This afternoon I find myself contemplating what the future holds for historical discovery and learning for all ages, fun and educational exhibits and events in Wiltshire; and it looks positive! Devizes is blessed to have Wiltshire Museum already, but the future looks even better, the future is…. Assizes!
Wiltshire Museum announced today, The National Lottery Heritage Fund has awarded £8.5 million towards the £14.8 million Assizes for Devizes project to transform the derelict Assize Court building into a spectacular new home for the Museum. Derelict for decades, the once huge court house of architectural distinction, on the Heritage At Risk register, The Assize Court has been a sour issue for too long, and in its current condition is sadly an eyesore. The project will restore its historic features, and breathe new life into the building; Wiltshire Museum and in turn, Devizes will thrive.
Since 1874 The Wiltshire Museum has been delighting visitors at Long Street in Devizes, and is home to nationally important designated collections, including stunning treasures from the Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site landscape. It also hosts many exhibits, educational events and lectures for all ages, children’s craft workshops and so much more.
Director of Wiltshire Museum David Dawson said, “we are delighted that the Heritage Fund has demonstrated its confidence in our plans to transform the former Devizes Assize Court into the new home for a reimagined Wiltshire Museum. At last we will be able to give the museum’s internationally significant collections a fitting home, while rescuing an important at-risk listed building and providing a focal point for town centre renewal. We are grateful to National Lottery players, our loyal members and our other funders, existing and future, for their commitment and support.”
Peter Troughton, CVO CBE, Chair of Devizes Assize Court Trust, which initially saved the building by purchasing it in 2018 with the support of generous donors, said, “the National Lottery Heritage Fund award to the Wiltshire Museum is fantastic news! It will transform the museum, save the historic Assize Court building and give the people of Devizes a community hub like no other. It will be an enormous help to the campaign to achieve the vision for the award-winning museum, already supported by the town, Wiltshire County Council and leading charitable foundations.”
Oh…a slice of onion from my bratwurst plopped into my mulled wine; where does one go to complain about this?! Other than that, Devizes Town Council and DOCA’s Winter Festival was the best one for many years, officially opening yuletide in Devizes…..
Over time the simple premise of switching the Christmas tree lights on has become a large-scale event which differs in traditions from town to town, possibly competitive even. Some here envy the Sham’s monstrosity of an electronic tree sculpture, others favour our real tree. Wotton Bassett hosts great lively rock bands, like Barrelhouse this year. But while I love those guys, nothing says Christmas to me more than Devizes Town Band brassing off the seasonal Shakin Stevens classic. And, face it, Trowbridge’s lantern parade was an idea they nicked from us, which we may/may not have pinched from Chinese New Year, but who’s splitting hairs?!
In the modern era I’ve no experience of other town’s shenanigans in which to compare Devizes’ efforts with. I just know and am more than content with the spectacular show we stage here. A massive well done and thanks to all involved, it was a magnificent occasion, much better than last and other previous years.
To start at the end, fireworks were welcomed back after last year’s dubious light show replacement. Despite them being dubbed “silent fireworks” the effect was near equally impressive. Perhaps Fantasy Radio blasting out the decibels made up for the lack of explosions, and everyone’s dogs could join in the fun. I thought the radio could’ve been turned down a notch, during intervals of the Devizes Town Band playing, to enhance them when they did, but there’s no telling radio DJs!
And as for light shows, St John’s looked absolutely magnificent. It’s one thing to project images onto a wall, it’s another to use it to compliment a 900 year old beautiful church, where children and PTAs usually just collect their lanterns and wait in relative darkness!
The Market Place was also transformed into a visual feast, a bustling market with plenty of food and drink options. Devizes Town Band proudly showcased on a grand stage was a new great idea, and excited faces of all ages gathered to watch the lantern parade. It is a wonderful, popular family occasion, this year being one of the very best.
The town came out to play. Folk gathered at the end of the lantern parade by The Corn Exchange, though, were unfenced and naturally pushed forward so Santa’s sleigh on a trailer was forced to stop there and let the lantern bearers pass behind it, rather than park sensibly by the stage. This was the only technical error, as their view of the lanterns were now obscured by Father Christmas and the Mayor offloading with a stepladder! But Devizes is Devizes, and we retain our astute sense of humour regardless. As Santa dismounted and the lanterns passed behind, folk shouted in jest, “get out of the way Santa!” “You can’t park there!” and “it’s not all about you!!”
And from the basic children’s lanterns to the regular spaceman, chickens and even the odd Minecraft Ghast, the parade swept through the Market Place gloriously, and we cheered Father Christmas as we counted down the moment the tree lights would glitter and Christmas in Devizes begins for another year.
But it’s not just about wandering through the stalls, deciding what food and drink to treat yourself to and perhaps buying fudge, or auntie a jar of chilli jam, because while you did, entertaining street theatre and glittery ladies on stilts (who I failed to pick up the phone numbers of) bustled through.
The best had to be those giant stockings moving around and charming the kids with puppet bears chatting; that was a stroke of genius. I know if I was five and saw that I’d probably have wet myself with excitement, but now I’m fifty-something…well, best check for a wet patch just to be certain!! No, that was a mulled wine spillage as a piece of onion plopped into it; thought I’d told you that?!
I did bump into Santa though who was off-duty and, at the time, mysteriously carrying a stepladder. Being as I’ve been good-ish all year, I acted like I’d met Mick Jagger and posed for a photo with him; a quality occurrence which made my night!
But it wasn’t any one element of the event which made it, it was the colossal show they staged, all the elements so well coordinated and coming together in unity which caused this to be so magical. The expressions of joy on children and drunk’s faces was priceless and from the maker’s market to the teacup rides, everyone seemed to be having fun, even the weather was agreeable!
If I was triggered in the week by Facebook whingers witch-hunting DOCA, the newspaper reporting it, or anyone else they could blame, (like, bizarrely, Americans) for their own agitations at the name of this event, for not, apparently, being religious enough, and I said I hope they don’t come if they were only to wine-hole, I’ve changed my mind. I wish they did come now. They’d have seen for themselves the evening had plenty of Christmas spirit and Christmassy elements to it, whilst embracing many other aspects of winter too, and nobody really gave thought or the slightest botheration to its name, they just wanted to enjoy the moment. And they did.
The work that went into this by all involved, mostly volunteers, was absolutely incredible, and I hope it will pave the way for a new chapter in the work of DOCA, of which Devizes should be grateful and proud.
So, until next year we’ll be rockin’ around the Christmas tree, letting the Christmas spirit ring, having pumpkin pie, later, and possibly doing some caroling; if that’s still not Christmassy enough for disgruntled keyboard warriors next year I’ll dress up as the Archangel Gabriel, if they so wish, so they can winch me up and suspend me across the Market Place where everyone below will see my Grinch boxers….don’t tempt me!!
Chippenham folk singer-songwriter, M3G (because she likes a backward “E”) has a new single out tomorrow, Friday 19th December. Put your jingly bell cheesy…
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…
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Family run premier auctioneers of antiques and collector’s items, Henry Aldridge and Son announced a move into The Old Town Hall on Wine Street, Devizes; a move which will see them return to their roots…..
Alan Aldridge started Henry Aldridge and Son from the first floor of The Old Town Hall thirty-five years ago. They’re delighted to be coming home having completed the freehold purchase of the property. “It means so much to us as a family,” Chrissie Aldridge told us.
“The Old Town Hall, a stunning Grade II* neoclassical property will serve as the principal location for the collation of our Titanic, Liner and iconic memorabilia auctions. We will also host weekly free valuation days on Thursday market days.”
“The first stage of our move will take place next month with our main operation relocating to the Old Emporium in October.”
Henry Aldridge and Son host free valuations in Devizes every Friday with their Head of Valuations, TV’s Paul Martin. Paul, who hosted BBC’s Flog It for nearly twenty years is available to cast his expert eye over your prize possessions.
The Old Town Hall dates to 1752, first commissioned as a market hall, the ground floor was the town’s cheese market. By 1785 the first floor was an arsenal for the Royal Wiltshire Militia, and has also been the mess hall of the Devizes Loyal Volunteers, and a Sunday school.
Why is it called Wine Street? By 1836 the building was leased for commercial use, acquired by wine merchants, Messrs Cunnington, who used the basement and the vaults below for storage. The building has also been the museum, library and reading rooms of the literary and scientific institution. But many will remember its use by TSB, Hen House and the Wine Street Gallery.
Jam-packed July! If there’s always lots to do throughout the year, July especially so!
Here’s what we’ve found in the wilds of Wiltshire this coming week….
Everything listed here is on our event calendar; go there for links and more info, as it takes too much time to link them all in. It may also be updated as more events come to our attention, so check in later in the week too!
Ongoing: A Wiltshire Thatcher: A Photographic Journey Through Victorian Wessex runs at Wiltshire Museum, Devizes, until the end of August; review here.
The Frome Festival is underway, and ends on 14th July. Cheltenham Music Festival also, ending on 13th July.
Marlborough Open Studios is running until 28th July.
Wednesday 10th
Acoustic Jam at the Southgate, Devizes.
Three Choir Showcase Concert at the Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon, featuring BCG Choir, PSG Choir and the Horizons Choir. Jam at the Boathouse.
A Lunchtime Recital with flautist Klio Blonz at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Cheritang at the Bell, Bath. The Dreamer Live at The Rondo Theatre.
Scott Mickelson at The Beehive, Swindon. Chocolate Theatre presents The Full Monty at Swindon Arts Centre. Infant Voice Festival at the Wyvern Theatre.
Paul Mason’s The Bob Morris Lecture at The Cheese & Grain, Frome.
2000Trees festival opens near Cheltenham.
Thursday 11th
James B Partridge Presents: School Assembly Bangers at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Fly Yeti Fly at The Tuppenny, Swindon. Erin Bardwell & Friends at The Castle.
Richard Herring’s Can I Have My Ball Back at the Cheese & Grain, Frome.
Friday 12th
‘Steve Davis’ and ‘Kavos Torabi’ at the Barge Inn Honeystreet.
Marlborough Festival opens and runs all weekend. Comedy Night at the Town Hall. El Toro at The Bear, Marlborough. Luke Gittins with Ash Smith at The Green Dragon.
Double Bill at Pound Arts, Corsham with Ben de la Cour & Holysseus Fly.
Black Charade & Fell Out Boy at The Vic, Swindon. Funkinsteins at The Beehive. Viggo Venn at the Wyvern Theatre.
One Chord Wonders at The Boathouse, Bradford-on-Avon. Future Plan and Lindup Brothers at the Three Horseshoes.
Faith at The Rondo Theatre, Bath.
Peatbog Faeries at the Cheese & Grain, Frome. An Dannsa Dub at the Tree House.
Saturday 13th
Devizes Beer & Cider Festival. Humdinger at The Three Crowns, Devizes. Thomas Atlas at The Southgate, Devizes.
Josh Kumra and Mica at the Bear, Marlborough. On Remand at the Crown.
Reading Dub Club at The Barge, HoneyStreet.
Everything Changes at Melksham Assembly Hall.
Adrenaline Stompers Festival at Club Venom in Westbury.
Characters Stage School’s Annie at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon. Innes Sibun Trio at The Boathouse.
John Hegley: An American in Luton at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Bar Tape at The Rondo Theatre, Bath. The Spirit & Sound of Steely Dan – Nearly Dan in concert at Chapel Arts. Salt Beef Reuben & Friends at the Bell, Bath.
Hooch at Royal Oak, Bishopstone. Phantom Droid, Thrakian and Hora at The Vic, Swindon.
Miss Kel’s Academy Of Dance: Stars And Stripes at the Wyvern Theatre.
Flash Harry at the Corner House, Frome. Gary Davies Sound of the 80s at the Cheese & Grain.
And Somerset Kaya Reggae Festival at Caryford.
Sunday 14th
Editor’s Pick of the Week is Picnic in the Park at Hillworth Park, Devizes from 12-5pm; hope to see you there! Jamie Williams & The Roots Collective at The Southgate, Devizes straight afterwards.
Wiltshire Young Musicians Summer Festival from 1.30pm at the Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon. Tom Cornnell at The Boathouse. Luna Barge at the Three Horseshoes.
Jon Amor Trio at the Bell, Bath.
Richard Wileman & Amy Fry at Richard Jefferies Museum, Swindon from 1pm. Kitty Langan Studio – School’s Out at the Wyvern Theatre.
Frome Symphony at The Cheese & Grain, Frome.
The Godney Gathering in Somerset opens.
Monday 15th
B D Lenz at the Bell, Bath.
Tuesday 16th
Alex Vietch Quartet at Jazz Knights in the Royal Oak, Swindon.
Ben de la Cour at the Bell, Bath.
And that’s your lot, for now!
Important note: events which come to our attention from now on, will be updated on the Event Calendar and NOT HERE. So, be sure to check in from time to time, use the Event Calendar to find more info on everything listed on here, and for ticket links, etc. Use the Event Calendar to check for updates and planning ahead.
Did we miss you out? Did you tell us about your event? It’s not that we don’t like you, it’s because Devizine uses many sources to collate these listings, and sometimes we miss a few things. Listing your event here is free, but please make it easier for me by messaging or emailing the info, and then, and this is the really important part, make sure I’ve added it and let me know if not!
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This afternoon I find myself contemplating what the future holds for historical discovery and learning for all ages, fun and educational exhibits and events in…
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July is around the corner, the sun has his hat on, here’s what we’ve found to do in the wilds of Wiltshire this coming week….
And note we have well over quadruple the amount of events listed than the new and rather expensive looking official council events website for this weekend, and ours has cost you, the taxpayer, only your time in reading this and supporting us. The very idea for it was, coincidentally, put forward by a councillor with a personal grudge on me for some unknown reason. The only reason I could guess why the council does not support us is because we will bring you events which may be unwelcomed by them, such as protests and rallies. All rather silly really, as it is rare for our area to have such happenings anyway, go figure!
Everything listed here is on our event calendar; go there for links and more info. It may be updated, so check in later in the week.
Ongoing: A Wiltshire Thatcher: A Photographic Journey Through Victorian Wessex runs at Wiltshire Museum, Devizes, until the end of August; review here.
Wednesday 26th
Devizes Books Presents: A tribute to Brigid Harpham, at Wiltshire Museum, Devizes. Acoustic Jam at The Southgate.
Melksham General Election Husting at Spencer Sports & Social Club.
Open Mic at Stallards, Trowbridge.
Richard Herring’s Can I Have My Ball Back? at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.
Ria Lina’s Riawakening at the Rondo Theatre, Bath. Helele at the Bell, Bath.
And of course, Glastonbury opens its gates for all you lucky, lucky people!
Thursday 27th
Wharf Writers’ Group perform Where’s The Cat live at the Wharf Theatre, Devizes. Preview Here.
Open Mic at The Boathouse, Bradford-on-Avon.
Sayers & After Knights at The Tuppenny, Swindon.
M4F June Open Mic and Jamming Session at The Rude Giant, Salisbury.
London Calling at The Tree House, Frome.
Friday 28th
Liam Merrigan Band, John E Wright & Josh Oldfield at the Cellar Bar, Bear Hotel, Devizes.
Chippenham Food & Drink Festival begins.
Mother Vulture at the Pump, Trowbridge, with NervEndings and Worlds Best Dad. The Soul Strutters at the Civic.
Dr John Cooper Clarke with special guests at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon. Lone Sharks and Head Noise at The Three Horseshoes. El Toro at The Boathouse. The Karport Collective at the Seven Stars, Winsley.
Avalon Comedy Network: Aurie Styla, Caitlin Powell, Kieran James Boyd & Dom Hatton-Woods at Pound Arts, Corsham.
Kerrang’d at the Vic, Swindon.
Rock the Tots’ Jungle at Rondo Theatre, Bath.
Saturday 29th
Editor’s Pick of the Week is rather obvious, it’s MantonFest near Marlborough, a wonderful little festival, so kind they let me choose an act to play this year, which is Chippenham folk singer-songwriter M3G. Grab your tickets and I might see you there.
Devizes Pride at Hillworth Park, second Devizes Pride in the park all day. Crammer Watch 2024 Launch Event, at the Crammer, Devizes. Plan of Action at The Three Crowns. The Worried Men at The Southgate.
Poulshot Village Fete. BBQ with the Mangled Wurzels at Erlestoke Golf Club.
The Vox Beatles at Melksham Assembly Hall.
Calne Summer Carnival. 41 Fords at The Talbot, Calne.
The Stories at the Three Crowns, Chippenham. Brave Rival & Sloetrain at the Pewsham. Living Spit: Adolf & Winston at the Neeld.
The Junkyard Dogs launch their new album at The Pump, Trowbridge; (need a review of the album, guys, let me know?)
Trowbridge Symphony Orchestra at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon. Ragged Union at The Three Horseshoes.The Hot Juice Project at The Boathouse.
Matthew and the Atlas at Pound Arts, Corsham.
REME Museum Extravaganza in Lynham.
Italia Conti at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.
Tony Scothern at the Packhorse, Larkhill.
The Hengehogs at the Kings, Amesbury.
Dave Howell at the George & Dragon, Salisbury.
Don Giovanni at the Rondo Theatre, Bath.
Sunday 30th
Seend Fawlty Players presents That’s Life at the Seend Community Centre.
Sunflower Events Summer Craft Fair at The Corn Exchange, Devizes. Wilts V-Dub Club Meet at Devizes Market Place. Mr Griff at The Southgate (?)
Open Mic at The Barge, Honeystreet. Music on a Sunday Afternoon with the Little Big Band at St Johns, Pewsey.
Open Mic at the Red Lion, Lacock.
June Open Mic at the Old Road Tavern, Chippenham.
The James Oliver Band at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon. The Coyote Country Band at The Boathouse.
Schtumm presents Sebastain & Me and Kotonic at The Queen’s Head, Box.
Peter & The Wolves at the Bell, Bath.
Open Mic at the Boot Inn, Tisbury.
Everybody Sing at Swindon Arts Centre. The Vipers at the Vic.
Monday 1st July
Lawrence Art Society: Live Art Demonstration, Sketching for Summer at Devizes Conservative Club.
Tuesday 2nd
Open Mic at The Royal Oak, Bath.
Important note: events which come to our attention from now on, will be updated on the Event Calendar and NOT HERE. So, be sure to check in from time to time, use the Event Calendar to find more info on everything listed on here, and for ticket links, etc. Use the Event Calendar to check for updates and planning ahead.
Did we miss you out? Did you tell us about your event? It’s not that we don’t like you, it’s because Devizine uses many sources to collate these listings, and sometimes we miss a few things. Listing your event here is free, but please make it easier for me by messaging or emailing the info, and then, and this is the really important part, make sure I’ve added it and let me know if not!
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