Tag: devizes

Are We Still in Rowde?! RowdeFest 25 Sunny Overview

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 observersโ€ฆ.

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 nightโ€ฆ.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 villageโ€™s own delicious Rowdey Cow ice cream rather than ciders! Wiltshireโ€™s finest indie-pop darlings, Talk in Code kindly pepped it up, making a pitstop on their way to Swindonโ€™s 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 didnโ€™t 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 Iโ€™m 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, theyโ€™ve 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, Iโ€™d go out on a limb and suggest this is the finest Americania youโ€™ll 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 everyoneโ€™s approval, but I had one more band yet to introduce.

Burn The Midnight Oil

Given the chance, Talk in Code mightโ€™ve 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 hadnโ€™t had the opportunity to tick them off my must-see list.

Okay, so, I took a chance here, suspecting theyโ€™d be good, and heard all the good reports, but I didnโ€™t 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, thatโ€™s 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 theyโ€™ve 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 couldnโ€™t compete with, but those at RowdeFest wouldnโ€™t have cared at that point; it was magical.

Bramblerose Designs

Okay, Iโ€™m still at one thousand feet about what we accomplished yesterday, but I donโ€™t 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! 

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REVIEW โ€“ Devizes Arts Festivalโ€“ Kiki Dee & Carmelo Luggeri โ€“ Corn Exchange – Friday 30th May 2025

Still Got The Music In Her

By Andy Fawthrop

Itโ€™s been a while coming a-round but at long last Devizesโ€™ very own Arts Festival finally kicked off last night for its two-week run.ย  And we started off, as is usual now, with a real belter of a concert in the Corn Exchange, this time featuring veteran performers Kiki Dee and Carmelo Luggeri…..

If you were after star quality, Kiki Dee has it in spades.ย  Recently celebrating her 60th year in the music industry, she has now released a whopping 40 singles, three EPs and 22 albums. She is one of the UKโ€™s finest and most revered vocalists, and sheโ€™s sung with and for just about anybody who is anybody in this industry.

Pauline Matthews (as was) was born in Bradford, West Riding of Yorkshire in 1947.  At the age of 10 she won a local talent contest, and at 16 she had her first paid job as Kiki Dee in show business. She worked briefly as an apprentice hairdresser (she did my motherโ€™s hair once โ€“ my feeble claim to fame!) and at Boots in Bradford during the day, while in the evenings she sang songs with a dance band in Leeds.  Initially with Fontana Records, known for her blue-eyed soul vocals, she was the first female singer from the UK to sign with Motown’s Tamla Records. Sheโ€™s best known for the hit singles “Amoureuse” (1973), “I’ve Got the Music in Me” (1974) and “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart”, her 1976 duet with old Reg Dwight (Elton John), which reached Number One on the UK Singles Chart and the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.  Her 1981 single “Star” became the theme song for the talent show Opportunity Knocks when it was revived by the BBC in 1987.  

During her career sheโ€™s sung backing vocals for Dusty Springfield, was one of the backing vocalists on Love Affair’s 1968 UK number one single Everlasting Love, sang backing vocals on various Elton John recordings, such as “All the Girls Love Alice” from Goodbye Yellow Brick Road and various tracks on Rock of the Westies, played as support act to Queen at their Hyde Park concert in front of a crowd of 150,000 people, and performed at Live Aid in 1985, reprising “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” with John, and performing backing vocals on the other songs in his set. On top of that sheโ€™s won awards for her Musical Theatre roles in Willy Russell’s Blood Brothers, in which she took on the role originally played by Barbara Dickson for the 1988 production and recording, and received an Olivier Award nomination in 1989 in the Best Actress in a Musical category.  

But all of that is history!  Nowadays, or at least for the last twenty years or so, sheโ€™s continued to move forward with the music that she creates with Carmelo Luggeri. Kiki says Carmelo is her favourite guitarist and he co-writes and produces all their songs.  

Dee released the live album Almost Naked, a joint effort with Carmelo in 1995, followed by the studio albums Where Rivers Meet (1998) and The Walk Of Faith (2005). In September 2013, Dee and Luggeri released their third studio album, A Place Where I Can Go, on Spellbound Records. They have been touring together ever since and have played alongside such musical luminaries as Roger Taylor, Jack Bruce, Fish, Paul Young, Tom Robinson, Graham Gouldman and Madeline Bell.  

Carmelo Luggeriโ€™s abilities as a guitarist, composer and producer have taken him on a rich and interesting musical path over his career. Born in England of Italian parents, Carmelo was mainly self-taught with some classical training.  Working with comedian and television personality Billy Connolly he created the โ€œWatzinโ€™ Matildaโ€ re-work used for the hugely successful 1995 โ€œWorld Tour Of Australiaโ€ TV series. In 1998 Carmelo produced the track โ€œStealinโ€ for the film โ€œStill Crazyโ€ starring Jimmy Nail.  Carmelo has also worked with US singer Andy Williams, Paul Rodgers (Free, Bad Company), Ray Cooper (Elton John band), Gus Dudgeon, Stuart Epps, Romy Haag and singer songwriter Ralph McTell.

Carmelo and Kikiโ€™s paths first crossed when he produced a collection of bonus tracks for โ€œThe Very Best of Kiki Deeโ€ album, and, under the guidance of their manager Steve Brown they took on a new musical direction together, playing acoustic concerts, starting with an appearance at The Royal

Albert Hall for World AIDS Day in 1994. It was quite a departure for Carmelo at this point as he was essentially an electric player but this marked the beginning of their now 25 year collaboration where acoustic guitar is at the foundation of their sound.

Sorry for the long introductory pre-amble, but just wanted to reprise the careers of these two wonderful musicians.  And I guess youโ€™d have to say that represents as good a musical pedigree as youโ€™re ever going to get, so the expectations for the large crowd were, to say the least, pretty high.

And we werenโ€™t to be disappointed one bit. Kicking off with โ€œGet What You Wish Forโ€ and the first of several musical career anecdotes, we were suddenly there at โ€œDonโ€™t Go Breaking My Heartโ€!  Like most people I thought this would be the wrap-up song or the encore, but Kiki clearly wanted to get the song on the table early.  Using, not unexpectedly, a completely different acoustic arrangement, with a rather slower tempo, her rendition allowed the lyrics to really shine through, and to deliver some really pathos.

Cracking on with anecdotes about meeting David Hockney in Malibu, and working with Dusty Springfield, we had the self-penned โ€œSmall Merciesโ€. She then mined a rich vein of beautifully-arranged covers โ€“ Kate Bushโ€™s โ€œRunning Up That Hillโ€, Robert Palmerโ€™s โ€œEvery Kinda Peopleโ€, and Neil Youngโ€™s โ€œHarvest Moonโ€.

Following โ€œa nice glass of redโ€ and a costume change, the second half continued in much the same vein, with Kiki interspersing the songs with more anecdotes.  Early up we had her big hit โ€œAmoureuseโ€, partly sung in the original French, a jazzy cover of Leonard Cohenโ€™s โ€œDance Me To The End Of Loveโ€ (featuring a touching cameo when she danced with a member of the audience whilst Carmelo commanded the stage with some fabulous guitar work).  We then had a run of the pairโ€™s own compositions โ€“ โ€œAmen and Goodbyeโ€, โ€œSheโ€™s Smiling Nowโ€, โ€œYou Canโ€™t Fix The Maybeโ€ and โ€œUntil We Meet Againโ€ โ€“ before finishing with an upbeat and rousing version of โ€œIโ€™ve Got The Music In Meโ€.  Getting an encore was a mere formality by this stage, but their choice was a strange one โ€“ a very quiet number entitled โ€œIf You Ever Need Someoneโ€, and a harmonised version of The Beatlesโ€™ โ€œBlackbirdโ€.  Cue lots of cheering and a great ovation.

Kiki showed us that, at 78, sheโ€™s definitely still got it.  Her voice is, expectedly, not as strong and pure as in her youth, but itโ€™s still bloody good, hitting all the notes perfectly, and still delivering plenty of soulfulness and meaning.  Carmelo demonstrated throughout to be no mere prop or accompaniment to the big star on his left, but a real guitar craftsman in his own right.  His subtle and effective use of loops and pedals to add depth and colour to every number, coupled with several changes of guitars and tunings, proved a real revelation.  His introductions and solos were beautifully crafted, drawing much applause, and plenty of genuine praise from Kiki.

As a duo they harmonised well, and were very clearly extremely comfortable in each otherโ€™s company on stage.  Their rapport with each other, and with the audience, added considerably to the quality and the professionalism of the show.

This was the third or fourth time Iโ€™d seen these guys, and Iโ€™d have to say that they only get better and better.  A really solid two and a half hour show, filled with great songs, hilarious anecdotes and superb guitar work โ€“ what more could you possibly want?  I absolutely loved and, it seemed, so did the packed audience.  

A cracker of a concert to kick off this yearโ€™s Devizes Arts Festival!

Learn more at www.kikiandcarmelo.com/carmelo-luggeri/ย ย 

The Devizes Arts Festival continues until Sunday 15th June at various venues around the town.ย  Tickets can be booked at Devizes Books or online atย  www.devizesartsfestival.org.ukย ย 

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Clock Radio Turf Out The Maniacs

The first full album by Wiltshireโ€™s finest purveyors of psychedelic indie shenanigans, Clock Radio, was knocked out to an unsuspecting world last week. Itโ€™s called Turfinโ€™ Out The Maniacs, which perhaps should be fact-checked as it sounds to me like theyโ€™re letting them all in, as they arrive on yellow submarines and check into Frank Zappaโ€™s 200 five-rhombus rated motelsโ€ฆ..

Self-described as โ€œeasily triggered, dishonest, cryptic yet flirty deluded jangle rockers,โ€ Clock Radio have produced a string of catchy slacker pop wonders here, as they continuously reach inside the box, like theyโ€™re four elfish Rowan Atkinsons all cast as Paul Atreides. But one thing is for certain, Chris Genner, Oliver Daltrey, Gary Martin and Fraser Wilson will entertain you.

Turfinโ€™ Out The Maniacs sound like the results of the Coral offering The Divine Comedy a hashpipe in a moulded teenage boyโ€™s bedroom; thatโ€™s a compliment by the way.

The opening tune Blood on Chrome certainly reeks of that breezy retrospection of Merseyside garage bands or sixties surf-rock, with an added preliminary Quo guitar riffs. Stoned at the Dojo, which follows emphasises the mock lounge style of The Divine Comedy. Itโ€™s vaudeville throughout, all Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Bandโ€™s twirling circus, and an accordion welcomes in the next song, yet the tempo is upbeat indie rock. Handsome Weeping Man might leave you questioning if itโ€™s necessary to connote the narrative, but it will leave you amused.

Clock Radio knows precisely what buttons to press to evoke a mood, and press them with free will. To say itโ€™s a tad bonkers, itโ€™s only a tad, and Mountains Beyond the Sun kindles a gentle side, drifting surf-rock, sunny side of the street vibe.

Thereโ€™s ten three minute heroes on this impressive debut album, recorded, mixed and mastered by Dominic Bailey-Clay at Nine Volt Leap Studios, with Fender Rhodes piano, percussion by Dominic and a triangle by Shoshi B. If weโ€™re content with getting halfway through and assuming theyโ€™ve calmed slightly, No Death takes us back onto the weird and wonderfully expressed if questionable muses of the opening.

Turfinโ€™ Out The Maniacs is a comfy yet nippy prank, like being stung in the bottom but launching away from it to splash into a chocolate lake. Not so unlike Noรซl Coward playing a Bond villain, with Bowie as Bond; something you couldnโ€™t imagine happening, but being Marie-Georges Mรฉliรจs directed it and itโ€™s on FilmFour at 3am, you might as well grab a bag of cheesy puffs and thirty grams of Amber Leaf, stay up watch it in your pants. โ€œCactus is cooler, Iโ€™m no Ferris Bueller, I do as Iโ€™m told,โ€ is just one line Iโ€™m cherry picking to illustrate my point, youโ€™ll be amused and rocked in plentiful equal measure.

It has an acoustic ending called Complex 5 which will leave you incarcerated in the meandering yet meticulous peculiarly pulp portrayals of Clock Radio, as if you melted into a bubble sofa. It is available now on the streaming platforms, or buy the digital album from Bandcamp.

Ruby Darbyshire to Perform at Silverwood School Open Evening

The phenomenally talented Ruby Darbyshire is performing at Silverwood School in Rowde on 27th June. Ruby has kindly offered to support Silverwood Schoolโ€™s 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 pleaโ€ฆWe 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.

The event is free, but please reserve tickets HERE

Contact: Georgie@NutwoodHouse.co.uk or Tim@NutwoodHouse.co.uk for donations

The Big Sound Choir to Perform with Aled Jones at St Georgeโ€™s Bristol

Devizes-based The Big Sound Choir will take to the stage at St Georgeโ€™s Bristol on Wednesday 4th June as part of Aled Jonesโ€™s nationwide Full Circle tour โ€“ and audiences are in for a real treat….

Known for their dynamic energy and uplifting sound, The Big Sound Choir will open the evening with a rousing set of feel-good songs before joining Aled Jones live on stage for a powerful finale.

Aled, the beloved boy treble who captured hearts with Walking in the Air, is back with a brand-new show thatโ€™s packed with songs, stories, and surprises. โ€œItโ€™s time to come Full Circle,โ€ says Aled. โ€œIโ€™ll be telling stories about how it all began, then taking the audience on a journey through my career โ€“ from meeting Royalty, singing all over the world, to being sat between Elton John and Billy Connolly at Bob Geldof and Paula Yatesโ€™s wedding!โ€

The concert promises previously unseen photographs, live performances of Aledโ€™s favourite songs, and the chance for the audience to ask him questions. Itโ€™s a warm, funny, and nostalgic evening that celebrates a remarkable career โ€“ and for The Big Sound Choir, itโ€™s a chance to shine alongside one of Britainโ€™s most recognisable voices.


SPECIAL OFFER: 50% OFF TICKETS Book now HERE and use code: 50ALED at the checkout!

Donโ€™t miss this joyful collaboration โ€“ a night of beautiful music, heartwarming memories, and one unforgettable finale!

Thieves Debut EP

Adam Woodhouse, Rory Coleman-Smith, Jo Deacon and Matt Hughes, aka Thieves, the wonderful local folk vocal harmony quartet of uplifting bluegrass into country-blues has a four track debut EP; who knew?!

I only found out through talking with Adam about a merch table at our forthcoming RowdeFest, where you can, incidentally, find Thieves playing, but at any gig youโ€™re lucky enough to catch them at, I suggest you pick up a copy of this little showcase disc; theyโ€™re our very own resident Carter Familyโ€ฆ.

Opening with Calneโ€™s Jo Deacon on lead vocals, who also sings solo and with soul function band the Midnight Hour, Coming Back For Me is beguiling and uptempo, refreshing bluegrass fashion. Yet Working Man, which follows, slides the divine ambience into mellowed country-rock. With Adam on lead vocals, Iโ€™m thinking Neil Young, the Byrds, and all those irresistible Americana classics, which imagines youโ€™re heading west through Oklahoma on a Harley with Dennis Hopper and Peter Fonda.

Probably the highlight of this EP is the penultimate, Now You’re Around. Five minutes of total bliss, with Jo back on vocals and some seriously intricate melodies, combining the talents of Roryโ€™s resonator, Adamโ€™s mandolin, and Mattโ€™s upright bass, you can sense Joโ€™s soul experience, as it rings out as authentically Americana as Janis Joplin playing Woodstock with Crosby, Stills & Nash. And still I hear something decidedly UK folk here too, of Fairport Convention, perhaps. Iโ€™m no connoisseur, just know what my ears like; itโ€™s all a melting pot,ย and Thieves stir it with delicate precision.

And in that, Iโ€™m unsure about the name Thieves. Certainly the genuine sound of America is pinched if not more agreeably heavily influenced by, but it might suggest thereโ€™s something edgy going on, when this is dinkum, universally appealing sunny side of the street melodies; the kind of folk the eldest in the crowd will tap their toes to while children will merrily twirl barefoot on the grass.

It was a series of coincidences when I first saw them at Bradford Roots Festival a few years ago. From a distance I thought โ€˜that guy looks just like Adam Woodhouse,โ€™ (and maybe a smidgen like MacGyver too!) but upon hearing them perform I thought of The Lost Trades, turned to tell the person standing next to me, who just happened to be Phil Cooper of the Lost Trades, who nodded his trilby in approval; a fine accolade indeed. โ€œIt is Adam,โ€ Phil replied! Oh, yeah, so it is; I didnโ€™t need to go to Specsavers, because their wonderful sound pulled me closer.

We finish the EP with a ballad called Lately, which Adam and Jo duet, and itโ€™s so beautiful and moreish, leaving you suspended on whatโ€™s to come from Thieves, but rest assured, hereโ€™s a wonderful quartet which can hold a crowd spellbound.

Find where Thieves are playing on our local circuits by following socials Facebook Insta for gigs, and hopefully catch them at Rowdefest on Saturday 31st May? Itโ€™s free, bring me a haslett and cucumber sandwich, Iโ€™ve arranged the acts, I wonโ€™t let you down.

iTunes Link

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Rowdefest 26 Lineup Reveal!

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

Keep reading

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Deadlight in the Daytime; Vinyl Realmโ€™s Acoustic Saturdays Return….

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. First up was the dynamic duo and purveyors of all things goth, Deadlight Danceโ€ฆ.

Owners Pete and Jackie were glad to announce the return of some live music afternoons atย  Vinyl Realm, and between us we couldnโ€™t recall how long itโ€™s been since they last did this. A welcomed visit then, where you can leave your penny-farthing outside, browse some records while youโ€™re there, and take in some locally sourced, unplugged acoustic sounds.

From 2:30pm Deadlight Dance played through stripped back versions of their originals and plenty of classic covers of the eighties new wave and gothic scene, claiming it was World Goth Day, though Google reckons itโ€™s next Thursday, but whoโ€™s arguing? Deadlight Dance were covering these songs when Google was an itch in Ask Jeevesโ€™ web crawler.

Always a pleasure to hear Nick and Tim play, though attired in their black jackets, white shirts and shades, it seems Tim drew the short straw and stood window-side with the sun beating in and a wasp groupie hovering overhead! Mandolin and guitar Echo Beach rinsing through the rafters though, while everyone outside is shopping for a birthday card for their pet cat, or Iceland hot dog stuffed crust pizza; plenty of time that malarky afterwards. I found a 7โ€ of Chaka Khan, and another from Neil from the Young Ones, so there.

Next up is our wonderful Devizes singer-songwriter Sammi Evans, next Saturday 24th May from 2:30pm. Iโ€™ve asked Jackie for a list, but this was vague at the moment; watch this space. Of course JP Oldfield is on for a suitcase drum and kazoo sesh at some point, so if youโ€™re an acoustic performer I suggest you pop into Vinyl Realm and put your name down!ย 

Frome Multi-Instrumentalist James Hollingworth Recreates Pink Floydโ€™s Wish You Were Here Live

Oh hear ye, for a foretelling I behold. A prog-rock shamen of extensive knowledge and sorcery will enter our sacred vale during the moon to cometh.…

A mysterious lone traveller stands at the Trow Bridge, as steadfast as the mist surrounding him. Behind him, the home he departed, the market Frome across the Somerset border. In front as he strides barefoot across the downs, resides the unsuspecting kind folk of the White Horse. He arrives clasping under his cloak, a magical multi-track looper known as a Boomerang III Phrase Sampler, a gatefold sleeve album of yore in his other hand he holds high above his brimmed kappell, and he hath a celebration to bequeathโ€ฆ.

โ€ฆ.or he might have a van, Iโ€™m not 100% certain! But James Hollingsworth returns to Wiltshire to pay homage to Pink Floydโ€™s ninth studio album Wish You Were Here, which celebrates its fiftieth anniversary. With loop pedalboard and other such tech, he bravely attempts it solo, but if any one can, he can.

In our writer Andyโ€™s extolled words of a review long past, when James did similar at the Devizes Southgate on Dark Side of the Moonโ€™s fiftieth birthday, Andy called him a โ€œtour de force, a stunning effort of both musical versatility, but also of concentration. Itโ€™s the music he loves, and it really showed.โ€

Unlike Andy, Iโ€™m not of that era, being only two when Wish You Were Here was released, and as a result Iโ€™m more critical about prog-rock. Though Floyd are a timeless band, whose lyrics we chanted on the playground, inciting us not to need education or thought-control. And of James I said in a 2022 review, again at the Southgate, โ€œfor any music lover from folk to prog-rock, from the era of mellowed Floyd-eske goodness, James Hollingsworth works some magic,โ€ so, I must have loved it!

To make sure, James sent me his latest outpouring, an intense collaboration with keyboardist Steve Griffiths called Lost in the Winds of Time. With tolkienesque charm, swirling soundscapes and whimsical storytelling, Lost in the Winds of Time is a sea shanty rock opera, nine lengthy tracks strong, each flowing beautifully like the whistling winds, into a narrative, mystically.

Though Lost in the Winds of Time might be better comparable to the album Meddle, with its gorgeous circulating psychotropic-inducing effects and riffs which roll over like waves on a  calming sea caressing the shore. Jamesโ€™ silky vocals drift across the ether, like Wiltshire’s own Justin Hayward narrating a Victoran fantasy adventure, or Harry Potter Goes to Sea with Gandalf!

Itโ€™s an impressive trip, to me, as Iโ€™m one who, during the intervening period between undesirable commercialised electronica and the more welcomed acid house, sought the archives for lost psychedelia to suit my blossoming journey into the psycheโ€™s nirvana (I was at art college, it was part of the curriculum!) The older Floyd albums were an inevitable discovery I revelled in, horizontally in a moulding bedroom. Wish You Were Here stood out, for its vivid masterpieces of alienation and mental health, attributing original Pink Floyd member Syd Barrett, and paying their respects to him in such sublime manner reflected by listeners to anyone they once loved and lost.

Not to be confused with a tribute act, James Hollingsworth more simply pays homage to his influences in his own manner, and plans to play some of his compositions alongside. How will he do it? Bet you wish you were here to hear itโ€ฆ (see what I did there? Iโ€™ll get my fur-lined Afghan coat!)  

He takes his show to Melksham, at the Grapes on Saturday 17th May. At the Southgate in Devizes on bank holiday Monday, the 26th May, which are both free, and as part of the Bath Fringe on Thursday 29th May at The Ring O Bells, ticketed event. Also at The Creative Innovation Centre in Taunton on Friday 23rd May.ย 

Progress Made for the Wiltshire Music Awards

A week into the voting process for the Wiltshire Music Awards and things have been moving forward fast. Weโ€™ve had the best part of 500 voting forms already submitted and weโ€™re busy spreading the news about these new awardsโ€ฆ

The voting process for the Wiltshire Music Awards went live on the 1st May, and if it was overshadowed by some other voting thing going on that day too, this far more important election is gradually gathering pace. And unlike the other elections, no one is jumping on anyoneโ€™s back, making up stories to derail other candidates!

Cast Your Votes HERE

Eddie Prestidge of Wiltshire Music Events UK and I have been busy promoting the concept, and weโ€™re delighted and extremely grateful to everyone who has helped us with this. From visiting Castledown FM to meet Kev Lawrence and waffle on his drive-time show, and future such gigs like Peggy-Sueโ€™s Donโ€™t Stop the Music Show on Swindon 105.5, to features in Swindon Link and Salisbury Radioโ€™s blog, and everyone who has shared our news on social media, word is getting around thanks to you all. 

Of course individual musicians, bands and studios have taken to their social media platforms begging for their fans to vote for them, and, donโ€™t worry, this is encouraged! Itโ€™s also our most treasured venues such as The Wiltshire Music Centre in Bradford-on-Avon who are sharing our news. I believe this is all vital, to ensure weโ€™re making it comprehensive and spanning across the entire county. If you can help us with this, please do get in touch.

Nominations will close on 10th June 2025, so we need your picks by then! Itโ€™s not easy, I know; Eddie messaged me a few hours into the voting process to say he hadnโ€™t seen my submission yet, and I had to tell him I was still making my mind up!

Thereโ€™s so many talented musicians around here, it is difficult to decide whoโ€™s name to put in those boxes. But, in this I feel is a point worth making about the Wiltshire Music Awards; we are doing this to promote, encourage and celebrate everyone creating music locally, from DJ and cover band to original artists and sound engineers. This isnโ€™t intended to make our circuits competitive in any way, as we all enjoy the communal and friendly ethos of our local circuits, and vow to maintain this. The hard work they all do to entertain us is recognised and appreciated; while some of our many friends on the music scenes in Wiltshire might not pick up an award, it doesnโ€™t mean weโ€™ve forgotten them!

Eddie says, โ€œthese awards recognise the individuals and groups whose efforts make a real difference. If you know someone who deserves recognition, or want to showcase your group, now is your chance to give them the spotlight they deserve.โ€

Weโ€™ve just opened a Facebook group for the Awards you can join HERE. People have joined and are making connections there already, which is great and exactly what we want to achieve with this venture; itโ€™s not the Oscars!

Thereโ€™s loads of questions which have been fired at us over the week about how the awards work, despite many of them being answered on the FAQs page of the website! Some others have come up, and we thank you for raising some valid points. One good one I had by Rich of Minety Music Festival, who asked if we could have a category for festivals. We pondered how we could do this as the categories have already been set, thereโ€™s 17 of them already, and feeding it into the venues category might not be fair on the smaller grassroots venues. So, we decided to add festivals as a category for next year, and make a list of festivals in Wiltshire for the judgesโ€™ perusal. I mention this to say, hey, weโ€™re open to ideas and things we might have overlooked.

The most frequent question Iโ€™ve been asked is โ€œcan I vote for myself?!โ€ To which the simple answer is a big fat YES! Why not? Show off your ego, youโ€™ve earned it, go for it! The less frequent but similar question Iโ€™ve had is, surprisingly, โ€œcan I vote for you?!โ€ The answer is, yeah (blush,) if you must!

Weโ€™ve been browsing trophies and medals from a catalogue by Avon Trophies like weโ€™re kids drooling over the lingerie section! And over the next couple of weeks we will be sending invites for people to be judges. Choosing experienced people with dedication to promoting music in the county and trying to set one in each area, we have a list of possibles, but if youโ€™re interested in this let me know this coming week. It is also vital that this event receives sponsorship in order for it to work as well as whatโ€™s in our minds. Please contact us if you would like to sponsor an individual award or the whole shebang!

The award ceremony will take place in Devizes at the Corn Exchange, on Saturday 25th October 2025, tickets are here. We hope it will continue annually, this all depends upon your input and support, which has so far been so encouraging I might even be moved wear a dickie-bow at the event, and that’s worth the ticket price alone! Please vote and share our news, thank you!

Bands At The Bridge

Organised by Kingston Media – to raise money for Dorothy House and Wiltshire Air Ambulance – the 3rd of May saw Bands At The 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 The Bridge, a mini festival-style event at the Bridge Inn on the outskirts of Devizes. Organised by Kingston Media โ€“ in a step away from their usual publicity/catering work โ€“ the event saw eight bands and solo performers stretched across the afternoon and evening of the Bank Holiday Saturday, all in aid of Dorothy House and Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

From the moment of entering, you could feel a strong sense of excitement, and although the crowd wasnโ€™t big, they definitely had the enthusiasm side nailed as each of the performers was met with cheers and dancing.  

The first band I had the opportunity to see that evening was Burn the Midnight Oil. They started with a cover of Dreams and soon had everyone singing along, before launching into a set of original songs, which saw dancing, cowboy hats and even people howling like wolves for a short time (there was more context to it than that, I promise!).

Although all songs they played โ€“ other than one โ€“ were originals, they played them which such skill that without knowing their setlist beforehand you wouldnโ€™t have known that they werenโ€™t just covers of songs that you just didnโ€™t know, which can take a lot of skill to do right. All their songs were great, but Iโ€™d like to give a mention specifically to Scapegoat and Werewolf, which were my two favourites of the evening. It was clear their focus was on well played and polished originals, which they were fantastic at and which the audience clearly appreciated. 

Dreamcatcher came quickly next, a band that originally started as a Fleetwood Mac tribute, but their tastes broadened to encompass a load more songs of the same sort of style – although rest assured, they still had a healthy dose of Fleetwood throughout. Their 45 minutes setlist saw a variety of different songs, broken strings and even the sun (for a short appearance, which had everyone cheering) with a main focus on stuff from the 60s and 70s, the sort of songs that everyone would know and have a little dance to.

The Dreamcatchers played well, and despite the small crowds, it was clear the audience enjoyed their material and it fit in well for that kind of event. 

By far the most appreciated band of the evening were The 789s, a Bristol based events band. Itโ€™s fair to say they were some of the most skilled players of the evening, with their four-person line up seeing drums, bass, guitar and vocals. Once again, their setlist focused on well-known and easily danceable songs, seeing performances of Come On Eileen, Donโ€™t Look Back In Anger and many more that had everyone excited.

I had a quick chat with their lead singer Ally who said a lot of the songs she enjoys performing are 70s funk and disco style numbers and that that was what she grew up with around the house. Their high energy songs soon had everyone up dancing and singing along and it seemed that 45 minutes wasnโ€™t enough for the audience, after two back-to-back encores at the end of their set leading to a few extra songs, which were just as impressive as โ€“ if not better โ€“ than the rest of their set.

With their skilled instrumentalists, incredible talented singers and a well-polished setlist I thought it was perfect for this kind of event and clearly the rest of the audience agreed. Ally went on to say that the energy people gave her made it a really fun gig to be playing at.  

The last performance of the evening saw headliner Almost Elton take to the stage. By this point the audience were invested in whatever performance would come next, so he was met with a great reception after setting up a keyboard and mic followed by a quick outfit change into a feathered coat and a not entirely convincing wig.

He had a longer set than others, and being an Elton John tribute act ran through all the favourite songs of Mr John โ€“ even bringing some random audience members on stage to โ€˜helpโ€™ with the vocals on Donโ€™t Go Breaking My Heart. It was a good way to round off an event like this, everyone knew the songs, everyone sang along and everyone danced. 

All in all, Kingston Media pulled off an enjoyable event with some fantastic performers throughout the evening. As well as the four Iโ€™ve babbled about above Iโ€™ve heard great things of both Jane Bennetโ€™s and The Sitting Ducksโ€™ sets (and actually all of the rest of the performers) and was sad to miss them.

Although the crowds were a little small, that is completely normal and to be expected for the first year of this sort of event (and in fact, their first ever event of this type). They had the traditional festival atmosphere nailed and a great venue to go along with it. So, hereโ€™s hoping for it to be done again next year, maybe with a bit more sun though?! 

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Devizes Issues Wants You!

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

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Voting Now Open for the Wiltshire Music Awards

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, Iโ€™m delighted Devizine will be actively assisting to organise this new county-wide music awards. Weโ€™ve mentioned it a few times now, but today the moment has finally arrived for you to cast your votes. Nominations are open for the ceremony from 1st May 2025, and will close on 10th June 2025.

Cast Your Votes HERE

Please Share this News

The award ceremony will take place in Devizes at the Corn Exchange, on Saturday 25th October 2025, tickets are here. We hope it will continue annually, this all depends upon your input. Please get voting, and we call upon everyone actively involved in music scenes across the county to get involved too.

Hereโ€™s some FAQs about the process, and other than to say Iโ€™m mega-excited about it all, and to please share this news far and wide, thereโ€™s not a lot else I can waffle on about it for now; everything relies on you all to help us find the talented in Wiltshire, so get voting!

Who can be nominated?

Anyone involved in music based in Wiltshire or primarily active within the county can be nominated. This includes solo artists, bands, DJs, instrumentalists, music promoters, and venues.

Can I nominate in more than one category?

Yes, you can submit nominations in multiple categories. However, each artist, band, group, DJ, or venue may only be nominated in one category overall, so please choose the most suitable one.

Who decides the winners?

A panel of music professionals from across Wiltshire will review the shortlisted entries and select one winner per category. The panelโ€™s decision will be final.

Theatre Review: Everybodyโ€™s Talking About Jamie by Devizes Music Academy

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, Everybodyโ€™s Talking About Jamie, which featured two electrifying performances on 19th April at Devizes Schoolโ€ฆ.

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 wouldnโ€™t 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 โ€˜And You Donโ€™t Even Know Itโ€™.

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie

Inspired by the BBC Three documentary Jamie: Drag Queen at 16, Everybodyโ€™s 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 Londonโ€™s 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. Itโ€™s 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 thatโ€™s 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 โ€˜Teen Editionโ€™ so special was the thrill of watching real teenagers bring these teen characters to life. Under Jemma Brownโ€™s 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 Jamieโ€™s wit, cheekiness and vulnerability. His rendition of โ€˜Wall 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, Jamieโ€™s loyal, studious best friend, a quietly headstrong presence. Her solo โ€˜Beautifulโ€™ 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 werenโ€™t 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 Grimeโ€™s portrayal of Jamieโ€™s mum, Margaret, especially her song โ€˜Heโ€™s 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 Jamieโ€™s dad, whoโ€™s 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 Jamieโ€™s 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 โ€˜Spotlightโ€™, reminding us of the charactersโ€™ young age, while a dance duet between Cory White and Chloe Whitcombe during Margaretโ€™s โ€˜If I Met Myself Againโ€™ added a poignant, dreamlike quality to the song. But I especially loved the title number โ€˜Everybodyโ€™s 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

Itโ€™s 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: whatโ€™s next Devizes Music Academy? Whatever it is, I canโ€™t wait!

You can catch an abridged version of Everybodyโ€™s Talking About Jamie at the Fulltone Festival, The Green, Devizes, on Friday 25 July. For tickets, visit www.fto.org.uk

Devizes Palooza DJ on the Bill for Fatboy Slimโ€™s All Back to Minehead

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 Slimโ€™s 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, to bring back regular house nights in Devizes, and fantastic they are too. A year later and Greg excitedly messaged us with the news he was potentially booked for Fatboy Slimโ€™s annual shindig at the Butlins in Minehead, we just had to wait for confirmation, which he now has. โ€œIโ€™m a bit overwhelmed by it,โ€ Greg told us at the time, describing the news as one of the best days of his life when he announced it last week.

Goldie, K-Klass and a DJ set from Leftfield are among the highlights of who will be larginโ€™ it with Norm at this annual dance music extravaganza; we wish Greg all the best with it. But if you want to get Paloozaโ€™d closer to home, theyโ€™re back at the Exchange nightclub this Friday, 2nd May. And weโ€™re leaking future dates for Palooza nights to put in your diary, the 27th June, 29th August and 19th December.

This Friday sees the crew playing house, old skool, techno and tech house with DJs Floormover, Leggy, Rodj, Eldridge and Grit. Pay on the door, Facebook event page is here; let them know if youโ€™re going!

No Alarms No Devizes, Aptly in Devizes!

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

Iโ€™ll confess, while I know most of the members of this five-piece as individual musicians in their own rights or as members of various other groups, I was yet to see them in this setup, despite them forming the best part of a year ago. Naughty of me, I accept, but Iโ€™m overly glad to finally tick them off my must-see list, and on the strength of last nightโ€™s performance, it wonโ€™t be the last.

Aware of their talents as individuals my only pre-gig apprehension being it can sometimes be a case whereby groups formed of members whoโ€™ve met at open mics sadly donโ€™t equate to the sum of their counterparts. This minor angst I quashed before arriving; I could hear them from the carpark as they rang out Steve Harley & the Cockney Rebelโ€™s Make Me Smile with gusto. โ€œCome up and see me,โ€ the song suggests, yeah, Iโ€™m nearly there, and already glad I did. Again, how apt!

But itโ€™s not just in the word-playing a Radiohead songโ€™s band name to give it a local spin, nor the coincidental meaning of the song they were covering when I arrived which makes me happy to report that they know exactly what buttons to press, rather on the tightness of the band and their comradeship too. Frontman Tom Harris, known for also fronting extreme-metal band Kinasis and a stalwart locally as a blues solo artist, is a force to be reckoned with. His lively vocal range knows no bounds, and thereโ€™s joyful connotations within his energy and often amusing facial expressions which rub off on the audience.     

If, as it suggests, โ€˜extreme-metalโ€™ is too extreme for me, itโ€™s in his lighter fashions which makes me smile, and during lockdown the few funky tunes he created really brought Tomโ€™s natural talent to entertain to my attention. With No Alarms No Devizesโ€™ varied range of cover choices in their arsenal, Tom is free to explore his funky side or whatever fancies his tickle, and I loved this about the No Alarms And No Devizes show the most.

Tom is backed by proficient guitarist Pat Ward, once modest about his abilities, today moving through the audience whilst strumming, like a pro! Bassist Jonny Jam, whoโ€™ll you see blessing his skills in many local bands. A new drummer, Nick Wood, who sure found his feet and sticks last night. And with the additional Matt Pryor on keys, the lineup gives them the scope to nail a vast range of pop songs into their repertoire, and they do them all with impressive confidence and showmanship.

Keyed in to precisely what the varied crowd at the Three Crowns want, they ventured through anything and everything from Nina Simone and the Beatles to the obligatory Radiohead, the Proclaimersโ€™ crowd-pleaser, and eighties pop such as my personally most welcomed Men at Workโ€™s Down Under, with a gradual fade from melodic to a frenzy. They slipped in a few great originals too, but whatever direction they took themselves into they did so with flow, precision and enthusiasm, making for a universally highly entertaining night I cannot fault. Even their break was no longer than a wee-stop!

I do ponder if the bandโ€™s name implies itโ€™s just a bunch of guys from Devizes when they arrive at other townโ€™s venues. They played Swindonโ€™s Rolleston recently, they played HoneyFest at the Barge and Salisburyโ€™s Coach & Horses, among others, but Matt assured me theyโ€™re welcomed wherever they play, leaving me only to assure venues outside Devizes, they may be announcing theyโ€™re guys from Devizes within their very name, and banter between towns might be a thing, but once No Alarms And No Devizes are in full swing, youโ€™d be glad you booked them!

Another wonderful night at the Three Crowns, then. It never fails to please. With the Brewery Shop opening next door, seeing visitors stopping into the pub, the live music and gourmet burgers, The Three Crowns is surely a testament to what a pub can achieve if they put their heads into what punters want, particularly in these uncertain times. It was as busy as ever in there, hospitable and lively, with a varied age demographic out to party and nothing baleful.

We clashed events with the wonderful Facebook page dedicated to promoting local live music, Bird is the Word, which had to happen at some point! Go give them a like if you do Facebook, theyโ€™re doing good things over there, with higher quality photos and video streams than my tiddly tries of getting into focus while dancing and balancing a cider!

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Lady Nade; Sober!

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

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Yea Devizes; The Future of Events in Devizes

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 โ€ฆ.. 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 โ€œnoticed 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. Theyโ€™re 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 theyโ€™ve 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 eventsโ€ฆ. and thereโ€™s 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.

โ€œThere will be something for everyone at this outdoor event,โ€ Devizes Yea promises, โ€œwith 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 itโ€™s done on the dancefloor; Dad-dancing mode switched to crazy legs… and I’m off, nobody attempt to stop me!!

Devizes South Conservative Candidate Accused of Election Fraud

Melksham & Devizes Conservatives released a statement on the 7th April explaining an internal audit revealed one of their candidates was โ€œnot qualified by residence as they believed they were,โ€ and claimed it was a โ€œgenuine mistake.โ€ Devizes residents have gathered on social media to express their concerns that electoral law has been broken and the affair is quietly being pushed under the carpetโ€ฆ.

Conservative candidate Sarah Batchelor moved to the area in July last year, to take over as management of the Crown Inn in Bishops Cannings and therefore has not been resident in the area or on the electoral roll for the legal minimum requirement of twelve months to apply for a councillor role. Melksham & Devizes Conservatives said in their statement they have informed the Electoral Registration Officer and the candidate will โ€œtake no part in the campaign process nor take up their seat if elected.โ€ 

But residents are angered by both the belief this was not a genuine mistake as claimed, is an incident in which media attention is deliberately being avoided, and hypocritical when Melksham & Devizes Conservatives caused a major outcry at a local by-election, when a Devizes Guardian candidate accidentally breached election law. Another sour point was that the Melksham & Devizes Conservatives make no attempt to apologise for the mistake and any potential cost to the taxpayer if a reelection is necessary in the process which will follow. โ€œYouโ€™d thought theyโ€™d have learnt after the PCC debacle a few years back,โ€ the original poster stated, โ€œis this what you want from local councillors?โ€

Announced on the MDCA X account, because everyone looks there!!!

โ€œThe qualifications and rules are clearly stated on the form, and an individual knows if they meet them or not,โ€ one resident pointed out on the Facebook group, Devizes Issue (But Better,) where the debate is causing a storm. โ€œIf the individual completed the forms,โ€ they continued, โ€œthey have falsified an application. If someone else completed them on their behalf – they have not carried out due diligence or have ignored the clear rules. So which is it?โ€

The group were informed by former Labour councillor Noel Woolrych that โ€œthis is actually a police matter and is in their hands. However, I least believe that the name will still appear on the ballot paper as they had already been printed.โ€ This raises the issue if she will be replaced, and as another commenter stated, โ€œeven though the election will still go ahead and the Conservatives have distanced themselves from the candidate, her presence on the ballot could still influence the outcome. Votes cast for her could impact the overall vote share and potentially alter the result, even if sheโ€™s not officially endorsed. That in itself raises concerns about fairness and electoral integrity.โ€

Sarah Batchelor (far right) pictured with other Conservative hopefuls, including Jordan Overton

A reliable source informed us these forms will have been checked prior to submission by Conservative Wiltshire Councillor Iain Wallis, who also controversially runs another Facebook group, Devizes Issues. It is a fact that this councillor is head of promoting all Conservative candidates for Devizes South. Sensitive enough to question the overall honesty of the Melksham & Devizes Conservatives it appears then, that the issue here has been deliberately avoided on said group, and elsewhere by Melksham & Devizes Conservatives, despite Councillor Wallis creating his own storm in a teacup at a by-election last year when a Devizes East Guardian candidate made a minor omission on a leaflet, falsely claiming the candidate had been arrested. 

โ€œI see it as fraud on both parties,โ€ another resident said, โ€œFirst party being the person who completed the forms and stated in the declaration that they are correct knowing they are false. Second, the political party who vetted the form knowingly didnโ€™t complete the due diligence process to ensure that their candidate was lawful and correct.โ€

Again, we suspect the desperate local Conservatives are playing dirty for this local election, as they do for national politics, yet clearly claiming on their social media posts they are โ€œlocal people with the community as our focus, with no central party control and our focus is not on national politics,โ€ to divide themselves with the downfall nationally of their party. Yet, we discover them clearly using national party funds to campaign, and boy, they certainly are influenced by their national party tactics!

And that’s the truth, dammit!!

On a banner produced by the Devizes Conservatives it is claimed what makes candidate Iain Wallis โ€œstand outโ€ is that he โ€œbelieves that every resident should feel their voice is heard.โ€ Shamefully laughable considering this debate has to appear on groups he does not administrate and will no doubt be excluded from his own popular Facebook group. A group which has seen opposition candidates, councillors, support groups, upstanding citizens and charity organisations, and anyone who dares to challenge his opinion with a differing one be rewarded with lifetime bans. 

We also find ourselves in said club of โ€œdisregarded dissidents,โ€ for stating the facts, are proud to say it has been this way for a long time, and consider it a badge of honour!

Although, I strongly suspect, as it has been in past times when we have been caused to be critical of Devizes Conservatives, Mr Wallis will bleat like a hurt lamb, hold up a victim card, claiming all manner of falsehoods that we are attacking him personally. This simply isnโ€™t true, and never has been. We only intend to highlight scoops that, for some strange reason, no one else is willing to risk their backhanders or potential advertising revenue to cover with the clarity needed to expose fraudulent candidates, which this is clearly as a case of. Is it my fault the same name appears to crop up each time? A case I rest there.

As the original post creator asked the group, โ€œis this what you want from local councillors?โ€

Soupchick in the Park

And there was me thinking nothing good comes out of a Monday! Today local bistro Soupchick, popular in the Devizesโ€™ Shambles opened their second branch, transforming the Hillworth Park cafรฉ. I felt the need to poke my nose in, for the sake of a tea and toastieโ€ฆ.

A slight cooling of temperature didn’t prevent a busy opening day for the team.  Owner Marc told me how customers were lined up at the doors before they opened, and supposed the cooler climate wasn’t a bad thing, as they were still finding their feet!

Hillworth Park was much the same as usual, scenic yet functional, with a sprinkling of families passing through and children playing games. This is a welcomed addition, though, as Soupchick is renowned locally for quality homemade tasty tucker, though the customer base might change slightly. What then, is different from the Soupchick of the Shambles and the new cafรฉ, and what’s the same? I hear you ask!

Easy. The ethos is the same, fromย  the hospitable welcome to fresh quality produce and homemade food, with Anya’s exceptional attention to flavours that compliment each other; it’s all sooo scrumptious!

There’s two of their delicious soups of the day options, naturally, and there’s toasties of similar variety as before. But with a view to more family clientรจle, there’s simplified versions of the toastie, such as plain cheese with ham, tomato or onion, as well as those favourites at the Shambles, such as The New Yorker with pastrami, Swiss cheese, red onion and American mustard, the tuna melt, or Smokey Spanish Chorizo.

While I’m personally partial to a New Yorker toastie, the greater welcomed element will surely be the essential ice cream from Marsh Farm, and a greater concentration on teas, coffees, smoothies, milkshakes and salads. From quiche to baguettes and falafel wraps, it’s a wider variety, but everything retains the fresh quality we’ve come to love Soupchick for.

They’re open for breakfast too, with granola bowls, fruit salads, porridge, toast and wraps, and everything on the menu all day is very reasonably priced; when considering how tasty it all is; you can’t go wrong with a toastie for six pounds, or sandwiches from ยฃ5.50.

It was a shame, for years past, the Hillworth Park cafรฉ perhaps wasn’t reaching its full potential, and selling chocolate bars and drinks which could be found cheaper at the Hillworth Road store a short walk up the street. Soupchick has truly turned the facility around, it offers now something unique with a personal touch, and something, while Devizes residents have become accustomed to through their time spent at the Shambles, a wider appeal than before.

Though, I must stress, Anya, Marc and the team are determined to keep both cafรฉs open, and The Shambles one will continue as before. You could, potentially, buy a takeaway soup at one and walk to the other for a refill!!

We wish them all the best with their new venture, and look forward to the possibility of perhaps having a few events there too some sunny day and meeting you there, of course!

Family Easter Holiday Events

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

Monday 7th

Wonder Gigs: Under The Sea

Thursday 10th

Saturday 12th

Young Curators Club: April โ€“ Prehistoric Sea Creatures @ Wiltshire Museum Devizes

Little Pickles Market

Sunday 13th

Messy Easter at Bishops Cannings School

Monday 14th

Official Opening of Hillworth Park Cafe with Soupchick

Easter bonnet decorating @ Caffe Vialottie, Devizes

Rock The Tots: Transport

Tuesday 15th

Wednesday 16th

Thursday 17th

The Noise Next Door: The Adventure Academy … For Adventurers!

Saturday 19th April

Natural History Museum Presents Dinosaurs Live! @ The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon

Sunday 20th

Mini Ravers – Easter Special

Mon 21st

Bradford-on-Avon Duck Race

That’s all folks! But do come back here in a day or so, I’m sure there will be more added! Happy Easter!

Trending……

Ha! Let’s Laugh at Hunt Supporters!

Christmas has come early for foxes and normal humans with any slither of compassion remaining, as the government announced the righteous move to ban trail hunts. As an impartial media outlet, we sayโ€ฆ.let’s laugh at those saddened hunters wallowing in their own self-pity, right through Christmas and beyond! Keir Starmer’s cabinet, a far cry fromโ€ฆ

Darren Worrow's avatar by Darren Worrow

Rooks; New Single From M3G

Chippenham folk singer-songwriter, M3G (because she likes a backward โ€œEโ€) has a new single out tomorrow, Friday 19th December. Put your jingly bell cheesy tunes on hold for a moment, because this is a beautiful, epic journeyโ€ฆ. M3Gโ€™s seventh release, Rooks, poignantly pulls on the heartstrings when presented by the rise and fall of aโ€ฆ

Darren Worrow's avatar by Darren Worrow

Wiltshire Music Centre Unveils Star-Studded New Season

Wiltshire Music Centre Unveils Star-Studded New Season with BBC Big Band, Ute Lemper, Sir Willard White and comedians Chris Addison and Alistair McGowan revealing their classical music talents….. Wiltshire Music Centre announces new Spring season with some extraordinary listening experiences on offer in the new year. Wiltshire Music Centre is a unique and contemporary 300-seatedโ€ฆ

Darren Worrow's avatar by Darren Worrow

Un/Common People: Folk Culture in Wessex; Latest Fascinating Exhibition at Wiltshire Museumย 

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 Wiltshire Museum only two minutes late for the preview evening to their latest exhibition, convincing myself itโ€™s often more interesting to go in blind to what the show is all about anyway!

Thereโ€™s graffitied skateboards in the exhibition, embroideries, an abstract canvas, a jesterโ€™s uniform, old ledgers, ships in bottles, straw sculptures, a video of Stonehenge at summer solstice, and many other fascinating items youโ€™d be excused for misunderstanding how they all relate if the rooms was stripped of the information boards and the exhibitionโ€™s title, Un/Common People: Folk Culture in Wessex.

The exhibition opens at Wiltshire Museum from today, Saturday 5th April and runs until Saturday 6th September 2025; plenty of time to pay it a visit, and I recommend you do. 

Fortunately for my ignorance, external curator Mellany Robinson of The Museum of British Folklore was on hand to provide a brief speech explaining the reasoning behind it. All the items on show here are bonded by one concept, that they โ€œtell local, political, expected and entirely unexpected stories to reframe the rich heritage and vibrant present day folk cultures for modern audiences.โ€ And as being folk culture, all the items are created by folk without the disciplines of their craft via official training or education.

Now I can relate! Although I donโ€™t wish to discuss my short-lived art college days, my creative labours are all self-taught, save some advice from cartoonists and writers in my younger days. One piece in the exhibit in particular caught my fascination, as a punk-paste zine-maker of yesteryear; an amateurishly hand-drawn flyer for the 1979 Stonehenge Festival. I strongly suspect, whatever angle you come at this from, whether historian, antique dealer, or folk musician, counterculture artist, or possibly more simply, you hold a passing interest in the origins of local folklore, you will find many objects here on display to fascinate you.

I left feeling enlightened, and perhaps a smidgen abashed by the many things I didnโ€™t know. A Hob-Nob is not biscuit, rather a horse-like costumed fellow in the Salisbury Giant, a midsummer procession first recorded in 1572, for example! I now understand why Great Wishford has Oak Apple Day, and what it means to proclaim, โ€œGrovely, Grovely and all Grovely!โ€

A handcrafted Wiltshire sweetheart pin cushion made by a World War I veteran, a rare ship crafted entirely from straw linking to Pooleโ€™s maritime heritage, and a poignant portrait by a Nigerian artist created while seeking asylum in Swindon, are items the Museum hail are the highlights, but depending on your personal interests, I believe what will constitute the highlight will be open to interpretation, being such a timeless mixed bag of tricks held together only by this theme of folk art; I have plenty of musician friends of whom, I guess, would be fascinated by the instruments, artists who would love the artwork from a community project, and others who would cherish this Wessex folk calendar feel to the whole exhibit, from the Summer Solstice at Stonehenge to the May Day celebrations in Cerne Abbas.

Now Iโ€™m concerned by my overuse of the word โ€œfascinating,โ€ but the boot fits, thatโ€™s what it surprisingly is!   

Curator Mellany Robinson told how the The Museum of British Folklore doesnโ€™t have a fixed venue, and it started because founder Simon Costin was, โ€œpassionate about what museums call intangible cultural heritage, the heritage of folklore which has historically been suppressed, and overlooked. So, when people die, their works get chucked, because it isnโ€™t considered financial value, but it is of huge personal and historic value.โ€ 

Simon Costin founded the The Museum of British Folklore by โ€œbuying an old caravan on Ebay in 2008, and travelled around the country for six months turning it into a museum, to test the response. And we need a Museum of British Folklore because we are one of the very few countries which doesnโ€™t have one.โ€

This project, a collaboration with the Wessex Museumโ€™s collections and the Museum of British Folklore, is more anti-museum than museum in the traditional sense. With many items by unknown creators and certainly all of them unprofessional, itโ€™s more of a hobbit-hole of hidden treasures and curiosities.ย ย 

โ€œWe had to share what we thought of as folk culture because lots of people think certain things of folk culture,โ€ Mellany explained, โ€œbut our definition is; something creative not necessarily tangible, produced by someone who doesnโ€™t have formal training in that medium.โ€ 

Again, we find Wiltshire Museum bucking the preconceived stereotypes of what constitutes traditional aspects of a museum exhibition, and we should consider ourselves lucky to have them on our doorstep here in Devizes, putting the โ€œmuseโ€ in โ€œmuseum!โ€

Un/Common People: Folk Culture in Wessex opens today, and runs until Saturday 6th September. Summer Opening Times are from 10am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday. Entry to the exhibition is included in the admission ticket. Tickets cost from ยฃ8.50 (concessions available,) and itโ€™s free for under 18s. Director of Wiltshire Museumย David Dawson has an online talk introducing the new exhibition on the 8th April.

Do check the Museumโ€™s website for there are many great events upcoming, including the Curious Kids workshops for ages 3-11 and the Museum Explorers Club for 5-7 year olds, lectures, walks and stone carving courses.

Trending……

Burning the Midday Oil at The Muck

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

St John’s Choir Christmas Concert in Devizes

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

For Now, Anyway; Gus White’s Debut Album

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

Beauty & the Beast; Devizes Musical Theatre at its Best

It was a fantastically successful opening night for Devizes Musical Theatre at Dauntseyโ€™s School for their latest show, Disneyโ€™s Beauty and the Beast, and I returned home still singing Be My Guest and Gaston; they’re still stuck in my head now truth be told, and I’m not usually one for musicals!

Remaining faithful to Disneyโ€™s 1991 adaption of the French fairy tale by Barbot de Villeneuve, widely regarded as one of the greatest animated films of all time, new director Georgia Watson and the entire team at Devizes Musical Theatre pulled out all the stops last night; amateur dramatics has never been this good, surely?!

Already clued up on the plot, as my daughter had a โ€œthingโ€ for the film when little, didn’t prevent me thoroughly enjoying this show, rather itโ€™s likely it aided it; familiarity transformed from film to stage is kingpin to a universally welcomed musical, which this is. Aside from the stellar performances, it was arduously and thoughtfully produced with attention to detail, especially the costume design; they were brilliant. Easy for a cartoonist, but how do you recreate inanimate objects such as a clock and teapot as characters on stage, I wondered beforehand, but not now!

And in this, commendations in particular go to Tia Shafee and Oli Beech, also Sarah Williams, Natalie Angus and Claire Abraham, all for adding those comical elements as candlesticks, clocks and teapots. Yet it was up to Georgia Saunders to add the sparkle, as the compassionate bookworm protagonist Belle, and her relationships with Samuel Phillis as the troubled Beast, Gareth Lloyd as the bawdy egomaniac Gaston, and Graham Day portraying her troubled inventor father, all of which were played confidently and rapturously.ย ย 

Interactions between Gareth and his literal sidekick LeFou, played with camp hilarity by Adam Sturges were comedy gold, as was the โ€œsilly girlsโ€ fighting for Gastonโ€™s affections, Georgia Claridge, Mimi Martin, Laura Bartle, and Bronwyn Hall. With special shout to Pip Emm who was last nightโ€™s Chip, a role which takes on a different young actor each performance, everyone on that stage looked to be loving the spotlight and this enthusiasm shone through, reflecting back off the audience in awe.

It never fails to amaze me how much work and effort goes into Devizes Musical Theatreโ€™s shows, and how professional they are. Beauty & The Beast runs until Saturday 5th April, with a matinee performance on the final Saturday. Ticket holders are in for a real treat, anyone looking for a ticket should act fast as the last rose petal is about to drop; last look there were some left for tonight, the rest is already sold out. At ยฃ16 a pop, youโ€™d pay more at the bar in a West End theatre for a glass of fizzy pop, or for parking.

Trending…..

Butane Skies Not Releasing a Christmas Song!

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

One Of Us; New Single From Lady Nade

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

Large Unlicensed Music Event Alert!

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

Winter Festival/Christmas/Whatever!

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

Junk Street Drumming Workshop in Devizes; Easter Holiday Fun for All Ages

Itโ€™s 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 oโ€™clock 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. Itโ€™s 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+. 

Please complete this short form, so DOCA know what workshop(s) you will be attending to create your own Junk Band!

UrchFunk; The Forgotten Tale of How George Clinton Created Funk Music in the Wiltshire Village of Urchfont

You’d be forgiven for believing funk music came out of Detroit in the early seventies, when it is a little known fact, obscured and deliberately hidden, likely for the prestige of the American city and the ignominy of the village, that funk music was actually created in the Wiltshire village of Urchfontโ€ฆ.

Funk pioneer George Clinton and bandleader of the collective Parliament-Funkadelic was born in North Carolina and grew up in New Jersey, moving to Detroit in the mid-sixties to work as a songwriter for Motown. By the early seventies Clinton and several members of the band settled in Toronto, but during this time he encountered legal difficulties arising from acquisitions of his record label, resulting in dangerous circumstances and was secretly exiled to England, settling in Urchfont for a few short months.

It was in solitude at the sleepy Wiltshire village where Clinton honed the funk style based on the recordings of James Brown. Developing an association with a few village musicians who had formed a skiffle group on his lonely walks to the village pond from his home in Cuckoo Corner, Clinton convinced them to create a new band. Clinton called them Urch-Funk. The band would play to a small crowd in the village hall, and even daringly attempted an ambitious outside gig around the pond.

After a short while, Clinton got the all clear from his record label, and made his way back to Toronto, taking the idea of funk music back with him, but not without leaving a significant influence in the village. What happened next was a secret funk phenomenon in the village, now sadly hidden; I wanted to know why.

1973: Parliament-Funkadelic visits Clinton in Urchfont

A villager, who prefers to remain anonymous, revealed, โ€œyarp, they bee dancin’ โ€˜nโ€™ singin’, arn movin’ ter thar groovin’, arn joist wen wun hit me, with argh bloody shovel I mioght add, I turned arand I dids, n shouted play art funky music Urchfunk boi!โ€

But, it was not a case of one village under a groove. Some villagers and the parish council have deliberately made my research as difficult as possible. My initial discovery of a disco ball buried in mud for decades and only unearthed when the new houses at Peppercombe were built, led me to wonder how it came to be there. I returned to the site to discover disregarded afro wigs and flyers for soul all-nighters at the village hall. But everyone who I approached refused to talk, accusing me of creating a hoax.

Some even chased me out the village with pitchforks and torches, calling me to not unearth Urchfont’s secret funkadelia past, if I knew what was โ€œgard fur me!โ€ This naturally roused my suspicions that Urchfont held a direct secret link to funk music, a majority were embarrassed by it and, it seemed, were willing to kill to protect the secret. I had to know more.

A rare flyer for an UrchFunk gig at the Village Hall

I took to returning to the village to hunt for more clues by the cover of night, but I found nothing. Until one evening, so frustrated my searching was unfruitful, I stayed all night looking, and early morning joggers and dog walkers were emerging from their homes. Ducking stealthily into Stone Pit Lane, a strange looking old man appeared from out of the bushes and clasped his hand over my mouth, stating, โ€œcum wiff me if yer wanna live… groovy!โ€

He took me to a secret lair in the undergrowth which appeared to be a shrine to Urchfont’s forgotten past. Within this hobbit hole of treasures he allowed me to browse, and as I did he told me his story. He was one of musicians who met Clinton, and who had created the definitive sound of funk which would soon take America by storm. But he told me how the local folk club banished them, believing funk was the work of the devil, but really, he suspected it was more likely because they upstaged them, with glitter, and platform shoes with goldfish in them, which later they declared was animal cruelty. The fish were released into the village pond.

Likely the only existing photograph of UrchFunk. Believed to have been taken at the Urchfont Village Hall in 1973.

They were simply excuses, the man dressed in worn purple corduroys and flowery dagger collar shirt, informed me. He explained how the folk club encouraged the entire village and council to hide Urchfont’s funky disco days, as it was considered untraditional and could radicalise the young people of the village into wearing sequined jumpsuits.

โ€œHoy,โ€ he said, โ€œonce eye bee argh boogie singer, playin’ in argh rock-and-roll band, see? Never โ€˜ard no prublems, me, yer nose, ganderflankinโ€™ down thar one-night stands, like. N everything arand me gart ter start ter feelin’ so low, so eye decided quickly, yarp, eye dids, ter disco down anโ€™ check art thar show, praper jarb!โ€

1973: Parliament-Funkadelic visits Clinton in Urchfont

Once settled down from his excitement of my arrival, the old man continued with his amazing story. Clinton tried to organise a funk festival in the village which he called the Afro-Festival, which the old man claimed once Clinton left for America the parish council changed the name of it to the Scarecrow Festival. The outside gig around the pond, Disco Balls Around the Pond was swiftly changed to Candles Around the Pond, and the villageโ€™s connection to funk was forever swept under the carpet, save for when the wind blows south east across Sleight.

I remain steadfast that this forgotten past of Urchfont should be exposed, and celebrated; the village should be proud of it’s funky past. Therefore, Iโ€™m glad to be able to finally publish this information after many years of research, today, the 1st April 2025.ย ย 

Devizes Auctioneers Henry Aldridge and Son Relocating to Old Emporium

Renowned Devizes auctioneers and valuers, Henry Aldridge and Son announced today they are relocating their auction rooms to The Old Emporium, a Grade II listed property that backs onto the iconic 16th Century St Johnโ€™s Alley, which, as a long-running gift shop, sadly closed last monthโ€ฆ..

In 2024 the company sold the two highest-priced items at auction outside of London. Andrew Aldridge, Managing Director commented, โ€œWe feel moving to the centre of Devizes shows our commitment to the community and hope that our international reputation will bring a number of new visitors to the town.โ€

Henry Aldridge and Son has a global reputation for selling iconic historical memorabilia, from a watch from the Titanic for $2m to the Worldโ€™s First Christmas Card, and in moving to the Old Emporium, they will be selling history within a unique setting which they believe will be one of if not the oldest Auction Room in the UK.

Looking for the right property for two years, Henry Aldridge and Son say that the old Emporium is โ€œperfect.โ€ Its location dates from the early 16th Century, before Henry VIII came to the throne and over 150 years before the English Civil War. The opportunity to move to this unique location in the centre of Devizes, a town described by Poet Laureate John Betjeman as having the โ€˜Perfect Market Placeโ€™, was โ€œone we had to grab with both hands. We will remain at our present Bath Road site until later this year, and the first auction in our new premises will be Titanic and Iconic Memorabilia in the autumn of 2025. Once our renovation is complete we will be running free jewellery and collectibles valuation days on Market Day at The Old Emporium, giving clients access to our specialist valuers.โ€

Devizes Kebab Van Riding High But Staying Put!

Four months on from the tragic fire on Northgate Street in Devizes which took out the popular Kebab House, owner Mustafa Suna and his dedicated team have set up a mobile unit, The Devizes Kebab Van at The Garden Trading Estate opposite the Travelodge. Business is as busy as ever, and the kebabs are as tasty as ever, too!

It’s a bustling Sunday afternoon at the Devizes Kebab Van as the staff dance around each other, preparing food and serving customers, yet they never fail to greet you with a smile. Any misgivings you might have about mobile street food will be immediately forgotten; it’s spacious and spotless, with a vast selection of quality options from burgers and kebabs to chicken and vegetarian dishes too. It’s of the same exemplary standard as it was back in Northgate Street; ah, we remember it well!

Earlier this month, they upgraded their previous unit, and it’s state of the art now, and they’veย  got an online ordering system too; proper job!

I’ve brought kebabs in other towns and been bitterly disappointed. Seems The Kebab House rewarded us with high expectations, and the new van continues that exceptional quality as a standard. Plentiful portions, perfectly cooked and served, that’s one tasty kebab!


Now only open from 4 to 11pm, there might be no chance of falling into the place directly from the Exchange any more, it’s  a lengthy wander from town, but it seems the Kebab Van is doing plenty of business on Folly Road and likely at cheaper rates, the team is as busy as ever and happy. Asked if they’d consider moving back to the Market Place if the right property should come along, they seemed adamant they’ll be staying where they are.

Perhaps it’s closer for you where you live, may be it’s not. Perhaps you pass it on the way home from work, maybe it’s not as convenient as the town centre, I certainly miss it being on my wobbly wander home from the pubs, but hey, it’s well worth the trek; work up an appetite, won’t it?!

JP Oldfield Meets The Devil’s Doorbell at the Cellar Bar

To suggest I’m knowledgeable about the music of the 1920s because I lived through the era is plain cheeky, though I wouldn’t put it past you! I like to think I know just enough to hold my own in a drunken waffle on the subject. Such is that Jellylegs Johnson suggested a resurgence of 1920s jazz was pending, to which I agreed, or at least I would appreciate it if it was soโ€ฆ.

Cos I love digging to discover the roots of music, although I cannot be certain a gig of the era resembled what occurred down the Bear’s Cellar Bar last night, even if it was labelled thus, but it was an entertaining night for sure. This much is guaranteed whenever The Devil’s Doorbell has moored nearby.

Yeah, that’s right, I said The Cellar Bar, that central cobblestoned cosy dungeon which holds as many fond memories for Devizions than it does history. It feels great to be down there, as it’s been a while, and this sentiment is shared with the modest audience.

Backstory to why we’re here goes, after our interview with Devizesโ€™ rising star of kazoo-blowing, suitcase drumming idiosyncratic delta blues, JP Oldfield, he landed a gig at Chippenham’s Old Road Tavern supporting the bonkers jazz skiffle duo and boaterโ€™s royalty of double-entendres, Devil’s Doorbell.

Being he was unaware of them at the time, I assured Josh he was in apt company. For if JP’s style is quirky, Nipper, a freewheeling James Baskett/George Formby crossover, and Jellylegs Johnson in sequined hot pants, feathered flapper girl headband and marigolds, audaciously but not impudently salvage long-lost rags, nuggets of bebop and gypsy jazz with tenor ukuleles, a kazzumpet, and Jellylegs on a bass handmade from a washtub and broom handleโ€ฆ and that’s beyond averagely quirky!

It’s also a hard act for anyone to follow, as the agenda was switched for Nipper and Jellylegs to open the show JP Oldfield had arranged. They rang the doorbell for surety, with their unique cheeky tunes and banter, which Jellylegs told me afterwards are often assumed to be of their own pen, rather than outrageous long-lost 78s of a golden jazz era. It’s always a pleasure to hear them play, and so playful with the circus-cabaret they are, it’s infectious.

JP contends with more sombre moods versus a need to be jocular, but his ability to find that perfect balance is his unique spin on delta blues, that and using a kazoo where a harmonica is usually positioned, and both are something blossoming with each gig. His masterwork to date, The Ghost of Spring-heeled Jack is the verification of this balance.

I don’t believe confidence was ever an issue for JP, but that’s grown too, and he proficiently pulled a stunning set of originals and rare covers, neatly chosen to compliment those of his own labour; Tainted Love perhaps not so rare, but with added kazoo, welcomed!

Though on this occasion JP proved he’s no one trick pony as he turned to harmonica for a song, and excused himself for any amateur delivery of it, which was unnecessary as it was sublimely done. As was his entire set.

If we fondly reviewed his debut EP last month, JP Oldfield astutely replicated the magic on stage and guided the crowd to his chosen mood. Likewise, we fondly reviewed Devil’s Doorbell live recording from Trowbridgeโ€™s Pump a couple of years ago, and their excellent stage presence sticks like mud. Two acts, complimenting in a manner others might find it tricky to do, makes for an entertaining night, which it was, and back in the Tin Pan Alley days of yore, of course instruments were handmade or secondhand, salvaged from wherever they could be sourced.

Maybe a gig in the 1920s wouldn’t have been so different to this after all, as both JP and the Devil’s Doorbell are authentic enough and value the retrospection, and when sprinkled with this fun element, does it even matter?!

Killers, Catalysts and Devizes Author Dave McKennaโ€™s New Novelette

On impulse I speculated, just short of a quarter way through this book and at the conjunction the format of the narrative is sussed, that if the author, Devizesโ€™ Dave McKenna, has a favourite Quentin Tarantino film it might be my favourite too, the lesser acclaimed Jackie Brown. Not for its plagiarism of blaxploitation nor usage of derogatory slangs, rather for the multiple point-of-view conclusion, because The Killer & The Catalyst follows this formula throughout, and this is what makes it engagingโ€ฆ.

This and breakneck volatility, conspiracy inducing, disloyal and sadistic action from nearly every character and the intense velocity itโ€™s all delivered with. Coincidently, Dave cites Tarantino as an influence at the back matter, alongside Harlan Coben and Stephen King. Some of the bookโ€™s settings are drawn from actual features and places in Devizes. Most commonly the now closed and speculated as haunted Roundway psychiatric hospital, and an alley besides it in which Dave elucidates his inspiration for the storyโ€™s events set there were developed from a real incident at the location. Itโ€™s with these eerie settings, familiar if youโ€™re local, I find understanding for citing King as an influence, especially to begin with; it feels like a horror, yet while the book has an unnerving ambience, a crime thriller might better pigeonhole it.

It’s causally written in a loose style with nothing academic about it, making it simple to digest, as if the narrator is on equal level to the characters, as if rambling the yarn to his mate in the pub. Breathes a sense of reality into it; the characters talk like you and I, therefore you identity, why not the narrator too? I like this relaxed and contemporary approach, particularly suits the plot and macho target audience; lads need to read more, and if thatโ€™s the case, this might be the book for them. Hyper popcorn-munching movie violence fashion this is.

Apostrophes are used instead of speech marks. This, and the abbreviation of okay to โ€˜OKโ€™ out of speech makes the grammar police inside me cringe, to be honest. Such usages and the out of speech line, โ€œThat was a piece of piss,โ€ implies this is hardly Dickens quality! But Iโ€™m willing to overlook and ignore these niggly criticisms for this book, because Dave McKenna can weave a story, dammit. He can evoke an appropriate mood within his readers, twist it, and he can suspend you on the edge of your seat. That makes him an author, not an ability to whisk long and misunderstood words (like wot I do to make me sound more intelligent than I is!)

Identifying the protagonist from the antagonist is questionable, when this periodic method of returning to the same opening scene with each point-of-view occurs, and thatโ€™s genius and a narrative difficult to construct. It conveys everything is not as it might seem from the angle of each individual and engages you into understanding the bigger picture. That is what makes The Killer & The Catalyst an absorbing and worthwhile read.

With the current state of the literature industry being itโ€™s who you are rather than how good you can write, I wouldnโ€™t imagine finding this on a supermarket shelf alongside ghost-written celebrity autobiographies. This is an example proving the asset of self-publishing, that which a mainstream publisher wouldnโ€™t touch, doesnโ€™t mean a person hasnโ€™t got an exceptional story to tell and the ability in which to write it, it simply means itโ€™s not commercially viable.

People merely need to be brave and take a lucky dip on a rising author, rather than accept what Waterstones throw at them. The Killer & The Catalyst is the good example of this, should you wish to be held in suspense and driven to question which characters were right and which were wrong, not forgoing indulging in some nasty scenes of violence to boot!

You can get The Killer & The Catalyst as paperback or Kindle on Amazon, or pop into Devizes Books for this page-turner, and youโ€™ll look forward to reading future yarns of Dave McKenna, of that Iโ€™m certain.

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Devizes to Host New County-Wide Music Awards

I’m delighted to announce Devizine will be actively assisting to organise a new county-wide music awards administration, in conjunction with Wiltshire Music Events UK. The public will be asked to vote, and the award ceremony will take place in Devizes at the Corn Exchange, on Saturday 25th October 2025, with hope it will continue annually…..

Wiltshire Music Events UK in conjunction with Devizine, have decided it is overdue to acknowledge and celebrate the creativity, innovation and dedication of musicians, music promoters, and venues in Wiltshire. Therefore, we have created The Wiltshire Music Awards, an annual award ceremony reflecting and commemorating musical talent within the county.

Nominations are open for the ceremony from 1st May 2025, and will close on 10th June 2025. We are excited to unveil the categories, which reflect the diverse ways people bring music to life within their respective communities, county-wide.

These awards will recognise the individuals, groups and organisations whose efforts make a real difference. If you know someone you believe deserves recognition, or want to showcase your group, this is your chance to give them the spotlight they deserve.

Wiltshire Music Events calls for anyone promoting music locally to get involved and help create diversity and coverage for their own communities. A panel of professionals from across the county will be elected to assist in judging the nominations. With a finale date of Saturday 25th October, when an award ceremony will take place, central to the county, at the Corn Exchange, Devizes.

I have pushed for this event to take place in Devizes, for while it’s geographically central to the county, I’m sure you’ll agree, there is also a powerhouse of talent emerging in this area and it will be a positive attribute to Devizes and hallmark its rightful place in the arts scene of Wiltshire.

Why get involved?

Music has the power to unite communities, foster creativity, and change lives. The Wiltshire Music Awards will honour those who make this possible and provide a platform to showcase to local talents. Whether youโ€™re a performer, organiser, or supporter, these awards are an opportunity to highlight the hard work that often goes unseen.

To receive an award will bring more than just a trophy. It will elevate profiles, help with funding applications, and energise the community.

There is plenty of time to recognise the people and projects that inspire you. Nominating will be easy and online, and we will release the website in which to do so nearer the time for voting. There will be categories. The public can nominate their choices in all of the categories. Once the nominations process is completed, the top three of each category will be presented to the judges, who will then decide the winner of each category. The judges decision will be final, and we shall then announce to the public the top 3 of each category with the result announced at the ceremony.

The 2025 Categories:

Best Solo Male Artist – Best Solo Female Artist

Best Covers Band – Best Original Band

Best Duo – Rising Star Newcomer

Tribute Artist /Band – Music Venue

Best Original Song – Best Vocalist

Best Guitarist – Best Bassist

Best Drummer – Best Instrumentalist

Best Original Song – Best DJ

Lifetime Achievement Award


Outstanding Contribution to the Wiltshire Music Scene


Outstanding Contribution to Music in the Community:

Ruby, Sunday at the Gate

It’s a rarity that I should drag myself off the sofa on a Sunday these days, one usually reserved for the monthly Jon Amor Trio residency at The Southgate. But beyond doubt my favourite young singer-songwriter right now, Ruby Darbyshire, is down my favourite watering hole, and such an occasion would be unmissable even if she did it weekly; twist my arm, why don’t you?!

This raw and self-disciplined talent when I discovered Ruby a little under two years ago was so breathtaking it caused me to state, โ€œRubyโ€™s music will grow into a phenomenon, and you need to hear it blossoming.โ€ I’m honoured to note it’s quoted on her website, one which everyone took heed of, on our local scene and beyond, and one which we can safely convert to past tense; Ruby’s music has blossomed and is now phenomenal.

Everyone was held spellbound throughout, this is now standard protocol wherever Ruby plays. Though Ruby remains modest and โ€œshowyโ€ simply doesn’t equate for her performances, alongside her refined multi-instrumentalism, her confidence to present herself and engage with an audience has accelerated to level up with the naturally sublime soulful voice she’s blessed with. A voice which may be kingpin to her excellence, but is really only the cherry on a cake with top marks all round.

A cake which covers virtuosos Nina Simone to Freddie Mercury, and makes them her own homages, then flips to bring Rag’n’Bone Man’s magnum opus to an older audience, and slides her own compositions in so effectively it’s divinelyย  encapsulating. Then, there’s the additional nods to her Scottish roots; folk sing-a-longs and her distinctive introduction to the second half of her set, with bagpipes. Even if you know it’s coming, you’ll never tire of it or any of it because that’s simply the magic Ruby brings to any venue.ย  Ruby Darbyshire is the whole deal now.

Headline Tickets For Devizes Arts Festival Available Now, And What Else is to Come?!

Tickets for the headline acts at Devizes Arts Festival are up for grabs now, and the rest will follow for general release on April 28th, unless you become a โ€˜friendโ€™ of the festival, in which case it will be the 7th Aprilโ€ฆand why wouldnโ€™t you?!

We all love Devizes Arts Festival here at Devizine, which opens on Friday 30st May and runs right up to Sunday 15th June. If you promise not to go breaking my heart, Iโ€™ll tell you whatโ€™s happening thereโ€ฆyeah, I know, you couldnโ€™t if you tried!!

The festival opens with headliners, Kiki Dee & Carmelo Luggeri at the Corn Exchange on the evening of Friday 30th, and an exhibition by local landscape artist David Oโ€™Connor, who draws inspiration from Paul Nash, and ceramicist Richard Phethean. The exhibit will run throughout the festival at White Chalk Gallery in the Old Swan Yard.

Saturday 31st May sees multi-award-winning teacher, composer and organist Chris Totney returning to Devizes to give this yearโ€™s Festival Organ Recital; one of the very first times youโ€™ll get to experience the new pipe organ that has taken the best part of a year to install in St Johns Church. Followed by one of the UKโ€™s finest Latin bands, Kโ€™Chevere, at the Corn Exchange.ย 

Sunday 1st June, thereโ€™s a walk with Judy Hible of Wiltshire Geology Group, and furniture-maker Stewart Linford hosts a fascinating and informative talk on โ€œLuxury in Woodโ€ at the Peppermill (free fringe event.) But all eyes will be on the skies, when space scientist and BAFTA-nominated presenter of โ€œThe Sky at Nightโ€ Maggie Aderin-Pocock, pops in for an inspiring exploration of the universe.

Monday 2nd is time to get interactive, in a writing session with members of Devizes Writersโ€™ Group, exploring writing fiction or nonfiction, one of the first workshops at the festival this year. Tuesday sees an enthralling and earth-moving evening of gardening talk with TVโ€™s top gardener Frances Tophill. Wednesday is the turn of bestselling crime and thriller writer Felix Francis, for a fascinating talk on mysteries in the world of thoroughbred horse-racing. And Conan Doyle expert David Stuart Daviesโ€™ โ€˜Sherlock Holmes: The Last Act,โ€™ directed by award-winning director Gareth Armstrong, plays at the Wharf Theatre, with a second performance on Thursday. Also find guitarist and singer-songwriterAnna Ling at St Andrews on Thursday.

Friday 6th, join Rowdeโ€™s only botanical artist and author, Ann Swan, for a workshop in her studio, while ceramicist Keith Brymer Jones will talk about his life as a creative potter and his experiences as a judge of The Great Pottery Throwdown at The Corn Exchange.

Saturday 7th June, and youโ€™ll find the Sunday Times bestselling author of โ€œMiss Austenโ€, Gill Hornby talking with Mark Jones from Fantasy Radio, a demonstration by the Devizes Regency Dancers (free fringe event,) and an electrifying country show with all-female Country Chicks.

Another walk on Sunday, gosh, they do like their Sunday walks, this time with Wiltshire Wildlife Trustโ€™s Nick Self, conservation lead for North Wiltshire. Then itโ€™s over to The British Lion for some Welsh frontier roots music with Whiskey River, (free fringe event.)

Monday 9th June you can join print-maker Hannah Cantellow at her Printmaking Studio in Rowde, or learn some crossword secrets from Times Puzzle Master Tim Moorey, who has been solving Times crosswords for over 50 years, on Tuesday. Tuesday also sees virtuoso clarinettist Sarah Williamson and soloist and chamber musician Simon Callaghan.

Wednesday 11th sees singer-songwriter Miranda Pender presenting a darkly humorous talk which includes five original songs based around some of the more bizarre stories unearthed from her family history. And Two Queens, One Nation at the Wharf Theatre, Miriam Cooperโ€™s one-woman show exploring the unavoidable collision of dynamic sovereigns and cousins, Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots.

Photographer and naturalist Stephen Davis is at the Cheese Hall on Thursday 12th, and jazz saxophonist Julian Costello brings his quartet to the Town Hall.

Friday is comedy night as Mark โ€˜Taskmasterโ€™ Watson, celebrates twenty years in standup. Multi-award-winner, YouTube cult figure, Radio 4 favourite and recently โ€˜Baby Reindeerโ€™ actor, Mark comes to Devizes after seasons at the Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Edinburgh comedy festivals.

Author of English Civil War historical fiction series โ€˜Divided Kingdomโ€™, Charles Cordell is with us on Saturday 14th June. His writing has received high praise in editorial and readersโ€™ reviews alike, his latest novel, โ€˜The Keys of Hell and Deathโ€™, is set between Wiltshire and Somerset in July 1643. Followed by the Bath Male Choir in St Johns, and Torbayโ€™s five-piece 80s party band Riviera Dogs at the Corn Exchange.

For the final day of Devizes Arts Festival, Sunday 15th June, author Charles Cordell finishes his talk with a guided walk and discussion of the Siege of Devizes in July 1643. Journalist, writer, and experienced skydiver Sally Smith is at Devizes Books talking about her book โ€˜Magnificent Women and Flying Machines.โ€™ And Bath-based instrumental jazz-infused blend of Levantine mystery, Balkan passion and Latin rhythms quintetย  Radio Banska bring the Arts Festival to a dynamic close at the Cellar Bar. Both of these last two events are free fringe events.

Tickets for the headliners are on sale now, all others will be on sale from HERE on April 28th.

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Review by Pip Aldridge

Last week, I had the privilege of seeing the Fulltone Orchestra perform at the beautiful Tewkesbury Abbey beneath the Peace Doves art installation.…

The entire concert was breathtaking, divided into two halves. The first featured a mixture of orchestral pieces and solos, beginning with the theme from Blue Planet, which was my favourite piece of the evening. The acoustics of the church, combined with the sheer talent of the orchestra, completely captivated the audience. It felt as though, if you closed your eyes, you could almost believe you were watching the programme itself.

This half included a range of music, including a stunning violin solo that provided a striking contrast to the rest of the programme. It concluded with a wonderful rendition of Youโ€™ll Never Walk Alone, which was the perfect piece to lead into the second half.

The second half featured Karl Jenkinsโ€™ The Peacemakers, performed by the Fulltone Chorus and Orchestra. There was a fascinating contrast between the different pieces – some were slow and melodic, while others were more rousing and intense. Many had African and Celtic influences, with a driving beat towards the end.

To me, it felt as though the music gradually built in intensity, symbolising the lengths to which people will go in their pursuit of peace. The concert ended with a powerful crescendo that left me feeling both hopeful and deeply moved. Performing this music beneath the Peace Doves installation felt so intentional and uplifting; hearing music about striving for peace in such a setting truly enhanced the experience.

The variety of music worked beautifully together, giving the impression that it represented the world itself – how it changes and how our approaches to peace evolve over time. The inclusion of words from great peace leaders such as Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King Jr. made the performance feel deeply personal, yet simultaneously vast in its significance.

This was my first time attending a concert of this kind, and I found it profoundly moving. The passion and dedication of the performers were evident in every note, and I experienced a wide range of emotions throughout. If you ever have the opportunity to see the Fulltone Orchestra and Chorus in one of their upcoming projects, I would highly recommend it – it is a truly special experience.

The last one is in Bath Abbey on the 15th March. You should go. 

Pip is sixteen and studying film at college, with the hope of becoming a journalist. We wish Pip all the best with her career and are grateful for allowing us to publish this insightful and brilliantly written review.

CUDS, Devizes Town Litter Pick for GB Spring Clean

Clean Up Devizes invites you to help with a town littler pick for the GB Spring Clean on 22nd March. The Litter Pick is open to everyone to take part in, equipment can be borrowed on the day. CUDS have pledged to pick up 100 black bags of litter this year which is up from 75 bags last yearโ€ฆ..ย 

On the day people just need to turn up at The Green opposite Morrisons at 10am, they’ll be split up into small groups of 3 or 4 people, and have litter picking routes to go on. The litter pick ends at 12:30, but coordinators Shirley and George tell me, โ€œthey can do as much as they feel able to do, and it’s open to everyone to take part in. We hope that families, neighbours, friends, etc, will all take part!โ€.

Just pledging to fill one bag can make a big difference to the town we love!

Coupled with a Devizes Swap Shop at St James Church on the same Saturday, where you can donate clothes, toys, books, games, crafts, and house plants, swap or take some as you need, itโ€™s going to be a very green day in Devizes! See the poster below for details.

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Joyrobber Didn’t Want Your Stupid Job Anyway

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

Devizes Chamber Choir Christmas Concert

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

Steatopygous go Septic

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

The Wurzels To Play At FullTone 2026!

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

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Hells Bells! AC/DC tribute in Devizes

With our roads being the state theyโ€™re in, is it any wonder on the 5th April Hells Bells, rated as the UKโ€™s top AC/DC tribute, are taking the highway to hell, via Devizes Corn Exchange?! But they are! Better to be thunderstruck than burst a tyreโ€ฆ..

Hells Bells are Europe’s longest established AC/DC Tribute Band who have performed all over the UK as well as Portugal, Austria, Russia, Belgium, Czech Republic and the Middle East since 1996.

And theyโ€™re bringing Dead Zebras, who claim not to be your typical rock revivalists. They’ve mastered the art of blending eighties nostalgia with a fresh, modern sound, and creating a cocktail that sounds like a wild ride in a DeLorean with a Van Halen soundtrack, apparently!

Tickets are a snip at ยฃ15, which you can grab online here, and Let There Be Rock!!

Soupchick to Take Over The Hillworth Park Cafe

Weโ€™re delighted to hear Anya & Marc of the fantastically tasty Soupchick in the Devizes Shambles are to take over the cafe at Hillworth Park. โ€œWe are excitedly expanding by taking on that little gem of Hillworth Cafe. We aim to source most of our produce as locally as possible to benefit the local economy and to be sustainable,โ€ said Anyaโ€ฆ.

It is hoping to be going ahead in April, and the dynamic soup duo intend to have a grand opening; watch this space! I supposed to Marc that the cafe at the park cafe seemed to sell mainly cakes, chocolate, teas and soft drinks, many of which one could nip around the corner and buy cheaper from the Hillworth Store. Soupchick would be a game changer.

โ€œThatโ€™s what weโ€™re hoping,โ€ Marc replied, โ€œAnya has loads of ideas. We will start with a bit of caution, but of course will do hot food, and alcohol, but weโ€™re really excited to see what we can do!โ€

Soupchick made an appeal for information today, already using Heritage Fine Foods, Lower Field Farm Meats in Coate, coffee roasted in Warminster and fresh fruit and veg from the Thursday Market, they need suggestions for reasonably priced back ups to guarantee a smooth flow. They are looking for local fruit and veg wholesalers, particularly interested in juicing oranges, salad veg growers, and cheesemakers, particularly feta style, cheddar & halloumi style cheeses. Contact them via Facebook.

We wish them the very best of luck with the project, but I grew concerned; would I still be able to get my soup fix in the Shambles and sit in the lovely Valentina art gallery opposite to eat it?! โ€œOh yes,โ€ Marc assured me, โ€œwe are keeping the Shambles going, I like being in town.โ€ We like being in town too, Marc, we like that you like being in town, and I hope you like that we like that you like being in town, andโ€ฆ oh, just lace me with some beef & mushroom stroganoff to stop my over excited waffling, hint, hint!!

If Devizes can have two Greggs, it can have two Soupchicks too!!!!

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DOCAโ€™s Young Urban Digitals

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

Jol Roseโ€™s Ragged Stories

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

Vince Bell in the 21st Century!

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

Deadlight Dance New Single: Gloss

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

Cracked Machine at The Southgate

If many space-rock acts have more band member changes than most other musicians change their socks, Hawkwind are the exemplar of the tendency. There might be some scientific theory for this, equally there may not. What is more probable is that it is an occupational hazard for members to get as lost in space as Dr. Zachary Smith. Cracked Machine, here tonight to provide the entertainment at the Devizesโ€™ Southgate, are also prone to getting through some keyboardists and drummers, though if the lead guitarist-frontman and bassist remain steadfast, this propensity is not the only element to them comparable with Hawkwind, and thatโ€™s a good thing in my opinionโ€ฆ..

If youโ€™ve any hazy recollection of a maintaining a horizontal posture in a bedroom for the duration of a scratched long player with a gatefold sleeve, staring at patterns either in the mould on the wall or blu-tacked Mandelbrot set posters covering them up, in a smoky haze proportionate to your memories and stenching of wood burner and red Leb, whether only with a bong for a friend or a few stragglers with no more conversation than the bong, save a few comments like โ€œoh wow, man, can you see it?!โ€ then Cracked Machine is the band to seek such fond memories, and bring them to the forefront of your fragile cerebral cortex, through a preponderance of sublime bassy rock bliss.

For if space-rock is a natural progression from Led Zeppelin, Flyod or Hendrixโ€™s overextended bridges of swirling sonic electric guitar skullduggery and wobbly sound effects, Cracked Machine nailed it some years ago and show no sign of altering their methodology. In fact, the tendency is to get harder. Though Hawkwind allowed vocals, Fromeโ€™s Ozric Tentacles may be a better comparison for space-rock aficionados.

In this, itโ€™s been some years since Iโ€™ve caught up with them live, despite reviewing albums one, two and three. It was left up to Ben Niamor and Andy Fawthrop to review their last two appearances at the Southgate, respectively in November 2022, and October 2018. For me, I will always have the 2019 Devizes Street Festival, when Pete of Vinyl Realm paid and hosted our local stage idea on the corner of St Johnโ€™s and townsfolk slow-roasted on deckchairs while Cracked Machineโ€™s definitive sound caressed their very souls. But while Cracked Machineโ€™s lineup has changed since then, their devotion to the sound and ability to knock it out to the shimmering rafters, isnโ€™t. 

In that, I knew what I was letting myself in for. It was another one of those birthday things for me, which always seems to charge me with ever-increasing speed. There wasnโ€™t actually much else happening in town Saturday night, much I wouldโ€™ve missed this for a wanton jig to Motown or some-other such-like, elsewhere. Suppose I had the option to go down the Bin afterwards, but as it was advised by Vince Bell who I met on the bus, such a recommendation had to be taken with a pinch of salt, and was best at 52 to get a taxi direct to my duvet! For a while there though, it was a party, as it is in The Southgate, with itโ€™s no frills hospitable atmosphere, affordable range of drinks, and general โ€œproper pubโ€ tenet. The affectionately dubbed โ€œGateโ€ doesnโ€™t change like band members of a space-rock band, and itโ€™s a cracking party there more often than not.

Tom Harris kicked off the proceedings with his guitar, belting vocals and the expressions of a hyperalgesic at the dentist. Impossible to fault, Tom delivers the banter as well as his songs, divides covers equally from originals, so if heโ€™s not charming an emotive blues ballad of his own pen, itโ€™s perhaps a scatological one or heโ€™s made amusing entertainment from a slyly chosen cover. Rob Thomasโ€™ Santana summer smoothie reflects the unusually clement climate for March, and Tenacious Dโ€™s hilarious Tribute was surely perfect for Tom, and he handled them with might, until drummer Gary Martin arrived from a support slot at the Pump with Clock Radio, and the main act was completed and ready to rock.

They didnโ€™t come up for air throughout these lengthy compositions of prog rock formulated instrumentals, and as a result of not taking advantage of the customary break, their set ran off too early. Landlord Dave encouraged them to pull something else out of the bag, saving the necessity of the crowdโ€™s cliche call for an encore, which you know wouldโ€™ve happened anyway. To which they considered how to continue, yet what elapsed was another drifting spacey masterpiece of fifteen minutes or more. We loved it.

If the template of Cracked Machineโ€™s sound is arguably narrow, and narrative is vague due to only being expressions of instruments, their nature is stylised, and works wonders, creating a spellbinding ambience. Cracked Machine are always welcomed by the Southgate regulars, for even if the pub strives to diversify, itโ€™s electric blues and prog rock which they favour, and this, with those wobbly keyboard noises and subtly placed samples, is simply a psychedelic progression from it which is decades old, yet Cracked Machine proves itโ€™s worth in the modern world.

Space rock, or acid rock, a direct descendant of Pink Floyd and Zepโ€™s tolkienesque The Battle of Evermore, also acts as the bridge from rock to electronica and ambient house, a bridge the guarding troll usually confounds most rock subgenres with a riddle and renders them unable to cross, thatโ€™s why I love it, and thatโ€™s while I will only have good things to say about Cracked Machine.

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CrownFest is Back!

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

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Isnโ€™t She Lonely, New George Wilding Single

The second single from Georgeโ€™s sessions with Jolyon Dixon is out today, Isnโ€™t She Lonely. With the vaudeville ambience of Queenโ€™s later material and sprinkles of doo-wop at the intro, this whisps around crooners with subtler psychedelic undertones than usual. One could ask if this is tongue-in-cheek or a mature direction for George, to delve into post rock n roll influences, yet, of course, it retains, through its incredibly inventive uniqueness, the definitive George Wildingโ€ฆ..

For his fans itโ€™ll remind them somewhat of Terrible Little Secret from his decade past Being Ragdollian EP; how George is skillfully capable of frolicing vocally with the schlager of artists like Tony Christie, and remain cool throughout by splicing this music hall vibe ironically with a degree of melancholy in the narrative. It is, in short, impressive.

โ€œThe lyrics were born out of the idea of changing one letter of โ€˜Isnโ€™t She Lovelyโ€™ so it takes on this whole desperate air,โ€ George explained. โ€œIt goes from so celebratory to a real longing when you change it to โ€˜Lonely;โ€™ the instant flip side of love. When I wrote it I had it as a 60โ€™s thing in my head; think Bobby Veeโ€™s โ€˜Take Good Care of My Baby.โ€™โ€

George Wilding

My immediate reaction was Stevie Wonder was referring to his newborn daughter in the title, rather a romantic interlude, but this take only bears resemblance to it by title, and just like how George can make a cover his own, Isnโ€™t She Lonely is not in any way a parody of Wonderโ€™s 1978 hit. Though the commercially viable element rings home, and sticks. 

Just as Madonna did with True Blue, yesteryear pop hooks will be recalled and reused so not to be archived in an impenetrable chest, and in that they become timeless, precisely summing up this song. If the last single back in October, Signs of Life, bore elements of gothic and most definitely indie, this is George being more playful, different, yet still being George!

Isn’t She Lonely is across streaming platforms today….

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Favourite Waste of Time: Chatting with Owen Paul Ahead a Devizes 80s Gig

July 1986, Madonna was asking her papa not to preach, Chris De Burgh was fantasising about a lady in red, and they were the only two things preventing a feelgood summer cover called My Favourite Waste of Time reaching the top of the charts. It was recorded by Owen Paul, who arrives in Devizes for a โ€œtribute to the eightiesโ€ gig at the Corn Exchange on Friday 21st March. I caught up with him ahead of this, and we chatted merrily about the hit, his origins and influences, mullets and all things eighties, oh and what to expect from the showโ€ฆ.

After clearing up uncertainty over his two forenames, Owen is his, Paul derived from a younger brotherโ€™s name, we moved onto the way I envisioned this meeting. I imagined weโ€™d be dancing on some tropical beach in white sleeveless t-shirts and sporting mullets, as was the video to his pop smash.

โ€œYeah,โ€ he laughed, explaining about a gig last Saturday in Exeter with Radio 1 DJ Pat Sharp, โ€œit was the battle of the guy that used to be the world champion of the mullet people!โ€

A tropical theme was so eighties too, I said, from Wham to Blacklace, we all wanted to go on holiday, we all wanted to be on that beach in the My Favourite Waste of Time video. โ€œYou’re absolutely right,โ€ Owen responded, pointing out the gig last weekend was in a theatre called Tropicana. โ€œIt was one of the strangest shows I’ve ever done. Club Tropicana, just for the event, right? ย The show started at 2pm and run โ€˜till 8pm. I said to my manager, โ€˜weโ€™re gonna play in the afternoon?โ€™ She was like, โ€˜yeah. You do the thing in the afternoon, people come dressed in eighties clothes and they forget their lives for five minutes.โ€™ Apparently, itโ€™s a thing; adults like to go to a show between 2 and 6pm, so they can get back to watch Casualty!โ€

I assured Owen I must be the exception to that rule, but Owen was still giggling, โ€œor Strictly!โ€

But were the contents of the show like what we can expect to see in Devizes on the 21st, I had to ask. For the record, while tagged with the idiom โ€œone-hit-wonder,โ€ Owen is a prolific recording artist who is still releasing new original material; will he be playing these? โ€œEven though I still do songs, when it’s an eighties show like in Devizes, it’ll be full on eighties-tastic, girl singers, dancers, and weโ€™ll sing Bowie, U2, Deacon Blue, Crowded House and more.โ€

Time to drop my million-dollar question which had been floating around my excuse for a brain since knowing I was to chat with Owen. That the term one-hit-wonder, which Owen was bequeathed at the time, must be quite disparaging for an artist with a wealth of other works. I asked him how he felt about it at the time, and how he feels about the label now.

Not to blow my own trumpet, he replied, โ€œif I think of all the interviews I’ve done in recent times, that is the best question I’ve ever had! No one has ever asked that of me because they’re always scared. And youโ€™ve asked, so thatโ€™s fine. Iโ€™ve got to tell you the truthful answer, right? And I mean this with all my heart. I know a million acts whoโ€™ve never had a hit. And I have. That ahead gave me the doorway to be here forty years later, playing festivals all over the world. So I don’t think it’s disparaging at all. I think it’s a complete opposite. I think I’ve had a hit, when I know people more talented than me,โ€ Owen exampled a mildly successful Scottish band called The Blue Nile, โ€œthey had โ€˜Tinseltown in the Rain,โ€™ the closest thing to them having a hit, (reached No. 87 on the singles chart in 1984) Theyโ€™re an incredible act, but I had a smash that went global. They never had. So I don’t think of it as disparaging at all.โ€

In this I think Owen misunderstood my question, that it wasnโ€™t the having a one-hit-wonder which I thought might be disparaging, rather being labelled a one-hit-wonder which could be, but hey, it was a calculated and flattering response anyway!

Being Iโ€™m walking Owen down memory lane, I wanted to take him further back, being aside My Favourite Waste of Time being an acoustic guitar-led feelgood anthem delineating eighties pop, Wikipedia claims it was the Sex Pistols which first inspired him.

โ€œThe basic story is this, and this is completely true,โ€ Owen elucidated, โ€œwe had a basement, which makes us sound posh, but it was a council flat. My brother and his mates from school used to come back to our house, and they used to rehearse and make an absolute racket of a noise! And this is like 1975-76ish. I was too young; I wasn’t allowed to go downstairs. I used to sit upstairs and listen to what they were doing, and they would play singles of whatever was going on, and they played the Damned, The Clash, The Strangers, and then played the Sex Pistolโ€™s Anarchy in the UK, and I’m upstairs going, what, the, hell, is, that?!โ€

โ€œAnd I’m going off the back of the seventies when it was prog rock and all the stuff where you had to be a virtuoso and play for ten hours. And it really changed me, and the guys who’s downstairs in our basement, turns out to be Simple Minds; you wanna write that down?!!โ€

Noted in awe, Owen, thank you. His brother Brian was the Simple Minds drummer, and guitarist Charlie Burchill, he informed me, โ€œwould come upstairs to my room, ’cause I was not allowed down there, and I had a guitar. My dad was publican, and when people couldnโ€™t pay their bill, you make them get on and perform.โ€ Owen told how Charlie showed him an E chord, an A chord and a D chord, โ€œand he said that’s all you need, and I said โ€˜thanks!โ€™โ€

We talked of the 3-chord simplicity of eighties pop, Owen extended this by getting technical on learning structures from the likes of The Velevt Underground. โ€œAnd then,โ€ he explained, โ€œoff the back of that, I started to make my own noise.โ€

On his first band, Venigmas, Owen explained how at just sixteen they left Glasgow for London, and he told his mum, โ€œI don’t think we’ll be back.โ€ Owen spoke of the changing scene, the new romantics, but was adamant he was a โ€œrock guy.โ€

โ€œBecause everyone thinks you’re an overnight sensation. I was eight years or more in the industry before I got signed to Sony. They signed me as a rock act, and then I stupidly made a pop record! And that became my real problem. Because I saw myself as a Bowie guy, I thought you could do anything. I thought you could do funk, you could do rock, soul, and pop; that’s what I thought. How naive was I?!โ€

Owen recorded two songs for Sony, the one we all know was nominated for a Brit award. He spoke fondly of recording it and how they immediately knew it was a hit, then suggested โ€œbut at the same time, in my heart I went oh-no. I’m in trouble here.โ€

I speculated aloud, asking him if it was because the music industry will typecast him as pop, and he replied, โ€œyou’re absolutely right; that’s what happened. So the record comes out, it’s a worldwide smash. It got me on Smash Hit’s cover, on Saturday morning, telly; I’m shiny, bubble-gum pop guy. That’s where I am, right? Now, the record label wants ten more tracks which sounds like thatโ€ฆ. but Iโ€™m a rock guy!! You can see the problem?!โ€

If all sounds weighty, I must point out Owen finished this sentence with a giggle, recalling his moment in the spotlight playfully. But we compared it to his freedom now to write, and his new song Fly With Me, which I observed reminded me of Cat Stevens or George Harrison. Again, he found my question about it, โ€œinteresting. I don’t get it asked much. I think ultimately, I’m a Celt, Scottish and folk music is everything to us. I’ve always been like that, every song I hear in my head, when I’m doing new tracks sounds like a folk song. But when you’re in the eighties and you’ve got a record deal, they donโ€™t want that, you turn that into a pop song.โ€

Owen continued to explain how, with his guitarist Howard, decided to produce a folk album after an acoustic gig, but clarified, โ€œfolk is the fifth of it all.โ€ This seemed like a convenient time to move away from the roots and back to idea he was coming to Devizes to do an eighties show, and people will lap that up. โ€œI love that about eighties shows,โ€ he revealed, โ€œI didn’t do them for a long time, nearly twenty years. I pretended that I wasn’t Owen Paul or sang that song. And then, I did a thing on telly called Watchdog, Rouge Traders. They were investigating this company with security cameras and asked me to walk in at the end and sing (and he did sing it for me!) youโ€™re mineโ€ฆ!โ€

โ€œI thought, hang on a minute. Is this because I didn’t pay my tax bill?!  Are they actually chasing me?! I double checked, and it turned out that it was the BBC, and it was fantastic and really funny! The next day, my phone was exploding. My website was exploding with pictures going โ€˜oh my God, Owen Paul isn’t dead,โ€™ can you do this show?!โ€

Owen recalled with joy, how it felt to now do retro festivals where, โ€œthe most amazing thing occurred to me. After me not wanting to be Owen Paul, that guy, that song. I get to the beginning of the song, and obviously it’s not like there’s an intro, it just goes bang, you know? And then suddenly, I’ve got 20,000 people singing that back at me.โ€

Regardless of how you might feel about the commercialisation of it, I try to imagine that and offer to Owen that it is truly is the testament to his work. โ€œYeah,โ€ he responded so positively, โ€œI think I grew up as well. You know, I’ve been doing this for a while now and I’ve realised if you’re the wrong side of forty-five, so youโ€™re an eighties kid and you’ve got two kids, a mortgage, bills and you’ve got all your rubbish; you want five minutes away from it all.โ€

Which is, in turn, the best advert for the upcoming show! We continued for some considerable time, I was enthralled he spoke about Howard Jones on first name terms, being asked to do a number of celebrity shows, like Strictly. We talked about dance music, Britpop, and the changes these brought, and even from the effect of streaming services on the industry, to the youth of today identifying with the songs of the eighties. It was becoming clear one of us needed to break the chat through fear of day becoming night, and maybe back again.

It was a wonderful conversation which knew no natural end, because though I was honoured and slightly in awe of Owen Paul, we chatted like old school friends at a reunion. If the nineties saw me shun the commercialisation of the pop of my youth, Owen caused me to rethink it again, and it was a pleasure.

Owen Paul brings his eighties show to the Corn Exchange on Friday 21st March. Tickets are aptly ยฃ19.80, because itโ€™s promised youโ€™ll be transported back to the 1980s! Have I got time to grow a mullet?

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Oh Danny Boy!

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

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A Quick Shuffle to Swindon

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

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Park Farm; New Music Festival in Devizes

A new music festival is coming to Devizes this July. Organisers of the long-running Marlborough based festival MantonFest are shifting west across the downs and hooked up with Grist Environmental to bring a second day event, this time in Devizes…..

Park Farm Music Festival will take place on Saturday 12th July at Whistley Road near Potterne. Park Farm Music Festival will be held in the beautiful location of Potterne in Devizes, Wiltshire. It promises a big outdoor stage, brilliant sound and lighting, plenty of room to dance, lots of trade stalls and a range of food and drink outlets.ย 

Barrelhouse at Mantonfest 2023: Image Gail Foster

The line-up includes headlining tributes AC/DC UK, and Nirvana UK. Sixties legends The Swinging Blue Jeans. MantonFest favourites and one of our favourites too, Barrelhouse will also play, with Chicago 9 Rhythm & Blues Band and Essex’s finest and stalwarts at the Southgate, Jamie Williams & The Roots Collective.

Jamie Williams

Adult tickets are ยฃ40.00, 13-17 are ยฃ20, and children under 13 are just ยฃ10.
Camper vans are an additional ยฃ2,5 and tents are ยฃ15, if you wish to camp. If you would like to bring your own gazebo (3m x 3m max.), these will ยฃ10 and be payable on entry.

Tickets and more info HERE.

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Talk in Code Down The Gate!

What, again?! Another article about Talk in Code?! Haven’t they had enough Devizine-styled publicity?! Are their heads swelling?!ย  Didn’t that crazy toothless editor catch themโ€ฆ

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Exchange Comedy Back in Devizes Thursday 6th March

Monsieur, with these Exchange Comedy night you are really spoiling us, for usually comedy in Devizes is just what we make ourselves; laughing at visitors trying to hairpin turn at Shane’s Castle, or trying to order a Just Eat delivery, and ode to the guy who climbed atop Roses’ faรงade to ride the lawnmower mounted on display there, for that guy is comedy gold!

Yet on Thursday 6th March we can relax from our banter and let the professionals do the work, thanks to Exchange Comedy. Steveย N. Allen, long-standing on theย Mashย Report headlines. He has joy, he has worries, he has hopes and he has a knack of relating what is personal grief to not seem maudlin in anyway. The writing is tight, the delivery spot on and the way of painting images with his words is almost tangible. Featuring on TV’sย Late Night Mash, Not the One Show, and talk RADIO, LBC, GWR and Mercury FMย to list but a few.

Samantha Day also on the bill, explores everything from sex and money,ย to pronouns and social media; come and find out if you were smart enough to be born at the right time.ย SCF New Comedian of the Year (2022)ย andย British Comedy Guideย Proย Award Finalist (2024).

Plusย Ben Bridgeman and Marina Oโ€™Shea. Next Exchange Comedy Night is on the 1st May, with David Tsonos and Rajiv Karia.

Tickets are ยฃ15 from HERE.

Tickets also available in DEVIZES – Devizes Books / Vinyl Realm / British Lion โ€ขย Marlboroughย – Sound Knowledge

Devizes Street Festival Cancelled For Second Year

Without sounding like a stuck record, itโ€™s the same unfortunate news for Devizes Street Festival as it was last year; Arts Council England has not awarded DOCA funding for their programme of summer events in 2025โ€ฆ..

DOCA was sorry to announce today, a spokesperson saying, โ€œfunding across the country has diminished significantly and demand for it has increased. As a result our already small staff team will be reduced to a minimum as we try to secure funding for the future.โ€

โ€œThis means that the Street Festival cannot go ahead as intended on 4th & 5th May. We will, however, still be delivering an exciting event in town that weekend. The YEA Devizes project (Youth Event Area Devizes,) which has been funded by National Grid, will present a youth-led event in the Market Place, created and delivered by the incredible young people of our town.โ€

Devizes Yea would like to connect with other community groups and individuals, so if you are a young person interested in being a part of it, or an organisation or club that would like to support the event please get in touch at: yeadevizes@docadevizes.org.uk ( For all non-youth related enquiries please use info@docadevizes.org.uk)

Alongside this DOCA will host Grow Devizes that weekend, a concept that encourages and combines both growth in nature, and growth in our community. To this end, the Out and About project will take the performing arts out into a rural village and in turn invite people from those areas back into all they do in town.

โ€œWe are still navigating the best way forward for our other summer events,โ€ DOCA continues, โ€œsuch as Colour Rush, Confetti Battle, Picnic in The Park and Carnival, working with our partners around town and funders to come up with the best solution. Please bear with us while we consider all available options and weโ€™ll update you as we know more about each specific event.โ€

This was such a special event in Devizes, loved by all. It is such a shame to hear this terrible news for a second year running. The effects of the governmentโ€™s 16% cut in real terms across the UK to arts funding since 2017 is beginning to impact significantly on free events such as town carnivals and village fetes.

Earlier this month Wiltshire Council confirmed an increase in funding to its arts and heritage partners. The council funds four arts organisations across the county; Pound Arts in Corsham, Trowbridge Town Hall Arts, Wiltshire Creative in Salisbury and Wiltshire Music Centre in Bradford on Avon. Funding also goes to Wiltshire Museum and Salisbury Museum.

We support, of course we do, all additional funding for arts in the county, but Devizes gets zilch for arts. They stated this demonstrates WC, โ€œis committed to the delivery of culture in the county by agreeing to uplift each of its grants to arts and heritage partners by 10% in 2025/26.โ€ Yet this excludes every charitable event organisation in the county dedicated to providing arts and culture freely, as while many of their heritage partners fundraise for important charities, all events at the venues require tickets.

The failing of funding for community events is the remnants of a conservative austerity ethos that arts and entertainment will only be available to those able to pay for it, and if Wiltshire Council were as thoroughly dedicated to arts and culture as the claim they are, they would provide budgets for town carnivals as well as the ticketed venues affiliated with them. Instead, and to illustrate by example, one of our Conservative town and county councillors and area board managers criticised the beloved Street Festival for not having a โ€œdiverse audience.โ€ 

The statement was, obviously, poppycock and only made to favour profit-making events in the town; Street Festival was, by a country mile, the most diverse event Devizes has ever seen and attracted the most diverse audience, being it was free and open to all.

Street Festival was a true colourful display of music, arts and theatre, and was once a testament to all which can be accomplished freely when a community comes together. It is heart-breaking to have to mention the event in the past tense, but this sad news today casts a shadow over any hope the Street Festival will ever return.

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A Busy Week For Lunch Box Buddy!

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

Wither; Debut Single From Butane Skies

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

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Static Moves at The Three Crowns Devizes

Bussing into Devizes Saturday evening, a gaggle (I believe is the appropriate collective noun) of twenty-something girls from Bath already on-board, disembark at The Market Place. One cries out her desperation for the loo, but there’s no detours to another bar en-route for relief, they’re steadfast to their destination, The Three Crowns; a wise choiceโ€ฆ.

I’m heading that way too, trying to pick up pace and overtake them, so as not to convey I’m some creepy codger following them from the bus! Some lads intervened with a wolf-whistle down the Brittox, I gathered at them and not me. I’ll quip with them to break the ice, in hope they see it’s coincidental that our destinations are the same. It worked, they seemed unconcerned, and giggly.

With a fresh lick of paint it really didn’t need in comparison with others, and a scrumptious selection of designer burgers, The Three Crowns is the go-to pub for gen z coming of age, millennials, and a number of elder diehard party heads who still think they’ve โ€œgot it,โ€ because they have, bless โ€˜em!

But the greatest thing about these cross-generational gatherings at The Three Crowns is the carefree atmosphere without division. Everybody is here to enjoy themselves. They crave a live band to throw high-energy covers at them, era-spanning songs they know, love and can sing along with, and they’ll party trouble-free together. Younger attendees will high five the elders, and dad dancers mingle without mockery, I hoped!!

I’m at the back gate chatting to landlord Simon while tonight’s band is sound checking. It’s this Marlborough-Swindon based band’s debut at The Three Crowns, but I assure him what I suspected, that Static Moves will fit like a glove. Not wanting to blow my own trumpet, but I was bloody right anโ€™ all!

Static Moves are a side-burns, flat caps and pork pie wearing, two-Clives five-piece covers band with keyboards, in self-promoting black t-shirts. Even if these other elements don’t convey Static Moves are bringing a touch of new wave eighties mod retrospection to the table, any band boasting two Clives is a win-win!

Being honest, there have been occasions when I’ve dropped into the Crowns to see a great cover band, yet my desire for originals redirects my zimmer frame over to the trusty Gate, and I’m faced with two half-reviews; not this time. Static Moves are irresistible, and enthral any audience.

The systematics of Static Movesโ€™ repertoire appears to be anything which can be delivered loud and proud like it’s Coventry in 1980 or Madchester in 1990. If a particular song choice isn’t, they make it so it is. Taking no prisoners they were greyhounds out of the starting traps, rarely coming up for air, save a short break.

The frontman isn’t Luciano Pavarotti, needs not to be, but is commandeering, can hold a note, and a dynamic showman, with a habit of launching his tambourine either airborne or into the crowd.

The band compliment the lively mannerisms, though fairly recently formed, all members hold a wealth of experience, which shows. It looks like a tight ship, a new drummer slipping into the kind of camaraderie which reflects onto the audience; they’re having fun, you will too.

Static Moves compact a party into their pocket, and, for want of a less Potterhead analogy, like a Choranaptyxis it expands to fit the available space when they catapult it out upon an anticipated crowd. They told me they were working on some originals, we’ll hold the front page.

There were components to their set, it kicked off seventies, absolutely scorched Primal Scream’s Rocks, then launched tongue-in-cheek into early eighties pop hits like Nena’s 99 Red Balloons, Kim Wilde’s Kids in America and even found time to make one-hit-wonder Tiffany’s smash their own! As you might imagine, this was my personal summit, โ€˜cos I bought those singles, but I also observed all generations present acknowledging and lapping up those bubblegum classics.

It moved as swiftly as their tempo onto tracks I’d consider were their own favourites, the more less commercial punk anthems like The Buzzcocks, by which time they had the audience eating out of their hands and could’ve pulled any cheesy bygone slush puppy out of their bag and still rinsed it! As it was they took to The Beastie Boysโ€™ Fight for your Right, which was only amusing until they followed it with a grand attempt at Smells Like Teen Spirit.

Despite the diversity, the template of loud and proud prevented pigeonholing, a party band with a big sack of crowd-pleasers and an unrivalled enthusiasm to deliver them. The finale alongside Billy Idol, were millennial showboats, Britpop anthems, you know the one from The Killers, and yeah, they did Wonderwall, but while I deem that clichรฉ, they did it well, and it always gives the youngsters an opportunity to show everyone they have torches on their phones!

Ahem, that’s irrelevant against the positivity of a diverse crowd throwing away their cares for a moment and enjoying themselves. That’s what’s infectious; you’re duty bound to follow suit with a band like Static Moves. I couldnโ€™t physically leave until the deal was fully sealed.

The Three Crowns revel in this infection, and is the reason it bucks the trend of a decline in pub culture. Here is a Devizes lesson in how to do it, they deserve the praise but don’t really need it. Stalwart for a number of years now, most know the Three Crowns is a testament to a memorable night, including, it seems, girls bussing in from Bath. 

What else is happening?

Bouffon! JP Oldfieldโ€™s Debut EP in Review

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 bogeyman into a mockery of mass hysteria and hoaxes. If our local upcoming blues soloist JP Oldfield is resurrecting the legend as an opening to his forthcoming debut EP, Bouffon, the trackโ€™s haunting ambience is broken by the usage of his kazoo, implementing the very vaudeville element of satire the albumโ€™s title reflectsโ€ฆ.

Bouffon, being a French theatrical term for a performance of mockery, much like a jester becomes subtly apt once youโ€™ve listened, but thereโ€™s deeper prose at work. โ€œI threw a lot of names around in my head for this project but nothing seemed to fit,โ€ Josh told me, โ€œI wanted a name that summed up everything that these songs, my style, stood for. As such Bouffon, I think, is an unexpected title for my debut EP but I’ve never really seemed toย  like following the mould with any of this musical stuff and despite at first I rejected the idea, it sat in the back of my mind and wouldn’t go away.โ€

In a town where blues is taken extremely seriously my initial reaction to this EP was โ€œthere he goes again, blowing that kazoo when traditionally there should be a harmonica!โ€ But it soon dawned on me, this, and his beaten up suitcase pedal-drum looking like a juke joint throwout, is all part of the unique and idiosyncratic approach JP Oldfield has forged, and its originality works wonders.ย ย 

If thereโ€™s one notable eccentric kazoo-blowing duo on the local circuit itโ€™s Devilโ€™s Doorbell, who Josh supported at Chippenhamโ€™s Old Road Tavern. But whereas those crazy boaters with ukulele and washtub bass rely solely on the jaunty and jocular, thereโ€™s a much deeper tenet to JP Oldfield, richly layered, psychologically.

โ€œTo me a Bouffon clown holds a mirror up to the audience,โ€ Josh explained, โ€œat times it can be hard to look at, deeply sad, and presents you with things you’d rather not face, but in the end it doesn’t pull its punches, and allows for anything to be possible, a blank space where youโ€™re truly free to explore. I really resonate with the idea of this. I’ve always enjoyed the strange, quirky and unlovable. Elements of this have bled far enough into my music to feel a need to name my debut after it.โ€

The second tune asks this directly, if the singer has the blues, as if the melancholic disposition of blues is an affliction the doctor can diagnose. But three tunes in and weโ€™re blessed with such melancholy, Last Orders is a gorgeous ballad to vainly justifying alcoholism. Magpie which follows delves much deeper in its narrative.

โ€œA lot of people associate me with lively suitcase drum playing, jazz chord kazoo mania,โ€ Josh expressed, โ€œand I get it, but that’s not the only side to my music and I would be doing myself a disservice if that was all that I recorded. All my songs are dark but sometimes it needs to bubble up fully to the surface and see the light of day.โ€

He examples the two as those which โ€˜really fill out the point of the recordings.โ€™ โ€œLast Orders is a deep dive into my previous alcohol abuse and really aims to look behind the curtain on the inner workings of a lonely alcoholic. Magpie is a story told from the point of view of a child whose parents have just lost a baby and the confusion that comes from that as the parent’s attempt to hide and dress up the truth. It was actually written in half an hour, the afternoon before hitting the studio, when I put it down on tape it was only the fifth time I ever played it. I had the lyric sheet in front of me and sat real close to the microphone. We did it in one take, the studio went silent and we all seemed to be in agreement that despite it not being perfect, it was exactly the take we needed for that song.โ€

I suggest, in its rawness, Magpie is the most emotionally driven track on the album, the song an audience will take away with them. Though achieving the balance is key here. When we first met for an interview, the topic rested mainly on his powerful basso vocal range, likening him to Cash or Leonard Cohen, and while Josh should pursue this angle in his recording, his live show wouldnโ€™t be the same without the more kazoo blowing mockery of his macabre topics. For the finale Josh pulls in all resources. By title and topic, Satanโ€™s Bar one could imagine weโ€™re off in a similar style as Last Orders and Magpie, but no, mate, itโ€™s jump blues and off he goes with that kazoo again! I suppose, solving the dilemma on how to go out, Satanโ€™s Bar has both sides to JP Oldfield covered nicely.ย 

If I tend to relate baritones to Jim Morrison, and his ability to induce his crowd hypnotically, (taking into account their probable intoxication!), one can suggest JP Oldfield has a similar commanding voice, and thatโ€™s a high compliment, but deserved on the strength of this EP alone.

Oliver Stone projected this well in his 1991 biopic, though those who knew Morrison criticised his persona as deeper layered than that which was represented. They claimed while Morrison was the unbalanced and sometimes vexatious character portrayed, that Stone missed his more playful and humorous side. Josh undoubtedly has the capacity and skill to mesmerise a crowd, like Riders on the Storm, yet if those middle tracks on the EP proves this, the beginning and end ones suggest his favourite Doors track might be the more gamesome Alabama Song, showing Morrison to the way to the next whiskey bar.

Bouffon is released on 25th February 2025, it certainly wonโ€™t disappoint his live fans. With this original balance of melancholic delta blues with a sense of vaudeville satire, thereโ€™s deep personal reflection versus folklore and contemporary narrative, all encompassing and blended superbly.ย 

When I first heard Josh perform, I figured this needed the kind of guided hand only the legend Nick Beere at Mooncalf Studios could master. Coincidentally I bumped into him the weekend after Josh sent the album, and Nick not only confirmed he had recorded it, but agreed the kazoo and all JP Olfieldโ€™s gubbings were all part of the uniqueness of the act. 

โ€œNick’s not only very knowledgeable but also a great guy,โ€ Josh finished on. โ€œWe’d met a couple of times before, at open mics, and he already had a fairly good idea of what I sounded like. I left the production side completely in his hands, he’s the master, I just make the sound. It was the first time Nick had ever recorded a kazoo and a suitcase so I was happy to be the first!โ€

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Devizes Dilemma: FullTone or Scooter Rally?!

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

Goodbye to The Beanery but Hollychocs Lives On

Popular award-winning artisan chocolate business Hollychocs has announced that its Beanery Cafรฉ will close on Saturday 23rd August, marking exactly two years since its openingโ€ฆ

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Jamie Hawkinsโ€™ Teeth and Side Owl Short Films

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 the breakthrough worth chatting aboutโ€ฆ.or chattering about!

What started as simple yet amusing animations as Team Biscuit and the obligatory music video for his sole projects and those with The Lost Trades has come to this, Side Owl Productions.

Short film creator for music, documentaries and promo videos, Side Owl showcases its talent with this quirky horror short, a genre I firmly believe works best for the format, and this is bizarre and a tad eerie.

Torben Fugger provides the score. Jamie stars alone in the four minute flick, save some novelty chattering teeth. It’s like Hitchcock teamed with Monty Python and cast Jeff Bridges once more as The Dude… in Devizes!

โ€œIt’s been months in the making and a huge learning experience,โ€ Jamie explained, โ€œI’m really proud of what I feel is a massive level up from my previous work and this has been helped by the amazing original score from the very talented Torben Fuggerย  whose work has elevated the film as a whole.ย ย  I’ve always found collaboration difficult as it’s hard to let go and put my trust in others, but Torben made it incredibly easy in this case.โ€

โ€œAlthough this was mostly a solo filmmaking project, I couldn’t have done it without the help of Ed Dowdeswell, Dougerick Marsh, and Janey Lou.โ€ I just hope and pray he cleans the blood off the carpet, orโ€ฆ..well, you give it a watch and find out for yourself!

The Emporium in Devizes to Close

If Devizes boasts an abundance of independent gift shops of unique and exquisite or often novelty items in the face of a national pandemic of boarded up storefronts, itโ€™s saddening to hear today The Emporium on St Johns Street is to closeโ€ฆ..

It has been a stalwart in our town centre for generations, as long as I can recall, and it has seen off a number of similar shops. Once of a dark green faรงade, it was a creaking floorboard cavern, a treasure trove of curious and peculiar shiny things, from vintage clothes and Indian rugs, to charming novelty gifts and titillating joke books!

Teresa Garraud opened the shop in 1981 and ran it until retiring in 2019. The owners of the last decade Kate Suter and Kelly Harford reinvented it, gave it a fresher white design, and offered luxury gift items through the adjoining K Collection shop, but also adhered to keep it within the spirit Ms Garraud created, and has always been known and loved for.  

At one point in recent history it was one of few places charms of such could be found in Devizes, now it seems itโ€™s innovation has seen a blossoming of similar gift shops, online ones too, and with the growing popularity of craft fairs. If it sadly looked as if this is the last we will see of it, we now believeย new owners have been found but are we are yet to know if they intend to continue trading as The Emporium or if products stocks will be similar.

Photo by http://www.gphillipsphotography.com 

The Emporium told its Facebook followers, โ€œThe Emporium is closing downโ€ฆ All stock now half price!โ€ and has not replied to the huge response in the comments section as townsfolk, flocking to show their respect for the gift shop:

โ€œSuch a great shop for gifts. One of my favourites.” “I’ve bought so many lovely gifts for people from here.โ€ โ€œLove your shop. Been going in here since I was 8 years old, I am 50 this year.โ€ โ€œI spent hours in there when growing up buying scented rubbers and notepaper.โ€ โ€œGreat memories of spending my pocket money in here 35+ years ago!!โ€ And many others comments of sympathy and fond recollections are flooding in.

Times change, Amazon has some great coupons for similar products. You should see HERE for some great codes and discounts.

We have been informed unofficially that someone is seeking to continue to run a shop at the location, but perhaps not in its current format. We wish Kate Suter and Kelly Harford our best wishes for the future.

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Park Farm; Mantonfest Came to Devizes!

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

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PREVIEW โ€“ Jazz Sabbath @ Corn Exchange, Devizes โ€“ Saturday 1st March 2025

Donโ€™t Miss This One!

Andy Fawthrop

Just over two years ago I was privileged to be in the audience when Jazz Sabbath played their only previous show in D-Town.ย  And what a night that was. The musical skill on show simply blew me away.ย  No surprise then that weโ€™re mightily looking forward to their next gig here on 1st March….

Jazz Sabbath are a jazz trio headed by Adam Wakeman, son of Rick Wakeman on keyboards, Dylan Howe, son of Alan Howe on drums, and Jack Tustin (son of his parents Iโ€™m sure), on upright bass. Theyโ€™ve just started on their 2025 UK tour, and many of the venues are either already sold out, or very close to doing so.ย  And one of those dates is in our town, long in the calendar, thanks to the forward thinking of long-time fan Paul Chandlerโ€™s Longcroft Productions.

Adamโ€™s credentials are absolutely second to none.  Apart from having a famous father, Adam has played with the elite of the music world.  Recent credits include Tony Hadleyโ€™s world tour, Deep Purple, Uriah Heep, Rick Wakeman, and at Ozzy Osbourneโ€™s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Heโ€™s also booked to play with Ozzy and the mighty Sabbath themselves at the recently-announced farewell gig in Birmingham this Summer.  Thatโ€™s a pretty impressive CV in my book.

Their offering is to present jazz interpretations of Black Sabbath classics.  It sounds utterly mad, but it isnโ€™t.  Adamโ€™s jazz arrangements are an almost unrecognisable world away, and the bandโ€™s shows also feature plenty of Adamโ€™s own contemporary compositions.  To my ear itโ€™s very little Sabbath, and very much Jazz, but the only way to test that supposition is to get yourselves a ticket and head on down to The Corn Exchange!

The band will be playing material from their latest and third album โ€œThe 1968 Tapesโ€ which, as usual, is promoted in the bandโ€™s straight-faced spoof mock-documentary style.  Itโ€™s worth the ticket price alone just to see and hear the whole comedic wrap-around, never mind the excellent music.  So take it from me โ€“ youโ€™ll be in for a superb night of entertainment.

Get out and get those tickets โ€“ this is going to be a real one-off!

Tickets available online through the bandโ€™s website at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/booking/select/yebepzmqgpvw or at Devizes Books (the Last Minute dot Com of D-Town).

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Ann Liu Cannon’s Clever Rabbits

Ann Liu Cannon is the Marlborough success story I hadn’t heard of until yesterday; thanks to local promoter and frontman of the Vooz, Lee Mathews for the tip off! Her debut album  Clever Rabbits was released today, and itโ€™s a mustโ€ฆโ€ฆ. Brit Award winning Paul McCartney and Tom Jones producer Ethan Jones spotted Ann Liuโ€ฆ

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Striking Photographic Portrait Exhibition Celebrates Five Years of Impactful Creative Workย with Older People at Wiltshire Music Centre

If youโ€™ve popped into Wiltshire Music Centre recently; for a concert, workshop, screening orย even a meeting, you might have noticedโ€ฏchanges in the foyer: recorded music, the cafe-barย open at peak times during the day, and currently, a strikingโ€ฏphotographic exhibition of black and white portraitsโ€ฆ.. The โ€˜Men in Conversationโ€™ exhibition presents portraits of members of the Trowbridgeโ€ฆ

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Wendy James Tour Coming to Fromeโ€™s Cheese & Grain

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 announced a UK tour in October in support of her recently released tenth solo album The Shape of History, which includes Fromeโ€™s Cheese & Grainโ€ฆ.. Wendy will be accompanied on tourโ€ฆ

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Last Few Tickets for Devizes Festival of Winter Ales This Saturday!

There are only a few tickets left for this yearโ€™s Devizes Festival of Winter Ales, an important fundraiser for DOCAโ€ฆ..

This year DOCA has teamed up with the Southgate Inn, who have provided a fantastic selection of thirty ales and ciders, there are pies from Padfield Porkies and sausage rolls from Pig in the Middle.

Saturday 15th February 2025, is the date, at Devizes Corn Exchange. Thereโ€™s an Early Session โ€“ 11am โ€“ 5pm and a Late Session โ€“ 5:30pm โ€“ 11pm.

This year they welcome Glorious Productions, who are excited to bring a taste of their legendary Social Club Cabaret to the Festival of Winter Ales. While you sip your ales and relax they provide comedy, skills and the unexpected! Compere โ€“ Goldie Fiasco, Cabaret โ€“ Jon Udry and Jude Elizabeth. And Vince Bell and Adam Woodhouse play the early session, while Burn the Midnight Oil and Junkyard Dogs take the later session.

New for 2025: based on attendee feedback, there will be a slight difference between the 2 sessions this year. Both sessions will have the same great selection of beers, alongside brilliant entertainment from bands and cabaret. However, the Early Session (11am โ€“ 5pm) will be slightly more low-key for entertainment, geared more towards those who are mostly interested in beer tasting. The Late Session (5:30pm โ€“ 11pm) will be slightly more entertainment focussed for those looking for a buzzier vibe alongside their beer.

This is a fundraising event to help meet the costs of DOCAโ€™s free annual programme of outdoor arts events and activities, including the Street Festival, Confetti Battle, Carnival, Winter Festival and Lantern Parade.

Tickets are ยฃ13 and include your first pint free, and a souvenir glass if you want to take it home.

The Festival of Winter Ales is an 18+ event. The layout will be similar to 2024 with some seating, and some standing. If you require a seat for accessibility reasons, please contact DOCA at info@docadevizes.org.uk

More information on the Winter Ales entertainmentโ€ฆ

Goldie Fiasco โ€“ This yearโ€™s Festival of Winter Ales will be compered by the โ€˜wonderfully bonkers and totally endearing!โ€™  Goldie Fiasco. Goldie is a veteran performer with thousands of shows under her belt including โ€“ Glastonbury Festival Circus Big Top, Edinburgh Fringe, The Social Club Cabaret, Bestival, Shambala, Komedia, and Main Stage Redfest. She will preside over a smorgasbord of delectable entertainment for your delight. Sit back and enjoy the ride.

Jon Udry โ€“ There are jugglers. There are comedians. And there is Jon Udry. Jon combines the two to such a brilliant effect that his unique performance has his audience roaring with laughter from entrance to the final curtain. Formerly the British Young Juggler Of The Year and New Act of the Year Finalist 2018, Jonโ€™s skills and stage persona have brought his show onto various television and radio shows, as well as being a regular on the bill at prestigious festivals like Glastonbury. 

Jon travels internationally, working on a host of luxury cruise lines, at festivals and events, and โ€“ due to his unique comedy style โ€“ his show is also at home on the domestic comedy club circuit. Jonโ€™s repertoire is not the normal type of speciality act โ€“ instead, itโ€™s young, offbeat, quirky and hugely impressive. His current show โ€˜Jon Udry Punches Gravity in the Faceโ€™ is quickly becoming his most successful to date with a host of bookings around the UK, Europe and beyond. 

Jude Elizabeth โ€“ Jude trained as a professional ballet dancer but turned to Circus over a decade ago specialising in Aerial arts and Handbalance. Now internationally renowned, she has performed alongside Hugh Jackman at The Brit Awards, performed for the Royals and at some of the most prestigious venues in the world.  We look forward to bringing her exceptional talent and elegance to our stage.

Vince Bell โ€“ A talented singer-songwriter based in Devizes, Vince Bell is a prominent figure in the local music scene. Known for pouring raw emotion into his songwriting, he creates deeply personal yet universally relatable songs. His music is meticulously crafted and delivered with a captivating sincerity, showcasing his artistry and passion. Drawing inspiration from a diverse range of influences, including the likes of John Martyn, Pink Floyd, Bruce Springsteen, and Richard Thompson, Vinceโ€™s sound is both unique and richly textured, resonating with audiences on a profound level.

Adam Woodhouse โ€“ Guitarist and singer, Adam Woodhouse has a love of country, blues and folk music. As a solo acoustic performer, these influences are always apparent, no matter what musical genre he is playing. Adam covers a wide range of music from across the decades, bringing his own style, vibe and humour to a collection of well-known hits.

Burn the Midnight Oil โ€“ are a powerhouse trio that skim the surface of blues, country, folk, rock and pop with an all-original repertoire.

Junkyard Dogs โ€“ Junkyard Dogs are a group of seasoned musicians with a shared love of Blues and goodtime Rock & Roll. Donโ€™t forget your dancing shoes and let the good times roll!

Electric Dream Comes True; Cephidโ€™s Sparks in the Darkness at The Rondo

A sublime evening of electronic elegance was had at Bathโ€™s humble Rondo Theatre last night, where Cephidโ€™s album, Sparks in The Darkness, was played out exclusively to a packed house. It was, in a word, breathtakingโ€ฆ.

The type of genius who built a laser-harp at seventeen years old, Cephid‘s composer, producer and multi-instrumentalist Moray McDonald is bound by modesty, and appeared, prior to the show, understandingly nervous about the prospect of performing. He hadnโ€™t contemplated ever reproducing this masterwork on stage, for the project began as a collection of demos he created โ€œfor fun.โ€ โ€œWith all my focus being on creating an album that would live up to the grand ideas in my head,โ€ he explained, โ€œI didnโ€™t stop to think about whether this music could be performed in a live environment.โ€

Seems he shies from being centre of attention, his comfort zone on stage favouring the many occasions he hides as a keyboardist in prog rock bands. Moray, currently residing in Lavington, cut his teeth touring with progressive rock and metal artists such as That Joe Payne, Godsticks, Kim Seviour and Ghost Community, more recently he remixed for OMD.

Moray was adamant this was a totally exclusive show which wouldnโ€™t be taken on the road, although it has the magnitude of doing so. The show was produced and promoted by his partner Charlotte, whoโ€™s theatrical flamboyance encourages Moray to overcome his reservedness. Therefore a communal air bloomed in the audience, that this was a one-off treat, and we were the lucky few; because we were.

Being I was there to review, it probably didn’t help his anxiety any telling him I’d seen Kraftwerk at a Tribal Gathering of yore, where from every tent of every subgenre ravers descended to observe the roots of it all. โ€œKraftwerk was the beginning of everything,โ€ he agreed.

While itโ€™s an accurate summary of the origins of electronic pop music, Sparks in The Darkness delves beyond this for inspiration. Itโ€™s orchestral on a Jean-Michel Jarre level; even if the show wasnโ€™t to the same scale it was in spirit. It nodded to the trial phase of electronic music, prog-rockโ€™s psychedelic swirls found in Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin et al, and continues to the ambient house pioneers like The KLF and Orb. It rests on the heyday of electronica, the quirky experiments of new wave post-punk like New Order, and early US electro outfits, like Newcleus. Yet it incorporates contemporary technological advances, the variety of modern subgenres stemming from it, and it evoked in me a fascination with the history of electronic sound.

To contemplate futurist Luigi Russoloโ€™s 1913 The Art of Noises theories, that music would change due to the ear becoming accustomed to mechanical, industrial and urban noises, and the dadaists flouting this, is to consider the eighties clunkiness of the engine sampling of the aptly named Art of Noise, or Yello, or the piercing hubbub of acid houseโ€™s 303s, for the sake of artistic expressionism rather than melodious music. Sparks in The Darkness doesnโ€™t go there, it doesnโ€™t tumultuously provoke, rather itโ€™s polyphonically beautiful, sampleless, and tonally complimentary on the ear. In this, the decades of electronic music progression has become an epoch, therefore a โ€œfolkโ€ music, effectively turning music full circle; Cephid is on that cusp, and proved it last night.

But not before That Joe Payne, who later returned to the stage to provide vocals for Cephid, supported with an astounding original set. With just keyboard and voice he acoustically gifted us with a one-man rock opera, the like Iโ€™d never seen before. Combining camp comedy with tragedy, reminiscent of Elton Johnโ€™s heyday and expressed divinely with the vast vocal range of Freddie Mercury, this was delicious vaudeville. Though I cite these clear influences, they broke the mould when they made That Joe Payne, and that is the only shame about this highly entertaining character.

If That Joe Payne was something which bucked my norm in the nicest of methods, the whole evening was equally different for me, who these days is used to traditional rock, folk, or blues bands, and even with a history of dance music under my belt, this wasnโ€™t a rave anymore than it was a gig in the tradition of, even if the effect was similar. This was a showcase of modernism, an electronica fantasy in fruition. If at any point I likened it to something visually, it was Howard Jones meets Orbital, and thatโ€™s a high compliment.

The Rondo ignited with laser lights after the interval, colouring the subtle smoke machine output, and doused with a building ambient drone. Moray appeared onstage with electric percussionist Graham Brown, both dressed in white bodysuits with scarlet tie-belts. Layers developed and the album was played out sublimely, stretched to fit the show. The skill of the pair, to unite in sound and highlight exactly how these tunes were accomplished was insightful, and amazing. The only analogue instrument being a snare, the rest was digital technology caressed to evolve the most refined musical topography, an audio landscape masterpiece.

The grand finale was the usage of the triangular centrepiece, the laser harp Moray created at seventeen but had never used publicaly. Even if many in the crowd were connected in some way to Moray or the team, akin to a family party, everyone was held spellbound when the laser harp strings lit up, and Moray took position behind it.

If the perfect composition of this groundbreaking sound, with the laser show and theatrical performance wasnโ€™t enough to convince anyone in the crowd to the monumental importance to the artist, and the rare and wonderful occasion this was, it was Morayโ€™s expression of sheer joy, at the audienceโ€™s standing ovation. It was confirmation that this project, so immensely well received, is surely the testament, plus an ego boost, to the diffidence of a creative genius!

You might have missed this show, but you can (and should) buy the album HERE.

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IDLES’ at Block Party

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

Keep reading

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Just a Little New Single From Sam Bishopย 

โ€œThis song speaks to anyone who’s ever felt like they weren’t quite enough for someone, yet still held out hope for just a hint of validation,โ€ Sam Bishop explained to me about his latest release, Just a Little which is out today, 7th Februaryโ€ฆ.

The immediate hook to this song is in the simplicity of the riff, it glides with a summer breeze echoing in feelgood ambience. Refreshingly vehement and not overworked, Just a Little caused me to think of Natasha Bedingfieldโ€™s Unwritten, and further back to how Madonna secured her queen of pop title with the Latino hook in La Isla Bonita, or am I going too far back for you now?! Noah Kahan brought back fervency, this goes along similar lines, though Sam likened it to Coldplay and Bastille, stating, โ€œI hope people can connect to it.โ€ย 

Itโ€™s certainly miles beyond his beginnings in Devizes School boy band 98 Reasons and the duo Larkin with fellow member Finley Trusler, in commercial viability. It shows a maturity, but if weโ€™ve followed this natural progression I could argue his previous songs were growers, whereas this was an instant like, and swift appeal is whatโ€™s needed in the fast-paced industry.

Sam scribed this beauty whilst travelling the States over summer and produced it once home. โ€œThis song is for everyone whoโ€™s ever felt like they were giving their all but still wondering if itโ€™s enough,โ€ he expressed, โ€œI wanted to create something that felt vulnerable, yet comforting, that also feels personal.โ€ Yeah, Sam, I think youโ€™ve captured that!

Just a Little is out across streaming platforms from 7th February. Check it out HERE; it’s already top ten on UK iTunes – deservedly.

RowdeFest 2025!

Okay, I canโ€™t keep the secret any longer or Iโ€™ll pop! While all the hard work is being organised by a lovely committee, because they showered me with biscuits Iโ€™ve been doing the easy bits of arranging some live music and designing a poster for Rowde Fest 2025โ€ฆ..

Itโ€™s happening on Saturday 31st May from 1-7pm, itโ€™s 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 youโ€™ll like it!

Burn The Midnight Oil

Already confirmed we have music from Thieves, Adam Woodhouseโ€™s marvellous Americana quartet. With a village connection, the most wonderful new band on everyoneโ€™s 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, โ€œpossiblyโ€ the best indie pop band in Wiltshire, and acoustic god, and oh, did I say itโ€™s 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

Thereโ€™s Devizes Jubilee Morris dancers, childrenโ€™s 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

Iโ€™m 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.

I look forward to seeing you there; you are coming, right? Here’s the Facebook event page thingy. It wouldnโ€™t be the same without you.

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An Insight into Devizes New Youth Centre Project

I caught up with an excited Jonathan Hunter, leader of Devizes Town Councilโ€™s independent party The Guardians, and local loyal youth worker Steve Dewar to rap about an imminent youth centre coming to Sidmouth Street in Devizesโ€ฆ.

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.

โ€œThis is all part of a speech I made in council years ago,โ€ he told me, โ€œAsking 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 thatโ€™s brilliant. The second was a street engagement program where we work with disenfranchised young people, on the streets, through an outreach team.โ€

โ€œItโ€™s taken four years to get the premises,โ€ he continued. โ€œThe 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. โ€œThe 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. โ€œItโ€™s going to be brilliant!โ€

He used the word โ€œbrilliantโ€ numerous times, our own version of Paul Whitehouseโ€™s 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?

โ€œAbsolutely,โ€ Jonathan responded with his constant air of enthusiasm, โ€œIโ€™m 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 โ€˜missing piece in a jigsawโ€™ with youth provision. I just wanted to go and bat for young people, and doing whatโ€™s right for the community rather than a political party or any ideological stuff, and make things happen that way, which Iโ€™m glad we can.โ€

I couldnโ€™t 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. โ€œWe, as a charity havenโ€™t had any financial provision for staffing the centre, that would be perhaps an independent youth worker,โ€ Steve explained, โ€œor someone employed by the council, to man it. The challenge we have as a small charity is weโ€™re also committed to supporting young people in schools, through detached youth work, and thereโ€™s only me in this area and a few volunteers.โ€

โ€œIt 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. โ€œUnfortunately 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€

โ€œFor me the challenge will always be an applicate to Wiltshire council, town councils that a centre-based provision isnโ€™t a quick fix and isnโ€™t 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 weโ€™re 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 โ€œwhere 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 otherโ€™s company, without the cost of a coffee in a regular place.โ€

Plans for the first floor is โ€œan aspirational hub, where different youth agencies can come together and work direct and deliver their visions. The top floor weโ€™d 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, โ€œalso, what weโ€™ve 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. Theyโ€™re really interested in this; they want to be involved and take a lead and be part of it.โ€

โ€œWhat was brilliant was, when we met with the school, one of the studentsโ€ฆ these young people are so eloquent, articulate and knowledgeable, I was massively inspired by themโ€ฆ one of them said, โ€˜we need to help the parents too,โ€™ because there are parents out there who are looking after and struggling to help teenagers growing up. Itโ€™s not an easy task, and some parents out there could probably do with some support; that came from the young people, that wasnโ€™t our suggestion, so thereโ€™s 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, โ€œif we were doing it without them, weโ€™ve missed the point. Thatโ€™s why Iโ€™ve 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 โ€˜watch this space.โ€™ โ€œAnd we spoke about what she thinks the teenagers need and want.โ€

โ€œResults of the school survey was young people would like safe places to go,โ€ Steve explained, โ€œand safe people to be able to speak to, and thatโ€™s nothing new, itโ€™s been the case for years, and is certainly true in Devizes. Yet weโ€™ve not been able to respond to them. Thatโ€™s why Iโ€™m so chuffed, pleased, stoked, that hopefully Devizesโ€ฆ well, that this is the start of the journey which is starting to respond to that.โ€

โ€œIโ€™m really encouraged,โ€ Jonathan said, โ€œand weโ€™ve 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 schoolโ€™s keen involvement, is geographically separate from it.

โ€œYes,โ€ Jonathan agreed, โ€œBang in the centre of town! And what weโ€™re looking at next is a brand, thereโ€™s a provisional name that weโ€™ve given it, but young people are examining different kind branding and names, to give it the right kind of profile as well, and thatโ€™s with them. I think they should be the architects of that, and how they want it to develop. Itโ€™s 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€

โ€œIโ€™m looking for this to have a halo effect,โ€ Jonathan said, โ€œmaybe the minority of young people who find themselves disenfranchised and donโ€™t have the infrastructure that some can enjoy, or maybe they donโ€™t have good role models, they might look at this place and think Iโ€™d 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, โ€œand 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. โ€œSo, doing nothing, to me, isnโ€™t an option, and thatโ€™s why Iโ€™m 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, โ€œthe work is underway, weโ€™re aiming for spring, an aspirational date. Itโ€™s all about working together, and I was really encouraged by MP Brian Matthewโ€™s support, he recognises thereโ€™s a void of this kind of activity, which weโ€™re aiming to fill.โ€

It all sounds amazing, certainly far better than my memories of a youth club, where youโ€™d 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!  Itโ€™s 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.

Events This Weekend; January Into February!

If weโ€™re nearly out of the prolonged gloom of January, note itโ€™s still winter but weโ€™ve climatised and are ready to party. February this year looks positively booming with music events. This weekend alone looks hotter for events than it will probably be climate wise!

Leading us up to the start of the month, Swindon Shuffleโ€™s new wintery thang SwinterFest is covering days all this coming weekend from Thursday and onto the 1st and 2nd; Saturday is at the Castle, Sunday at the Beehive, check the poster for the fantastic lineup. Another amazing fundraiser for Prospect House.

Thursday 3oth Jan

Also in Swindon find Ian Barrett Band with Bare Knuckle Asylum and Tiddles the Hellcat at The Vic. Ignacio Lopez at Swindon Arts Centre, and Jack Deeโ€™s Small World at The Wyvern Theatre.

New Writing Night at The Rondo Theatre, Bath, and Tom Jonesโ€™ favourite singer Mim Grey is at Chapel Arts.

Follow Comedy Club at  Qudos in Salisbury, Alistair McGowan at Salisbury Playhouse, and Limehouse Lizzy at Salisbury Arts Centre.

Friday 31st Jan

Jamie Hawkins is at The Bridge in Horton. The Tipsy Gypsies are at The Royal Oak in Pewsey.

The Blunders are at the Pump in Trowbridge, with The Lindup Brothers & Hometown Devilry. Morphew School of Dance presents A Wish Come True at the Civic Centre.

As well as SwinterFest, Last Train Smokinโ€™ are at The Beehive, Swindon. Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde at Swindon Arts Centre,and Cirque Enchantment at The Wyvern Theatre.

Stable at The Rondo Theatre, Bath.

Lucy Loves Liquor at the Coach and Horses in Salisbury. Diamond Froggs at Deacons, andย Barnstormers Comedy atย  Salisbury Arts Centre. Salisbury Playhouse has Thatโ€™ll Be The Day.ย ย ย 

Sound of the Sirens at The Tree House in Frome. Dire Streets at The Cheese & Grain.

Saturday 1st

Falls on Deaf Ears at the Southgate in Devizes, and thereโ€™s a Long Street Blues Club night at the Cons Club with The John Martin Project. Devizes Scooter Club promises a soul, Motown, ska and reggae DJ night at the Football Club, and Mr M & The Original PJ have a soul night also, at the Bear Hotel. DJ Karl Maggs playing club hits at the Exchange.

Bodge It & Scarper at The Bear, Marlborough, Jam Night at The Barge, HoneyStreet.

Three upcoming local DJs, ET Tronic, FLAM and Artoid play a Future Sound of Trowbridge night at The Pump, while Junkyard Dogs are at the host pub, The Lamb. Morphew School of Dance presents A Wish Come True, a matinee at the Trowbridge Civic Centre.

Dโ€™ Ska Assassins are at Prestbury Sports Bar in Warminster.

Mustard Allegro at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon. Colin Hoult: Colin at The Rondo Theatre, Bath.

As well as Swinterfest in Swindon, Mojo plays The Swiss Chalet, Still Marillion at The Vic, and Peter Andre stars in The Best Of Frankie Valli at The Wyvern Theatre!

Thereโ€™s a Winter FiggleFest at Figheldean Village Hall. Jetpack at The Ram, Tidworth.

Wiltshire Creative Comedy Club with Lucy Beaumont at Salisbury Playhouse. Sarumโ€™s Lot at Qudos. Lucas Hardy, Rosie Jay and Rich Butcher at The Avon Brewery Inn Salisbury and Graffiti Classics: The Comedy String Quartet at Salisbury Arts Centre.

Laurence Jones is at The Tree House in Frome, and there’s an Retro Electro at the Cheese & Grain.

Sunday 2nd Feb

Jon Amor Trio with guest Shannon Harris at The Southgate, Devizes.

Everyone Says Hi are Instore at Sound Knowledge in Marlborough, which we previewed.

Super Blue Moon at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.

The Roy Orbison Story at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.

Sunday Session at The Coach & Horses, Salisbury with Ben Nicholls 

Open Mic at George and Dragon, Salisbury.

CSF Pro Wrestling Showdown at the Cheese & Grain, Frome.

But of course, youโ€™d know all this if you keep checking into our event calendar! We are not running the weekly roundups any longer due to it being time consuming which basically just repeats whatโ€™s been listed already. It was just that this weekend seems to have really opened up for events again, and see this as a gentle reminder to keep checking into Devizine, as the calendar is always updating, as fast as I possibly can add listings!

Do contact us if weโ€™ve missed your event out, and we can list it free for you.

โ€œVeronicaโ€™s Roomโ€ at The Wharf Theatre, Devizes, Januaryย 27th-February 1st 2025

By Ian Diddams
Images by Jeni Meade

No aficionado of 1960s and 1970s horror films would have missed seeing โ€œRosemaryโ€™s Babyโ€, a story of Satanic pregnancy, based on the book by Ira Levin. Shortly after that bookโ€™s release, Levin write a stage play โ€œVeronicaโ€™s Roomโ€ which followed โ€œRosemaryโ€™s Babyโ€ tone of horror with a disturbing, psychological thriller.

The Wharfโ€™s production opens with a furniture draped bedroom, which is soon revealed to be Veronicaโ€™s room. The entire play is set in this room which in itself gives off a creepy, dark atmosphere; you can almost smell the mustiness of the dingy, sparsely furnished bedroom. A bed, chaise-longue, table and chairs, wardrobeโ€ฆย  and a barred window. Director John Winterton and his team designed and created the set and its ominous undertones, and the tech team produce eery lighting, subtly and extremely effectively fitting for this play. Without providing spoilers it’s however fine to say the costumes required for the story fit the requirements perfectly. And as ever Gill Barnes and the costume team have come up trumps to further set the period and the characterisations.

Itโ€™s a short play timewise โ€“ two acts comprising eighty minutes in total, plus an interval. But it is far from short with plot twists and turns, and as each new piece of information unfolds, we are drawn into a darker and more sinister world each time. The cast of four work well together to deliver Levinโ€™s increasingly twisted story, with Johnโ€™s direction keeping the pace exactly right at all times.

Jax Brady plays The Woman, embracing all the mood swings and dialects with ease, the perfect loving partner to The Man played by Gary Robson, whose sombre delivery is befitting of his characterโ€™s inner turmoil and glimmers of hope, of his love for The Woman whilst uneasy with their shared knowledge. Abigail Baker plays The Girl around whom the plot centres; at first brazenly flirtatious, then finally broken, desperate and terrified. The Young Man โ€“ the object of The Girlโ€™s desires – is played by Cameron Williams who also has challenging characterisation and manages it sublimely.

It would be fair to say that โ€œVeronicaโ€™s Roomโ€ is also challenging for the audience โ€“ it is a horror, and a psychological one at that, preying on oneโ€™s mind. Levinโ€™s story is a slow burner to begin with but as Act 2 in particular progresses it becomes a runaway train with hard hitting realisations developing the full horror coming thick and fast. The cast and crew have created a super rendition of Levinโ€™s story that will surely have you checking under your bed when you go to sleep afterwardsโ€ฆ

โ€œVeronicaโ€™s Roomโ€ is performed at The Wharf Theatre, Devizes January 2th to February 1st at 7.30pm each evening.

Tickets available online and from Devizes Books.

Devizes Musical Theatreโ€™s Next Production; Beauty & The Beast

If I had to be magically turned into a candlestick or a teapot, I believe Iโ€™d rather be a teapot than have a wax candle on fire wedged into the top of my head! Fear not, itโ€™s not a worry Iโ€™m losing any sleep over, rather the kind of bizarre fleeting notion which popped into my mind when previewing Devizes Musical Theatreโ€™s next production, Beauty & The Beastโ€ฆ.

The wardrobe is definitely out of the question, anyway I digress! For if thereโ€™s one local amateur theatre collective to make you question the definition of โ€œamateurโ€ itโ€™s Devizes Musical Theatre, in my experience. To pay a kingโ€™s ransom for a West End production is to expect, much less assume, youโ€™re 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 isnโ€™t so far from a professional production.

So, get ready, Gaston, for a tale as old as time, as Devizes Musical Theatreโ€™s curtain is rising once again for Beauty and the Beast. Itโ€™s running from Wednesday 2nd April โ€“ Saturday 5th April 2025, at Dauntsey’s Schoolโ€™s Memorial Hall in West Lavington and tickets are available now at www.devizesmusicaltheatre.co.uk or Devizes Books.

Devizes Musical Theatreโ€™s last sold-out show was Sister Act back in March 2024, of which I reviewed and said โ€œitโ€™s 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.

โ€œTickets are already flying off the shelves,โ€ weโ€™re informed, so donโ€™t 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 youโ€™re a newcomer to the DMT productions, this show is guaranteed to leave you spellbound; be their guests, be their guests, be their guests!

New Album from Illingworth; Man Made of Glass

Four years of hard work in the making, and it sure shows, Man Made of Glass, the third album from John and Jolyon, aka Illingworth, is released across streaming platforms this week. If youโ€™ve seen this Salisbury duo performing on the circuit, the unyielding passion they inject into the obligatory classic rock covers set isnโ€™t half of what they put into their own compositionsโ€ฆ..

Pardon me if you came here for a respite from the onslaught of inflammatory international headlines and to read a nice music review, Man Made of Glass contains much prose on the tyranny of contemporary politics. As the idiom is defined, this narcissistic disorder of egotistical figureheads is fragile and therefore likely to shatter manifests abstractly, particularly in the title track and single Gaslight, but hey, I think itโ€™s safe to say we know the people it is directed towards.

Itโ€™s a floating opening, building in layers, this title track, richly written even if poignantly critical of power corrupting. As ever with Illingworth thereโ€™s this breezy air of feelgood rock too, of Foreigner or The Cars, which enriches the sound naturally. Soulless might be the subject, but soulful is the expression; itโ€™s a contrast.

Superior single Gaslight does similar theme-wise, but as powerful as an indie rock anthem, and rolling on a tougher riff than the title track, throughout, it takes the manipulation of its titleโ€™s term to the worldly encouragement of avoidance; this โ€œdonโ€™t be convinced by propagandaโ€ concept.

Bittersweet is the general ambience Illingworth delivers with here, and thatโ€™s no new thing in rock, but they do so with such passion and expertise it polishes the delivery and leaves you feeling alive and stimulated, with nothing bad you could possibly say about their songs. They are rich with honesty over vanity, reflecting on the theme. Gaslight may be the kingpin to the album, the running motif becoming less prominent in the other tracks. Every tune is a beauty though, embracing all stimulating elements of being uplifting, inspiring and catchy, just subtly with differing moods and tempos.

We Donโ€™t Have to Try is a country-rock ballad on an eternal love subject, whereas, Heart To Rule Your Head, is an inspiring โ€œyou can get it if you really wantโ€ upbeat track. 

Another Passion is upbeat too, of if, buts and maybes, whereas New Year is arousingly paced, reflecting on the unification and love perpetrated by the annual occasion. Love conquering over evil becomes the inclusive factor as the album drifts archetypically. This conquering notion to avoid the brainwashing of those seeking power lessens somewhat in favour of identifying affections, yet never fully expires. The finale is not to let it worry you, as the matter will shatter like glass.

While great, if previous Illingworth albums can feel fragmented, like randomly placed collections of their memorable songs you rarely hear enough of when theyโ€™re gigging, Man Made of Glass is more rounded, it has an overall concept. Like a classic rock album, the tracksโ€™ narratives combine and flow wonderfully. Itโ€™s not a โ€œconcept album,โ€ per say, but in the same classic fashion, and thatโ€™s a welcomed rare find these days of media overload and the average attention span of a goldfish!

Man Made of Glass is more suited to a vinyl, CD or cassette format, of a time when album composition contained an all-inclusive message, and you sat in the dark listening to it. Just like those albums of yore it feels like something to cherish, a testament to a bleeding heart of sentiment you identify with and get emotionally involved with, rather than simply hearing it while you wash the dishes. But hey, streaming is the mainstay these days, and thatโ€™s where youโ€™ll find this treasure buried.

Apple Music Link

Amazon Link

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REVIEW โ€“ Devizes International Blues Festival โ€“ Saturday 18th January 2025, Corn Exchange, Devizes 

Another Stunning Week-End For Live Music

Andy Fawthrop

Normally Iโ€™d be raving about just how good the live music was at The Southgate on Sundayย afternoon. ย And it was indeed brilliant, featuring the amazingly talented bluesman Eddie Martin, withย his band The 58s (the year he was born apparently). ย The band consisted of Tom Gilkes on drums,ย Jerry Soffe on bass, and the wonderful Patsy Gamble on saxophones. ย And normally Iโ€™d write a longย incoherent full review of that gig on its own, but thereโ€™s just too much other stuff to tell you about!

The previous day was the first Devizes International Blues Festival. ย And hereโ€™s the low-down.

Nobody could ever say that Long Street Blues Club and its wily leader Ian Hopkins (currently alsoย Lord Mayor of this parish) doesnโ€™t keep on trying to push the boundaries of live music in D-Town, andย to present some really top-notch entertainment. Not content with a full programme of events at theย mothership venue of The Conservative Club (see below), there was still ambition enough to doย something even bigger in terms of both entertainment and venue.

So, in the interests of blowing out the post-Crimbo and New Year cobwebs, I felt it was only fair to reward such bravado with my own presence on Saturday afternoon and evening (yes it was an all-dayer, not just the normal simple gig format of band + support).  This was altogether more than that with no less than five, yes five, headliners playing their way through the six hours or so of the two main sessions.

This is (as far as anyone knows) the first indoor Blues Festival Devizes has ever staged (if you donโ€™tย count the blues events at the club itself this time last year). Being January, it was cold, damp, and wetย outside, so I think everyone was pretty glad to be on the inside! This was definitely not the same as,ย say, Saddleback of a couple of years ago sitting outside at Devizes Rugby Club in the middle ofย summer! ย 

The team had attempted to create an intimate blues club in the Ceres Hall, using tables and seating,ย but with some room for dancing at the front near the stage. ย It was always going to be a big ask withย the high ceilings and the big windows and aircon units much in evidence, but they did a pretty goodย job, by closing the curtains and excellent use of both main hall and stage lighting. And the rewardย was a virtually-full room of music-hungry people.

First up the afternoon double-header was harmonica player extraordinaire Giles Robson. Although based in Jersey, and the only UK resident amongst this star-studded otherwise Chicago cast, Giles was entirely at home, having in the past played with all the American greats, and having toured with his own band all over Europe.  I think I last caught him a year ago at the Blues Club playing support to another of todayโ€™s line-up John Primer.  Giles, accompanied by only an acoustic guitarist, served up a portion of (somewhat unusual on the UK scene) acoustic blues.  His wailing, crooning, imploring style of playing, together with his laconic inter-song chat style, soon had the audience hushed and listening intently. His last offering, which Iโ€™m sure had to be a parody on a whole raft of suggestive blues songs, involved milk in the ice-cream mixer.  Donโ€™t ask. Seriously, donโ€™t ask.

After a suitable pause for stage changes and (ahem) refreshments at the bar, it was the turn of Oscarย Wilson. Here was the real deal (in my book at least). ย Although not great in physical stature, andย leaning heavily on his customised stick, this guy had a commanding presence and provided some bigย sounds, with deep gravel vocals right from the outset. ย Growing up in Chicago, his major influencesย were Muddy Waters and Howlinโ€™ Wolf, and there was plenty of that on show right here. ย Workingย with a โ€œhouse bandโ€ that he didnโ€™t know, Oscar soon built a rapport with his musicians, commandingย every move with subtle moves of the hand, a flick or a bounce of the stick, or a wry smile to the side.

They were winging it a bit but (honestly) you could hardly see the joins.  His set was a real switch from what weโ€™d just heard from Gilesโ€™ solo set.  It was instantly deeper, faster, and with much more intent.  There was more variation, changes in tempo and altogether much more heft.  Even with Giles himself joining the band and providing the frills and the infills, the full band sound was much more to my taste.  Weโ€™d definitely moved up a notch, and the crowd were loving it.

At this point there was a break in proceedings for a couple of hours, and we were tipped out into the D-Town afternoon to find what other pleasures we could discover.  I guess the gap had a sound logistical reason behind it, but it felt strange to kind of lose all of the atmosphere that had started to build up.  Maybe it was sound checks, but the โ€œhouse bandโ€ was still the same guys upporting the evening performers. So Iโ€™m not sure about that one.

Anyhow, after the break and the crowd had reassembled itself once more, the next four and a halfย hours gave us three cracking performers of the Chicago blues.

First up was Nora Jean Wallace, a Chicago blues singer with Deep Delta roots. ย A striking figure of aย woman, sporting a fine silver wig, Nora Jean delivered a set that was far funkier than what had goneย before, almost leaning towards Motown at times. ย Clearly unwell with a stinking head-cold, sheย declared โ€œbut ahโ€™m gonna give it ma bestโ€, she absolutely delivered on that promise. ย The singingย was strong and high-powered. ย Only between songs could you see that she was struggling a little, andย you had to feel a little sorry for her. ย Her detailed control of the now-regular โ€œhouse bandโ€ wasย slightly less tight than Oscarโ€™s had been, but with Giles once again on stage with the harmonicaย support, the overall sound was terrific.

Toronzo ย Cannon came up next, sporting a nice line in hats, and a guitar that he used withย devastating effect. ย His song lyrics (and indeed the inter-song patter that introduced them) was wittyย and truth-telling. ย His topics included sex, divorce, insurance, his various health issues (again, pleaseย donโ€™t ask), his mid-life crisis (pubes turning grey anyone?) and so on. ย These were all original songs,ย and topics not normally covered by the mainstream blues, but massively entertaining nevertheless. ย But it was his blistering and inventive guitar work that impressed more than his impassioned vocals. ย Like all the artists who preceded him on the bill, he worked hard at engaging the audience, crackingย jokes and engaging in plenty of call-and-response numbers. ย Giles did not join the band on this oneย occasion, and Toronzoโ€™s sound was all the better for it. ย I love blues harmonica, but weโ€™d had quite aย lot of it already by this stage in proceedings.

Almost finally, it was the turn of John Primer, another one of the kings of Chicago blues. Originally aย guitarist in Muddy Watersโ€™ band for many years, he also played with another Chicago legend, Willieย Dixon. Here was another of these great performers, having also played in Long Street club about aย year ago, which was where Iโ€™d last seen him. ย Compared to Toronzo, John seemed more focused andย down to it, a little more serious, with less chat and humour. ย And still the โ€œhouse bandโ€ were thereย with him, together with Giles Robson once more. ย There was more of a feeling of just cracking onย with the show now, but never in any kind of hurry. ย โ€œAhโ€™m jusโ€™ takinโ€™ ma timeโ€, he declared at oneย point, which was absolutely how it felt. ย He also described himself as โ€œan old man, but with youngย ideasโ€ and then cracked the broadest smile of the evening. ย He delivered (to my ears at least) superbย versions of โ€œGot My Mojo Workingโ€ and โ€œRainy Night In Georgiaโ€. ย What a great performer.

But there was one final thing still to enjoy when the whole ensemble hauled themselves back onย stage for a final encore, sharing vocals and guitar licks. ย And finally also โ€“ huge applause for theย โ€œhouse bandโ€ whoโ€™d managed to play backing band to four different headliners, staying on stage forย over four hours. ย Unfortunately, I couldnโ€™t catch all their names, but a definite hats off to those guys. ย 

Overall, it was a great day out, packed with some great performances and musical gems. ย My favourite? โ€“ย Oscar Wilson was the guy who really nailed it for me, but these things are often a matter of personal taste. All five headliners gave great performances, and difficult to fault any of them. So, well done,ย once again, to Ian and his team for putting on such a great event in our town. Brilliant.

Future gigs at Long Street Blues Club:

Saturday 1st Feb โ€“ the John Martyn project

Friday 21st Feb โ€“ Brave Rival (at the Corn Exchange as part of the Lord Mayorโ€™s Dinner)

Friday 14th March โ€“ Jimmy Regal & The Royals

Friday 4th April โ€“ Tommy Castro & The Painkillers

Saturday 12th April โ€“ Billy Walton Band

Saturday 3rd May โ€“ Alastair Greene

Saturday 17th May โ€“ Fullhouse, with special guest Innes Sibun

Saturday 9th Aug โ€“ Skinny Molly

But, as always, check with their websiteย www.longstreetbluesclub.co.ukย for all the latest information.

Stepping Up My Spine; New Nothing Rhymes With Orange Single

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 itโ€™s stepping up their spines … apparently!

A narrative of pending infatuation in the hope the feeling is mutual, Stepping Up My Spine is instantly lovable, projecting a more lenient and ubiquitous indie-pop sound than the bandโ€™s raw punkier past; a direction they seem to have been progressing towards with each new release.

Image: Gail Foster

I cite many local bands like Talk in Code and Atari Pilot, reflecting a national indie trend to return us to an eighties pop-rock vibe, and this follows suit, but only slightly. It retains the โ€œreal instrumentsโ€ rock ethos theyโ€™ve sworn to uphold, thereโ€™s no electronica influence, thus maintaining the edge we know them for. Letโ€™s call it a natural progression rather than a desire to follow a trend, not forgoing itโ€™s still stylised to their sound and is bound to appease their maturing fans.

If weโ€™ve keenly watched Nothing Rhymes With Orange and their devoted fanbase evolve and proliferate, this new single reflects and preserves that continuation. And long may it be so!

Keep up the good work, guys! You catch NRWO at SwinterFest next Saturday, at the Castle.ย 

The Oak Festival; The Best Thing to Hit Pewsey Sinceโ€ฆ..?!

Yet to witness it myself but heard on the grapevine, the blossoming liveliest place to be in Pewsey at the moment, is, apparently the Royal Oak. Wiltshire Music Events, who brought us CrownFest in Bishops Cannings and sold out Devizes Corn Exchange with The Marley Experience, has been at the forefront of furnishing the pub with gigs from the growing wealth of talent on their books. Tempted to drop by and check it out asap, but if all else fails, Saturday July 5th sees them holding a debut mini-festival, which is double-underlined on my personal calendarโ€ฆโ€ฆ

The Oak Festival is an all dayer boasting seven bands, food and outside bar, but itโ€™s the lineup which will really wow. Three, no, thirty yeses from me, to The Marley Experience headlining, being smitten with Bob Marley & The Wailers since day dot and after much deliberation, these guys recreate their music and vibe with such unprecedented precision itโ€™s unmissable.

Thereโ€™s also a lively Irish folk element to the festival with The Tipsy Gypsies, and Pouges tribute, The Phogues, both Iโ€™ve yet to tick off my must-see list, but they also dive into indie with the blues edge of The Leon Daye Band, and our favourite-most indie-pop masters Talk in Code, who need no introduction here neither further praise; forget sliced bread, theyโ€™re the most electrifying exciting local act we have.

Thereโ€™s two acoustic singer-songwriters too, Lucas Hardy who Iโ€™ve heard only good things about, and Salisburyโ€™s Rosie Jay, who with her poignant writing and exquisitely unique delivery overnight clocked into our all-time hall of fame here at Devizine!

Early bird tickets at an extremely reasonable ยฃ25 are available until 1st Feb, HERE.

Later the price goes up but only slightly, to ยฃ32.50, which, once youโ€™ve seen The Marley Experience, youโ€™ll realise the ticket stub was worth it just to see them alone, and why Iโ€™m all excited about this one!

It could be the best thing to happen in pea island since carnival, since the coronation of Alfred the Great; trust me on this one!!

Devizes Welcomes New Coffee Shop, Caffe Vialottie

Devizes welcomed a charming new coffee shop to The Market Place today, called Caffe Vialottie; I thought it best to drop by, poke my nose inโ€ฆ..

Caffe Vialottie takes over the listed number 35, where the cherished Times Square closed its doors for the final time in June 2024. The walls are adorned with some nice artwork, the colour theme altered to a dark green and cream, but the tried and tested layout remains much the same as Times Square. It was met with busy enthusiasm by customers, many I suspect devotees of the previous cafe happy to see it back in action. โ€œEveryone wants to try the new cafe,โ€ manager Chelsie Godden greeted me, between frantically serving customers, โ€œitโ€™s been busy, but nice!โ€

While Chelsie worked at Times Square previously, the owner was new to the area. He stressed the importance of creating an individual space, adamant copying the mainstream coffee shop chains wasnโ€™t on the agenda here, he said, โ€œI think weโ€™ve got something special here, something nice.โ€

If the word nice was coincidentally dropped twice, it certainly is that; nothing negative could be said about Caffe Vialottie. It seemed friendly, with a vibe to fit like a glove into Devizes. Yet with coffee being centre stage, tea and a good choice of soft drinks, thereโ€™s only toasties and a selection of cakes and Kettle crisps to wash down. It is, primarily, a โ€œlight lunchโ€ stop-off point, rather than attempting to be a restaurant, and despite the call not to replicate the major coffee shop chains, unfortunately we do have a lot of similar establishments already in Devizes.

But hey, it does what it says on the tin, hospitably, and is price-matched with the established competitors in town. While personally Iโ€™d like to see someone trying something different and off the wall, ideas like tapas and Caribbean themed cafes havenโ€™t been so successful in Devizes recently, as the tried and tested formula of tea, coffee and cake, seems to appease locals more. It is with that notion we wish Caffe Vialottie all the best of luck in these trying times, and hope future days will emulate the success of their opening day. Devizes can never have enough coffee it seems!

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Clock Radio Turf Out The Maniacs

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

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La Belle Hรฉlรจne; White Horse Operaโ€™s Debut at The Wharf Theatre

Seems odd the perfect combination between Devizesโ€™ only theatre, The Wharf, and one of the longest-running performance group, White Horse Opera hasnโ€™t linked before, but they are set to do so in March with a performance of Jacques Offenbachโ€™s Opรฉra bouffe, La Belle Hรฉlรจneโ€ฆ..

Okay, this is not exactly true. Barbara Gompels of the White Horse Opera told us many years ago there was a one night show at the Wharf with the operaโ€™s touring show, but this will be the first main opera held at our wonderful theatre here in Devizes, so Iโ€™m not totally fibbing!

La Belle Hรฉlรจne is a comic opera in three acts parodying the story of Helen of Troy’s elopement with Paris, which evoked the Trojan War. The premiere at Parisโ€™s Thรฉรขtre des Variรฉtรฉs in 1864 rekindled Offenbachโ€™s operas with his audience, after six years attempting to emulate his success with the risquรฉ satire of Greek mythology, Orphรฉe aux Enfers.

Having been promised the most beautiful woman in the world by Venus, Paris arrives disguised as a shepherd boy with the aim of cashing in that promise. Helene, currently married to Menelaus, wards off his advances. However, when Paris comes to her while she is sleeping she believes it all to be in her dreams so it must therefore “be all fine.” 

Do come and see the fireworks that ensue when Menelaus comes home early and discovers the lovers!

Fully staged and sung in English with an orchestra, tickets are now available, and the show runs from Tuesday 11th until Saturday 15th March.

Tickets from Devizes Books and hwww.ticketsource.co.uk/whitehorseopera

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Thieves Debut EP

Adam Woodhouse, Rory Coleman-Smith, Jo Deacon and Matt Hughes, aka Thieves, the wonderful local folk vocal harmony quartet of uplifting bluegrass into country-blues has aโ€ฆ

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People Liked Us; Devizes Premier Covers Band Call it a Day

A sunny July in 2018 and Iโ€™m in Hillworth Park for a Fantasy Radio live session, finally witnessing a Devizes based band Iโ€™d been adding the gigs of onto our calendar. With an especial distinctiveness People Like Us complimented Coldplay, nailed as Oasis, and breezed through Crowded House, but it was when they covered Every Little Thing She Does is Magic, and gifted us with their timeless rendition of Mr Blue Sky, sparks flew. It is sad to see them announce today that โ€œPeople Like Usโ€ is now in past tense. โ€œPeople Liked Usโ€, because they sure didโ€ฆ.

More appropriately, โ€œPeople Loved Us,โ€ twas to have observed a typical night in the Three Crowns in Devizes, where, if ecstatic frenzies of table top dancing amidst a crammed beer garden became something of a clichรฉ (which had to be culled for health and safety regulations,) I do declare the originators who evoked such wild party vibes with such an accomplished and respected homegrown sound, was People Like Us; I might be wrong on this, but if so, well, thereโ€™s a first for everything!

Okay, I mayโ€™ve compared the then four-piece visually to Scooby-Dooโ€™s gang, at the time, then worried afterwards they might take offense to it as they didnโ€™t tend to wear bell-bottoms and cravats, but it was the first time Iโ€™d seen a band use a cajon drum, and the effect came across with a decidedly Californian sixties pop panache, though with contemporary cover choices. Yet it will go down in the history of the local music circuit, that People Like Us bucked any deliberations folk may have against cover bands by stamping their unique take on classic pop songs, and thrilled every audience.

Only a couple of years after they formed, they seemed to crop everywhere, from pub gig to fete, and wherever they did they brought the party with them, compulsively. All vocalising harmoniously, People Like Us was made up of prolific keyboardist Nicky Davis, Claire Gilchrist on kick drums, who would depart from the band a year later, Andy โ€œPipโ€ Phillips on cajรณn and guitarist Dean Ellicock. Since leaving the band Claire embarked on a solo career, performed with six-piece function band LiveWired, and has created local music promotional Facebook page Bird is the Word. The remaining three, Nicky, Dean and Pip carried on People Like Us, clocking up nine years of service to the local music scene.

But in a shock Facebook announcement today, they said โ€œweโ€™ve decided itโ€™s time to bring People Like Us to a close. Weโ€™ve had an incredible time over the last nine years and want to thank each and every one of you who came to a gig, booked us for an event, danced and sang for us and genuinely reminded us how lucky we were to be able to entertain you. Itโ€™s been a pretty awesome run for a project that was just meant to be a bit of fun here and there!โ€

While it certainly has, the group gave the cloud a silver lining, reminding fans Pip is still part of Finley Truslerโ€™s The Unpredictables, and Nicky continues the even longer running band, The Reason, and theyโ€™ll no doubt join again for the annual The Female of the Species fundraiser.

If this is buttering up a sad situation, itโ€™s a good and acceptable one, still, we will miss you all as People Like Us, wish you all the best for your existing and future projects, and declare your honourable and thoroughly deserved place in our local music hall of fame, with a big gold framed portrait…..if, erm, I was a portrait artist, which I’m not, and if I attempted it you’d really look like Scooby’s gang then, so maybe it’s best I don’t. I’ll just quote Abba instead, (which is not as rare a thing as you might imagine it to be) and say, “thank you for the music!”

Two-Tone Icons, The Beat Headline Devizes Scooter Rally 2025

Matthew Murphy, or Ranking Junior, son of the late Roger Charlery, aka Ranking Roger vocalist of eighties Two-Tone ska band, The Beat and new wave collective General Public has settled into the shoes of his father and now fronts a reformation of The Beat, which tours extensively. This includes our blossoming scooter rally in Devizes this coming summerโ€ฆ.

If thereโ€™s two types of scooter rally and scooterist festivals in the UK, the boss events like Skamouth and BSRA nationals, and those locally-based eensy events constituting little more than a beer garden with DJ, showy hairdryers and undercooked hotdogs, Devizes Scooter Clubโ€™s annual rally has sat between the opposing levels, aspiring to better the value of municipal rallies. In its fifth year, Devizes Scooter Rally sets a president above them, striving to create the kind of environment more suitable for those mainstream โ€œbossโ€ events, yet retains the communal atmosphere of smaller events; thatโ€™s its magnitude; it is a blessing to our town to host it.

It does this by staging an impressive, tried and tested lineup in a hospitable and affordable atmosphere. Itโ€™s the Mardi Gras of the club, and members work tirelessly to welcome guests and design the perfect setting. This is not me flattering them, last year I spoke to several guests at the rally, from all over the UK, who stated, (in their own subtle and slightly dribbling way) the reason they love this event is precisely this balance between the electric atmosphere of a local event yet packing the punch of an established larger oneโ€ฆor words to that effect!

Whilst music at the rally has always been first-class, names might not be so recognisable to those outside the scooterist niche. This is set to change, as Birminghamโ€™s The Beat were one of the key bands in the UK ska revival of the late โ€˜70s and โ€˜80s, and managed to crossover to the mainstream. Youโ€™ll all remember Mirror in the Bathroom, Hands off Sheโ€™s Mine, and so many others, my personal favourite, Canโ€™t Get Used to Losing You. Youโ€™ll all be up dancing, and making that essential Full Stop, Iโ€™m sure.

Set for the weekend of 25th-27th July, the rally for 2025 also boasts The return of the Butterfly Collective, Small Faces tribute, Small Fakers, Wardour Street, Cardiffโ€™s The Brew, and DJs of the Soul Pressure sound system, but, thing is, youโ€™ve only a couple of days to get your early bird wristband. Facebook message the Devizes Scooter Club, or call 078088 49965 now!

Goldsteppers at Devizes Scooter Rally 2024

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You; Lucas Hardy Teams With Rosie Jay

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

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Bands At The Bridge

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

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Jamsters; A New Initiative For Musicians at The Southgate

Bob Marley sang โ€œjamminโ€™ โ€˜til the jam is through,โ€ Jimmy Cricketโ€™s catchphrase was โ€œcomeโ€™ere, thereโ€™s more,โ€ but it looks like The Southgate in Devizes is combining the two. Jamsters is landlord Daveโ€™s new initiative to provide a Friday night platform for loose groupings and associations created at their regular jam sessions each Wednesdayโ€ฆ.

The inaugural occurrence of this happened in November, with JP Oldfield, Gordon Thompson and Sammi Evans, this Friday, 10th Jan, sees the turns of Ben Borril, Chrissy โ€œSteenโ€ Chapman of Burn the Midnight Oil, Adam Spanswick and George (not the pub dog!) and they kick off at 8pm. We understand this is to become a monthly occasion,and are happy to hear of it!

Wednesdays jam sessions have been in operation for some years now at the Gate, and have become something of a regular convention for local musicians to gather and network. Perhaps more so even than open mic nights, these jam sessions not only provide entertainment, practice, and the chance of making friends and connections, but are also an opportunity for our local musicians to experiment and see who works well together. During its time weโ€™ve seen collaborations and bands formatted from it, such as Pat Ward and Ben Borrillโ€™s Matchbox Mutiny and Tom Harrisโ€™ No Alarms And No Devizes.

Now, with a monthly instalment of this Friday night extension of the jam sessions, we hope to see more groupings form and flourish from it. Through all the current hardships of the hospitality industry, The Southgate continue to buck the trend through their dedication to making the pub a friendly, affordable, and welcoming place and, supporting, not the recognisable big names rather upcoming local musicians; the like whoโ€™ll mingle with the punters and be glad you came. Thatโ€™s itโ€™s community feel and thatโ€™s itโ€™s grand appealโ€ฆ I hope to see you down there soon, mineโ€™s a pint of Rosieโ€™s Pig, cheers!! 

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Soupchick in the Park

And there was me thinking nothing good comes out of a Monday! Today local bistro Soupchick, popular in the Devizesโ€™ Shambles opened their second branch,โ€ฆ

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Devizine Review of 2024 Part 1: Jan to July

Featured Image: Gail Foster

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, weโ€™re not looking forwards, weโ€™re looking backwards, at how 2024 passed here at Devizine Towersโ€ฆ..

Start with stats, โ€˜cos after 2023โ€™s doubling on hits from 2022, we failed to make a similar hike, achieving about 9% less hits than 2023. Iโ€™m not going to lose sleep over it, it was a great year, but figure thereโ€™s a few reasons for this drop. Firstly, despite a shock general election, Iโ€™ve tried to avoid controversy and local political satirical slants as much as possible. Unfortunately itโ€™s often me playing the grumpy old toad which gains attention, but I really wanted to focus more on arts and entertainment news, as thatโ€™s 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, thereโ€™s 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. Whatโ€™s my opinion of Starmer so far? Not impressive, thatโ€™s for sure, but by comparison with the circus of thieves which was the last government I think weโ€™re in a better place overall. Iโ€™m certainly not going to jump the bandwagon in disparaging him, knowing the alternative is this growing trend for fascism. Though itโ€™s not the shouty sort of fascism of the Third Reich, itโ€™s 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 weโ€™ve built here, and report on happenings, because left up to local press weโ€™d 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 youโ€™ve been contemplating that Devizine simply isnโ€™t funny anymore, Iโ€™ll reveal my best jokes are being saved for a book Iโ€™m near to finishing. I think youโ€™ll like it, itโ€™s absolute filth! And lastly, currently Iโ€™m so utterly fed up with social media. Itโ€™s 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 someoneโ€™s head, they take it the wrong way, get offended and execute a witch hunt against me. Itโ€™s all so petty and obnoxious, akin to road rage, rather than the creative outlet of its potential, and likely, original intention.

If itโ€™s not bombarding me with targeted adverts as a constant reminder Iโ€™m 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, thatโ€™s why they do it.

As a result Iโ€™ve massively reduced my screen time for such wet fart dribbles. Iโ€™ll 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, Iโ€™m 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 Iโ€™m 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 Dadโ€™s Bigger Than Your Dad Festival, Nโ€™Faly 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 Groupโ€™s 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 weโ€™ve 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 canโ€™t make up a golden scoop like that!!

February

Still wintery, we looked into SoupChickโ€™s 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 Brookfieldโ€™s 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 Groupโ€™s 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 didnโ€™t 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 Councilโ€™s 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 Chloeโ€™s feat might yet have been slightly upstaged by our Brian, who discovered Led Zeppelinโ€™s mystery thatcher, became a national hero to prog rock fans, and was the subject of a Wiltshire Museum exhibit.

We previewed FearFreeโ€™s fashion show at the Condado Lounge, Devizes Musical Theatreโ€™s 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 โ€œRENTโ€ 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 โ€œDevizes 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 Donelanโ€™s 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 Operaโ€™s Pucciniโ€™s โ€œLa Bohemeโ€ at Lavington School,

Six:Teen Edition, Devizes Music Academyโ€™s first show, Paloozaโ€™s 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, Nobodyโ€™s 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. โ€œSkylightโ€ at the Rondo Theatre. โ€œThe Thrill of Loveโ€ and โ€œAnd 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 Operaโ€™s 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 Knightโ€™s Gigspanner at Pound Arts Centre. Ian covered โ€œThe Incident Roomโ€ at the Rondo Theatre, โ€œSister Actโ€ at St. Augustineโ€™s, and โ€œThe 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 โ€œLabour Party Could Change Star Wars Day to โ€˜Sci-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 Marlboroughโ€™s Sound Knowledge. I caught I See Orange at The Pump with Devizes-own Steatopygous.

Ian checked out โ€œThe Collaboratorsโ€ at the Rondo Theatre, and โ€œWhereโ€™s 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 Wharfโ€™s 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 Festivalโ€™s 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, thatโ€™s 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 didnโ€™t take it on the chin! โ€œMichelle 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, โ€œWOK 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 DOCAโ€™s 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 DOCAโ€™s Picnic in the Park, in which I played compere, in a giraffe onesie! Happy days.

Ian went to My Dadโ€™s 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 Iโ€™ve 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, โ€œFaithโ€ at the Rondo Theatre, and โ€œMacbethโ€ 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, thatโ€™s what summer is for, not worrying about politics, it all ends with the same poor results. I believe it doesnโ€™t matter who is at number ten, and while itโ€™s 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, Iโ€™m done with politics, and feel Devizine should focus on supporting the arts and entertainment as much as possible.

And thatโ€™s the end of the first half of this 2024 review, weโ€™ll 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 gloomโ€ฆ..I hope!!      

The Rise of Winter Festivals

Once upon a time it seemed to me, that folk would grin and bear the winter weather for the sake of a Christmas lights switching on type of event, then batten down the hatches and hibernate like hedgehogs until spring. Nowadays you need not wait till summer for music festivals; winterfests are a thingโ€ฆ..

For those who cannot wait for the blossoming, and need a big fix of music and arts right now, here’s some local winter festivals to unravel their scarves and remove their bobble hats:

Bradford Roots Festival

Firstly, a well established winter occasion, Bradford Roots Festival at the wonderful Wiltshire Music Centre in Bradford-on-Avon. This is happening as a Saturday only event this year, on the 18th January. Our Andy reported on this one some years ago, and I snatched coverage of it off him, realising the โ€œRootsโ€ in its title refers more to hosting local acts of a variety of genres, not just a folk festival as it might be wrongly conceived as. It has become something of an unmissable winter local music convention, especially feeling like this being housed under the one roof of this purpose-built venue.

Wiltshire Music Centre are leaking names for the lineup individually on their Facebook page, the incredible Becky Lawrence being the first reveal. You can rest assured, though, based on past experience, this will be a whoโ€™s-who of local acts, over five stages. WIth an open mic stage, late-night transatlantic folk sessions, a family-friendly daytime with Wassail and childrenโ€™s arts and crafts, food & drink, a mini makerโ€™s market, and more, this is a delightfully warming occasion. You can choose from an All Day ticket (11am โ€“ 10.00pm) or an Evening Session ticket (7pm โ€“ 10.00pm) ยฃ25 / ยฃ13.50 All Day, ยฃ12 / ยฃ7 Evening. U12 free with an adult.ย 

Devizes International Blues Festival

Same date, different town, if Devizes has a penchant for the blues, luckily supports the Long Street Blues Club which hosts international blues artists, and the current Mayor Ian Hopkins is the organiser of the club, you can trust when it comes to the compulsory organisation ofย Mayorโ€™s Appeal events itโ€™s going to be a blast.ย ย ย ย 

Saturday 18th January sees the first Devizes Blues Festival inside the Corn Exchange. It promises โ€œto create an intimate blues club in the Ceres Hall around tables and seating is just limited to 250 guests.โ€ One of the greatest contemporary blues guitarists hailing from the south side of Chicago, Toronto Cannon, Nora Jean Wallace, a Chicago blues singer with deep Delta roots, John Primer, one of the kings of Chicago blues and original guitarist in Muddy Watersโ€™ band, singer Oscar Wilson and harmonica genius Giles Robson, you can guarantee have been cherry-picked by the expertise of Long Street. Tickets on sale now. ยฃ50.00 in advance.

DOCA Festival of Winter Ales

If the Blues Festival is new to Devizes, of course the town has had a winter festival for a number of years, and surprise, surprise, itโ€™s all about booze! The DOCA fundraising WInter of Festive Ales is on Saturday 15th February, early bird tickets are up for grabs and itโ€™s vital to the future of DOCA to support this, if you can. There will be a massive selection of beers and ciders to try with some quality music and cabaret to entertain you, we just donโ€™t know what they are yet!

Figgle Winter Festival

While I confess, thereโ€™s still a lot of updating to our event calendar to be done to bring 2025 to full fruition, and no doubt details of more winter festivals will come to light. Events like Figgle Winter Fest on the 1st Feb at Figheldean Village Hall, with a great and varied lineup of All Floyd, Strange Folk, Break Cover, The P45s, Lump, The Zucchinis, and one of our favourite upcoming stars, Rosie Jay. 

Swinterfest

But itโ€™s over to Swindon where we really need to concentrate, for the Swindon Shuffle is saving one big Christmas cracker for the end of January! The Shuffle offers us a scaled down in quantity but not quality version of their annual fundraiser for Prospect Hospice, on the weekend starting Thursday 30th January. Swinterfest is now a thing, and it looks set to warm live music in Swindon. The Shuffle really is a blessing late summer, when you can wander Old Town and beyond and discover so much live music itโ€™s impossible to take it all inโ€ฆ and itโ€™s free too, save for collection buckets for the hospice. It is therefore a safe bet Swinterfest will be off the scale awesome too!

Swinterfest is scaled down to one pub per day, saves wandering the nippy night air. Thursday at the Tuppenny with Courting Ghosts, Canutes Plastic Army, Will Lawton and George Wilding starts it off in style; we love all this with cherries on. Friday, the 31st Jan and itโ€™s all down The Vic for a punkier gig with All Ears Avow, Modern Evils, Not Warriors, Adder and our personal pick of this bunch, I See Orange.

Saturday night at Swinterfest is down the Castle, with our picks Meg and Nothing Rhymes WIth Orange, and also new ones on us, Stay Lunar, Wild Isles, Oojah, The Vivas and more are promised too. Sunday is the Beehiveโ€™s turn to play host, with our recommendations being Subject A, SN Dubstation, Concrete Prairie, and Fly Yeti Fly, and newcomers to us, Joe Kelly, Carnival Saloon and Sebastian and Me. Swinterfest may be a new venture, but, well, look at the fantastic lineup, the choicest one of all; it beats a brown snowball in the chops, in my humble opinion!ย 

As I said, Iโ€™m sure more winter festivals will come to our attention as time moves on, so keep an eye on our event calendar, but for now I think thatโ€™s plenty to warm your cockles, and massively reduce those post Christmas winter blues.

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Family Easter Holiday Events

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

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Whatโ€™s Happening New Years Eve in Wiltshire 2024

With the big C ticked off, thereโ€™s one big push for the final night of 2024. Time to throw off all your aggravations, like who keeps putting the empty wrappers back into the Quality Street container. The busiest Tuesday of the year is coming up fast, and we have thirty-five options in Wiltshire of where to celebrate it, and countingโ€ฆโ€ฆ

Devizes

Starting off at our base, Devizes with a jam potato at the Southgate, where Jamie Hawkins, Tom Harris and Pat Ward are taking them into the New Year. Soundhog Karaoke takes over The Three Crowns. Thereโ€™s a Back to Skool New Yearโ€™s Eve Party at the Pelican. All of these are free. DJs The Original PJ & Mister M have a party at The Bear Ballroom, ticketed. Also on the door, The Exchange has a fancy dress party with DJ Maggs. The Conservative Club has DJ Andy Saunders and live music from The Saga Louts, ticketed.

Around and about Devizes, find a party at Seend Community Hall. The Reason plays The Green Dragon in Market Lavington.

Pewsey

Pewsey area, thereโ€™s a New Years Eve Party at Woodborough Social Club. Woodbridge Inn has the Muddy Drifters, plus guests and a free buffet. And Rich the Ditch is on decks at The Barge on HoneyStreet. Find No Middle Ground at the Royal British Legion Hall in Burbage.

Marlborough

An acoustic NYE at The Bear in Marlborough with Bodge It And Scarper, free. At St Peterโ€™s, thereโ€™s a Great Gatsby New Yearโ€™s Eve Party, ticketed. 

Calne

Six Oโ€™Clock Circus plays the Talbot in Calne. Plan of Action at The Jenny Wren. DJ Caztro at The Wheatsheaf, all free.

Melksham

Free at Melksham Cons Club, The Blue Moon Band. Raindrops at Spencerโ€™s Club, tickets from the club. New Yearโ€™s Eve Party at the Forresters. Band of Others at The White Hart, Atworth. 

Chippenham

Burbank at Old Lane, Chippenham. Opera Sulis presents Opera Pops and Broadway Beats with DJ Bobbi for a New Yearโ€™s Eve Extravaganza at Wine Monkey.

Trowbridge

Be Like Will are at The Gloucester Road Cons Club in Trowbridge. Thereโ€™s a NYE party at the Civic Hall. And a Boaty Extravaganza at The Twelve Bells, see poster below..

Hungerford

Static Moves play the Hungerford Town Football Club.

Swindon

In Swindon, if youโ€™re a metaller be at the Vic, where Nu-Call have A Nu-Metal New Years. And ravers head to Levels.

Salisbury

George Wilding is with Jolyon Dixon & Rachel Sinnetta at The New Inn, Amesbury.

In Salisbury, Total Recall is at the Coach and Horses. Lucas Hardy & Paul Furtado at The George & Dragon. Ribble at the New Inn. Tom & The Clementynes at Qudos. Linz Sutton at the Anchor & Hope. Karaoke with Evie at the Greyfisher. The Treblemakers at Laverstock & Ford Sports Club. The Deloreons at  Salisbury Arts Centre.

Frome

 New Years Eve Party at the Cheese & Grain in Frome, with The Hammervilles.

And thatโ€™s a wrap. I think thereโ€™s plenty to choose from there, but Iโ€™m sure there will be more, so keep your best eye on our ever updating event calendarโ€ฆ.and have a Happy New Year! There’s all the info and ticket links you need on the calendar.

Didn’t find your event here? Did you tell me about it?! Ah, there you are then, new year’s resolution, tell Devizine and get your gig listed FREE!

It’s a Barrelhouse Here, Long Live The Southgate!

Hey look, I’m done playing nice. Been good all year, but if Santa’s list starts afresh from now, I’m on for a bag of coal next yule; all in the name of honest opinion. I’ve been venturing elsewhere for entertainment, else hibernating like a little hedgehog, Saturday night before the big C, working hard, and all I ask is for a good night in Devizes, wet me whistle, and for that we have The Southgate, accept no substituteโ€ฆ..

Caught an early bus into D-town, it’s been a while. I thought hey, check out this Pour House I’ve been hearing about; much ado about nothing, what a premature wank into a sock that place is. Boasts the widest selection of drinks in town, and toffs gather there in a corridor to waffle shite, but I fact checked the bar, only one brand of cider. Best part of seven quid into Jeremy Clarkson’s grubby billionaire fake-farmer mitts, which wouldn’t be so bad if the owner had a grasp of basic manners. 

In two words, legal tender. Young lad served my pint onto the bar and in turn I attempted to hand him a tenner. Grasping the glass as tight as he could, the owner intercepted and snarled โ€œit’s card only!โ€ With his other hand he thrusted his machine under my nose. Glaring at me like I’d murdered his family, he held his hand around the drink until the card machine accepted my payment and only then did he release it, without another word. Maybe someone inked the word โ€œpeasantโ€ on my forehead, regardless, it wasn’t particularly welcoming; I ended up sitting outside, feeling I’d be exiled by class, drinking quickly and listening to the sound of the town hall’s tarpaulin wafting in the December wind.

Compare and contrast to my final destination, The Southgate, a benchmark of how to run a pub and stalwart of creating a welcoming atmosphere. I’m fondly greeted by bar staff, landlord Dave, and even George the dog acknowledged my presence in his own subtle way! Then my hard-earned cash is accepted and I’m served scrumpy at just over half the price than that of The โ€œPoorโ€ House, with a smile. By past experience I expected nothing less. Despite my recent absence, I feel at home, reunited; everyone is made to feel at home here.

For seven years the Southgate has held the title of the best pub in Devizes in my personal opinion, and still nothing seems to be available to challenge this. And for those seven years, Devizine has been reporting their dedication to local music fondly, with the wobbliest out of focus images any blog has ever provided the world over! What? I’m too busy having a ball; they looked alright at the time!!

Hats must also be tipped, though, to the longstanding king of pubs in town, The British Lion, the diverse offering of the Muck & Dunder, and to that of Simon and his hardworking staff at the Three Crowns, for providing the perfect lively option for the millennials. The Southgate and all these fine establishments go above and beyond to create an environment far beyond the replication of a front room, challenging the newfangled fallacy you’d be better off buying drinks from the supermarket and staying at home. If economically you might, socially you wouldn’t, and that’s the cornerstone of public houses; if a landlord abuses this, their pub will unfortunately not survive these days. For example, I went into a pub once, and they were watching Eastenders on the big screen. That particular boozer is no more. I rest my case.

If my criticism of this poor house feels a smidgen unfair, you should note I reserve my right to express an opinion, which this is. A better angle would be to point out its popularity and welcome any drinking establishment to town. In part I do, yet it is with concern that to normalise a bar which is unwelcoming or cherrypicks clientรจle is damaging the reputation of the entire industry.

It sure is a busy week at the Southgate, but they retain their smiles. Wednesday saw likely the biggest turnout to the regular acoustic jam, virtually a whos-who of local musicians amassed. Thursday saw the monthly residency of the Jon Amor Trio shifted from its usual Sunday slot, whereas this Sunday sees groundbreaking local band Burn the Midnight Oil holding a charity fundraiser. This Saturday though, it’s โ€œvintage blues with a hard edged groove,โ€ from the simpatico Barrelhouse. If their style sounds niche, it’s apt to Devizesโ€™ penchant for blues, and besides, they deliver it in such a manner it’s got universal appeal. An appeal which has made them favourites on the Marlborough circuit, their home turf, which has over the past couple of years spread to Devizes too.

Barrelhouse is also apt here, because a barrelhouse is another name for a juke joint, an Afro-American blues shack, and while the Southgate’s musical programme is diverse, it is more often than not, hosting blues or blues related rock, as this is favourite with the regulars. As the drinks flow, Barrelhouse evokes an epidemic of dancing, and the whole Southgate can be best compared to a juke joint. There’s good vibes all round, an amazingly communal and hospitable atmosphere; precisely what I came out looking for.

In the seven years I’ve attended the Southgate as regularly as possible, I have never, ever, heard one cross word, or seen a scuffle. Everyone is there to enjoy themselves, and that’s made easy with good management. If the music appeases the elder regulars, like rock or folk or blues, or if they’re introducing alternatives which attract more sporadic punters, the positive ambience of the Gate encapsulates them all, and they act in accordance. Be those times like when Monkey Bizzle brought us agricultural hip hop, or Devizes hometown teenage sensation Nothing Rhymes With Orange reduced the age demographic here, and any other of the plentiful examples I could give, the result is always the same, that being, it’s a hassle-free great night.

It’s the most dependable tavern I’ve ever warmed to, live music every Saturday, most Sundays, occasionally Fridays, then there’s acoustic jam Wednesdays, quizzes, and other weekday events. A hat for tips might occasionally be passed around, but no one has ever been asked to pay for a ticket. The Southgate has a carefree ethos, everyone is welcome, treated equally, and nothing is ever a problem; all this earns respect. Reasons that, despite the squeeze, musicians are queuing to play in this now legendary alcove. Dave showed me the list. They’re booked up till June, with various names listed aside acts which Dave would like to see returning but is struggling to fit them in.

Even with a fantastic Christmas party at Long Street Blues Club, Adam Woodhouse at the Three Crowns, and a busy schedule this weekend at the Gate, the crowds sign in to this eccentric, electric and humble watering hole, to drink, dance and be merry. The band members of Barrelhouse tell me how they love playing here, but it’s a compliment to the Southgate I’ve heard many times before by near-on every talented performer who’s graced us with their presence.

Long live the Southgate, and all who sail in her! In Devizes, accept no substituteโ€ฆ..

In Retrospect With Gary Martian

So yeah, not only has Cracked Machine and Clock Radio drummer Gary Martin added a letter A to his name to make it sound more extraterrestrial, heโ€™s also fired a sonic blast back to planet Earth in the form of a whopper of a solo rock album! In Retrospect does what it says on the tin, taking inspiration from his most treasured rock bands of yore, and does it loud and proudlyโ€ฆ..

Starter for ten, now Gary Martian, proves heโ€™s a supernova of a multi-instrumentalist, taking the helm of every aspect from guitar to drum and the recording, mastering and distribution of this heavily-laced monster. If Cracked Machine are known for returning us to those heady days of space-rock, the intro to the opening track Lifeboats feels this is going the same direction, but in seconds weโ€™re awash with slamming guitar and drum combos letting rip of a riff more akin to grunge. Whoa, it didnโ€™t even wait for me to attach keychains to my flared cargo trozzers.

Yet while thereโ€™s rising and falling influences from nineties grunge like Nirvana and Therapy? I also taste nods not only to pioneers of the Seattle sound like Alice in Chains, but a broader spectrum of alt-rock too, and even rooted at the few tender moments, with electric blues and the soundscapes of Floyd, such as the closing of a few tracks, one called Bang in particular. Thing is, this value for your dollar, twelve dynamite tracks perpetually exploding at an average full four minutes each, and an epilogue song, Red Handed running into the twenty-minute margin, sublimely. Time enough then to input a carrossel of nods to every influence which has inspired Gary over time.

And there are Syd Barrett moments of whimsical psychedelia, something about Your Coffee Table, thereโ€™s metal grinding like Pearl Jam, breezy moments of The Smashing Pumpkins, such as Summer in the Autumn, and brief commercially viable moments like Jane’s Addiction. โ€œItโ€™s a big-olโ€™ rock album,โ€ Gary told me, โ€œinspired by the bands I love.โ€

Iโ€™m not in my comfort zone connoting such heavy rock and nailing its influences, I confess. I just say what I like, and like recent outfits coming out of Swindon, I See Orange and Liddington Hill, this is the kind of thing which causes me to regret my ignorance to harder rock subgenres, particularly during the ravey nineties. I guess it was all that slushy โ€œsoft metalโ€ previously, for it was an impermanent trend which put me off track; still time for me to catch up, isnโ€™t there?!

This album erodes the Muppetโ€™s Animal stereotype of drummers just being drummers and bit bonkers, as Gary excels in mastering not only all the instruments required to stage an entire rock band, but also in the composition of them. In Retrospect was released across all streaming platforms and is downloadable from Bandcamp, at the beginning of the month, apologies for the delay, but this will rock your cosy Christmas foozies off!

Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, Deezer, etc…. https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/garymartian/in-retrospect

Youtube Music: https://music.youtube.com/playlist…

Amazon Music: https://amazon.co.uk/music/player/albums/B0DPHGW1MT…

Trending….

Situationships With Chloe Hepburn

A second single from Swindon Diva Chloe Hepburn, Situationships was released this week. With a deep rolling bassline, finger-click rhythm and silky soulful vocals, thisโ€ฆ

Devizes to Host New County-Wide Music Awards

I’m delighted to announce Devizine will be actively assisting to organise a new county-wide music awards administration, in conjunction with Wiltshire Music Events UK. Theโ€ฆ

Ruby, Sunday at the Gate

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

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

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

Burn the Midnight Oil; New Devizes-Based Band Youโ€™ll Be Hearing a Lot Aboutโ€ฆ.

Far from burning the midnight oil, itโ€™s a weekday afternoon and Iโ€™m with a cuppa, at a rehearsal for a blossoming Devizes-based trio, Burn the Midnight Oil. If youโ€™ve ever thought nothing great comes from open mics, this might be the thing to change your mindโ€ฆ.

Itโ€™s early days, forming in September, theyโ€™ve created a corporate identity, recorded a three-track demo theyโ€™re planning to launch, are busy writing more songs, and sound as if theyโ€™ve been on the local circuit forever. I wanted to catch up with Burn the Midnight Oil to find out how theyโ€™ve come so far so quickly, dig a little deeper into their backgrounds and generally poke my nose into their business.

First clue, theyโ€™ve varying areas and degrees of experience in music, but have found common ground through their medical issues. Front girl Chrissy, aka Steen, spoke of her PMDD, GAD and ADHD, and coming to faith during Covid at Devizesโ€™ St James. โ€œThere was a day I was like, really, really sobbing my heart out, and praying,โ€ she expressed, claiming she heard the โ€œbiggest, boomiest voice ever say โ€˜sing,โ€™ and two weeks later I was having videocall with a huge hip hop artist who was part of Foreign Beggars, which were massive during the 90s and early noughties.โ€ Landing a deal working for a record label Chrissy liaised with drum and bass producers, who asked her to โ€œjump in on the tracks,โ€ and she supplied vocals on tunes from artists like Beskar.

โ€œIt feels a bit serendipitous,โ€ she said, โ€œbecause I had no experience working as a social media manager, I had no business connecting with somebody who’s quite prestigious and I had no right to just jump on some tracks and with my first EP release going straight onto one of the biggest drum & bass labels in the UK.โ€ To which she compared the unforeseen development to meeting the band members, Andy โ€˜Big Birdโ€™ Jacobs and bassist Chris Lane.

Chrissy explained Chris has Marfan syndrome, โ€œI’ve known Chris for a while, but he’s very introverted,โ€ she elucidated, progressing onto finding a mutual neurodivergent connection and being a support system for each other. Chrissy formed a duo with a bassist called One Trick Pony, performed at a few open mics and organised charity fundraisers at the Southgate over the past two Christmases. When the bassist was unavailable due to other band commitments Chris stepped in, and they spawned the idea to reform the duo under a new name. Though not present at the beginning of our chat, Chris did turn up toward the end, either shy or forgetful as to just how many bands he’s currently engaged in!

Present and vocal throughout, lead guitarist Andy, told of a car accident which affected his nerves, and most of the dexterity in his fingers. Prior to this, Andy spoke of being a โ€œvery successful professional guitarist in London,โ€ a session and theatrical guitar player, citing Shirley Bassey as an artist he had worked with.

โ€œI could still play a bit,โ€ he explained, โ€œbut my career was over, which was a bit of a downer.โ€ Playing his part in an amateur blues band, Andy went into social care management, โ€œbut Covid triggered an illness in me called Barry Syndrome,โ€ he told me, โ€œWhich completely paralysed me from my neck down overnight. I was in hospital for six months. My wife was told I probably wouldnโ€™t last the night. On the two occasions I didn’t see her for six months because there was no access, I was told I’d never walk again.โ€

Andy put his recovery down to the bicycle in the gym, and though he didnโ€™t imagine he would play guitar again, he expressed, โ€œit was all a bit tragic and horrible, but slowly I got a little bit back and I started picking the guitar up again. After about six months, I came out of hospital. I just started playing again, just acoustic, and I that’s when I went up to The Crown [open mic at The Crown, Bishops Cannings] and I played a couple of pieces there.โ€ Within those pieces, he asked Chrissy to sing them.

They trialled a drummer, โ€œbut he wasn’t the right fit and he knew he wasn’t,โ€ Chrissy said. โ€œSo he very graciously said I’m going to walk away from this because I’m not the right drummer for you, which is a really nice thing to say. But I think we’re percussive enough with how we play.โ€ Considering their medical tribulations they joked about getting the legendary one-armed drummer from Def Leppard. โ€œYou know, like one arm, one leg, not as long as they’re opposite sides of one another, one each side, that would be silly!โ€

Now, if music is therapeutic, I wanted to gage if that was their reasoning for the band, but burning the midnight oil isnโ€™t best medically advised over a strong cup of coco and an early night! Chrissy explained the band name derived from her staying awake all night drafting the songwriting, rather than the notion they were rock, rolling, and burning the candle at both ends.

Chrissy passionately talked of being a survivor of domestic abuse. โ€œIf you’re a woman with ADHD, you’re more likely to attract people with narcissistic tendencies,โ€ she explained, justifying her โ€œhorrible cycleโ€ sheโ€™s trying to break, โ€œof quite abusive relationships,โ€ and how this is reflected in her songwriting. โ€œThere’s a lot of resilience and hope that comes from the songs. I’m on a journey of healing. I think we’re all on a journey of healing, and Iโ€™ve always used the music as a form of therapy. If I can get my experiences onto paper, it’s like I’m not affected by it.โ€

Andy agreed, spoke of his consistent neurological pain, โ€œbut when I’m playing it just goes. I don’t think about it. I’m just so intense in the music. I mean, it’s just my passion.โ€ He began reminiscing of his instant attraction to guitar when, on his first day at secondary school, the music teacher putting a guitar in his hand, and that was his calling.  โ€œI wanted to be a professional guitar player, and nothing would stop me.โ€

If this is all beginning to feel like Iโ€™m in a support group here, the proof is the pudding, and the three tracks theyโ€™ve put down so far suggests otherwise. With harmonica and wavering strings opening, Lock Up has a rootsy blues feel, Chrissyโ€™s vocals poignantlyย express the theme of the arrival of mysterious and dubious fellow, expertly, and the whole vibe is nonchalant and smooth.

Scapegoat ushers in a more upbeat bluegrass air, with a deadpan subject, and Werewolf posing similar tenet, yet tips back into blues, and probably contains the most beguiling hook. Throughout though, thereโ€™s an intelligent balance between Americana and UK folk-rock, bags of potential, and the stylised promise of a blossoming band heading for something far greater.

In trying to think of a suitable female-fronted comparison, I changed to consider The Doors in the end, for the composition of three individuals with varying influences combining to create a timeless sound is how Iโ€™d pitch them both. On songwriting Chrissy connoted a song she was working on called Devil You Know, โ€œbecause statistically you’re more likely, as a woman, to be raped by somebody you know,โ€ she said. โ€œIt’s not about being dragged into the bushes, and that’s been my experience I’m really trying to connect with, those darker sides of life experiences, because life’s hard, it’s not any an easy ride for anyone.โ€ Using a metaphor comparing a paper cut to a broken leg, Chrissy conveyed an expression she said she was fond of, that โ€œpain is pain. I really want to connect with people of over-shared experiences like this, in the hopes that music could be healing.โ€

It’s the most common conviction of dedicated singer-songwriters to want your audience to identify with your outpourings, otherwise your voice is just an instrument, and you are just a pop singer. Though within the masses of potential for Burn the Midnight Oil I hear scope for commercial viability, itโ€™s through their personal reflections and devotion to support one another which I feel will strengthen their ability to convey the image they desire. After a successful first gig last weekend at The Kings Arms in Amesbury, arranged by Wiltshire Music Events, Burn the Midnight Oil are looking forward to a fundraiser at the Devizes Southgate on Sunday 22nd December. See the poster below, thereโ€™s raffle prizes et al.

Chrissy has a solo set at the Lamb in Urchfont this afternoon (15th Dec) supporting Vince Bell, the most modest of Devizes acoustic legends, who Chrissy cited as assisting her in developing her songwriting talent. Promising things are afoot here, and youโ€™ll be chuffed with yourself to witness it blossoming, I believe.

โ€œSeeing us as a brand and my understanding of working in the industry,โ€ Chrissy figured, โ€œis like, actually the music isn’t the product, we’re the product and I really want to share that journey, make it personal for everybody.โ€

With folk songs drafted about the origins of tiramisu, odes to Morticia and Gomez Addams, Steen justified her thought processes and random muses, the latter being an โ€œepitome of a really healthy, loving relationship,โ€ in a tenacious yet optimistic manner to direct her developing subjects didnโ€™t all focus on โ€œthe bad things that happened to me.โ€ Though I find itโ€™s the ability to use such as metaphoric examples and include them into a combination which will really make the hairs on the back of our necks stand up, and theyโ€™ve the greatest potential to do this.

ย I’m hoping one day I can write a happy song,โ€ she mused, โ€œbut the style is, well, you know, you donโ€™t choose the songs, the songs choose you.โ€ And so ensued a conversation about the differences between the melancholy of Dylan and wild romantic images Springsteen tended to paint, for thereโ€™s always exceptions to the rule, they both broke their own style at times, but pictures, I think youโ€™ve got this one now; Burn the Midnight Oil is a name we will be hearing a lot of over next year.

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Results of Salisbury Music Awards

All images: ยฉ๏ธ JS Terry Photography An awards ceremony to celebrate the outstanding musical talent within the city, aptly titled The 2024 Salisbury Music Awards,โ€ฆ

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Devizes Upgraded: We’re a Two-Greggs Town Now, and You Know What that Meansโ€ฆ..

Exciting news, isn’t it? Enough to cause me to skip merrily through the daisies in my garden as naked as a cherub, and sing its praises from every rooftop from here to Wellington Drive.…

โ€œOh hear ye, oh hear ye, Devizes hath been blessed! Devizes, oh, Devizes, magically upgraded from a one to a two-Greggs town!โ€ fairies chant over a maid tinkering on a harpsichord, sprinkling their fairy dust in jubilation. Wonโ€™t someone sign me into my Facebook account so I can spread word of it pronto: twelve โ€œlikesโ€ and counting, three are love heart emojis, yay! I blush at my popularity and bite into my steak bake milliseconds before it gets cold.

Yesh, brothers, sisters, true as I sit here typing this crap, another Greggs bakery chainstore has majestically opened in Devizes like the second coming of a prophet, making us a two-Greggs town now, and you know what that meansโ€ฆ.

You do know what that means, donโ€™t you? No, neither do I, really. They have pasties with peas in them; peas have no home in a pasty, thatโ€™s too much of a trigger. Job opportunities, perhaps, and thatโ€™s good, right? The notion that one quick swerve from the congested fury on London Road, and you can be refreshed with a lukewarm cuppa and a salty dog-meat sausage roll as traffic builds up behind you. You need no longer to stop off in the Market Place and realise there are better quality local produces available, and that has to be the winner winner chicken baguette dinner, hands down. At least it beats knowing you’re funding a convicted nonce, eh?

Otherwise, I see no valid reason to jump for joy. Swindon has thirteen Greggs, Chippenham has four; do you see them wetting their knickers when another opens? We donโ€™t even beat electronic talking Christmas treeโ€™d Melksham, dammit, theyโ€™ve got threeโ€ฆ and donโ€™t get me started on the Golden Arches. Unfair, Devizes Town Council, just because no one has actually ever applied to open a Maccy-Dโ€™s here, doesnโ€™t mean you shouldnโ€™t pull your bloody fingers out and kidnap Ronald McDonald until he starts supplying his celebrated Fillet-0-Fishes and McNuggets here. Damn your eyes, sirs, and look around at the desperate and needy fast food generation, see their tiny tears welling!

Stop catering to a yesteryear generation, eating on plates is soooo last millennium; we’ve surpassed Wimpy and demand our pointless packaging.

For what is a town without the splattering of unwanted pickles on its pavements? What is the measure of a place where rat-enticing decomposing chicken bones in a Colonel Sanders bucket isnโ€™t found dumped down every alleyway, I cry? Hark, the sound of a Deliveroo moped on an otherwise quiet evening? These are the things upcoming generations will hold in dearest retrospection upon reaching maturity. But come, let us flock around this new arrival in awe, on this December slow news day, for it is all we have and we learn to make do; save Subway, of course, where seven of your best earned quids will see you handling a BLT roll, you total ledge.

Ah, monopolisation has found a new home in Devizes and to hell with the independent bakeries, I chortle like a chav, as my belt buckle bursts from the weight of more cholesterol-hugging delights. Factual reporting here you know, I researched for this bitch of a scoop. Queues out the door and through the Shambles to get a Greggs at the Winter Festival, there was, while independent eateries a stoneโ€™s throw away nervously twitched their feet at the hope someone might drop by. And thatโ€™s reason enough to justify the opening of a second Greggs, question what have we become, and munch happily into our affordable pepperoni pizza slice till the watery juice stains our shirts. 

Yeah, come over to mine, mate, celebrate its magnificent arrival; weโ€™ve got a gazebo in the garden, going to play some Pop-Up Pirate and get some tandoori chicken baguettes in. Whoa, chicken? I thought that was โ€œwokeโ€ now? The Daily Fail said it so itโ€™s true, numpties! Get a โ€œreal,โ€ pea-less pasty and shop for savoury delights from local purveyors, please.

Kebabgate in Devizes, Shock Horror; We Agree With Cllr Wallis!

To have kebab, or not to have kebab, that is the question in Devizes at the moโ€™: Whether ’tis nobler in the mind to make do with the fish n chips of outrageous fortune, or to take arms against a sea of troubles, by walking to Folly Road opposingly, and end them! Where do I stand on the Town Councilโ€™s rejection of an insensitive and opportunistic application for a whopper of a kebab van in the Market Place, you might ask; much as I love a kebab, I stand with themโ€ฆ.

Backstory as fast as possible first for those not in the know. The Kebab House on Northgate Street in Devizes, a well respected institution in our town renowned for the finest takeaways unfortunately burned down last month, leaving owner and family man Mustafa Suna devastated, without a business, and his staff to have lost their jobs. Though locals rallied behind fundraising for the victims of the incident, they were shocked to hear of an outside application to Wiltshire Council for a ten-foot kebab van to rock up in the Market Place, flogging burgers, kebabs and everything the Kebab House once did, twenty-four seven.

The public reaction to a Gazette & Herald report on the application, 1st of December, shared on The Devizes Issue Facebook group, was rightfully that it was an insensitive move given the circumstances, an opportunist muscling in and profiteering on a tragic circumstance. All fine and dandy when commenting on Facebook, but given the occasion youโ€™ve had a few bevvies and feel like soaking them up with a kebab, would townsfolk be so willing to adhere to the notion a kebab van in the town centre is unfair on the owners and staff of The Kebab House and consequently boycott it? I think the temptation would be too much for many!  

The original report by the local newspaper appeared to show no consideration for Sunaโ€™s loss, blazening the news as a good thing. This only worsened the negative reaction, that this was unfair on the part of Mustafa Suna and his staff.

Councillor Iain Wallis stepped in, and stated, โ€œas the Wiltshire Councillor for the area I have already made very clear to public protection that I object to this application. I would be unlikely to object to an application from the Kebab House and would support them if a workable plan was put forward and supported by the town council. I see this application as taking advantage of the situation and I do not support it.โ€ 

Though the jury is still out for Wiltshire Council to make their minds up if to allow the application for the kebab van, the responsibility for managing the Market Place falls upon Devizes Town Council, who have rejected the proposal. Iain told the Gazette, โ€œwe discussed the licence from someone unknown for a kebab van in the Market Place, this was turned down. I think everyone agreed that this wasnโ€™t the right thing to do but everyone also agreed that if The Kebab House came forward then we would look as a council at what solutions we could offer.โ€ Well done to Devizes Town Council, particularly Iain, if you are to read this, though I doubt you will.

Obviously we get sticky seconds on this and other scoops, and a little plagiarism of the articles is necessary to form an opinion piece needed to express the concerns of the public, as the newspaper isnโ€™t in a suitable place to do so with equal gusto. It was unnecessary and tactless too, on Newsquestโ€™s part, I feel, to have covered this sensitive issue at all while it was only an application. But if the article raised concern with the public and councillors took heed of that outcry, then perhaps the seemingly clickbait intentions of the paper came up trumps in the end. The question needed to be answered is if the council would have still rejected the application without the online public outcry?

Lots of people have understandingly expressed, and particularly anyone living nearby, that the Market Place is an unsuitable location for such a street food vendor, though under the circumstances they would support an application for one from Mr Suna, as they know it will only be temporary and assist in him rebuilding his respectable business. But being the Town Council have made moves to increase police powers in the area to prevent a trend in anti-social behaviour there, the presence of any such vendor could be counterproductive to this, therefore would not have supported it anyway, and there was no real need for the Gazette to have stirred up the public by being so presumptuous with the story. They could have waited for the outcome of the application.

I should explain for those who donโ€™t know, that Devizine has been ousted and deliberately falsely accused of all manner of misdoings, including personal bullying and harassment of Councillor Iain Wallis, by Mr Wallis himself. The reactionary culling of members of his Facebook group who dare disagree with him has been called into question here, for it is frustrating for those involved to have been, what they consider, unfairly dismissed from the popular local group. Other actions Mr Wallis has engaged in as a town councillor have been criticised in the past too, but all with good reason and no personal malice was ever made or intended. There has never been, as he has claimed, any matter published which is a personal attack or bullying of any kind, thatโ€™s him, playing the victim card in order to discredit us; why, I don’t know, and any reason I could provide would be speculation.

In this instant, whether the councillor is only homing in on public opinion or this is his personal belief, either way this was a sterling move on his part and we thank and congratulate him for it. Though I fear he will reject my felicitations, as itโ€™s seemingly his intention to slander us, and that is surely unhinged and unfair. If we all worked together and shared an understanding that not everyone is going to agree with us all the time, we could make things better for everyone. And who knows, by the time the Kebab House is reopened we could be sharing a donor!!

Okay, that might be expecting a bit too much, but you get the idea! We look forward to a time when Mr Suna’s business is back on its feet, and we believe DTCโ€™s decision was the right move towards this, but we also believe public information, such as the reopening of Station Road, should be made available to all, not just on the Devizes Issues group given many people have been banned from it quite unfairly.

Devizes Town Council made no announcement of this road reopening on their Facebook page, rather it was only published on the Devizes Issues group, conveying this information was a โ€œlittle secretโ€ between only those who adhere to Mr Wallisโ€™ conservative opinions, and that is unfair on those he has banned from the group without a valid reason. And thatโ€™s where we stand, great news, but a little more cooperation and fairness with the press is needed to convey it; we are not and have never been against any council or councillor.

Avoiding the Drizzle: Devizine Online Christmas Market!

You should know me well enough by now to accept I donโ€™t beat about the bush; itโ€™s supermarkets and chain-storeโ€™s 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, hereโ€™s some ideas for Christmas presents weโ€™ve found which won’t break the bank, and support local craftersโ€ฆWelcome 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 donโ€™t get as many book reviews from local authors as weโ€™d 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 Iโ€™ve ever had the pleasure of reviewing. A gripping thriller based locally, this really is a page-turner. Hereโ€™s the review, you can grab this from Devizes Books, or online here.

This year also saw local author Molly Andersonโ€™s Dadโ€™s 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 wonโ€™t take the wrong way, cookery classes at The Farm Cookery School on Bromhamโ€™s Netherstreet! They have adult and childrenโ€™s 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 Bakerโ€™s World of Thoodles. Donโ€™t know what a Thoodles is? Find stickers, prints, stationary and badges of these colourful kawaii fashioned monster characters here. We think they rock, and Iโ€™m 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…..

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Static Moves at The Three Crowns Devizes

Bussing into Devizes Saturday evening, a gaggle (I believe is the appropriate collective noun) of twenty-something girls from Bath already on-board, disembark at The Marketโ€ฆ

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Riot Grrl in Devizes? Steatopygous Release Demo

Featured Image: Kiesha Films

In times of pain or stress cats mimic the cry of a human baby to best attract attention. You may not like it, but if you donโ€™t address the situation and aid the pet, you are unfortunately part of the problem. Riot Grrrl is a subcultural movement of anti-punk feminism deriving from the USAโ€™s northwest in the nineties, which, like it or not, has found a new resting place in Devizes thanks to rising teen band Steatopygous…and with a debut demo, theyโ€™re rightfully attracting attention too.

Not Devizes you may whimper, our affluent yet insular market town steeped in tradition, where the most commonly reported crime during October this year was violence and sexual offences, more than double the second on the list, this anti-social behaviour we’ve got a bee in our bonnets about? Seems a rather apt location for youthโ€™s screams of anger and frustration at the inequality of patriarchy to me.

Dealing with issues facing youth, our townโ€™s newcomers, riot front-grrrl Poppy Hillier, bassist Eliza Brindle and drummer Ewan Middleton may well have facetiously named their band after an accumulation of fat on the thighs and/or bum, but their musical subjects are far from ironic or amusing. Neither are they the female answer to NRWO, with their blithe and amicable indie-pop style. This is artistically righteous, a freedom of expression, and just like the catโ€™s meow, you’d better take heed.

Stalwart support act at Trowbridgeโ€™s Pump, a venue dedicated to hosting the upcoming, whereby I saw them first, in June, despite our much younger reporter Flo singing their praises prior, when headlining Devizes Youth Action Group gigs. Steatopygous delivered varying themes there, such as one song on the crisis in Gaza. But the two tracks released on this demo, recorded by Kieran Moore at Komedia, concentrate on matters closer to home and traditional to the ethos of Riot Grrrl; boys taking advantage of a male-dominated world.

Cassowary, a bird with unusual reproduction behaviour which sees the male tend the egg while the female seeks other mates, is the metaphoric name for perhaps the most composed tune of the two. With archetypal driving drums and laden guitar it’s short, fiery and in your face, but perhaps not so aggressive as the other tune, Little Boy, which is a style-defining peach. Angry and unabashed, it takes no prisoners.

Image: Kiesha Films

It is the screech of utmost exasperation, the deliverance of cries typically bottled or only released alone. And therein lies the brilliance and reason of Steatopygous, this erudite anti-sensitive artistic licence opens a matured eye to the vexations and anguish of youth, particularly identifying the uneven game of love and all its sordid undertones. Or if you fall into the category subjected and victimised by the behaviour expressed so poignantly by Steatopygous, theoretically thereโ€™s the emotive response of identifying with it and not feeling alone with your troubles.

This is thunderously original and raw, daring samaritan punk, released on Trowbridgeโ€™s cassette label Sketch Book Records, which if it honours anything, itโ€™s this wholly DIY ethos of Riot Grrrl, and though will remain niche, is something you cannot ignore; phew, I might need a little lie down now!!

Merch at Bandcamp. Instagram. Spotify.

They support Perennial at the Pump on 7th December.

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Ignore Grandstanding, Devizes is Open, and itโ€™s as Wonderful as it Ever Was!

For the second week running our desperate local rag The Gazelle & Herod have kicked Devizes town centre while it’s on its knees. We say, no, stop it, it’s naughty, and sensationalising only for paper sales and clickbait; Devizes is open, thriving and a wonderful place to visitโ€ฆ. as it always was.

You can monotonously rant your presumptions on umpteen โ€œBritish nostalgiaโ€ Facebook pages that the country is in ruins and is now not a patch of its former self, because of whatever political faction you abhorrent and blame, or ordinary folk from overseas seeking a better life you take for granted. You can whinge there that shops are closing and the High Street is doomed until youโ€™re triggered in so much self-pity your rose-tinted specs drop into your jug of Chรขteau Cheval Blanc. But, by comparison with the nationโ€™s empty shopping malls and dilapidated high streets, Devizes is punching above its weight. We have a great cafe culture, we have independent shops, we have talented folk putting on theatrical shows and live music, and we have an aesthetically pleasing relatively trouble-free town centre steeped in history and legends.

But the front page this week suggests the fate of Devizes town centre is in doubt, when all thatโ€™s really happening is the Town Council are to include a discussion on the town centre and Market Place, at their next monthly meeting, to see if anything needs improvement; nothing usually comes out of these discussions other than some oversized flowerpots! Itโ€™s not broken, it doesnโ€™t need fixing, and itโ€™s likely the council will conclude this is the case.

Last week they splashed the story of how Police now have powers to issue ASBOs to a few โ€œundesirablesโ€ loitering around the town centre, drinking, all across the front page. Whilst Iโ€™m pleased, of course, that anyone causing other folk troubles will be dealt with, it makes me wonder if itโ€™s as serious an issue that itโ€™s highlighted to be. For whether it is being dealt with, or not, it is still creating a potentially damaging image of Devizes by raising attention to the issue and bringing this false ideology to the forefront of peopleโ€™s minds that the town is Wiltshire’s answer to Tijuana, and if you go there youโ€™ll be mugged for your Greggs sausage roll, which you know as well as I, this simply isnโ€™t true.  

I find myself contemplating if the few people sitting around the Market Place are actually causing as regular disturbances as it claimed. They could be, they equally could not be. Iโ€™ve certainly not seen any more trouble there than any other town centre, not even near it, and therein lies my reasoning to rant on the topic. If you want antisocial behaviour, take a look at how we drive through town!

Every town centre has antisocial loiterers, every town centre has congestion, or problems with closing shops or elements in need of replacing. What are you going to do? Stay in forever, with Netflix, worrying about it? Shop online? When the chain reaction of this is the root to the very problems you fear, the problems media is sensationalising! I look at local town centres and see the same thing happening, everywhere; why the need to single out Devizes when really the problem here isnโ€™t even in the same ballpark as others I could mention, but wouldnโ€™t, because it would be as damaging as the negative image the local newspaper seems to want to project of Devizes?

But the real sour cherry on the doggie doing cake is that this slander could not have come at a more inappropriate time. Right now, Devizes NEEDS your support, shopkeepers, landlords and the community as a whole need you to visit.

Since the terrible fire a few weeks ago and consequently access to the Market Place closed to vehicles from the Northgate side to ensure safety, the town is feeling inevitable repercussions. In light of the tragedy, the majority acted faithfully in compliance, we accepted congestion would increase, and planned our journey times better. But traffic is easing now, in fact the closure of the Market Place at Northgate (which we must add is only to vehicles, NOT pedestrians) has quickened the pace of flow at the Brewery roundabout from New Park Street, despite it affecting the amount of traffic using it and the temporary bus stops. Iโ€™ve said before, replacing that roundabout with traffic lights and a box junction could ease congestion, but what do I know?

We cannot discredit the fact this may be so because less are inclined to pass through Devizes, but mostly I believe this can be turned around once it is reopened, provided negative images cast upon the town are not believed and savoured. Plus, it is more likely because weโ€™ve come to terms that we must all use New Park Street and have applied some defensive driving measures; vital to keep traffic flowing. It is not the traffic lights at fault, rather the attitude we take to driving through town.

The solution to easing traffic is as simple as turning a frown upside down; it is driving with consideration for others, as it will help you out in the end too. I illustrate my point with my journey back from town this morning, at around 7am. Iโ€™m planning to turn right at Shaneโ€™s Castle to take the Chippenham road, but the traffic is nose-to-tail due to the traffic lights at the roadworks on Prison Bridge turning green in the coming into town direction. It is not the traffic light at fault, itโ€™s only changing colour, itโ€™s only programmed to change colour, that is its only function and purpose. Itโ€™s the drivers causing the issue, as not one car would consider slowing to allow a gap for me to turn right, when any of them could have, and this would have allowed cars to travel downhill to the lights. In theory it would not have impacted their journey time, because the traffic is flowing less than the speed limit and any car could have easily caught up with the race in seconds.

But so many drivers cannot seem to see the consequence of this, they are driving in an offensive manner rather than a defensive one; an inconsiderate trait that impacts them too rather than helps. You see, because Iโ€™m waiting to turn right, vehicles are building up behind me, and thereโ€™s only one car down the hill at the lights. The lights turn green this side, and I can finally turn right. Now the cars behind me must decide if they should race for the green light in icy and foggy conditions or be stopped by the light changing back to red. 

Itโ€™s rush hour, and they dive into their cars like headless chickens, with a do or die attitude, running late, because an unexpected frosty morning caused them to have to run their engine for a half hour, to save a spray of de-icer. Itโ€™s an everyman for themselves tenet which will inevitably backfire. I found myself wondering how many people will need to turn right at the junction in the next hour, it is a busy route after all. If each time they do, a backlog of traffic builds up behind it, consequently only allowing a few cars to make it to the lights before they turn red again, will undoubtedly in time cause a domino effect further into town, and traffic will be queuing by eight oโ€™clock, at every other roundabout and junction; QED. So, while the traffic coming into town saved a car length by not giving way to cars like mine trying to turn right at Shaneโ€™s Castle, their actions have found them stuck further down the line.  

You should note, Station Road is now open again, so you can get around the Market Place that way and save yourself a few seconds. Top secret leaked info that one, as while it seems Devizes Town Council has made no announcement of this on their Facebook page, certain Facebook groups with a penchant to ban anyone who doesnโ€™t agree with the political opinion of the admin are the only ones in the know; that is the very same selective and insular โ€œevery man for themselvesโ€ attitude we must avoid as the driving like a muppet one, if we are to paint a better picture for our town than the journalists are delivering for sales.

For while yes, perhaps these news items need to be published, thereโ€™s no need for them to be lead stories splashed across the front page when thereโ€™s plentiful positive stories with feelgood factors, locally, of more importance and interest. So, put them inside the paper, small mentions, and counteract them with said positive news that project all the good happenings in towns like Devizes, because there really is, but youโ€™re not reading about them because all you read about is how bad things are, and that is damaging everyone struggling to uphold a business here.

Just stop, slow down, consider the lilies, consider each other! It’s the Winter Festival tomorrow, lantern parade, Christmas market and lights being switched on. No doubt you will be in the Market Place, enjoying the festivities, drinking mulled wine, but will you be back next week, believing what you read and frowning at the few folk drinking there?! Or will you say, โ€œyou know what? In the grand scheme of things, Devizes is a great place to live,โ€ avoid media persuasion and general silliness, drive with consideration, shop here, doing your bit to make it so? Devizes is open, thriving and a wonderful place to visitโ€ฆ. as it always was.

Jolly good show, carry on….

House Music All Night Long: Palooza Returns to Devizes

Purveyors of perfect motion, house music promoters Palooza return to The Exchange in Devizes on Friday 20th December, for its grand finale of the yearโ€ฆ..

March of this year saw the launch of Palooza, a project from two local house music diehards to bring the good vibes of house clubbing back to Devizes, and they succeeded with an unforgettable opening night at the Exchange nightclub. Palooza returns one last time in 2024, and itโ€™s set to be the boldest night of the year as they transform the venue into a dance music haven.

Five hours of non-stop music from 9 PM to 2 AM, featuring a stellar lineup of DJs bringing their unique sound across tech house, future house, classics, and techno, guaranteed to bring the beats and keep the energy high. The lineup consists of Grit, Fashion, RodJ, Alchemy, Sun and T-Rex, the latter Paloozaโ€™s first female DJ, from Brighton.

Doors open at 9pm, when thereโ€™s a happy hour until 10pm with half-price drinks.

The last Palooza of the year promises to be an unforgettable celebration of dance music culture. Whether youโ€™re a loyal fan or new to the Palooza vibe, this is a night you wonโ€™t want to miss! No tickets, just pay on the door.

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RowdeFest 2025!

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

Events This Weekend; January Into February!

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

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Chapters, New Single From Kirsty Clinch

Okay, so, Iโ€™m aย  little behind, recently opting to perfect my couch potato posture and consider hibernation, meaning Iโ€™ve not yet mentioned Kirsty Clinchโ€™s new single Chapters, released at the beginning of the month, which I should have done. Why, you might ask, is it any good? Did you hear me right, itโ€™s Kirsty Clinch?!

Eloquently sentimental as ever, Kirsty suggests it would make the perfect wedding song, and Iโ€™m inclined to agree, though I had my turn already, choosing Ben E King; for prospective newlyweds though, take heed! This bears all the hallmarks of a breezy country classic from the likes of Dolly or Wynette, with a contemporary sense subtler than Swift, that is, added bass by local legend Pete Lamb, who also mixed and mastered this delicate beauty recorded by Kirsty herself.

It trickles like water, with a loose narrative to be interpreted to suit your dreams too, but if thereโ€™s the opening of a new chapter of thoughtful prose, the character in the song admits to being too young to reminisce on previous chapters. In fact, it has been a few years since past chapters opened musically for Kirsty, her Evolution album was released in 2021. She has been concentrating on Westburyโ€™s Award Winning music school, First Melodies, which she created to coincide with a series of preschool music books. I love this project as itโ€™s perfect for Kirsty, but, itโ€™s a warm welcome back to recording, as this song sure makes up for lost time!

Buy Chapters on iMusic HERE

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Christmas in Devizes: Everything Happening From Now Until NYE!

Being as we received a taster of wintery weather to come this week, I believe itโ€™s okay to use the C-word; yes, Christmas!!

Hereโ€™s everything weโ€™ve found to do in and around Devizes, so far, from now until New Yearโ€™s 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 Plazaโ€ฆ.

Do remember though our event calendar is constantly updating, so do keep an eye on it, as more events may well be added when theyโ€™re brought to our attention. And if youโ€™re in another town, check our event calendar for events in your area; sorry you are not included here, we still love you, but thereโ€™s only so many hours in a day!

Lets go from this weekend, but be warned, thereโ€™s 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 Girvanโ€™s 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 thereโ€™s a Sighthound Stroll at 12pm. Devizes Eisteddfodโ€™s 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 Oโ€™clock Circus. Or The Publicans at the Royal Oak, Pewsey.

Sunday 24th, The Duskers are at the Southgate for 5pm start, same time, itโ€™s 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, donโ€™t 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 DOCAโ€™s 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, itโ€™s the Pour Houseโ€™s official opening party, and karaoke at the Pelican. Big Plus: itโ€™s panto season at the Wharf Theatre with the opening night of Hansel & Gretel; this is superb, Iโ€™ve seen the rehearsal, youโ€™re 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 Maryโ€™s 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, thereโ€™s 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

Thereโ€™s 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, itโ€™s 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 4th December: 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. Itโ€™s Christmas Mixup night at the Exchange.

Saturday 7th, thereโ€™s 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 Juliaโ€™s 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 Mayorโ€™s Appeal.

Friday 13th thereโ€™s Devizes Good Afternoon Choirโ€™s Christmas Invitation with Children from Wansdyke School at St Andrewโ€™s 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 heโ€™s 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 Quakerโ€™s 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 Grivanโ€™s 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 Yearโ€™s Eve: find Soundhog Karaoke at The Three Crowns. Back to Skool New Yearโ€™s 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!

Thatโ€™s your lot, unless thereโ€™s something we missed? Tell us about it, please do, we can add it, it isnโ€™t 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!

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Discovering Swindon Story Shed

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

The Rise of Winter Festivals

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

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Market Lavingtonโ€™s Killer Circus Show This Saturday

Two of the county’s top retrospective cover bands meet for a double-bill of action in Market Lavington This Saturday. Calneโ€™s indie rock five-piece Six Oโ€™clock Circus have diverse influences to win any crowd, but itโ€™s always conveyed with this affirmed nod to the heyday of mod rock, new wave and Britpop. Swindonโ€™s The Killertones Underground likewise will bring Two-Tone ska classics and new wave punk to the forefront in what looks set to be an awesome showโ€ฆ

Saturday 23rd November, Market Lavington is treated to this one-off double-billed headlining show, at their Community Centre. I highly recommend both bands, you will not be disappointed. Killertones you may recall weโ€™ve mentioned many times before, always a hit at Devizes Scooter Rally, and members Cath & Gouldy can equally engage a crowd at the Southgate, often with the more folk-influenced sounding duo Sound Affects.

Six Oโ€™Clock Circus can also be as diverse, shows at the Three Crowns in Devizes and the Southgate too, always make for a blinding nightโ€™s entertainment, despite differences in the crowdโ€™s demographic, proving we all love to be taken back to a time when music was our lives.

Tickets for the Killer Circus Show are ยฃ12 from here; I hope to see you down the front, giving it some like the noughties never happened!

Congratulations to Chloe Boyle, Fundraising for Devizes OpenDoors

Again we find ourselves congratulating and thanking young Chloe Boyle for fantastic fundraising efforts for Devizes homeless charity OpenDoorsโ€ฆ.

With friends and family she spent Saturday morning selling teddies and soft toys outside Morrisons in Devizes, this time raising ยฃ61.40. But if weโ€™ve featured Chloe before they are usually for her individual fundraising efforts. However, it is in her and her familyโ€™s 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 Chloeโ€™s stall around and about, do take a look and buy a bear or two! Congratulations Chloe, you are a star!

Hansel & Gretel: Panto at the Wharf!

Images: Chris Watkins Media

It was lovely to spend Sunday afternoon at Devizesโ€™ Wharf Theatre, to see how this yearโ€™s pantomime Hansel & Gretel, is coming along. If my preview is behind me now, or if โ€œoh, no, it isnโ€™t,โ€ Iโ€™m 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 quickโ€ฆ..

Tickets for panto at the Wharf sell out fast every year, rightfully. I believe thereโ€™s only a handful left. It may beg the question why Iโ€™m here to preview it at all, but with our Ian hot on the scene of anything theatrical these days, Iโ€™ve missed being at our communal little theatre. While I may not be so knowledgeable on Shakespeare’s plays, I know what I like, and Iโ€™m smitten for a great panto.

First time panto co-director Karen Ellis, who works with Jessica Bone, told me thereโ€™s a slightly different approach this year. I couldnโ€™t 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, Iโ€™m 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 whatโ€™s essentially an amateur production, from my sneaky peek alone, Iโ€™ve 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 wouldnโ€™t 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 Iโ€™s need dotting and Tโ€™s 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, youโ€™re 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 wouldnโ€™t 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.

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Ian Siegal at Long Street Blues Club

Devizes is often spoiled for choice when it comes to live music. Swindon folk ensemble SGO at the Gate would’ve been an excellent decision for this Saturday night, and I considered dropping by at some point during the proceedings at Long Street Blues Club prior to the proceedings at Long Street Blues Club, but during the proceedings at Long Street Blues Club I concluded I’d have to be criminally insane to leave nowโ€ฆ..

I might be insane, but not criminally, yet! To a packed house, award-winning, and not one to shy away from jesting about it, UK blues legend Ian Siegal came, saw, and revisited his two debut albums as requested by Long Street Blues Club organiser and Devizes mayor Ian Hopkins, enthralling the crowd; including me.

Ian Siegal is a national treasure, his 2009 album Broadside made MOJO magazineโ€™s blues album of the year, but the theme tonight focussed on his debut album from four years previous, Meat & Potatoes, which received four stars in the Penguin Book of Blues Recordings and paved the way for Ianโ€™s sound, and its follow on, 2007โ€™s Swagger. With the original organist from Meat & Potatoes, Jonny Henderson, and drummer Tom Gilkes, he drove sublime Detroit, Chicago and Memphis blues fusions, authentic and raw, to the forefront of a deservedly ostentatious show. Thatโ€™s how you play it.

I’m not up on these albums, detected a chorus mentioning Swagger, but for the most part, I was simply soaking up the sublime moment joyfully and without overanalysing; too easy to go with the flow of Ian’s sound. There were nods to his influences in splices of covers, flamboyant banter, and skilled compositions. It was, in summary, divine blues. Devizes own, Jon Amor joined him for a couple, and Ian spun blues riffs like they were childsplay.

None of this before the support act, young Ruby Darbyshire, who for the first and last time she played here I called it to be the best support Iโ€™ve seen at the club; itโ€™s a double-whammy line-up tonight. Multi-intrumnetalist, Ruby was blowing her bagpipes for Remembrance in the Brittox earlier. Arriving a tad late due to a bus delay, I noted she was already underway, unusually behind a keyboard. Explaining she hadnโ€™t played piano live before, she made a grand job of it, and returned to her guitar where we know and love her best.

A few originals including her timeless Insomnia, and covers from Ella Fitzgerald and Nina Simone to Rag & Bone Manโ€™s Human, she puts her wonderful stamp on them all, rapturously expressive and soulful. To hear Ruby is a magic Iโ€™ll never tire of, sheโ€™s improved her confidence, which is tricky in this appreciation society, where thereโ€™s the silence of a library while performers do their thing. It may be respectful, but a smidgen daunting for anyone on the stage used to more clamorous venues. But hey, anyone who can make Queenโ€™s Is This The World We Created their own fully deserves the upstanding applause she received, from a matured audience who have witnessed many talented people come and go.

Blues stalwarts at the club may have been in the know much longer than me, but Devizine was a learning curve, and when I began it I had no clue how deep the rabbit hole went, this, what I dub โ€œMel Bush effect,โ€ the town’s association with UK blues. When blues supergroup lockdown project Birdmen became a live show at Long Street a couple of years ago, Dave Doherty invited me and it was my epiphany into how the club was continuing Devizes folk’s affection for the blues. This fantastic eye-opening gig was so due to the stellar lineup, in particular frontman Ian Siegal. 

In its review I summarised him as โ€œthe very definition of cool,โ€ but knew I’d have to expand on that next time, which was when he was a guest at the Jon Amor Trio monthly residency at the Southgate in March. So, the extended version was as โ€œcool on a barefoot Bruce Willis pounding through the glass of the Nakatomi Plaza level, he is the Steve McQueen leaping anti-tank obstacles on a stolen Triumph of UK blues!โ€ 

As a quote I was kinda chuffed with, I thought I’d attempt to recite it when I met him after the gig, but intoxication levels took control, and accepting I’d probably stumble out the word Nakatomi, I only mumbled I compared him to Bruce Willis. He didn’t seem impressed, assuming I was referring to the dire commercial album Willis launched in the eighties, trashing soul classics like Under the Boardwalk! Apologies to the man, for I’d archived that album to the back of my mind and wasnโ€™t referring to it at all!

I hope he reads this so I can correct the tit I made of myself! Because last night’s gig was sublime; I never had any doubts, and my concept Ian Siegal is cool, however I express it, sticks! Plus, of course, there will be plenty of other opportunities to make a tit out of myself, Iโ€™m sure!

As for Ian, he seems to be on a permanent tour, find dates on his website, and news of an new album, Stone by Stone, due in April, HERE.

For Long Street, John Otway & The Big Band arrives next Saturday, 16th November, promising to be something different, and with Billy in the Lowground in support. Then, Thomas Atlas Band plays with Two Smiles, A Bang, and a Legend in support, for a Christmas Party on Saturday 21st December.

What’s Happening During November in Devizes?

Remember, remember, weโ€™re moving into November; leaves, loads of โ€˜em! Being as we are no longer doing weekly roundups, hereโ€™s some highlights of events in Devizes during November, but do pay attention, thereโ€™s lots more listed on our event calendar, from all over our county, and itโ€™s always updating, so keep checking in HERE too!

Daveโ€™s 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 Johnโ€™s Street, Devizes. Itโ€™s 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, thereโ€™s a Back to School disco at the Wyvern Club.

Sunday 3rd, itโ€™s 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 Associationโ€™s Book Fair at the Corn Exchange from 10am. Stone’s Throw are at The Three Crowns. And while Swindonโ€™s 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 Johnโ€™s 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 thereโ€™s 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 thereโ€™s 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, itโ€™s 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 thatโ€™s when Iโ€™m 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 theyโ€™ve added dates, and it runs until the 7th December now. I will be going to see it long before you, and Iโ€™ll 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!!

And Here is December; Lynx deodorant sets time!

Should we be Concerned Over Wiltshire Councilโ€™s Refusal to Engage with Melksham News?

The simple answer is yes, very concerned. Following the publication of an article in Melksham Newsโ€™s last issue questioning the councilโ€™s public notice policy, Wiltshire Council has refused to engage with Melksham News, effectively censoring the newspaper. This disgraceful decision could undermine local press freedom, accountability and local democracyโ€ฆ..ย 

Melksham News, part of the Wiltshire Publications Group, has served their community with integrity, providing factual reporting and holding public institutions accountable for over forty years. However, when recently it reported on criticism of the council for its policy of only using paid-for newspapers to advertise public notices, including the concerns raised by some councillors and the local MP after a motion to debate the issue was denied, Wiltshire Council halted all communications with the newspaper, declining to send press releases or respond to any enquiries. Is this Wiltshire, or North Korea?!

Melksham News claims it has received written confirmation from Wiltshire Council stating they do not feel able to engage with the publication. In a statement from Wiltshire Publications on behalf of Melksham News, they stated, “We are aware of a statement from Cllr Richard Clewer, leader of Wiltshire Council, in the press that raises concerns about our reporting and our supposed ‘campaign’ against Wiltshire Council.โ€

โ€œIn his statement, Cllr Clewer accuses Wiltshire Publications of running an ongoing campaign over the past two years to pressure the council into advertising statutory notices with us. He also claims that we have continued to present a negative narrative because the council has chosen not to advertise with us.โ€

โ€œWe feel these accusations are inaccurate and misrepresent our intentions. We have written only one article on the matter of public notices, published in our issue on 10th October. This followed the council chairโ€™s decision not to consider a motion from Cllr Jon Hubbard. We categorically deny the claims of an ongoing campaign lasting over two years. The issue of public notices was first raised with the council in September 2023, and we have published only this one article on the subject since then. To characterise this as an ongoing campaign is both misleading and unfounded.โ€

โ€œThe matter of public notice policy concerns taxpayers’ money and public access to information. Our role is to ensure that the public is well-informed, especially on issues of transparency and public spending. Any suggestion that we are highlighting these issues for personal gain is not only inaccurate but entirely inappropriate.โ€

The statement from Melksham News continues, claiming Cllr Clewer stated their reporting has not been impartial. โ€œIt is unfair to accuse us of impartiality based on a single article, especially one that was grounded in data obtained via Freedom of Information requests and included a response from the council,โ€ they said. โ€œWe do not feel it is the role of a statutory body to judge our editorial decisions. Editorial independence is essential to a free press, and it allows us to hold public institutions accountable. Our responsibility is to the public and presenting information based on fact. By refusing to engage with local media over a single article, the councilโ€™s actions undermine the principles of press freedom and open dialogue, which are essential to ensuring accountability and transparency in public institutions.โ€

Melksham News stated it stands by their reporting, remaining committed, โ€œto informing our readers in an accurate and fair manner, ensuring that the community has access to the information it needs to hold its elected officials to account.โ€ And here at Devizine, we stand by them too, believing we all should. On the last few occasions weโ€™ve published anything about Wiltshire Council it was in support of their recent actions; the extension of the bus timetables, permission for a graffiti wall in Melksham; all pragmatic motions which proves when the council get it right it will be reported positively, even by us!! It is a shame then, to have to spoil the run with this, but silencing constructive criticism is deeply concerning to democracy.

In the midst of the past governmentโ€™s โ€˜circus of thievery,โ€™ we are surely all aware of press corruption, undermining press freedom at Conservative conferences and refusing entry to them, and the manipulation of the media to promote their ethos and obliterate opposing opinions. Most of us studied modern history and what happened in 1920’s Germany, don’t make me spell it out. And weโ€™ve even seen this on a local level via unscrupulous control of social media groups by power-tripping councillors, but weโ€™ve yet to realise this is happening to official media groups channelled by the county council, until now.

The shocking fact one lone keyboard warriorโ€™s comment on Melksham Newsโ€™ original Facebook post ludicrously pointed the finger at Prime Minister Keir Starmer, suggesting, โ€œthey are doing what Kier Starmer has told them to do as he doesn’t want the truth coming out so he is censoring all news and negative comments and newspapers telling the truth,โ€ is proof enough, I believe, of how deeply the effect of misinformation is ingrained into forming public opinion and causing hysteria with a false narrative; that an a better education system!

How anyone could link this issue with the new Labour government when thereโ€™s not a red tie in sight at Wiltshire Council is beyond belief. It retains a Conservative majority and the leader of Wiltshire Council, Richard Clewer, the councillor enforcing this infringement of the common law of freedom of expression is a Conservative too. Yet it is worrying evidence that we need a rebalance in media bias; people believe this shit!! Hey, I stubbed my toe on the wheel of my sofa this morning. It’s blatantly obvious what’s happened here; Keir Starmer broke into my house, and moved my sofa a quarter of an inch to the left! 

I shouldnโ€™t joke, this would be propaganda on an Orwellian level if it wasnโ€™t laughably from a Council boasting being named as the seventh-best council in England in the latest IMPOWER Index, judged by how efficiently it delivers core services in relation to their budgets, as I dangerously bounce over the umpteenth pothole pondering if I should follow up on bias and braggart press releases like this! Someone needs to inform Cllr Clewer we have only left the European Union, Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights still stands in British law, giving us the right to freedom of expression. A right I will exercise, cheers me dears!

The newspaperโ€™s operations manager, Joe McCann said, โ€œlocal newspapers like ours are essential for holding public bodies to account and ensuring transparency in local government. By cutting off communication, the council is evading scrutiny and potentially controlling the flow of information, which is not just a concern for us as journalists but for the public as well.โ€ Melksham Newsโ€™s statement suggests similar; โ€œThis sets a dangerous precedent, where councils can silence critical voices instead of addressing legitimate concerns, ultimately undermining local democracy. This is an unprecedented move for a local council.โ€

Wiltshire Councillor Jon Hubbard, who represents Melksham South ward said, โ€œI am deeply concerned and disappointed by the recent correspondence sent to Melksham Independent News, stating that Wiltshire Council will no longer correspond with the newspaper until they approve of the coverage provided. This kind of stance sets a dangerous precedent and threatens the principles of a free and independent press, which plays a vital role in holding local government to account. I sincerely hope that this decision is not politically motivated, as it would undermine the trust between the council and the residents it serves.โ€

โ€œThe press should never be expected to tailor their coverage to meet the approval of those in powerโ€”it is their duty to provide fair and accurate reporting to the community. I call on Wiltshire Council to explain why such a step has been deemed necessary and to reaffirm its commitment to transparency, openness, and constructive engagement with all media outlets. Our community deserves nothing less.โ€

Emma Meese, director at the Independent Community News Network (ICNN), who represents the independent press community, added, โ€œThe role of a journalist has always been to scrutinise and provide news that is in the public interest. It is concerning when a local authority decides it will not engage with the largest news provider in the area, for calling it out on its actions. We have to question the motive behind this decision by Wiltshire Council to try and control the narrative.โ€

Allow me then to speculate, we are, quite simply, face-to-face with a county council desperately clinging onto a dying Conservative philosophy and running scared till the point it fears constructive criticism. Yet by attempting to silence it makes the dangerous assumption we are foolish enough not to conclude from this that theyโ€™ve something to hide, and are doing so via manipulation of the media. Either that, or they really did send Keir Starmer to stealthily shift my sofa quarter of an inch to the right causing me to be unnecessarily tetchy this afternoon. Now, excuse me while I go shout at some Gen Zers vaping in the park like the level-headed indoctrinated boomer the mainstream media has convinced me to be!!!

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Sign of Life; The New Single From George Wilding

Am I going to tell you about this new George Wilding tune, or not? Huh? Oh, sorry mate, what was that again?!

Sounds like George is irked with a distracted nomophobe, much less speaks out for everyone ignored when addressing someone permanently glaring at a phone screen and risking causing a hitch in a relationship; I donโ€™t blame him and suspect most of us have been both victim and guilty of violating basic manners while gawking at someone’s lost cat or unappetising supper photo on Facebook.

Maybe this review will make you think twice, maybe it’s hypocritical even reading it, but whatever; it’s the damn good welcoming home song we’ve come to expect from this local legend.

So, pay attention now, because it’s been a while since we’ve been able to say we’ve a new single from the prodigal George Wilding to mention. He’s been enjoying being the human jukebox aboard cruise ships, guaranteeing his bread and butter, and if he’s got some stories to tell, we’re glad to see him back to tell them.

Sign of Life is out across streaming platforms on the 24th October 2024, we’ll drop a link here to it when available, so check back in or follow his socials. Its working title, Canโ€™t Get Through to You, may be more enlightening, but not so punchy.

George Wilding

A medium-paced post-gothic indie rock riff, comparable to those who dared buck the noncommercial ethos of the subgenres of new wave, The Smiths, The Cure both spring to mind, though George’s distinctive and often adventuresome vocal range should be no stranger to anyone locally based and therefore needs no comparables. This is a grower, creeping up on you, and after a few listens youโ€™ll be hooked. But besides, itโ€™s George, and doesnโ€™t divert from the style or excellence of his previous outpourings; fans will be pleased to hear, I reckon.

Double-whammy, as itโ€™s produced by the amazing Jolyon Dixon, renowned for bringing the best out of many artists new to us; weโ€™re delighted to hear of this perfect coupling. Jolyon told me, โ€œit was great fun working with him, canโ€™t believe we hadnโ€™t done so before!โ€

Look out for it on Thursday, just donโ€™t ignore your better half when they complain youโ€™re supposed to be taking the bins out rather than listening to this amazing new song from George Wilding, as that is what ear-pods were invented for!

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Devizes Writers Group Win Silver Award

Congratulations to Rosalind Ambler and Paul Snook from Devizes Writers Group… At the National Community Radio Awards held in Cardiff on 16th November Together!, theโ€ฆ

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โ€œCosi Fan Tutteโ€ at Easterton Village Hall, October 11th 2024.

by Ian Diddams
photos by Gail Foster

Devizes based White Horse Opera has a fine and longstanding tradition of a touring opera โ€“ a show taken the length and breadth of Wiltshire (and even further!) performed at various village halls, theatres and churches as venues. Recent past operas have included โ€œDie Fledermausโ€, โ€œThe Mikadoโ€ and Ruddigoreโ€ and their latest offering is Mozartโ€™s slightly bonkers โ€œCosi Fan Tutteโ€. On Friday last the dress rehearsal was produced for the “Friends of W.H.O.โ€ another of their traditions where the great and the good gather to indulge in swathes of cheesy comestibles and stunning music.

Mozart penned his Italian language piece in the 1780s when he was in his thirties. Itโ€™s a comedy, albeit arguably somewhat a chauvinist one leaning heavily as it does on the alleged capriciousness of women โ€“ the title loosely translated as โ€œWomen are like that”.  The basic daft premise โ€“ like all the best highbrow theatre of course โ€“ revolves around the unlikely disguising beyond recognition of two men (Guglielmo and Ferrando) such that their betrothed (Fiordiligi and Dorabella) will not recognise them, and so the farcical consequences may then ensue. Naturally there has to be some neโ€™re do wells that first set up this unlikely scenario (Don Alfonso) and abet it (Despina).

The flirtatious and easily swayed girls are played by Barbara Gompels and Paula Boyagis, who in the duets in particular sweetly complement each other. Regular watchers of W.H.O.โ€™s performances will need no further introduction to this talented pair, as indeed they will need no further introduction to Jon Paget who played Guglielmo, more than ably twinned by Robert Felstead as Ferrando as the pair of soldiers tasked by Don Alfonso played by the evergreen Lewis Cohen to trick their girlfriends in being unfaithful as part of a wager. Toni Johnstone completed the cast as the superbly independent and uncowed maid Despina. Jon and Robert proved an excellent comedy double act throughout their shenanigans, culminating in the wonderful disguises as what appeared to be two 1980s Australian cricketers off to the disco!

As a dress rehearsal as expected the show was ready to roll โ€“ a couple of small hiccoughs for sure but nothing to distract from the hilarious mayhem on stage. Itโ€™s a modern setting costume wise, and the set as befits a touring opera where complex arrangements are problematical, is simple โ€ฆย  a lovely backdrop setting the countryside setting by the inimitable Chrissie Higgs, who is also set to share the role of Despina when on tour.

For those concerned that an Italian language opera will be incomprehensible to their Anglo-Saxon ears, fear ye notโ€ฆ as ever W.H.O.s operas are sung in English, this translation by the much missed Graham Billing who having translated the opera once, then lost it, and had to redo it. The entire translation was full of clearly identified Billingisms in the jokes whether sung or spoken. His legacy lives on and arenโ€™t we all lucky that it does.

No opera of course is complete without its orchestra, and as so often for W.H.O. the orchestra of twenty as writ by Mozart is manfully represented by Tony James on the piano, and all pulled together by Roland Melia as M.D. par excellence. Stage Direction by Lewis Cohen completes the crew.

The tour begins soon in November in Market Lavington, but is also due to visit Bremhill, Hilperton, Winsley and Devizes in 2025, with other dates being announced all the while.ย  And if you would wish W.H.O. to visit your local venue, maybe as a fund raiser for a local cause etc, feel free to contact them on who-enquiries@hotmail.co.uk

Meanwhile, tickets for ALL White Horse Opera events can be found at
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whitehorseopera





New Single: Phil Cooper Still Holding His Breath

If Phil Cooperโ€™s 2018 โ€œThoughts and Observations,โ€ was one of the first albums we ever reviewed here on Devizine, itโ€™s been a while since Iโ€™ve been able to say โ€œa new single from Phil Cooper,โ€ but here we are, and itโ€™s a great place to beโ€ฆ..

As the name suggested โ€œThoughts and Observations,โ€ as Philโ€™s songwriting template, in general, is relatable personal reflection which often provides pointers for his audience, it was brimful of such, and while the new single Still Holding My Breath does likewise, it offers a matured side to Philโ€™s convictions. Plus, it rides that cool acoustic value we know and love him for, remarkably well.

Thereโ€™s a definite and poignant message of perseverance here, opening with the line โ€œlook out world, Iโ€™m here to stay,โ€ and a measure of success whereby the creative mind must continue nonetheless. As is Luke 6:38, the songโ€™s indispensable line, โ€œI still believe the more you put in the more you will get in return,โ€ rewards any labour of love for the hard worker with the notion to keep at it.

Phil is one such hard worker who I see setting himself high goals, and in embarking on many projects, some formulated, others more experimental, has had varied success with them. Perhaps none more than his grouping with Jamie R Hawkins and Tamsin Quin as The Lost Trades. If this modern folk harmony trio has achieved more than the sum of all their parts as individuals, it is with hard work they’ve achieved so and with an โ€œa little help from my friends,โ€ sentiment evident in the depths of this song, and more visually with the excellent accompanying video made by Jamie. The song is, besides the labour applied to The Lost Trades, something wholeheartedly solitary, an introverted savoury sentiment.ย It’s nice to see them take a short break from the trio in order to align themselves once again with their separate identities, as they were before the dawn of The Lost Trades all remarkable within their own rights.

I believe the hard work has paid off for Phil, relatively, making me wonder what his expectations or goals are, what he dreams to achieve, being Still Holding My Breath suggests quintessentially he still has โ€œbarriersโ€ to overcome, but a single this good is surely proof of his worth; it is a valuable song. And in that, this is more an outward facing concept, delivering a message to us.

To the artist personally, do take a deep breath, itโ€™s an outstanding song, Phil; inspiringly evolved from everything which has gone before it. To everyone else, decide for yourself by taking a listen!

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YEA Devizes: DOCA New Youth Project

Devizes Outdoor Celebratory Arts announced their upcoming project, YEA Devizes today. Made possible by a grant from National Grid Electricity Transmissionโ€™s Community Grant Programme, the Youth Event Activity Devizes will be a youth festival area within the International Street Festivalโ€ฆ.

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 

If you have any questions then drop them a message or email info@docadevizes.org.uk

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, โ€œwe 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!

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Wiltshire Music Centre Announces New Joint Leadership

Wiltshire Music Centre is delighted to announce the new appointments ofย Danielย Clark as Artistic Director, andย Sarahย Robertson as Executive Director.ย Danielย andย Sarahย join Wiltshire Music Centre in a new co-leadership model. They will join the team in late January 2025, to strengthen the Centre’s role as a culturalย andย creative spaceย andย Arts Council England NPO for Wiltshire. Sarah is currently working as Directorโ€ฆ

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The Soul Sessions from Bristolโ€™s Kaya Street

In 1985 Tenor Saw toasted the lyric, โ€œanother sound is dying,โ€ in Ring the Alarm. It implied his sound was the contemporary champion, yet while it’s true reggae is competitively progressive, this particular tune’s dubplate derived from the Stalag riddim created by Ansel Collins twelve years earlier, as did Sister Nancy’s Bam Bam and numerousโ€ฆ

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El Toro Fundraiser at The Old Road Tavern, Chippenham

Over to Chippenham for my dose of live music this Saturday. I didnโ€™t see any chips nor ham, there were some pasties passed around a lively and hospitable โ€œproperโ€ pub, and whilst meeting some favourites old and new, there were also opportunities to cross some must-sees off my list. It was a fundraiser for Elโ€ฆ

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โ€œThe Little Mermaidโ€ at St. Augustineโ€™s, Trowbridge, October 30thโ€“November 3rd, 2024.

By Mick Brianphotos by Chris Watkins Media Disney aficionados will need no introduction to โ€œThe Little Mermaid,โ€ Disneyโ€™s 1989 film about mermaids falling in love with humans based very loosely on Hand Christian Andersonโ€™s tale. By 2007 Disney had crated a stage musical version which officially opened on Broadway in 2008, with a later modificationโ€ฆ

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What’s Happening During November in Devizes?

Remember, remember, weโ€™re moving into November; leaves, loads of โ€˜em! Being as we are no longer doing weekly roundups, hereโ€™s some highlights of events in Devizes during November, but do pay attention, thereโ€™s lots more listed on our event calendar, from all over our county, and itโ€™s always updating, so keep checking in HERE too!โ€ฆ

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โ€œPericlesโ€ at the Wharf Theatre, Devizes, October 21stโ€“26th 2024.

by Ian Diddams
images by Chris Watkins Media, Jeni Meade.

It would be fair to say that once William Shakespeare found or invented a plot device, he wasnโ€™t one to avoid using it again. And again. And โ€“ wellโ€ฆ  again, and again. Letโ€™s play โ€œShakespeare Bingoโ€ and โ€œGuess the Playโ€โ€ฆ

Thereโ€™s a STORM AT SEA, a SHIPWRECK, a HUSBAND is SEPARATED from his WIFE, FAMILIES are SEPARATED, each thinks the other is LOST or DEAD, somebody is thought to be DEAD but is actually ALIVE, a RULER abuses his position of POWER, there is a MAGICIAN controlling SOMEBODY, BROTHEL OWNERS, PIRATES, and in the end EVERTHING is resolved and family REUNITED.

Hmmmm.  Well, itโ€™s a tricky one.  The Tempest? Twelfth Night? Comedy of Errors? Romeo and Juliet? Merchant of Venice? Othello? Winterโ€™s Tale? Much Ado? Allโ€™s Well? Henry IV Pt 1? Measure for Measure? Cymberline? Two Gents? Hamlet?

All of these plays have at least one and often more of the attributes listed โ€“ Will liked to avoid working on new plotlines for sure. However, at the Wharf Theatre, Devizes, handily enough as it turns out, placed beside boats on the water to add even more background to a tale of watery confusions, is yet another Shakespeare play reliant on all of those points.

Pericles.

No, it’s not some sort of small whelk, or a garden perennial. Itโ€™s the story of an eponymous hero who escapes from a dodgy tyrant by running away to sea andโ€ฆ  well, you can piece the rest together from that second paragraph and Wikipedia.  Needless to say, allโ€™s well that ends well. So to speak.

Now Pericles is not a popularly performed play. Indeed, according to a 2024 ranking of most performed Shakespearian plays it comes in 22nd of 49 positions since 2012. So itโ€™s a real treat to be able to see it at a local theatre which may understandably have otherwise put on one of the โ€œBig Sixโ€ [*], and running at the same time as the same play at the RSC to boot. The Wharf is no stranger either to putting on lesser known Shakespeare of course, having shown โ€œMeasure for Measureโ€ in 2023. One reason for this wonderful opportunity to see this play is that the director, Nic Proud, is working his way through directing the entire canon โ€“ and this is his twenty-fifth play of that list, and another is the bold and open approach of the Wharfโ€™s artistic director John Winterton.


The play rattles along โ€“ Nic has trimmed the script to the key plot points, although as he says the play is really a series of connected moments and he has created a smooth storyline using those moments. The usual top technical team (Three Ts!) deliver effects and lighting with aplomb of course, leaving the stage ready and waiting for the actors to take us on Pericles’ voyage not only of the high seas, but of his fate and inner turmoil. The set is simply adorned with white and purple drapes, which cunningly transform into a jousting tilt barrier, and ethereal wings of the goddess Diana. A roped balcony provides some height to the set.

Our titular character is well delivered by Chris Smith, one of the four cast who have only one part to concern themselves with (has two shipwrecks!), the others being Danielle Cosh as the ethereal Thaisa (dies at sea, comes back to life!) , Louise Peak as the perspicacious Helicanus, and Nic Proud as Thaliard, stepping into the role at a late stage when an unfortunate injury to Steve Brooks saw him unable to continue โ€“ we wish Steve a speedy recovery and hope he can return to the Wharf in the future.


The other six cast members play between them a bewildering array of twenty-one other characters! That list would run to volumes but huge kudos to Abigail Baker playing Marina, Pericles daughter (lost at sea โ€“ now THEREโ€™s a thingโ€ฆ), Andy Bendell as the seedy bawd (!) Pander, Tony Luscombe as the dastardly Cleon (and a sailor in a  storm!), Sian Stables as even more dastardly Dionyza (and a sailor in a storm!) , Pete Wallis as the vengeful Antiochus (and a pirate!), and Debby Wilkinson as a brilliant mix of servant, bawd (!), sailor (in a storm!) and fisherman!


Nicโ€™s scissors have created a play about the length of a football match, and which is wonderfully easy to follow โ€“ every cast member deliver the lines of Elizabethan English so well that its totally understandable and comprehensible. The costumes are totally sublime so once again chapeau (see what I did there?) to Gill Barnes and her team.

All that remains to say is take this chance to see a play most theatres and companies steer clear of. And if nothing else if you will save your self a drive to Stratford and back to see it.


Pericles is performed at the Wharf Theatre from October 21st-26thth 2024.
Tickets from https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/the-wharf-theatre/pericles/e-plavyr

[*] Big Six
1. A Midsummer Night’s Dream
2. Hamlet
    Romeo and Juliet
4. Macbeth
5. Twelfth Night
6. Much Ado About Nothing

Watermark: Fulltone Orchestra Brings Enyaโ€™s Iconic Album to Life…

Our very own illustrious orchestra, The Fulltone Orchestra, are staging live performances of Enyaโ€™s 1988 breakthrough album, Watermark in Basingstoke, Bath and Cheltenham later this month. They promise to be symphonic celebrations of the bestselling artistsโ€™ sublime and distinctive sound…..

The Fulltone Orchestra, accompanied by the magnificent female voices of The Cantiamo Choir, revive Enyaโ€™s iconic and pioneering album in a series of live performances, culminating at The Anvil, Basingstoke on the 7th of November, beginning with Cheltenham Town Hall on 31st October, and with a date at Bath Forum in the middle, and that being the 5th November.

This is the unique opportunity music-lovers will cherish. To experience the prevalent and admired blend of Celtic, classical, and ambient soundscapes of Enyaโ€™s ethereal and timeless sound, accomplished with the magnificence of a sixty-five-piece orchestra and the finest singers.

Watermark was not only Enyaโ€™s breakthrough album but debatably her magnum opus. Its commercial success was renowned through its exclusivity, was honoured with glowing reviews and sold over eight million copies.

Now, obviously I’m far too young to remember Enya’s Watermark. With the geographic knowledge of an American box turtle, I only ever knew Orinoco as a Womble, and the single concerned me as to what his “flow” might have referred to!

Arranged by noted pianist and composer, Dominic Irving, this spectacular piece has been specifically written for orchestra and choir, and will transport audiences back to the late 1980s, alongside other hits by Riverdance, Enigma, Clannad and Karl Jenkins.

Conductor Anthony Brown at Fulltone 24. Image: Gail Foster

The evenings will also include the smash hit Lily Was Here, made famous by eighties saxophonist Candy Dulfer, and will be played by legendary sax player, Vicki Watson.

The Cantiamo Choir features Welsh-born vocalist Amelia Jones, recognised for her lucid tone and expressive vocal delivery. The Fulltone Orchestra is a sixty-five-piece orchestra with a variety of acclaimed musicians from the Southwest and is led by Musical Director Anthony Brown. They have past praised performances in venues such as Bath Abbey, Wells Cathedral, Marlborough College and Cheltenham Town Hall, and organise an annual festival, Fulltone, in Devizes; yay, I said Devizes! Editor’s note, the orchestra spawned here; get in, you moonrakers!

Jemma Brown, Fulltone Orchestra Artistic Director said, โ€œWeโ€™re absolutely delighted to be able to bring this much-loved music to audiences across the South this autumn. Watermark catapulted Enya to international fame, with the number one hit, โ€˜Orinoco Flow.โ€™ Itโ€™s sure to be a highlight of our performance. Thereโ€™s something incredibly special about the sound created by a full orchestra alongside the voices of Cantiamo, and audiences can expect an exciting evening of music on a magnificent scale.โ€

Tickets: www.fto.org.uk/enya or from venues.

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YEA Devizes: DOCA New Youth Project

Devizes Outdoor Celebratory Arts announced their upcoming project, YEA Devizes today. Made possible by a grant from National Grid Electricity Transmissionโ€™s Community Grant Programme, theโ€ฆ

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Rachel Sinnetta & Rosie Jay at the Crown, Bishops Cannings

Must confess it felt somewhat odd to return to The Crown in Bishops Cannings for my weekly ration of live music. The only pub in the village has been closed a short while, since verbal pitchforks and torches from a crotchety minority who wanted the tavern to be little more than a museum artefact drove the previous landlords outโ€ฆ..

Prior it was a bustling community hub run immaculately with gusto and enthusiasm, hosting a variety of events and raising funds for charities. Seemed crabby witches and even a lord of a manor were prepared to gang-up, lie to police, and misquote Devizine when we failed to appeal to their better nature. It backfired, they didn’t own one, but let’s not dwell.

New landlords are in, pleasant and keen to maintain the pub’s reputation amidst the prying Karens. Sarah, the new landlady praised her new chefs, and the pub hosts an open mic every first Thursday of the month, Tuesday evening quizzes, and intends to begin a men’s mental health group and possibly a football team.

Tonight, however, will be the new owners first live music night, and they’ve wisely hoisted in promoters Wiltshire Music Events to organise it. Though without much advertising unfortunately the crowd was slight. Never the simple accomplishment it may seem when established venues have the monopoly through a regularity of gigs, to sporadically host will require endless bashing about it on social media. It is, however, easier with the increased 49 bus service, that a night bus will drop into villages enroute, of which you should take note.

I’m in attendance not only to support and encourage the importance of entertainment in villages, save the thought of losing your local watering hole. Rather it is because Wiltshire Music Events is hosting two new acts on their roster, one who’ve yet to explore outside of their Salisbury circuit. A wise choice being the neighbouring church is a mini replica of the cathedral to make the bishop feel at home in the Cannings, or at least so the myth goes!

Firstly, in support, young singer-songwriter Rosie Jay, one I’ve been dying to meet and see live since fondly reviewing her first two singles. Rosie didn’t disappoint despite the pedestal I’ve put her on. Her self-penned songs are rippled with the poignancy of the classic template acoustic wordsmiths who made it big will follow; concentration on the hook, something even more essential with the attention span of the Tik-Tok generation.

Her voice is rich, affectionate, and she delivers songs with passion and blossoming stage presence. An interesting choice of covers from a young artist, often, she explained to the audience, inspired by their usage in films. Okay, Elvisโ€™ Can’t Help Falling in Love is timeless romantic, and The Cranberriesโ€™ Zombie is most formulaic, but Dylan’s It Ain’t Me Babe, is a cynical rare choice to pull from her magician’s hat. Though it relates in theme to Rosie’s first song, I Don’t Give a Damn, and her general subjects. Rosie nailed them all, beautifully, with particular evocative expressions in the reclusive and heartfelt jaundiced emotions of Dylan, and likewise her own intelligent compositions.

Currently pursuing a Level 3 Diploma in Music at Wiltshire College and University Centre, Rosie told me of her work on local radio, and was enthusiastic about her forthcoming EP. Part of the growing Wiltshire Music Events family now, as Joylon Dixon has worked with her to produce it. And Joylon accompanies the next performer, the incredible Rachel Sinnetta.

Renowned for a two-year stint supporting Gerry & The Pacemakers, singing to Prince William and recording with Pete Townshend, Rachel intended to tour aย  “Wuthering Heights: The Music of Kate Bush,โ€ project which unfortunately fell through.

Music teacher Rachel  set to tour this tribute extensively throughout the UK; that’s what the blurb told me. All I know is Kate Bush is the vocal epitome of singularity, the individuality debatably overlooked in today’s pop industry, as the penchant to sound akin to Whitney Houston seems paramount.

Just like Dolly, Cher, Tina Turner, Stevie Nicks, Tom Jones, Alanis Morissette, even KT Tunstall et al, you need a seriously powerful vocal range to convincingly take on a Kate Bush cover. And Rachel did, sublimely delivering Running Up That Hill, and popular hits of all the aforementioned. Seemingly having her own deal with god, Rachel naturally reaches the notes with ease, her husky yet divine rock voice is the eloquence and faculty able to adapt to take those powerhouse ballads on with such precision and poignancy, particularly with the female giants. She even rinsed Arthea Franklinโ€™s Natural Women, and left me tingling, Chaka Khanโ€™s Ainโ€™t Nobody too simply wowed. Proud Mary in the key of Tina Turner; who would dare attempt them in an intimate gig such as this?! Rachel Sinnetta made them look childsplay.

Sassy with Tom Jonesโ€™ Kiss, joyful with Erasureโ€™s A Little Respect, covers came thick and fast, coupled with the secret legendary Jolyon Dixon without rehearsal was a match from heaven, and the whole shebang was utterly blissful; shame only us, a few regulars and their dogs were there to witness it. Such is the uphill struggle for new landlords to plant their establishment into a local music circuit, partially my reasoning for doing this blog.

So, take heed now, especially everyone in Pewsey; this wonderful formula, Rosie Jay followed by Rachel Sinnetta with Jolyon Dixon will be continued at the Royal Oak, in Pewsey, with a free gig from 8pm, next Saturday, the 19th October; they are in for a treat.

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Jodie as Adele Tribute Night Fundraising for Devizes School Student to Work in Ecuador

Wiltshire Adele tribute Jodie Evans is all set to ignite the stage on Friday 18th October, at the Bear Hotelโ€™s Cellar Bar in Devizes, with all funds made going to a Devizes School student hopeful to raise enough to visit Ecuador to work over the summerโ€ฆ

Jodie is fast building amazing fan reviews and support for her tribute to Adele, and is taking bookings into 2025 already. Tickets are available at ยฃ10 per person HERE.ย 

The Devizes School Student said, โ€œFollowing volunteering within the Devizes area, I am passionate about giving back and I am looking forward to living and working with the local people, to experience first-hand the issues faced by rural communities in Ecuador whilst making a positive and lasting impact. I will contribute to ongoing sustainable projects that help support communities and protect the biodiverse environment in this amazing country – Thank you for supporting my cause.โ€

We wish them all the best, and hope ‘someone like you’ can help and buy a ticket (see what I did there?!)

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Autumn-Winter Comedy in Devizes

Comedy in Devizes is a rare thing, unless you count visitors turning right at the Shaneโ€™s Castle junction, reading opinions on the Devizes Issues (butโ€ฆ

Funked Up Disco Metal; There’s Always Something Happening in Devizes!

Despite summer being a fleeting memory, and time to batten down the hatches for our major events, even if there’s not โ€˜muchโ€™ going on in Devizes at night, there’s always somethingโ€ฆ.

Though tempted by gigs further afield, The Pump in one direction, George Wilding in Pewsey the other, I had had โ€˜one of those weeks.โ€™ You know the sort, I’m sure; don’t ask if not! It persuaded me towards the self-indulgence of too many ciders; a rare thing for me these days, usually I’m happy to drive to a gig, but adamant I was staying in Devizes to booze, I was stuck with the โ€˜somethings.โ€™ Thing was, those things turned out really rather good.

If there’s always something happening in Devizes, it’s largely down to two pubs, The Southgate and The Three Crowns. But Saturday night, The Bear Hotel was hosting a soul DJ night of Motown to disco, by long-standing Melksham based DJ, Maurice Menghini, aka Mister M, and his partner on the wheels of steel, The Original PJ, or Patrick, as I was introduced to him as. Maurice has carved a flexible DJ promotional organisation called Real Music Promotions, for all manner of function, with a personal penchant for reggae. Heโ€™s been at it for years, and is renowned locally.

My round robin, then, began at the exquisite Bear Hotelโ€™s Ballroom, as rubbing shoulders with Maurice has been long overdue. Itโ€™s a matured affair, a blossoming crowd of Devizes disco die-hards gathered, looking for any excuse to dance, and Maurice provided that with the unsurpassed magic of Motown classics, Northern Soul rarities and spanning into later disco discs. They know what buttons to press, supplying lively banter, and request cards on the tables. While itโ€™s a ticketed event, they only weigh in at a fiver, with free live music elsewhere it must be said, a disco is a hard sell by comparison. Nevertheless, variety is the spice of life, all events are valid here, and Maurice and Patrick are ahead of their game; the ballroom is bouncing.

Real Music promised to return for another at the Bear, on New Yearโ€™s Eve. Rest of the time you can find this double-trouble DJ duo regularly at Spencer’s Club at Melksham FC. The Sham, huh? Coming over here, guys, blessing us with soul vibes and forcing Devizes folk to shake their tail feathers, whatever next?!

Allowing the disco to simmer on low heat, I slipped off across the Market Place, to the trusty Three Crowns, black my nose there. Hugely popular with Millennials and a few older who think they are, The Three Crowns is bustling as usual. Itโ€™s ever-lively, the place to be, theyโ€™ve extended their menu and have the knack to attract a variety of the Devizes demographic.

Except, rather than a full band they usually host, more often than not Britpop or classic rock covers, a working combination, the pub hosts dynamic Devizes duo, Funked Up. Also at it for years and locally renowned for it, with a keyboard and saxophone combo the duo deliver the timeless soul-filled pop classics you simply have to dance to, and they deliver them with the gusto equal to a full band. Needless to say, with the drinks flowing, this one will go off.

For the elders, come-as-you are Devizes live music aficionados, The Southgate remains the place to head for, and rightly so. The rare thing of welcoming original music, the authenticity of pub culture of yore, and the general communal atmosphere are its benefits, and we love it for them. Though I confess I preconceived the band by their name, A Smile, Two Bangs and a Legend kinda sounds quirky and loosely thrown together, you know? As if theyโ€™re a nice, smiley conformist ensemble, attempting to break the wedding function band market! I should know better than to doubt the Southgate, as on arrival all-macho, healthy and hard rock was pumping out and A Smile, Two Bangs and a Legend were nearing the end of their first half.

The obvious question upon meeting one of those classic rock enthusiasts of the band, was who was the Smile, because they all looked equally red-blooded, who was the bangs, because as a unit they all made a noise, and who was the legend, because if there was one of those professional, ex-famous musician beatniks who occasionally played bass for some rock god and lived off the stories, it couldโ€™ve been any one of them! I stood corrected and better informed; the band name derives from a Monty Python quote, though a fan, Iโ€™d not heard of before; from the Flying Circus series I believe, trainspotters.

But it wasnโ€™t the origins of the name, rather the expert delivery of rock classics which turned this around. Executions of ZZ Top and AC-DC and all in-between came thick, fast and accomplished. It is precisely what the regulars at the Southgate lap up, a timeless template of prog-rock to the dawn of metal, those hard-hitting powerhouses which time will not allow us to forget. A Smile, Two Bangs and a Legend exceeded my preconceptions with smiles, bangs and were, definitively, legends in their own denims.

As imagining Iโ€™m the soul man Sam & Dave sang about, Iโ€™m inclined to leave the Gate, safe in the knowledge the band had it under wraps. Next time I see smiles, bangs and legends on the roster itโ€™s a confirmed grand night at the Southgate, but then, in six years Iโ€™ve yet to be disappointed. I am, however, curious to see how our Melksham grandmasters are getting on at the Bear ballroom. On arrival things have escalated, the party in full swing is pumping, the Motown classics have progressed to disco ones, and the crowd have had their fill at the bar, and were either shaking their stuff or chatting enthusiastically.

This ballroom should have been filled to capacity, soul men and divas of Devizes, or anyone with a penchant for disco dancing of yore should take note, keep your eye on Maurice & Patrickโ€™s future events, we will highlight them on our event calendar, your NYE is sorted there. Such it was, that on a mild night, between seasons of Long Street Blues Club, with no Arts Festival, DOCA, Food Festival, or even a show at the Wharf, that a weekend in Devizes is always on the cards, always there is a few options of something going on, and they’re usually pretty good!

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Forestry Operations Due to Start at West Woods

Featured Photo: Forestry England/Crown copyright Planned timber harvesting is set to begin at popular walking destination, West Woods, from the end of September until Marchโ€ฆ

Swindon Gets Shuffling!

Despite the population of Devizes throwing confetti and paint at each other in their most celebrated annual ritual, I believe I picked the right weekendโ€ฆ

The Juggernaut Delivers Back at The Southgate

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 โ€œtheโ€ฆ

Deadlight Dance New EP Chapter & Verse

Marlborough gothic duo Deadlight Dance are due to release an EP of new material. Itโ€™s called Chapter & Verse and itโ€™ll be out on Rayโ€ฆ

Harder to Breathe; New Single from Talk in Code

Itโ€™s been a fantastic summer for Wiltshireโ€™s indie-pop favourites Talk in Code. I think Iโ€™ve caught them live at least four times, and only once blagged a lift home from guitarist Snedds, of which is customary to drunkenly chew his ears off on as many random subjects the journey time will allow; I guess that officially makes me a โ€œtalker?!โ€

But hey, nights drawing in, back to recorded sound, and Talk in Code have a new single, Harder to Breathe, out this Friday, 4th October 2024; it is still 2024, right?!

Again this one follows the irresistible building template of the band, bridging the gap between 80โ€™s new wave electronica and 90โ€™s indie pop. This one, I believe, really harnesses the bandโ€™s objectives of creating timeless pop with dynamic eighties synth and guitar combos. The effect is akin to iconic producers like Peter F Wolf or Narada Walden; Harder to Breathe evokes blissful recollections of songs from the peak of the era, from Go West to Madonna, and weโ€™ll never stop dancing to them; try to stop me, I double-dare you!

Harder to Breathe is another universally exemplary precedent of this original timeless anthem ethos Talk In Code are achieving. The sound reaches that blinkered emotion of ones infatuation suffocating the object of their desires, at least in a pop-tastic fashion, as is the theme. At least I think it does, it’s been a long time since anyone was infatuated with me, but once upon a long time ago, believe it or not, some did; funny old world, isn’t it?! No one was even paying them!!

Frontman Chris Stevens said of the single, โ€œwe want to evoke the feelings you have when you meet people that have a huge impact on your life; being overwhelmed, lust, falling in loveโ€ฆthe song addresses if it is simply instinctual to gamble with matters of the heart.โ€

A versatile force live, able to suit a variety of festivals and venues, itโ€™s been a great summer, but the fun doesnโ€™t stop, this tune matches the gusto of their performances, in the comfort of your own home; give it a listen, just don’t try to stop me from dancing!

Pre-Save this beauty HERE. Return Friday in diddy-boppers and rah-rah skirt, I know I will!

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Fulltone Confirmed For 2025 in Devizes

The Fulltone Orchestra has confirmed today that their annual festival will take place on The Green in Devizes from 25th โ€“ 27th July 2025โ€ฆ. โ€œItโ€™sโ€ฆ

Chatting with Josh Oldfield on Blues, Inspiration, and Drums in Suitcases!

I was chatting to Josh Oldfield last week, a Devizes singer-songwriter I believe weโ€™ll be hearing a lot more of. Though this interview was pending before Iโ€™d had the opportunity to see him perform, coincidentally the Sunday before I was fortunate enough to, at a private partyโ€ฆ.

And it was worth a fortune, Josh has confident stage presence, a guitar soloist with soothing baritone vocals, white shirt and waistcoat, and a vintage suitcase foot-drum akin to a travelling Southern bluesman of yesteryear. ย Connoting retrospective style, the drum gives depth to an otherwise acoustic set, and the show is quirky, but oozing with professionalism, like a one-man skiffle band. Itโ€™s something different from the norm, locally, which was the starting point to our chat.

Josh amended my description as โ€˜slightly different,โ€™ โ€œit’s a fair bit different,โ€ he suggested, โ€œand I didn’t mean to do it on purpose, it’s just naturally how it came out.โ€ Fresh from Peggy-Sueโ€™s local showcasing Don’t Stop the Music Radio Show on Swindon 105.5, he said it went โ€œfantastic; there seemed to be people into it. And I don’t actually know what I’m doing, but it’s something different!โ€

Pinning his sound only for want of conveying it to you, I jested he caused me to think a โ€˜skiffle George Ezra!โ€™ Said with upmost respect, despite Ezraโ€™s commercial success, he never waivers his style, possibly opening a door to others with deep vocal range. Josh ducked the Ezra comparison, concentrating on the skiffle and deepness of his range. โ€œSkiffle’s perfect. It’s something I should have realised with gigs; people seem to like originally. Years ago I’d try and move away from how deep my voice is, because it’s not popular. Professionals and singing teachers will tell you, that because my voice is baritone, they’re like, oh, you got to learn higher range for popular music.โ€

I supposed that was the appeal. โ€œWell, yeah,โ€ Josh continued, โ€œturns out people like hearing the lower ranges, as it’s not so common, and maybe there’s a comeback now, where people are kind of picking that up a little bit more.โ€ We waffled for some considerable time on the templates and expectancies of modern pop vocals, compared to a unique time of yore when a voice was a personal signature. Josh cited Tom Waits and Nick Cave as influences, favouring โ€œobscure stuff,โ€ over contemporary pop.

He first picked up a guitar at thirteen. โ€œMy dad just had a guitar knocking around the house. He used to play a bit, but didn’t really play anymore,โ€ but stressed he didnโ€™t start singing until recently. A couple of months ago he sang at the open mic at the Cellar Bar, โ€œthe first time my mum ever heard me sing, and I’m like thirty now. Singing is not something I’ve been doing naturally throughout the whole thing.โ€

Josh comes across an earnest perfectionist, one who solitarily hones his craft and doesnโ€™t unleash anything until itโ€™s mastered, ergo heโ€™s new on the scene but โ€˜oven-readyโ€™ to give an impressive show. If now is that time to break the local scene, thereโ€™s a valid reason. Given the all-clear from being diagnosed with testicular cancer last year, at twenty-nine years old, Josh expressed, โ€œessentially that’s what ended up pushing me to want to pursue music. I was like, โ€˜I’ve kind of been given a second chance,โ€™ you know? That was the main drive.โ€

At the party Josh pulled some finely penned originals out of his bag as well as adapted covers of crowd-pleasing pop, such as Tainted Love; the set was instantly prodigious. On writing he expressed songs were, โ€œflowing out. They’re just coming. I was being asked last night, what’s this song about? I don’t really have a clue what they’re about. They’re just literally being put down on paper and then, there’s a meaning in there somewhere, you know? It’s more like transposing them. There was a song I wrote on Monday, and I played it on Tuesday on the radio, because it just kind of happened. But then, when I was trying to look at what it was about it, well, I mean, I was watching Clarkson’s Farm the day before. So, there was some stuff about a farm in there, so maybe it’s linked to that in some way!โ€

Capturing a moment no matter how inconsequential at the time, naturally crafting art sourced from it when inspiration strikes, and being as impossible to summarise how and why as it is to transmit a dream, is key to creative genius. That question put him under the spotlight, but he came up trumps!

Our conversation diverted to breaking the local circuits, the balance of adapting to certain venues and niches, as while many want cover bands, few prefer original acts locally, and I affirmed Joshโ€™s self-penned vintage style would suit the matured blues aficionados of Devizes. Though we covered the upcoming more youthful indie-punk scene and talked of Kieran at the Pump. โ€œThat’s more what I remember,โ€ Josh stressed after hearing me on the blues penchant of town. โ€œBack in the day, the whole Sheer Music thing in Devizes. When that disappeared, I thought music in Devizes had disappeared. I thought it was all just, you know, pubs getting cover bands. But getting into it, there’s quite a big scene. It’s just finding it.โ€

Thatโ€™s why we, and people like Peggy-Sue are here! Josh is sourcing all the right channels and appears on Fantasy Radio on the 10th of October.

We continued onto the one-man band thing, and that authentic suitcase drum. โ€œIt’s from America,โ€ Josh explained, โ€œit’s a suitcase with the basic drum built in. There’s a Pan American drum company, only two companies in the world that do it.โ€ I imagined axemen of yore stopping at the crossroads and selling their soul to the devil with it! โ€œWell, yeah, that’s the thing,โ€ he replied, โ€œI want to play instruments where I can take them anywhere. So I got the kazoo as well. I can take that anywhere. I can play acoustic guitar anywhere. I can sing anywhere. When I think blues, thereโ€™s electric, but then there’s the kind of, sitting on the front porch, playing kind; playing just cause you want play,โ€ which led us onto old-archaic bluesmen, of which there could be no doubt Josh has done his homework, alluding to RL Burnside and others. โ€œNo one knew about him until he was like sixty something. He was a sharecrop farmer, and he just lived out there. He had like sixteen children or something, you know? But he didn’t care. And that’s really for me where that kind of foundation comes from,โ€ he said, explaining the story of a blues song he played at the party.

โ€œThat old style of blues, I’m trying to lean towards, to be honest, has a lot in common with punk,โ€ he said and triggered a tangent on pigeonholing when roots intertwine, which developed onto open mic nights.

โ€œEveryone I’ve met has been through the open mics, and I like playing them,โ€ Josh reacted. โ€œThere’s this kind of community around it. Yeah, it can be a bit musician convention, and again, you mentioned Vince Bell, you know that’s where I met Vince. Me and him are looking to play a couple of shows together hopefully later this year.โ€

Playing with the ethos of taking music back to its roots makes Josh flexible, his music fits into folk and blues, so itโ€™s apt to work with acoustic folk singers like Vince, and Josh mentioned working with Jamie Tyler of The Worried Men too, electric blues, a different kettle of fish, but still fits like a glove. โ€œThe live reaction to stuff seems to be great,โ€ he added. โ€œIt’s that people like the music, to be honest, more than anything else that always surprises me. It’s like we were getting messages in while I was on the radio yesterday and people saying that they were really loving it and stuff and that’s surprising.โ€

If Josh Oldfield is modest and wears his heart on his sleeve, itโ€™s a common sign of a creative prodigy. He admitted, โ€œI’m very reserved, introverted. In fact, part of the reason I like playing music is because I don’t have to be in the crowd. I don’t like being in crowds. So if I’m playing the music, I’m not in the crowd!โ€ Thereโ€™s logic there, but in the brief time I saw Josh play, Iโ€™m convinced of what I said at the beginning, I believe weโ€™ll be hearing a lot more of him.

Book Josh Oldfield with Marland Music HERE.

Follow him on social media, links are here Facebook. Instagram

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Get ‘Lifted’ by Chandra

Chandra, Hindu God of the Moon, with his own NASA X-ray observatory named after him, and also frontman of a self-named friendly Bristol-based four-pieceโ€ฆ

Some Days with Paul Lappin

Paul’s self-made cover to his latest single, Some Days depicts a fellow sitting under a tree pondering life, while an autumn zephyr blows leavesโ€ฆ

Imberbus is running this Saturday !

Following on from last monthโ€™s email, this is a final reminder that yearโ€™s Imberbus service will be running this coming Saturday โ€“ 17th Augustโ€ฆ

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World Food in Devizes; Thanks Food & Drink Festival!

Devizes Food & Drink Festival came to a close for this year with the most amazing World Food event at the Corn Exchange on Sundayโ€ฆit was yummy on an international scale!

Itโ€™s an annual finale Iโ€™ve missed in previous years, but was persuaded to attend by Dora who was there with a sweet Hong Kong dish of tapioca and melon. And thatโ€™s the premise, any local with ethnic roots is invited to serve a taster dish from their country of origin. One raffle ticket equals one dish, a strip of five costs just ยฃ3, the event is free to attend.

This arrangement makes this event arguably the best one on the Food & Drink Festival program, if the others require a ticket and the opening food market, while diverse in choices of tucker, vendors are left to their own devices and tend to sell fuller dishes at fuller costs, therefore should you wish to try something different youโ€™re committed to a single choice or two. Here you circulate the hall safe in the knowledge that if the dish was not to your liking, itโ€™s only set you back sixty pee, and thereโ€™s lots more options priced the same. It is a reserved and courteous dash, being a first-come-first-served situation and only a set amount of dishes from each table; I arrived punctual, and peckish. Best advice I could give about this event is to try and arrive before me!

For this, those who know the score with this event are queuing as far as the old Natwest bank waiting for it to open as if it was an Oasis reunion gig! And they were right to, it was fantastic and gorged-aciously gorgeous, and Iโ€™d kick myself for not attending before if I wasnโ€™t balancing three dishes of various national dishes! 

If you know me well youโ€™ll know I do love my grub, and Iโ€™ve eclectic tastes, save eggs! Iโ€™m in my element here, trekking the world like Jules Verneโ€™s cutlery, without leaving the Devizes Corn Exchange. Though thereโ€™s less than eighty tables, itโ€™s certainly plentiful. First stop, Zimbabwe for some tasty Sadza Balls, onto a lovely Romanian stew Iโ€™m not even going to attempt to spell, and then Iโ€™m back in Africa, for South African Chakalaka; loved the name, preferred the dish, it was probably my favourite if I was forced to pick one!

It is perhaps for the adventurous, this event, and unlike a more multicultural place, weโ€™re restricted here to Italian, Chinese and Indian restaurants, therefore to explore the more unusual is key to experiencing the best of the occasion. With this ethos, the Western European tables arenโ€™t attracting the same attention as the Eastern European, African or Asian ones. Nevertheless, I tried the Italian one as they had something Iโ€™d not seen before, Lenticchie De Capodana, a lentil stew which they told me is traditionally served at New Year and is therefore more of a household dish than something youโ€™d find in restaurants. Herein is the interesting angle of the event as a whole, these are home cooked dishes and not pampered or adapted to an international palette, as meals in restaurants might well be.

There were a few tables I did not try, such as Scottish haggis, I didnโ€™t so in favour of the more exotic ones, and prevention from over-indulging (of which I was close to the border already.) I mean, when do you get to try Rourou patties with Dalo from Fiji, in Devizes, huh?! This one was particularly unusual, and tasty, as equally as those from the Ukraine, a berry and cream pudding from Denmark, even some apple layered sponge cake from Guernsey; yes, they had puddings too, get in!

Though they didnโ€™t have any drinks, so take a bottle of water with you next year. But do go, it was scrumptious, communal, and a grand finale to the Food & Drink Festival. An event I’m unusually tempted to summarise using science, yes science; step aside Heston Blumenthal!

So, forget about Ebbinghausโ€™ Forgetting Curve, and the pun, and focus on Darrenโ€™s Remembering Curve! Eddinghausโ€™ curve is a hypothesis, his methodology is wrought with debatable flaws, especially by modern thinking. Affective Context Theory is the new bag,ย emphasising vehemence in memory retention, in other words, you cannot learn anything youโ€™ve no interest in. My curve is the physical example, itโ€™s my belly, and once filled so too is my retention to knowledge, because Iโ€™m interested in filling my gut. I learned a lot today about different world foods, and Iโ€™m likely to remember it because Darrenโ€™s Remembering Curve is particularly full now with new foods Iโ€™ve not tried before, see? Okay, donโ€™t base your PHD on it, as long as you get the general gist!

Awl, hereโ€™s to another year, then, cheers, and thank you to all the organisers of the festival and everyone who provided a dish to try; Iโ€™m full!

What else is happening, dude?!

Marlborough, I’ve Seen Your Pants

โ€œWe can’t stop here. This is Tory country,โ€ I chuckled while fiercely yanking the handbrake, as if Dr Gonzo was in the car. We canโ€ฆ

Ruzz Up The Gate!

I was intending to start this along the lines of โ€œyou don’t need me to provide another reason why I love The Southgate,โ€ but thisโ€ฆ

Sing Another Love Song with Rosie Jay

Second impressive single from young Salisbury singer-songwriter Rosie Jay is released today. Sing Another Love Song; a sound of the summerโ€ฆ.. Her debut breakup trackโ€ฆ

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Autumn-Winter Comedy in Devizes

Comedy in Devizes is a rare thing, unless you count visitors turning right at the Shaneโ€™s Castle junction, reading opinions on the Devizes Issues (but better) Facebook group, and the total legend who once climbed on top of the Roses faรงade to drive the lawnmower mounted up there. But we do have three upcoming comedy gigs to look forward to this autumn-winter; chickens, crossing roads….

Firstly, thereโ€™s two at the Exchange fundraising for the Mayorโ€™s Appeal. One is on Thursday the 3rd October. The โ€˜Ginger Viking’ Chris Brooker is compรจre and it features Pierre Hollins, Neil McFarlane and promises guests.ย 

Expect a mixture of brilliant stand up and ditties. Pierre can move from the glaringly obvious to the sublime with frightening ease and describes himself as โ€˜โ€™far-fetched and slightly dangerous.โ€ A comedian and guitar noodler who has supported Lenny Henry and Rory Bremner, and toured with The Flying Pickets, Willie Rushton & Barry Cryer.

Neil McFarlane is a regular act at the highly-regarded Stand Comedy Clubs in Glasgow & Edinburgh. He now performs in locations across the length and breadth of the British Isles, attracting widespread concern. Allow him gently to divert you from the horrific truth of your own existential plight and occasionally use the word โ€˜seepageโ€™.

Hopefully this will keep us giggling until Thursday 12th December, when the second instalment arrives, again with all proceeds going to the Mayorโ€™s Appeal.

Mirth Control’s Geoff Whiting is compรจre this time around, with Alan Francis, Samantha Day and guests. The List described Alan as โ€œbrazen, dark and clever!โ€ Winner of Channel 4โ€™s ‘So you Think Youโ€™re Funny’ at the Edinburgh Festival, Alan is regular on the UK and International Comedy Circuit, appearing on TV’s Mid Morning Matters, Psychoville, with Alan Partridge, Knowing Me Knowing Yule, Alistair McGowanโ€™s Big Impression, Ancona and Co., Alas Smith and Jones, The BBC Stand-Up Show, the Alan Davies Show, Alexei Sayleโ€™s Stuff and Between the Lines.

Samantha explores everything from sex and money, to pronouns and social media โ€” come and find out if you were smart enough to be born at the right time. Comedy Store King Gong Winner and SCF New Comedian of the Year (2022).

Tickets are ยฃ12.00 adv / ยฃ15.00 on the door. Tickets available at Devizes Books, Vinyl Realm and The British Lion, in Marlborough at Sound Knowledge and online HERE.

Between these two, if the comedy moments do wear off, Devizes Arts Festival has a special autumn night of laughs at the Corn Exchange on Friday 8th November. Headline act Hal Cruttenden is one of the top touring stand-up comedians working in the UK. He has made several appearances on โ€˜Live at the Apolloโ€™, โ€˜Have I got news for you,โ€™ โ€˜The Royal Variety Performanceโ€™, โ€˜Would I Lie To Youโ€™ , โ€˜The One Showโ€™ โ€˜The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Sliceโ€™ and โ€˜The Apprentice: Youโ€™re Fired.โ€™ Hal as completed six nationwide toursโ€ฆ.   He is also a highly accomplished writer and actor.

Alieen McQueen, Steve Williams and Geoff Whiting, compรจre for the December gig also makes an appearance here. Tickets for this one can be found HERE, and are ยฃ12.

You could, potentially, do all these and youโ€™d be loaded with gags to ruin trying to tell your mate at work, or I could tell you my camel joke for free, if you like, but if youโ€™ve heard it onceโ€ฆ..

what else is happening, dude?

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Food Glorious Food; A Great Start for Devizes Food & Drink Festival

Hot sausage and mustard! Devizes Food & Drink Festival got off to a yummy, yummy, yummy start Saturday, leaving Devizes folk with love in their tummies, exotic burgers, pies and unusual street food! But the renowned annual food festival doesnโ€™t end with the Market, weโ€™ve a week of grub related events ahead of us, pass the soy sauceโ€ฆโ€ฆ

Unpredictable weather didnโ€™t prevent masses turning out for the free market in, conveniently, the Market Place. And they were blessed by a mostly clement outcome. Tucking umbrellas underarm they noshed and drank till their heart’s content with an array of interesting street food stalls, bars and music.

It was all ukuey shenanigans entertaining the feeding folk with a five-piece skiffle ensemble called the Strungout Ukuleles, and they were a satisfying choice. Surrounding them, hay bales were occupied by seated feasters, the Wadworth bar keeping them refreshed. Hawkstone was another choicest booze outlet, but being endorsed by thick slice of gammon Jeremy Clarkson put me off a smidgen, so I opted for a pint from the Dumb Postโ€™s mobile bar, as it came with a delicious pie; not so dumb, huh?!

Food-wise we were truly spoiled for choice. Popular lunches seemed to be from the Japanese noodle stall, an Indian street food one, but particularly The Tibetan one with their tasty momos, and Calneโ€™s vintage yellow caravan, home of Jamaican jerkinโ€™ Miss Aubreeโ€™s Kitchen, which is like a reggae riddim ina ya belly!

Purbeck supplied the ice cream, and there were more cakes and brownies than I could even eat in a month! Stalls selling homemade sauces, preserves, gins, you name it, where there. I was instructed not to return home without fudge, which was an easy challenge and met with my approval, the fudge judge! 

Aside from our regular bustling markets, it is a lovely annual event in Devizes because we get the kind of food stalls we rarely see here, serving the kind of grub we equally donโ€™t get to taste often. Though many assume it’s the be-all and end-all of Devizes Food & Drink Festival, and to them I say youโ€™ve only put a little toe into the water. It continues over the week, with a variety of ticketed food-related events, ones such as we highlighted in this yearโ€™s preview and can be found on our event calendar, and on their website HERE.

Each expert in their field joins the festival organisers for a range of events, with links to the subject of food. So, Hillworth Park has a teddy bear picnic, Devizes Fire Station serves a hot dish, The Wharf Theatre has a film night, screening The Hundred-Foot Journey, Helen Mirren and Om Puriโ€™s battle over neighbouring French restaurants, and so on; even food critic Tom Parker-Bowles is coming to town, but you better get in quick as tickets are being snapped up for the separate events with many sold out already; I did pre-warn you!

This all ends Sunday 29th September with the World Food Day at the Corn Exchange; get there by midday to ensure you get tasters of the variety of world food dishes created by local residents of respective ethnic backgrounds. They come at just a quid a dish, so fill your boots!

Once the Market Place was tidied the Devizes Food & Drink Festival moved into the Town Hall for a ticketed Italian-inspired meal with Italian food-related readings, mostly from the Devizes Writers Group and sponsored by Devizes Books and the Healthy Life Company. It was all very posh, for me, but communal, welcoming and we enjoyed it.

Rest assured those wordsmiths will be analysing my amateurish writing, so I better get my grammar in gear! From contemporary literature to the Roman Empire, we were treated to passages from various sources, from Robert Harrisโ€™ Pompeii to Guardian articles about cheese. Most memorable was Lewisโ€™ reading from Mary Beardโ€™s Emperor of Rome, about the prankster emperor Elagabalus who teased his guests with whoopie cushions and throwing drunkards into cells with toothless lions and tigers, and Roger, Devizes answer to Brain Blessed, boldly reciting Shakespeareโ€™s Julius Caesar!

It was a great start to the festival, which continues throughout the week, you can even take your dogs to one event at Black Dog Coffee; zoinks! Scooby snacks!

Trending….

A Perfect Picnic in the Park

A perfect sunny(ish) Sunday at Hillworth Park in Devizes, if not to overcome one’s fear of public speaking while dressed in a giraffe onesie andโ€ฆ

Keep reading

DOCA Picnicing in the Park!

With the unfortunate cancellation of Devizes International Street Festival this year due to Arts Council cuts, all eyes are on our wonderful Hillworth Park nextโ€ฆ

Keep reading

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Devizes International Blues Festival in January

Benefits of having a Mayor who runs a blues club! Devizes blues fans get a late but great Christmas present when Mayor Ian Hopkins brings us this peach, a Devizes International Blues Festival on Saturday January 18th at the Corn Exchange; this news should warm you up!

“This is the biggest show I have everย put on,” Ian told us, and he’s put on a few in his time! It promises to be an all-day festival, starting at 2pm and containing a great line-up of blues stars. Any profits will go to the Mayors Appeal.

“We will be creating a intimate atmosphere of a blues club limited to just 250 tickets. There is a special Early Bird of ยฃ45.00 prior to 1st November when price rises to ยฃ50.00,” he explained, seemingly and understandably excited, you probably are too! Book now at Long Street Blues Club website, or tickets are at Devizes Books and Sound Knowledge in Marlborough.

Trending….

Michelle Gonelan Makes History

Last political rant from me for a while, given all that happened today, pinky promise! Hitler shot himself, then, as requested, he was doused inโ€ฆ

MantonFest Magic, Again

With the danceable penultimate act attracting a packed crowd, I observed a young teenager, who, on spotting a disregarded beer bottle, picked it up andโ€ฆ

Devizes Arts Festival Rules, OK?!

Alas, it’s been a long week since the Devizes Arts Festival called time. It feels a little like when my Dad would take the Christmasโ€ฆ

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The Juggernaut Delivers Back at The Southgate

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 โ€œthe juggernautโ€ returned from a break to deliver ten or more bulky pallets of sublime unadulterated blues to our own Sunday juke-jointโ€ฆthat’s how you do it, Devizes style!

Do we need to go further? Most Devizine writers have covered past sessions in our own individual ways, including myself, but equally in agreeance with anybody and everybody who’s ever attended one, this is where it’s at on a Sunday afternoon, this is the alternative Sunday roast.

I’ll keep it short, but have to say, you won’t find a more apt scenario for the idoim โ€˜time flies when you’re having fun,โ€ given the Jon Amor Trio residency at the Southgate is into its third year. And it’s become something of a town tradition; they’ll be throwing confetti at it next!

Said tradition usually comes with a special guest, many of whom return for gigs within their own right and band, but this month’s proved that’s just a bonus ball, as Jon did without this time, and with the best drum and bass duo Tom Gilkes and Gerry Soffe, they absolutely and undeniably shook the jammed joint.

If you’re still not in on this after us endlessly waffling about how good it is, that’s you’re perogative, but it’s not too late neither is it an exclusive club, you’d be welcome.

With the autumn season atย Long Street Blues Club pending, this was just what the blues aficionados of old Devizes town needed right now, therefore I feel confident to speak for us all when I sincerely thank Jon, Tom and Gerry for bringing us this monthly gem.ย  The formula is the first Sunday of each month, but keep an eye on our calendar or socials for any possible changes, and be there for the next one!

Deadlight Dance New EP Chapter & Verse

Marlborough gothic duo Deadlight Dance are due to release an EP of new material. Itโ€™s called Chapter & Verse and itโ€™ll be out on Ray Records on 13th September 2024โ€ฆโ€ฆ

Nick Fletcher and Tim Emery, aka, Deadlight Dance, stripped back a collection of their favourite new wave-goth classics and recorded them at the 12th century All Saints Church in Alton Priors last November, releasing them as an album, The Wiltshire Gothic, in March. If the Wiltshire Gothic excelled in uniqueness for acoustically recreating the sounds which inspired them, Deadlight Dance prove theyโ€™re no one trick pony with this new EP, as while it equals to the eminence of The Wiltshire Gothic, it does so for entirely the opposite reasoning.

After this acoustic beauty of echoing mandolins the effect is immediate, Deadlight Dance pull out heavy synths on this EP, a stark difference you may also find in their live gigs, swapping from acoustic to synths at the halfway house. Itโ€™s electronica punchy and as positively eighties as the original new wave and gothic songs they covered for The Wiltshire Gothic, of Joy Division, Sisters of Mercy, Fields of the Nephilim, et al, but all five tracks are their own work, completely original.

The only similarities with the last album is that thereโ€™s a theme, this time within the subject matter rather than the production, and naturally, itโ€™s as proficiently entertaining. The concept here is something to appease their old English Lit teachers at the Sixth Form where they met, as each track is inspired by a book character, in one word titles. So, the tracks are Montag, Rosemary, Charrington, Judas and Monster, leading me to rustle my mindโ€™s archives as to the books they represent; I got four out of five without Google, honest, sir, do I get a merit mark or something like that?!

Opening sonic, like OMD in their prime, book-burning firefighter Guy Montag of Fahrenheit 451 is the first subject and this is the only tune here which uses a sample, from the 1966 film adaptation Iโ€™d imagine, but Iโ€™ve not seen it, only read the book like a good boy! Obviously, futurism fears, flames and the controversial connotations of Ray Bradburyโ€™s magnum opus is ideal for a gothic related song, and we are off to an engagingly good start.

The second song is the one I guessed incorrectly, itโ€™s the girlfriend of the neurotic Gordon Comstock in Orwellโ€™s Keep the Aspidistra Flying, Rosemary Waterlow. Concentrating on her relationship frustrations, the song is a haunting echo in plodding synths, again, an ideal candidate for Nickโ€™s howlingly vocals.

Sticking with George Orwell, though this one remains instrumental, the antique dealer come undercover Thought Police agent in Nineteen-Eighty-Four, Mr. Charrington is the next subject. Again, itโ€™s a haunting sound enough, it needs no vocals, it twists in metallic scraping undertone, dark and mysterious futurism, it would evoke the perfect mood for the score to any possible remake, or in turn the soundtrack to the previous UK government who seemed to view Orwellโ€™s masterpiece a self-help guide; apologies, couldnโ€™t resist adding that!

Fourth tune in, is called Judas, no prizes for citing the book it comes from, but after the gloom of Charrington, the sound is surprisingly uplifting, capturing the pop side to classic goth rock, like The Cure. Iโ€™m undecided if the song is sympathetic to the actions of Jesusโ€™ grass Judas Iscariot, if it furthers to question the integrity of the bible more generally, or both. But itโ€™s an interesting atheistic angle, and an astutely written song.

Thereโ€™s a bass stomp verging on techno intro to the final song, Monster, reminding me of a fast coming of Jaws, then the synths swirl and Nickโ€™s off thirty seconds into the melodic narrative of Mary Shellyโ€™s Frankenstein, or the The Modern Prometheus, a gothic novel indeed. It caused me to consider Frank Millerโ€™s reinvention of Batman, a character whoโ€™s mysteriously shadowy edge was lost through the passage of commercialisation, particularly via TV, and how he gifted us The Dark Knight version.

Frankenstein portrayals are so commonplace, and often comical, it obscures the harrowing nature of the original story. As they do with all the book characters here, Deadlight Dance captures the mood, the intensity and torment of Mary Shellyโ€™s monster, through music, as by Sergei Prokofiev captured the characterisations of Peter, the Wolf and other animal side characters. Itโ€™s an absorbing prose, excellently manufactured, and brings gothic rock of yore back into the forefront. Not forgoing, when contrasted with the Wiltshire Gothic, it shows diversity in Deadlight Dance, both are returns to โ€œconceptโ€ in albums, something dearly overlooked in todayโ€™s one track Spotify world. It leaves me wondering where theyโ€™ll go next, but feeling confident each new progression will contain cognitive connotations amidst this hail of gothic rock, and these are the elements which makes each release a treasure.

Chapter & Verse will be released on Ray Records on 13th September 2024, across streaming platforms and available to buy on Bandcamp. Follow Deadlight Dance socials to keep in the know.

Find Deadlight Dance supporting Canute’s Plastic Army at the Tuppenny, Swindon on 19th September.ย 

Also, these:

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โ€œTalking Headsโ€ at the Wharf Theatre September 2ndโ€“7th 2024

by Ian Diddams
Images by Chris Watkins Media

Alan Bennet wrote his series of monologues in 1988 and 1998, with two more in 2019, centring on, though not confined to, stories of โ€œNorthernโ€ women, based allegedly on characters he had known in his life, particularly his formative years. The Wharf Theatre has kicked off its autumn program with three of Bennetโ€™s one woman shows performed by two new faces to the wharf, and Tina Duffin who has graced the boards there for a few years at least now.


โ€œA Lady of Lettersโ€ with Joanna Daniel as Irene starts the evening. Itโ€™s a mesmeric tale of a nosey neighbour spinster, who fills her time writing letters complaining about smoking pall bearers, neglectful parents, prostitutes and paedophiles.ย  We all know somebody like Irene. The vicar, the chemist and the police are the recipients of her missives โ€“ but her ill informed NIMBYISM comes home to roost as the truths behind her complaints are learned and she ends up in jail for harassment. Itโ€™s here however that she finds herself truly free and with a social life for the first time in her lifeโ€ฆ


โ€œA Cream Cracker under the Setteeโ€ with Liz Holliss as Doris concludes the first half. Doris is an aging and increasingly frail widow, struggling to maintain her independence while being hen pecked by an โ€“ allegedly โ€“ sloven home help care assistant. Trying to stave off being moved to โ€œStafford Houseโ€ a care home, it becomes increasingly apparent that Doris isnโ€™t actually capable of keeping herself safe and is too proud to admit it. As in โ€œlettersโ€ as the play progresses, we learn more and more about Doris and her life until now, each new revelation moving our understanding slightly from what we had so far understood. There is a โ€œBANGโ€ moment towards the end that stops the viewer in their tracks โ€“ a hitherto un-hinted at sea change in Dorisโ€™ life, if not her husbandโ€™s. This is the saddest tale of the three as we see Dorisโ€™ decline in just thirty minutes and her inevitable future.


After the interval, โ€œBed amongst the Lentilsโ€ with Tina Duffin as Susan is the lightest offering of the evening, although in true Bennett style this isnโ€™t all roses and jollity. The poignancy and inner sadness of the first two monologues is still here โ€“ its rather that the ending has no changes in Susanโ€™s life except โ€“ possibly โ€“ beneficial ones as she looks to overcome her alcoholism which becomes more evident through the story. Susan is a vicarโ€™s wife, and stalwart of the village fete โ€“ though she finds her role as Mrs. Vicar challenging not least as we learn she has no particular skills and is an agnostic surrounded by devout church goers and an ordained husband; thereโ€™s some home spun philosophy in here which I have often thought myself. Susan is clearly if not disenchanted with her life, at least bored with itโ€ฆย  her alcoholism spawns infidelity, though itโ€™s this last act that ultimately leads to her salvation from the demon drink โ€ฆย  before the object of her carnal releases gently leaves her โ€ฆย  and she is left wistful but not sadโ€ฆ

If there is one over-arching theme of these plays its one of entrapment โ€“ women stuck in their surroundings โ€“ be it a home as a prison with the irony that a prison becomes a home, a home that is now an increasingly dirty house, or a boring marriage and estranged lifestyle. With all three finding release in some not so obvious ways.


All three monologues are set in similar roomsโ€ฆย  somewhere between 1950 and 1970 in dรฉcor though as we possibly notice ourselves with older relatives โ€“ or even ourselves! โ€“ that may still be the same thirty years later of course. The Wharfโ€™s own tech crew as ever created the sets โ€“ itโ€™s been many a year since Iโ€™ve seen so many antimacassars. Gill Barnes and her wardrobe team as ever hit the spot with clothing befitting women of a certain age and the actors portray that well.


The actorsโ€ฆย  perfect for the roles in every way. They each capture their characters so well. Susan is every part the vicarโ€™s wife disjointed from her immediate life, Doris the desperate widow gas lighting herself over her independence, Irene the curtain twitching poison pen shit stirrer. Every part as excellent as Maggie Smith, Thora Hird and Patricia Routledge respectively from the original BBC series in the last century.


Abigail Newton, self-released from her national CAMRA activities, returns to direct this perfect show. She has captured the poignancy, light humour and hidden tears and fears of Bennetโ€™s slightly tortured souls in these three monologues. In the week that Oasis gig tickets were released donโ€™t miss out on seeing this particular show โ€ฆย  lest you look back in anger.

โ€œTalking Headsโ€ by Alan Bennet plays at Wharf Theatre, Devizes, from September 2nd to 7thย at 1930 every night.

Tickets are available from the Wharf website at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/the-wharf-theatre/talking-heads/e-dezdpm

Pantomime Audition at The Wharf Theatre, Devizes

Auditions for this year’s pantomime at The Wharf Theatre in Devizes are on Sunday 8th September at 2.30pm, at the theatre; could you make a great Hansel, Gretel, or maybe, dare I say it, a wicked witch?!

Yes, this year’s panto is all gingerbread houses in dark forests, and Officer Button and Mrs Brooke Bond hoping to find Hansel and Gretel. They’ve many varied roles available and are particularly looking for a young man who can sing and dance a little, approx 16-30 yrs, for the lead male role.

There’s no need to be a member of the theatre at this stage, just turn up on the day.

This fun adaptation of the Brothers Grimm classic Hansel & Gretel will run from November 29th till December 7th, 2024, by The Wharf Writersโ€™ Group and directed by Karen Ellis & Jessica Bone. Tickets available at their box office and Devizes Books.

Pantomime at the Wharf is always a magical experience, and usually a sellout show. I loved Jack & The Beanstalk last year, but that’s behind us nowโ€ฆoh no, it isn’t!!