. Joseph Priestley โdiscoveredโ oxygen in Calne 250 years ago. We will mark these anniversaries with special concerts and a community art project featuring over 500 pigs, painted and decorated and on view all over the town.โ
โAn exhibition in the Heritage Centre throughout October will catalogue, with brochures and press cuttings, the past 50 years as well as featuring a selection of chosen piglets.โ
As usual there will also be the art exhibition at Marden House, presenting hundreds of pieces from beginners to internationally exhibiting artists from in and around Calne. The exhibit is open at various times throughout the festival.
Festival week starts with a free family day at Marden House, on Saturday 5th, with a 360-degree immersive Theatre Dome experience, Calne Samba Band, Clareโs Circus, a variety of activities by Calne Wordfest, Music and Art workshops throughout the day, an art treasure hunt, stilt walker and more.
Irish Soprano Michelle Sheridan Grant and Scottish Bass-Baritone Peter Grant bring you an eclectic musical evening, also on the 5th. A Gala concert which will be followed by tea, The Ridgeway Ensemble – ‘Walk in Beauty’ on Sunday. Thereโs also a free life drawing session, and Evensong at St Marys.ย
Accomplished soloist, passionate chamber musician and repetiteur for Opera Ddraig, George Fradley will perform Beethoven’s Sonata Op.109, Chopin’s Ballade No 4 and the Bach-Busoni Chaconne in D Minor, on Monday 7th October. Also The ‘Major Minors’ is a community choir bringing together children from primary schools in Calne and surrounding villages under the direction of Bethan Fryer. They will be joined by Cherhill Youth Theatre and the school choir of Heddington school on Monday. Thereโs โdrink & drawโ sessions, and Calne Wordfest Writersโ group joins the celebration of Priestley 250.
Tuesday 8th sees Music Scholars of St. Mary’s School, Calne, then some banjo with the Leon Hunt Trio. Wednesday an Art Talk by Gail Brown and Isla String Quartet. Thursday,ย Music Scholars of Marlborough College and world music with Eastern Strings and Nabra Trio. Friday 11th sees a clarinet recital with local clarinettist Simon Parker, Opera Anywhereโs Gilbert and Sullivanโs Patience.
Saturday 12th sees Australian now Calne artists Brett Dean and Heather Betts in conversation with Genevieve Sioka, an evening of traditional Andalusian Guitar and Flamenco dance with Flamenco Loco, Calne Choralโs Cloud Messenger from Gustav Holst Gloria-Vivaldi, and a grand finale party!
Image: John Kisch Legendary songwriter and original Stranglers frontman Hugh Cornwell has announced a run of UK dates this November, accompanied by special guests Theโฆ
Atmospherically anthemic and reinforced with that infectious rhythmic groove weโve come to love Talk in Code for, More Than Friends is chockfull of it, andโฆ
by Mick Brian With Sandcastles Productions marking its debut production with Charlie McGuireโs original play Glass House, the cast and crew behind this production are clearlyโฆ
Wiltshire Music announces a new season for Autumn Winter: and the first under the new leadership of Daniel Clark, Artistic Director and Sarah Robertson, Executiveโฆ
Calling all future Lego engineers! Be the Brunel of tomorrow and build a bridge to help achieve net zeroโฆ..
To celebrate the 21st anniversary of the Great Western Brick Show at STEAM at the Museum of the Great Western Railway in Swindon, the organisers are inviting local schools to take part in their Brick-building challenge to help fight climate change.
The Great Western Brick Show runs Saturday 5th October and Sunday 6th October. You can get a ticket here.
Or, schools or Lego groups can enter this fun competition for a chance to display your teamโs model at this yearโs show and be in with a chance to win LEGO prizes for your school. What’s awesome about that? I’ll tell you shall I? Everything!!
The challenge is to design and build the railway bridge of tomorrow to help achieve net zero.
In the same way that Brunel approached the challenges he faced with new solutions, which nobody thought possible, they would like to invite pupils to become creative about todayโs challenge.
How can we solve one of the biggest challenges the planet is facing right now? Achieve Net Zero, those brickers ask.
They would like pupils to design a sustainable railway bridge of the future using their imagination to design a model that will deal with this issue.
There are no right answers to building the Lego railway bridge of the future, so pupils can solve the challenge in any way they choose. The more creative and imaginative you are, the better!
The build must consist entirely of LEGO Bricks and can include Duplo and Technic.
As the winning entries will be displayed during the Great Western Brick Show on the 5th and 6th of October, the builds must be stable enough to be transported easily and should require minimal setup.
Entries can be made by individual pupils or teams of up to 3 pupils. Other details are down to the imagination of the builder(s), but they should show creative ways of dealing with the challenge set.
For competition details and a full technical brief, see HERE, and get building!!
Hereโs our bitesize look at whatโs happening in the wilds of Wiltshire this coming weekโฆ.
Everything listed here is on our event calendar; go there for links and more info, as it takes too much time to link them all in. It may also be updated as more events come to our attention, so check in later in the week too!
Ongoing: A Wiltshire Thatcher: A Photographic Journey Through Victorian Wessex runs at Wiltshire Museum, Devizes, until the end of August.
Wednesday 14th
Quidditch is the sport for Kids Summer Sports at Hillworth park, Devizes this Wednesday.
Acoustic Jam at the Southgate, Devizes.
Devising Drama for 7-11 Years, and LEGO Stop-frame Animation for 8-14 Years at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.
Mizizi at The Bell, Bath.
ArcTangent Festival in Bristol opens.
Thursday 15th
Opening day for the Lawrence Art Societyโs Exhibition at Devizes Town Hall. Running until Saturday.
The Ripples & Jol Rose at the Beehive, Swindon. The Little Mermaid at The Wyvern Theatre, runs until Saturday.
Friday 16th
Lost Pubs of Devizes guided tour. Devizes Camerados are at the Cheese Hall with Wiltshire Museum; help them to design a carnival banner.
Apache Cats at The Three Crowns, Devizes.
Meat Loud at the Neeld, Chippenham.
Exhibition on Screen โ My National Gallery at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Band X at the Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.
The Daybreakes at The Vic, Swindon. Lonely Road Band at the Beehive. Liddington Hill & King Attitude at the Castle. Men in Vests & Adrianaโs Keys at Underground.
Saturday 17th
Lego & Toy Fair at The Melksham Assembly Hall. Martyโs Fake Family at the Grapes, Melksham.
Killertones at the Southgate, Devizes.
Seend Summer Village Breakfast at Seend Community Centre. Sausage & Cider Day at the Brewery Inn, Seend Cleeve.
Famous Hangover Sessions at the Lamb, Marlborough: Rave Against the Regime, All Ears Avow, Trash Panda, Band U Like, Hooch.
Floaty Boaty Event at The Barge, HoneyStreet.
DโSka Assassins at the Bouverie Hall, Pewsey.
The Piggy Bankโs 3rd Birthday, Calne.
Unlock Reset Festival near Chippenham.
White Horse Military Show, Westbury
41 Fords at the Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.
Midlife Krisis Summer Family Fete in Swindon. Stop Stop at The Vic.
This Is The Kit at the Cheese & Grain, Frome. Sergeant Thunderhoof at The Tree House.
Sunday 18th
Heritage Walk of Devizes. Hen House Brides will host a pop-up shop in Devizes Town Hall giving brides-to-be a rare opportunity to browse the entire White Studio London and White Studio Curve collections and discover the dress of their dreams.
Will Edmunds at the Southgate, Devizes from 5pm.
Open Mic at the Red Lion, Lacock.
Fly Yeti Fly at The Richard Jefferies Museum, Swindon from 1pm. Zambalando at GWR Park, Swindon from 3pm
Will Edmunds Band at the Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.
The Blues Cafรฉ Orchestra at The Bell, Bath
Monday 19th
DOCAโs youth filmmaking project Selfievaultion begins, see the poster for details on this.
Sliders at The Bell, Bath.
Tuesday 20th
Ian Bateman Quartet for Jazz Knights, the Royal Oak, Swindon.
Kiefer Sutherland at the Cheese & Grain, Frome.
Important note: events which come to our attention from now on, will be updated on the Event Calendar and NOT HERE. So, be sure to check in from time to time, use the Event Calendar to find more info on everything listed on here, and for ticket links, etc. Use the Event Calendar to check for updates and planning ahead.
Did we miss you out? Did you tell us about your event? Itโs not that we donโt like you, itโs because Devizine uses many sources to collate these listings, and sometimes we miss a few things. Listing your event here is free, but please make it easier for me by messaging or emailing the info, and then, and this is the really important part, make sure Iโve added it and let me know if not!
If youโve seen Jess Self performing at the Wharf Theatre, singing at the FullTone Festival or elsewhere Iโm certain youโll agree with us; Jessโฆ
Devizes annual orchestral festival, FullTone got underway yesterday afternoon with a showcase of local talent from Devizes Music Academy,ย and finalised Friday night withโฆ
A feast of Salisbury musicians have recorded the single Edge of Reason, a powerful tribute to the irreplaceable ThomโฏBelk, a champion of Salisburyโs musicโฆ
With your standard festivals two-to-a-penny, some consisting of not much more than a bloke with a guitar in a pub selling undercooked and overpricedโฆ
Contemplated headlining this โClash of the Titans,โ but that evokes the idea of a dramatic power struggle with fierce consequences rather than proof Devizesโฆ
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Hereโs what weโve found in the wilds of Wiltshire this coming weekโฆ.
Everything listed here is on our event calendar; go there for links and more info, as it takes too much time to link them all in. It may also be updated as more events come to our attention, so check in later in the week too!
Ongoing: A Wiltshire Thatcher: A Photographic Journey Through Victorian Wessex runs at Wiltshire Museum, Devizes, until the end of August.
Important note: events which come to our attention from now on, will be updated on the Event Calendar and NOT HERE. So, be sure to check in from time to time, use the Event Calendar to find more info on everything listed on here, and for ticket links, etc. Use the Event Calendar to check for updates and planning ahead.
Did we miss you out? Did you tell us about your event? Itโs not that we donโt like you, itโs because Devizine uses many sources to collate these listings, and sometimes we miss a few things. Listing your event here is free, but please make it easier for me by messaging or emailing the info, and then, and this is the really important part, make sure Iโve added it and let me know if not!
Weโre into August already; Christmas before you know it, so you better get outside and taste the sun while it lastsโฆ.
Hereโs what weโve found in the wilds of Wiltshire this coming week, provided the Earth isn’t hit by a meteoriteโฆ.a meaty feast pizza-orite, maybe, that’s okay, and the kind of cataclysmic event I dream about…โฆ
Everything listed here is on our event calendar; go there for links and more info, as it takes too much time to link them all in. It may also be updated as more events come to our attention, so check in later in the week too!
Ongoing: A Wiltshire Thatcher: A Photographic Journey Through Victorian Wessex runs at Wiltshire Museum, Devizes, until the end of August.
Wednesday 31st
Acoustic Jam at the Southgate, Devizes.
Big Jam Session at the Vic, Swindon.
Loonaloop at the Bell, Bath.
Thursday 1st
School Holiday Pirate Boat Trip on the Kenavon, sailing at 10.30 and 13.30 from Devizes Wharf, for a Treasure Hunting adventure on the Kennet & Avon Canal.
Sparkly Singers at Lansdowne Hall, Derry Hill.
Tell Your Story โ Theatre Acting and Directing workshop at Central Methodist Church, Chippenham.
Aldbourne Music Festival starts, running over the weekend.
Fraser Anderson with Bex Baxter & John Parker (Trio) at Chapel Arts, Bath.
Wickham Festival begins.
Valley Fest at Chew Valley also opens.
Friday 2nd
Professor Elemental & Madam Misfit at the Barge, Honeystreet, with the Real Cheesemakers in support. Not everyday we get Chap Hop here, so Editor’s Pick of the Week!
Humdinger at The Bear, Marlborough.
People Like Us at The Brunel Launch Party, Chippenham.
Music For Miniatures have an Under the Sea Tour at Marden House, Calne.
Talk in Code at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon with Ruby Darbyshire.
โSpirit of the Bluesโ with Julia Titus, Mike Denham & Steve Graham at Chapel Arts, Bath.
Cydonia Knights at The Vic, Swindon. Tiger Split Outfit & Jim Blair at the Beehive.
Connor Selby at The Tree House, Frome. Coda โ Led Zeppelin Tribute at the Cheese & Grain.
Saturday 3rd
Curious Kids: the Circus at Wiltshire Museum, Devizes.
Barrelhouse at The Southgate, Devizes. Maurice Menghini has a reggae night at the Bear Hotel.
Stripped at The Lamb, Marlborough.
Rave Against the Machine at The Barge, HoneyStreet.
Seven Wonders: The Spirit of Fleetwood Mac at Melksham Assembly Hall.
People Like Us at Calne Liberal Club.
Summer Party in the Park at Island Park, Chippenham.
The Buttmonkies at West Wilts Cons Club, Trowbridge.
Ooh Beehive at the Beehive, Swindon. Talk in Code at the Castle.
Westbury Cider & Beer Festival at Fullingbridge Farm.
The Blunders at the Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.
The Dung Beatles at Chapel Arts, Bath.
Flea and Collectables Market at the Cheese & Grain, Frome. Wrecking Ball โ A Nashville Experience in the evening.
Sunday 4th
Ruzz Guitar at The Southgate, Devizes from 5pm.
Mark Green Blues Band at the Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.
At It at The Richard Jefferies Museum, Swindon, free from 1pm.
Monday 5th
The Pop-Up Youth Cafe will be on the Green in Devizes from Monday until Friday 9th.
Princess Dance Party (2-4 Years) and Barbie Dance Party (4-9 Years) at Wiltshire Music Centre Bradford-on-Avon.
Tuesday 6th
Trio Paradis Cafe Concert: Scenes of Childhood at St Andrews, Chippenham.
Music for Miniatures presents The Owl and The Pussycat (3-7 Years) at Wiltshire Music Centre Bradford-on-Avon.
Rod Kelly Trio for Jazz Knights, at the Royal Oak, Swindon.
Important note: events which come to our attention from now on, will be updated on the Event Calendar and NOT HERE. So, be sure to check in from time to time, use the Event Calendar to find more info on everything listed on here, and for ticket links, etc. Use the Event Calendar to check for updates and planning ahead.
Did we miss you out? Did you tell us about your event? Itโs not that we donโt like you, itโs because Devizine uses many sources to collate these listings, and sometimes we miss a few things. Listing your event here is free, but please make it easier for me by messaging or emailing the info, and then, and this is the really important part, make sure Iโve added it and let me know if not!
Popular award-winning artisan chocolate business Hollychocs has announced that its Beanery Cafรฉ will close on Saturday 23rd August, marking exactly two years since its openingโฆ
by Ian Diddamsimages by Sandcastle Productions A very new addition to Bath based theatre companies, Sandcastles Productions brings their self penned piece of theatre toโฆ
by Ian Diddamsimages by Ian Diddams, Next Stage Theatre Company and Mike Stevens Florian Zeller is a contemporary French playwright and screenwriter, who received criticalโฆ
Rude to walk into an event sporting another event wristband but the welcome was friendly as ever at the Three Crowns in Devizes. It’s mid-afternoon,โฆ
If youโve popped into Wiltshire Music Centre recently; for a concert, workshop, screening orย even a meeting, you might have noticedโฏchanges in the foyer: recorded music,โฆ
Photo credit: David Leigh Dodd Pioneers of the indie-rock sound which would lead us into the nineties, Transvision Vamp lead singer Wendy James has announcedโฆ
By Ian DiddamsImages by Luke Ashley Tame of Acadia Creative Around 2 million women are victims of violence perpetrated by men every year, thatโs 3,000โฆ
Chief organiser of the Full-Tone Festival, Jemma Brown has always been high on my list of local folk of admiration, but went a notch higher Sunday upon delivering a sly quip on stage, in retaliation to a lone keyboard warrior inanely slating the festival on Facebook, while the majority of locals, and visitors from afar, basked in the sunshine and glory of what was the ultimate, (and possibly final of this kind,) showcase of our fantastic homegrown Full-Tone Orchestra, their momentous accomplishment, and all the gorgeous gubbings which went with it!
I was sunbathing on a Muck & Dunder deckchair at the time, enjoying one of their Piรฑa Coladas, the like only they seem to know how to create this side of the Atlantic Ocean, and a hearty chuckle impulsively launched from my cake hole. Oh my, the audacity of the ranting warrior caused a desire in me to march that silly sausage down to the breath-taking stage, allowing them to observe, even if momentarily, a sixty-piece orchestra harmoniously labouring sublimely, while a local youth sings their heart out at the most memorable, prestigious, and significant opportunity of their lives so far, to the tears of joy from their mum in the audience, overwhelmed with pride, and the smiles from those enjoying it, then ask this ranting nobody to confirm their complaint was not driven solely by selfish jealousy!
A neighbour of mine has a tendency to rev his motorbike in his garden. I cannot fathom why he needs to do this, neither appreciate the noise, but to ramble on about it on social media isn’t going to achieve anything but further verbal conflict. All I know is when you’re within the range of that stage, the divine acoustics immerse you, and even if it’s not your cuppa, you cannot deny the magnitude of the moment, just one weekend of it was all that was ever asked, the musical might of something you rarely get in Devizes, or anywhere for that matter.
Then, you turn away at your own free will, and note though it may have appeared so, you are not trapped in the Royal Albert Hall, you’re still on the familiar Green in Devizes, and deckchairs surrounds you like a day in a park, teetering with locals, spellbound and appreciating said moment. That is the magic of the Full-Tone Festival; go grab yourself a G&T or a Rowdy Cow ice cream, maybe get your face painted, return whenever you feel like it. It’s neither a sitting concert because of the freedom to come and go, nor a day in the park, because there’s a mahoosive and effective seamless programme of wonderful and varied music waving across the site; it is unique, iconic, and symbolic of everything great about Devizes.
All comes at a price, though, is another I hear plenty. Comparatively not so. Look around you, it’s over the pound mark for a Crunchie bar in a petrol station, and your average festival or a two-hour pop star’s gig will triple the price tag of Full-Tone’s three day extravaganza, if not more. You can only reasonably complain if your ears and eyes are shut.
Look! Look at that extravagant stage, wonder how many lines the technicians are juggling, watch the procession of musicians coming and going from the stage akin to the precision and order of an antโs nest, though in pretty frocks! Consider every sidestall and those relentlessly working to serve you, the security, the first aid, the unison of everything coming together as it did, is both costly and executed with such professionalism I cannot fault it neither reason why anyone else would complain; it would be insanity to do so. Even conductor Anthony Brown waving his baton around for two solid days is enough to sympathise with any repetitive strain injury heโs likely to have developed!
Though I must say again, it was a shame it clashed with the Devizes Scooter Rally, an event also dear to my heart. In such, there were large chunks of both I missed in a desperate attempt to attend the two. I missed the Friday night, when Jemmaโs Devizes Dance Academy replayed their musical Six, accompanied by the fantastic Ruby Darbyshire and Devizes indie popsters Nothing Rhymes With Orange, but console myself safe in the knowledge based on past experience, this would be a guaranteed chicken dinner.
There were so many elements I sadly missed. I know our prodigy Jess Self knocked it out of the Green with Annieโs Tomorrow, but I was made up by catching Six performers Ruby Phipps and Lisa Grimeโs sublime solos during the James Bond theme section. Amidst the pro singers, these local youths held their own, and walked nervously but magnificently through it like it was butter on hot toast. There was the jazz big band on Sunday to make up for missing a Beatles tribute duo, and again, Talk in Code I know wouldโve smashed it.
Thereโs simply too much to put every detail into words, but as an overall assessment based on what I witnessed or was gutted to be told how great what I missed was, The Full-Tone Festival again was a spectacular community event on a scale Devizes arguably hasnโt seen since the Boto-X, and the Green looked once again as full as the first paid Full-Tone Festival was three years ago. It will be a shame to see the Green fallow next year, but we look forward to the prospect of it returning in whatever different shape it’ll be.
Notwithstanding the financial gain from visitors to the town and local businesses this attracts, alone for itโs sheer capacity for not only providing a showcase for the orchestra, which will again venture out to the cities to perform at their prestigious venues, and attract the big names within the theatrical, classical and opera to grace our town, but also for showcasing upcoming local talent, Full-Tone receives no complaint from me, (the headline was just a sneaky clickbait trap, ha-ha!) Neither could I justify writing a single negative word about it. If I had to, it would be that we cannot do it bimonthly!
It was, as it has been each time, a fantastic event, and is loved by so many. Look again at dancers dancing, somehow, to the Chariots of Fire theme, kids in fairy wings, the old fellow napping in a deck chair with a bucket hat over his faceโฆlook and take heed of everyone, enjoying themselves โฆ.my hat would come off to everyone involved, if it didnโt risk a sunburned bald patch!
Oh, go on then, everyone involved deserves a factor 50 sunblock, because you shine so bright!
See, Iโm done and dusted with whinging; yep, that satirical rant column from many years ago, that I ask Jemma if she remembers, upon my request for more ammo, how she replied, rather I could highlight the positive things happening in town, and how that ended up with me meeting them at a rehearsal for a newly formed orchestra in Rowde school hall? Not that Iโm blaming anyone for Devizine, I’ll take that rap(!!), more so thinking, wow, how far Full-Tone has come from that acorn, and how I’ve followed that inspirational progression.
Fantabulous and all and every synonym Microsoft Word will match it with, but whatโs more to say? Please, if inclined, add your own thoughts to my waffle on the social media shares and Iโll transform them onto the bottom here. Help me create a fuller overview, tell me why you think Full-Tone Festival will be seriously missed from our event calendar next year and what you enjoyed about this one, thank you, and thank you Full-Tone and everyone who helped make this such a memorable occasion.
Family run premier auctioneers of antiques and collector’s items, Henry Aldridge and Son announced a move into The Old Town Hall on Wine Street, Devizes;โฆ
By Ian DiddamsImages by Ian Diddams and Shakespeare Live Is it post watershed? Then I shall beginโฆ The etymology of the word โNothingโ is quiteโฆ โฆ
Amidst another packed summer weekend’s schedule laid that lovable large village Pewseyโs turn to shine; always a law unto itself, things went off; if itโsโฆ
Britpop icons Supergrass will headline Frome Festival as a fundraising event for grassroots community action group โPeople for Packsaddleโ who are fighting to save aโฆ
Another Triumph for WHO Andy Fawthrop Following the excellent recent production of La Belle Helene at Devizesโ Wharf Theatre back in March (see here), Whiteโฆ
Following the announcement earlier this year about the cancellation of the Devizes International Street Festival due the loss of Arts Council funding, DOCA has been working hard to enable the remaining core community events to go ahead without charging an attendance fee.
The Arts Council funding covered all events and not just the Street Festival, but by cutting out the more costly and time consuming event, theyโve been able to push ahead with Picnic in the Park, Carnival and Confetti Battle with the Colour Rush using a combination of reserves and local fundraising.
Having just completed a very successful and well received Picnic in the Park on Sunday, at which the attendees were happy to donate a suggested ticket price of ยฃ5 if they could, DOCA are looking ahead to the much loved Devizes Carnival on 31st August. A crowd-funder has been set up to raise the funds necessary for the operational costs such as barrier hire and first aid, as well as the workshops to support participation. This crowd-funder is nearing the end of its run and they desperately need individuals and business to help them hit the target and take it over the finish line in the next few days.
DOCA have committed to running this yearโs Carnival, so if they donโt receive the funding from this public crowdfunder, they will need to cover it all from their reserves. As a charity, this would leave them at risk, as they would not be able to continue fundraising and planning for future events such as the Winter Festival, should the main source of income fall through again.
Production Director Annabel Lake said, โWe are doing everything we can to ensure Devizes Carnival doesnโt follow in the sad footsteps of so many other carnivals around the country that have had to cancel in recent years. Having experienced how much Carnival means to the people of Devizes, and the efforts put in by schools and groups across town who have come together to help build it back up again post Covid, it would be a real shame to lose this wonderful traditional event in our town, which dates back well over 100 years. Just think, if each of the 3,000 spectators could afford a ยฃ3 donation then weโd be able to cover all the costs โ
The other big challenge being faced is finding enough volunteers to help on the day so if anyone is able to help marshall the event, or canโt afford to contribute money but would still like to support it, please get in touch with DOCA (info@docadevizes.org.uk)… unless of course you want to take part in the parade – itโs easier than ever now whether you are a individual, family, group or even a local business. The theme this year is Home is Where the Heart Is, so it would be great to see local businesses represented in that vision of โHomeโ as they are such a key part of our town.
The Carnival Crowd-Funder will close on Monday 22nd July. The Carnival parade will take place on Saturday 31st August.ย
Five Have An Out-of-town Experience You canโt always get that live music experience you crave by simply staying within the walls of D-Town.ย Sometimes, andโฆ
By Ian DiddamsImages by Josie Mae-Ross and Charlotte Emily Shakespeare wrote several plays that were termed in the late nineteenth century โProblem Playsโ. These wereโฆ
Together in Electric Dreamsโฆ. at The Corn Exchange Fashionably late for Devizes Arts Festival, I’d like to thank Andy and Ian for informative coverage ofโฆ
by Ian Diddamsimages by Ian Diddams, Play on Words Theatre, and Devizes Arts Festival Who was paying attention in history at school when they coveredโฆ
Poulshot’s Award-winning chocolate studio Hollychocs is proud to launch a heartfelt charity campaign in support of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust UK, with a charming chocolateโฆ
Events with diversity, be they ethnic, cultural, or life choices, must be welcomed, encouraged and viewed positively as assets offering variety in our local calendarโฆ
Jam-packed July! If thereโs always lots to do throughout the year, July especially so!
Hereโs what weโve found in the wilds of Wiltshire this coming weekโฆ.
Everything listed here is on our event calendar; go there for links and more info, as it takes too much time to link them all in. It may also be updated as more events come to our attention, so check in later in the week too!
Ongoing: A Wiltshire Thatcher: A Photographic Journey Through Victorian Wessex runs at Wiltshire Museum, Devizes, until the end of August.
Marlborough Open Studios is running until 28th July.
Wednesday 17th
Acoustic Jam at the Southgate, Devizes.
Memory Cinema at Swindon Arts Centre screening Kind Hearts And Coronets. Big Jam session at the Vic, Swindon.
Fromage en Feu at the Bell, Bath
Thursday 18th
Amadeus Orchestra at Wilthsire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.
National Theater Live: Present Laughter (Encore Screening) at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Memory Sing at Swindon Arts Centre. Chicago Blues Brothers at the Wyvern Theatre.
Lonely Tourist at The Tuppenny. Larkham & Hall at The Beehive. Preacher Son & Sons of Liberty at The Vic.
Back to Moo Moo at The Rondo Theatre, Bath.
Friday 19th
Event by Babois Eats the Lizard at the Dog & Fox, Bradford-on-Avon.
Avalon Comedy Network: Michael Odewale, Grace Mulvey, Sahib Singh & Luke Honnoraty at Pound Arts, Corsham.
I Know the End at Swindon Arts Centre, repeats Saturday. 4ft Fingers & Slagerij at The Vic, Swindon.
Upton Blues Festival opens.
Saturday 20th
New Moon โ A Psychic and Spiritual Fayre at Devizes Corn Exchange from 11-4pm. The Roughcut Rebels at The Three Crowns. Talk in Code at The Southgate.
Market Lavington Vintage Meet Family Fun Weekend
Living Among… Reflections on Solitude and Nature: An evening of classical and folk music for violin and voice, with new work from composer Dylan Fixmer, also guest on piano and guitar at St Peter’s, Marlborough. Glamarma at the Bear. Rom 101 at The Lamb.
Reggae at the Pelican, Froxfield with Razah I-Fi.
Classic Ibiza at Bowood House
Glenn Darren & The Krewkats at Melksham Rock n Roll Club.
Cider, Reggae & Rum Festival in Trowbridge.
Ultimate Floyd – Pink Floyd Tribute Show at The Neeld, Chippenham.
The Thomas Sladden Quartet at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.
Malin Lewis Trio at Pound Arts, Corsham.
SGO at Richard Jefferies Museum, Swindon from 1pm. Rammied at The Vic. World Music Club at The Beehive. There’s a rally for Plastine at Faringdon Road Park. Julie Scott’s Academy Of Dance – Let Us Entertain You Again at the Wyvern Theatre.
But, Editorโs Pick of the Week is in Swindon this week, itโs My Dadโs Bigger Than Your Dad Festival for Prospect House at the Old Town Bowl; Ian despatched to find out more and report back!
Carpenters Tribute โ Rainy Days, Mondays & Good Old Dreams at Chapel Arts, Bath.
Frome Record Fair at the Cheese & Grain. The Guns N Roses Experience afterwards.
Sunday 21st
Fantasy Radio is at Hillworth Park, Devizes with Andrew Hurst from 2pm-5pm. Jerry Crozier-Cole Trio at The Southgate, Devizes 5pm. Apparently, thereโs a Family Fun Day at Avon Road Park, Devizes; Deadlight Dance are playing but Iโve heard nothing more about it. Sunday Sounds at the Muck & Dunder, free entry.
GM Dance Academyโs Summer Showcase at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.
Schtumm X-tra Presents Sarah Gillespie & Chris Montague at The Queens Head, Box.
Kirris Riviere & Delta du Bruit at the Bell, Bath.
Jol Rose & Rachel Birkin at Richard Jefferies Museum, Swindon 1pm. Embrace All Festival, Swindon. Emma Doupe at The Vic. JHS Dance – Seasons Of Dance at the Wyvern Theatre.
Frome Childrenโs Festival at the Cheese & Grain.
Monday 22nd
Wonder Gigs: Seasons at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Kevin Dempsey at the Bell, Bath.
Later with Frome College at the Cheese & Grain.
Tuesday 23rd
Rob Lear Band at The Piggy Bank, Calne.
Karen Sharpe Quartet at Jazz Knights, Royal Oak, Swindon.
Week one of Devizes Tennis Clubโs Summer Tennis Camp begins.
And thatโs your lot, for now!
Important note: events which come to our attention from now on, will be updated on the Event Calendar and NOT HERE. So, be sure to check in from time to time, use the Event Calendar to find more info on everything listed on here, and for ticket links, etc. Use the Event Calendar to check for updates and planning ahead.
Did we miss you out? Did you tell us about your event? Itโs not that we donโt like you, itโs because Devizine uses many sources to collate these listings, and sometimes we miss a few things. Listing your event here is free, but please make it easier for me by messaging or emailing the info, and then, and this is the really important part, make sure Iโve added it and let me know if not!
Swindon Palestine Solidarity continues to call for a ceasefire in Gaza and for aid to be allowed to enter Gazaโฆ.. Their three recent roadside signโฆ
I want Devizine to be primarily about arts and entertainment, but Iโm often pathetically persuaded by bickering political factions to pass opinion on local politicsโฆ
Photo credit: ยฉ Rondo Theatre Company / Jazz Hazelwood A gender-queered production of William Shakespeareโs classic play, โThe Taming of the Shrewโ, will be performedโฆ
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 and fantabulous tie, but most definitely for a picnic, for the kids to play, and for a fantastic treat from DOCAโฆ
With the unfortunate cancellation of Devizes International Street Festival due to Arts Council funding cuts, DOCA pulled out all the stops for a fantastic and most memorable Picnic in the Park this year.
Slightly deceiving name, Picnic in the Park, if you didn’t know. For while there’s picnicking and yes, it’s in the park, there’s plentiful side stalls, a bar and enough entertainment to deem it a mini festival, of sorts. Mayor Ian Hopkins opened the event, hilarious street circus artist Able Mable filled the gaps between the bands perfectly with her own brand of clowning and superb audience participation. She was the very definition of entertainment.
Kai Carterโs Old Time Hustle made for an amazing kick off. Beguiling guitar, trombone and fiddle, foot-stomping magic moments as suggested on the tin, finding time for some facts about pigeons and to delightfully deliver long lost covers, particularly those of Virginia’s country legend Patsy Cline. They made tradition look cool, very cool.
Second act was equally as lovely and skilled. From Manchester, Good Habits created the most divine sound, and wonderfully full and bassy, considering it was just a cellist and an accordion duo. Particularly adroit was their Kate Bush cover, but then, their original compositions held equivalent poignancy. They’re the kind of duo who could fit into any festival and simmer an audience in awe.
Delighted to have some input, the third and final act was my personal choice. Local family collective, The Sarah C Ryan Band were perfect for this kind of communal event, they’re unique and original, smooth and cool. It’s a paced, universal sound, reflecting masterful pop-rock classics like Kate Bush, Genesisย and Fleetwood Mac, yet distinctive. Rarely have they played Devizes, so I was hopeful you’d take heed, as their performance was as memorable as the day was in general.
I caught Sarah and the band last week playing the fantastic Minety, which while I thought was awesome, I believe they played even better here at Hillworth. Perhaps being the headliner here renewed their confidence, perhaps it was Simon at the control tower showing off his new kit, or rather, I favour it was more about the flavour of the glorious day.
DOCA’s ability to bring the best out of Devizes, even at their more simpler events is something to behold with pride. For yep, indeedy, the entertainment was first class, the organisation dedicated, the vibe was positively gleaming, someone threw me a Penguin biscuit (thank you!) but above them all is the sum of their parts, monumental in what can be achieved by pulling resources together.
It may not have been the England football team’s night, (who could’ve predicted it?!) but it certainly was DOCA’s day in Hillworth. Just thought you should know, in case you’re thinking I shouldn’t review an event I was involved in. You should note I only helped them drink their tea and ate all the brownies which were supposed to be for the musicians! It’s the real festival makers, those kindly volunteers who really make DOCA what it is, so the last thanks goes to them as we head towards carnival on the 31st August with renewed sense of anticipation.
The first full album by Wiltshireโs finest purveyors of psychedelic indie shenanigans, Clock Radio, was knocked out to an unsuspecting world last week. Itโs calledโฆ
Bradford-on-Avon Town Councilโs annual festival, aptly titled The Bradford on Avon Live Music Festival is back this weekend, championing local talent with an eclectic line-upโฆ
by Ian Diddamsimages by Chris Watkins Performing Sondheim isnโt the simplest of tasks. Or, rather, singing Sondheim isnโt the simplest of tasks. With his dissonantโฆ
The phenomenally talented Ruby Darbyshire is performing at Silverwood School in Rowde on 27th June. Ruby has kindly offered to support Silverwood Schoolโs open evening…..โฆ
Adam Woodhouse, Rory Coleman-Smith, Jo Deacon and Matt Hughes, aka Thieves, the wonderful local folk vocal harmony quartet of uplifting bluegrass into country-blues has aโฆ
This summer David is returning with a brand-new show “Historyโs Missing Chapters”, a show made to uncover why, throughout history, some people and events haveโฆ
Jam-packed July! If thereโs always lots to do throughout the year, July especially so!ย ย
Hereโs what weโve found in the wilds of Wiltshire this coming weekโฆ.
Everything listed here is on our event calendar; go there for links and more info, as it takes too much time to link them all in. It may also be updated as more events come to our attention, so check in later in the week too!
Ongoing: A Wiltshire Thatcher: A Photographic Journey Through Victorian Wessex runs at Wiltshire Museum, Devizes, until the end of August; review here.
The Frome Festival is underway, and ends on 14th July. Cheltenham Music Festival also, ending on 13th July.
Marlborough Open Studios is running until 28th July.
Wednesday 10th
Acoustic Jam at the Southgate, Devizes.
Three Choir Showcase Concert at the Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon, featuring BCG Choir, PSG Choir and the Horizons Choir. Jam at the Boathouse.
A Lunchtime Recital with flautist Klio Blonz at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Cheritang at the Bell, Bath. The Dreamer Live at The Rondo Theatre.
Scott Mickelson at The Beehive, Swindon. Chocolate Theatre presents The Full Monty at Swindon Arts Centre. Infant Voice Festival at the Wyvern Theatre.
Paul Masonโs The Bob Morris Lecture at The Cheese & Grain, Frome.
2000Trees festival opens near Cheltenham.
Thursday 11th
James B Partridge Presents: School Assembly Bangers at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Fly Yeti Fly at The Tuppenny, Swindon. Erin Bardwell & Friends at The Castle.
Richard Herringโs Can I Have My Ball Back at the Cheese & Grain, Frome.
Friday 12th
โSteve Davisโ and โKavos Torabiโ at the Barge Inn Honeystreet.
Marlborough Festival opens and runs all weekend. Comedy Night at the Town Hall. El Toro at The Bear, Marlborough. Luke Gittins with Ash Smith at The Green Dragon.
Double Bill at Pound Arts, Corsham with Ben de la Cour & Holysseus Fly.
Black Charade & Fell Out Boy at The Vic, Swindon. Funkinsteins at The Beehive. Viggo Venn at the Wyvern Theatre.
One Chord Wonders at The Boathouse, Bradford-on-Avon. Future Plan and Lindup Brothers at the Three Horseshoes.
Faith at The Rondo Theatre, Bath.
Peatbog Faeries at the Cheese & Grain, Frome. An Dannsa Dub at the Tree House.
Saturday 13th
Devizes Beer & Cider Festival. Humdinger at The Three Crowns, Devizes. Thomas Atlas at The Southgate, Devizes.
Josh Kumra and Mica at the Bear, Marlborough. On Remand at the Crown.
Reading Dub Club at The Barge, HoneyStreet.
Everything Changes at Melksham Assembly Hall.
Adrenaline Stompers Festival at Club Venom in Westbury.
Characters Stage Schoolโs Annie at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon. Innes Sibun Trio at The Boathouse.
John Hegley: An American in Luton at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Bar Tape at The Rondo Theatre, Bath. The Spirit & Sound of Steely Dan โ Nearly Dan in concert at Chapel Arts. Salt Beef Reuben & Friends at the Bell, Bath.
Hooch at Royal Oak, Bishopstone. Phantom Droid, Thrakian and Hora at The Vic, Swindon.
Miss Kelโs Academy Of Dance: Stars And Stripes at the Wyvern Theatre.
Flash Harry at the Corner House, Frome. Gary Davies Sound of the 80s at the Cheese & Grain.
And Somerset Kaya Reggae Festival at Caryford.
Sunday 14th
Editorโs Pick of the Week is Picnic in the Park at Hillworth Park, Devizes from 12-5pm; hope to see you there! Jamie Williams & The Roots Collective at The Southgate, Devizes straight afterwards.
Wiltshire Young Musicians Summer Festival from 1.30pm at the Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon. Tom Cornnell at The Boathouse. Luna Barge at the Three Horseshoes.
Jon Amor Trio at the Bell, Bath.
Richard Wileman & Amy Fry at Richard Jefferies Museum, Swindon from 1pm. Kitty Langan Studio โ Schoolโs Out at the Wyvern Theatre.
Frome Symphony at The Cheese & Grain, Frome.
The Godney Gathering in Somerset opens.
Monday 15th
B D Lenz at the Bell, Bath.
Tuesday 16th
Alex Vietch Quartet at Jazz Knights in the Royal Oak, Swindon.
Ben de la Cour at the Bell, Bath.
And thatโs your lot, for now!
Important note: events which come to our attention from now on, will be updated on the Event Calendar and NOT HERE. So, be sure to check in from time to time, use the Event Calendar to find more info on everything listed on here, and for ticket links, etc. Use the Event Calendar to check for updates and planning ahead.
Did we miss you out? Did you tell us about your event? Itโs not that we donโt like you, itโs because Devizine uses many sources to collate these listings, and sometimes we miss a few things. Listing your event here is free, but please make it easier for me by messaging or emailing the info, and then, and this is the really important part, make sure Iโve added it and let me know if not!
Under the new management, live music will be making a triumphant return to The Boathouse in Bradford-on-Avon and that Cracking Pair, Claire and Chloe ofโฆ
Always a happy place, our traditional record shop Vinyl Realm in Northgate Street Devizes is back in the game of hosting some live music afternoons.โฆ
One of Wiltshireโs Best by Andy Fawthrop Looking for something to do next weekend? One of Wiltshireโs biggest festivals is happening just up the roadโฆ
If weโve had a keen eye on Swindonโs Sienna Wilemanโs natural progression as an upcoming singer-songwriter since being introduced to her self-penned songs via herโฆ
One of Salisburyโs most celebrated acoustic folk-rock singer-songwriters Lucas Hardy teams up with the Wiltshire cityโs upcoming talent who’s name is on everyoneโs lips, Rosieโฆ
by Ian Diddamsimages byย Chris Watkins Media One could argue that Anne Frank is possibly the most well-known civilian of the WW2 years, and certainly ofโฆ
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. My first concert was Springsteen in โ87, and aside from traveller’s free parties, my first festival was Glastonbury. These days hedonism is reduced to finding smaller local festivals to savour, enjoy a pint or four; I’m done with tired feet trudging acres of tents, and what’s more, paying a king’s ransom for a multitude of elements I’m unlikely to witness because it’s all going off simultaneously; my eyes were kaleidoscopic anyway.
Though I miss those heady days, finding middle ground is tricky. The disambiguation of โfestivalโ today is such a pub putting a man with a guitar under a gazebo and flogging undercooked hotdogs off a barbecue constitutes a festival, apparently. No, I need at least a taste of the heyday; monumental fun yet diverse, hassle-free adequate attractions without the notion I’m being taken for a mug. If my want was an ice cream, sure I’ve found some single scoop cones of vanilla, some even plop a flake into it, but this weekend I found the ultimate brownie, millionaire rocky road sundae; everything I want and expect from a festival, topped in caramel and sprinkled with Space Dust, close by, and easy to access in a tall glass. It’s called Minety Music Festival, near Malmesbury, and they’re so amicable they even supply those long-handled spoons to dip right into the chocolate sauce at the bottom; meaning, it was good to the end.
The intention was only a taster, pop down on the Sunday, check it out, report my findings, but I got a scrumptious bellyful from this alone. Minety is undoubtedly the best all-rounder local festival I’ve seen, period. It’s unfortunate the previous years I’ve advertised this on our event calendar and thought, now there’s a thing, but I hadn’t plunged in. It all now seems so foolish to have passed it off. Nearly all the bands we love and promote on Devizine have graced a stage here. Of them those lovely indie popsters Talk In Code bunged me on their guestlist, and it’s hardly Timbuktu, rather a twenty-five minute drive away; arm twisted, it’s now for me to justify my reasons for telling you how bloody fantastic Minety is, but it is.
Starter for ten, everything is bound around the edges of one gigantic field, you cannot get lost in a maze of tents. Between three stages everything you could possibly want from a festival is there. Kids are spoiled, something often overlooked at others; climbing wall, circus workshop, arts/crafts tents, storytelling, inflatables, face painting, arty kidz, and a cosy tent called the Tree House with an abundance of instruments to try; I swear bands were formed in there. Youths tended to dance or chill at a wonderfully decorated DJ venue, hosted by an eclectic online radio station, the Incapable Staircase, me too; Peter Pan, me, y’know!
I chose to dine there, takeaway Thai curry from a stall with a restaurant in Purton, on cushions thrown outside, next to a bathtub once filled with free waffles, now just furry pillows. Which brings me to my next reasoning; value for money. Food options were incalculable, any street food you fancy, but Minety also supplied a cafรฉ flogging beans on toast for a pound fifty, or burgers for three quid, and pints at the bar were ยฃ4.50, cheaper than some pubs. There was never the archetypal downer you were open to being ripped off, leaving enough in your pocket to consider browsing the great festival stalls of gifts, cakes, or clothes.
Everything has its place at Minety, it’s their seventh year, subtracting those we don’t mention. They know what they’re doing, and the attention to detail was immaculate, equating to a tremendous vibe of positivity. The mammoth task of organising something on this scale was putty in their hands, and I salute them for this and the given concept of booking a handful of averagely known names for headliners and leaving the rest to supporting local acts; this is my third and final reasoning to why Minety is fantastic, and that should be plentiful to tempt you.
Ergo, our loveable poptastic indie darlings Talk in Code, who absolutely and definitely knocked it out of the farm, by the way, preceded a gorgeous set from reunited nineties giants Sleeper, who I favoured over the grand finale of Irish rock band Ash, but others might argue this and quite rightly so, as both rocked. And this was just Sunday, other nights The Feeling headlined, with Elles Bailey and The Chase.
But Minety is also smooth around the edges, as you wander tent to tent. There were a few must-sees for me, Swindon’s grunge newcomers I See Orange were awesome as predicted, in a tent hosted by Chippenham’s Kandu Arts, and The Sarah C Ryan Band were equal, euphorically cool at the Minety stage. Then there’s the discovery element, whereby a number of bands have now come to my attention, none more so than Arkansaw Jukebox, who play singalong pop classics from Spice Girls to Queen, albeit in a bluegrass fashion, and when it’s time to cover a country classic, Country Roads takes on a ska offbeat to make Toots blush! This tenet of jollification brought the tent down.
Others noteworthy were Hooch, blasting some danceable covers, reimagining the Faithless classic, a youthful semi-gothic four-piece called Pavilion, and nineties Seattle grunge-inspired The Rain City Project, with astute Pearl Jam and Nirvana covers. With the range on offer as vast as acts booked, and hurtling between them as fast as my ageing legs will take me, it’d need an essay length review to cover all, and you’ll be bored shitless before I reach my epic conclusion; festivals are a โyou had to be thereโ thing, apologies to those I may’ve missed mentioning.
But if that popular shirtless tattooed entertainer Jimmy Moore covering the theme to Spongebob, Spice Girls on banjos, stripy stilt walk jugglers with bowler hats, or more upcoming young bands than you’d catch at a college talent show won’t satisfy you, or just this idea of wandering few steps to get from drum n bass at the aforementioned Staircase, to some middle-agers, Chippenham’s Free Spirits, in the Kadu Arts tent enjoy an enjoyable recital of Dire Straits doing the walk of life, and a conglomerate of kindly North Wilts and South Gloucestershire freakshow punters out to revel isn’t enough to rock your boat, you need to downsize your vessel, skipper, because Minety’s boot fits me; a blindingly stupendous do. I’m tempted, if not feel it compulsory to dust off my dome tent and do the whole shebang next year, even if it finishes me off for good!
Busy on the festival circuit Talk in Code are regulars here. Though they expressed a history of unpreventable technical mishaps, this year they were third from top billing, full of zest and gave the sublime show we love them for. The crowd were pumping along with their engaging and original poptastic stage show, โTalkersโ or not, a presence improving with every appearance, and proving them far more than musical fluffers for the following headliners. But as the story goes, I didnโt witness a single band at Minety which would make me look the other way.
In conclusion, if before Minety I held a dilemma of what’s best between coughing up dollar for multiple elements you’re unlikely to catch because they’re spread over multiple arenas miles apart, or a cheaper single stage plan whereby you get to see everything, if you wanted to or not, Minety is the middle ground. Centred in a single field, and averagely sized, it’s no trouble to saunter stage to stage, and being scheduled at different quarter of an hour timings, convenient should you have a change of heart. This, tripled with a buzzing aura, plentiful attractions, and a program delivered with clear intention of entertaining, and motivated by a desire to include local or upcoming acts, is cherries on the sundae, and for it Minety Music Festival is well worthy of your attention. If you only do one festival annually, Minety would make the perfect choice.
Organised by Kingston Media – to raise money for Dorothy House and Wiltshire Air Ambulance – the 3rd of May saw Bands At The Bridge come to the Bridge Inn, Horton … With the sun peeking out and the rain clouds temporarily parting I had the opportunity to head on down to Bands on Theโฆ
Trowbridge singer-songwriter and one third of The Lost Trades, Phil Cooper has actually been doing more than playing solitaire, heโs released a new solo album called Playing Solitaireโฆ.. Released yesterday (2nd May) Playing Solitaire is Philโs first solo album in five years. The last being These Revelation Games in 2020, which was a varied bunchโฆ
The voting process for the Wiltshire Music Awards goes live today; there might be some other voting thing going on too, but this is far more important! In conjunction with Wiltshire Music Events UK, Iโm delighted Devizine will be actively assisting to organise this new county-wide music awards. Weโve mentioned it a few times now,โฆ
An effervescent musical, full of promising young talent Written by: Melissa Loveday Images by: Gail Foster After the success of SIX last year, Devizes Music Academy is beginning to make a name for itself with its second musical production, Everybodyโs Talking About Jamie, which featured two electrifying performances on 19th April at Devizes Schoolโฆ. Andโฆ
A photo is circulating on X of Calne’s Reform UK candidate Violette Simpson, which for some reason doesn’t appear on her election campaign….I wonder why? Just to clear up any confusion, she’s the one with the gun. According to Calne News Violette Simpson, the Reform UK candidate for Calne Central, has been criticised for describingโฆ
Big congratulations to Devizes DJ Greg Spencer this week, the creator of Palooza house nights at The Exchange nightclub, for he made the prestigious bill of Fatboy Slimโs All Back to Minehead festival in November at Butlins; we have to celebrate him, baby, and praise him like we should! Palooza launched in March last year,โฆ
If I’ve been galavanting recently, gorging on other local townโs live music scenes, what better way to return to Devizes than a visit to the liveliest watering hole, The Three Crowns, to see a band with our town’s name all over it, No Alarms And No Devizes? How apt! Iโll confess, while I know mostโฆ
If Whitney Houston set a benchmark for female vocalists many did before her too, but while others were influenced by them, they never felt obliged to attain a sound precisely mimicking them, as, it seems to me, many modern female singers striving for pop success do with Whitneyโs. And when they do, it sounds, well,โฆ
The premise is really quite simple, the prospect is positively glowing with brilliance, the result remains to be seen, but on Sunday the 4th May Devizes will know for sure where the future of events in the town rests โฆ.. No pressure Devizes Yea team!! It was never a nice thing to have to announceโฆ
Two people asked me in Frome what the music scene was like in Devizes. I replied it’s great, but by comparison it’s conventional, and this was prior to witnessing the sublime close encounter which was Hengeโฆ.. Before you read further, note, I use the word โweirdโ as a compliment. But yes indeedy, those friendly aliens,โฆ
With the unfortunate cancellation of Devizes International Street Festival this year due to Arts Council cuts, all eyes are on our wonderful Hillworth Park next Sunday (14th July) for DOCAโs Picnic in the Park; now more now ever DOCA needs our support, and this promises to be the best and most fun way to do it!
Truly a community and family event, yes it’s a picnic, in a park, as the title suggests but thereโs oh, so much more to it; bring your own picnic, Hillworth supplies the park, DOCA provides the sparkle, as I trust youโll already know this and have allotted it into your busy schedules. Although thereโs an important note we must say:
Due to losing the Arts Council funding for 2024, DOCA will be asking for donations on the gate to cover the cost of this event. This is entirely voluntary, but any contribution you can make no matter how small, will be greatly appreciated.ย ย
If you cannot attend but would like to donate to DOCA, find a Crowdfunding link HERE
Expect fairground rides for kids, stalls, delicious crepes from La Bonne Crรชpe and drinks from Freddyโs Double Deuce Bar. Plus the usual fab offering of drinks, snacks and ice creams from the Hillworth Park Cafe.
Good Habits, one of the most exciting indie-folk duos to come out of the UK, will be there. Cellist and singer Bonnie and percussionist Pete on accordion and synths have received international critical acclaim with performances at Glastonbury and WOMAD, tours throughout Europe and Australasia, and a Top 40 album. The pair mix revved-up virtuosity and harmony with vivid storytelling, drawing on their diverse musical tastes and weaving them into an action-packed narrative of genre-bending goodness.
Banjo, mandolin and fiddle trio, Kai Carterโs Old Time Hustle will do as they say on their tin, timeless frenzied folk shenanigans to make you forget munching on the Penguin biscuits your mum packed in a lunchbox and come jig with us!ย ย
Iโm delighted to announce the final band suggestion is via us. Although The Sarah C Ryan Band are locally based, rarely have they played Devizes, (I believe the Southgate in 2022) so we need to give them our warmest of welcomes. I think theyโre perfect for this, smooth, cool original pop-rock, and theyโve played extensively across our festival circuit; Iโm hoping to catch them later today at Minety!
Thereโs a minor detail Iโm delighted about at this yearโs Picnic in the Park, but itโs all top secret, so youโll just have to come along to find out what it is! But I can tell you, top street cabaret act Able Mable will be there too, vibrant, technically skilled charisma which nerve fails to entertain.
In a continuous bid to reduce waste, DOCA have partnered with Devizes Town Council, and Picnic in the Park will pilot reusable pint and half pint cups, aiming for drinks to be disposable-free across the whole event. Please be sure to return your cup as instructed on the day; DOCA thank you for supporting their efforts to make positive changes to the environmental impact, and in turn, we thank them for all they do to keep events sustainable.
Everything winds down around 5pm, making it the perfect Sunday in Devizes, but if youโre in need to carry the party on, around the same time, the wonderful Essex Americana group Jamie Williams & The Roots Collective will be just around the corner, at The Southgate; and they come highly recommended by us.
Hope to see you all, with no excuses, at Hillworth Park a week today; yay for DOCA, please support them and all the wonderful work they do for our town.
Jam-packed July! If thereโs always lots to do throughout the year, July especially so! Hereโs what weโve found in the wilds of Wiltshire this coming weekโฆ.
Everything listed here is on our event calendar; go there for links and more info, as it takes too much time to link them all in. It may also be updated as more events come to our attention, so check in later in the week too!
Ongoing: A Wiltshire Thatcher: A Photographic Journey Through Victorian Wessex runs at Wiltshire Museum, Devizes, until the end of August; review here.
Shakespeare Liveโs Macbeth at Seend Cleeve House until 6th July; review here.
Wednesday 3rd
Acoustic Jam at the Southgate, Devizes.
Christ Church Primary School Summer Show at their neighbouring Wiltshire Music Centre in Bradford-on-Avon.
Encore Screening of National Theatre Liveโs Nye at Pound Arts, Corsham.
The Big Jam Session at the Vic, Swindon. Mal Webb & Kylie at The Beehive. Wilkes Academy at the Wyvern Theatre until the 5th July.
Gusto Gusto at the Bell, Bath.
Thursday 4th
Rum & Records at the Muck & Dunder in Devizes.
3 Daft Monkeys at The Barge, HoneyStreet.
Minety Music Festival Warm-up Gig.
Chris Murphey & Barney Kenny at The Tuppenny, Swindon. John Hegley: An American In Luton at Swindon Arts Centre. Broadtown Brewery Quiz Night.
The Weeping Willows at Chapel Arts, Bath with support from Tomorrow Bird.
Friday 5th
Save Our Ships at the Pump, Trowbridge, with Start The Sirens and Everyone Lies.
Chippenham
Minety Music Festival opens, running throughout the weekend. Iโve not been before, so Iโm planning to pop along on Sunday with Talk in Code and will report my findings back to you! But its continued support of local music makes this Editorโs Pick of the Week!
Katey Brooks at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Not Warriors & Soak at The Vic, Swindon. Texas Tick Fever at The Beehive.
The Electric Shakes, Mikey Ball & the Company at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.
All roads lead to Frome, they say, as if thereโs not enough happening there, Frome Festival begins today, and runs till 14th July. Therefore, find The Back Wood Redeemers and Dry White Bones at The Corner-House. The Raggedy Men at The Sun. Alberta Cross at The Tree House.
The Music Baa near Salisbury; pub-campsite combo Iโve yet to try, have ‘In D’Field’ mini festival, withDr. Beatroot, Noah’s House, Band High, Shelf Remedy, Gambling Hearts, Love is Enough, Acrustic Badgers, Felix Darlow, The Passenger Club, The Courgettes, The New Group, and Alex Morgan Wardrop.
Saturday 6th
Cocktails and Canapรฉs at Silverwood School, Rowde. All proceeds to the Silverwood School Charity Trust to support children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.
West Lavington Village Fete and Dog Show. Blondie & Ska at The Green Dragon in Market Lavington.
Devizes Swap Shop at Pamela House. The Bratton Silver Band at the Wharf Theatre. Devizes Chamber Choir presents Showtime at the Musicals at St Andrewโs on Long Street. Illingworth at The Three Crowns. Strange Folk at The Southgate. Back To The 90s Night at The Bear Hotel.
Across the county, Marlborough Open Studios begins today, and runs throughout July, until the 28th.
Rush Hour at the Bear, Marlborough. The famous hangover sessions at the Lamb.
People Like Us at Melksham Cons Club.
Uncle Jack at Chippenham Consti Club.
Robinson Stone at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Cheese & Chilli Festival in Swindon. Street Lights at the Wyvern Theatre. Hair Supply at The Vic.
Cheltenham Music Festival opens too, running until 13th July.
The Authentics at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.
The Desafinados at the Bell, Bath.
Cara Dillonโs โComing Homeโ book talk at The Cheese & Grain, Frome.
Sunday 7th
Will Edmunds stands in for Jon Amor at The Southgate, Devizes at 5pm, but Tom and Jerry of the Trio will be there too, with guest John Baggott.
Open Mic at Red Lion, Lacock.
Open Mic at The Lamb, Trowbridge.
Courting Ghosts at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.
Inspire Warminster.
Mr Love & Justice at Richard Jefferies Museum in Swindon from 1pm. Ooh Beehive! Poetry slam at The Beehive, and Gideon Liddiard Photographyโs Music- An Intimate View exhibit opens at The Beehive too. Lisa Doscher at The Tuppenny.
Leonie Evans at the Bell, Bath.
Raghu Dixit at the Cheese & Grain, Frome.
Monday 8th
Rock The Tots Seaside session at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Jim Gallagher & Friends at the Bell, Bath. Carsick are at Komedia with Nothing Rhymes With Orange.
Swinging at the Cotton Club at the Cheese & Grain.
Tuesday 9th
Exhibition on Screen โ John Singer Sargent: Fashion & Swagger at Pound Arts, Corsham.
BD Lenz Trio for Jazz Knights at the Royal Oak, Swindon.
Old Time Sailors at the Cheese & Grain, Frome.
Important note: events which come to our attention from now on, will be updated on the Event Calendar and NOT HERE. So, be sure to check in from time to time, use the Event Calendar to find more info on everything listed on here, and for ticket links, etc. Use the Event Calendar to check for updates and planning ahead.
Did we miss you out? Did you tell us about your event? Itโs not that we donโt like you, itโs because Devizine uses many sources to collate these listings, and sometimes we miss a few things. Listing your event here is free, but please make it easier for me by messaging or emailing the info, and then, and this is the really important part, make sure Iโve added it and let me know if not!
Melksham & Devizes Conservatives released a statement on the 7th April explaining an internal audit revealed one of their candidates was โnot qualified by residenceโฆ
Last month we were pleased to announce our involvement with the new Wiltshire Music Awards in conjunction with Wiltshire Events UK, details of which areโฆ
And there was me thinking nothing good comes out of a Monday! Today local bistro Soupchick, popular in the Devizesโ Shambles opened their second branch,โฆ
Stuffed my dinner, scanned the brief, headlonged out the door, forgot about the road diversion into the Market Place, made a u-turn, arrived at Wiltshireโฆ
It was a fantastically successful opening night for Devizes Musical Theatre at Dauntseyโs School for their latest show, Disneyโs Beauty and the Beast, and Iโฆ
Renowned Devizes auctioneers and valuers, Henry Aldridge and Son announced today they are relocating their auction rooms to The Old Emporium, a Grade II listedโฆ
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Hereโs what weโve found to do in the wilds of Wiltshire this coming weekโฆ.
Everything listed here is on our event calendar; go there for links and more info. It may be updated, so check in later in the week.
Ongoing: A Wiltshire Thatcher: A Photographic Journey Through Victorian Wessex runs at Wiltshire Museum, Devizes, until the end of August; review here.
Devizes Arts Festival got off to a great start, it continues through the week, individual events are listed as normal below.
Wednesday 12th
Acoustic Jam at The Southgate, Devizes. Two Devizes Arts Festival events, Kate Webb and Jon Stock โ The Darker Side of Wiltshire at the Peppermill, and Martin Simpson at the Corn Exchange.
Lunchtime Recital: Meg Morley (Piano) at Pound Arts, Corsham.
In The Night Garden Live at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon. Memory Cinema, for those with dementia, is showing Annie Get Your Gun at Swindon Arts Centre.
The Archive of Dread Revisited at Rondo Theatre, Bath. Solana at the Bell, Bath.
Wheatus plays the Cheese & Grain, Frome.
Thursday 13th
Duo Tutti at the Town Hall, and The Sound of Blue Note, also at the Town Hall, make up Devizes Arts Festival for Thursday. John Lawson’s Circus opens on the Green, Devizes and runs until 16th June.
In The Night Garden Live at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon. Ma Polaineโs Great Decline at The Tuppenny, Swindon.
Jonny & The Baptists presents the Happiness Index and Ten Thankless Years at Rondo Theatre, Bath.
An Evening With Harry Redknapp at the Cheese & Grain, Frome.
Friday 14th
Chocolate Truffle Masterclass at HolyChocs in Poulshot.
The Slambovian Circus of Dreams at Devizes Arts Festival in the Corn Exchange. Mr Griff at The Southgate, Devizes.
Tom Davis & The Bluebirds at The Barge, HoneyStreet.
The Carrivick Sisters at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon. BuckFest over the weekend at The Three Horseshoes, Friday with Kitchen Lover,, Mimi & the Miseries and Bucky Rage.The Karport Collective at The Seven Stars, Winsley.
Jacob & Drinkwater: 10th Anniversary Tour at Pound Arts, Corsham.
The Carpenters Story at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon. An Evening of Mediumship with Psychic Medium Nikki Kitt at Swindon Arts Centre. Oasish & The Stereotonics at the Vic, Swindon.
Jonny & The Baptists presents the Happiness Index and Ten Thankless Years at Rondo Theatre, Bath.
Toyah & Robert at the Cheese & Grain, Frome.
Saturday 15th
Summer Fayre at Bishops Cannings School from 12-4pm.
Huw Williams โ St Johnโs Church Organ Recital at St Johnโs Church Devizes, part of Devizes Arts Festival. Bone Chapel at The Southgate. 6 Oโclock Circus at The Three Crowns.
Pianist Tony James with a lineup you can see the poster below, at Market Lavington Community Hall for a Mathieson Music Trust 30th Anniversary.
The Parade Festival, at the Parade Cinema, Marlborough, with The Vooz and Zoots headlining. Room 101 at the Lamb, Marlborough.
Cacti & Succulent Show at Melksham Assembly Hall
Daliso Chaponda: Feed This Black Man Again at the Neeld, Chippenham. NWSO Summer Concert 2024 at St. Andrewโs Church. Grease and Dirty Dancing tribute night at the Pewsham.
Trowbridge Midsummer Festival at Trowbridge Town Park. Free this one, with the incredible Frankisoul on at 8pm! Dead Zebras and Diversion at the Pump. A roller-disco at the Civic.
Bath Symphony Orchestra at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon. BuckFest at The Three Horseshoes continues with Bucky Rage, Bully Bones & The Pressure.
VRรฏ at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Shepton Mallet Prison Charity Abseil.
Holding Back The Years at Swindon Arts Centre. Judas Rising at the Queenโs Tap. Shepherdโs Pie at the Vic, Swindon. Thereโs a Wanborough Beer Festival too.
Neuroheadz Festival 2024 at Brokenborough opens.
The Vintage Bazaar at the Cheese & Grain, Frome is followed by The Blockheads.
Sunday 16th
Matchbox Mutiny at The Three Crowns, Devizes from 3pm. LeBurn Maddox & Friends at The Southgate, Devizes from 5pm. The Junco Shakers at The British Lion at 2pm, a FREE Devizes Arts Festival fringe, and a The Poetry Slam from 6pm at the Wharf Theatre is another free fringe event which sadly closes the arts festival for another year.
Open Mic at the Red Lion, Lacock.
Perfectly Frank, Frank Sinatra tribute at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.
BuckFest continues at The Three Horseshoes.
Western Players โ Dead Reckoning opens at Swindon Arts Centre, running until 26th June. Kavus Torabi at the Vic, Swindon
Hodmadoddery at the Bell, Bath.
Monday 17th
Devizes Election Hustlings at Devizes School, see poster.
Troy Redfern is at The Tree House, Frome.
Tuesday 18th
Jon Pearson at Crazy Bird Comedy Club in The Piggy Bank Micropub in Calne.
Lost Songs of Scilly: Piers Lewin & John Patrick Elliott at Pound Arts, Corsham.
QOW Trio for Jazz Knights at the Royal Oak, Swindon.
Saskia Maxwell & Sam Sweeney at the Bell, Bath
And thatโs all weโve got for now; fill your boots! Events listed here are subject to change, we are not responsible for cancellations, errors or postponements in anything listed.
Summer Solstice next Thursday 20h June, and thereโs lots to do over the rest of the month, HERE>
Important note: events which come to our attention from now on, will be updated on the Event Calendar and NOT HERE. So, be sure to check in from time to time, use the Event Calendar to find more info on everything listed on here, and for ticket links, etc. Use the Event Calendar to check for updates and planning ahead.
Did we miss you out? Did you tell us about your event? Itโs not that we donโt like you, itโs because Devizine uses many sources to collate these listings, and sometimes we miss a few things. Listing your event here is free, but please make it easier for me by messaging or emailing the info, and then, and this is the really important part, make sure Iโve added it and let me know if not!
by Ian Diddamsimages by Ann Ellison. What can possibly be better than watching a performance of โBlood Brothersโ by Willy Russell? Watching TWO performances ofโฆ
by Ian Diddamsimages by Josie Mae Ross and Richard Fletcher John Hodge is well known for his screenwriting of โShallow Graveโ, โThe Beachโ, โA Lifeโฆ
One of Swindon’s premier grunge pop-punkers, The Belladonna Treatment released their debut single, Bits of Elation, with London-based SODEH Records earlier this month. I spokeโฆ
A second single from Swindon Diva Chloe Hepburn, Situationships was released this week. With a deep rolling bassline, finger-click rhythm and silky soulful vocals, thisโฆ
I’m delighted to announce Devizine will be actively assisting to organise a new county-wide music awards administration, in conjunction with Wiltshire Music Events UK. Theโฆ
The first gig and club night by Devizes Youth Action Group exclusively for secondary school aged youth in Devizes back in February was hugely successful, so theyโre doing it again, on Friday 21st June at the Corn Exchangeโฆ..
In conjunction with St James Church, the Devizes Youth Action Group has organised this event for youth, run by youth and created by youth. The first time our youth reporter Florence was on the scene, which you can read again HERE, and you should, because the same bands SHOX, Enguun, Steatopygous are playing, with a DJ set by Flam. The bar will be non-alcoholic, ticket prices kept affordable at ยฃ4 online.ย
If Flo can’t make it this time, I might dust off my Chinos and gate-crash it!!
Hereโs what weโve found to do in the wilds of Wiltshire this coming week. Donโt forget your sunscreen and a nice party umbrella!
Everything listed here is on our event calendar; go there for links and more info. It may be updated, so check in later in the week.
Ongoing: A Wiltshire Thatcher: A Photographic Journey Through Victorian Wessex runs at Wiltshire Museum, Devizes, until the end of August; review here.
Devizes Arts Festival got off to a great start, it continues through the week, individual events are listed as normal below.
Wednesday 5th
Acoustic Jam at The Southgate, Devizes. Mike Dilger โ One Thousand Shades of Green and An Evening with Adam Rutherford, both at Devizes Arts Festival.
Ignas Maknickas at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.
Big Monthly Jam at The Vic, Swindon.
Dot, the Faun and the Elfin Child at Rondo Theatre, Bath. SKANKt at the Bell.
Thursday 6th
80th anniversary of D-Day, there will be lighting of beacons across the county. One on Marlborough Common, another one Roundway Hill Devizes.
Rum & Records at the Muck & Dundar, Devizes. Hollie McNish โ The Lobster Tour and Lucy Porter at Devizes Arts Festival. Fantasy Radio will be at the Pelican for a live lounge, featuring Andrew Hurst.
Death is a Girl, Ritual Divide & The Belladonna Treatment at the Vic, Swindon. Splat The Rat at The Tuppenny.
Friday 7th
RNLI Lifeboats Event, Polperro Fishermenโs Choir at The Assembly Rooms, Devizes Town Hall. Jo Carley and the Old Dry Skulls at Devizes Arts Festival.
Open Mic at The Barge on HoneyStreet.
Textiles and Stitch around Marlborough are in Lockeridge, see poster below.
CarmenCo: A Pocket Opera at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Ant Trouble at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.
Rotten Aces at the Queenโs Tap, Swindon. Bring me the Horizon Party at the Vic.
Meltdown by Tom Hardman (Bath Fringe Festival 2024) at The Mission, Bath. The Collected Grimms Tales by Tim Supple and Carol Ann Duffy (Bath Fringe Festival 2024) at The Mission, Bath. Letโs Unpack That at the Rondo Theatre.
Tangled Roots Folk Festival, Radford Farm, Somerset.
Skinny Lister at The Tree House, Frome. The Buzzcocks at the Cheese & Grain. Not Fragile at The Sun.
Saturday 8th
Cable Street Collective at Devizes Arts Festival, Corn Exchange 8pm. The Unpredictables at The Three Crowns, Devizes. Tom Davies & The Bluebirds at The Southgate. Braeside Summer Extravaganza โ Devizes, free entry, for fun activities, delicious food, live music, artisan market and more.
The Monkey Dolls at The Lamb, Marlborough. RNLI Concert at St Peterโs Church.
Parker, Youngest of 3 and Butane Skies at the Pump in Trowbridge. Donโt forget, Youngest of 3 drummer Flo is also a regular contributor to Devizine, reporting on the youth scene, so please show them some support if you can! Sounds of Seattle at the Civic.
Bradford-on-Avon Food & Drink Festival. Fist Full of Rage at The Three Horseshoes.
Magic & Marvels at Swindon Arts Centre. Rockabilly Rumble at The Queenโs Tap, Swindon.
Masa at The Tuppenny. The Chaos Brothers at The Vic.
Catherine Bohartโs Again, With Feelings, at Rondo Theatre, Bath.
Little Pickles Market followed by Paul Jones & Dave Kelly at the Cheese & Grain, Frome.
Sunday 9th
Lions on the Green at Devizes Green. Tamsin Quinn & Vince Bell at The Southgate, from 5pm. Devizes Arts Festival Walk : Sarsens, Soldiers and Sawpits, and two free fringe events, Rumour at the Three Crowns at 2pm, and Annie Parker Trio at St John’s Church at 7pm.
Open Mic at the Red Lion, Lacock.
Matt Bragg & Seb Cooper at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.
Destination: Old Hag by Bridget Hardy, Penny Rossano and Samantha Houston (Bath Fringe Festival 2024) at The Mission, Bath. The Saint Melonians at the Bell, Bath.
Monday 10th
Ida Pelliccioli at Devizes Arts Festival.
Rock The Tots: Jungle at Pound Arts, Corsham.
The University of Bath Minerva Lecture Series at The Mission, Bath. Scott Lavene at the Bell, Bath (we love Scott here at Devizine, go see this, and if you do, please write back to tell us about it.)
Tuesday 11th
Devizes Arts Festival: Belinda Kirk and The Life-Changing Power of Adventure. And Discovering Antarctica : Heroic tales of Shackleton, Crean and Scott ~ Play on Words Theatre.
Peter Jones & Tom Berge Trio for Jazz Knights at the Royal Oak, Swindon.
And thatโs all weโve got for now; fill your boots! Events listed here are subject to change, we are not responsible for cancellations, errors or postponements in anything listed.
Do check ahead with our every-changing events diary. Isnโt it high time you snapped up some tickets for the Devizes Arts Festival?
Important note: events which come to our attention from now on, will be updated on the Event Calendar and NOT HERE. So, be sure to check in from time to time, use the Event Calendar to find more info on everything listed on here, and for ticket links, etc. Use the Event Calendar to check for updates and planning ahead.
Did we miss you out? Did you tell us about your event? Itโs not that we donโt like you, itโs because Devizine uses many sources to collate these listings, and sometimes we miss a few things. Listing your event here is free, but please make it easier for me by messaging or emailing the info, and then, and this is the really important part, make sure Iโve added it and let me know if not!
Can You Find The Wiltshire Potholes From The Moon Craters?! Now, at Devizine Towers we are far too mature and sensible to mock Wiltshire Councilโsโฆ
Review by Pip Aldridge Last week, I had the privilege of seeing the Fulltone Orchestra perform at the beautiful Tewkesbury Abbey beneath the Peace Dovesโฆ
If many space-rock acts have more band member changes than most other musicians change their socks, Hawkwind are the exemplar of the tendency. There mightโฆ
The second single from Georgeโs sessions with Jolyon Dixon is out today, Isnโt She Lonely. With the vaudeville ambience of Queenโs later material and sprinklesโฆ
We’ve been chatting with the Community Organiser and Campaigns Manager of Devizes and District Foodbank, Alex Montegriffo, about an important free community conversation on Monday 3rd June, on the subject of the rising costs of school uniform……
A local campaign group of parents, guardians and carers in and around Devizes has been speaking to schools about how to make sure their uniform is affordable over the past year, and their campaign has now branched out to include support for a Wiltshire Council strategy that schools can join to make all aspects of the school day affordable. ย
The original campaign arose during the height of the Cost of Living Crisis in 2022 when the impact of school uniform cost was discussed in Devizes and surrounding areas. In 2020, The Childrenโs Society found that the average annual cost at state-maintained schools per child was ยฃ337 at secondary schools, and ยฃ315 at primary schools. Families in Devizes reported spending between ยฃ200 and ยฃ300 a year on all items of clothing and footwear needed for school.
Research shows that these costs can cause families to struggle with other essentials, such as food or bills, or can even contribute to debt if money has to be borrowed to buy school uniform. This affects families both in and out of work. For example, one person involved in the campaign had to borrow money from a family member to afford uniform, and another had to take a Universal Credit advance which they then paid back. This is especially the case where there are multiple items of logoed uniform that can only be bought from a specialist supplier, as these tend to be more expensive.
In response to research revealing the high cost of school uniform in the UK, the UK Government passed a law in 2021 stating that schools need to consider affordability when setting uniform policies. Locally, the campaigns team engaged with schools on the topic of affordable school uniform and invited schools to sign an Affordable Uniform Pledge. Local schools were able to work with parents and guardians to make changes to their school uniform to increase affordability to the benefit of every family. The campaign also received media coverage.
After speaking to Wiltshire Council about affordable uniform and the impact it has on families, the Council launched their Affordable Schools Strategy in September 2023. This is much wider than uniform, as it covers topics such as accessible school trips and activities, the provision of free school meals, and making changes towards affordability to benefit both schools and families. These come under the headings of Resourcing the School Day, Enrichment and Opportunities, Healthy Body, Healthy Mind, and Securing Positive Partnership. Schools can join the strategy each year, and will get accredited as they take steps toward affordability. They receive resources, handbooks, case studies and networking opportunities. One of the resources is the Affordable Uniform Pledge, and there is a section on affordable school uniform.
As part of the final phase of the campaign around school costs, any family in and around Devizes can add their support to this strategy, and engage with their school to encourage them to become a member in the next launch on 26th September 2024. This strategy benefits all families, and engagement can be made by families working with schools in person or in writing to encourage them to sign up, with guidance.
To learn more, please come along to a free community conversation from 6:30-7:30pm on Monday 3rd June at the St James Centre, Devizes, SN10 1LR. This phase of the campaign is being organised by Alex, the Community Organiser and Campaigns Manager at Devizes and District Foodbank. Tea, coffee and a wide range of snacks will be provided, and please let Alex know if youโre thinking of attending by email, phone call, text or WhatsApp: T: 07483 377346E: alex@devizesanddistrict.foodbank.org.uk
A new music festival is coming to Devizes this July. Organisers of the long-running Marlborough based festival MantonFest are shifting west across the downs andโฆ
All images: ยฉ๏ธ JS Terry Photography An awards ceremony to celebrate the outstanding musical talent within the city, aptly titled The 2024 Salisbury Music Awards,โฆ
Monsieur, with these Exchange Comedy night you are really spoiling us, for usually comedy in Devizes is just what we make ourselves; laughing at visitorsโฆ
A drone operated by Wiltshire Hunt Sabs was attacked by a second drone, twice, while surveying The Beaufort Hunt, after it recorded them illegally huntingโฆ
Without sounding like a stuck record, itโs the same unfortunate news for Devizes Street Festival as it was last year; Arts Council England has notโฆ
Bussing into Devizes Saturday evening, a gaggle (I believe is the appropriate collective noun) of twenty-something girls from Bath already on-board, disembark at The Marketโฆ
Hereโs what weโve found to do in the wilds of Wiltshire this coming week, heading in June, just like Terry!
Everything listed here is on our event calendar; go there for links and more info. It may be updated, so check in later in the week.
Ongoing: A Wiltshire Thatcher: A Photographic Journey Through Victorian Wessex runs at Wiltshire Museum, Devizes, until the end of August; review here.
Wednesday 29th
Acoustic Jam at The Southgate, Devizes.
Lunchtime Recital: Charlotte Spruit at Pound Arts, Corsham. Followed by Chris Wood.
Les Misรฉrables โ School Edition at the Athenรฆum, Warminster.
Tim Arnold โ Super Connected at Chapel Arts, Bath. Edinburgh Previews, Pierre Novellie & Nic Sampson at The Rondo Theatre. Stone Cold Hustle at the Bell, Bath.
Toby Lee at Swindon Arts Centre. Seven Drunken Nights at The Wyvern Theatre.
Thursday 30th
Royal Bath & West Show opens.
Vintage Nostalgia Festival at Stockton Park opens.
Jam Night at The Boathouse, Bradford-on-Avon.
The Invisible Creature Club, and Avalon Comedy Network: Glenn Moore, Eleanor Tiernan, Ben Pope & Farah Sharp at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Gary Stewart at Chapel Arts. SparkFest continues with A Midsummer Nightโs Dream at the Mission.
Letโs Swim, Get Swimming & Seneca at The Vic, Swindon. Steve Ferbrache at The Tuppenny. The Diana Ross Story at The Wyvern Theatre.
Friday 31st
A Cider & Mead Festival opens for the weekend at the Barge on HoneyStreet.
And so does the Devizes Arts Festival! Running from 31st May to 16th June, weโre looking at a busy month ahead with lots of entertaining events. The fun starts with Jolly Roger at the Corn Exchange. Trash Panda are at the Three Crowns.
All Floyd The Division Bell at Melksham Assembly Hall. Muuttley & Wet Franc play King George Park.
Gemโs Pirate Party at the Civic, Trowbridge. The Exact Opposite, Ignotis and Bottle of Dog at the Pump, Trowbridge. Martyโs Fake Family at The Red Admiral.
Bradford-on-Avon Music Festival all weekend in the park and various locations. Sad Dad Club at The Three Horseshoes. Manhattan Nights at The Boathouse. Bach Week: Quartetto di Cremona The Art of Fugue at Wiltshire Music Centre.
Blue Badge Bunch, and Ria Lina: Riawakening at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Untamed Burlesque at Chapel Arts, Bath.
Retro Electro at The Vic, Swindon. One Chord Wonders at The Queenโs Tap. Johannes Radebe 2024 โ House of Jojo at The Wyvern Theatre.
Subgiant Weekender at The Baa, Salisbury.
Zion Train at the Tree House, Frome. Charlie Simpson from Busted DJโs at the Cheese & Grain.
Saturday 1st
Rowde Summer Festival.
Potterne Fete.
Top Secret: The Magic of Science at the Wharf Theatre, Devizes. Devizes Arts Festival has Lady Nade at the Corn Exchange, Edโs pick of the week! The Duskers at The Southgate.
Shambles Festival at King George V Park, Melksham.
Elcot Festival at Marlborough Town FC.
Open Mic at the Lamb, Trowbridge. The Future Sound of Trowbridge 10 at The Pump. NOASIS at the Civic.
Dennis Rollinsโ Funky Funk at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon. Day two of the Bradford Music Festival, with an amazing lineup there.
Fraser Anderson Trio at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Diversity at the Vic, Swindon. The Beatles by Candlelight at The Wyvern Theatre.The Naughties at the Queenโs Tap.
John Bramwell & The Full Harmonic Trio at Rondo Theatre, Bath.
Lucas Hardy at The Kings Arms, Amesbury.
Sunday 2nd
Devizes Arts Festival has a Festival Walk: From Romans to Kangaroos. Adam Alexander โ Seed Detective FREE FRINGE at the Peppermill. Eddy Allen โ Solo Loop Show FREE FRINGE at the Cellar Bar. Jon Amor Trio with guest Tony Remy at The Southgate, Devizes.
Open mic at the Bell, Great Cheverell.
Open Mic at the Red Lion, Lacock.
A Strange New Space at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Louise Parker at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.
Speaking of Witch by Jack Lambert (Bath Fringe Festival 2024) at The Mission, Bath.
Tom Davis: Underdog at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon. Darren Hunt at the Queenโs Tap.
Monday 3rd
Thereโs a Food Bank movement to affordable school costs meeting in Devizes, see poster.
Dr. Phil Hammond โ โHow to Fix the NHSโ and โThe Ins and Outs of Pleasureโ at the Corn Exchange, part of Devizes Arts Festival.
Memory Cafรฉ at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.
Tuesday 4th
Edward Cross Quintet at The Town Hall, part of Devizes Arts Festival. Mrs Churchill : My life with Winston ~ Liz Grand at the Corn Exchange.
Six The Musical opens at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon, running until the 8th June.
Open Mic at The Royal Oak, Bath. The Valentine Letters by Steve Darlow (Bath Fringe Festival 2024) at The Mission, Bath.
And thatโs all weโve got for now; fill your boots! Events listed here are subject to change, we are not responsible for cancellations, errors or postponements in anything listed.
Do check ahead with our every-changing events diary. Isnโt it high time you snapped up some tickets for the Devizes Arts Festival?
Important note: events which come to our attention from now on, will be updated on the Event Calendar and NOT HERE. So, be sure to check in from time to time, use the Event Calendar to find more info on everything listed on here, and for ticket links, etc. Use the Event Calendar to check for updates and planning ahead.
Did we miss you out? Did you tell us about your event? Itโs not that we donโt like you, itโs because Devizine uses many sources to collate these listings, and sometimes we miss a few things. Listing your event here is free, but please make it easier for me by messaging or emailing the info, and then, and this is the really important part, make sure Iโve added it and let me know if not!
Once the demonic entity Spring-Heeled Jack entered folklore it became subject to many books and plays, diluting the once real threat of this Victorian bogeymanโฆ
Devizes singer-songwriter Jamie Hawkins, famed for poignant narrative in his songs and one-third Lost Trade, has always had a passion for filmmaking; Teeth is theโฆ
There are only a few tickets left for this yearโs Devizes Festival of Winter Ales, an important fundraiser for DOCAโฆ.. This year DOCA has teamedโฆ
A sublime evening of electronic elegance was had at Bathโs humble Rondo Theatre last night, where Cephidโs album, Sparks in The Darkness, was played outโฆ
Itโs going to be a wet weekend whatever the weather for Wiltshire rector Gerry Lynch – as heโs volunteered for a soaking at the Potterne village fete on Saturday June 1st…..
It will be the first church fete for Gerry since he was inducted in January as the new Rector of the Wellsprings Benefice, which covers the parishes of Potterne, Poulshot, Seend, Worton and Bulkington, and he is hoping to make a splash as the star of the Soak The Vicar sideshow.
Gerry is aiming to raise funds for the community and the villageโs St. Maryโs Church by inviting fete-goers to throw wet sponges at him at the afternoon event and heโs putting a brave face on his โbaptismโ.
โIโm game for a bit of ritual humiliation as itโs all in aid of a good cause,โ said Gerry, for whom the weathermen are forecasting a warm day with sunny intervals.
Potterne feteโs wet sponge sideshow will be childโs play. Image: Jill Newton.
Organisers have made the wet sponge stall double-sided so that children can have fun soaking their dads while Gerry takes a break to be towelled down.
โYou can soak the vicar, soak your dad or soak your husband and we think that last option may be popular with a lot of wives,โ said a fete spokesman.
The fete, at Little Mill Field, Mill Road, Potterne [SN10 5ND], will run from 1pm to 4pm and will also feature the popular plastic duck races in the adjoining stream, a dog show, barbecue, licensed bar, tea and cakes, a bottle tombola, a luxury food hamper draw and a variety of other stalls, games and sideshows.
Potterne Rector the Rev. Gerry Lynch prepares to get drenched at the village fete. Image: Jill Newton.
I caught up with an excited Jonathan Hunter, leader of Devizes Town Councilโs independent party The Guardians, and local loyal youth worker Steve Dewar toโฆ
Experience the Bradford on Avon Green Man Festival, a vibrant, family-friendly community gathering featuring traditional dance, music, song, and folklore throughout the town centre onโฆ
If Iโm considering reviewing worldwide music again, why stop with this planet?! Though Iโve reasoned two tenacious links to mention this madcap Scottish interstellar outfit;โฆ
The team behind popular all-day music extravaganza, My Dadโs Bigger Than Your Dad Festival, can now reveal that nearly ยฃ11,500 was raised for Prospect Hospiceโฆ
By Ian DiddamsImages by Jeni Meade No aficionado of 1960s and 1970s horror films would have missed seeing โRosemaryโs Babyโ, a story of Satanic pregnancy,โฆ
In November last year I was mightily impressed with Bristol soul-reggae producer Kaya Street, and reviewed their EP The Soul Sessions, read it here forโฆ
Hereโs what weโve found to do in the wilds of Wiltshire this coming week, with a bank holiday in the mix!
Everything listed here is on our event calendar; go there for links and more info. It may be updated, so check in later in the week.
Ongoing: A Wiltshire Thatcher: A Photographic Journey Through Victorian Wessex runs at Wiltshire Museum, Devizes, until the end of August; review here.
Ongoing: Bath International Music Festival: 17th – 26th May
Wednesday 22nd
Acoustic Jam at The Southgate, Devizes.
The Wizard of Oz at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-onAvon.
Starting a run until the 25th May, I Love You Because at The Rondo Theatre, Bath. The Barefoot Bandit at the Bell, Bath. And the Mission Theatre begins SparkFest with two shows, The Sofa and Dead End.
Big Jam Sessions at The Vic, Swindon. Irish House Party at Swindon Arts Centre.
Thursday 23rd
Runny Snotts Acoustic Sessions at The Neeld, Chippenham.
Nick Helmโs Super Fun Good Time Show at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Here Come the Crows at The Vic, Swindon. Luke Combs at The Wyvern Theatre. Confessions Of Sweeney Todd at Swindon Arts Centre.
SparkFestโs Independent Digital Screenings at The Mission, Bath.
And the last Shindig Festival opens at Dillington Park, have a great time if youโre going to that.
Friday 24th
Chippenham Folk Festival opens and runs until 27th May.
Nothing Rhymes With Orange at Devizes Street Festival
Nothing Rhymes With Orange are back on their home turf, playing The Three Crowns, Devizes, which we make Edโs pick of the week. Full on Fridays at the Exchange in with resident DJ Stevie Mc in the mix.
Shilts & Friends at the Civic, Trowbridge.
Jessica Fostekewโs Mettle at Pound Arts, Corsham.
CapโN Rustyโs Skiffle City Rockers at The New Inn, Amesbury.
Hatepenny at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon. Call The Shots at The Boathouse.Bach Week: at Wiltshire Music Centre, with Quartetto di Cremona The Art of Fugue.
Biggles Sound System is at St James Wine Vaults, Bath. Fleetwood Mad at Chapel Arts. MacPlebs is the SparkFest show at The Mission.
Tyrants at The Vic, Swindon. Nick Helmโs Super Fun Good Time Show at Swindon Arts Centre. Rock It at The Queenโs Tap. And thereโs a Beer and Cider Festival at Swindon & Cricklade Railway.
Be Like Will at Tuckers Grave Inn, Faulkland.
Carsick are at The Tree House, Frome.
Cursus Festival opens in Dorset.
Saturday 25th
Chris Free at The Southgate, Devizes. Sam Briggs joins Stevie MC in the mix at the Exchange.
CapโN Rustyโs Skiffle City Rockers at the Crown, Bishops Cannings.
Mick Jogger and The Stones Experience at Edington Charity Ball at the Three Daggers.
Family Fun Day at Spencerโs Club Melksham from 11am-4pm.
80s Disco at the Talbot, Calne.
Lonely Road Band at Gloucester Road Cons Club, Trowbridge.
Molly Chambers at Hawkeridge Village Hall near Westbury.
The Reason at Prestbury Sports Club, Warminster.
D-State at Tuckers Grave Inn, Faulkland.
aKa Dance: A Real Fiction at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Larkhall at Kington Langley Village Hall.
Steve Backshall begins a few dates at Longleat running until 2nd June.
Biaritz at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.
Chris Moyles 90s Hangover Festival at Swindon Town FC Rockabilly Rumble at the Vic. The BeatRoutes at The Queenโs Tap. Sonic Alert at Woodlands Edge. Daliso Chaponda โ Feed This Black Man Again at Swindon Arts Centre. Daniel OโReilly: Out Of Character at The Wyvern Theatre.
The Ciderhouse Rebellion at Chapel Arts, Bath. SparkFest at The Mission has Stage Fright, CYCLOPS: More Than Meets The Eye, and The Chipping Norton Incident.
Love Saves the Day at Bristol.
Jeremy Healy at The Cheese & Grain, Frome. The Hammervilles at the Tree House.
Sunday 26th
Muddy Manninen & Pasty Gabble at The Southgate, Devizes from 5pm. People Like Us at The Three Crowns.
Open Mic at the Red Lion, Lacock.
Pete Lane and the Sailing Stones at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.
Luke Philbrick & the Solid Gone Skiffle Invasion at the Bell, Bath. Bath Fringe Festival shows The Demeter by Lewis Cook at The Mission.
Could Be Real Tribute Festival at Swindon Town FC. Lonely Road Band at the Richard Jefferies Museum, free entry. Mrs Smith โ See Me! at Swindon Arts Centre. Punt and Dennis at The Wyvern Theatre.
Bank Holiday Monday 27th
The Popup Youth Cafe will be on the Green in Devizes from 2-4pm. Funked Up at The Three Crowns, Devizes.
Tom Odell โBlack Fridayโ at The Memorial Hall, Marlborough, check ahead I think this may be cancelled.
Open Mic at The Old Road Tavern, Chippenham.
Wonder Gigs: Sky at Pound Arts, Corsham, followed by John Robbโs Do You Believe in the Power of Rock n Roll.
Bruton Packhorse Fair.
Car Show at Tuckers Grave Inn, Faulkland.
Big Chimney Barn Dance at the Bell, Bath.
Tuesday 28th
Half Term Reduction Linocut Workshop at Hannah Cantellow Studio, Devizes.
Exhibition on Screen โ Painting the Modern Garden: Monet to Matis at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Pop Princesses at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon. Fleur Stevenson Quartet at Jazz Knights in the Royal Oak, Swindon.
And thatโs all weโve got for now; fill your boots! Events listed here are subject to change, we are not responsible for cancellations, errors or postponements in anything listed.
Do check ahead with our ever-changing events diary. Isnโt it high time you snapped up some tickets for the Devizes Arts Festival at the end of the month running into June?
Important note: events which come to our attention from now on, will be updated on the Event Calendar and NOT HERE. So, be sure to check in from time to time, use the Event Calendar to find more info on everything listed on here, and for ticket links, etc. Use the Event Calendar to check for updates and planning ahead.
Did we miss you out? Did you tell us about your event? Itโs not that we donโt like you, itโs because Devizine uses many sources to collate these listings, and sometimes we miss a few things. Listing your event here is free, but please make it easier for me by messaging or emailing the info, and then, and this is the really important part, make sure Iโve added it and let me know if not!
Another Stunning Week-End For Live Music Andy Fawthrop Normally Iโd be raving about just how good the live music was at The Southgate on Sundayย afternoon.โฆ
Developed in Devizes, blossoming in Bristol, as well as a snazzy new website, indie-punk phenomenon Nothing Rhymes with Orange released their next single, and itโsโฆ
Seems odd the perfect combination between Devizesโ only theatre, The Wharf, and one of the longest-running performance group, White Horse Opera hasnโt linked before, butโฆ
Featured Image Credit: Stewart Baxter Riot predictor Nick Hodgson formerly of the Kaiser Chiefs has a new band, the charmingly named Everyone Says Hi, andโฆ
Bob Marley sang โjamminโ โtil the jam is through,โ Jimmy Cricketโs catchphrase was โcomeโere, thereโs more,โ but it looks like The Southgate in Devizes isโฆ
From the 5th to the 14th July 2024, Frome Festival plans to up the game of this wonderful and lively town with a bumper programme for allโฆ..ย
In over sixty-one venues across Frome and surrounding villages, Frome Festival is gearing up for its biggest ever programme, with 250 events taking place over 10 days. This yearโs theme celebrates 60 years of Roald Dahlโs โCharlie & the Chocolate Factoryโ, featuring artwork by illustrator Sholto Walker depicting Willy Wonka striding down the streets of Frome. To celebrate this theme, five Golden Tickets will be hidden at various Festival events with winners receiving a scrumdiddlyumptious spending spree at Fromeโs local chocolatier and cafรฉ, Choc et al.
The community arts festival has been a popular fixture in the town since 2001 and aims to offer something for everyone, young and old, including different types of music, theatre, comedy, spoken word, art, dance, film, workshops, childrenโs events, and food or drink experiences. Expect a dash of Fromeโs signature quirkiness!
Children can enjoy bouldering workshops, comic art masterclasses, science exploration of pondlife, theatre productions, a Willy Wonka Rave, outdoor shows and so much more.
And Frome Festival is teaming up with the popular Frome Independent Market on Sunday 7th July, taking over their entertainment stages with music, street theatre, and dance.
Sir Willard White
Headliners for 2024 include internationally acclaimed bass-baritone, Sir Willard White, Jenny Eclair, Richard Herring, Paul Mason, Old Time Sailors, Swinging at the Cotton Club, Alberta Cross, Raghu Dixit, Peatbog Faeries. Alongside one of Fromeโs favourite free events, the Festival Food Feast, returning for a celebration of amazing international street food, live music and entertainment. Sponsored by local Frome company Lilleyโs Cider.
Other highlights include hilarious stand-up comic Jenny Eclair at the Merlin Theatre, the first woman to win the coveted Perrier Award at Edinburgh Festival in 1995 and hasnโt stopped banging on about it since. Indiaโs biggest cultural & musical export, Raghu Dixit is returning to the Cheese & Grain for the Frome Festival after his triumphant debut last year.
Jenny Eclair
The spectacular Swinging at the Cotton Club is a visual and musical feast paying homage to legends such as Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, and Count Basie with breathtaking dance routines. In the atmospheric setting of Holy Trinity Church, renowned organ virtuoso David Bednall will provide an improvised soundtrack to the classic 1922 horror movie, Nosferatu.
Thereโs raucous Old Time Sailors, former economics editor of Newsnight and Channel 4 and a regular Guardian contributor, Paul Mason presenting this yearโs Bob Morris Lecture, a keynote speech that is an annual highlight of the Festival programme. Legendary stand-up comic Richard Herring presents his brand-new tour show where he talks bollocks about his recent experience with testicular cancer, at the Cheese & Grain, and Scottish trailblazers Peatbog Faeries also appear at the big Cheese, with a glorious mixture of traditional sounds and dance-floor grooves creating a hypnotic sound that no-one can resist dancing to.
BROCHURES detailing all events are available to pick up from the Cheese & Grain, local libraries, information points and many other locations across Frome and the surrounding area. An online version of the brochure is available here.
The second feature film for director Keith Wilhelm Kopp and writer Laurence Guy, First Christmas enters development, to be produced by Shropshire-based production company, Askโฆ
Image credit: Forestry England/Crown copyright. Forestry England Nightingale Wood invites dog owners to celebrate Walk Your Dog Month this January….. Walk Your Dog Month isโฆ
Hereโs what weโve found to do in the wilds of Wiltshire this coming weekโฆ
Everything listed here is on our event calendar; go there for links and more info. It may be updated, so check in later in the week.
Ongoing: A Wiltshire Thatcher: A Photographic Journey Through Victorian Wessex runs at Wiltshire Museum, Devizes, until the end of August; review here.
The Thrill of Love is currently running at the Wharf Theatre until Saturday, hereโs a review.
Wednesday 15th
Acoustic Jam at The Southgate, Devizes.
Patsy Gamble Jazz Trio at St Nicholas Church in Bromham, preview here.
Jonathan Leibovitz at the Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.
Mohamed Errebbaa at the Bell, Bath
Memory Cinema at Swindon Arts Centre, for those suffering with dementia and their carers, screening The Lavender Hill Mob (U). Latin funk jazz with Starlings at Jazz Knights in The Royal Oak, Swindon.
Thursday 16th
Royal Wootton Bassett Carnival & Fun Fair starts and finishes at the weekend.
Courting Ghosts at The Tuppenny, Swindon. Rusty Goatโs Poetry All-Stars at Twigs Community Gardens. Memory Sing at Swindon Arts Centre. Pete Allenโs Jazz Band at Swindon Arts Centre. Antiques and a Little Bit of Nonsense at The Wyvern Theatre.
Friday 17th
Full On Fridays at the Exchange, Devizes, with DJ Stevie MC.
Medium Nikki Kitt is at Melksham Assembly Hall .
Mosquito at the Aldbourne Social Club.
Pat Sharp Party Night at the Civic, Trowbridge.
Ion Maiden at The Vic, Swindon. Simplicity at the Queenโs Tap. Ashley Blaker at Swindon Arts Centre. Julian Clary โ A Fistful Of Clary at The Wyvern Theatre.
Ruzz Guitar Trio at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon. Karport Collective at The Boathouse.
Bath International Music Festival begins today, running until 26th May. Bootleg Bee Gees at Chapel Arts. Daliso Chapondaโs Feed this Black Man Again at The Rondo Theatre, Bath.
Dutty Moonshine DJ Set at The Tree House, Frome.
The Chilled Out Motorhome and Camper Weekender in Cirencester opens.
Saturday 18th
Devizes Vegan Market at The Market Place from 10am-3pm. Mynt Image Craft Fair in the Corn Exchange. The Dirt Road Band at Long Street Blues Club. Canuteโs Plastic Army at The Southgate, Edโs pick of the week this one. Adam Woodhouse at The Three Crowns. Caztro is in the mix at the Exchange.
White Horse Soapbox Derby in Westbury.
Mosaic Dogs at The Lamb, Trowbridge.
Talk in Code at The Kings Arms, Amesbury.
Rachel Newton at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Black Wendy at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon. Vocal Works Gospel Choir โ live at 21 at the Wiltshire Music Centre.
Shelf is at the Rondo Theatre, Bath, with a kids version, then teenage men version. Roxy Magic at Chapel Arts.
The Bowie Experience at The Vic, Swindon. Awakening Savannah at The Queenโs Tap.
The Soul Strutters at the Woodlands Edge. Drew Bryant at the New Inn. The Blackheart Orchestra at Swindon Arts Centre. eMotion Dance Competition at The Wyvern Theatre.
Frome Memorial Theatre Open Day followed by Jive Talkinโ. John Lydon is at the Cheese & Grain. ZZ Toppd at the Tree House.
Sunday 19th
The Hoodoos at The Southgate, Devizes from 5pm.
Open Mic at the Red Lion, Lacock.
Shot by Both Sides at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.
Eddie Martin at the Bell, Bath.
Lee Hurst โ Sweet Sorted Lovely at Swindon Arts Centre.
The Frome International Climate Film Festival at the Cheese & Grain.
Monday 20th
Tony Remy, James Morton & Anders Olinder at the Bell, Bath.
Steeleye Span at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.
Tuesday 21st
Letโs Walk โ Caen Hill & Jubilee Wood
Crazy Bird Comedy Night at The Piggy Bank Micropub, Calne.
Gareth Williams Trio for Jazz Knights at The Royal Oak, Swindon.
Ash Mandrake & Jenny Bliss at the Bell, Bath.
And thatโs all weโve got for now; fill your boots! Events listed here are subject to change, we are not responsible for cancellations, errors or postponements in anything listed.
Shindig Festival at Dillington Park begins next week, the last Shindig festival, have a good one from me.Also find upcoming Chippenham Folk Festival 24th-27th May. Love Saves the Day in Bristol. Beer and Cider Festival at Swindon & Cricklade Railway. Cursus Festival 2024 Dorset. Chris Moyles 90s Hangover Festival at Swindon Town FC.
In Devizes Nothing Rhymes With Orange makes a homecoming at The Three Crowns on Friday 24th. And isnโt it high time you snapped up some tickets for the Devizes Arts Festival at the end of the month running into June?
Important note: events which come to our attention from now on, will be updated on the Event Calendar and NOT HERE. So, be sure to check in from time to time, use the Event Calendar to find more info on everything listed on here, and for ticket links, etc. Use the Event Calendar to check for updates and planning ahead.
Did we miss you out? Did you tell us about your event? Itโs not that we donโt like you, itโs because Devizine uses many sources to collate these listings, and sometimes we miss a few things. Listing your event here is free, but please make it easier for me by messaging or emailing the info, and then, and this is the really important part, make sure Iโve added it and let me know if not!
Salisbury acoustic singer-songwriter Rosie Jay released her debut EP today, taking its title from her first single from June this year, I Donโt Give aโฆ
I’m loving this new tune! Swindon’s upcoming reggae singer/DJ Silver-Star has teamed up with the legendary General Levy for a drum n bass golden nuggetโฆ
Somewhere just outside Westbury a sizable barn hosted the most memorable new year’s eve raves in the mid-nineties, but Iโd never have imagined then, thatโฆ
A Scooby snack-sized pinch punch, first day of the month came from Minety Music Festival this morning upon announcing their headliner for 2025, The Funโฆ
From carnival to the Winter Festival, DOCA stages so many great events in Devizes, most of them for free, but the most unique is the Confetti Battle. This year itโs coupled again with the Colour Rush, on Saturday 14th September. TicketSource are offering ยฃ1,000 to help fund a winning community event, all you have to do is click on this link, and vote for DOCAโฆ.
Devizes Confetti Battle has been happening since 1955, it is free to attend but not free to put on. People of all ages come and participate in a mock battle, throwing tons of confetti at each other, leading to a firework finale. It’s a lot of fun!
There are a lot of costs that come with this event. The cost of road closures and the big clean up afterwards. DOCA would use the money to help buy confetti supplies. It’s hard to get the event funded as it isn’t a traditional art or heritage event so this award would be a great help.
So, please click on this LINK to vote for them, it will take you seconds and costs nothing, ta!
by Ian DiddamsImages by Josie Mae-Ross and Infrogmation Tennessee Williamsโ quasi autobiographical drama โA Streetcar Named Desireโ was first performed in 1947 as the worldโฆ
Purveyors of perfect motion, house music promoters Palooza return to The Exchange in Devizes on Friday 20th December, for its grand finale of the yearโฆ..โฆ
Okay, so, Iโm aย little behind, recently opting to perfect my couch potato posture and consider hibernation, meaning Iโve not yet mentioned Kirsty Clinchโs newโฆ
With Black Friday just a few weeks away, Wiltshire based Blackmore Computers Ltd, is encouraging people to think pre-loved if theyโre planning on buying laptopsโฆ
If rural West Country had a penchant for trance in the happy daze of the mid-nineties, heady nights of fluorescent-clad crusties with eyes like flyingโฆ
Congratulations to Rosalind Ambler and Paul Snook from Devizes Writers Group… At the National Community Radio Awards held in Cardiff on 16th November Together!, theโฆ
Itโs beginning to look a lot more like spring now; you are officially cleared to go outside! Hereโs what weโve found to do outside, in the wilds of Wiltshire this coming weekโฆ
Everything listed here is on our event calendar; go there for links and more info. It may be updated with even more things to do than listed here, so check in later in the week.
Ongoing: A Wiltshire Thatcher: A Photographic Journey Through Victorian Wessex runs at Wiltshire Museum, Devizes, until the end of August; review here.ย
Wednesday 8th
Acoustic Jam at The Southgate, Devizes
Trowbridge Job Fair.
Nick Helmโs Super Fun Good Time Show at The Rondo Theatre, Bath. O. Love & The Affair at the Bell, Bath. Nurse Georgie Carroll: Sista Flo 2.0 at Komedia.
Big Jam Session at The Vic, Swindon. And the Swindon Festival Of Literature opens with Anne-Marie OโDwyer at Swindon Arts Centre, and Jessica Fostekew: Mettle.
Thursday 9th
Devizes Film Club at the Wharf Theatre, screening The Quiet Girl.
Comedy Loft 9 at the Civic, Trowbridge.
Hannah Sanders & Ben Savage at Pound Arts, Corsham.
The TigerFace Show at The Rondo Theatre, Bath. Hayseed Dixie and The Zipheads at Komedia.
Butcombe Festival Of Laughs At The White Hart, Wroughton. Coopers Creek at The Beehive, Swindon. Swindon Festival Of Literature: Elizabeth Oldfield and Mark Rutterford at Swindon Arts Centre, followed by The Metamorphosis at Swindon Arts Centre.
Friday 10th
People Like Us at The Condado Lounge, Devizes. Palooza are back at the Exchange nightclub, great night of house music, great vibe, last time.
The Future Sound of Trowbridge #9 at The Pump, with FLAM and Artoid. TrowFest at Trowbridge RFC.
Miss Kill at the Old Road Tavern, Chippenham.
Counterโs Creek at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Warming up for the Green Man Festival on Saturday, I Smell Burning at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon. The Full Motley at The Boathouse. Lindisfarne at Wiltshire Music Centre.
Benji Kirkpatrick at Chapel Arts, Bath. My Secret Sister at The Rondo Theatre. Craig Charles Funk & Soul House Party at Komedia.
Jordan Red, Webb and Boss Cass at The Vic, Swindon. Peloton at the Queenโs Tap.
Swindon Festival Of Literature at Swindon Arts Centre โhas Marcus Du Sautoy, Hilary Bradt, and Felice Hardy.
New Purple Celebration โ The Music of Prince at the Cheese & Grain, Frome. Gary Stringer of Reef at The Tree House.
Saturday 11th
The Stert Country House Collectables and Car Boot Sale in aid of Cancer Research at Stert near Devizes. Kirris Riviere & The Delta Du Bruit at The Southgate.
Five Lanes Summer Fete in Worton. The Unpredictables at Potterne Social Club.
The Famous Hangover Sessions atThe New Lamb Inn, Marlborough. Open Mic at The Barge on HoneyStreet.
Martyโs Fake Family at Gloucester Road Club, Trowbridge. Rural France, Ravetank, Clock Radio and Fela Dekota all at The Pump.
The Fureys at The Neeld, Chippenham.
Bradford on Avon Green Man Festival, Preview HERE. Also find Strange Folk at The Three Horseshoes. Be Like Will at The Boathouse.
Westbury Food & Drink Festival
โThe Mystery Guest Tour Featuring Lady Nade, Daisy Chute, and Izzue Yardley at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Talk in Code at The Castle, Swindon with KGB and The Racket. Here Comes the Crows at the Queenโs Tap. Rush Hour at the Woodlands Edge. Faux Fighters at The Vic. Swindon Festival Of Literature at Swindon Arts Centre has Tony Hawks and a Flash Fiction Slam!
A rally for Palestine in Bath. Sherlockโs Excellent Adventure at The Rondo Theatre. Ma Bessie and her Pigfoot Band at Chapel Arts.
Kings of Lyon and The UK-Strokes at the Cheese & Grain, Frome.
Sunday 12th
Devizes Lions Sponsored Walk. Jack Grace at The Southgate, from 5pm.
Open Mic at the Red Lion, Lacock.
Melksham Record Fair at Melksham Assembly Hall.
The Ultimate Commitments and Blues Brothers Experience at The Neeld, Chippenham.
Mustard Allegro at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon. Cantamus Chamber Choir Chichester Psalms at Wiltshire Music Centre.
Schtumm presents AQABA at The Queenโs Head in Box. Mambo Jambo at the Bell, Bath.
Legacy at The Kings Arms, Old Town, Swindon. Swindon Festival Of Literature has a Children & Families Day at Swindon Arts Centre, and the Festival Finale.
Tellison at The Tree House, Frome.
Monday 13th
The Thrill of Love opens at the Wharf Theatre, Devizes. Preview HERE. It runs until 18th May.
Rock The Tots: Movies at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Jack Grace at the Bell, Bath.
Teenage Sequence at The Tree House, Frome.
Tuesday 14th
The Black Feathers at The Piggy Bank Micropub, Calne.
Pale Blue Eyes at the Tree House, Frome.
And thatโs all weโve got for now. Events listed here are subject to change, we are not responsible for cancellations, errors or postponements in anything listed.
Snap up tickets time: we recommend on Wednesday 15th, the Patsy Gamble Jazz Trio in Bromham, preview HERE. Jonathan Leibovitz at Wiltshire Music Centre.
And the weekend sees Bath International Music Festival begin, The Chilled Out Motorhome and Camper Weekender in Cirencester, Devizes Vegan Market at The Market Place, Dirt Road Band at Long Street Blues Club, with Ruby Darbyshire in support, and Canuteโs Plastic Army are at The Southgate. White Horse Soapbox Derby, Westbury and Talk in Code make their debut at The Kings Arms, Amesbury. John Lydon, yes, John Lydon is at the Cheese & Grain, and thereโs lots more on our event calendar to boot!
Important note: events which come to our attention from now on, will be updated on the Event Calendar and NOT HERE. So, be sure to check in from time to time, use the Event Calendar to find more info on everything listed on here, and for ticket links, etc. Use the Event Calendar to check for updates and planning ahead.
Did we miss you out? Did you tell us about your event? Itโs not that we donโt like you, itโs because Devizine uses many sources to collate these listings, and sometimes we miss a few things. Listing your event here is free, but please make it easier for me by messaging or emailing the info, and then, and this is the really important part, make sure Iโve added it and let me know if not!
Have a good week, and don’t forget, the Devizes Arts Festival box office is open and waiting for you!
Two of the county’s top retrospective cover bands meet for a double-bill of action in Market Lavington This Saturday. Calneโs indie rock five-piece Six Oโclockโฆ
Again we find ourselves congratulating and thanking young Chloe Boyle for fantastic fundraising efforts for Devizes homeless charity OpenDoorsโฆ. With friends and family she spentโฆ
Images: Chris Watkins Media It was lovely to spend Sunday afternoon at Devizesโ Wharf Theatre, to see how this yearโs pantomime Hansel & Gretel, isโฆ
Sheffieldโs DIY punk queer emo five-piece, Slash Fiction will be at the Pump in Trowbridge on Wednesday 20th November as part of their nationwide tour.โฆ
by Ian Diddamsimages by Playing Up Theatre Company When is a mousetrap not a mousetrap? When itโs written by Tom StoppardโฆIf you have seen โTheโฆ
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-leadershipโฆ
A group of local women and their families are gathering together to lay a huge installation of childrenโs clothes outside the office of Justin Tomlinson MP this month.…
The peaceful installation, which will be open to the public on Saturday 11th May, aims to visualise the catastrophic extent of the killing in Gaza, with a particular focus on the innocent children whoโve lost their lives. Each item of clothing will represent one of the precious lives of all the children killed since October 7th in the Israel-Gaza conflict – now over 15,500 Palestinian children and 36 Israeli children.
The organisers, made up mostly of women, are from many different races, religions and backgrounds, unified in their heartbreak of the loss of life in the Gaza-Israel conflict. They are calling on other compassionate locals to come and take part in what they hope to be a hugely impactful event.
Theresa, a spokeswoman from the group said, โWe realise that it is almost impossible to visualise the number of child deaths in this conflict, so this memorial is about helping people get to grips with the scale of what is going on.ย We also want to make it clear to Justin Tomlinson – who previously voted against a ceasefire – that just like 76%* of UK residents (*YouGov.co.uk), the vast majority of his constituents are calling for a meaningful ceasefire in Gaza and we need him to represent our voices.โ
The installation will be placed outside Tomlinsonโs North Swindon office at the Orbital Shopping Centre from 10am-10pm, ending with a candlelit vigil, on Saturday 11th May with full permission from the Orbital Management Team and with all clothes being donated to charity after the event.
Theresa continues, โThis will be a peaceful, family-friendly memorial and we hope that our community will come and support us. We will need lots of people to achieve this, including the tidy up on Sunday 12th May. Everyone is welcome, so please do come along with any unwanted childrenโs clothing to add to the installation, or simply stop by and join us in a moment of reflection and solidarity.โ
For further information on how to get involved or to volunteer, please check out the Facebook event on Swindon Palestine Solidarity page or email clothesmemorial@icloud.comย
By Mick Brianphotos by Chris Watkins Media Disney aficionados will need no introduction to โThe Little Mermaid,โ Disneyโs 1989 film about mermaids falling in loveโฆ
Remember, remember, weโre moving into November; leaves, loads of โem! Being as we are no longer doing weekly roundups, hereโs some highlights of events inโฆ
The simple answer is yes, very concerned. Following the publication of an article in Melksham Newsโs last issue questioning the councilโs public notice policy, Wiltshireโฆ
Dumping pumpkins in the woods is bad for wildlife says Forestry England. As millions of pumpkins hit supermarket shelves and make their way to gardens,โฆ
If Phil Cooperโs 2018 โThoughts and Observations,โ was one of the first albums we ever reviewed here on Devizine, itโs been a while since Iโveโฆ
Beltane, May Day, or just plain bank holiday Monday; whatever you whatchamacallit, itโs the first day of May, and there’s lots to do in the wilds of Wiltshire this coming week. Hereโs what weโve foundโฆ.
Everything listed here is on our event calendar; go there for links and more info. It may be updated with even more things to do than listed here, so check in later in the week.
Ongoing: A Wiltshire Thatcher: A Photographic Journey Through Victorian Wessex runs at Wiltshire Museum, Devizes, until the end of August; review here.
White horse Arts Art Exhibition at Pamela House, Devizes, runs until 5th May.
Wednesday 1st May
Don’t forget to check our weekly recurring events page as well as the calendar, where youโll find the regular Devizes Salsa club at The Old School in Market Lavington every Wednesday.
The regular acoustic Jam at The Southgate, Devizes.
Wiltshire Music Centre has a screening of Carmen by the Royal Opera.
The Incident Room opens at The Rondo Theatre, Bath, runs until 4th May. Beyond Baka at the Bell, Bath. Champion Darts at Komedia.
Swindon Gilbert & Sullivan Society Presents Ruddigore at Swindon Arts Centre.
Thursday 2nd
Fashion Against Fear: FearFree Fashion Show at the Condado Lounge, Devizes. Preview here. Rum & Records at the Muck & Dunder.
Annie Dressner at Chapel Arts, Bath. Willie J Healey at Komedia, and Origins 360 Bakey.
The Bug Club at The Tree House, Frome. Jake Bugg at the Cheese & Grain.
Friday 3rd
Midnight Hour at The Three Crowns, Devizes. Mark Colton is at the Pelican.
Josh Kumra at The Barge on Honey Street.
Open Mic at The Parade Cinema, Marlborough.
Annie Dressner is at The Pump, Trowbridge, with Thieves and Ed Blunt.
Plan of Action at the Grapes, Melksham.
Gigspanner at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Jon Amor Trio at The Beehive, Swindon. ZZ Toppd at The Vic.
Marvin Muonekรฉ Quartet at Mount Pleasant Social Club, Bradford-on-Avon. Jacqui Dankworth Trio at Wiltshire Music Centre. Cantaloop at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.
Somewhere Over England at Chapel Arts, Bath, with support from The Mamils. A Fame event at Komedia.
Sir Ian Botham at the Cheese & Grain, Frome.
And itโs festival time! The Magic Teapot opens for the weekend. And Teddy Rocks Festival at Blandford Forum.
Saturday May the 4th Be With You!
Urchfont Scarecrow Festival opens and runs until Monday.
Star Wars Day Park Run at Quakers Walk, Devizes. May Day Fun at The Market Place, from 11am-1pm. A Seed Bomb Workshop at Hillworth Park from 11am-1pm. Garden & Plant Swap at Pamela House. Kidical Mass bicycle ride from 11am in the Market Place.
Jamie R Hawkins is at The Southgate, Devizes. Beaux Gris Gris & The Apocalypse with Ruzz Guitar and Jon Amor as guests, at The Corn Exchange.
Illingworth & George Wilding at the Crown, Bishop’s Cannings.
No Alarms & No Devizes at the Barge, Honey Street.
South West Comedy Show at The Civic, Trowbridge.
Shot by Both Sides at Chippenham Consti Club.
Star Wars Day at Melksham Assembly Hall.
On Remand at The Royal Oak, Wootton Rivers.
Frenzy at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon
FREE COMIC BOOK DAY at American Dream Comics, Bath. Krater Comedy Club, The Big Disco at Komedia.
Gordon Giltrap John Etheridge at Pound Arts, Corsham.
March For Palestine; 11am start at Regent Circus, Swindon. 12 Bars Later at The Swiss Chalet. Pink Mac at The Vic.
The Cuban Brothers at the Cheese & Grain, Frome, with DJ Yoda. Pet Needs at the Tree House.
Sunday 5th
Sour Apple at The Three Crowns, Devizes from 3pm. Jon Amor Trio with guest Jerry Crozier-Cole at The Southgate, from 5pm.
Southwestern (Adam Woodhouse) at the Lamb, Urchfont.
Open Mic at The Barge on Honey Street.
Open Mic at Red Lion, Lacock.
Cousin Norm’s 5th Birthday at Cousin Norm’s, Chippenham.
Open Mic at The Lamb, Trowbridge.
Schtumm…. Presents Catfish at The Queens Head, Box.
Super Blue Moon at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon. The Chimpanzees Of Happy Town, a relaxed family concert at Wiltshire Music Centre. Ensemble 360 in the evening at the Centre.
โPeace, War and 9/11โ followed by Q&A with Matt Campbell and Piers Robinson at Chapel Arts, Bath. Komedia has a free community festival; the groove edition, featuring the Cable Street Collective, Ryan-D-Auria, Badlands Vonj, and Plume.
Shades of Seattle vs Nu-Call at The Vic, Swindon. David Scheel at Swindon Arts Centre.
Clinton Baptisteโs Roller Ghoster at the Cheese & Grain, Frome. Rรญoghnach Connolly & Honeyfeet at The Tree House.
Monday 6th
The Reason at The Three Crowns, Devizes.
Dirt Road Acoustic at The Lamb, Urchfont.
Animals Guyz Presents Amazing Animals at the Cheese & Grain, Frome.
Tuesday 7th
Thanks for the Memories at Melksham Assembly Hall.
Swindon Festival Of Literature opens at Swindon Arts Centre, Dr Caroline Campbell and
Alasdair Beckett-King.
WIG Presents Bath Drag Performer of the year at Komedia.
The Orielles at the Cheese & Grain, Frome.
And thatโs all weโve got for now. Events listed here are subject to change, we are not responsible for cancellations, errors or postponements in anything listed.
Important note two, events which come to our attention from now on in, will be updated on the Event Calendar and NOT HERE. So, be sure to check in from time to time, use the Event Calendar to find more info on everything listed on here, and for ticket links, etc. Use the Event Calendar to check for updates and planning ahead.
Did we miss you out? Did you tell us about your event? Itโs not that we donโt like you, itโs because Devizine uses many sources to collate these listings, and sometimes we miss a few things. Listing your event here is free, but please make it easier for me by messaging or emailing the info, and then, and this is the really important part, make sure Iโve added it and let me know if not!
Devizes Outdoor Celebratory Arts announced their upcoming project, YEA Devizes today. Made possible by a grant from National Grid Electricity Transmissionโs Community Grant Programme, theโฆ
Alberta Cross, along with the up-and-coming local bands Something Moves and BroccoliBoy, will perform at a charity gig on Saturday 30th November at 23 Bathโฆ
Chippenhamโs young folk singer-songwriter Meg, or M3G if you want to get numeric, will release her 6th single The Mist on Friday 18th October, andโฆ
Our very own illustrious orchestra, The Fulltone Orchestra, are staging live performances of Enyaโs 1988 breakthrough album, Watermark in Basingstoke, Bath and Cheltenham later thisโฆ
Forget the feud between Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac Shakur, this is England’s West Country rivals The Skimmity Hitchers and Monkey Bizzle in a vicious rapโฆ
One weekend away from Beltane, or May Day to Christains, bank holiday Monday to everyone else, still lots to do in the wilds of Wiltshire this coming week besides. Hereโs what weโve foundโฆ.
Everything listed here is on our event calendar; go there for links and more info. It may be updated with even more things to do than listed here, so check in later in the week…..
Wednesday 24th
The regular acoustic Jam at The Southgate, Devizes.
Don’t forget to check our weekly recurring events page as well as the calendar, where youโll find the regular Devizes Salsa club at The Old School in Market Lavington every Wednesday.
Open Mic at Stallards, Trowbridge.
Joe Martin performs his debut album โEmpty Passenger-Seat,โ stripped back and acoustic at Chapel Arts, Bath. Skylight opens at the Rondo Theatre, running until Saturday. Manfredi Funk Initiative at the Bell, Bath.
The Big Jam Session at the Vic, Swindon.
Thursday 25th
Valuation & Buying Event at Gerrardโs Auction Room in Devizes Town Hall.
Runny Snottsโ regular acoustic sessions at the Neeld, Chippenham. PSG Choirsโ free taster session at King Alfredโs Hall. The ELO Encounterโs Blue Sky Tour at the Neeld. LGBGT+ drop in session at Chippenham Community Hub.
The Jersey New Boys at Melksham Assembly Hall.
Mellow sax classics with Timeout at the Old Bell, Warminster.
The Blackheart Orchestra at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Sultans of Swingers at The Mallard, Lyneham.
Cooper’s Creek & Atari PIlot (solo) at The Tuppenny, Swindon. Scott Mickelson at the Vic.
Lucy Beaumont – The Trouble & Strife at The Wyvern Theatre.
The Leisure Society Trio at Chapel Arts, Bath.
Friday 26th
Devizes Pubic Livng Room meet at the Cheese Hall every Friday from 1pm. Indie Disco with DJs Stevie MC & Thorfinn at the Exchange in Devizes.
Adam Woodhouse at the Barge, Seend Cleeve.
Duelling Pianos Night with Will Blake and Dino Baptiste at The King Alfred Hall, Holt.
Scott Mickelson at the Old Road Tavern, Chippenham.
The Often Herd at the Pump in Trowbridge, Masa in support. Park Lane Big Band at The Civic.
Bill Laurance at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.
Captain Accident & The Disasters at the Winchester Gate, Salisbury.
The First Raitt Band, a tribute to Bonnie Raitt at Chapel Arts, Bath.
Rachel Parris – Poise at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon. The Ramonas at the Vic, with Death Pop in support.
Sack Sabbath at the Cheese & Grain, Frome.
Saturday 27th
Family Games every Saturday at Devizes Library from 10am. April Sighthound Stroll, Devizes. Devizes Scooter Club has a 70s-80s disco at Devizes FC.
The Roughcut Rebels at The Three Crowns. Barrelhouse at The Southgate. Devizes LGBTQ+ Drag Queen Bingo Night at the Wyvern Club.
Rod Stewart Tribute at Erlestoke Golf Club.
The Chaos Brothers at The Lamb, Marlborough. Karaoke at the Bear. Two Complicated at the Crown in Aldbourne.
12 Bars Later at The Talbot, Calne.
Melksham Makers’ Market at the Market Place. Bob Marley Tribute Night at Spencer’s Club in Melksham. Delray Rockets at Melksham Rock n Roll Club.
Thereโs a Doorway Sleepout in Chippenham. Kandu Arts New Music Showcase at the Rotary Club on Station Hill.
James and the Cold Gun at The Pump, Trowbridge.
Joanna MacGregor at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.Joe Hunt at the Castle Inn. SicNote at The Boathouse.
Richard Herringโs Can I Have My Ball Back Tourโs warm-up at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Elevation at Tucker’s Grave Inn, Faulkland.
The Scribes
The Scribes at the Vic, Swindon. One Chord Wonders at Ashford Road Club. SALOS – The Greatest Show Concert at Swindon Arts Centre. Simon Reeve – To The Ends Of The Earth at The Wyvern Theatre.
Mother Vulture at the Winchester Gate, Salisbury.
Vintage Bazaar at the Cheese & Grain, Frome, followed by Paul Youngโs behind the lens.
Sunday 28th
Sunflower Eventsโ Artisan Market & Gift Fair at the Corn Exchange, Devizes. April Sighthound Stroll, Devizes.
Open Mic at the Red Lion, Lacock.
Corsairs at the Bear, Marlborough.
April Open Mic at The Old Road Tavern, Chippenham. Blue Bus at Wellington Place, Hullavington.
Jinder & Mark Harrison at The Queenโs Head,Box. The Dirty Weather at the Bell, Bath.
Monday 29th
Praying Mantis & Soulweaver at the Vic, Swindon.
ViperTime at the Bell, Bath.
Tuesday 30th
Let’s Walk – Caen Hill & Jubilee Wood, Devizes. Open Mic at the Tap at the Peppermill, Devizes.
Rumours of Fleetwood Mac at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.
And thatโs all weโve got for now, other than some technical gubbings to say: Events listed here are subject to change, we are not responsible for cancellations, errors or postponements in anything listed.
Important note two, events which come to our attention from now on in, will be updated on the Event Calendar and NOT HERE. So, be sure to check in from time to time, use the Event Calendar to find more info on everything listed on here, and for ticket links, etc. Use the Event Calendar to check for updates and planning ahead.
Did we miss you out? Did you tell us about your event? Itโs not that we donโt like you, itโs because Devizine uses many sources to collate these listings, and sometimes we miss a few things. Listing your event here is free, but please make it easier for me by messaging or emailing the info, and then, and this is the really important part, make sure Iโve added it and let me know if not!
Itโs been a fantastic summer for Wiltshireโs indie-pop favourites Talk in Code. I think Iโve caught them live at least four times, and only onceโฆ
I was chatting to Josh Oldfield last week, a Devizes singer-songwriter I believe weโll be hearing a lot more of. Though this interview was pendingโฆ
by Ian Diddamsimages by Josie Mae-Ross Noel Coward is probably best known for โBlithe Spiritโ but he in fact wrote sixty-five stage plays over aโฆ
Comedy in Devizes is a rare thing, unless you count visitors turning right at the Shaneโs Castle junction, reading opinions on the Devizes Issues (butโฆ
Seems like an age since I last visited Bradford-on-Avonโs wonderful Wiltshire Music Centre, though Iโve been listing their vast range of events on our calendar.โฆ
Wiltshire Music Events UK has hosted tons of memorable events locally, from CrownFest and The Marley Experience at Devizes Corn Exchange, to more everyday gigsโฆ
Here we go with what weโve found to do in the wilds of Wiltshire this coming week, exciting stuff, I know!
Everything listed here is on our event calendar; go there for links and more info. It may be updated with even more things to do than listed here, so check in later in the week.….
Wednesday 17th
Acoustic Jam at The Southgate, Devizes.
Emmanuel Coppey and Antoine Prรฉat at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.
Two times BBC Folk Award winner Daoirรญ Farrell is at Chapel Arts, Bath.
Memory Cinema, for those with dementia, at Swindon Arts Centre are showing A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum. Tom Houghtonโs Itโs Not Ideal at Swindon Arts Centre. Peppa Pigโs Fun Day Out at The Wyvern Theatre.
Show Of Hands โ Full Circle Farewell Tour at the Cheese & Grain, Frome.
Thursday 18th
Quiz Night at the Peppermill, Devizes in aid of The Cotswolds Dogs & Cats Home.
PSG Choir taster session at the King Alfred Hall, Chippenham.
Thieves & Skiddy at The Tuppenny, Swindon. The Big Fat Monthly Quiz at the Vic.
Memory Sing at Swindon Arts Centre. Primary School Assembly Bangers Live! at Swindon Arts Centre. Peppa Pigโs Fun Day Out at The Wyvern Theatre.
Fretn Keyz with Dave Howell at Rude Giant Beerhouse, Salisbury.
Friday 19th
Youth Work Auction Fundraiser at John OโGaunt School, Trowbridge.
Take the Stage at the Neeld, in Chippenham. Chippenham Beer Festival too.
Bradford Roots Special at The Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon with Billy in the Lowground, Daisy Chapman and Thieves; Edโs pick of the week, that one is! Preview here.
The Droogs & John E Viztic at The Three Horseshoes in Bradford-on-Avon.
People Like Us at Prestbury Sports Bar, Westbury.
Swindon Jazz & Soul Festival, preview here. Draining The Swamp at Swindon Arts Centre. Barrelhouse & The Leon Daye Band at the Vic.
Winginโ It at The George & Dragon, Salisbury. A Murder Mystery at Salisbury Cathedral.
Johnny Cash Revisited at Chapel Arts, Bath.
ex Wishbone Ash, Martin Turner is at The Tree House, Frome.
Saturday 20th
Roma Antoine Exhibit and Art Sale at Tonka Bean, Devizes. Devizes Swap Shop at St James Church. The Bren Jones Big Band at the Wharf Theatre. Strange Folk at The Southgate. Down the Hatch at The Three Crowns. DJ Tappa Tappa at the Exchange.
Oriental Antiques Indigo Antiques Open Day at Manningford Bruce, Pewsey. Dutty Moonshine at the Barge on HoneyStreet. @59 at The Woodborough Social Club.
Martyโs Fake Family at The Pilot, Melksham.
The Future Sound of Trowbridge #8 at the Pump in Trowbridge; preview Here.
Mighty Magic Animal at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon. Griff Rhys Jones: The Catโs Pyjamas at Wiltshire Music Centre.
Pop-Up Bowie at Chapel Arts, Bath.
Driftwood at Tuckerโs Grave Inn, Faulkland.
Junkyard Dogs at The Kingโs Arms, Amesbury. Are You Worthy & Grant Sharkey at the Winchester Gate, Salisbury. Salisbury Pride Fundraiser at The Hope & Anchor, Salisbury.
Rosie Holt โ Thatโs Politainment! at Swindon Arts Centre. Wrong Jovi at the Vic. The Worried Men at The Queenโs Tap. The Tin Shack Band at The Woodlands Edge.
The Shires at the Cheese & Grain, Frome is sold out, so too is Bare Jams at the Tree House. Try the 41 Fords at The Sun; we love the 41 Fords!
Sunday 21st
Mr Griff at The Southgate, Devizes from 5pm. Devizes Town Band Showtime Sensations at the Corn Exchange, Devizes.
Open Mic at Red Lion, Lacock.
Jazz on Sunday Afternoon at Little Cheverall Village Hall.
The Dirty Weather Blues Revue at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.
VW Campfest begins at Stonehenge.
Mini Ravers โ Spring Tour at The Cheese & Grain, Frome.
Monday 22nd and Tuesday 23rd
I got nothing, yet; keep a keen eye on our updating event calendar, as Iโm way behind updating it, and still got the front garden to sort out! Weeds, huh? I used go out to the garden to smoke de grass, nowadays I just go out to the garden to cut de grass!!
And thatโs all weโve got for now, other than some technical gubbings to say: Events listed here are subject to change, we are not responsible for cancellations, errors or postponements in anything listed.
Important note two, events which come to our attention from now on in, will be updated on the Event Calendar and NOT HERE. So, be sure to check in from time to time, use the Event Calendar to find more info on everything listed on here, and for ticket links, etc. Use the Event Calendar to check for updates and planning ahead.
Did we miss you out? Did you tell us about your event? Itโs not that we donโt like you, itโs because Devizine uses many sources to collate these listings, and sometimes we miss a few things. Listing your event here is free, but please make it easier for me by messaging or emailing the info, and then, and this is the really important part, make sure Iโve added it and let me know if not!
The “Business Fit For Future” programme has launched with startups across Wiltshire seizing the opportunity to participate in free online business planning workshops. This initiativeโฆ
Featured Photo: Forestry England/Crown copyright Planned timber harvesting is set to begin at popular walking destination, West Woods, from the end of September until Marchโฆ
Despite the population of Devizes throwing confetti and paint at each other in their most celebrated annual ritual, I believe I picked the right weekendโฆ
The newly drafted forest plan for West Woods and Collingbourne is open for public consultation until Monday 7 October. The plan outlines how each woodland willโฆ
If there’s been welcomed stand-ins for the monthly Jon Amor Trio residency at the Southgate in Devizes recently, Ruzz Evans and Eddie Martin, Jon โtheโฆ
Supporters of local live music know, least they should do by now, that Swindon is the place to head this following weekend, 12th-15th September, becauseโฆ
Spring has sprung! There were two snails on my milk-float this morning, opening โdoing it,โ without shame; absolute filth! โฆ. I should have filmed it (in a jealous rage!) there might be a gap in the market for mollusc porn! Birds, bees, now snails, theyโre all getting some!
Okay, letโs get you out and about, and you never know your luck, you too can be like those snails! Hereโs what weโve found to do in the wilds of Wiltshire this coming weekโฆ..
Everything listed here is on our event calendar; go there for links and more info. It may be updated with even more things to do than listed here, so check in later in the week.
Ongoing: Devizes RAF Squadron still have their Easter Egg Hunt running across Devizes, until 14th April; Iโd have eaten the lot by now!
And then There Were None runs at the Wharf Theatre, Devizes until Saturday; review HERE.
Wednesday 10th
Crafty Kids at Hillworth Park, Devizes. Acoustic Jam at The Southgate. White Horse Operaโs La Boheme at Lavington School opens and runs up to Saturday.
Runny Snotts Open Mic at the Three Crowns, Chippenham.
Dom Martin Solo Tour with special guest: Demi Marriner, at Chapel Arts, Bath.
Easter Panto, Beauty And The Beast at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon. Pop Kids Mini Rave at the Vic, with a Big Jam Session in the evening.
Thursday 11th
PSG Choir taster session at the King Alfred Hall, Chippenham.
Boo Hewerdine plus support: Vlado Nosal at Chapel Arts, Bath.
Tommy Hale & the Magnificent Bastards at the Beehive, Swindon. Lost Revellers at The Tuppenny. Tanwood Youth Theatreโs Frozen Jr. opens at Swindon Arts Centre, runs until Sunday. An Evening Of Burlesque at The Wyvern Theatre.
Friday 12th
Karaoke Night with Karl Maggs at the Exchange, Devizes.
Open Mics at The Barge on HoneyStreet, and The Parade Cinema, Marlborough.
Americana Beer Festival at The Bell, Bowden Hill, Lacock.
Sound of the Sirens at the Pump, Trowbridge, with Bluebeard in support.
This Carpenters Masquerade at Melksham Assembly Hall.
West of England Youth Orchestra Relaxed Family Concert at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon. Heavy For the Tropics at The Three Horseshoes.
Jon Amor Trio at The Ram, Bath. Emma Stevens Bandโs โBloomโ Tour plus support from BLรNID at Chapel Arts.
Barrelhouse at The New Inn, Swindon. Motorheadache at the Vic. Plucking Different at the Beehive. 12 Bars Later at The Village Inn, Shaw. Sir Bradley Wiggins at The Wyvern Theatre.
The Scribesโ Boombox at the Winchester Gate, Salisbury.
Saturday 13th
Museum Explorers Club โ Animals in the Museum at Wiltshire Museum, Devizes. Museum Explorers club is for 5-7 year olds and is an introduction to popular topics such as the Romans and Ancient Egyptians. The Great British Yarn Crawl at Pins & Needles on Snuff Street, Devizes.
Humdinger at The Three Crowns, Devizes. Cooperโs Creek at The Southgate. Dreamettes at Devizes Conservative Club. And Stevie MC is in the mix at the Exchange.
But, Editorโs Pick of the Week is The Marley Experience at the Corn Exchange, Devizes. Iโve been looking forward to this since CrownFest last summer; hope to see you thereโฆjamminโ โtil the jam is done!
Meatloud at Melksham Assembly Hall. The Corsairs at The Grapes. The Singing Herdsman at The Pilot.
The Chaos Brothers at The Talbot, Calne.
The Monkey Dolls at the Lamb, Marlborough.
The Exact Opposite at the Pump, Trowbridge.ย
The Idle Silence, Cult Python, & Otterman at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.
Fire & Rain & American Pie at Chapel Arts, Bath.
Stockers Street Food Festival at The Hop, Swindon. The Daybreakers at the Vic.
The Good Old Fashioned Lover Boys at Tuckers Grave Inn, Faulkland.
The JB Conspiracy at the Winchester Gate, Salisbury.ย
Top Secret โ The Magic of Science at the Cheese & Grain, Frome. Mother Vulture at The Tree House.
Sunday 14th
CSF Wrestling at the Corn Exchange, Devizes. Jon Amor Trio Special with guest Stevie Watts at The Southgate.
Open Mic at Red Lion, Lacock.
Deadlight Danceโs The Wiltshire Gothic Album Launch at The Blue Boar, Aldbourne. Album reviewed HERE.
Murder Trial Tonight at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.
Barney & Kelly at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.
Monday 15th
Macbeth at Swindon Arts Centre, also runs on Tuesday.
Tuesday 16th
The Lost Trades at The Piggybank, Calne.
Swindon Jazz & Soul Festival Fringe event for Jazz Knights at The Royal Oak, Swindon, A celebration of Herbie Hancock, with Tom Berge.
Poetika at the Winchester Gate, Salisbury.
And thatโs all weโve got for now, other than some technical gubbings to say: Events listed here are subject to change, we are not responsible for cancellations, errors or postponements in anything listed.
Important note two, events which come to our attention from now on in, will be updated on the Event Calendar and NOT HERE. So, be sure to check in from time to time, use the Event Calendar to find more info on everything listed on here, and for ticket links, etc. Use the Event Calendar to check for updates and planning ahead.
And, while we’re planning ahead, April is hotting up, believe me, loads of good, good, even gooder stuff and stuff gooder than them! Have a look at the coming month HERE.ย ย
Did we miss you out? Did you tell us about your event? Itโs not that we donโt like you, itโs because Devizine uses many sources to collate these listings, and sometimes we miss a few things. Listing your event here is free, but please make it easier for me by messaging or emailing the info, and then, and this is the really important part, make sure Iโve added it and let me know if not!
Devizes-own indie-pop-punk youth sensation Nothing Rhymes With Orange smashed the Exchange on Friday as a farewell to their local fanbase. They pursue a music courseโฆ
Reports of another road traffic accident at the notorious Black Dog Crossroads near Lavington today coincides with Wiltshire Councillor for the Lavington constituency, Dominic Munsโฆ
For that certain some-Karen who drove through town last weekend, jumped on social media to waffle off the clichรฉ rant โnothing happens in Devizes,โ butโฆ
Trowbridge-Devizes finest musical export for a decade or two, acoustic folk vocal harmony trio, The Lost Trades, step out for a nationwide tour this September.โฆ
The Fulltone Orchestra has confirmed today that their annual festival will take place on The Green in Devizes from 25th โ 27th July 2025โฆ. โItโsโฆ
Brave young fundraiser, Chloe Boyle did it! Just as she promised, Chloe slept outside in her garden Friday night, and raised an amazing ยฃ600 for homeless charity Devizes Opendoors; fantastic Chloe, congratulations! You are a trooper!
ยฃ57 of it Chloe raised herself, running a cuddly toy stall at school. But this amazing effort is only part of the continued fundraising Chloe has done for Opendoors and other charities.
If cities host Big Sleepouts, this was surely Devizes’ Little Sleepout, and brave Chloe managed the whole night outside. Mum, Julie said, โI have to say I wasn’t as prepared as I thought, for the amount of noise that happens all through the night.โ
โI am so incredibly proud of Chloe for sticking out what was a really tough night in the end. It is not like being at a campsite where everyone around you is there for a holiday too, and the noise is a minimum. She has definitely taught me something through this fundraiser too. She really is a beautiful soul.โ
We agree, well done, Chloe, and keep up the awesome fundraising. You are an inspiration to us all. Seems the Mayor thinks so too, and this week, Chloe received a young person’s civic award from the Mayor.ย A very busy Easter holiday!
Julie said, โall of her efforts are only possible because of the amazing people in our community.โ Thanks to everyone for their support, homelessness is increasing locally, and Opendoors is there to help.
Devizes Music Academy brings us Six: Teen Edition This Saturday, and we wish all the young performers the very best of luck!
So, I find myself chatting with Jemma Brown, who, if you live in Devizes but donโt know, you donโt get out much! With husband Anthony, theyโre the brainchild of drama group The Invitation Theatre Company, and FullTone, our homegrown orchestra which has thrilled audiences from Marlborough College to Bath Abbey and beyond, yet annually return to town to stage the most breathtaking FullTone Festivalโฆ.but thereโs a new style of show heading our way this Saturday 6th Aprilโฆ..
Jemma has brought together a phenomenal team under the Devizes Music Academy banner, a school of performing arts she has run for the past two years, and their phenomenal cast of young people, to bring an historical masterpiece to the stage in the centre of Devizes this weekend. Six:Teen Edition is a full-length adaptation of Toby Marlow and Lucy Mossโ Six, modified for performance by teen actors for family audiences.
Six was created and written by Marlow and Moss. What began as a one-off student production staged at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2017 has gone on to be staged professionally, and is currently seen on stages in Londonโs West End, on Broadway and on tours across the UK, Australia, New Zealand, North America, and nowโฆ..(insert drum roll here) ….Devizes!!!
Twenty local 13-19 year olds will be smashing their way through the stories of the lives of Katherine of Aragon (Ruby Phipps), Anne Boleyn (Amelie Smith), Jane Seymour (Jess Self), Anne of Cleves (Kelsey Husband), Catherine Howard (Mia Jepson) and Kateryn (thatโs how you spell it!) Parr (Lisa Grime), with 14 Ladies in Waiting in support – and promises to be quite something.
Think our young people canโt pull off a show of this magnitude? Think again! Jemma said โweโve spent the week absolutely drilling this show in full scale all day rehearsals – the voices of the six queens are off the scale and the entire attitude towards the production from all the performers has blown us away. We have full on tech from the best team (Patch Productions) coming in and quite literally are bringing the West End to the West Country! The music, the story telling, the dancing, the total and pure emotion of the songs, both in hilarity and devastation, rivals adult productions – fact. I canโt quite believe weโre doing it and that the young performers themselves have pulled off such a fantastic end result. Itโs very very exciting!โ
Itโs on at Devizes Corn Exchange for one day only – Saturday 6th April, but thereโs two showtimes, 2:30pm and 7:30pm. The strapline asks, would โHenry VIII approve of this show?! When you see SIX, weโre pretty sure youโll all be in agreementโฆ.who cares?!โ Devzine wishes Jemma and all the youths performing, we know a few from previous performances, all the very best with this amazing sounding show, and Iโm certain, no one will need their heads chopped off!
We fully agree with Jemma when she expressed, โsupporting young talent is so important, because encouraging kids to put themselves out there is a fantastic thing andโฆ..you might be surprised just how much you enjoy this gem of a show!โ
Tickets are from Devizes Books priced ยฃ15/ยฃ20; or online HERE.
Chandra, Hindu God of the Moon, with his own NASA X-ray observatory named after him, and also frontman of a self-named friendly Bristol-based four-piece pop-punkโฆ
Paul’s self-made cover to his latest single, Some Days depicts a fellow sitting under a tree pondering life, while an autumn zephyr blows leaves aroundโฆ
Itโs when you hear those American addresses, like house number 21,456 Park Avenue, you realise Long Street in Devizes is a long street only comparableโฆ
Impressive, in a word, is the Lawrence Art Societyโs annual exhibition at Devizes Town Hall this year, in both quality and quantity; you’ll be amazedโฆ
Following on from last monthโs email, this is a final reminder that yearโs Imberbus service will be running this coming Saturday โ 17th August 2024.โฆ
Hereโs our bitesize look at whatโs happening in the wilds of Wiltshire this coming weekโฆ. Everything listed here is on our event calendar; go thereโฆ
by Ben Niamor A first outing on Saturday to Sound Knowledge for Devizes favourite Elles Bailey, whose latest album dropped Friday, and this mini tourโฆ
First week of April, thereโs no fooling you, hereโs what weโve found to doโฆ..
Everything listed here is on our event calendar; go there for links and more info. It may be updated with even more things to do than listed here, so check in later in the week.
Wednesday 3rd
Crafty Kids in Hillworth Park, Devizes. RAF Cadetsโ Easter Egg Hunt continues across Devizes until 14th April. Easter Bouncy Castle Kingdom on the Green until 5th April.
Acoustic Jam at The Southgate, Devizes.
Eric Walrond: A Caribbean Writer in Wiltshire โ Free Talk at Melksham Library.
Screening of The Royal Opera Madama Butterfly at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.
Simon Munneryโs Jerusalem at Swindon Arts Centre.
Thursday 4th
Thereโs Easter themed holiday activities at Wiltshire Museum, Devizes. Rum & Records at the Muck & Dunder, Devizes.
Andrew Hurst is at St Nicholas Church, Bromham.
Hooch at The Tuppenny, Swindon. Subhumans at the Vic. Griff Rhys Jones: The Catโs Pyjamas at Swindon Arts Centre. The Illegal Eagles at The Wyvern Theatre.
Salisbury Open Mic at the Winchester Gate, Salisbury.
Plumhall at Chapel Arts, Bath.
Friday 5th
Brian Poole at Long Street Blues Club, Devizes.
Teenage Halloween, Start The Sirens and Trashed at The Pump, Trowbridge. Open Mic at Newtown Social Club.
12 Bars Later at The 3 Brewers, Corsham.
The Forgetting Curve & Little Villains at the Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon. Kammerphilharmonie Europa at the Wiltshire Music Centre.
Swindon Old Town Comedy Club at Christ Church. Black Parade at the Vic. Phil Ellisโ Excellent Comedy Show at Swindon Arts Centre. King of Pop starring Navi and Jennifer Batten at The Wyvern Theatre.
Martin Carthy at Chapel Arts, Bath.
Norman Jayโs Norman Soul at the Cheese & Grain, Frome.
Saturday 6th
Jamie Williams
Jamie Williams & The Roots Collective at The Southgate, Devizes. The Clones at The Three Crowns. SIX: The Musical โ Teen Edition at the Corn Exchange. Back to the 80s party night at the Bear Hotel.
Mick Jogger & the Stones Experience at Seend Community Centre.
Siren at The Pilot, Melksham.
John Hackett Band at the Pump, Trowbridge.
Cara Dillon at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon. Desperate Measures, The Setbacks & Death Traps at the Three Horseshoes.
John Otway & Wild Willy Barrett at The Merlin Theatre, Bath.
The Beatles Complete Tribute Show at the Athenaeum Centre, Warminster.
Gaz Brookfield is in the Tent, at the Winchester Gate, Salisbury.
41 Fords at Tuckerโs Grave Inn, Faulkland.
Motley Crude at the Vic, Swindon. Swindon Recital Series at Swindon Arts Centre. Northern Live โ Do I Love You at The Wyvern Theatre.
A Band Called Malice at The Tree House, Frome.
Sunday 7th
Jim Blair at The Southgate, Devizes from 5pm.
Open Mic at The Red Lion, Lacock.
Little Wander PresentsโฆRia Lina at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon. The Ben Fletcher Band at the Three Horseshoes.
Dreamboys at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.
Monday 8th
And then There Were None opens at the Wharf Theatre, Devizes, running until Saturday.
Tuesday 9th
Fish n Chip Supper & Quiz Night in aid of RNLA at Devizes Conservative Club.
Cafรฉ Concert at St Andrewโs Chippenham.
Swindon Jazz & Soul Festival Fringe, a Celebration of Wes Montgomery with Nigel Price at Jazz Knights, The Royal Oak, Swindon.
And thatโs all weโve got for now, other than some technical gubbings to say: Events listed here are subject to change, we are not responsible for cancellations, errors or postponements in anything listed.
Important note two, events which come to our attention from now on in, will be updated on the Event Calendar and NOT HERE. So, be sure to check in from time to time, use the Event Calendar to find more info on everything listed on here, and for ticket links, etc. Use the Event Calendar to check for updates and planning ahead.
And, while we’re planning ahead, April is hotting up, believe me, loads of good, good, even gooder stuff and stuff gooder than them! Have a look at the coming month HERE.
Did we miss you out? Did you tell us about your event? Itโs not that we donโt like you, itโs because Devizine uses many sources to collate these listings, and sometimes we miss a few things. Listing your event here is free, but please make it easier for me by messaging or emailing the info, and then, and this is the really important part, make sure Iโve added it and let me know if not!
Tickets are limited and selling fast for a staged reading of Oscar Wildeโs most renowned comedy masterpiece, The Importance of Being Earnest, performed in theโฆ
People from the Swindon community flocked to protect their town and itโs residents, in anticipation of the rumoured far right anti-immigration march through their townโฆ
New single out today from Swindon-based gothic-folk duo, Canuteโs Plastic Army, and itโs three yeses from meโฆCan one person give three yeses? Iโm way pastโฆ
Second impressive single from young Salisbury singer-songwriter Rosie Jay is released today. Sing Another Love Song; a sound of the summerโฆ.. Her debut breakup trackโฆ
The first Kamikaze moth of the year dive-bombed my face the other morning. Forget blossoming trees and tulips, that’s a milkmanโs sure sign of springโฆbecause we wear a headtorch, you see? Oh, never mind, what do you care?! You just want me to tell you whatโs happening over the eggtastic week in the wilds of Wiltshire; suppose so, if I must! Happy Easter one and all!
Everything listed here is on our event calendar; go there for links and more info. It may be updated with even more things to do than listed here, so check in later in the week.ย
Wednesday 27th
Last day to catch Vowvas film screening at Parnella House, Devizes, see poster for details.
Devizes Books PresentsโฆThe Island Continent; A trip through the history and culture of Australia at Wiltshire Museum. From the achievements of early Aboriginal tribes, through visits from European explorers, the inhabitants of the Red Centre and finally to the work of Australian imports to this country, they celebrate all that is great about the Antipodean life and culture. With contributions from Thomas Keneally, Nevil Shute, Clive James, Germaine Greer and Billy Connolly. An evening devised and introduced by Lewis Cowen. 7pm for 7.30pm. Tickets, ยฃ6, includes a glass of wine or soft drink and nibbles. Tickets available from Devizes Books cash only please. Or book by phoning 01380 725944 and pay cash on the door.
The regular Green Grub Club at St James, Devizes. And Acoustic Jam at the Southgate.
Opening night of Editorโs Pick of Week, Devizes Musical Theatre brings Sister Act to Daunstyโs School in West Lavington.
Siรขn Dicker: Waltonโs Songbook and Aly Bain & Phil Cunningham, both at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.
The Rondo Variety Show at The Rondo Theatre, Bath. Bethlehem Casuals at The Bell, Bath.
Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard at The Tree House, Frome.
Thursday 28th
Starting Thursday and running all weekend, Wadworth have open days at the Wadworth Brewery & Tap Shop, Devizes, promising a โWeโll Meet Again Big Weekend.โ
Regular PSG Choir workshop at King Alfred Hall, Chippenham.
Stuart Rolfe and Becky Lawrence at The Old Bell, Warminster.
Robert Brown at The Beehive, Swindon. Flo Parker Bombosch & Sienna Wileman at The Tuppenny. And itโs Vic Fest 2024 at the Vic, celebrating its tenth year, music all Easter โBandโ Holiday Weekend: eggs opening at 7:30pm with Chasing Dolls, Ritual Divide, Kotonic, Trashed and Falls On Deaf Ears.
Luisa Omielanโs Bitter at Swindon Arts Centre, and The Best Of Queen at the Wyvern.
Friday 29th
Easter Bunny Hunt across Devizes by the Devizes RAF Cadets, all weekend.
People Like Us at The Three Crowns, Devizes.
Some reggae and soca with David Brewster at the Bear, Marlborough.
Future Sound of Trowbridge #7 at the Pump, Trowbridge with Nothing Rhymes With Orange, SOAK and Feedback. Junkyard Dogs at The Red Admiral, Trowbridge.
Martyโs Fake Family at The Old Road Tavern, Chippenham. Regular Music event at the Cause Cafe in Chippenham.
Iain Ballamyโs Fascinada at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon. The Boot Hill All Stars at The Three Horseshoes.
Funkkinsteins at The Beehive, Swindon. The Chaos Brothers at The Ashford Road Centre. A Country Night in Nashville at the Wyvern. Vic Fest continues at the Vic, with Truck, Nervendings, Men In Vests, The Belladonna Treatment and Fluff.
Tool Shed: A Tribute to Tool at The Tree House, Frome. General Levy at the Cheese & Grain – amazing, and it doesnโt look sold out yet!
Saturday 30th
Melksham Lions Easter Egg Hunt.
Tom Davis & The Bluebirds at The Southgate, Devizes. Funked Up at the Pelican.
Nick Harperโs Tempus Fugitive tour at St Peterโs, Marlborough. Barrelhouse at The Lamb. And a reggae party with Razah-Hi-Fi at the Royal Oak.
Josh Kumra at the Barge, HoneyStreet.
The Unpredictables at The Bell, Great Cheverell.
Brad Stevens at The Consti Club, Chippenham.
The Lost Trades at The Pump, Trowbridge, sold out Iโm afraid. Be Like Will at the West Wilts Con Club in Trowbridge. Miss Bridy & The Two Notes at Gloucester Road Conservative Club. The Ultimate Retro Disco Party at the Civic.
Be Like Will
The Buttmonkeys at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon. The Mix at St Margaretโs Hall.
The Blue Moon Band at Tuckerโs Inn, Faulkland.
The Jukebox Graduates at The Swiss Chalet, Swindon. SGO at The Beehive. The Chaos Brothers at The Ashford Road Club. Awakening Savannah at The Woodlands Edge.
Marquee Square Heroes at Swindon Arts Centre. Bowie Live at the Wyvern. And Vic Fest at the Vic has Modern Evils, Life In Mono, Bluntnose, Sebastian & Me, Nothing Rhymes With Orange and Colour of Bone.
Reubenโs Daughters at the New Inn, Bath.
Junkyard Dogs at The Sun, Frome. The Wurzels at the Cheese & Grain. Viva Morrissey at The Tree House.
Junkyard Dogs
Sunday 31st
Scrambled Eggs Easter Hunt at Hillworth Park, Devizes. Illingworth at The Three Crowns. Adam Woodhouse’s Thieves at The Southgate, highly recommended if you like your Americana.
Thieves
Open Mic at the Red Lion, Lacock.
Junkyard Dogs at Calne Liberal Club.
Rob Clamp at The Barge, HoneyStreet.
Open Mic at The Old Road Tavern, Chippenham.
Sunday at Vic Fest, Swindon sees Kid Klumsy, Visceral Noise Department, AnyMinuteNo, Mr Badaxe, Rebel Station, Disruptive Influence, Bear Noir and Dangermind, from 5:30pm.
James Hollingworth at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.
The Authentics at Tuckerโs Inn, Faulkland.
Moonlit Poachers with Jake Puntis at the Long Room in Box.
Carmina 3 at The Bell, Bath, and a Palestine fundraiser with DJs Goodgroove, JayCee, and others, see poster.
Monday 1st April
Canal & River Trustโs Letโs Walk through Caen Hill & Jubilee Wood. South Western at The Three Crowns, Devizesfrom 3pm-5pm.
Junkyard Dogs at The Red Lion, Lacock.
Tuesday 2nd
Swindon Jazz & Soul Festival Fringe presents at Celebration of Stan Getz with Terry Quninney, for Jazz Knights at The Royal Oak, Swindon
And thatโs all weโve got for now, other than some technical gubbings to say: Events listed here are subject to change, we are not responsible for cancellations, errors or postponements in anything listed.
Important note two, events which come to our attention from now on in, will be updated on the Event Calendar and NOT HERE. So, be sure to check in from time to time, use the Event Calendar to find more info on everything listed on here, and for ticket links, etc. Use the Event Calendar to check for updates and planning ahead.
And, while weโre on about planning ahead, April is hotting up, believe me, loads of good, good, even gooder stuff and stuff gooder than them! Have a gander at the coming month HERE.ย ย
I would recommend Andrew Hurst at St Nicholas Church in Bromham Thursday 4th, Brian Poole at Long Street Blues Club Friday 5th, Mick Jogger at Seend Community Hall on Saturday 6th and the John Hackett Band at the Pump, or Cara Dillon at Wiltshire Music Centre.
Following week, you can find And Then There Were None opening at the Wharf Theatre, Devizes Monday 8th, and the Marley Experience on 13th April at Devizes Corn Exchange; unmissable.
Did we miss you out? Did you tell us about your event? Itโs not that we donโt like you, itโs because Devizine uses many sources to collate these listings, and sometimes we miss a few things. Listing your event here is free, but please make it easier for me by FB messaging or emailing the info, and then, and this is the really important part, make sure Iโve added it and let me know if not!
Tell Us About Your Event
Please make sure we’ve not already picked it up and listed it before submitting, it saves me a lot of time; thank you!
Big up the Easter weekend, remember Easter is a time for celebrating the coming of spring, the beauty it encompasses, and the bringing of new life to the worldโฆ. by all means cover yourself in melted chocolate and ask your partner to get licking, but unless youโre prepared for all the gubbings bringing a new life into the world personally presents, be sensible and pop a Johnny on it! Filth, I know, but only the headstrong read this far!!
Tory tears welled at County Hall this week, when Cllr Richard Clewer, leader of Wiltshire Council threw his teddies from his pram over the Government’sโฆ
Weโre into August already; Christmas before you know it, so you better get outside and taste the sun while it lastsโฆ. Hereโs what weโve foundโฆ
If it’s been a fantastic weekend on Devizes Green with the orchestral Full-Tone Festival, further out of town scooterists, mods, skins and anyone else withโฆ
Jam-packed July! If thereโs always lots to do throughout the year, July especially so! Hereโs what weโve found in the wilds of Wiltshire this coming weekโฆ.โฆ
Gallivanting through festival season omits crucial visits to my local watering hole; I’ve missed it sooo much, and now feel thoroughly refreshedโฆ with a hintโฆ
Hereโs whatโs happening over the coming week in the wilds of Wiltshire, hold onto your hats!
Everything listed here is on our event calendar; go there for links and more info. It may be updated with even more things to do than listed here, so check in later in the week.…
Ongoing: The Mousetrap at the Wyvern, Swindon runs until Saturday 23rd.
Wednesday 20th
Green Grub Club at St James, Devizes. Acoustic Jam at the Southgate.
Daniel Kemish at Chapel Arts, Bath. Tuto Tribe atThe Bell, Bath.
Thursday 21st
Iona Lane and Ella Clayton at the Pump, Trowbridge.
Jim Blair at The Beehive, Swindon. Somerset Velvet & Hatty Taylor at The Tuppenny.
Memory Sing at Swindon Arts Centre.
Adam’s Apple Jazz Trio at Chapel Arts, Bath.
Sylvertones at the Old Bell, Warminster.
Desperados (Eagles tribute) at The Cheese & Grain, Frome.
Friday 22nd
Devizes Ghost Walk with John Girvan. Eddie Martin Trio at The Southgate, Devizes. DJ Stevie MC at the Exchange.
Open Mic at The Barge, HoneyStreet
Damm! at The Bear, Marlborough
Band of Others at The Grapes, Melksham.
Take The Stage at the Neeld, Chippenham.
Eddie Gripper Trio at the Civic, Trowbridge. Wiltshire Rural Music Fundraiser at Emmanuals Yard.
Pussycat & The Dirty at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.
Furlined at The Beehive, Swindon. Moving Pictures at The Vic.
Ezio at Chapel Arts, Bath.
Rhythm Presents Funkagenda DJs at 23 Bath Street, Frome.
Saturday 23rd
Easter Egg Hunt at All Cannings. Jumble Sale at St Andrew’s Church, Devizes: 10-11am. John Rutterโs Requiem at St Andrewโs Church.ย Eddie Holgate Trio at the Southgate, Devizes.
Spring Concert at St Mary’s Church, Marlborough. Swipe Right at The Bear, Marlborough.
Peaky Blinders at The Pilot, Melksham. Rockin’ The Joint at Melksham Rock n Roll Club.
The Worried Men at The Talbot, Calne.
Radiation Sickness at The Consti Club, Chippenham. Counterfeit Quo, Status Quo Tribute Band at the Neeld.
Kevin Brownโs Shackdusters at the Pump, Trowbridge.
Moments of Pleasure; the Music of Kate Bush at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.
M&W and Underbliss at The Three Horseshoes.
Soul’d Out at Tucker’s Graveyard, Faulkland.
Solarbird at the Duck, Laverstock. Rob Clamp at The Winchester Gate, Salisbury.
Rachael Sage at Chapel Arts, Bath. Paul Footโs Dissolve at The Rondo Theatre, Bath.
A World Music Club at The Beehive, Swindon. Biffy McClyro at The Vic, Swindon.
Lottery Winners at the Cheese & Grain, Frome. Revelation Roots at the Tree House.
Sunday 24th
Sunflower Easter Fair at Devizes Corn Exchange: 11-4pm.
Josh Pughโs Existin’ La Vida Loca at Swindon Arts Centre. Jonathan Pie at the Wyvern, Swindon.
Junkyard Dogs at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.
The F.O.S. Brothers at The Bell, Bath.
Stevie Wonder tribute The Wonder of Stevie at the Cheese & Grain, Frome.
Monday 25th
The Great Big Dance Off at the Wyvern, Swindon.
Kevin Figes’ Wallpaper Music at The Bell, Bath.
Tuesday 26th
Spring Wreath Making at Hillworth Park, Devizes. And, it must be the first time Editorโs Pick of Week is on a Tuesday! The James Oliver Band play Devizes Conservative Club.
Jazz Knightโs Swindon Jazz & Soul Festival Fringe Event at The Royal Oak, Swindon, is a celebration of Grant Green with Chris Cobbson. How Sweet It Is at Swindon Arts Centre.
Rhod Gilbert & The Giant Grapefruit at the Wyvern.
Sue Harding at The Bell, Bath.
And thatโs all weโve got for now, other than some important things to say: Events listed here are subject to change, we are not responsible for cancellations, errors or postponements in anything listed.
Important note two, events which come to our attention from now on in, will be updated on the Event Calendar and NOT HERE. So, be sure to check in from time to time, use the Event Calendar to find more info on everything listed on here, and for ticket links, etc. Use the Event Calendar to check for updates and planning ahead.
And planning ahead, donโt forget Devizes Musical Theatre brings us Sister Act at Dauntsey’s School from Wednesday 27th until Saturday 30th March. Next week also sees Vic-Fest at the Vic in Swindon, with a huge line-up, People Like Us are at The Three Crowns, Devizes on Friday, while Nothing Rhymes with Orange headline the Pump in Trowbridge, The Lost Trades are there on Saturday. General Levy at Cheese & Grain Friday, The Wurzels on Saturday!
Nearly into April, where I would recommend Andrew Hurst at St Nicholas Church in Bromham Thursday 4th, Brian Poole at Long Street Blues Club Friday 5th, Mick Jogger at Seend Community Hall on Saturday 6th and the John Hackett Band at the Pump, or Cara Dillon at Wiltshire Music Centre.
Following week, you can find And Then There Were None opening at the Wharf Theatre, Devizes Monday 8th, and the Marley Experience on 13th April at Devizes Corn Exchange; unmissable.
Did we miss you out? Did you tell us about your event? Itโs not that we donโt like you, itโs because Devizine uses many sources to collate these listings, and sometimes we miss a few things. Listing your event here is free, but please make it easier for me by messaging or emailing the info, and then, and this is the really important part, make sure Iโve added it and let me know if not!
Featured Image by Simon Folkard Following the announcement earlier this year about the cancellation of the Devizes International Street Festival due the loss of Artsโฆ
Jam-packed July! If thereโs always lots to do throughout the year, July especially so! Hereโs what weโve found in the wilds of Wiltshire this comingโฆ
The 50th Anniversary of the now legendary Village Pump Festival, which was brought back to the UK festival circuit in 2018 by director Nicholas Reed,โฆ
Jam-packed July! If thereโs always lots to do throughout the year, July especially so!ย ย Hereโs what weโve found in the wilds of Wiltshire this comingโฆ
With the unfortunate cancellation of Devizes International Street Festival this year due to Arts Council cuts, all eyes are on our wonderful Hillworth Park nextโฆ
Wowzers! Huge congratulations and a colossal thanks to young Chloe Boyle from Devizes, who is planning to spend the night of April 5th sleeping outside to raise funds for Devizes OpenDoors, a charity supporting people who are homeless or vulnerable. But this is just the tip of the iceberg of Chloeโs amazing fundraising effortsโฆ..
Super proud parents said seven-year old Chloe is โvery much hoping for nice weather,โ but you know, April is an unpredictable time to do this, Chloe, wrap up warm! This brave endeavour has already raised an impressive ยฃ312, over the bold target of ยฃ225, the amount needed to fund five nights of emergency accommodation. Find the Just Giving Link HERE if you can help her top it up even further, thank you!
Chloe has been raising money for Devizes OpenDoors since she learnt about the charity in a school lesson. Mum, Julie said, โshe came home saying we had to run a toy stall for them.โ Since, she has run stalls, tombolas and raffles, and with lots of local support in Devizes over the last year, donating toys and buying things from her stalls, she raised over ยฃ500 for them.
In 2019 Chloe raised an amazing ยฃ1,600 for Hope for Hasti, a parent-led charity for Hasti, a ten year-old with a rare genetic disease called Cornelia de Lange Syndrome. I can’t even count that far, Chole!
Now operating at The Southbroom Centre on Victoria Road, Devizes OpenDoors is a charity to help people in the Devizes Community Area find solutions to homelessness; to offer support to local people when they are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless and to benefit local individuals in need, including the marginalised and vulnerable.
They provide four cooked meals a week, and with company and hot drinks, there is also the chance of a shower, and support and advice from staff and volunteers. OpenDoors are currently running low on various items in their food stores. You can follow their Facebook page for updates on what items theyโre short of, and you can find drop-off points in Lidl or Morrisons, or arrange to drop off to the centre directly through their website.
โWeโre camping out for OpenDoors,โ Chloe explained, โand thatโs who weโre raising money for.โ Well done Chloe and good luck, you are a super star fundraiser! Help her raise some money by donating HERE.
Need to keep informed and updated on the general election and its effect locally? Don’t bother with national media sources, everything you need to vomitโฆ
Jam-packed July! If thereโs always lots to do throughout the year, July especially so! Hereโs what weโve found in the wilds of Wiltshire this coming weekโฆ.โฆ
With the danceable penultimate act attracting a packed crowd, I observed a young teenager, who, on spotting a disregarded beer bottle, picked it up andโฆ
By Mick BrianPhotos by cast and arenaphotography William Shakespeareโs tragedy, inspired by real life eleventh century Scottish kings, is well known by anybody thatโs doneโฆ
Come on spring! Oh well, hereโs whatโs happening over the coming week in the wilds of Wiltshire, hold onto your hats, thereโs lots to get throughโฆ.
Everything listed here is on our event calendar; go there for links and more info. It may be updated with even more things to do than listed here, so check in later in the week. Nothing ongoing on our list, so, letโs jump right into the weekโฆ.
Find a podcast of everything listed, sprinkled with some great local music below. Itโs only a half hour long, trial thing, see how it goes, give it a listen, let me know what you think, especially if youโre the kind of person who cannot be bothered to read this! Music comes from Ruby Darbyshire, Canuteโs Plastic Army, Fly Yeti Fly, Ruzz Guitar with Peter Gage, and the Birdsmens.
Wednesday 6th
Green Grub Club at St James, Devizes. Acoustic Jam at the Southgate.
Eldermirth, the elderly daytime comedy show at The Neeld,Chippenham.
Cantaloop at The Bell, Bath.
Swindon Old Town Comedy Club at The Hop Inn with: Alex Kitson. Ross Noble at the Wyvern, Swindon. The Western Players โ Outside Edge at Swindon Arts Centre, running until 9th March.
Thursday 7th
Editor’s Pick of the Week; Jon Amor Trio Special with Ian Siegal at The Southgate, Devizes. Rum & Records at the Muck & Dunder.
PSG Choirs free taster session at King Alfred Hall, Chippenham.
Junkyard Dogs at The Old Bell, Warminster.
Canuteโs Plastic Army at The Beehive, Swindon. Mark Harrison at The Tuppenny. Taylormania at the Wyvern.
North Sea Gas at Chapel Arts, Bath.
Mobius Loop at 23 Bath Street, Frome. Sam Sweeney Band at The Tree House. Paul McKenna: Success For Life at the Cheese & Grain.
Friday 8th
Devizes Ghost Walk: with John Girvan. Cobalt Fire at The Southgate, Devizes. Palooza house night at The Exchange.
Seend Village Get Together at Seend Community Hall.
Frankisoul at the Pump, Trowbridge, with Syncopation Station.
Take the Stage at The Neeld, Chippenham.
Rewind to the 90โs โ Kevin and Perry lookโalikes at Venom Nightclub, Westbury.
Brasher, Eat Your Own Head, & Bad News First at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon. Junkyard Dogs at The Boathouse.
Rob Heron & The Tea Pad Orchestra at Chapel Arts, Bath. The Living Room, Jim Godfrey at the Grapes.
Shepherds Pie at The Vic, Swindon. At-It at The Queenโs Tap. Showaddywaddy at the Wyvern.
Saturday 9th
Wiltshire Climate Alliance’s Green Open Homes event opens and runs until 17th March. It is an opportunity to ask a local resident about an energy saving improvement that theyโve made, and see if it might work for you. On an event day, people who have made energy saving improvements open up their homes to share their experiences.
Matt & Tom at The Three Crowns, Devizes. Ruzz Guitar Trio at The Southgate. Matchbox Mutiny at the Moonrakers.
Fly Yeti Fly at Keevil Folk Club.
Pancho & Bear at Woodbrough Social Club.
Static Moves at the Lamb, Marlborough.
Scott Doonican at the Pump, Trowbridge. Martyโs Fake Family at The Greyhound.
Back to the 80s party night at Spencerโs Club, Melksham. Twice Bitten at The Pilot.
Phantom Lymb at The Talbot, Calne.
North Wiltshire Symphony Orchestra at St Andrewโs in Chippenham. Abba Sensations at the Neeld, Chippenham.
The Saga Louts at the Swiss Chalet, Swindon. Ghost UK with Phantom Droid at The Vic.
Black Rose at The Woodlandโs Edge. Dear Zoo at the Wyvern, Swindon.
Trowbridge Symphony Orchestra at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.
Full Tone Orchestraโs The Queen Symphony at Bath Abbey. Mumma Quiche and LC Hammered at The Bell, Bath.
Baskery at the Tree House, Frome. Mad Dog Mcrea at The Cheese & Grain.
Sunday 10th- Motherโs Day – donโt forget!!
Kate at The Three Crowns, Devizes.
The Worried Men at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.
Motherโs Day Jazz concert feat. trumpeter Laura Jurd & WYJO at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.
Joli Blon at The Bell, Bath
RPA Level Up Present โActually I Canโ at Swindon Arts Centre. Dear Zoo at the Wyvern, Swindon
Monday 11th
Chippenham Film Club March feature.
Escher Steps at The Bell, Bath.
Tuesday 12th
Dom Franks Quartet at Jazz Knights in The Royal Oak, Swindon.
The Spoonful at The Bell, Bath.
And thatโs all weโve got for now, other than some important things to say: Events listed here are subject to change, we are not responsible for cancellations, errors or postponements in anything listed.
Important note two, events which come to our attention from now on in, will be updated on the Event Calendar and NOT HERE. So, be sure to check in from time to time, use the Event Calendar to find more info on everything listed on here, and for ticket links, etc. Use the Event Calendar to check for updates and planning ahead.
Did we miss you out? Did you tell us about your event? Itโs not that we donโt like you, itโs because Devizine uses many sources to collate these listings, and sometimes we miss a few things. Listing your event here is free, but please make it easier for me by messaging or emailing the info, and then, and this is the really important part, make sure Iโve added it and let me know if not!
Have a good week, and please listen to the podcast, itโll be fun, pinky promise!
Bit Wintery, innit? Calendars are going forward, weather is going backwards! Hereโs whatโs happening over the coming week in the wilds of Wiltshire, hold onto your hats…..
Everything listed here is on our event calendar; go there for links and more info. It may be updated with even more things to do than listed here, so check in later in the week. Nothing ongoing on our list, so, letโs jump right into the weekโฆ.
Okay, all being well, below, find a podcast of everything listed, sprinkled with some great local music. Itโs only a half hour long, trial thing, see how it goes, give it a listen, let me know what you think, especially if youโre the kind of person who cannot be bothered to read this! Also, I thought it might be good for anyone with sight or reading issues, but they will have to put up with me waffling! Music comes from Meg, Jol Rose, Phil Cooper, The Worried Men and Junkyard Dogs.
Wednesday 28th
Green Grub Club at St James, Devizes. Acoustic Jam at The Southgate.
The Importance Of Being Earnest at the Wyvern Theatre, Swindon, running until 11th March. Big Jam Session at The Vic.
Earl Okinโs Legend at Rondo Theatre, Bath. Buffoโs Wake at The Bell, Bath.
National Theatre Live at the Merlin, Frome, with Vanya.
Thursday 29th
Open Mic at The Crown, Aldbourne
Phil Cooper at the Tuppenny, Swindon. Alan Clayson & Chanson at the Beehive. Frank Carducci & The Fantastic Squad at The Vic. Daniel Foxx at Swindon Arts Centre.
Keith James โ โSolid Airโ โ The songs of Nick Drake & John Martyn at Chapel Arts, Bath. Tam Lin Retold at the Rondo Theatre.
Leaps of Faith at the Merlin Theatre, Frome.
Friday 1st March
The Cinelli Brothers at Long Street Blues Club, Devizes.
Technicolour Steam Train & Ed Dyke at The Pump, Trowbridge. Shape of You – Ed Sheeran Tribute at the Civic.
Jennifer Pike and Martin Roscoe at The Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon. Samantics at The Three Horseshoes.
Green Haze- Green Day Tribute at The Vic, Swindon. The Worried Men at The Queens Tap. Static Moves at the Deerโs Leap.
FearFree Fest 2024 at The Bell, Bath with DreamCaster, Kane Pollastrone, Mobscure, Louie Greensmith and Sharpie helping to support FearFree, a local charity breaking the cycle of abuse.
Free Community Festival at Komedia, Bath.
Saturday 2nd
CapFest at St James, Devizes. Plan of Action at The Three Crowns. Junkyard Dogs at The Southgate. The Music of Simon & Garfunkel at The Wharf Theatre.
Sam Cronin at The Barge, HoneyStreet. Open Mic at The Kings Arms, All Cannings.
Apache Cats at The Bear, Marlborough. Homer at The Lamb. Chuckle at the Church โ Comedy Night at St Peterโs.
The Chaos Brothers at The Grapes, Melksham
The Future Sound of Trowbridge #6 at the Pump, Trowbridge with Nobodyโs Dad, Sharpie and Sebastian & Me.
Spiers & Boden at The Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon. The Derellars at The Three Horseshoes.
Mid Life Krisis, Diversify at The Vic, Swindon. Trios Amigos at the Swiss Chalet. Sonic Alert at The Queens Tap. Post 12 at The Woodlandโs Edge.
The Saviours Collective at Chapel Arts, Bath.
Witchfest Market at the Cheese & Grain in Frome, followed by Maniac Street Preachers Vs StereoIronics. The Blink 182 Show has sold out at the Tree House. Martha Tilston at Rook Lane Chapel.
Sunday 3rd and Monday 4th Iโve got nothing, but do keep a check on the event calendar for updates.
Update: Just in, there’s an open mic at the Lamb in Marlborough from 8pm on Monday 4th March.
Tuesday 5th
Jazz Knights presents Alan Barnes Quartet at The Royal Oak, Swindon.
ADHD and Women with Dr Samantha Hiew at The Cheese & Grain, Frome.
And thatโs all weโve got for now, other than some important things to say: Events listed here are subject to change, we are not responsible for cancellations, errors or postponements in anything listed.
Important note two, events which come to our attention from now on in, will be updated on the Event Calendar and NOT HERE. So, be sure to check in from time to time, use the Event Calendar to find more info on everything listed on here, and for ticket links, etc. Use the Event Calendar to check for updates and planning ahead.
Did we miss you out? Did you tell us about your event? Itโs not that we donโt like you, itโs because Devizine uses many sources to collate these listings, and sometimes we miss a few things. Listing your event here is free, but please make it easier for me by messaging or emailing the info, and then, and this is the really important part, make sure Iโve added it and let me know if not!
Have a good week, and please listen to the podcast, itโll be fun, I promise you!!
Hey, teacher! Leave those sausage rolls alone. Hereโs whatโs happening over the coming week in the wilds of Wiltshire, hold onto your hats, there be lots more than your average sausage roll to get through, yer filthy muckersโฆ..
Everything listed here is on our event calendar; go there for links and more info. It may be updated with even more things to do than listed here, so check in later in the week. Nothing ongoing on our list, so, letโs jump right into the weekโฆ.
Wednesday 21st
Green Grub Club at St James, Devizes. Regular Acoustic Jam at The Southgate.
Carducci Quartet at Wiltshire Music Centre in Bradford-on-Avon.
Jessica Fostekewโs Mettle at the Rondo Theatre, Bath. Amadou Diagne & Group Yakar at The Bell, Bath.
Lunchtime Recital at the Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.
Thursday 22nd
Open Mic at the Crown, Bishopโs Cannings.
Devizes Film Club at the Wharf Theatre, screening Official Competition.
Runny Snotโs Acoustic Sessions at the Neeld, Chippenham.
Fin Taylor at Swindon Arts Centre. Adam Rowe at the Wyvern Theatre. Stone Soup, Modern Evils and Phantom Droid at The Vic. Larkham & Hall at the Beehive. Oxbowlake and Jess Marie at The Tuppenny.
Avalon Comedy Network’s Pierre Novellie, Tessa Coates, Huge Davies and Jake Baker at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Paul Cowley at Chapel Arts, Bath. Cindy Stratton Band Everything Changes album launch at the Rondo Theatre.
Rob Newman at the Cheese & Grain, Frome.
Friday 23rd
Devizes Ghost Walk: with John Girvan. White Horse Operaโs Top of the Ops at St Joseph’s School.
Mark Morriss plays the Pump in Trowbridge with Sound Affects in support. Sax Man โShiltsโ at the Civic.โ
Drink and Draw at 31.Co.Work in Chippenham, opening the fringe February events across the town this weekend. Instant Wit โ A quickfire comedy event at The Constitutional Club. Heat 2 of Take the Stage at the Neeld Hall.
Thatโll Be The Day at the Wyvern Theatre, Swindon. The Retro Rock Show at Swindon Arts Centre. The Hamsters from Hell and the Vooz at The Vic. Jay Styles is Michael Jackson at The New Inn.
Shoun Shoun & Venice Treacle at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.
Nanny Folio Theatre and The Amazing Bubble Man at Pound Arts, Corsham.
CharmType at the Winchester Gate, Salisbury.
Rock the Tots Family show at Rondo Theatre, Bath. The Jake Leg Jug Band at Chapel Arts.
Eddie & The Hot Rods at The Tree House in Frome. Absolute Bowie โ Greatest Hits at The Cheese & Grain.
Saturday 24th
Seed Swap at St Andrewโs, Devizes. Editor’s Pick of Week: Deadlight Dance arrives in Devizes with an instore at Vinyl Realm from 11am, and they play The Southgate in the evening. The Wharf Theatre has The Lonnie Donegan Story. Kennet Gateway Club has the Rockinโ Bandits at Devizes Conservative Club.
@59 at The Lamb, Marlborough.
Wet Franc at The Pilot, Melksham. The Fabulous โ59 Ford at Melksham Rock n Roll Club
Toodles and the Hectic Pity, Charlie Gillman and Luke De-Sciscio at the Pump, Trowbridge. Adult Panto Alice in Wonderland at the Civic.
The REAL nursery rhymes and songs โ toddler to KS1 at Wiltshire Swindon History Centre, Chippenham. Clareโs Circus at King Alfred Hall. Hidden Canvases โ โStreet Art and the Cityโ A talk by Doug Gillen at the Platinum Hall. Letโs build LEGO Chippenham! at Wiltshire Swindon History Centre, Chippenham. Rock the Tots: Baby Boogie atThe King Alfred Hall. Toddler Tango at The King Alfred Hall.
Steppin Thruโ Time โ Mary Lou Revue at The Yelde Hall, Chippenham. The Rosellys at Rivo Lounge. Daft Laffs โ A night of comedy greats at The King Alfred Hall. The Old Road Tavern has a Mega Fringe fest, see poster below.
Louise Farrenc plays Symphony number 3 at Corsham Town Hall. Martyโs Fake Family at The Royal Oak. Shake It Up Theatre presents The Improvised Shakespeare Show at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Holy Popes, Shin Splintz & Big Byrd at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon. Adriano Adewaleโs Cataplufโs Musical Journey at Wiltshire Music Centre.
Mollyโs Chamber at Prestbury Sports Bar, Warminster.
Science Museum: The Live Stage Show at the Wyvern Theatre, Swindon. Straighten Out at The Vic. World Music Club at the Beehive. Danny & The Randoms at The Queenโs Tap.
Glamarama at The Woodlandโs Edge. MetSon at the Swiss Chalet.
Martin Rowsonโs Giving the Gift of Offence at the Rondo Theatre, Bath. Phoenix River Band at Chapel Arts, with Sophie Rose in support.
The Sunbirds at the Tree House, Frome. The Beat featuring Ranking Junior at the Cheese & Grain.
Sunday 25th
Vince Bell at The Southgate, Devizes from 5pm.
Melksham Record Fair at the Assembly Hall.
Open Mic at The Old Road Tavern, Chippenham. Shed-ache Dance Theatre at The Constitutional Club Chippenham. Elvis in Blue Hawaii at the King Alfred Hall.
Bandeoke at Prestbury Sports Club, Warminster.
Schtumm presents DG Solaris & Courting Ghosts at the Long Room in Box. 3 Daft Monkeys Duo at The Bell, Bath.
Garth Marenghiโs Incarcerat at the Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.
CSF Pro Wrestling: Showdown at the Cheese & Grain, Frome.
Monday 26th
Rock the Tots Family at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Josienne Clarke at Swindon Arts Centre,
Ben Tunnicliffeโs Nowhere Ensemble at The Bell, Bath.
Tuesday 27th
Valuation Day with Paul Martin at The Athenaeum in Warminster.
Sophie Stockham Quartet at Jazz Knights in the Royal Oak, Swindon. The Ronnie Scottโs All Stars โ Soho Songbook at the Wyvern Theatre. Connor Burns at Swindon Arts Centre.
Sam Thomas at The Bell, Bath.
And thatโs all weโve got for now, other than some important things to say: Events listed here are subject to change, we are not responsible for cancellations, errors or postponements in anything listed.
Important note two, events which come to our attention from now on in, will be updated on the Event Calendar and NOT HERE. So, be sure to check in from time to time, use the Event Calendar to find more info on everything listed on here, and for ticket links, etc. Use the Event Calendar to check for updates and planning ahead.
Did we miss you out? Did you tell us about your event? Itโs not that we donโt like you, itโs because Devizine uses many sources to collate these listings, and sometimes we miss a few things. Listing your event here is free, but please make it easier for me by messaging or emailing the info, and then, and this is the really important part, make sure Iโve added it and let me know if not!
If I’ve been feeling as excited as little Charlie Bucket all week, I’ll justify why. On Friday my son and I had a chocolate adventure of our own, and while no one fell into a chocolate river or blew up into a giant snozzberry, we had fun at Hollychocs in Poulshot, returned with lots of goodies made with our own hand, and decidedly more enlightened to the art of the chocolaterieโฆ..
It was a birthday present for my ever-growing Oompa Loompa, rather than a recipe for an article, but this half term chocolate making workshop was so fun I feel inclined to mention it anyway!
Holly Garner opened this successful business five years ago, and while she’s yet to install a glass elevator, Hollychocs has won awards and expanded to a cafรฉ known as The Beanery. It’s the ideal space for hosting homey workshops, and there’s plenty to choose from for all ages. We’re here for a family-friendly course; I made enough mess with this one let alone something more technical!
Let’s be honest here, these workshops come at a price, but you certainly get what you pay for, especially if you love chocolate, and if we’re being honest, who doesn’t? Personally I’m as passionate about eating the stuff as Holly is with making it. If stuffing chocolate into a cakehole was a competitive sport, I reckon I’d be up for an Olympic gold medal; a chocolate coin medal, here’s hoping!
Holly’s enthusiasm and passion for her art is exemplified at such events. As her assistant provided us all with delicious hot chocolates, Holly introduced herself with a little background, including her roots as “the queen of caramel” at Cadburys; there has to be a parody of a Billy Ocean song in this, Caramel Queen, now we’re sharing the same dream? No? Maybe? Just me then!
And it was a dream come true. A detailed and educational five minutes kicked it off, explaining the journey from cocoa pod to chocolate liquor, and to your belly, with the use of a mock pod prop. Several example chocolate buttons of various strengths were handed out to try, including ruby chocolate, something you won’t find mass produced because of a lesser shelf life.
We were told their country of origin, facts about fair trade agreements, and after the brief but informative lesson, we were given the raw liquor and double cream to mix ourselves. Needless to say, I was getting a smidgen overexcited at this point!
Starting easy, we made chocolate lollipops and decorated them, followed by a chocolate bar and onto the grand finale, chocolate truffles. The kids all had fun, the parents had more. Some of the treats we made, like leftover buttons, mysteriously went missing before leaving the factory floor, the rest were neatly bagged to take home.
Like a right cheeky Wonka, I even ate the letters of my nametag, which Holly inscribed on our paper base with, yeah, you guessed it, chocolate! From now on, in chocolate language, I’m known as just โren!โ
I wondered if when Holly gets home after her working day, she just craves a packet of crisps, but one thing is for sure, she made techniques in chocolate engineering look simple, when it wasn’t so, and things got sticky; scrummy fun for all the family.
Cadburys, and I’m sure other sweetie factories too, may have their own theme-park-fashioned activities, where you’re a face in an overcrowded commercial queue. At Hollychocs, just down the road, you’re treated to the personal touch, not to mention her divine handcrafted and unique chocolates.
I can’t tell you anymore about it then this, who do you take me for, Slugworth? You’ll have to find out for yourselves!
by Ian Diddamsphotos by Richard Fletcher & Lisa Hounsome The concept of historical brutal dictatorships and comedy is not necessarily one that one considers asโฆ
A leopard doesn’t change its spots, and neither does a British Lion. Watch other Devizes pubs change landlord, decor, attractions, and styles. Watch them close,โฆ
Cool, Man Andy Fawthrop Devizes Arts Festivalโs programme continued on Thursday night, and it was time for a little jazz.ย As I often say (apparently)โฆ
A Lunchtime Amuse-Bouche by Andy Fawthrop Devizes Arts Festivalโs programme continued on Thursday afternoon with a lunchtime classical concert in the beautiful surroundings of theโฆ
After an impressive forty-five years of Guiding in Worton, through Brownies, Guides, Young Leadership, and as the Unit Leader there for many years, it’s sad to hear Vicky Earley has made the very difficult decision to hang up her Brownie Wings and pass over the running of the unit to someone newโฆ
Unfortunately, the Assistant Leaders will also be leaving the unit at the same time so they really need a new Leadership Team.
Full support would be offered to anyone who might be interested in taking on this Volunteer role.
They’ve been sharing recruitment advertisements on social media in the hope that it would interest someone to enquire but as yet have no luckโฆcan you help?
If you, or anyone you know, may be interested in a fun, fulfilling Volunteer role, please do get in touch with them, or the unit is at risk of closure. It would be a terrible thing to lose for the children, after being established for sixty years this June,
The current volunteers are able to stay until the Summer Holidays. โAfter that if we have not found a new leadership team the unit will be closed,โ Vicky said, โwe really hope that it doesnโt come to that.โ
“I’m not looking for someone to commit for the next 30 years,” Vicky continued, “that was my personal choice, even if someone could just keep it open for the next few years it is better than it closing.”
Rainbows 1st Potterne Unit are also in need of volunteers.
If you would like some information about Girlguiding and what Brownies do these days please check out the website:
Hereโs whatโs happening over the coming week in the wilds of Wiltshire, hold onto your hats, letโs lots to get throughโฆ..
Everything listed here is on our event calendar; go there for links and more info. It may be updated with even more things to do than listed here, so check in later in the week.
Look, if itโs all the same to you, I cannot choose an Editorโs Pick of Week; too much great stuff happening. Iโm doing a Chocolate making workshop at HollyChocs in Poulshot on Friday (see here,) then off to see Gaz Brookfield at West Lavington Village Hall, (Preview) which has to be one. Saturday, if you loved Adam & the Ants, you need to get to The Vic, Swindon for Ant Trouble (previous review) and if you love hip hop get down the Pump in Trowbridge for the Scribes (preview) but saying all this, when SGO come to the Southgate, Devizes, which they are on Saturday, itโs always a pleasure (past review.) Huge dilemma, ergo, can I have five Editorโs Picks of the Week this week?!!
Ongoing until 17th February, two enlightening exhibits at Wiltshire Museum, Devizes,ย Lest We Forget: the Black Contribution to the World Wars in Wiltshire, and Eric Walrond: A Caribbean Writer living in Wiltshire. Reviewed HERE.
Potterne Pantomime presents Robin Hood at the Potterne Village Hall, running until Saturday.
Wednesday 14th
Seed Bomb Making at Hillworth Park, Devizes, and the regular Acoustic Jam at The Southgate.
Glad to hear The Charlton Cat at Charlton St Peter has a grand reopening on Wednesday.
Counterfeit Sixties Show at the Neeld, Chippenham. Love Stories in Chippenham, don;t know where, One Chippenham your website seems to be down!
A lunchtime recital with violinist Madeleine Mitchell at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Sterling Elliott at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.
Ghost The Musical at The Athenaeum, Warminster.
Memory Cinema at Swindon Arts Centre screens Miss Potter (PG.) The Big Jam Session at The Vic.
Carrie the Musical at Rondo Theatre, Bath. Diddy Sweg at The Bell, Bath.
Thursday 15th
Open Mic nights return to The Cellar Bar, Devizes.
Seend Fawlty Players Presents Aladdin at Seend Community Centre, opening today, running up till Saturday.
Kid Carpet and the Noisy Garden Centre at Pound Arts, Corsham.
B-Sydes, Heartwork & Ed Poole at the Tuppenny, Swindon. Bob Porter Project at the Beehive. The Magic of Terry Pratchett at Swindon Arts Centre. Frankie Boyleโs show opens at the Wyvern Theatre and runs until Saturday.
Bath Bachfest opens and runs until Saturday with lots of concerts across the city.
Friday 16th
Innes Sibun Trio at The Southgate, Devizes. Disneyโs Frozen Jr runs at the Wharf Theatre on Friday and Saturday.
Gaz Brookfield plays West Lavington Village Hall.
Ward Thomas at the Wyvern Theatre, Swindon. Collateral with Zac & The New Men at The Vic. Soulphia, new name for Sophia Bovellโs Soul Rebels, plays The Cow in Swindon.
Classic Rock American Highway Show at Chapel Arts, Bath.
Bootleg Blondie at the Cheese & Grain, Frome. Liam Helm & The Hang Ups at The Tree House.
Sorrel Pitts will be signing copies of her new novel Broken Shadows at Devizes Books. Reviewed HERE. Thereโs a Devizes Town Hall Ghost Hunt. The Truzzy Boys are at The Three Crowns, and SโGO at The Southgate, reviewed here. Oh, and of course, itโs DOCAโs Festival of Winter Ales.
The Devilโs Prefects Album Launch at The Barge on HoneyStreet.
Operation 77 at The Lamb, Marlborough.
The Scribes Boombox reaches the Pump in Trowbridge, preview here.
The George Ward School Reunion Disco Class of the 1970s, at the Spencer Club, Melksham.
Wiltshire Police Band at St Andrewโs Church Chippenham. Valentines Concert in Chippenham, at the Neeld, perhaps? One Chippenham, your website is down.
Gwilym Simcock Trio at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.
Framed! And Help! I Think Iโm a Nationalist! at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Fleetwood Mac & Tom Petty The Legacy Show at Swindon Arts Centre. Apache Cats at Queens Tap. 12 Bars Later at Swiss Chalet. Ant Trouble at The Vic.
Deadlight Dance & Steve Mercy are art Chapter 22 Roots & Records, Bath. Joe Wilkinson
At the Rondo Theatre. This Flight Tonight โ A Tribute to Joni Mitchell at Chapel Arts.
Cover Stories at Salisbury British Legion Hall. The Wiseguys at the Rising Sun, Wimborne.
Even N Song at The Ship, Shipton Bellinger.
Judge Jules is at The Cheese & Grain, Frome.
Sunday 18th
Chantelle Smith is with Richard Wileman & Valve at The Vic, Swindon. Brian Conley at the Wyvern Theatre.
The Woodlanders at The Bell, Bath.
Monday 19th
Buffy Revamped at the Wyvern Theatre, Swindon
Swingle-Tree and Whistling Treason at The Bell, Bath.
Tuesday 20th
Ian Bateman Quartet plays Jazz Knights at the Royal Oak, Swindon. Miles Jupp at the Wyvern Theatre.
POETIKA poetry slams at the Winchester Gate, Salisbury.
And thatโs all weโve got for now, other than some important things to say: Events listed here are subject to change, we are not responsible for cancellations, errors or postponements in anything listed.
Important note two, events which come to our attention from now on in, will be updated on the Event Calendar and NOT HERE. So, be sure to check in from time to time, use the Event Calendar to find more info on everything listed on here, and for ticket links, etc. Use the Event Calendar to check for updates and planning ahead.
Did we miss you out? Did you tell us about your event? Itโs not that we donโt like you, itโs because Devizine uses many sources to collate these listings, and sometimes we miss a few things. Listing your event here is free, but please make it easier for me by messaging or emailing the info, and then, and this is the really important part, make sure Iโve added it and let me know if not!
Have a good week- thatโs the last important thingy to say!!
Masterclass by Andy Fawthrop Devizes Arts Festivalโs programme continued last night, and it was the turn of another big name to grace the stage ofโฆ
Over the coming weeks I’m having cuppas with candidates of the Melksham-Devizes constituency crazy enough to indulge my political ignorance and endure my inane waffling;โฆ
World Class Piano by Andy Fawthrop And, following a lively few days of varied events over this last weekend, weโre now into Devizes Arts Festivalโsโฆ
Seven-piece sui generis ensemble The Cable Street Collective were everything I expected them to be last night at The Corn Exchange; another impressive booking forโฆ
As if the FullTone Festival isnโt exciting enough for Devizes, the Town Council has allowed them an extra day, on the Friday 26th Julyโฆ.. Seeingโฆ
Hey you lovely lot, bit warm for Feb, innit? I wouldnโt do anything too daring, like break out your mankini yet, I expect there will be at least one more wintery blast to come. Hereโs whatโs happening over the coming week in the wilds of Wiltshireโฆโฆ
Everything listed here is on our event calendar; go there for links and more info. It may be updated with even more things to do than listed here, so check in later in the week.
Ongoing until 17th February, two enlightening exhibits at Wiltshire Museum, Devizes, Lest We Forget: the Black Contribution to the World Wars in Wiltshire, and Eric Walrond: A Caribbean Writer living in Wiltshire. Reviewed HERE.
Wednesday 7th
Acoustic Jam at The Southgate, Devizes.
Thereโs a screening of The Royal Ballet Manon at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.
Whitney; Queen Of The Night at the Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.
Peter Knight & John Spiers at Chapel Arts, Bath. Suntou Susso at The Bell.
Thursday 8th
Instalment 6 of the Comedy Loft at the Civic, Trowbridge.
Omid Djalili at Pounds Arts is listed, but sold out, sorry.
The Kahunas at the Tuppenny, Swindon. Jon Amor Trio at the Beehive. A Memory Move at Swindon Arts Centre, Jody And The Jerms play the evening there.
Josh Pughโs Existinโ La Vida Loca is at the Cheese & Grain, Frome.
Friday 9th
All Floyd make a welcome return to The Bell on the Green, Devizes.
The Future Sound of Trowbridge #5 at the Pump, The Sunnies headline, with Ignotis and Cult Python in support.
Counterfeit Sixties Show at the Neeld Hall, Chippenham.
Syd Lawrence Orchestra: Big Band Brass at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon. Band of Others at the Boathouse.
Wizards of Oz and Black Rose play The Vic, Swindon. Limehouse Lizzy at Swindon Arts Centre. Rave On โ The Rise Of Rock And Roll at the Wyvern Theatre.
Ed Tudor Pole at the Winchester Gate, Salisbury.
Alfie Moore at Rondo Theatre, Bath. Martin Harley at Chapel Arts.
Andy C has sold out the Cheese & Grain.
Saturday 10th
Music for Meninggitis at Seend Community Hall.
Courting Ghosts have had to cancel the gig at The Southgate, Devizes, find Grizzly Rhys Morgan there instead. Editorโs pick of the week takes us to Long Street Blues Club, where The Errol Linton Band makes a welcomed return. One of my best nights ever at Long Street last time they played, see a review Here.
The Kast Off Kinks at Melksham Assembly Hall.
Jaz Delorean at the Pump in Trowbridge, with Swingletree in support. And Sound Knowledge hosts Declan McKenna at the Civic.
Cultural Assembly; the Art of the Sustainable and A Family Business at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Purple Fish play Westbury Cons Club.
Max Output at Prestbury Sports Bar, Warminster.
The Makings of a Murderer at the Wyvern Theatre, Swindon. Nabil Abdulrashid at Swindon Arts Centre. Nervendings, Toast and Arizona Law at The Vic. Mojo at the Swiss Chalet.
Love is Enough at the Winchester Gate, Salisbury.
Wifi Wars at Rondo Theatre, Bath
Billy in the Lowground at The Sun Inn, Frome. Ruzz Guitarโs Blues Revue at the Cheese & Grainโฆoh yes!
Coyote Country at Prestbury Sports Bar, Warminster.
Bill Smarme Rock’n’Roll Trio at the Bell, Bath.
Ukrainian National Opera โ Madama Butterfly at the Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.
Monday 12th
Filskit Theatre: Wonder Gigs at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Cameron Pierre at the Bell, Bath.
Tuesday 13th
Potterne Pantomime presents Robin Hood at the Potterne Village Hall, running until Saturday.
Paper Moon Quartet plays Jazz Knights at the Royal Oak, Swindon.
Maddie Storvold at the Bell, Bath.
And thatโs all weโve got for now, other than some important things to say: Events listed here are subject to change, we are not responsible for cancellations, errors or postponements in anything listed.
Important note two, events which come to our attention from now on in, will be updated on the Event Calendar and NOT HERE. So, be sure to check in from time to time, use the Event Calendar to find more info on everything listed on here, and for ticket links, etc. Use the Event Calendar to check for updates and planning ahead.
Did we miss you out? Did you tell us about your event? Itโs not that we donโt like you, itโs because Devizine uses many sources to collate these listings, and sometimes we miss a few things. Listing your event here is free, but please make it easier for me by messaging or emailing the info, and then, and this is the really important part, make sure Iโve added it and let me know if not!
Have a good week- thatโs the last important thingy to say!!
Hey you, Feb already, hereโs whatโs happening over the coming week in the wilds of Wiltshireโฆโฆ
Everything listed here is onour event calendar; go there for links and more info. It may be updated with even more things to do than listed here, so check in later in the week. Oh, and accept no substitute, this is the definitive guide to what’s really happening around these parts!!
Ongoing until 17th February, two enlightening exhibits at Wiltshire Museum, Devizes,ย Lest We Forget: the Black Contribution to the World Wars in Wiltshire, and Eric Walrond: A Caribbean Writer living in Wiltshire. Reviewed HERE.
The Importance of Being Earnest is currently running until Sunday at the Wharf Theatre, Devizes. This is sold out, Iโm afraid, reviewed HERE.
Wednesday 31st
Modern & Contemporary Art from the Collection of Chippenham Museum.
Acoustic Jam at The Southgate, Devizes.
โFull Circle Part IIโ โ Phil Beer & Steve Knightley at Chapel Arts, Bath. Tight Lipped Combo at The Bell.
Truck at the Vic, Swindon, with the Belladonna Treatment and Nostomo. Viggo Venn at The Wyvern Theatre.
Thursday 1st Feb
The Tap Opening Night in Devizes.
Pound Arts, Corsham are screening Sherlock Jr. (1924) with live piano score by Meg Morley.
Cousins, Skiddy, Blair, Lynch at the Tuppenny, Swindon. Sebastian & Me, Talk in Code and Mirrored Faces feature at the Vic as part of Live Music Venues Week. Beyond The Barricade at the Wyvern Theatre.
Allโs Well That Ends Well at Rondo Theatre, Bath. Nigel Wearne (AUS) at Chapel Arts, with support from Simeon Hammond Dallas.
Open Mic at The Winchester Gate, Salisbury.
Friday 2nd
Devizes Youth Action Group has their first event at the Devizes Corn Exchange. U18โs only, all-teen bands, Shox, Steatopygous, and BellaDonna play, with DJ Flam. Well done for organising, we fully support this initiative, and our own youngest reporter, Flo, will be there to give us the lowdown on it. Karaoke starts up at the Exchange nightclub below for the so-called grownups(!), with Karl Maggs on the wheels of steel. This will be a regular thing, the first Friday of each month.ย
Also on upcoming bands, check the first heat of Take The Stage at Chippenhamโs Neeld Hall, only costs a fiver entry.
Travis Waltons at the Pump, Trowbridge, with Martyโs Fake Family and The Earth & Me.
One Chord Wonders at The Boathouse, Bradford-on-Avon.
All Ears Avow, Death is a Girl, Fluff and Ritual Divide all play the The Vic, Swindon. Thereโs a Swindon Old Town Comedy Club at Christchurch, Old Town. Calling Planet Earth, Duran Duran tribute at the Wyvern Theatre, Dire Streets at Swindon Arts Centre.
And the In-Cider Festival begins at Weston-Super-Mare! Weston-Super-Mare, Eddie!
Saturday 3rd
The Thomas Atlas Trio takes over from the postponed LeBurn Maddox at The Southgate, Devizes. A darn good replacement, expect some amazing blues. Our trusty duo, Funked up will be at The Three Crowns, guaranteed good night at either. DJ Stevie Mc is in the mix at the Exchange.
Kieran doesnโt know it yet, weโll see if he reads this religiously, but Iโm invited to the Pump by frontman Jamie, so for this reason and for many others, this gets my Editorโs Pick of Week!ย ย
The Worried Men play the Pump, Trowbridge, with FuTuRe PlaN in support; anyone going up from Devizes? I needs me a lift!!
From the European Union Chamber Orchestra, Wiltshire Music Centre in Bradford-on-Avon presents Yuzhang Li.
Still Marillion at the Vic, Swindon. Apache Cats the Rat Trap. The Thinking Drinkers at Swindon Arts Centre, and The ELO Show at the Wyvern Theatre.
Itโs Duckfest at the Duck in Laverstock, a Salisbury Live Beggar’s Bash thingy.
Phoebe Troup is at Chapel Arts, Bath.
Dylan tribute The Bob Villains at Tree House Frome Retro Electro at the Cheese & Grain.
Sunday 4th
All-family bike ride, Kidical Mass, from Hillworth Park, Devizes. Lewis Clark at The Southgate from 5pm.
Chasing Dolls, Lucky Number Seven, Better Heaven, Liddington Hill, and Oui Legionarries at The Vic, Swindon. Whitney Queen of the Night at the Wyvern Theatre. Ania Magliano at Swindon Arts Centre.
Monday 5th
Open Mic at the Lamb, Marlborough.
An Evening With Jasper Fforde at Swindon Arts Centre.
Tuesday 6th
Daniel Newberry Trio for Jazz Knights at the Royal Oak, Swindon. An Evening With Jeff Stelling at the Wyvern Theatre.
And thatโs all weโve got for now, other than some important things to say: Events listed here are subject to change, we are not responsible for cancellations, errors or postponements in anything listed.
Important note two, events which come to our attention from now on in, will be updated on the Event Calendar and NOT HERE. So, be sure to check in from time to time, use the Event Calendar to find more info on everything listed on here, and for ticket links, etc. Use the Event Calendar to check for updates and planning ahead.
Did we miss you out? Did you tell us about your event? Itโs not that we donโt like you, itโs because Devizine uses many sources to collate these listings, and sometimes we miss a few things. Listing your event here is free, but please make it easier for me by messaging or emailing the info, and then, and this is the really important part, make sure Iโve added it and let me know if not!
Have a good week- thatโs the last important thingy to say!!
Andy Fawthrop Itโs All In The Genes Today Devizes Arts Festival presentation took on a more serious and talkative tone with another marquee signing takingโฆ
The first gig and club night by Devizes Youth Action Group exclusively for secondary school aged youth in Devizes back in February was hugely successful,โฆ
Hereโs what weโve found to do in the wilds of Wiltshire this coming week. Donโt forget your sunscreen and a nice party umbrella! Everything listedโฆ
Have you had โthe visitโ yet? Your local councillor house-calling hand-in-hand with Conservative candidate Michelle Donelan? I have. At least it broke up my busyโฆ
If the opening Friday evening of Devizes Arts Festival was amazing for lively pirate-punk craziness, Saturday night was too for precisely opposite reasons. Bristol’s soulstressโฆ
With a rolling hook in the chorus, piano riff over acoustic guitar and a heartfelt narrative, hereโs a promising debut single from Salisburyโs young singer-songwriterโฆ
Land ahoy me hearties! Devizes Corn Exchange was boarded last night by Cornish punk pirates Jolly Roger, for a frivolous and swashbuckling opening to Devizesโฆ
Hey frozen duckling, hereโs whatโs happening over the coming week in the wilds of Wiltshireโฆโฆ
Everything listed here is on our event calendar; go there for links and more info. It may be updated with even more things to do than listed here, so check in later in the week.
Ongoing until 17th February, two enlightening exhibits at Wiltshire Museum, Devizes,ย Lest We Forget: the Black Contribution to the World Wars in Wiltshire, and Eric Walrond: A Caribbean Writer living in Wiltshire. Reviewed Here.
Wednesday 24th
Acoustic Jam at The Southgate, Devizes.
Big Jam session at the Vic in Swindon. Rhod Gilbert & The Giant Grapefruit at The Wyvern Theatre.
Apricity Theatre Turns Ten The Rondo, Bath. John E Visticโs Country Club at The Bell, Bath.
Screening of The Old Oak at the Athenaeum in Warminster.
Thursday 25th
Runny Snotts Acoustic Sessions at The Neeld, Chippenham.
Mark Simmons: Quip of the Mark at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Ellis Evason at the Tuppenny, Swindon, Adult Panto โ Beauty And The Big Beast at The Wyvern Theatre.
Andrew Birdโs tour Taken Seriously is at The Rondo, Bath. Gordon Giltrap at Chapel Arts.
The Farewell Tour โ An Evening With Sir Geoff Hurst at the Cheese & Grain, Frome.
Friday 26th
Lucky Number Seven are the Pump, Trowbridge, with LXRDVIRS and Notre Dame of Tokyo. John Lawโs Re-Creations at the Civic.
BlueSoul at The Boathouse, Bradford-on-Avon.
Avalon Comedy Network: Stuart Laws, Lucy Pearman, Heidi Regan & Josh Weller at Pound Arts, Corsham.
This is Your (Improvised) Musical at The Rondo, Bath. Reggae vibes at St James Wine Vaults with the Biggle Sound System. Australiaโs Ernest Aines at Chapel Arts.
King Awesome at The Vic, Swindon, Texas Tick Fever at the Beehive. Stranger Sings at The Wyvern Theatre.
Saturday 27th
Phereakers at The Southgate, Devizes, Donโt Frett at The Three Crowns.
Josh Kumra at the Bear, Marlborough. Broken Dolls at the Lamb.
Bo Walton Band at Melksham Rock n Roll Club.
A Big shout out to organiser John McConnachie, as Editorโs Pick of the Week is at Calne Liberal Club for the annual 7 Bands in 7 Hours. The Killertones, Real Cheesemakers, Mike & the Misfits, People Like Us, 6 O’clock Circus, Homer and the Chaos Brothers join forces for this fundraiser. This year itโs supporting two young children Hartley, diagnosed with Down’s Syndrome and Fletcher who suffers bowel disorder. The mini-festival comes with a suggested ยฃ5 donation, and starts at 4pm. If you canโt make it you can still donate here.
Martyโs Fake Family at Gloucester Club, Trowbridge. Samantics with Devilโs Doorbell at The Pump.
Junkyard Dogs are at The Consti Club in Chippenham.
Shakespeareโs Fool at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Band of Others at Warminster Conservative Club.
Stranger Sings at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon. Papa Shango at The Vic with Here Comes The Crows in support.
Ukrainian Benefit Evening at The Bell, Bath. Ania Maglianoโs I Canโt Believe Youโve Done This at The Rondo.
Snuff at The Winchester Gate, Salisbury. Wilton Live all dayer at Wilton Community Hall, see poster. Sam Fraser is at Follow Comedy at Qudos.
Hugh Cornwell and special guests The Primitives at the Cheese & Grain, Frome, Bruce Juice, Bruce Springsteen Tribute at The Tree House.
Sunday 28th
Vince Bell at The Southgate, Devizes.
Screening of The Royal Operaโs Rusalka at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.
South West Hotel and Careful Spider play a Schtumm at the Long Rooms in Box. Andy Burden Band at The Bell, Bath.
An Evening with Glenn Hoddle at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.
Monday 29th
Is the opening night of The Importance of being Earnest at the Wharf Theatre, Devizes. This is running until Feb 3rd, and we will bring you a review of it before it opens; watch this space!
Rock The Tots โ โThe 1990sโ at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Most Haunted Live at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.
Brooks Williams & Aaron Catlow at The Bell, Bath.
Tuesday 30th
Stop Making Sense at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Tom Clarke-Hill Quartet plays Jazz Knights The Royal Oak, Swindon. I See Orange at the Vic. Most Haunted Live at The Wyvern Theatre.
Pete Morton at The Bell, Bath.
And thatโs your lot! Let me know if we missed anything, we can list events for free, but a chocolate muffin works better to persuade me! Lots to look forward to this month, Iโll lob a few posters below, but keep your best eye on theโฆโฆ
Images used with kind permission of Pacific Curd Photography West Wilts and Somerset folk-rock collective Courting Ghosts are about to release their debut album, Fallingโฆ
We’ve been chatting with the Community Organiser and Campaigns Manager of Devizes and District Foodbank, Alex Montegriffo, about an important free community conversation on Mondayโฆ
By Ian DiddamsPhotos by Gail Foster In 1971 Ken Russell enchanted film audiences with โThe Devilsโ, which incorporated nuns in the story โ somewhat controversially.โฆ
Friday evening in the liveliest of Devizes pubs, The Three Crowns, with Devizes best upcoming band, Nothing Rhymes With Orange pulling a two hour setโฆ
In recognition of his selfless ministry and leadership of St James Church, where the community and residents are at the core of everything, birthday boyโฆ
Itโs going to be all strawberries and cheese baps in pith helmets swinging in trouserland bedlam, with chap-hop shenanigans galore at the Barge on Honeystreetโฆ
The first gig and club night exclusively for Secondary school aged youth in Devizes is set for Friday 2nd of February at the Exchange nightclub. In conjunction with St James Church, the Devizes Youth Action Group has organised this event for youth, run by youth and created by youth…..only making me wish I was a little bit younger, just a little bit you understand?!
Two local upcoming youth bands, Steatopygous and BellaDonna, of which we’ve heard great things about and will no doubt hear more, will play the night with Devizes School year 10 lads, Shox, headling the bill, and a DJ set from their drummer, Flam. The bar will be non-alcoholic, and here’s hoping this will spur on further youth gigs and club nights in Devizes.
This night is hosted by Devizes Youth Action Group (DYAG), a newly formed group of youth wanting to make things happen for young people in and around Devizes. It is supported by Devizes School and Devizes Town Council. If it’s one thing to see and hear of youth creating their own bands, it’s another to organise such events for them to play and for all to attend, and furthermore, all going well, Devizine’s brilliant young reporter Flo should be on hand to review it.
This night is exclusively for Secondary School aged youth only. No entry will be permitted for those younger or older.ย Online tickets are ยฃ4. Tickets on the door on the night are ยฃ6. All profits from the bar and ticket sales will be used to support future DYAG events. There will be professional security on the door during the event.
Devizes-based Steatopygous are Eliza, Poppy and Ewan, and define themselves as post punk/riot grrrl, BellaDonnaare B on lead guitar, bassist Ems, and drummer Roxie, headlining are Shox, new to me, but then, I’m passed it! Please give them a follow on Insta. Well done to everyone for organising this, and good luck to the bands and Flam; we show Gen Z in a positive light and fully support your efforts!
ย Abrilli, sole Director and owner of Tonka Bean Cafe Bar in Devizes announced today, due to โsignificant changes in personal and financial circumstances due toโฆ
White Horse Opera members, Soprano Barbara Gompels, Mezzo Soprano Paula Boyagis, Tenor Carlos Alonso together with pianist Tony James join forces with international cellist Anupโฆ
By Ian DiddamsImages by Chris Watkins Ruth Ellis was hanged aged 28 years old, by Albert Pierrepoint the official executioner in the UK, at Hollowayโฆ
V busy week ahead, too busy to type the word โvery,โ (though I just did type the word โvery,โ) despite the cold spell, nothings gonna stop us now, reminding me somewhat of Ollie & Jerryโs theme โBreakinโ, thereโs no stopping us.โ
Not that it takes me much to be reminded of Ollie & Jerry – I think about them all the time, I wonder where they are and what theyโreโฆ..okay, letโs push on, we donโt need you to be like Turbo, no one to dance with other than a broom, (youngsters pipe down and Google it!) hereโs whatโs happening over the coming week in the wilds of Wiltshireโฆโฆ
Everything listed here is on our event calendar; go there for links and more info. It may be updated with even more things to do than listed here, so check in later in the week.
Ongoing until 17th February, two enlightening exhibits at Wiltshire Museum, Devizes,ย Lest We Forget: the Black Contribution to the World Wars in Wiltshire, and Eric Walrond: A Caribbean Writer living in Wiltshire. Reviewed Here.
Artist Clifton Powell with Eric Walrond portrait at Wiltshire Museum
Wednesday 17th
The Melksham & Devizes Primary have a new year meet at the Kings Arms, Melksham; we recently did an interview with them, a really important issue, check it out here.
The regular Acoustic Jam at The Southgate, Devizes.
Lunchtime Recital Series at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon, with Babatunde Aleshe in the evening.
Opening night of The Wind in the Willows at The Rondo, Bath, running until Sunday the 21st. Meanwhile, Starlings play The Bell in Bath.
British Lion are at the Cheese & Grain, Frome.
Thursday 18th
M3g plays The Tuppenny, Swindon, Zamba Lando at The Beehive, John Otway at The Vic, a memory sing at Swindon Arts Centre, and Get It On at The Wyvern Theatre.
Friday 19th
Borrowed Atlas plays the Pump, Trowbridge, with Ravetank in support.
Cara Dillon is at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Forbidden Nights at Melksham Assembly Hall, ladies!
Stompers at The Boat House, Bradford-on-Avon.
Littlemen at Chapel Arts, Bath.
Dark Prophecy at The Vic, Swindon, UK Pink Floyd Experience at The Wyvern Theatre.
Saturday 20th
Day course: Wood Engraving with Robin Mackenzie at Wiltshire Museum, Devizes.
An album launch gig for Cracked Machine at the Southgate, Devizes, with Clock Radio in support. Siren at The Three Crowns. Real Music are at the Bear, with a Soul, Motown Disco.
Open Mic at The Barge Honeystreet.
Chippenham Record Fair, at The Citadel on Bath Road; free entry.
Editorโs Pick of the Week is Bradford Roots Festival at the Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon; Iโve been saving myself since new year for this! Incredible line-up, all day Saturday and Sunday, preview here, hope to see you there?
Cara Dillon is at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Ian Diddams and Wendy Dopheide take Happy Jack to the Athenaeum, Warminster for a two night run, Saturday and Sunday; hereโs a review from when this show was at the Wharf in Devizes.
The Korgis โ Time Machine at Chapel Arts, Bath.
Apache Cats at The New Inn, Swindon, The Rolling Clones at The Vic. Abba Forever at The Wyvern Theatre, and an RPA Golden Ticket Show at Swindon Arts Centre.
Sunday 21st
Manos Puestas at The Southgate, Devizes.
Bradford Roots Festival continues.
Sing-A-Long-A Matilda The Musical (PG) at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.
Gordie Tentrees & Jaxon Haldane at The Bell, Bath.
Monday 22nd
Giovanni Pernice at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.
The Swing Vote at The Bell, Bath.
Tuesday 23rd
Vasilis Xenopoulos & Tom Berge Trio for the regular Jazz Knights The Royal Oak, Swindon.
Giovanni Pernice at The Wyvern Theatre.
And thatโs your lot, let me know what we missed, we can list events for free, but a chocolate muffin works better to persuade me! Lots to look forward to this month, Iโll lob a few posters below, but keep your best eye on theโฆโฆEvent Calendar!! Also note, we have a new page for weekly events including clubs and activities, here: it’s new so we need to list some more, tell us what you know!
A group of local women and their families are gathering together to lay a huge installation of childrenโs clothes outside the office of Justin Tomlinsonโฆ
Everything is looking awesome at Devizes Library as they announce the Lego Club for six to twelve year olds will begin on Saturday 27th January!
With bookable sessions each Saturday from the 27th, at 2-3.30pm, places will be limited so either call in or phone on 01380 826190 to book your place.
In addition, the library will be running a drop in session on Thursdays from 3.30-6pm from the 1st February. There’s no need to book for this session.
My only issue with this is that sessions are suitable for 6-12 years….bang goes my spaceship project! I love this idea, as I loved Lego, still do! Well done, and thank you, Devizes Library.
Here we are again with another year under our belts and me trying to best sum it up without restraint; I reserve my right to free speech, spliced with a slither of satireโฆ.
2023 was, in a word, wet. ITV reports โsummer 2023 was unusually wet, with 11% more rainfall than average, but it was also recorded as being the eighth warmest on recordโฆ.โ I’m not sure I remember that last bit, just the perpetual drizzle, between the three months of April showers and the floods of Autumn! It was this, and my failure to find a suitable Peppa Pig costume preventing the promised second fundraising milk round; hopefully this summer, coupled with a free live music event, watch this muddy puddle!
Bit dodgy!
Freedom of speech is another sour point. I’ve tried to focus on entertainment and arts, and keep Devizine away from politics as much as possible towards the latter half of the year, it’s all too depressing. Yet it seems standing against prejudices and genocide is frowned upon by a few vocal sorts, who deliberately intended to degrade Devizine without the foggiest notion of what weโre about, for which, laughably, had the opposite effect; we reached record breaking stats again this year topping last year’s hits by 35% and reaching beyond the 150K mark. This is great, though points don’t make prizes in this game, it means we’re continuing to reach out to more people.
So letโs not dwell on the negatives, only to add the epicentre of my frustrations doesnโt derive from any particular councillors, as some might think. Certainly, in reporting some blackmarks on local issues and politics, one name in particular appears to recur, but the satire I write is never deliberately directed at anyone personally, only their actions, or inactions on the subject in hand. If this upsets you, try to act more positively. Example; if you publish a post on your own local Facebook group asking for event listings, some people will instinctively suggest Devizine is a possible place to look, being as thatโs the aim of what we do here. To ban them for life for merely uttering the word Devizine, which is what happened and was completely out of my control, is petty and deliberately undermining all my efforts and the efforts of our contributors who work hard for nothing to make Devizine what it is; and you donโt expect this behaviour from a town councillor to frustrate me a smidgen?!
I laugh off such minor issues, rather my annoyances derive at the middle of this year when I happened to be updating our event listings and came across a Katie Hopkins show at Meca in Swindon. Make no mistake, this bitter and twisted celebrity is outward racist, homophobic and spreads her hate through national hollering. I posted on our Facebook page, we would not list such an event as it goes against our principles, not really thinking of the consequences from some who enjoy being xenophobic.
Rather than Newquest picking up on the work we do to promote local venues, artists and businesses, or our fundraising attempts, it decides on highlighting us for clickbait by publishing an article in the Swindon Adver slating us for sticking to our morals. The effect of this was hoards of haters, who hadnโt even heard of us until this moment, flocked to our social media to sound their disapproval. I was inundated with all manner of threats by those who assumed, rather than us simply refusing to list the event, I was part of some imaginary gang defying their freedom of speech to spout racism and homophobia; you canโt make it up, and in turn, is part of the reason we stand on certain principles and moral codes while, it seems, the mainstream media are hell bent on rocking the boat and creating a hateful ethos in this once great, now damned country.
Ah, bollocks to those noisy twats in the minority, in wailing my frustrations a multitude commented how they love what we do, and their compliments far outreach the sort of oddball nutjob who would pay their hard-earned cash on a ticket to see a karen bath up racism in Swindon!
So, let’s go month by month, looking over 2023, shall we? Trying to maintain positivity throughoutโฆ..I said โtry!โ
January
We started 2023 much like this one, with a review of the past year; I know, Iโm like a stuck record! January saw us preview Ladies Day at the Wharf Theatre, Seize the Day appearing at the Corn Exchange for a Wiltshire Climate Alliance event, the FullTone Festival, Pure Gritโs Devizes Strongest contest, former Devizes resident, the Brave New Broken Hearts Club gig at St Johns, The Exchange nightclub hosting open mic nights, and Bradford Roots Festival at the Wiltshire Music Centre, of which I attended, cherished and reviewed.
Concrete Prairie @ Bradford Roots Festival
One of the funniest interviews Iโve done was with Marlbroughโs Pants, due to play the final gig for landmark landlord Vyv and Jackie at the Lamb, which happened in Jan, and was hilarious.
These Pants!
Adam Woodhouse at the Three Crowns
We Will Rock You @ Devizes School
Venturing out in January isnโt my cuppa though, truth be told. I broke hibernation to catch Adam Woodhouse at The Three Crowns, and Bill Green gave us a review of Devizes School’s performance of We Will Rock You. Other than this staying in listening to new music is favoured, and we reviewed a new single of the Lost Trades and added their second album announcement, On The Wayside EP by Viduals, and Marvin B Naylor and Rebsie Fairholmโs album Psychedelicat.
On ranting, yes, I told on the billions of untaxed investment under our very feet at Gastardโs wine cellars, and the Old Wharf Cafรฉ not meeting its potential by becoming a meeting room, and, of course, how Devizes Town Councillors lied about bird flu on Crammer, because they did, though seemed to successfully brush it under the carpet, but the high hitter, strangely, was one I wrote on my phone purely for fun, Ten Top Tips for Driving in Devizes. A popular topic, it seems, coming in at the second highest hitter this year.
February
Swindon folk ensemble SGO released a live album from The Southgate, and Devilโs Doorbell did one too, live from the Pump. We also reviewed the studio album Petrichor by The Lost Trades, and Painting With Sound, Will Lawton & The Alchemist’s new EP. This was followed by my first trip to the Pump, to see Will Lawton, with the Lost Trades in support, double-whammy!
Will Lawton & The Alchemists @ The Pump
The Lost Trades @ The Pump
I reported that Jon Amor Trioโs Residency at The Southgate shows no signs of letting up for 2023, and it remains the case to this day. Another unforgettable gig was Adam & His Ants tribute Ant Trouble at the Vic, that was something else.
Jon Amor Trio at The Southgate with Thomas Atlas
Ant Trouble @ The Vic
Andy gave us a review of the comedy night at The Piggy Bank, Calne, and after previewing the Brave New Broken Hearts Club gig at St Johns being unable to attend it, we found the wonderful writer Helen Edwards, who would continue to write reviews for us throughout the year. Thank you Andy, Helen, and Bill, from last month!
Brave New Broken Hearts Club
We previewed the Wharf Theatreโs Liz Sharman returning with another Shakespeare masterpiece, Measure for Measure, and a night of nostalgia and karaoke at The Castle Inn for the My Dadโs Festival organisers. I also attempted to introduce our regular song of the week piece, songs coming from Deadlight Dance, Atari Pilot, Sienna Wileman and Ajay Srivastav, the latter of whom I was later delighted to hear was coming to Devizes Arts Festival.
Measure For Measure
If the Crammer was a sour point last month, in Feb it got a whole lot worse as another swan died, this time in a road accident. We highlighted the campaign group asking the Devizes Town Council for a safety sign to warn drivers to slow down past the Crammer, they sadly rejected it, putting the aesthetic look of the crammer, already awash with pointless signage, above the wildlife, and risk to drivers.
But outside Devizes matters are serious. Yeah, we covered The Great Pothole Debacle for kicks, but the ongoing hunting scandal was paramount. One town councillor banning me from yet another Facebook group for merely suggesting the Wiltshire Police officer going for a promotion in the rural crime unit when she was an active member of a hunting gang was a tad conflicting, especially being in the same month the Avon Vale Hunt was suspended from the British Hounds Sports Association for posting a video of them killing a fox.
Besides this, Wiltshire Police maintained the officer was not acting illegally, instead tried to turn focus on to youth crime, with the PCC and Wiltshire Council staging a drop-in event in Devizes which targeted only youths at a time youths would be at college or school so unable to defend themselves. Understandably we were critical to all this, cos someone has to be! For light in Feb, I took some old photos of Devizes and added pretend modern comments as if they were posted on social media today, to lighten the overall gloomy happenings in local politics.
March
Well, warming up a tad now, March was my 50th birthday and so I had a little do in the Three Crowns, which if I could remember any of it I would never have forgotten it in my life! I mean, if a jobs worth doing I say, we had Ben Borrill kick us off, followed by Vince Bell, and then Deadlight Dance, and then Talk in Code stepped in, and I only wanted a support act, not four main acts before the main act! Iโm forever grateful to all of them, and to top it all off Ruzz Guitar Trio played us out, and thus, I was half a century old and feeling it!
I felt I shouldn’t really review my own birthday party on Devizine, if I could recall it anyway! But we did preview the Open Day at The Wharf Theatre, and Waking Back to Happiness, and Andy reviewed Measure For Measure, all at the Wharf Theatre. I also found time to preview Devizes Arts Festival, Potterne Festival, and the first Devizes Pride.
Poetika
Andy reviewed Thomas Atlas at Long Street Blues Club, with Ben Borrill in support. I took to an amazing Devizes Concert for Opendoors with Will Blake, PSG Choir Chloe Jordan and Andrew Hurst, and a huge congrats to Dora and the PSG for organising that. I also made it down to The Southgate for Concrete Prairie, and Helen reviewed the Poetika Open Mic Night at The Winchester Gate, Salisbury.
Opendoors Concert 2023
Songs of the Week came from Talk in Code, Lewis McKale, Lucky Number Seven and Sara Vian. And we celebrated International Womenโs Day by highlighting our favourite local female musicians.
We announced Bradford-on-Avon raising ยฃ250,000 for a new skatepark, we chatted to Catherine Read, the Green Party Parliamentary candidate for Devizes, and Guardian Candidate for the Devizes East byelection, Vanessa Tanner, who won despite pathetic attempts to derail her campaign by the opposition.
Vanessa Tanner
Meanwhile, Guardian Jonathan Hunter hailed Wiltshire Council had โa complete disregard for the residents of Devizes,โ the Crammer Working Party asking Devizes Town Council to endorse a most dubious approach to future management of the Crammer, Wiltshire Police praised protesters against the fox hunting officer at Devizes Police HQ like it was ever going to any but peaceful, we took a stark look at Devizes Food Bank with Alex Montegriffo, where I got told off for speaking my mind about the Conservative approach to food banks, but they do seem to wear the idea theyโve increased the usage of them tenfold as a badge of honour, do they not?!
But the real highlight and top hitter of March was when a resident of Seend noticed a naked bloke rolling in her neighbours muck heap at night!
April
We previewed Chippenham artist Si Griffithsโ Forbidden Carnival Gallery. Girls Like That, and The Railway Children at Devizesโ Wharf Theatre. The Henry Normal and Nigel Planer tour coming to Devizes, The Vintage Bazaar in Devizes,
Swindon Shuffle, Thirty Years of Dreadzone before playing the Cheese and Grain, King Alfredโs Tower Charity Abseil, Devizes Street Festival, A Beginnerโs Introduction to Oils in All Cannings with Arts Together, a hometown gig for Nothing Rhymes with Orange, and all the local Coronation Celebrations.
NRWO at the Pump
Ben Niamor reported on Carsick, NRWO and Meg at Pump. Helen covered a Bournemouth Writing Festival. Andy provided a review of The Billy Walton Band at Long Street Blues Club. I managed to attend Nothing Rhymes with Orange and support acts in Lavington, one important one will be Dauntsys own Paradigm and I’ll explain why later. Oh, and Jon Amorโs Southgate residency with Leburn Maddox, managed this too.
Jon Amor and Leburn Maddox
Paradigm
Song of the Week included ร lesund and Nothing Rhymes With Orange, also reviewed Across the Water EP by Paul Lappin, 41 Fords album Not Dead Yet, Frankisoul’s EP on Fire, and Age of the Liar by The Burner Band.
Now, see what I was saying earlier about being better behaved on social and political matters as the year went on? Hardly anything throughout April, save an article titled Gorillas and the Pissed in Bishops Cannings! But when a minority of disgruntled villagers falsely accuse a pub of stealing a gorilla statue from Scotland in order to sabotage their business, well, you cannot expect me not to jump at the opportunity to stir the pot!
And, strangely I never did get a response from the local newspaper when our protocol April Fools joke was headlined Gazette & Herald to Buy Out Devizine, but there you go, I thought it was a good idea.
May
Previews for May included Devizes Arts Festival, Female of the Species, Devizes Scooter Rally and John Watterson keeping the Music of Jake Thackray alive in Pewsey.
We had Carmelaโs Wonder Wheels Challenge, and our writer Helen Edwards read her poem on BBC Upload. Helen wrote a breathtaking review of Lou Cox’s poignant comedy Having a Baby and the Shit They Don’t Tell You at the Wharf, and I covered the Railway Children.
Ian Diddams reviewed Waiting for Godot at The Mission Theatre, Bath, and The Four Sopranos at Devizes Town Hall.
Ben wrote on Alex Roberts and Fly Yeti Fly at The Barge, Honeystreet, Vince Bell at the Southgate, and Kyla Brox at Long Street Blues Club.
Si’s Forbidden Carnival Gallery in Chippenham opened with the exhibit Hail The Curious, which I attended the opening of, and I reviewed Devizes Street Festival in two daily parts. What a fantastic year it was.
I also took a trip to Frome to see Big Country and Spear of Destiny at the Cheese and Grain. Loved the venue and the vibe of the town, and ended up on a pub crawl with a friend in the know.
Song of the Weeks came from Canuteโs Plastic Army, and Snazzback, but the idea of the feature is starting to wane. We fondly reviewed Deadlight Dance’s debut album Innocent Beginnings, and Nothing Rhymes With Orange released a new single Butterflies.
Still well behaved on the news front, congratulating Vanessa Tanner as the new town councillor, but I did publish a piece called Your Place, or Mine? Devizes Town Council Squabbles Over Meeting Venue!
The top hitting article of the year came in May, How to Tell if Your Parents Were Ravers! It was a fun piece to write, and its universal appeal is likely the reason for its success.
June
In June my daughter sneakily managed to blag a week’s work experience with me, thinking she’d be able to stay in her PJs, but I sent her out to Chippenham to interview young upcoming folk singer-songwriter Meg, and, apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, she did a marvellous job.
As the mainstream local media seemed intent on sensationalising troubles with youth for clickbait, I refused to accept it was nothing more than an issue with a minority of youths. Nothing new, it’s always been this way. Jess’s interview with Meg got the ball rolling in which we would not only cover youth doing good work, bands and artists and others, but also encourage youth to write and photograph them too. I really believe this was the most positive thing to come out of 2023 for Devizine, and to think it stemmed from this negative trend of others publicising this exaggerated notion there’s a youth crime crisis.
In other areas, we previewed the Wharf Theatreโs upcoming season, Keevil Roots Festival, the fantastic CrownFest, CSF Wrestling, The Lavington Community Choir’s Pied Piper, Swindin Shuffle and My Dadโs Bigger Than Your Dad Festival. Ian Diddams previewed Shakespeareโs Henry VI at The Rondo Theatre, Bath. And I did the Devizes Beer & Cider Festival’s music lineup, though by the time the event came around the organisers sadly seemed to neglect our free promotion and gave us a cold shoulder, not sure what we did to upset them and hope to rebuild on this in the future.
The third highest hitting article of the year was the opening of Tonka Bean in Devizes, proving once again food and drink related stories are popular, still not enough outlets contact us for publicity.
Also we covered Talk In Code’s race to Glastonbury Pilton Party, local artist Clifton Powell commissioned by King Charles for Windrush portrait, and a major step towards revitalising Devizes Assize Court as the new home of Wiltshire Museum. But in all, June was about event reviews.
41 Fords
Devizes Doorbell @ Devizes Sustainable Fair
Starter for ten, we had Devizes Sustainable Fair, 41 Fords at The Southgate, Humdinger at the Three Crowns, Watson and Brown at the Wharf Theatre, which Ian kindly covered, and I sent Helen to the film premiere of Translations in Melksham.
But real group collaboration covered the entire Devizes Arts Festival, Helen on Carrie Etterโs Poetry Workshop, Ben took Elles Bailey and Will Kirk, Ian took The Sisters and The Brothers at the British Lion, and I managed three, Ajay Srivastav, Malavita and Noble Jacks.
Malavita at Devizes Arts Festival 2023
It really was a packed program so thanks to everyone for contributing reviews, but no more than Andy, who virtually squatted the festival, providing words on Christian Garrick & The Budapest Cafรฉ Orchestra, Hawes & Catlow, Chris Ingham Trio, Clive Anderson, Lois Pryce, Marcus Brigstocke, Lucy Stevens, Aglica Trio, Onarole Theatreโs Jesus My Boy, Texas Tick Fever, Sir Willard White, Sue Stockdale, and Tango Calor.
Songs of The Week from Beskar which featured vocals from local singer Chrissy aka One Trick Pony, and Ruzz Guitar Blues Revue. I reviewed albums by Danni W, and Liddington Hill.
Liddington Hill
We had some fun with my Top Tips to Survive a Muddy Glastonbury Festival, and another called Wiltshire Council Replicate Table Mountain in Devizes Pothole!
But poor WC, when Devizes New Chair to Area Board of Wiltshire Council was announced I got my knickers in nearly as much twist as Danny Kruger’s did over an Affordable Housing Development in Devizes, but I admit I jumped the gun on that one, but eat humble pie, na, not me. There’s too much other terrible rightwingy crap happening to focus on minor errors, like the counter protest to a drag queen reading stories at Swindon library.
July
Devizes Pride
Mantonfest 2023
Previewed Box Rocks, Embrace All, Swindonโs festival for disabled, and Matchbox Mutiny, Ben Borrill & Pat Wardโs new duo debut at The Gate, but previews are so springtime, reviews are what was happening in July, and lots of them! Devizes Scooter Rally, CrownFest, Devizes Pride, Mantonfest, and Karen Cannings guest reviewed Lavington Community Choirs The Pied Piper of Hamelin.
Bob Marley Experience @ CrownFest
Devizes Scooter Rally
Two art exhibits reviewed, Anna Dillonโs Wessex Airscapes at Wiltshire Museum and Alexander Kaiโs Figures in Focus at St Maryโs Devizes.
Alexander Kai at St. Mary’s
New tunes from Subject A and Beskar featuring Huntr/s, an album by Onika Venus. But on the subject of youth participation, July was exactly what we wanted. The Pump called for young talent with its Future Sound of Trowbridge project, we had a new tune from Nothing Rhymes With Orange, and I reviewed their gig at the Barge, but couldnโt make the one at Devizes Corn Exchange. This is where the drummer of Paradigm, Florence Lee came in, remember I said weโd mention them again? Well, Flo reviewed the gig and Kiesha Films supplied photography. This is precisely what weโre looking for, youth reviewing and capturing their own generationโs gigs.
NRWO @ The Corn Exchange
Flo did such a grand job I sent her on two historic bear hunts, to report on a Sound Knowledge gig in Marlborough with William The Conqueror and Michael Rosen Hunt at The Cheese & Grain, thank you Florence and Kiesha. Other youth interactions came with The Wharf Theatreโs youth production of Girls Like That, a feature on RAE, and a review of Becca Mauleโs Teenage Things EP.
Becca Maule
My only rant was on the subject of the overworked bus driver who fell asleep at the wheel.
August
Soupchick launching a falafel stall, Wharf Writersโ Group first Podcast, Whereโs the Cat? Chloe Jordan playing the Southgate, the return of the Imberbus, and My Dadโs Festival raising ยฃ9,000 for Prospect Hospice were hot topics in August.
Fulltone Festival 2023
The Fulltone Festival was covered with words by Jemma herself, and double-reviewed by Helen and myself. I also managed HoneyFest, Meg at The Neeld in Chippenham, Beyond Chippenham Streets exhibit, ran a general piece on open mic nights, and went salsa dancing with Devizes Salsa; Eso!
Devizes Salsa
Songs of the Week from Paul Lappin and Ruzz Guitarโs Blues Revue. New singles from The Scribes and Atari Pilot, and Sally Dobsonโs new project Foxbaroque. Albums came in from Dylan Smith, The Radio Makers and Junkyard Dogs.
Mr Tea & The Minions at HoneyFest
I managed one rant on the New Devizes-Melksham Constituency, taking a critical look at Michelle Donelan; harmless banter, you understand?
September
Devizes Food & Drink Festival in September, Ian reviewed Di, Viv & Rose at Wharf Theatre. I ran previews of Omega Nebula at the Muck & Dunder, Swindon Rocks for Children In Need, The Big Sleep Out In aid of Devizes Opendoors, and produced a podcast episode too!
We reported on The Future Smiths, Devizes Parish Wins Prestigious Award for Future Plans, and Watching the Winter Solstice at Stonehenge or Avebury: How to Prepare was an advertorial piece I confess, but while I try not to do these, it paid for this yearโs website fees with some pennies left to put on a gig with.
Songs of The Week from Meg, and Canuteโs Plastic Army. Beyond Reverence, Deadlight Danceโs debut album was reviewed.
I donโt usually report crime, but the headline Epic Fail, Devizes Burglar Steals Doormat was too funny not to run! Herein lies my frustrations though when I reported on Swindon’s MECA defending its right to promote racism, and I stand by my guns whatever the outcome, because we really donโt need this behaviour on the hospitality industry already at its knees.
October
A Typical Saturday of Live Music in Devizes is a Beautiful Thing! Was the headline, again me trotting around three pubs in town to include all gigs in one night! Then there was Seendโs own Live Aid, The Female of the Species, what a night.
The Female of the Species
Retro Relics Games Cafe opened in Lavington, 4Youth: New Street-Based Youth Project for Devizes begun, Devizes Libraryโs hopes to start a Lego Club, New Organ Arrives in Devizes Like โA Phoenix Rising from the Ashes,โ Devizes Teenagers Give Up Spare Time to Help Community Gardening Project, and Devizes Town Council Pledge on Single-Use Plastics.
I previewed Shakespeare Liveโs Autumn tour, World War One play The Last Post at The Wharf Theatre, Calne Music & Arts Festival Stand-Up Comedy Night, a Palestine Solidarity March in Swindon, took two trips to the Pump, one for Amelia Coburn, Ruby Darbyshire and M3G, the second for Professor Elemental and Devilโs Doorbell. Andy provided words on the White Horse Operaโs Gala Concert and Blood Brothers at Long Street Blues Club, and I managed to get down there one night too, to see the Billy Walton Band.
M3G @ the Pump
Mick Brian reviewed Happy Jack at The Wharf Theatre, NervEndings launched a scathing attack on the music industryโs chancers and charlatans, Nothing Rhymes With Orange frontman Elijah released a solo tune I paid a visit to the The Healthy Life Company, and we had an interview with Steve Vick, having renewed their sponsorship of Wiltshireโs Youth Orchestras at Wiltshire Music Centre.
For a giggle I answered Wiltshire Councilโs Public Transport Survey, and I wrote a Halloween gag about Eddie Cochranโs ghost in Chippenham!
November
Mick Joggerโs Devizes gig got a preview, 12 Bars Later popped into The Badger Set,
Ruby Darbyshire
Ruby Darbyshire played Glasgowโs Barrowlands with The Charlatans, and Gail and I met Henry Normal and Nigel Planer at Devizes Town Hall; heavy!
With Nigel Planer @ Devizes Town Hall
James Hollingsworth at The Southgate
Chicago Blues and Russ Ballard gigs at Long Street Blues Club were covered by Andy, and James Hollingsworth at The Southgate too. Ian did TITICOโs The Pirates of Penzance at the Corn Exchange.
Pirates!
Jess Self and cast of Jack & The Beanstalk at the Wharf
I did Jack & The Beanstalk at the Wharf Theatre, and loved it. I skanked in the Muck with Omega Nebula, DOCA Winter Festival and lantern parade, and attended the duo exhibits at Wiltshire Museum opening event.
Omega Nebula
We spoke highly of the Wiltshire Music Centre, and took a look at what was happening over Christmas in Devizes. Wicked Weather Watch launched a campaign to empower youth on climate action.
Winter Festival Devizes by Simon Folkard
We reviewed new tunes from The Scribesโ Jonny Steele, and the Dirty Smooth, and an album by the Two Man Travelling Medicine Show.
December
Illingworth at the Three Crowns
Previewed the Bradford on Avon Green Man Festival, reviewed Barrelhouse at the Southgate and Illingworth at the Three Crowns, and a most memorable gig at theย Wiltshire Music Centre with Kasai Masai.
We had new singles from M3G, Billy in the Lowground, and the Viduals,and an album review of Cephid.
Weโre continuing to highlight local festivals for 2024, and yes, Pewsey took a bit of criticism for the Tedworth Hunt parading without permission this Boxing Day. But, I did go all out on a satirical rant about the roadworks situation in Devizes, and got on my high horse with Councillor Iain Wallis, which some people thought was a little OTT.
NRWO at the Southgate
What I didnโt mention was it was through personal frustration the piece was reflected. Having given myself over forty extra minutes to cross town to get my autistic son to his disabilities football session at Wiltshire FA in Green Lane, we were still fifteen minutes late; punctuality key to his meltdown in the car. For Iain to then take to his social media group defending the appalling coordination of Wiltshire Council and turning comments off, which could have been fair suggestions as to how to solve the issue of future roadworks planning, was counterproductive, so he got a little bashing for his actions, as is all what he and anyone else here has ever got here, criticism for their actions or inactions on the subject weโre covering. It was not, and has never been a personal attack, much as he claims it is. But I do take all the opinions cast under my wing and the result was me getting rather frustrated and annoyed with it all. I believe if the actions of anyone in a position of power, such as an MP or councillor are dubious they deserve to be called out for it, and besides, it is only ever with a shrewd slice of satire which we do it with, not to be taken so seriously.
I threw my teddies from the pram, yes, and suggested giving Devizine up. I slept on it while a load of comments praising what we do here flooded our Facebook page, and this gave me a fresh perspective, running a quick photo article joking that,of course, I wouldnโt give it up, only to receive comments from someone who was previous supportive of Devizine stating I duped them into thinking I would quit; you cannot win! I can only assure you, the feeling was real, all these nasty folk who seem to want to derail us, mock us for standing up for what is right, they do get to me, and do make me feel like quitting, that much is true and the joke was it was all a joke, because it wasnโt. My god, why am I pouring my heart out over this silliness; if you like Devizine read it, if you donโt like Devizine, donโt read it, but donโt parade around slagging us off like youโre the victim, which I took the test of then and there myself and it does inflate the ego; simples!!
I wish you all a happy new year and sincerely hope we donโt need to go down this avenue again, I hope we can provide a platform to promote talented locals, venues, the arts and all, but tell me I cannot spice it up with a little controversial satire, whatโs the point in me doing it I ask you?! 2023 has been a great year, with lots going on, lots to report and so many people Iโm grateful for, for their contributions, input, advice and support, for they far outnumber the oddballs who seem to think weโre stifling creativity or backing some imaginary concept like cancel culture. The simple fact is, no other local media is highlighting and promoting local arts, it depends on the individual social media presence, and somewhere to combine and collate it all, I believe, is a positive thing. Rant over……
Onwards with our look through all the big local events and festivals coming our way in 2024. Note, there will always be additions, many annual events still to fix a date, as we work through the year weโll add them to our event calendar. This is just an overview of what we have so far. Iโve already added the Devizes International Street Festival on the May bank holiday, 26th and 27th, for an unmissable example!
We finished off the first part at the end of May, the last day of the month sees the Devizes Arts Festival begin, which continues through the first fortnight of June, which is where we will pick up from now. Only those two summer months to cover in this part, because thereโs so much happening over this period, and weโll conclude with August until December in the third and final section.
June
31st May- 16th: Devizes Arts Festival
Thereโs been a few leaks about acts at Devizes Arts Festival this year, my favourite so far is to catch the wonderful Lady Nade, but also find Martin Simpson, the Jolly Roger, Hollie McNishโs Lobster Tour, Jo Carley and The Old Dry Skulls, Phil Hammond, Rumour, and Antarctic explorer Tom Crean. Keep your eyes peeled for more info, we love the Devizes Arts Festival and we will be featuring it extensively throughout the new year, so, donโt touch that dial!
Malavita at Devizes Arts Festival 2023. Image: Gail Foster
1st: Shambles Festival, Melksham
Shambles Festival is a single-day dance music event happening at The King George V Park in Melksham. It features diverse entertainment combining DJ sets and live music, with 25+ Acts, Big top festival tents, Veli’cious food stalls, a bar located in a marquee and top-end sound systems, as a priority.
Itโs the second annual outing for this blossoming local dance event in the Sham, organised by 21-year-old Melksham-born DJ, James Wilkins, who states he wants to โsee a better representation of local talent in the arts in rural places.โ
This is precisely the kind of initiative we ache to promote on Devizine, thereโs a great need for more dance music events locally, and wish the team the very best of luck with it. Normally Iโm saying check our event calendar for ticket links and info, otherwise itโs time consuming for me, but Iโll drop this one, HERE, because Iโve a lot of time for this.ย
9th: Lions on the Green, Devizes
Wonderful start to summer in Devizes, when the Lions Club presents a free family day with a car show on the Green.
10th: Bradford-on-Avon Food & Drink Festival
Bradford on Avon Food and Drink Festival is a dynamic and fun celebration of all that is wonderful and delicious in the South West. Produce at its very best, plenty to see, drink and eat and in a vibrant atmosphere in the centre of this gorgeous and historic market town.
See Masterclasses and Interviews from local & celebrity chefs, Artisan Market, Street Food, Live Music, Childrenโs Fun Cooking Classes, Childrenโs Circus Skills, FestivAlesโ Pop up Pub, and much, much more.
15th: Chippenham Pride
Last year Chippenham held the best Pride around these country parts, by a country mile! in 2024 they will be expanding into Monkton Park as well as Island Park. There will be some exciting NEW areas for Chippenham Pride 2024, including a fully licensed bar, an awesome Cabaret stage, a kids area including rides, face glitter and fun stall as well an Education tent. And it’s all Free!
There will also be the much loved Pride walk throughout the town centre and into Monkton Park, well-being and retail stalls, 10 hours of Main Stage entertainment and the official flag raising ceremony at 10am!
15th: Neuroheadz Festival 2024, Cotswolds
Back for its third year, this is a one-day dance music festival with limited camping spots in the Cotswolds, Brokenborough to be more precise!
20th: Summer Solstice
Summer Solstice, locatedโฆerm, well, worldwide, but the best place in said world to see it in, is Wiltshire, at Stonehenge and Avebury, but, you knew that already!
20th: Iford Manor Jazz Festival, Bath
Grownups only, jazz performances sweeping across the beautiful woodlands and Japanese Garden, your chance to discover Ilford Manor, near Bath, in all its glory.
26th-29th: Glastonbury Festival
We have to put this mini-festival in, though if you want to go you should plan much sooner than this! The worldโs most famous festival on our doorstep, and it is much in the notion of this which allows the West Country to have a knock-on effect hosting so many others. There is nothing quite like Glasto, more experience than event, but, these days you have to be punctual. One day Iโll make it back there!
28th-29th: Chippenham Food & Drink Festival
Two day Food and Drink Festival at Monkton Park, Chippenham, bringing some of the best chefs, wine, live music and so much more over one summer weekend. Gather your friends and enjoy good food, good wine, & great times.
29th: Melksham Pride
Proud Melksham gets set for another yearโs Pride in the town.
29th: MantonFest, Marlborough
Mantonfest 2023. Image Gail Foster
Last one of June, and itโs an amazing one. We at Devizine love MantonFest with bells on. Such a quaint little secret garden party near Marlborough, itโs well-established and so welcoming and communal. Another year, another great lineup supporting local and youth acts as well as the best quality tributes to polish the night off, we love it, I told you we love it, didnโt I?!
Mantonfest 2023. Image Gail Foster
July
4th-7th: Minety Music Festival
Minety has fast become the most talked about festival locally, hosting some big names annually, but also taking giant leaps in promoting locally-sourced acts too, Minety is your go-to for a friendly local festival with big impressions and standards. The Feeling and Ash are the biggies for 2024, find Queen tribute Flash and, as I said, you can guarantee some quality local bands too.
5th-14th: Frome Festival
Fromeโs arts and culture festival takes place at various venues over a fortnight. Their mission is to celebrate Fromeโs unique arts scene by providing accessible cultural events for over 12,000 attendees per year and championing the creative community by providing an annual platform for over 100 events delivered by local artists and community groups.
6th-13th: Cheltenham Music Festival
Celebrated since its inception in 1945, Cheltenham Music Festival has become one of the UKโs leading classical music festivals, bringing together eight days of live music in the Regency spa town of Cheltenham each July. The Festival prides itself on encouraging a spirit of curiosity and welcoming bold performances. It is renowned for presenting world-class musicians in magnificent venues around various venues across the town.
6th: Cheese & Chilli Festival Swindon 2024
National touring company organised, still these festivals are a popular attraction, this one takes place at Lydiard Park.
10th-13th: 2000Trees, Cheltenham
This largely indie-based award-winning festival is one I only ever hear great things about.
13th: Devizes Beer Festival
Time once again to drink yourself stupid at Devizes Wharf, but we like it like that!
13th: Somerset Kaya Reggae Festival, Caryford
Bruton Dub Club and Kaya Festival bring you some of the best in UK reggae. Limited tickets for this communal reggae do.
14th Godney Gathering, Somerset
The Godney Gathering has quickly established itself as one of the best single-day micro festivals in the UK, achieving outstanding reviews locally and nationally. 2024 lineup yet to be confirmed, go to this on its reputation alone.
20th: Market Lavington Vintage Meet
Bigger and better than the title might sound, this is a large retro family festival with a village fete ethos.
20th: My Dad’s Bigger Than Your Dad, Swindon
The highlight of the Swindon calendar, supporting the local scene and raising funds for Prospect House, My Dad’s Bigger Than Your Dad is now four years young, and the institution you need to be part of!
Held at the Bowl in Town Gardens makes for the perfect location. No lineup announced yet, but in association with Swindon Shuffleย you can be rest assured you’re in good hands.
20th: Classic Ibiza at Bowood
Commercial venture for the Ibiza diehards, this one will set you back a packet, but for those who attend I hear good things.
25th-28th: Womad, Malmesbury
Being that we don’t get much day-to-day world music in our county, it goes without saying we do have the world’s finest word music festival. Annually for as long as I can recall the Charlton Park estate in Malmesbury plays host to Womad. Tickets are not on sale, sign up on their website for announcements.
26th-28th: Devizes Scooter Rally
Mods, skinheads, scooterists, there’s many scooter rallies up and down this great nation, but no other on this scale locally. Devizes should be proud the Devizes Scooter Club organises this brilliant and hospitable event. It attracts soul and ska aficionados from across the country and welcomes curious locals on equal level. Last year was awesome and affordable. The club is set for another boss rally, so put your braces together and your boots on your feet, and give me some of that old moonstomping!
27th-28th: FullTone Festival, Devizes
Fulltone Festival 2023 Day Two. Image Gail Foster.
It seems a shame FullTone is the same weekend as the Scooter Rally, but that’s the way the cookie crumbles. The FullTone Orchestra returns to the Devizes Green this weekend, with guests and its blend of orchestral and pop. An amazing weekend, a lovely vibe, and breathtaking stage and sound. Talk in Code returns again this year, and I’m certain a scattering of others will separate the Orchestra’s wonderful concertsโฆnice!
27th: Bristol Comic & Gaming Con
Ashton Gate Stadium hosts this convention of all things comic, gaming and film. These events are the commercial side of comic cons, but great fun for families.
28th: Potterne Festival
The best bank holiday you’ll ever have in Potterne! This annual showdown at Potterne Cricket Club is immensely popular and sells out each year. It brags a collection of great local cover and tribute acts and is lots of fun.
28th: M4 Festival, Swindon
Rumour is abound the M4 Festival is happening at Lydiard Park in 2024, but as of yet nothing official has been announced. Be careful, M4 went into liquidation, cancelling last year’s festival at the last minute.
All links to all festivals are on our event calendar, and I am sure many will be added over the coming months. We await news from Trowbridge Festival, Swindon Shuffle, Box Rocks, CrownFest at Bishops Cannings, and so many others yet to announce. For now, summer is nearly upon us, honest!! We will return to cover August and the rest of 2024 asap. I think just June and July are quite enough to take in for now, what with all this wintery wind and perpetual drizzle! Oh, come on summerโฆ.spring would do!
by Ian Diddamsimages from Mark Harrison Facebook Last summer I was lucky enough to see Mark Harrison play at the โTangled Rootsโ festival over Radstockโฆ
In what appears to be a deliberate attempt to smear the campaign of opposition candidate for Wiltshire Police Crime Commissioner, independent Mike Rees, it seemsโฆ
If we spoke only last month about Wiltshire Councilโs threats to prosecute Wiltshire Music Events over posters advertising a Bob Marley tribute event in Devizes,โฆ
By Florence Lee Images by Kiesha Films โThey promised hardcore shenanigans which never fall below 180 bpmโ SHOX: After seeing Shox in February I wasโฆ
Itโs beginning to look a lot likeโฆ. our weekly roundup of what weโve found to do in the wilds of Wiltshire this weekโฆ.. How many sleeps are left? I cheat, I have two sleeps a day, itโs an age thingโฆ..
Please be aware this is not comprehensive and new events can and might yet still be added to our blossoming, occasionally updating EVENT CALENDAR; they might not be added here, so do check in regularly. You can also find links to everything mentioned there, and plan ahead.
One other really important thing before we get going, we need donations to fund this, so, if you can this Christmas, please donate a little stocking filler to keep us going; awl, thank you, For info on how, see HERE. Please and thank youโฆ
Ongoing: Two exhibits at Wiltshire Museum in Devizes: Lest We Forget: the Black Contribution to the World Wars and Eric Walrond: A Caribbean Writer living in Wiltshire. Reviewed Here.
Wednesday 13th
Acoustic Jam at the Southgate, Devizes.
Every second Wednesday of the month, itโs Runny Snotts Open Mic at The Three Crowns, Chippenham.
Lunchtime Recital at Pound Arts, Corsham, Flight of the Firebird with violinist Matthew Taylor and Peter French on piano.
Swindon Arts Centre screens The Muppets Christmas Carol as part of their Memory Cinema, for those suffering dementia.
Winter Wonderband at Chapel Arts. Ya Freshness & The Big Boss Band at the Bell, Bath.
Thursday 14th
Owyado Theatre presents a Twisted Christmas at Seend Community Centre.
Open Mic at The Crown, Bishops Cannings.
Junkyard Dogs at the Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.
Ben Poole is at The Tree House, Frome, Abba Reunion at the Cheese & Grain.
Friday 15th
Book Launch: Marking Time by Sir Mathew Thorpe at Seend Community Centre.
Carols at the Wharf with Devizes Town Band from 6:30, courtesy of the Kennet & Avon Trust. Edโs pick of the week, Nothing Rhymes With Orange at The Southgate, Devizes. Devizes Public Living Room Christmas Shindig at the Town Hall.
Alex Mendham and his Orchestraโs Vintage Christmas Party at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon. Severange @ The Three Horseshoes.
Green Matthews โ A Christmas Carol, at Pound Arts, Corsham.
โRockinโ & โSwinginโ Christmas Evening with Peter Gill & The Good Time Charlies Band at Chapel Arts, Bath.
Diverse Disco, a disco for anyone with disabilities, at Tree Nightclub, Swindon. Cut the Mustard at the Beehive. XSLF at The Vic with Borrowed Time and the Deckchairs in support.
An Intimate Evening With Glen Matlock at The Tree House, Frome. The Jive Aces โ โThe Not Quite Christmas showโ at the Cheese & Grain.
Saturday 16th
Kenavon Venture Santa Cruise sets sail at Devizes Wharf, and trips are daily until 23rd December. Breakfast with Santa at Devizes Fire Station. Christmas Market at Hillworth Park. The SODs Charity Christmas Gig 2023 at the Town Hall. The Big Sound Christmas Concert at St Johns. The Coco Club Christmas Ball at the Corn Exchange. Christmas Family Ravers at the Exchange. Fullhouse play Frankie Miller at Long Street Blues Club. Phase Rotate at The Southgate. And Sour Apple play The Three Crowns, for Simonโs birthday, happy birthday Simon!
The Vooz play The Lamb, Marlborough.
6 Oโclock Circus at The Talbot, Calne.
The Artisan Fundraiser for No7 Creative Space, Chippenham. The West End comes to Chippenham at Christmas at St Pauls. A Christmas Spectacular: Here we come a-carolling at St Andrewโs. 70โs 80โs Disco at The Consti Club.
March for Palestine in Swindon. Swindon Palestine Solidarity (SPS) invites the community to join in a peaceful march on December 16th to call for justice and raise awareness about the ongoing conflict in Palestine. Participants will gather at The Lawns entrance on Old Town High Street, on the corner with Charlotte Mews, at 11 am and begin the march at 11:30 am.
Santaโs Christmas Wish opens at Swindon Arts Centre, running until 24th. Apache Cats at the Queenโs Tap. Mark Valentine Band at the Beehive. Bedrock at The Woodlands Edge. The 12 Bands of Christmas at the Vic, see the poster below!
Rock the Tots Christmas Concert at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon. Franky & The BuzzCatz at The Three Horseshoes.
The Scribes at The Winchester Gate, Salisbury.
Sense Recordings Free Party at The Queenโs Head, Box. The Marching Skaletons at the Bell, Bath.
The Foxes PresentโฆA Cool Yule at Chapel Arts, Bath.
Rhythm Of The 90s & Dave Pearce at the Cheese & Grain, Frome is sold out.
Sunday 17th
Devizes Young Farmers Tractor & Tinsel Christmas Market at the Market Place, Devizes. Andrew Hurst at The White Bear from 5pm.
Santaโs Christmas Wish at the Neeld, Chippenham.
GBH Big Band with Claire MartinIG at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon. Mark Greenโs Blues Band and others from 3am, free admission at the Mount Pleasant Social Club.
ยฃ20K by December 2023 Fundraising Appeal at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Clyveโs Funky Christmas Party at Chapel Arts, Bath. The Blues Mercenaries at the Bell.
Splat the Rat at the Beehive, Swindon.
Cara Dillon โ Upon A Winter’s Night at the Cheese & Grain, Frome. A Dannsa Dub at the Tree House.
Monday 18th
Rock The Tots: Christmas at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Messy Carols at the Beehive, Swindon.
Shing-a-Lings at the Bell, Bath.
Tuesday 19th
Kids Inflatable Christmas Party at The Civic, Trowbridge.
Christmas with Kim Cypher for Jazz Knights at the Royal Oak, Swindon.
Filskit Theatre: Wonder Gigs at Pound Arts, Corsham.
And thatโs all I have so far. Saturday 21st is winter solstice, to plan ahead for events over Christmas keep an eye on our event calendar!
Girls, girls, girls, we love them here at Devizine, especially our esteemed all-female local supergroup The Female of the Species. 2024 will be their ninthโฆ
Two teen Devizes punker bands appear on Trowbridgeโs Pump triple-bill this Saturday, as the search for the Future of Trowbridge reaches its eighth instalment; unsureโฆ
There will be some foot-tapping folky goodness at the wonderful Wiltshire Music Centre in Bradford-on-Avon on Friday. This year’s Bradford Roots Festival may be aโฆ
After an inaugural midweek gig with local legend Andrew Hurst this month, it seems Bromham’s St Nicholas Church could be the unexpected new rural musicโฆ
If Iโve recently been singing the praises of arts diversity in Bradford-on-Avon, centred around the Wiltshire Music Centre and not yet touched upon the various other venues such as the Three Horseshoes and Boathouse, hereโs something to wrap it up into one neat package, the Bradford on Avon Green Man Festivalโฆโฆ
A free one-dayer, the festival is organised by the town council, a vibrant, family-friendly community gathering featuring traditional dance, music, song, and folklore which runs throughout the town centre on Saturday 11 May 2024, from 9.30am to 5pm.
They hail โthereโs something for everyone,โ and that story checks out; with over forty dance groups, comprising three-hundred and twenty dancers and musicians, the Bradford on Avon Green Man Festival ranges from Morris dancing to European styles, and encourages you to have a go!
Homegrown Performance troupe, Ganderflankers presents Jack and Jill in the Green, a whimsical journey of a 10ft tall Jack and Jill with their bands and fantasy beasts, visits twelve locations across the town.ย
Wiltshire Music Centre stage hosts a stage at the Holy Trinity Church, and the festival launch party will be held at the Centre on Friday 10th May, ticketed, it features folk-rock legends Lindisfarne. A new addition for 2024 will beThe Three Horseshoeshosting a blues stage, featuring the best local blues musicians. Thereโs also the Folk Club Stage in St Margaretโs Hall. The festival also boasts music sessions in town centre pubs, a regularly featured samba band at the Tithe Barn in the afternoon, a Mummersโ play performed around town, and buskers too.
Pagan Arts & Crafts market with about a dozen stalls selling everything for the closet pagan, shopsโ window dressing, and an Artisan Market with thirty or so local makers. With a childrenโs fun zone with fairground rides, magical storytelling and face painters, The Community Hub for local groups and clubs to showcase their activities, and yet to be confirmed Saturday night party to polish it off, looks like the party is in Bradford-on-Avon in Mayโฆ..twist my arm why donโt you!!
Spring has sprung! There were two snails on my milk-float this morning, opening โdoing it,โ without shame; absolute filth! โฆ. I should have filmed itโฆ
By Mick Brian.Images by Chris Watkins Media Mention the name of the author โAgatha Christieโ and most people will immediately think of her two mainโฆ
Itโs beginning to look a lot likeโฆ. our weekly roundup of what weโve found to do in the wilds of Wiltshire this weekโฆ..
Please be aware this is not comprehensive and new events can and might yet still be added to our blossoming, occasionally updating EVENT CALENDAR; they might not be added here, so do check in regularly. You can also find links to everything mentioned there, and plan ahead.
One other really important thing before we get going, the thing everyone seems to brazenly browse past pretending it didnโt apply to them, we need donations to fund this, so, if you can, please donate a little something to keep us going; awl, thank you. If you love it, donโt lose it, like Bez on a nineties dance floor. For info on how, see HERE. Please and thank youโฆ
Ongoing: Two exhibits at Wiltshire Museum in Devizes: Lest We Forget: the Black Contribution to the World Wars and Eric Walrond: A Caribbean Writer living in Wiltshire. Reviewed Here.
Jack & The Beanstalk at the Wharf Theatre, Devizes, is wonderful, and runs till Saturday, but tickets are sold out, join the waiting list online, itโs worth it.
Wednesday 6th
Acoustic Jam at the Southgate, Devizes.
Christmas Afternoon for Over 60s at The Neeld, Chippenham.
Old Town Comedy Loft at the Hop Inn, Swindon.
Thursday 7th
The Real Cheesemakers & Tom Veck at The Tuppenny, Swindon, Lucky Thief play the Vic with Life in Mono and Ritual Divide. Geoff Marsh Panto Caped Avengers at Swindon Arts Centre.
A Winter Union at Chapel Arts, Bath.
Friday 8th
Fun Quiz Night at Wiltshire Museum, Devizes. Devizes Public Living Room: has a Singalong with Sian & Rob at Devizes Town Hall, Strange Folk play The Southgate, People Like Us at The Condado Lounge.
Michele Stodart is at the Pump, Trowbridge with DG Solaris in support. Soul Strutters are at the Civic Cafe and Be Like Will at The Red Admiral, Hilperton.
Sons of Town Hall at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Leon McCawley at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon, the Boot Hill All Stars Christmas Party at The Three Horseshoes.
The Superskas at Chapel Arts, Bath. The Jon Amor Trio play The Ram.
Riskee & The Ridicule play the Vic, Swindon, with 2 Sick Monkeys and Street Outlaws. The Jake Leg Jug Band at The Queenโs Tap.
TV Smith at the Tree House, Frome, while Complete Madness tribute are at the Cheese & Grain.
Saturday 9th
Young Curators Club, and the Museum Explorers Club for December at Wiltshire Museum, Devizes. A Wreath Making Workshop at The Parish Rooms, on Long Street, Devizes Lions Christmas Fair at The Corn Exchange, from 9am-2:30pm.
White Horse Opera Christmas Concert at St John’s Church, Devizes. SoupChick has a โShow & Sleighโ feast in the Shambles. Black Nasty at the Southgate, James Mitchell at the Three Crowns.
Barrelhouse plays The Lamb, Marlborough, Homer are at The Bear.
The Blunders play the Barge on HoneyStreet with Dissident Noise Factory in support, there’s a Christmas market there during the daytime with Father Christmas and Mad Pete’s Magic.
Legendary local folk band, Stonegallows reunite for a final gig at the Pump, Trowbridge. The 12 Bells offers a more grungy evening with โTerrors From The Deep.โ
The Chaos Brothers play The Talbot, Calne.
Triple JD at the Old Road Tavern, Chippenham. A Ratpack Night at The Consti Club. Christmas Show at The Cause.
The 80s vs. 90s Christmas Party at Melksham Assembly Hall.
Wiltshire Jazz Academyโs December concert at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon, also, Martin Cathy and Jon Wilks. Kitchen Lover at the Three Horseshoes.
Attic presents: Learning to Fly by James Rowland at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Good Times at The Woodlands Edge, Swindon, Diversify Xmas Special at the Vic.
Untamed Burlesque at Chapel Arts, Bath.
L1nkn P4rk & Foo Fakers at the Tree House, Frome. Jon Gomm & Jo Quail at the Cheese & Grain.
Sunday 10th
Matchbox Mutiny are at the White Bear, Devizes from 5pm.
The Jon Amor Trio are at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.
Swindon Recital Series at Swindon Arts Centre
Flash Harry @ The Cornerhouse, Frome. Frome record fair at the Cheese & Grain.
Carols and Morris dancers at the Southgate, Devizes.
The Scummy Mummies at the Civic, Trowbridge.
Ooh, Beehive at the Beehive, Swindon, and Eric Mylod-Okafo Quartet for Jazz Knights at the Royal Oak.
Steeleye Span at the Cheese & Grain.
That’s all folks, unless you know different? Drop me a line to tell me what I missed. It’s free to be listed here, but I’m partial to a chocolate cupcake now and then!
Next week is getting really Christmassy, I’ll drop some posters for stuff coming up below, but don’t miss a trick by keeping up with our updating Event Calendar.
Wiltshire Councilโs ambitious plans to resurface all the roads in Devizes before the next ice age have been cancelled because rare dinosaur fossils have beenโฆ
November was one crazy month for our friend and researcher from the Regional History Centre at the University of the West of England, Brian Edwards.โฆ
With howling, coarse baritones Nick Fletcher, the main vocalist of Marlboroughโs gothic duo, Deadlight Dance chants, โhere comes the rain, and I love the rain,โฆ
An exodus of musical lovers and, I’d assume, a healthy handful of friends and family, trekked southwards through winter’s final ambush last night, to enjoyโฆ
The first Kamikaze moth of the year dive-bombed my face the other morning. Forget blossoming trees and tulips, that’s a milkmanโs sure sign of springโฆbecauseโฆ
The Liberal Democratโs are today celebrating a historic election win in the heart of Marlborough, in the first contested Town Council election for thirteen yearsโฆ.โฆ
He’s behind you! Oh no, he isn’t, the director of the Wharf’s panto this year, John Winterton is right in front of me, and we’re having a cuppa in the foyer!
John makes a point, pantomime is an introduction to theatre for many. I can identify, my first experience at a show being an annual amateur panto which included my younger cousin’s dance group. Showing how slim my credentials for reviewing a pantomime are, the only other one I’ve seen was decades later when we took our kids to see Peter Pan at the Bath Royal; but I know what I like and liked what I saw.
And to question the need to write this at all, being tickets are near sold out anyway; this serves to say to those without tickets, you’re missing out, and to golden ticket holders, you’re in for a fantastic treat.
Doubting my decision to attend somewhat, prior to the show. I’m a grumpy old sausage without any need of drag queen clichรฉs, Carry-On titillation, and booing the baddie. Oh boy, did they turn my frown upside down.
Starter for ten, Jack and the Beanstalk at Devizesโ gem of a theatre contains all fundamental elements of pantomime, a loose narrative to distract from, drag, subtle smut, nonsensical comedy, breaking the fourth wall, patchwork clowns and loveable animal characters, parodies of pop songs, fairytale romance, song and dance. Save perhaps the archetypal celebrity. But who needs a Keith Chegwin or Ian from Eastenders when fourteen year old Jess Self takes the lead role of Jack, for if she’s no celebrity yet, she’s a bona-fide star.
This is where I need to take care not to add spoilers, plus note some imagination was required as this was a dress rehearsal and audience participation is key to pantomime above all others. The latter is easier than it sounds, being a big kid at heart, families, I guarantee will love this in equal measure.
To the nitty-gritty, writer Oliver Phipps has created an offbeat tribute to the folkloric fairy-tale which in essence deviates whimsically for comic scope rather than rolls traditional narrative, and tends to be mindful you’re watching a play in Devizes with local references and self-deprecating gags.
There’s atypical charming and fun characters to bounce off Jack, key to this performance is the apt casting. Oliver casts himself as the drag Dame Dotty, mother of Jack, and detonates exuberance and wit. Other notable comic creations to bind this perfect synergy is the Arlecchino patchwork clown Silly Simon, a brother of Jack’s eccentricity played by Oliver Beech, a lovably simpleton cow called Pat (geddit?) who, though we shouldn’t otherwise name-call but in this instance there’s no better way of saying, Jemma Gingell perfects the cow! And the most universal comic character, the egotistical and game show host wannabe, Spirit of the Beans, played immaculately by Jax Brady.
Other than dancers, Berrie Mildenhall, Jamie Linsley, Sienna Swain, Oliva Hibbert, Belle Stalham, and Fleur Brewer, villagers, Helen Pritchard, Ben Bryan, Poppi Lamb-Hughes and youngest actor Lucas Dowling at ten years-old, Jill, the princess love interest, played delightfully by Georgina Claridge, and villainess to boo Mrs Blunderbore, played wickedly by Hayley Baxter, all characters are comically forged, which gets my approval. Even the king and queen, so often not in pantos, are funny, acted by Corrin Barbieri and, down-to-his-jimmy-jams, Adam Sturges, respectively.
If you’re looking for a profound delineation of orthodox folklore, committed to chronicle and honour an original plot, then this isnโt for you, but if you’re not a bore, and seek true kooky panto, with genius wordplay, if you want to guffaw and giggle, sing and get involved, well, this is perfect, and youโll have a great time. I only mention this in remembrance of my Dad, who came over all Mr Spock after every panto, groaning logic, things like, โit could’ve been coincidence the glass slipper happened to fit,โ or โwhy didn’t Aladdin ask the genie for another three wishes as his last wish?โ Pantomime is fantastical and not for overthinking, forgoing continuity and logic, this one is fantastic and matches the description.
Another crucial point of the joys of the humble Wharf Theatre, which came up in chatting with John in the foyer, was that if I bit the bullet of expense and went up the Westend to see a show, sure I’d have an unforgettable evening, but I go for the show’s title, couldn’t now recall the name of the theatre. John delighted in telling me he recognised the same faces, regulars who sit in the same seats. They come for the Wharf’s reputation; I wonder if city theatres could boast the same. The simple fact is, while the Wharf is communal, local, and affordable, it may well be amateur but strides at Neil Armstrong lengths to produce quality shows. Above glitz and glamour of Broadway, what The Wharf compares with, and prioritises, is heart.
Jack & The Beanstalk at the Wharf Theatre, Devizes opens on Friday 1st December and runs up to Saturday 9th. Tickets are sold out, but you can join the waiting list online HERE, hope for a cancelation, and take this as red, not to miss out next year!
After a larger quantity of social media teasers than previous years, Devizes Arts Festival has today revealed their full line-up for 2024. Better take aโฆ
Hereโs whatโs happening over the coming week in the wilds of Wiltshire, hold onto your hats! Everything listed here is on our event calendar; goโฆ
Image: Czampal Iโm laughing, not at the Glasto lineup, but the incalculable comments of negativity it has encouraged in Facebookland. It should be said though,โฆ
Ian Diddams Written by Jonathan LarsonPresented by Maple Theatre Company It’s always hard reviewing a show that one has seen multiple times before, performed byโฆ
In true Royston Vasey style, unfortunately due to time and resources we donโt review international music as we did during lockdown, choosing to focus moreโฆ
On International Womenโs Day a group of women from the Swindon community decided to organise a clothes memorial for the over 11,500 Palestinian children killedโฆ
Wowzers! Huge congratulations and a colossal thanks to young Chloe Boyle from Devizes, who is planning to spend the night of April 5th sleeping outsideโฆ
Newly formed and locally based collective Palooza hosted their opening night at The Exchange nightclub in Devizes yesterday, offering house music with universal appeal andโฆ
To look around our beautiful landscapes youโd be understanding of visitors who assume itโs a barren outback with nothing going on, but we know different; look and thee shall find. Weโve a packed week ahead as we move into December, the fun never stops! Hereโs what weโve found to do in the wilds of Wiltshire this weekโฆ..
Please be aware this is not comprehensive and new events can and might yet still be added to our blossoming, occasionally updatingEVENT CALENDAR; they might not be added here, so do check in regularly. You can also find links to everything mentioned there, and plan ahead.
One other really important thing before we get going, the thing everyone seems to brazenly browse past pretending it didnโt apply to them, we need donations to fund this, so, if you can, please donate a little something to keep us going; awl, thank you. If you love it, donโt lose it, like Bez on a nineties dance floor. For info on how, see HERE. Please and thank youโฆ
Ongoing: Two exhibits at Wiltshire Museum in Devizes: Lest We Forget: the Black Contribution to the World Wars and Eric Walrond: A Caribbean Writer living in Wiltshire. Reviewed Here.
Artist Clifton Powell with his portrait of Eric Walrond, on display at Wiltshire Museum
Wednesday 29th
NHS Blood Donation Clinic at The Corn Exchange in Devizes, between 1:30 and 7pm. The regular acoustic jam at the Southgate, Devizes.
Roy Chubby Brown is at The Civic, Trowbridge.
Keith Jamesโ Every Human Heart at Swindon Arts Centre.
Piano Phase Project Sound Meditation at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.
Ushti Baba at The Bell, Bath. Opening at The Rondo Theatre, A Streetcar Named Desire, which runs until Saturday 2nd.
Far From Saints at the Cheese & Grain, Frome is now sold out.
Thursday 30th
Open Mic at The Crown, Aldbourne.
Wiltshire Air Ambulance Christmas Market, Trowbridge. Open Mic at Stallards.
Adele Cliff at Chippenham Comedy Club at The Old Road Tavern, Chippenham.
Christmas Memories at Melksham Assembly Hall.
Jam Night at The Boathouse, Bradford-on-Avon.
FitkinWall: Harpland at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Grubb & Eedens at The Tuppenny, Swindon.
Chris Diffordโs โNot Only But Alsoโ at Chapel Arts, Bath.
Voodoo Room at the Tree House, Frome.
Friday 1st December
Friday sees a Christmas market and Santa’s grotto at The Pelican Inn, Devizes, from 4pm to 9.
Itโs the opening night of Jack & The Beanstalk at the Wharf Theatre, running until 9th Dec. Youโre going to be hard pushed to grab a seat for this now, but do try Devizes Books or join the online waiting list on their website. We look forward to reviewing this on Thursday.
Vamos is at the Old Road Tavern, Chippenham, bringing you the fantastic Will Lawton & The Alchemists with Mac-Lloyd in support, this will be one cool gig, highly recommended; please pay what you can for it. Living Spit: A Christmas Carol at the Neeld Hall.
Tribute to Dire Straits, DS:UK at the Melksham Assembly Hall.
Operation 77 at The Talbot, Calne.
My Fair Lady opens at the Civic in Trowbridge, running up to Sunday.
I Fagiolini Angels & Demons at the Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon. The brilliant Monkey Bizzle at the Three Horseshoes with Cara Means Friend.
Chris Difford is at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Alice Armstrong is a Chapel Arts, Bath.
Ed Tudor Pole at The Winchester Gate, Salisbury.
Jon Amor Trio at the Beehive, Swindon.
Ozric Tentacles & Gong at the Cheese & Grain, Frome, now sold out, but The Specialised are at The Tree House.
Saturday 2nd
Calne River Warriors’ Wreath-Making Workshop at the Pocket Park, Calne.
Christmas Market at Avebury Barn.
Devizes LunaBarge at The Southgate Inn, Devizes. The Unpredictables at the Three Crowns, and the Moonrakers 80s Disco at The Moonrakers, Devizes.
Marlborough Concert Orchestra at St Marys, Marlborough.
Splat the Rat at The Barge Inn, HoneyStreet.
Christmas Light Switch on in Melksham with Plan of Action, on at 5:30pm.
Gary Stringer and Ella Clayton at The Pump in Trowbridge are sold out, and find the 41 Fords at Stallards.
The Dynamos at the Consti Club in Chippenham.
The Reason at Prestbury Sports Bar, Westbury.
FitkinWall: Harpland at Pound Arts, Corsham.
For Editorโs Pick of the Week we head over to the Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon for some African drumming with Kasai Masai in concert, and a drumming workshop beforehand.
Hell Death Fury at the Three Horseshoes in Bradford-on-Avon, with support.
Oye Santana at Chapel Arts, Bath, and Junction 18 have a 100th gig fundraiser for Bath Foodbank at St Mark’s Church.
Panto time at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon, Snow White runs until 31st December. Charlie Baker at Swindon Arts Centre. One Trick Combo at The Woodlands Edge. Operation 77 at The New Inn.
Salisbury Music Awards at The Winchester Gate.
The Lanky Divas have an album launch at The Sun, Frome. Billy In The Lowground at The Tree House. The Counterfeit Beatles at the Cheese & Grain.
Sunday 3rd
Chirton School has a wreath making workshop.
The monthly residency of the Jon Amor Trio at The Southgate, Devizes. The Groom Familyโs Houseparty at Devizes Town Hall.
Christmas Market at Avebury Barn.
Charity Christmas Fair & Santaโs Grotto at The New Inn, Winterbourne Monkton.
Christmas Fayre & Santaโs Grotto at Chippenham Sports Club.
Really Big Really Clever plays the Pump, Trowbridge with NervEndings in support.
Budapest Cafe Orchestra at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon. Mike Hoddinott Trio at The Three Horseshoes.
My Darling Clementine at the Cheese & Grain, Frome.
Monday 4th
Mark Watson at Swindon Arts Centre.
Tuesday 5th
Callum Smith organ Trio, for Jazz Knights at the Royal Oak, Swindon
And thatโs all weโve got so far, but more stuff is added all the time, so keep a beady eye on
Salisbury-based event organisation Wiltshire Music Events has been ordered to remove posters advertising the Marley Experience gig at the Devizes Corn Exchange on 13th April,โฆ
The fifth single coming out from Chippenham singer-songwriter M3g on Friday, Ashes of Memory, and if Iโve said in the past what separates Meg fromโฆ
Swindonโs sonic indie popsters Atari Pilot are a prolific bunch, and have a new single out called The Rules Never Changeโฆ. And, they donโt. Thereโsโฆ
Members of Swindon Palestine Solidarity made themselves heard at the Labour Party fundraising dinner, where Jess Phillips MP was the guest of honour, protesting atโฆ
Swindon indie popsters Talk in Code return tomorrow (1st March) with a new single, Something Of Nothing โฆ..hold tight to your Deely-Boppers, things are aboutโฆ
Everything to do in Wiltshire this coming week, right in one handy listing, you know the drill, jump to it, preferably before putting your Christmas tree up, it is, after all, only mid-November; take a chill pill!
Okay, please be aware this is not comprehensive and new events can and might yet still be added to our blossoming, occasionally updating EVENT CALENDAR; they might not be added here, so do check in regularly. You can also find links to everything mentioned there, and plan ahead.
One other really important thing before we get going, the thing everyone seems to brazenly browse past pretending it didnโt apply to them, we need donations to fund this, so, if you can, please donate a little something to keep us going; awl, thank you. If you love it, donโt lose it, like Bez on a nineties dance floor. For info on how, see HERE. Please and thank youโฆ
Ongoing: Dark, the latest exhibit at the Forbidden Carnival in Chippenham runs until 26th November.
Two exhibits at Wiltshire Museum in Devizes: Lest We Forget: the Black Contribution to the World Wars and Eric Walrond: A Caribbean Writer living in Wiltshire. Reviewed Here.
Wednesday 22nd
Acoustic Jam at the Southgate, Devizes.
Memory Cinema at Swindon Arts Centre showing Who Framed Roger Rabbit?
Running until Friday 24th Voices for Life Extraordinary at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.
Kroke at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Clusterfunk at The Bell, Bath. Former ELO 2 Frontman Phil Bates Up Close And Personal Solo UK Tour at Chapel Arts.
Thursday 23rd
Kim Emery at La Bobina, Marlborough.
Dead Man’s Whiskey with Wicked in support at Underground, Swindon. A Christmas Carol at Swindon Arts Centre, Jake Leg Jug Band at the Beehive. Luna Barge at the Tuppenny.
Entertaining Angels at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.
Hear my Voice, the LGBTQ+ poetry night at The Rondo Theatre, Bath.
Passenger Club at The Winchester Gate, Salisbury.
Friday 24th
Continuing into Saturday but the main show is Friday, folks, the DOCA Winter Festival in Devizes is always a wonderful evening. With the lantern parade, light switch on, Devizes Town Band and market, itโs my obvious choice for editorโs pick of the week!
Staying in Devizes, Chicago Blues Trio at Long Street Blues Club, Stones Throw at The Three Crowns, and a lantern parade Karaoke Party at The Pelican.
But itโs Marlboroughโs light switch on and market too, and Mean as Custard plays the Bear.
Writing and Researching a novel with Keith Stuart at Chippenham library, music cafรฉ at the Cause, and Kate Lomas, with Laissez Faire and others play a fundraiser in support of the new Chippenham Arts Centre, No.7.
Sad Dad Club at Stallards, Trowbridge. Parker plays the Pump, with A Bottle of Dog and Happy Dogs in support. And thereโs jazz with the Stilts at the Civic.
Carmen Co at St Michaelโs Church, Mere.
Red Light at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon, The Remnants at The Boathouse, Bradford-on-Avon.
Running to Saturday, The Bean Spillersโ Improvised Musical at The Rondo Theatre, Bath. Sheer Music is at Moles with Pet Needs, the Glitchers and Nothing Rhymes With Orange in support.
Oasish Vs Stereotonics at The Vic in Swindon, Phantom Lymb at the Beehive.
Frome Lantern Parade and Christmas Light Switch on too, with The Membersโ โSound of the Suburbs tourโ coming to the Tree House.
Saturday 25th
Thereโs a lecture at Wiltshire Museum, Devizes called The Hunt for Stourton Castle.ย ย Adam Woodhouse is at The Three Crowns, The Worried Men at The Southgate.
Alex Roberts is at The Barge on HoneyStreet. Trash Panda at The Lamb, Marlborough,ย
Static Moves at the Burbage Legion Hall, The Crofton Stokers at the Woodborough Club,
Billy & Louie at The Crown in Aldbourne, and the Ramsbury Christmas Food and Artisan Market .
The Heart Beats at Melksham Rock n Roll Club.
Freepeace at The Red Admiral, Trowbridge, Ed Byrneโs Tragedy Plus Time tour at the Civic.
Chippenham parkrun at Monkton, Wiltshire College & University Centre Chippenham Campus Open Day also in Chippenham. Chippenham Christmas Market at the Old Road Tavern. Spotlight 3: Modern & Contemporary Art from the Collection of Chippenham Museum, and a Pre-loved Clothes Event at Hardenhuish school.
The Fairytale Ceilidh: A Fantastical Dance Party at Pound Arts, Corsham, and Carmen Co at Grittleton Village Hall.
Bradford-on-Avon Floating Winter Fair today, with Bath Symphony Orchestra at Wiltshire Music Centre, and Borrowed Time & The Sinictones plays The Three Horseshoes.
Justin Adams & Mauro Durante at The Bell, Bath.
Moon at The Vic in Swindon, the World Music Club at the Beehive. Stephen K Amos at Swindon Arts Centre, Swindon Old Town Comedy Club has a Winter Showcase, Gaz Brookfield is at The Hop, Post 12 at the New Inn, and The Flashback Band hold an 80โs night at The Woodlands Edge.
Craig Charles Funk & Soul House Party has sold out at the Cheese & Grain, so has Depeche Mode tribute The Devout at the Tree House, Frome.
Sunday 26th
James Oliver Band at The Southgate, Devizes.
The Stu Henderson Trio: Jazz at the Horseshoe, Mildenhall, Marlborough.
Melksham Record Fair at Melksham Assembly Hall.
Mark Simmonsโ Quip Off The Mark at Swindon Arts Centre.
Wiltshire Youth Jazz Orchestra Concert with Steve Banks at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon. Ruzz Guitar Trio makes an appearance at The Three Horseshoes.
Schtummโฆ. presents Sarah McQuaid at The Queenโs Head, Box. The Schmoozenbergs are at The Bell, Bath.
Frome Vegan Fair at The Cheese & Grain.
Monday 27th
David Celia at The Bell, Bath.
Tuesday 28th
Sarah McQuaid at Swindon Arts Centre, and thereโs a bebop blowout for Jazz Knights at the Royal Oak, with special guests Ian Bateman & Alex Clarke, to remember the great Jazz promoter David Knight on what would have been his birthday.
And thatโs all weโve got so far, but more stuff is added all the time, so keep a beady eye on
Think early nineties dance-indie crossover and the Madchester circuit might understandably spring to mind. Yet Pop Will Eat Itself were Brunmies, The Shamen were Scots,โฆ
I trouble procrastinating upon being gifted a previously released CD from an artist for review, unfortunately they land on the backburner, prioritising upcoming news items.โฆ
Ian Diddams Regular readers of Devizine may be well accustomed to hearing the name โVince Bellโ. For those less frequent readers or those that haveโฆ
Bit Wintery, innit? Calendars are going forward, weather is going backwards! Hereโs whatโs happening over the coming week in the wilds of Wiltshire, hold ontoโฆ
Hey, teacher! Leave those sausage rolls alone. Hereโs whatโs happening over the coming week in the wilds of Wiltshire, hold onto your hats, there beโฆ
Everything to do in Wiltshire this coming week, right in one handy listing; you might need wellies, or a small sailing vessel!
Okay, please be aware this is not comprehensive and new events can and might yet still be added to our blossoming, occasionally updating EVENT CALENDAR; they might not be added here, so do check in regularly. You can also find links to everything mentioned there, and plan ahead.
One other really important thing before we get going, the thing everyone seems to brazenly browse past pretending it didnโt apply to them, we need donations to fund this, so, if you can, please donate a little something to keep us going; awl, thank you. If you love it, donโt lose it, like Bez on a nineties dance floor. For info on how, see HERE. Please and thanking youโฆ
Ongoing: Dark, the latest exhibit at the Forbidden Carnival in Chippenham runs until 26th November.
Two exhibits at Wiltshire Museum in Devizes: Lest We Forget: the Black Contribution to the World Wars and Eric Walrond: A Caribbean Writer living in Wiltshire. Reviewed Here.
Wednesday 15th
Devizes Flower Club presents A Classic Christmas, a festive floral evening at the Corn Exchange, Devizes. The regular Acoustic Jam at the Southgate.
Fashion Reimagined at The Parade Cinema, Marlborough.
Marmen Quartet at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.
James Mortonโs Groove Den at The Bell, Bath. Caught n the Hop begins at The Rondo Theatre, running up to Saturday.
A Lunchtime Recital with pianist Helen Farrar at Pound Arts, Corsham, followed by Gerard Loganโs Hauntings.
Uncanny: I Know What I Saw at the Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.
Thursday 16th
Open Mic night at the Crown, Bishops Cannings, with Jamie R Hawkins, Will Foulstone and Chrissy Chapman.
Jol Rose & Friends at The Tuppenny, Swindon.
Elf Lyonsโ Raven at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Tubular Bells Plus extracts from Dark Side of the Moon for the Moog Synthesizer 50th Anniversaries at Chapel Arts, Bath.
Massive Wagons at the Cheese & Grain.
Friday 17th
Running from today until Sunday, Devizes Eisteddfod. James Hollingsworthโs Pink Floyd Night at The Southgate, Devizes.
Folk Club at the Barge, HoneyStreet. Open Mic at The Parade Cinema, Marlborough. Josh Kumra at the Bear.
Rock for Heroes at Melksham Assembly Hall.
Christmas Market at the Civic, Trowbridge. Trowbridge Lantern Parade & Light Switch on.
Siren plays The Boathouse, Bradford-on-Avon. Really Good Band at the Three Horseshoes.
Tom Robinsonโs Up Close and Personal at Pound Arts has sold out.
25 year reunion gig for Roundabout at the Castle, Swindon, Editor’s Pick of the Week.
Tailgunner, Heathen Kings and Ambrius at Underground, Shades of Seattle at The Vic, Funkinsteins at the Beehive, Swindon. Phoney Towers at Swindon Arts Centre, Genesis Connected at the Wyvern.
The Roy Orbison Experience at Chapel Arts, Bath.
Dr Beatroot at The Winchester Gate, Salisbury.
Splintering Heart plays Marillion at the Tree House, Frome, while The Orb are at the Cheese & Grain.
Saturday 18th
Saturday sees a Christmas Country Fair at Market Lavington Community Hall.
Window Wanderland begins across Devizes. The Russ Ballard Band at Long Street Blues Club, Devizes, Junkyard Dogs at The Southgate, and Drew Bryant at The Three Crowns.
@59 are at the Barge, HoneyStreet. Broken Dolls at the Lamb, Marlborough.
Sonic Alert at The Pilot, Melksham.
Kevin Brownโs Shackdusters at the Pump, Trowbridge.
Josie Field at The Old Road Tavern, Chippenham. Get Carter atThe Consti Club.
Wonk Unit, 2 Sick Monkeys and Anyminuteno at The Vic, Swindon. Rave Against The Regime at The New Inn. Everybody Singโs One Day More at the Wyvern, and Chloe Petts โ If You Canโt Say Anything Nice at Swindon Arts Centre.
Eco Fest at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon, with Saltlines Raynor and Gigspanner. Birdman Cult, Charleston Lane, and Future Plan at the Three Horseshoes.
Takeshi Matsumoto: Club Origami at Pound Arts, Corsham, and Goldust Productions: The Mayhem Cabaret 2023.
The Kate Bush Songbook at Chapel Arts, Bath
Brian Bilston at the Cheese & Grain in Frome, plus From The Jamโs โAll Mod Consโ 45th Anniversary Tour, and Supalung at the Tree House.
Sunday 19th
Sunflower Events; Christmas Fair & Craft Market at the Corn Exchange, Devizes.
Wiltshire Soul & Blues Club Monthly Jam in Lacock.
Courting Ghosts at Stallards, Trowbridge.
Kentwood Christmas Cracker at the Wyvern, Swindon. The Bootleg Shadows at Swindon Arts Centre. Strays Without Borders fundraiser at the Vic, and David Celia at the Beehive.
Trowbridge Symphony Orchestra at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon. Dry White Bones at the Three Horseshoes.
Rev. James and the Swingtown Cowboys at The Bell, Bath.
100 Years of Silents: Salomรฉ at Pound Arts, Corsham.
An acoustic set from Snuff at The Tree House, Frome.
Monday 20th
NHS Blood Donation Clinic at the Corn Exchange, Devizes.
Rock The Tots: Numbers at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Leburnicus at The Bell, Bath.
Sally-Anne Haywardโs Egg Shortage at Swindon Arts Centre.
Tuesday 21st
Exhibition On Screen: Klimt And The Kiss (Encore Screening) at Pound Arts, Corsham.
The Glen Manby Quartet at Jazz Knights in the Royal Oak, Swindon.
Annie Gardiner at The Bell, Bath.
Thatโs all weโve got so far, but more stuff is added all the time, so keep a beady eye on
West-side in the Lavingtons last night, tumbleweeds could’ve blown along the High Street as an army of highway operatives rode into the village with heavyโฆ
Featured image by LoraDore After an impressive forty-five years of Guiding in Worton, through Brownies, Guides, Young Leadership, and as the Unit Leader there forโฆ
Hereโs whatโs happening over the coming week in the wilds of Wiltshire, hold onto your hats, letโs lots to get throughโฆ.. Everything listed here isโฆ
This Saturday sees Bristol’s Hip Hop phenonium, The Scribes bringing their Boombox show to The Pump, Trowbridge, and will be the group’s only performance inโฆ
Devizes celebrated rum bar, The Muck & Dundar are hosting a dub reggae night with Omega Nebula on Saturday, and received this weekโs prestigious award of being Editorโs Pick of the Week in our weekly roundup! Because, diversity goes a long way on our local, and often insular music circuits! While thereโs nothing wrong in giving folk what theyโre accustomed to, offering variety scores house points from me, in towns otherwise typecast into subgenres; Devizes is a blues town, Marlborough has a penchant for goth and punk, Chippenham is folk, and so on. Where does Bradford-on-Avon sit in this pigeonholing exercise? Iโm in the dark, but perhaps with good reasonโฆ..
This line of thinking for me began as I accidentally kicked a guitar case departing the Southgate on Wednesdayโs regular acoustic jam night. Apology accepted by the owner of the case, he responded it happened quite often in pubs with a small space. It provoked an image of the Wiltshire Music Centre, whereby thereโs a whole wall of cubby-holes in which musicians can safely store their instruments away from cider-fuelled nutjobs like me; just like coats and bag pegs at school! But itโs not the only school-like thing about this purpose-built music heaven in Bradford, itโs so functional Iโd be glad to get a detention in there! I discovered this wandering their wonderful rooms in awe last winter when attending the Bradford Roots Festival. Behind every fire door was another gig going on like a classroom of music!
Concrete Prairie at Bradford Roots 2023
Now, if it seems to you slightly presumptuous to claim your venue is the โcentre of musicโ in Wiltshire, youโve not visited this place. Overall it seems Bradford-on-Avon offers, perhaps, the widest range of music in our smaller county towns. The lively Three Horseshoes provides free music every weekend evening, and while diverse too, favours upcoming punk and indie bands, whereas the gurt lush Boathouse tends to offer more mainstream acts. Then, theyโve got this place, Wiltshire Music Centre, the lucky buggers!
If diversity is what youโre looking for, youโll be right at home here. Examples, while we eagerly await the lineup for this yearโs Roots Festival on 20th Januaryโฆ.huh? A festival in mid-winter, are you having a laugh, Worrow?! No, though it was the only festival Iโve been to where I had to de-ice the windscreen afterwards, itโs all under the roof of this magnificent building. I was mightily impressed by the range of acts performing there too. It was like a whoโs who of local music, a convention more than a festival, and something really worth trekking down to the Bradford on the Avon for; heck, Iโd go to the Bradford near Leeds for this!ย
Concerts, gigs, whatchamacallits, are often backed up with interactiveness, workshops and classes, and even if you cannot make an event, they often live stream like lockdown was still a thing. Anyway, I digress, examples, thatโs where I was, wasnโt I?! While we endeavour to list it all on our event calendar, thereโs simply too much going on at the centre to reel it all off here and now, mostly my fault for waffling, so do look up their website HERE.
The Museum of Marvellous Things
But if diversity is what youโre after, just up till the end of the year alone, the Wiltshire Music Centre, currently running Oscar Wildeโs The Importance of Being Earnest, plays host to ECO:FEST, a mini festival of music and creative activity delivered in partnership with Climate Friendly Bradford on Avon, Bradford on Avon Town Council and other partners, next weekend, Nov 18th. A magical family giant puppet show which brings picture books to life for ages 3+, The Museum of Marvellous Things on the 12th, to one of the most impressive and engaging new talents in the chamber music scene, Marmen Quartet, on the 15th November.
Thereโs both the Trowbridge Symphony Orchestra, on the 19th, and the Bath one, on the 25th, and in contrast thereโs jazz with Steve Banks on the 26th. December brings some interesting events too, though. Iโm particularly drawn to Saturday 2nd December, when Congo supergroup Kasai Masai perform their unique blend of traditional and modern African sounds. And, as we said about the interactive element before, thereโs a drumming workshop beforehand with Kasai Masai. Then, on Sunday 3rd, Eastern European folk meets jazz withย The Budapest Cafรฉ Orchestraโs hot club swingโฆ.I should take a sleeping bag and camp in Bradford-on-Avon!
Kasai Masai
For the last twenty-five years the Wiltshire Music Centre hosts over 150 concerts a year, involving more than 1,000 professional, community and young musicians, building up a passionate community of music aficionados, players, aspiring young musicians, and amateur musicians. It provides a permanent home for local orchestras, choirs and music groups. It works extensively with young people locally, delivering an exciting Creative Learning programme in Wiltshire and beyond with 30 projects for over 5,000 young people every year, from concerts to education and community work for all ages, abilities and backgrounds.
Billy in the Lowground at Bradford Roots 2023
Their vision, โto maximise the opportunities for live music to inspire, enrich and transform peopleโs lives,โ has a rich history since a group of visionaries recognised the lack of musical provision in the area, and set forth on an ambition to bring performances and rehearsal facilities to the community. Wiltshire Music Centre Trust Ltd is a registered charity, the founding Artistic Director, Keith Nimmo, retired in 2013 and handed the baton to current Chief Executive and Artistic Director James Slater. It is, in Wiltshire terminology, a gurt lush, proper job arts centre with a focus on music! How much more diverse can you possibly want for?!
As part of the global Kidical Mass movement, this event combined a family-friendly cycle ride with aย protest, calling for safe streets for everyone. The rideโฆ
On Saturday, people from across Swindon came to Swindon Palestine Solidarityโs charity dinner to raise funds for Medical Aid Palestine and raise awareness of theโฆ
To international acclaim on the folk circuit, weโve loved to follow the progress of the Lost Trades since day dot, when Phil Cooper enthusiastically toldโฆ
A third instalment of space rock swirls and cosmic heavy duty guitar riffs was unleashed in January from our homegrown purveyors of psychedelia, Cracked Machine.โฆ
Feeel the melody that’s in the (Devizes) air! If the nineties house clubbing revival is whatโs happening elsewhere around the nation, we have to admit,โฆ
Boo! Weโve got everything to do in Wiltshire this coming week, right in one handy listing, as usualโฆ..
Okay my little pumpkins, please be aware this is not comprehensive and new events can and might yet still be added to our blossoming, occasionally updating EVENT CALENDAR;they might not be added here, so do check in regularly. You can also find links to everything mentioned there, and plan ahead.
One other really important thing before we get going, the thing everyone seems to brazenly browse past pretending it didnโt apply to them, we need donations to fund this, so, if you can, please donate a little something to keep us going; awl, thank you. If you love it, donโt lose it, like Bez on a nineties dance floor. For info on how, see HERE. Please and thanking youโฆ
Ongoing, Dark is the latest exhibit at the Forbidden Carnival in Chippenham, running until 24th November.
Wednesday 1st
Acoustic Jam at the Southgate, Devizes.
Lunchtime Recital at the Wyvern Theatre, Swindon, followed by Jimeoin: The Craic.
Track Dogs at Chapel Arts is sold out, but the Gin Bowlers play the Bell in Bath, and opening night of Sheila’s Island at the Rondo Theatre, running until Saturday 4th.
Thursday 2nd
Rich Hallโs Shot from Cannons at Melksham Assembly Hall.
Sayers & English Weather at The Tuppenny in Swindon, Geoffrey Wansellโs Monsters In Our Midsts at Swindon Arts Centre, and Shock Horror at the Wyvern.
Martin Simpson โ A Master of His Art at Chapel Arts, Bath.
Friday 3rd
Calne Bonfire & Fireworks at Beversbrook.
Marlborough Fireworks at Marlborough Town FC.
Devizes LGBTQ+ Drag Queen Bingo Disco @at The Wyvern Club, Devizes. Poet Henry Normal and very special guest Nigel Planer at Devizes Corn Exchange. Susan Santos & Alastair Greene at Long Street Blues Club.
Gaz Brookfield is at the Pump, Trowbridge, sold out Iโm afraid. Meg and Oxygen Thief in support there.
2 Tone All Ska at The Consti Club, Chippenham.
Rosie Hood Band at Pound Arts, Corsham, and Mitchell and Vincent at Fovant Village Hall.
The Terrace Soul Weekender at Alexandra House in Swindon. Get Carter at The Vic.
Hejira is celebrating the music of Joni Mittchell at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon. Karport Collective are at The Boathouse, and Severed Illusions, Peruvian Necktie, Dystopian Dread & Accelerated Mutation all at The Three Horseshoes.
Ignotis, Feedback & Nothing Rhymes With Orange play Burdall’s Yard, Bath.
The Hot Damn! at The Tree House, Frome, The Blues Others โ A Tribute to the Blues Brothers at The Cheese & Grain.
Saturday 4th
Curious Kids: Victorian Homes at Wiltshire Museum, Devizes. Thereโs the Swap Shop at St James from 11-2pm. An extraordinary piece of theatre telling the story of Britainโs Womenโs Land Army of World War II, Lilies on the Land at the Wharf Theatre, and No Fixed Abode play The Three Crowns.
Midlife Krisis Bonfire Night at The Barge, HoneyStreet.
Apache Cats at The Wheatsheaf Inn, Calne.
Chippenham Kickboxing Academy: Hero of the Hall at Melksham Assembly Hall. Raindrops at Melksham Conservative Club.
Martin Jenkins Groove Ensemble at the Old Road Tavern, Chippenham.
Be Like Will at The Wiltshire Yeoman, Trowbridge. Franki Soul at Emmanuelโs Yard.
Two Diamond Souls โ an evening with Odin Dragonfly at the Old Rectory Stanton St Quintin.
Nick Harperโs Tempus Fugitive with support from Patrick Duff at Pound Arts, Corsham.
There will be a Palestine Solidarity March from 2pm, meeting at Regents Circus, Swindon. Mortellica at The Vic. Myra DuBois: Be Well at Swindon Arts Centre. Trois Amigos at The Woodlands Edge.
But we stay in Swindon for Editorโs Pick of the Week, when Talk in Code, The Dirty Smooth, Kotonic, and Mirrored Faces join together at Underground (formerly Level III) for a BBC Children in Need fundraiser.
Fistful or Rage at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.
Young Francis Hi Fi at the Royal Oak, Bath, Santarnal at The Bell. A free party at The Queenโs Head in Box.
Out In The Streets Launch Night: Drum & Bass & Jungle at Salisbury Guildhall
Martin Stephenson & The Daintees at The Tree House, Frome, and Fleetwood Bac at the Cheese & Grain.
Sunday 5th
Day course of Wood Engraving with Robin Mackenzie at Wiltshire Museum, Devizes. Devizes Bonfire Night at Devizes Town FC. The Grand Order of Water Rats presents a Charity Variety Spectacular at the Wharf Theatre. And itโs the Jon Amor Trioโs monthly residency at the Southgate starting at 5pm, special guest is Adam Holgate.
Blondie & Ska at The Royal Oak, Corsham. Stories In The Dust at Sherston Village Hall.
An Evening with Glenn Hoddle at the Wyvern, Swindon.
Patsy Gamble Collective at The Bell, Bath.
Monday 6th
The Opening of the Garden of Remembrance by the Royal British Legion at the War Memorial in Devizes, I shall leave further details of days and times of services relating to Remembrance below.
Dave Gormanโs Powerpoint To The People at the Wyvern, Swindon.
The Good Stuff at The Bell, Bath.
The Hunna at the Cheese & Grain, Frome.
Tuesday 7th
Simon Spillett & Ross Hicks Trio at Jazz Knights in The Royal Oak, Swindon. I am The Manic Whale at The Vic, Hancockโs Half Hour at the Wyvern.
Marina Elezovic at The Bell, Bath.
Ondara is at The Tree House in Frome.
Thatโs all for now, folks, but our event calendaris updating, and to plan ahead, check it out. Devizine is going out to over 100K local folk and listing your event will remain free, nudge me if youโve told me and itโs still not listed, all you have to do to insure it is here is to tell us about it!
Boo! Weโve got everything to do in Wiltshire this coming week, leading us into Halloween and the end of the monthโฆ..as we always doโฆ.boo! Itโs that time of year when I get repetitive strain injury from typing โHalloween Party!โ
Okay my little pumpkins, please be aware this is not comprehensive and new events can and might yet still be added to our blossoming, occasionally updating EVENT CALENDAR; they might not be added here, so do check in regularly. You can also find links to everything mentioned there, and plan ahead.
One other really important thing before we get going, the thing everyone seems to brazenly browse past pretending it didnโt apply to them, we need donations to fund this, so, if you can, please donate a little something to keep us going; awl, thank you. If you love it, donโt lose it, like Bez on a nineties dance floor. For info on how, see HERE. Please and thanking youโฆ
Happy Jack is running at the Wharf Theatre, Devizes, until Saturday, weโve a review of it HERE.
Wednesday 25th
Devizes in Bloom invites you to plant a bulb for Christmas, at Hillworth Park. Donโt forget the regular Acoustic Jam at the Southgate, Devizes.
Music for Miniatures has a Bubble Bach at The Neeld, Chippenham.
Changing Times: The Impact of Total War in Wiltshire and its effects Post-War, 1939-1955, with Julie Davis at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Memory Cinema, films designed in a setting suitable for those with dementia, are showing High Anxiety (PG) at Swindon Arts Centre, while thereโs a Quiz Night at The Castle.
Mike Oldfieldโs Tubular Bells and Pink Floydโs Dark Side of the Moon are reenacted at the Rondo Theatre, Bath, and the Sun Kings play The Bell.
Thursday 26th
Those wonderful River Warriors of Calne invite families to the Pocket Park for half term autumn activities. Thereโs also a Demonstration of Mediumship at Calne Town Hall.
The Brewery Inn, Seend start their Halloween Haunted Garden, which runs until 31st October, which is HalloweenโฆBoo!
Open Mic at Stallardโs, Trowbridge. Open Mic at the Crown, Aldbourne.
Hags: A Magical Extravaganza by Scratchworks at Hullavington Village Hall, and Luke Wrightโs Silver Jubilee at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Spontaneous Potter at The Wyvern Theatre in Swindon, while Nervendings and Fluff play the Vic. Fran McGillvray & Mike Burke at the Tuppenny.
Parameter Promotions Presents Lewis Poole Live at The Electric Bar, Bath, and the Rondo Theatre has Butchered.
Friday 27th
Friday sees the opening of a new exhibit at the Forbidden Carnival in Chippenham, called Dark, and it runs until 26th November.
Devizes Arts Festival Comedy Night at The Corn Exchange, Devizes, and theyโre celebrating Daveโs birthday at The Southgate with an ongoing Beer & Cider Festival all weekend with lots of music, no doubt. Halloween Party at the Bridge, Horton.
Trash Panda at The Coopers Arms, Pewsey. Static Moves at The Bear, Marlborough, and Marcus N Kellie Lutener is at The Lamb with a Halloween Party.
A Festival of Remembrance concert at the Civic, Trowbridge, while the Pump another round of The Future Sound of Trowbridge with Mobscure, Ravetank and LXRDVIRS.
Halloween Family Disco at The Neeld, Chippenham.
Abbamania at Melksham Assembly Hall, Halloween Party at the Pilot.
Hags: A Magical Extravaganza by Scratchworks at Hawkesbury Upton Village Hall.
Highly recommended Siouxsie and the Banshees tribute, Painted Bird at The Vic in Swindon, Sister Sister at North Swindon Club, Bad Good Times at The Queens Tap.
Sean Collinsโ Smokinโ Funny at the Rondo theatre, Bath, Josienne Clarke at Chapel Arts.
Bon Giovi at the Cheese & Grain, Frome, Faux Bonamassa at the Tree House.
Saturday 28th
Autumn in the Park at Hillworth Park in Devizes. The Four Sopranos have a CPRE fundraiser at the Town Hall. Susan Santos at Long Street Blues Club. The Southgateโs ongoing Beer & Cider Festival, with music from Red Light and Free Peace.
The celebrated Halloween Party at The Three Crowns, Puscifer Presents Global Probing Halloween Bash at The Snuff-Box.
Editorโs Pick of the Week!
But, if youโre going to a Halloween party Iโm a firm believer you should pick it up as a ska-loween one! Therefore it makes purr-fect sense that the Skaloween at Devizes Scooter Club HQ, the Cavalier should be Editorโs Pick of the Week, with ska band Skamageddon. In case you were wondering, the music is ska, the theme is halloween!!
Dorothy House fundraiser at The Lamb in Urchfont, with Humdinger.
Oktoberfest at Seend Community Centre.
Hooch at The Coopers Arms, Pewsey.
Apache Cats at The Talbot, Calne.
The Monster Ball at Melksham Assembly Hall.
Shivers and Shadows at The Neeld, Chippenham, followed by the Emeralds Boxing event.
The Worried Men at the Pump, Trowbridge, Train to Skaville at The Gloucester Road Conservative Club, Halloween with the Buttmonkies at Stallards, Be Like Will at The Red Admiral.
A mod, northern soul and ska night at The Players in Westbury. Band of Others, with optional Halloween fancy dress at the Cock Inn, Warminster.
Triple JD Band at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford On Avon.
Rachel Fairburnโs Showgirl at the Rondo Theatre, Bath. Steven Brinbergโs celebrated tribute to Barbra Streisand, Simply Barbra, is at Chapel Arts. Siren plays The Devonshire Arms.
The Vintage Bazaar at the Cheese & Grain in the daytime, but with Glenn Hughes sold out, people of Frome need to head for 23 Bath Street for the Frome Fair Fundraiser, a Night of BOO! – Boot Hill All Stars will entertain you.
Jo Caulfield at Swindon Arts Centre. Destination Anywhere has a mod-soul-ska club night at The Vic. Down & Dirty Halloween Party at The Woodland Edge, the amazing SexJazz at The Castle, and Damn at the North Swindon Club.
Sunday 29th
Thereโs a Haunted Hayride at Poulshot Village Hall; now, that sounds fun!
Devizes Town Band at The Corn Exchange, with Chloe Jordan for an autumn themed concert. Blues at The Southgate, Devizes with Thomas Atlas.
Guinea Lane Saxophone Quartet at the Heritage Centre, Pewsey.
October Jam at The Wheatsheaf, Calne.
Thereโs a fundraiser for Friends IVF treatment at The Vic, Swindon, with Mirrored Faces, Copper Creek, Thieving Magpies, N/SH, and more.
Junkyard Dogs play the Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.
King Dinosaur at The Bell, Bath.
Monday 30th
Rock The Tots: have some Spooky Fun at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Reverend Richard Coles: Borderline National Trinket at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.
Nightshift at the North Swindon Club.
Mobrasuto at The Bell, Bath.
Tuesday 31st
Trick or treat! It is Halloween and I know of no Halloween party; weโve exhausted ourselves already rather than exorcised ourselves!
There are the regular Jazz Knights at The Royal Oak, Swindon, with the Robert Fowler Quartet, Gigspanner Big Band at Swindon Arts Centre, and Gary Delaneyโs Gary In Punderland at The Wyvern Theatre.
Then, Bobโs your dadโs brother itโs November, and though I confess thereโs still a lot of updating to do, which I must stop playing online backgammon and get on with, thereโs lots to be keeping you out of trouble, so keep an eye on our event calendar for updates for next month.ย
Devizine is going out to over 100K local folk and listing your event will remain free, nudge me if youโve told me and itโs still not listed, all you have to do to insure it is here is to tell us about it!
Hey you, Feb already, hereโs whatโs happening over the coming week in the wilds of Wiltshireโฆโฆ Everything listed here is on our event calendar;โฆ
Hey frozen duckling, hereโs whatโs happening over the coming week in the wilds of Wiltshireโฆโฆ Everything listed here is on our event calendar; goโฆ
4Youth (South West) are pleased to announce the beginning of a 2.5 year street-based youth work project based in Devizes, Wiltshire on Monday and Thursday evenings………
The aim of street-based youth work is to engage and build trusting relationships with young people and to positively influence their lives by providing support and guidance, signposting through engaging them in enjoyable activities and informal and social education.
The project is a partnership between Devizes Town Council, which has provided the funding, and 4Youth (South West), a charity which delivers centre- and street-based youth work activities for young people aged 9-25 in Melksham, Atworth, Westbury and now Devizes. The charity also offers 1-to-1 counselling and group workshops at a range of sites across Wiltshire through its TeenTalk service.
4Youth has recruited a new team of Devizes based youth workers who will be delivering two street-based sessions per week from the beginning of October 2023. These sessions will begin by engaging young people in Devizes town centre on Monday eveningโs and in the estate around 40 Acres Road Park on Thursday evenings; the routes may change over time, as young people begin to engage and tell us where they would like the team to be.
As the name suggests, street-based youth work takes place on the streets, parks and other public areas in the communities where the young people spend time. It starts where the young people โare atโ – both geographically and developmentally. It delivers informal and social education and address whatever needs are presented to or perceived by the youth worker. As street-based youth workers have no physical building or specific activity over which they have power or control, the relationship between young people and youth worker is entirely voluntary and constantly up for negotiation.
Hannah Parry, Area Coordinator for 4Youth, said, โThere can often be a perception that county towns like Devizes donโt have as many issues as more urban towns and cities, but thatโs often not the case. They can also experience a lack of opportunities, various kinds of disadvantage and deprivation, youth unemployment, low educational attainment and health issues, as well as anti-social behaviour and crime, such as gangs, drugs and county lines, and crime rates can sometimes be more concentrated in rural towns than in bigger cities.โ
Youth work is a key tool for detracting young people away from harmful activity by supporting them to engage with positive activity, to address challenges and barriers and to move forwards happily, healthily and productively in their lives. Street-based youth work has often been thought of as a way of trying to get young people to stop offending or engaging in anti-social behaviour, but in reality it has much more to offer young people and communities. Street-based youth work does work with young people to discourage ASB and youth offending, but at its core it offers as much value as any other form of youth work.
โAs well as supporting young people where they are now, our Devizes street-based team will be helping to understand the youth scene and gather the voices of local young people around their needs and aspirations. This will help us to understand the issues young people in the town face and how these can be addressed. We will use street-based youth work to build a stronger community relationship for the young people of Devizes by supporting them to have a voice within and to participate in the town.โ
You can keep up to date with 4Youth (South West) via Instagram and Facebook and find out more about their services via their websites – 4youth.org.uk and teentalk.org.uk
Devizes-based chocolate engineer Holly Garner, 2023 Chocolate Champion for the Southwest, has launched her new chocolate classes for the first half of 2024โฆโฆ From learningโฆ
Tuesday before Christmas Iโm in New Society. I gazed across to a table by the window, recalling an optimistic response from local Labour candidate Rachaelโฆ
Fashionably late for the party, apologies, the fellow Iโm not sure if he minds me calling โthe Mike Oldfield of Swindon,โ though itโs meant asโฆ
Gliding through October at colossal speed, with temporary bursts of cold spells hinting winter at us, and some, some I repeat, faintly whispering the C word; we’re gathered here today not in anticipation of the yule but to look at what’s going on this coming week and weekend, as we usually doโฆ..ย
Okay my little poppets, please be aware this is not comprehensive and new events can and might yet still be added to our blossoming, occasionally updating EVENT CALENDAR; they might not be added here, so do check in as regular your digestive system after a vindaloo throughout the week, or you might miss something really up your street. You can also find links to everything mentioned there, and plan ahead.
One other really important thing before we get going, the thing everyone seems to brazenly browse past pretending it didnโt apply to them, we need donations to fund this, so, if you can, please donate a little something to keep us going; awl, thank you. If you love it, donโt lose it, like Bez on a nineties dance floor. For info on how, see HERE. Please and thanking youโฆ
Wednesday 18th
Acoustic Jam at the Southgate, Devizes.
An Evening With Harry Redknapp at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon, Fiona Allenโs On The Run at Swindon Arts Centre.
Monkey Chuckle at the Bell in Bath, and award-winning youth theatre company Merriman Theatre Group presents Six Teen Edition, a full-length adaptation of Toby Marlow and Lucy Mossโ international phenomenon SIX, modified for performance by teen actors for family audiences, opens at the Rondo Theatre, Bath, running until 21st October.
Wrecking Ball: A Nashville Experience at the Cheese & Grain, Frome.
Thursday 19th
Kevin Bloody Wilson at The Wyvern Theatre, and Tom Stadeโs Natural Born Killer at Swindon Arts Centre. Dark Prophecy and Ritual Divide at The Vic, and Kid Carpet & Grasslands at the Tuppenny, Swindon.
Wildlife photographer Doug Allanโs Itโs a Wrap at the Cheese & Grain, Frome.
Friday 20th
Tom Harris and Pat Wardโs new venture No Alarms & No Devizes at The Barge on HoneyStreet.
Yes, Scouting For Girls are in Marlborough on Friday, thanks to Sound Knowledge, but it sold out like ages ago; youโve got to be quick on these things! Though you can find the duo Stripped at The Lamb.
Willow Hill at the Civic Hall, Trowbridge.
A relaxed and BSL Interpreted performance of The Gruffaloโs Child at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.
Fleetwood Mac & Tom Petty Legacy at Chapel Arts, Bath. Bluesoul are at the Boathouse in Bradford-on-Avon.
Genesis Visible Touch at the Cheese & Grain, So Toto at The Tree House, Frome.
Saturday 21st
Matchbox Mutiny at The Three Crowns, Devizes, The Will Edmunds Trio at The Southgate, Big Blue This at The Crown. CSF Pro Wrestlingโs Deadly Draw 2023 at The Corn Exchange, Devizes.
Nothing Rhymes With Orange play The Bell, Great Cheverell.
Editorโs Pick of the Week goes to The Female of the Species, local super-groupโs annual outing at Seend Community Centre, this year is for Alzheimer’s Supportย and has the theme, the MTV Years, and will be a-maze-zing! Tickets are ยฃ12.50 and selling fast, from HERE.
Colin Paul & The Persuaders at Melksham Rock n Roll Club.
Itโs also Trowbridge Carnival, and thereโs a Pipe & Slippers Rave at the Civic.
Women In Rock at The Neeld, Chippenham.
Rhys Jamesโs Split Milk at Swindon Arts Centre, Matty One Man with The Forgetting Curve and Here Come the Crows at The Vic, 2-ToneAllSkas at The Woodlands Edge, Metaprism, Drallion and Grove Warden at Underground, Homer plays The Bakers Arms, Post 12 at North Swindon Club, and One Trick Combo t the Queenโs Tap.
Ward Knutur Townes Trio at Chapel Arts, Bath.
Mini Ravers Lil Monsters Halloween Party at the Cheese & Grain, followed by The Freddie and Queen Experience. Junkyard Dogs play The Sun in Frome.
Sunday 22nd
Manos Puestas at The Southgate, Devizes from 5pm.
Sound Knowledge presents Bombay Bicycle Club at St. Peterโs Church, Marlborough.
Sunbirds play The Neeld, Chippenham.
Knives, LagunaGoons, Modern Evils and Viduals at The Vic, Swindon, Legends of American Country at The Wyvern Theatre, Rockabilly Rumble at North Swindon Club.
Jake Leg Jug Band plays the Bell in Bath.
Independent record store Raves from the Grave in Frome have a mega “we’ve run out of space” sale at the Assembly Rooms from 10-3pm with DJs and refreshments.
Monday 23rd
Based on John Godberโs Yorkshire grandparents, and other members of his family, Happy Jack is a memory play, which examines the relationship between Jack and Liz, and opens at The Wharf Theatre, Devizes on Monday, running until October 28th. We hope to bring you a review on this prior to the opening on Monday.
Flibbertigibbet Theatre: Babble at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Hot Club of Avon at the Bell, Bath.
Tuesday 24th
Half Term Tennis Holiday Camp starts at Devizes Tennis Club, running until 26th October.
John Law Re-Creations at Jazz Knights in The Royal Oak, Swindon, Lilโ Jimmy Reed with Bob Hall & Hilary Blythe at Swindon Arts Centre, and La Bamba at The Wyvern Theatre.
Sue Harding is at The Bell, Bath.
Thatโs all weโve got for you so far, but remember to keep an eye on ourevent calendar for updates. Iโm delighted to rap stats with you, and announce Devizine is flying over the record-breaking annual hits from last year, and thereโs still two and half months to go. Devizine is going out to over 100,000 local folk and listing your event will remain free, all you have to do to insure it is here is to tell us about it!
Bristolโs fine purveyors of idiosyncratic folk-raving, Ushti Baba, who if youโre in Devizes you might recall played Street Festival in 2022, have a new singleโฆ..โฆ
With an album review in the pipeline for Dad which includes vocals from Sienna, our Swindon princess of melancholic poignancy has a new single, Timeslipsโฆ..โฆ
Our favourite loud Brit-popping local Geordie and gang are back with a second album. Theyโre calling it Gazelles, after the previously released single opener Endlessโฆ
Featured Image: FullTone Festival, Devizes 2023 by Gail Foster Onwards with our look through all the big local events and festivals coming our way inโฆ
The Tedworth Hunt intend to stage a meeting in Pewsey this Boxing Day, despite not making an application to the Parish Councilโฆ.. Their usual meetingโฆ
Featured Image: Colin Rayner Photography It wonโt be long before the only Quality Street left in the tin are empty wrappers and those toffee pennies noโฆ
Everything is awesome upon hearing that Devizes Library is hoping to start a regular Lego Club, and they are asking folk to donate unwanted Lego to the causeโฆ..
I understand and fully sympathise, itโs a tall order for any Lego fan of any age; parting with Lego is like taking a limb! But I absolutely love this idea and pray it gets off the ground. So, if youโve got any Lego bricks you can bear to part with, drop them into the main desk at Devizes library on Sheep Street; face it, no matter how the winter nights draw in, youโre never going to build that eighties fire station again. Grit your teeth, and give, even if grudgingly! Iโm going to have to seriously think about itโฆ.no, not the spaceship, nooooo, Mummmm!
This said, it does seem my Lego licence has expired slightly and Iโm now building illegally. You could call the Lego police, but their police station is in bits in a box somewhereโฆmay be I could dig it out!
By T.B.D and D Rose for Devizine.The author can be reached at housetyg@gmail.com This month the historic Cooper Tires factory in Melksham which began theโฆ
If The Southgate is Devizesโ finest and most reliable pub music venue, it’s usually favoured by an adult crowd. Yet it’s without doubt that Nothingโฆ
Something I was trying to skive off doing this year, being time consuming, is a local Christmas shopping piece, but then this terrible roadworks situationโฆ
I’m enjoy Monday’s stream from the wonderful Visual Radio Arts, recorded right here in Devizes. They’ve been hosting some great shows recently, from Richard Wilemanโฆ
Here I am again, like Huey Lewisโฆ..with the news. No national headlines though, no, thatโs all too depressing, just the lowdown on things to do this coming week across our gurt lush county of agricultural rolling downs, neolithic monuments, and a seemingly endless succession of Greggs bakeriesโฆ..
Okay my little sausage and bean melts, please be aware this is not comprehensive and new events can and might yet still be added to our blossoming, occasionally updating EVENT CALENDAR; they might not be added here, so do check in as regular your digestive system after a vindaloo throughout the week, or you might miss something really up your street. You can also find links to everything mentioned there, and plan ahead.
One other really important thing before we get going, the thing everyone seems to brazenly browse past pretending it didnโt apply to them, we need donations to fund this, so, if you can, please donate a little something to keep us going; awl, thank you. If you love it, donโt lose it, like Bez on a nineties dance floor. For info on how, see HERE.
Final days to pay a visit to Wiltshire Museum, Devizes, for the Anna Dillon exhibition; reviewed HERE, this ends on October 15th.
Oh, and this above, and this below, clowns, in Chippenham, a must-see!
Wednesday 11th
Regular Acoustic Jam at the Southgate, Devizes.
Calne Music & Arts Festival continues. The Avebury Vocal Ensemble, and a Calne Wordfest Writersโ Group at Marden House during the afternoon, and standup comedy with Graham Coulam introducing Paul Ricketts and Steve Gribbin in the evening.
Thereโs a lunchtime recital at Pound Arts, Corsham with pianist Simeon Walker.
Opening at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon and running until the 15th, Salos Presents Elf, The Musicalโฆtoo early? Too late!
Thursday 12th
Calne Music & Arts Festival has The Primary School Choirs in concert at Kingsbury Green Academy Hall, and Calne Speech and Drama School present โSea, the Fool, the Devil and the Catsโ by Ted Hughes at Marden House, followed by some jazz with The Nick Sorensen Trio.
Sean Collinsโ Smokin Funny arrives at Swindon Arts Centre, Andy Oliveri & Kizzie at The Tuppenny, Swindon.
Kiki Dee & Carmelo Luggeriโs The Long Ride Home Tour comes to Chapel Arts, Bath.
Friday 13th
Join Devizes OpenDoorsโs Big Sleep Out and help raise funds to support homeless and vulnerable adults in our community. You can sleep out at St Jamesโ Church in Devizes, organise your own sleep out at work, at school, even in the garden at home, or pay to stay in bed by making a donation. Find out more and register at devizesopendoors.org.uk
Calne Music & Arts Festival has Ukrainian Jazz Harpist Alina Bzhezhinska in Concert at Marden House, followed by The Lost Trades.
Wilts & Berks Canal Trust Quiz Night at The Neeld, Chippenham.
My Octopus Mind plays the Pump in Trowbridge, with The Message in support.
Jazz at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon, with Dario Napoli Hot Club. Start the Sirens & Ophella Waiting at The Three Horseshoes.
An Evening Of Mediumship With Nikki Kitt at Swindon Arts Centre, Soulweaver Reigniting The Fire at Underground, formerly Level III, Bedrock at The Queens Tap, Evanescence of Fire at The Vic.
Rusty Shackle, Ninotchka and Concrete Prairie play Komedia, in Bath, Damien OโKane & the Ron Block Band are at Chapel Arts.
Saturday 14th
Marlborough Mop Fair. The Magnitones play St Michael’s in Aldbourne.
Itโs the Lions Arts Coaching Day in Devizes, and a first, I believe, for Danny & The Randoms who play at The Three Crowns, and The Unpredictables, Finely Truslerโs new ensemble play the Moonrakers.ย The Jack Grace Band is at the Southgate.
Pig Race night at Erlestoke Golf Club! Bring your own ketchup!
Dub roots reggae at The Barge on HoneyStreet with Jah Lion Movement.
Be Like Will play Stallards in Trowbridge.
Editor’s Pick of the Week is Amelia Coburn is at the Pump in Trowbridge, with Ruby Darbyshire and MEG in support.
Thereโs seven acts playing Hullavington Live at The Village Hall, and itโs free entry.
At Calne Music & Arts Festival, โFlowers in art from Botticelli to Hockney,โ a talk by Gail Brown followed by โMeet the Artistsโ with Cathy and Nick Pearce and โHMS Pinaforeโ โ presented by Opera Anywhere.
Taylor Swift tribute Katy Ellis at The Pewsham, Chippenham.
Back to the eighties party night at Spencerโs Club, Melksham.
Iโve Every Whitney at Kingsdown Golf Club, Corsham.
Brodsky Quartet 50th Anniversary of the Shostakovich Cycle at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon. Dreamwave at The Three Horseshoes.
Happy Dogs at HMV Bath at 3pm.
Carl Hutchinson โ Watch Till The End at Swindon Arts Centre, David Flynn Memorial night at The Vic, Swindon, Concrete Prairie at Rodbourne Cheney Social Club, The BeatRoutes at The Castle, Rockabilly Rumble at The Queens Tap, Homer at the Rolleston, Dimensions at North Swindon Club, Vicky Jackson is PINK at Underground, and Swindon Ska Fest at The Moonrakers.
Sunday 15th
All About The Music Record Fair at Devizes Conservative Club from 10am-4pm.
PSG Choirs are at Marlborough Town Hall for an Autumn Concert. Starts at 6pm, tickets are ยฃ8.
Gothic Acoustic Matinee with Deadlight Dance at the Blue Boar, Aldbourne.
Calne Music & Arts Festival has Evensong at St. Maryโs Parish Church, and a Photographic Talk โ โArcticaโ with Pam and Eddy Lane at Marden House.
Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon have Groove Baby Grooving With Pirates!
Below the Salt at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.
Waterlines at Underground, Swindon, an Elvis tribute at The Castle, and Damn at the North Swindon Club, and SGO at The Tuppenny.
Monday 16th
Sounds of the 60s Live with Tony Blackburn at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.
Tuesday 17th
Do You Believe In Ghosts at The Wyvern Theatre, while the Eric Mylod Okafo Quartet take the Jazz Knights at The Royal Oak, Swindon.
Thatโs all weโve got for you so far, but remember to keep an eye onour event calendar for updates. Iโm delighted to rap stats with you, and announce this week Devizine has hit level on the record-breaking annual hits from last year, and thereโs still two and half months to go. Devizine is going out to over 100,000 local folk and listing your event will remain free, all you have to do to insure it is here is to tell us about it!
So yeah, I thought Iโd be funny by commenting โcanโt waitโ on Chippenhamโs upcoming folk singer-songwriter Megโs Facebook post announcing her latest single, because,โฆ
Featured Image: Colin Rayner Photography If Iโve recently been singing the praises of arts diversity in Bradford-on-Avon, centred around the Wiltshire Music Centre andโฆ
How did you celebrate your seventeenth birthday? Did you pop up to Glasgow to accompany The Charlatans, on bagpipes, at the historic Barrowlands ballroom,โฆ
With a wide selection of family-friendly and retro board games, RPGs such as Magic the Gathering, Warhammer and Pokรฉmon,ย and serving tea, coffee, cakes and, oh, pick n mix too, Retro Relics games cafe opens to the public tomorrow, Saturday 7th October, in Woodlands Yard, Market Lavingtonโฆ..
By the power of Grayskull, Lavington will have its own Hellfire Club, where an hourly table fee is ยฃ3.50 per non-member adult, ยฃ3 for youth/senior, with under 5s going free. With three membership tiers on offer, tomorrow promises to be a pop in opportunity to find out more, and who knows, you might be The Dungeon Master before you know it! Opens at 10am, adventurer!
Righty-oh, no time for messing about, weโve lots to get throughโฆ. What have I become?!! Thereโs always time for messing around. Hereโs a snapshot of Professor Elemental last time he was in Trowbridge to prove it; heโs back at the Pump this Saturday, you wonโt find another hip hop gig quite the same!
But we do have lots of things to do this weekend in wonderful Wiltshire, hereโs what weโve found, but do check in the event calendar, as it will be updated whereas this wonโt. So, to make it clear to all:
Please, if you can donate a little something to keep us going, do, thatโs 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 thereโs a walk and talk session today, see the poster.
The Regular Acoustic Jam at the Southgate, Devizes
Swindonโs 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 Millicanโs Late Bloomer is at The Wyvern Theatre.
Friday 6th:
Friday sees the opening of the Calne Music & Arts Festival running from 6th-15th October. Thereโs 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, Iโve 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. KERRANGโD 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 Iโve 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 Artistikโs 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! Itโs Marlborough Mop Fair, and find @59 at The Lamb in Marlborough.
Grizzly at The Barge, HoneyStreet.
In Devizes, thereโs the Fantasy Radio screening Faith, Hope & Charity at the Wharf Theatre, but I believe this is sold out, Iโm 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 Operaโs 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 Editorโs Pick of the Week goes to Long Street Blues Club, theyโve got The Billy Walton Band.
Grief Operaโs 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, Clareโs 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 Faurรฉโs Requiem at St.Maryโs Church, and itโs 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 Devilโs Doorbell in support, that has to be editorโs pick of week, or have I done that already? Can I have two?! I think I can, Iโll 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, Iโve seen this St.Johnโs, Marlborough prodigy at MantonFest, and itโs something amazing. Thereโs a Drink & Draw at the Lansdowne Strand Hotel too.
Filskit Theatre: Wonder Gigs at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Tuesday 10th
Pewsham Scarecrow Trail starts at Kingโs 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 Iโve got on Tuesday so far, is the regular Jazz Knights sessions at The Royal Oak in Swindon. Theyโve 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 theโฆ.
You need this to plan ahead too, so do yourself a favour and bookmark that page! Have a great weekend and donโt even utter the C-word, itโs only October for crying out loud! I know, youโre excited, me too, nearly wet my knickers thinking about those jingle bells!
Photographs by Simon Folkard Astronomical winter starts on the 22nd December, yโ know, but the Met Office uses a meteorological definition of seasons, making theโฆ
Wiltshire-based charity, Wicked Weather Watch (WWW), is looking to expand its innovative approach to climate education with their upcoming Big Give Christmas Challenge campaign….. Theโฆ
Everything to do in Wiltshire this coming week, right in one handy listing, you know the drill, jump to it, preferably before putting your Christmasโฆ
Intriguing and divergent is my two word summary of the latest exhibition at Devizes’ Wiltshire Museum, from one who grew up with first-hand second Worldโฆ
Devizes celebrated rum bar, The Muck & Dundar are hosting a dub reggae night with Omega Nebula on Saturday, and received this weekโs prestigious awardโฆ
Summer is done and dusted, youโve got to lower yourself onto the toilet seat that little bit steadier, as we move into autumn. Still, the silver lining is thereโs always lots to do locally; hereโs what weโve found coming up this weekโฆ.
Not comprehensive, as I tell you each time, more will be added to our event calendaras we move through the week and they come to our attention, so check in on it from time to time. If you donโt let us know about your event you cannot expect it to be here, drop us a line and guarantee itโs listed here, it costs nothing.
Please, if you can donate a little something to keep us going, do, thatโs 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 โMoose Hallโ Old Town, Swindon, Lunchtime Recital at The Wyvern Theatre, with Ed Byrneโs Tragedy Plus Time in the evening.
Thursday 28th
Devizes Film Club Presents Lunana at The Wharf Theatre, and thereโs 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 Baguetteโs 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 โI Thought I Heard A Rustlingโ at Swindon Arts Centre, running until Saturday 30th.
Ed Byrneโs 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 โThe Secret of Happinessโ at The Pump in Trowbridge.
Martin Kempโs Back to the 80s at The Civic.
Thereโs 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 Queenโs Tap. Tea & Tour of the Spotlight Room at Wyvern Theatre, followed by Babatunde Alesheโs 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.
Thereโs 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?!
Thereโs 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 Lambโs Heartbeats play an Alzheimerโs 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 Oโclock 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 โNonpareilโ, 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.
Thatโs all folks, but there are lots more to come!! Let the sunshineโฆ..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!
With the last minute heatwave looking as if itโs packing its bags, we move into autumn still with lots to do locally, the silver lining of the clouds aboveโฆ..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 donโt let us know about your event you cannot expect it to be here, drop us a line and guarantee itโs listed here, it costs nothing.
Please, if you can donate a little something to keep us going, do, thatโs 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 theyโre 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 ALenโs On the Run is at the Rondo Theatre.
Pete Firmanโs 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 Ashโs 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. SkaโD 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 Whileyโs 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 Johnโs 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 Woodlandโs 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 Zeboโs 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 Bristerโs The Optimist is at The Wyvern Theatre.
Ian Perry at The Bell, Bath.
Thatโs all folks, but there are lots more to come!! Let the sunshineโฆ..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!
This week the organiser proudly presented a cheque for a whopping ยฃ9537.75 to Prospect Hospice staff. The third year of My Dadโs Bigger Than Yourโฆ
Contemporary folk rock in the UK tends to come in three formats which never the twain shall meet, usually. Firstly you’ve got your acoustic goodnessโฆ
If our ground-breaking heroes of boom bap, the Scribes bring the noise during live performances and bless any venue with crowd-pleasing positive vibes, yet areโฆ
Snotty nose, change of weather, otherwise Iโd have dragged my sorry ass down to Underground, formerly Level III in Swindon for last weekendโs Children inโฆ
fortnight, and oh, and come back to spook this list again soon, as I’m sure more will be added!
Dress to impress in your Halloween finest! The Deputy Mayor will be on the lookout for the best costumes at 1:30pm right outside the Cafรฉ โ and there are prizes up for grabs in these categories:
Dates:
Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th October
Fest opens at 12PM | Fun until 6PM
Whatโs waiting for you:
Craft & Produce Market โ handmade gifts, bakes, jams, plants, sweets & more
Sweet & Cake Stalls
Arts & Crafts Activities
Burgers, Hot Dogs & Autumn Eats
Fun Tarot Readings
Live Music & Autumn Vibes
Beer, Wine & Seasonal Sips from the Bar
01672 646232 (Between 10am & 7pm)
devizine.com 