Tag: events in wiltshire

Weekly Roundup of Events in Wiltshire: 24th-30th July 2024

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.

Marlborough Open Studios is running until 28th July. 

Wednesday 24th

Acoustic Jam at the Southgate, Devizes.

James Morton’s Groove Den at the Bell, Bath. Edinburgh Previews at The Rondo Theatre, Sophie Duker & Garrett Millerick.

Thursday 25th

Womad opens its gates, for some very lucky people!

Open Mic at the Crown, Aldbourne.

Free Music in the Foyer of the Neeld, Chippenham from 7:30pm with Meg, and Kane Pollastrone

Mark Thomas’s Gaffa Tapes at Pound Arts, Corsham.

Loonaloop at The Beehive, Swindon.

Edinburgh Previews at The Rondo Theatre, Bath, Chloe Petts & Katie Norris. The Peter Gill Live Rock ‘n’ Roll Big Band at Chapel Arts.

Children’s author Michael Rosen is at the Cheese & Grain, Frome.

Friday 26th

The Unpredictables at The Raven, Poulshot.

Kenavon Venture Music Night at Devizes Wharf. Guided Tour of the Lost Pubs of Devizes with John Griven. Devizes Scooter Rally opens for the weekend. Full Tone Festival: Six on the Green with NRWO & Ruby Darbyshire, Fulltone opens officially on Saturday.

Glamarama at The Crown, Aldbourne.

Trowbridge Festival opens. Be Like Will at The Red Admiral, Trowbridge.

The Bookshop Band at Pound Arts, Corsham.

Nin UK, Korn Again and the Spouky Kids at The Vic, Swindon. Prime Youth Theatre’s Grimm Tales at Swindon Arts Centre opens and runs until 27th July. The Ultimate Classic Rock Show at the Wyvern Theatre. KillerTones at The Moonrakers, Swindon.

Death is a Girl at the Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.

Little(ish) Women at The Rondo Theatre, Bath. Dan Whitehouse – A Night Of Glass at Chapel Arts.

Heathen Apostles at the Tree House, Frome.

Flocksteady Live at The Baa, Salisbury, with Captain Accident & the Disasters headlining. 

Saturday 27th

FullTone Festival continues in Devizes. Devizes Scooter Rally continues in Devizes. The Roughcut Rebels at The Three Crowns.

Trowbridge Festival continues.

Calne Bike Meet.

The Hardcore Troubadours at The Crown, Aldbourne.

The Red Bstrds, Hometown Devilry & Dee Dee at The Old Road Tavern, Chippenham.

Kiri Pritchard-McLean: Peacock at Pound Arts, Corsham.

Modern Evils at The Vic, Swindon.

41 Fords at The Seven Stars, Winsley. The Fortunate Sons at the Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.

Edinburgh Previews at The Rondo Theatre, Bath: Sara Barron & Jonny Pelham. Mark Thomas: Gaffa Tapes at The Rondo Theatre. Matt Joe Gow at Chapel Arts.

Heathen Apostles at the Tree House, Frome.

Bristol Comic & Gaming Con

Sunday 28th

Guided Tour: Heritage Walk of Devizes with John Griven. Red Sun at The Southgate, Devizes.

Potterne Festival

Owl Fest: Wiltshire Blues & Soul Club, Lacock.

Chippenham Morris Dancers at The Barge, HoneyStreet.

Summer Festival Brunch at Civic, Trowbridge.

Barton Street Regulators at the Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.

Simon Kempston & Jake Puntis at Schtuum in the Queen’s Head, Box.

The Dom Dilemma at the Bell, Bath.

4 of Hearts at Richard Jefferies Museum, Swindon 1pm. Marlborough Academy of Dance and Drama at the Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.

The Mayor of Salisbury’s Birthday Bash at Salisbury Market Place.

Monday 29th

Family Workshop: Victorian Portrait Photography brought to life! at Wiltshire Museum, Devizes.

Tuesday 30th

Summer African Jazz Session at Jazz Knights, Royal Oak, Swindon.

Chris Murphy & Barney Kenny at the Bell, 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!

Have a good week!

What’s Occurring…..

Rooks; New Single From M3G

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 tunes on…

Burning the Midday Oil at The Muck

Highest season of goodwill praises must go to Chrissy Chapman today, who raised over £500 (at the last count) for His Grace Children’s Centre in Uganda,…

For Now, Anyway; Gus White’s Debut Album

Featured Image: Barbora Mrazkova My apologies, for Marlborough’s singer-songwriter Gus White’s debut album For Now, Anyway has been sitting on the backburner, and it’s more than…

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Devizes Arts Organisation Launches Fundraiser to Save Future Community Events

Featured Image by Simon Folkard

Following the announcement earlier this year about the cancellation of the Devizes International Street Festival due the loss of Arts Council funding, DOCA has been working hard to enable the remaining core community events to go ahead without charging an attendance fee.

The Arts Council funding covered all events and not just the Street Festival, but by cutting out the more costly and time consuming event, they’ve been able to push ahead with Picnic in the Park, Carnival and Confetti Battle with the Colour Rush using a combination of reserves and local fundraising.

Having just completed a very successful and well received Picnic in the Park on Sunday, at which the attendees were happy to donate a suggested ticket price of £5 if they could, DOCA are looking ahead to the much loved Devizes Carnival on 31st August. A crowd-funder has been set up to raise the funds necessary for the operational costs such as barrier hire and first aid, as well as the workshops to support participation. This crowd-funder is nearing the end of its run and they desperately need individuals and business to help them hit the target and take it over the finish line in the next few days.

DONATE HERE

DOCA have committed to running this year’s Carnival, so if they don’t receive the funding from this public crowdfunder, they will need to cover it all from their reserves. As a charity, this would leave them at risk, as they would not be able to continue fundraising and planning for future events such as the Winter Festival, should the main source of income fall through again.

Production Director Annabel Lake said, “We are doing everything we can to ensure Devizes Carnival doesn’t follow in the sad footsteps of so many other carnivals around the country that have had to cancel in recent years. Having experienced how much Carnival means to the people of Devizes, and the efforts put in by schools and groups across town who have come together to help build it back up again post Covid, it would be a real shame to lose this wonderful traditional event in our town, which dates back well over 100 years. Just think, if each of the 3,000 spectators could afford a £3 donation then we’d be able to cover all the costs ”

The other big challenge being faced is finding enough volunteers to help on the day so if anyone is able to help marshall the event, or can’t afford to contribute money but would still like to support it,  please get in touch with DOCA (info@docadevizes.org.uk)… unless of course you want to take part in the parade – it’s easier than ever now whether you are a individual, family, group or even a local business. The theme this year is Home is Where the Heart Is, so it would be great to see local businesses represented in that vision of “Home” as they are such a key part of our town. 

The Carnival Crowd-Funder will close on Monday 22nd July. The Carnival parade will take place on Saturday 31st August. 

One Of Us; New Single From Lady Nade

Featured Image by Giulia Spadafora Ooo, a handclap uncomplicated chorus is the hook in Lady Lade’s latest offering of soulful pop. It’s timelessly cool and…

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 “large unlicenced music…

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 DOCA’s Winter Festival, and…

Devizes Winter Festival This Friday and More!

Who’s ready for walking in the winter wonderland?! Devizes sets to magically transform into a winter wonderland this Friday when The Winter Festival and Lantern…

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Weekly Roundup of Events in Wiltshire: 3rd -9th July 2024

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.

Shakespeare Live’s Macbeth at Seend Cleeve House until 6th July; review here.

Wednesday 3rd

Acoustic Jam at the Southgate, Devizes.

Christ Church Primary School Summer Show at their neighbouring Wiltshire Music Centre in Bradford-on-Avon. 

Encore Screening of National Theatre Live’s Nye at Pound Arts, Corsham.

The Big Jam Session at the Vic, Swindon. Mal Webb & Kylie at The Beehive. Wilkes Academy at the Wyvern Theatre until the 5th July.

Gusto Gusto at the Bell, Bath.

Thursday 4th

Rum & Records at the Muck & Dunder in Devizes.

3 Daft Monkeys at The Barge, HoneyStreet.

Minety Music Festival Warm-up Gig.

Chris Murphey & Barney Kenny at The Tuppenny, Swindon. John Hegley: An American In Luton at Swindon Arts Centre. Broadtown Brewery Quiz Night.

The Weeping Willows at Chapel Arts, Bath with support from Tomorrow Bird.

Friday 5th

Save Our Ships at the Pump, Trowbridge, with Start The Sirens and Everyone Lies.

Chippenham

Minety Music Festival opens, running throughout the weekend. I’ve not been before, so I’m planning to pop along on Sunday with Talk in Code and will report my findings back to you! But its continued support of local music makes this Editor’s Pick of the Week! 

Katey Brooks at Pound Arts, Corsham.

Not Warriors & Soak at The Vic, Swindon. Texas Tick Fever at The Beehive.

The Electric Shakes, Mikey Ball & the Company at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.

All roads lead to Frome, they say, as if there’s not enough happening there, Frome Festival begins today, and runs till 14th July. Therefore, find The Back Wood Redeemers and Dry White Bones at The Corner-House. The Raggedy Men at The Sun.  Alberta Cross at The Tree House.

The Music Baa near Salisbury; pub-campsite combo I’ve yet to try, have ‘In D’Field’ mini festival, withDr. Beatroot, Noah’s House, Band High, Shelf Remedy, Gambling Hearts, Love is Enough, Acrustic Badgers, Felix Darlow, The Passenger Club, The Courgettes, The New Group, and Alex Morgan Wardrop. 

Saturday 6th

Cocktails and Canapés at Silverwood School, Rowde. All proceeds to the Silverwood School Charity Trust to support children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.

West Lavington Village Fete and Dog Show. Blondie & Ska at The Green Dragon in Market Lavington.

Devizes Swap Shop at Pamela House. The Bratton Silver Band at the Wharf Theatre. Devizes Chamber Choir presents Showtime at the Musicals at St Andrew’s on Long Street. Illingworth at The Three Crowns. Strange Folk at The Southgate. Back To The 90s Night at The Bear Hotel.

Across the county, Marlborough Open Studios begins today, and runs throughout July, until the 28th.

Rush Hour at the Bear, Marlborough. The famous hangover sessions at the Lamb.

People Like Us at Melksham Cons Club.

Uncle Jack at Chippenham Consti Club.

Robinson Stone at Pound Arts, Corsham.

Cheese & Chilli Festival in Swindon. Street Lights at the Wyvern Theatre. Hair Supply at The Vic.

Cheltenham Music Festival opens too, running until 13th July.

The Authentics at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.

The Desafinados at the Bell, Bath.

Cara Dillon’s “Coming Home” book talk at The Cheese & Grain, Frome.

Sunday 7th

Will Edmunds stands in for Jon Amor at The Southgate, Devizes at 5pm, but Tom and Jerry of the Trio will be there too, with guest John Baggott.  

Open Mic at Red Lion, Lacock.

Open Mic at The Lamb, Trowbridge.

Courting Ghosts at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.

Inspire Warminster.

Mr Love & Justice at Richard Jefferies Museum in Swindon from 1pm. Ooh Beehive! Poetry slam at The Beehive, and Gideon Liddiard Photography’s Music- An Intimate View exhibit opens at The Beehive too. Lisa Doscher at The Tuppenny.

Leonie Evans at the Bell, Bath.

Raghu Dixit at the Cheese & Grain, Frome.

Monday 8th

Rock The Tots Seaside session at Pound Arts, Corsham.

Jim Gallagher & Friends at the Bell, Bath. Carsick are at Komedia with Nothing Rhymes With Orange.

Swinging at the Cotton Club at the Cheese & Grain.

Tuesday 9th

Exhibition on Screen – John Singer Sargent: Fashion & Swagger at Pound Arts, Corsham.

BD Lenz Trio for Jazz Knights at the Royal Oak, Swindon.

Old Time Sailors at the Cheese & Grain, Frome.

Important note: events which come to our attention from now on, will be updated on the Event Calendar and NOT HERE. So, be sure to check in from time to time, use the Event Calendar to find more info on everything listed on here, and for ticket links, etc. Use the Event Calendar to check for updates and planning ahead.

Did we miss you out? Did you tell us about your event? 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!

Have a good week!

Trending….

Snow White Delight: Panto at The Wharf

Treated to a sneaky dress rehearsal of this year’s pantomime at Devizes’ one and only Wharf Theatre last night, if forced to sum it up…

Chatting With Burn The Midnight Oil

It’s nice to hear when our features attract attention. Salisbury’s Radio Odstock  picked up on our interview with Devizes band Burn the Midnight Oil and…

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Weekly Roundup of Events in Wiltshire: 26th June – 2nd July 2024

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!

Have a good week!

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A Junco Shakin’ Finale for Devizes Arts Festival at The British Lion

A leopard doesn’t change its spots, and neither does a British Lion. Watch other Devizes pubs change landlord, decor, attractions, and styles. Watch them close, reopen under new management, and try something else, while the British is steadfast and loyally imperishable. Ask anyone in Devizes their favourite pubs, and they’ll have different answers, then add The British Lion to the list for good measure….

What better setting for the last day of a most memorable Devizes Arts Festival than their extensive suntrap beer garden? 

Old timey rhythm and blues blessed the full house, delivered with unique flavour and proficiency from a family Southampton come Birmingham (apparently) quartet, called The Junco Shakers.

These free fringe events provided by the Arts Festival are them at their rawest, letting their hair down and attracting the Devizes bohemians, alongside regular punters and everyone in-between. For this notion and the uniformed venue, the timeless Junco Shakers were a perfect match. I’d consider it skiffle. At least they used a washboard and percussion brushes, though over time, this has become a vague description. It felt bone-shaking blues of yore. At times, an upright double-bass gave it a rockabilly edge. It was jumpy and infectious, immutable enough to not warrant pigeonholing, so I’ll shut up!

With a barbecue sizzling bangers, the sun with his hat on, and just about everyone who’s ever sunk a pint in the British in attendance, it was the epitome of the Devizes spirit. While many here desire a political change and excuse me for getting political, in divertissement, the formula of this free house is unchanging; reliability, and a cracking selection of cask ales and ciders.

For those now with a taste of poison, The Three Crowns had Pat and Ben’s Matchbox Mutiny at 3pm, the Southgate hosting Jon Amor’s favourite guest LeBurn Maddox at 5pm, and the Devizes Arts Festival itself polish off with a free poetry slam at the Wharf Theatre. You can see now why I had bitten off more than I can chew when highlighting what’s happening in Devizes, as for a market town its size, this is just a typical sunny summer Sunday here, and we’re spoiled for choice. Me? I went home for tea and bed; those pintas won’t deliver themselves!

As for the British Lion, it rarely puts music events on, but when it does, the population rise to the occasion, remembering with fondness nights of yore in this award-winning pub, who gave them ‘Black Rat Monday,’ the Saturday quiz, and the eminent stalwart landlord Mike Dearing. 

We thank the team at Devizes Arts Festival. It’s been another fantastic year, and we look forward to many more.

Weekly Roundup of Events in Wiltshire: 12th – 18th June 2024

Here’s what we’ve found to do in the wilds of Wiltshire this coming week…. 

Everything listed here is on our event calendar; go there for links and more info. It may be updated, so check in later in the week.

Ongoing: A Wiltshire Thatcher: A Photographic Journey Through Victorian Wessex runs at Wiltshire Museum, Devizes, until the end of August; review here.

Devizes Arts Festival got off to a great start, it continues through the week, individual events are listed as normal below.

Wednesday 12th

Acoustic Jam at The Southgate, Devizes. Two Devizes Arts Festival events, Kate Webb and Jon Stock – The Darker Side of Wiltshire at the Peppermill, and Martin Simpson at the Corn Exchange.

Lunchtime Recital: Meg Morley (Piano) at Pound Arts, Corsham. 

In The Night Garden Live at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon. Memory Cinema, for those with dementia, is showing Annie Get Your Gun at Swindon Arts Centre.

The Archive of Dread Revisited at Rondo Theatre, Bath. Solana at the Bell, Bath.

Wheatus plays the Cheese & Grain, Frome.

Thursday 13th

Duo Tutti at the Town Hall, and The Sound of Blue Note, also at the Town Hall, make up Devizes Arts Festival for Thursday. John Lawson’s Circus opens on the Green, Devizes and runs until 16th June.

In The Night Garden Live at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon. Ma Polaine’s Great Decline at The Tuppenny, Swindon.

Jonny & The Baptists presents the Happiness Index and Ten Thankless Years at Rondo Theatre, Bath.

An Evening With Harry Redknapp at the Cheese & Grain, Frome.

Friday 14th

Chocolate Truffle Masterclass at HolyChocs in Poulshot.

The Slambovian Circus of Dreams at Devizes Arts Festival in the Corn Exchange.  Mr Griff at The Southgate, Devizes.

Tom Davis & The Bluebirds at The Barge, HoneyStreet.

The Carrivick Sisters at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon. BuckFest over the weekend at The Three Horseshoes, Friday with Kitchen Lover,, Mimi & the Miseries and Bucky Rage.The Karport Collective at The Seven Stars, Winsley.

Jacob & Drinkwater: 10th Anniversary Tour at Pound Arts, Corsham.

The Carpenters Story at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon. An Evening of Mediumship with Psychic Medium Nikki Kitt at Swindon Arts Centre. Oasish & The Stereotonics at the Vic, Swindon.

Jonny & The Baptists presents the Happiness Index and Ten Thankless Years at Rondo Theatre, Bath.

Toyah & Robert at the Cheese & Grain, Frome.

Saturday 15th

Summer Fayre at Bishops Cannings School from 12-4pm.

Huw Williams – St John’s Church Organ Recital at St John’s Church Devizes, part of Devizes Arts Festival. Bone Chapel at The Southgate. 6 O’clock Circus at The Three Crowns.

Pianist Tony James with a lineup you can see the poster below, at Market Lavington Community Hall for a Mathieson Music Trust 30th Anniversary.

The Parade Festival, at the Parade Cinema, Marlborough, with The Vooz and Zoots headlining. Room 101 at the Lamb, Marlborough.

Cacti & Succulent Show at Melksham Assembly Hall

Daliso Chaponda: Feed This Black Man Again at the Neeld, Chippenham. NWSO Summer Concert 2024 at St. Andrew’s Church. Grease and Dirty Dancing tribute night at the Pewsham.

Trowbridge Midsummer Festival at Trowbridge Town Park. Free this one, with the incredible Frankisoul on at 8pm! Dead Zebras and Diversion at the Pump. A roller-disco at the Civic.

Bath Symphony Orchestra at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon. BuckFest at The Three Horseshoes continues with Bucky Rage, Bully Bones & The Pressure.

VRï at Pound Arts, Corsham.

Shepton Mallet Prison Charity Abseil.

Holding Back The Years at Swindon Arts Centre. Judas Rising at the Queen’s Tap. Shepherd’s Pie at the Vic, Swindon. There’s a Wanborough Beer Festival too.

Neuroheadz Festival 2024 at Brokenborough opens.

The Vintage Bazaar at the Cheese & Grain, Frome is followed by The Blockheads.

Sunday 16th

Matchbox Mutiny at The Three Crowns, Devizes from 3pm. LeBurn Maddox & Friends at The Southgate, Devizes from 5pm. The Junco Shakers at The British Lion at 2pm, a FREE Devizes Arts Festival fringe, and a The Poetry Slam from 6pm at the Wharf Theatre is another free fringe event which sadly closes the arts festival for another year.

Open Mic at the Red Lion, Lacock.

Perfectly Frank, Frank Sinatra tribute at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.

BuckFest continues at The Three Horseshoes.

Western Players – Dead Reckoning opens at Swindon Arts Centre, running until 26th June. Kavus Torabi at the Vic, Swindon

Hodmadoddery at the Bell, Bath.

Monday 17th

Devizes Election Hustlings at Devizes School, see poster.

Troy Redfern is at The Tree House, Frome.

Tuesday 18th

Jon Pearson at Crazy Bird Comedy Club in The Piggy Bank Micropub in Calne.

Lost Songs of Scilly: Piers Lewin & John Patrick Elliott at Pound Arts, Corsham.

QOW Trio for Jazz Knights at the Royal Oak, Swindon.

Saskia Maxwell & Sam Sweeney at the Bell, Bath

And that’s all we’ve got for now; fill your boots! Events listed here are subject to change, we are not responsible for cancellations, errors or postponements in anything listed.

Summer Solstice next Thursday 20h June, and there’s lots to do over the rest of the month, HERE> 

Important note: events which come to our attention from now on, will be updated on the Event Calendar and NOT HERE. So, be sure to check in from time to time, use the Event Calendar to find more info on everything listed on here, and for ticket links, etc. Use the Event Calendar to check for updates and planning ahead.

Did we miss you out? Did you tell us about your event? 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!

Have a good week!

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Jol Rose’s Ragged Stories

There’s albums I’ll go in blind and either be pleasantly surprised, or not. Then there’s ones which I know I’m going to love before the…

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Weekly Roundup of Events in Wiltshire: 15th-21st May 2024

Here’s what we’ve found to do in the wilds of Wiltshire this coming week…

Everything listed here is on our event calendar; go there for links and more info. It may be updated, so check in later in the week.

Ongoing: A Wiltshire Thatcher: A Photographic Journey Through Victorian Wessex runs at Wiltshire Museum, Devizes, until the end of August; review here. 

The Thrill of Love is currently running at the Wharf Theatre until Saturday, here’s a review.

Wednesday 15th

Acoustic Jam at The Southgate, Devizes.

Patsy Gamble Jazz Trio at St Nicholas Church in Bromham, preview here.

Jonathan Leibovitz at the Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.

Mohamed Errebbaa at the Bell, Bath

Memory Cinema at Swindon Arts Centre, for those suffering with dementia and their carers, screening The Lavender Hill Mob (U). Latin funk jazz with Starlings at Jazz Knights in The Royal Oak, Swindon.

Thursday 16th

Royal Wootton Bassett Carnival & Fun Fair starts and finishes at the weekend.

Courting Ghosts at The Tuppenny, Swindon. Rusty Goat’s Poetry All-Stars at Twigs Community Gardens. Memory Sing at Swindon Arts Centre. Pete Allen’s Jazz Band at Swindon Arts Centre. Antiques and a Little Bit of Nonsense at The Wyvern Theatre.

Friday 17th

Full On Fridays at the Exchange, Devizes, with DJ Stevie MC.

Medium Nikki Kitt is at Melksham Assembly Hall .

Mosquito at the Aldbourne Social Club.

Pat Sharp Party Night at the Civic, Trowbridge.

Ion Maiden at The Vic, Swindon. Simplicity at the Queen’s Tap. Ashley Blaker at Swindon Arts Centre. Julian Clary – A Fistful Of Clary at The Wyvern Theatre.

Ruzz Guitar Trio at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon. Karport Collective at The Boathouse.

Bath International Music Festival begins today, running until 26th May. Bootleg Bee Gees at Chapel Arts. Daliso Chaponda’s Feed this Black Man Again at The Rondo Theatre, Bath.

Dutty Moonshine DJ Set at The Tree House, Frome.

The Chilled Out Motorhome and Camper Weekender in Cirencester opens.

Saturday 18th

Devizes Vegan Market at The Market Place from 10am-3pm. Mynt Image Craft Fair in the Corn Exchange. The Dirt Road Band at Long Street Blues Club. Canute’s Plastic Army at The Southgate, Ed’s pick of the week this one. Adam Woodhouse at The Three Crowns. Caztro is in the mix at the Exchange.

White Horse Soapbox Derby in Westbury.

Mosaic Dogs at The Lamb, Trowbridge.

Talk in Code at The Kings Arms, Amesbury.

Rachel Newton at Pound Arts, Corsham.

Black Wendy at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon. Vocal Works Gospel Choir – live at 21 at the Wiltshire Music Centre.

Shelf is at the Rondo Theatre, Bath, with a kids version, then teenage men version. Roxy Magic at Chapel Arts.

The Bowie Experience at The Vic, Swindon. Awakening Savannah at The Queen’s Tap. 

The Soul Strutters at the Woodlands Edge. Drew Bryant at the New Inn. The Blackheart Orchestra at Swindon Arts Centre. eMotion Dance Competition at The Wyvern Theatre.

Frome Memorial Theatre Open Day followed by Jive Talkin’. John Lydon is at the Cheese & Grain. ZZ Toppd at the Tree House.

Sunday 19th

The Hoodoos at The Southgate, Devizes from 5pm.

Open Mic at the Red Lion, Lacock.

Shot by Both Sides at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.

Eddie Martin at the Bell, Bath.

Lee Hurst – Sweet Sorted Lovely at Swindon Arts Centre.

The Frome International Climate Film Festival at the Cheese & Grain.

Monday 20th

Tony Remy, James Morton & Anders Olinder at the Bell, Bath.

Steeleye Span at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.

Tuesday 21st

Let’s Walk – Caen Hill & Jubilee Wood

Crazy Bird Comedy Night at The Piggy Bank Micropub, Calne.

Gareth Williams Trio for Jazz Knights at The Royal Oak, Swindon.

Ash Mandrake & Jenny Bliss at the Bell, Bath.

And that’s all we’ve got for now; fill your boots! Events listed here are subject to change, we are not responsible for cancellations, errors or postponements in anything listed.

Do check ahead with our every-changing events diary. 

Shindig Festival at Dillington Park begins next week, the last Shindig festival, have a good one from me.Also find upcoming Chippenham Folk Festival 24th-27th May. Love Saves the Day in Bristol. Beer and Cider Festival at Swindon & Cricklade Railway. Cursus Festival 2024 Dorset. Chris Moyles 90s Hangover Festival at Swindon Town FC. 

In Devizes Nothing Rhymes With Orange makes a homecoming at The Three Crowns on Friday 24th. And isn’t it high time you snapped up some tickets for the Devizes Arts Festival at the end of the month running into June? 

Important note: events which come to our attention from now on, will be updated on the Event Calendar and NOT HERE. So, be sure to check in from time to time, use the Event Calendar to find more info on everything listed on here, and for ticket links, etc. Use the Event Calendar to check for updates and planning ahead.

Did we miss you out? Did you tell us about your event? 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!

Have a good week!

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Weekly Roundup of Events in Wiltshire: 1st-7th May 2024

Beltane, May Day, or just plain bank holiday Monday; whatever you whatchamacallit, it’s the first day of May, and there’s lots to do in the wilds of Wiltshire this coming week. Here’s what we’ve found….

Everything listed here is on our event calendar; go there for links and more info. It may be updated with even more things to do than listed here, so check in later in the week.

Ongoing: A Wiltshire Thatcher: A Photographic Journey Through Victorian Wessex runs at Wiltshire Museum, Devizes, until the end of August; review here. 

White horse Arts Art Exhibition at Pamela House, Devizes, runs until 5th May.

Wednesday 1st May

Don’t forget to check our weekly recurring events page as well as the calendar, where you’ll find the regular Devizes Salsa club at The Old School in Market Lavington every Wednesday.

The regular acoustic Jam at The Southgate, Devizes.

Wiltshire Music Centre has a screening of Carmen by the Royal Opera.

The Incident Room opens at The Rondo Theatre, Bath, runs until 4th May. Beyond Baka at the Bell, Bath. Champion Darts at Komedia.

Swindon Gilbert & Sullivan Society Presents Ruddigore at Swindon Arts Centre.

Thursday 2nd

Fashion Against Fear: FearFree Fashion Show at the Condado Lounge, Devizes. Preview here. Rum & Records at the Muck & Dunder.

Annie Dressner at Chapel Arts, Bath. Willie J Healey at Komedia, and Origins 360 Bakey.

The Bug Club at The Tree House, Frome. Jake Bugg at the Cheese & Grain.

Friday 3rd

Midnight Hour at The Three Crowns, Devizes. Mark Colton is at the Pelican.

Josh Kumra at The Barge on Honey Street.

Open Mic at The Parade Cinema, Marlborough.

Annie Dressner is at The Pump, Trowbridge, with Thieves and Ed Blunt.

Plan of Action at the Grapes, Melksham.

Gigspanner at Pound Arts, Corsham.

Jon Amor Trio at The Beehive, Swindon. ZZ Toppd at The Vic.

Marvin Muoneké Quartet at Mount Pleasant Social Club, Bradford-on-Avon. Jacqui Dankworth Trio at Wiltshire Music Centre. Cantaloop at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.

Somewhere Over England at Chapel Arts, Bath, with support from The Mamils. A Fame event at Komedia.

Sir Ian Botham at the Cheese & Grain, Frome.

And it’s festival time! The Magic Teapot opens for the weekend. And Teddy Rocks Festival at Blandford Forum.

Saturday May the 4th Be With You!

Urchfont Scarecrow Festival opens and runs until Monday.

Star Wars Day Park Run at Quakers Walk, Devizes. May Day Fun at The Market Place, from 11am-1pm. A Seed Bomb Workshop at Hillworth Park from 11am-1pm. Garden & Plant Swap at Pamela House. Kidical Mass bicycle ride from 11am in the Market Place.

Jamie R Hawkins is at The Southgate, Devizes. Beaux Gris Gris & The Apocalypse with Ruzz Guitar and Jon Amor as guests, at The Corn Exchange.

Illingworth & George Wilding at the Crown, Bishop’s Cannings.

No Alarms & No Devizes at the Barge, Honey Street.

South West Comedy Show at The Civic, Trowbridge.

Shot by Both Sides at Chippenham Consti Club.

Star Wars Day at Melksham Assembly Hall.

On Remand at The Royal Oak, Wootton Rivers.

Frenzy at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon

FREE COMIC BOOK DAY at American Dream Comics, Bath. Krater Comedy Club, The Big Disco at Komedia.

Gordon Giltrap John Etheridge at Pound Arts, Corsham.

March For Palestine; 11am start at Regent Circus, Swindon. 12 Bars Later at The Swiss Chalet. Pink Mac at The Vic.

The Cuban Brothers at the Cheese & Grain, Frome, with DJ Yoda. Pet Needs at the Tree House.

Sunday 5th

Sour Apple at The Three Crowns, Devizes from 3pm. Jon Amor Trio with guest Jerry Crozier-Cole at The Southgate, from 5pm.

Southwestern (Adam Woodhouse) at the Lamb, Urchfont.

Open Mic at The Barge on Honey Street.

Open Mic at Red Lion, Lacock.

Cousin Norm’s 5th Birthday at Cousin Norm’s, Chippenham.

Open Mic at The Lamb, Trowbridge.

Schtumm…. Presents Catfish at The Queens Head, Box.

Super Blue Moon at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon. The Chimpanzees Of Happy Town, a relaxed family concert at Wiltshire Music Centre. Ensemble 360 in the evening at the Centre.

‘Peace, War and 9/11’ followed by Q&A with Matt Campbell and Piers Robinson at Chapel Arts, Bath. Komedia has a free community festival; the groove edition, featuring the Cable Street Collective, Ryan-D-Auria, Badlands Vonj, and Plume.

Shades of Seattle vs Nu-Call at The Vic, Swindon. David Scheel at Swindon Arts Centre.

Clinton Baptiste’s Roller Ghoster at the Cheese & Grain, Frome. Ríoghnach Connolly & Honeyfeet at The Tree House.

Monday 6th

The Reason at The Three Crowns, Devizes.

Dirt Road Acoustic at The Lamb, Urchfont.

Animals Guyz Presents Amazing Animals at the Cheese & Grain, Frome.

Tuesday 7th

Thanks for the Memories at Melksham Assembly Hall.

Swindon Festival Of Literature  opens at Swindon Arts Centre, Dr Caroline Campbell and 

Alasdair Beckett-King.

WIG Presents Bath Drag Performer of the year at Komedia.

The Orielles at the Cheese & Grain, Frome.

And that’s all we’ve got for now. Events listed here are subject to change, we are not responsible for cancellations, errors or postponements in anything listed. 

Important note two, events which come to our attention from now on in, will be updated on the Event Calendar and NOT HERE. So, be sure to check in from time to time, use the Event Calendar to find more info on everything listed on here, and for ticket links, etc. Use the Event Calendar to check for updates and planning ahead.

Did we miss you out? Did you tell us about your event? 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!

Have a good week!

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Weekly Roundup of Events in Wiltshire: 17th-23rd April 2024

Here we go with what we’ve found to do in the wilds of Wiltshire this coming week, exciting stuff, I know!

Everything listed here is on our event calendar; go there for links and more info. It may be updated with even more things to do than listed here, so check in later in the week.….

Wednesday 17th

Acoustic Jam at The Southgate, Devizes.

Emmanuel Coppey and Antoine Préat at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.

Two times BBC Folk Award winner Daoirí Farrell is at Chapel Arts, Bath.

Memory Cinema, for those with dementia, at Swindon Arts Centre are showing A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum. Tom Houghton’s It’s Not Ideal at Swindon Arts Centre. Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out at The Wyvern Theatre.

Show Of Hands – Full Circle Farewell Tour at the Cheese & Grain, Frome.

Thursday 18th

Quiz Night at the Peppermill, Devizes in aid of The Cotswolds Dogs & Cats Home.

PSG Choir taster session at the King Alfred Hall, Chippenham.

Thieves & Skiddy at The Tuppenny, Swindon. The Big Fat Monthly Quiz at the Vic. 

Memory Sing at Swindon Arts Centre. Primary School Assembly Bangers Live! at Swindon Arts Centre. Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out at The Wyvern Theatre.

Fretn Keyz with Dave Howell at Rude Giant Beerhouse, Salisbury.

Friday 19th

Youth Work Auction Fundraiser at John O’Gaunt School, Trowbridge.

Take the Stage at the Neeld, in Chippenham. Chippenham Beer Festival too.

Bradford Roots Special at The Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon with Billy in the Lowground, Daisy Chapman and Thieves; Ed’s pick of the week, that one is! Preview here.

The Droogs & John E Viztic at The Three Horseshoes in Bradford-on-Avon.

People Like Us at Prestbury Sports Bar, Westbury.

Swindon Jazz & Soul Festival, preview here. Draining The Swamp at Swindon Arts Centre. Barrelhouse & The Leon Daye Band at the Vic.

Wingin’ It at The George & Dragon, Salisbury. A Murder Mystery at Salisbury Cathedral.

Johnny Cash Revisited at Chapel Arts, Bath.

ex Wishbone Ash, Martin Turner  is at The Tree House, Frome.

Saturday 20th

Roma Antoine Exhibit and Art Sale at Tonka Bean, Devizes. Devizes Swap Shop at St James Church. The Bren Jones Big Band at the Wharf Theatre. Strange Folk at The Southgate. Down the Hatch at The Three Crowns. DJ Tappa Tappa at the Exchange.

Oriental Antiques Indigo Antiques Open Day at Manningford Bruce, Pewsey. Dutty Moonshine at the Barge on HoneyStreet. @59 at The Woodborough Social Club.

Marty’s Fake Family at The Pilot, Melksham.

The Future Sound of Trowbridge #8 at the Pump in Trowbridge; preview Here.

Mighty Magic Animal at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon. Griff Rhys Jones: The Cat’s Pyjamas at Wiltshire Music Centre.

Pop-Up Bowie at Chapel Arts, Bath.

Driftwood at Tucker’s Grave Inn, Faulkland.

Junkyard Dogs at The King’s Arms, Amesbury. Are You Worthy & Grant Sharkey at the Winchester Gate, Salisbury. Salisbury Pride Fundraiser at The Hope & Anchor, Salisbury.

Rosie Holt – That’s Politainment! at Swindon Arts Centre. Wrong Jovi at the Vic. The Worried Men at The Queen’s Tap. The Tin Shack Band at The Woodlands Edge.

The Shires at the Cheese & Grain, Frome is sold out, so too is Bare Jams at the Tree House. Try the 41 Fords at The Sun; we love the 41 Fords!

Sunday 21st

Mr Griff at The Southgate, Devizes from 5pm. Devizes Town Band Showtime Sensations at the Corn Exchange, Devizes.

Open Mic at Red Lion, Lacock.

Jazz on Sunday Afternoon at Little Cheverall Village Hall.

The Dirty Weather Blues Revue at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.

VW Campfest begins at Stonehenge.

Mini Ravers – Spring Tour at The Cheese & Grain, Frome.

Monday 22nd and Tuesday 23rd

I got nothing, yet; keep a keen eye on our updating event calendar, as I’m way behind updating it, and still got the front garden to sort out! Weeds, huh? I used go out to the garden to smoke de grass, nowadays I just go out to the garden to cut de grass!!

And that’s all we’ve got for now, other than some technical gubbings to say: Events listed here are subject to change, we are not responsible for cancellations, errors or postponements in anything listed. 

Important note two, events which come to our attention from now on in, will be updated on the Event Calendar and NOT HERE. So, be sure to check in from time to time, use the Event Calendar to find more info on everything listed on here, and for ticket links, etc. Use the Event Calendar to check for updates and planning ahead.

Did we miss you out? Did you tell us about your event? 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!

Have a good week!

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DOCA’s Early Lantern Workshops

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Weekly Roundup of Events in Wiltshire: 10th-16th April 2024

Spring has sprung! There were two snails on my milk-float this morning, opening “doing it,” without shame; absolute filth! …. I should have filmed it (in a jealous rage!) there might be a gap in the market for mollusc porn! Birds, bees, now snails, they’re all getting some!

Okay, let’s get you out and about, and you never know your luck, you too can be like those snails! Here’s what we’ve found to do in the wilds of Wiltshire this coming week…..

Everything listed here is on our event calendar; go there for links and more info. It may be updated with even more things to do than listed here, so check in later in the week.

Ongoing: Devizes RAF Squadron still have their Easter Egg Hunt running across Devizes, until 14th April; I’d have eaten the lot by now!

And then There Were None runs at the Wharf Theatre, Devizes until Saturday; review HERE.

Wednesday 10th

Crafty Kids at Hillworth Park, Devizes. Acoustic Jam at The Southgate. White Horse Opera’s La Boheme at Lavington School opens and runs up to Saturday.

Runny Snotts Open Mic at the Three Crowns, Chippenham.

Dom Martin Solo Tour with special guest: Demi Marriner, at Chapel Arts, Bath.

 Easter Panto, Beauty And The Beast at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon. Pop Kids Mini Rave at the Vic, with a Big Jam Session in the evening.

Thursday 11th

PSG Choir taster session at the King Alfred Hall, Chippenham.

Boo Hewerdine plus support: Vlado Nosal at Chapel Arts, Bath.

Tommy Hale & the Magnificent Bastards at the Beehive, Swindon. Lost Revellers at The Tuppenny. Tanwood Youth Theatre’s Frozen Jr. opens at Swindon Arts Centre, runs until Sunday. An Evening Of Burlesque at The Wyvern Theatre.

Friday 12th

Karaoke Night with Karl Maggs at the Exchange, Devizes. 

Open Mics at The Barge on HoneyStreet, and The Parade Cinema, Marlborough.

Americana Beer Festival at The Bell, Bowden Hill, Lacock.

Sound of the Sirens at the Pump, Trowbridge, with Bluebeard in support.

This Carpenters Masquerade at Melksham Assembly Hall.

West of England Youth Orchestra Relaxed Family Concert at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon. Heavy For the Tropics at The Three Horseshoes.

Jon Amor Trio at The Ram, Bath. Emma Stevens Band’s “Bloom” Tour plus support from BLÁNID at Chapel Arts.

Barrelhouse at The New Inn, Swindon. Motorheadache at the Vic. Plucking Different at the Beehive. 12 Bars Later at The Village Inn, Shaw. Sir Bradley Wiggins at The Wyvern Theatre.

The Scribes’ Boombox at the Winchester Gate, Salisbury.

Saturday 13th

Museum Explorers Club – Animals in the Museum at Wiltshire Museum, Devizes. Museum Explorers club is for 5-7 year olds and is an introduction to popular topics such as the Romans and Ancient Egyptians. The Great British Yarn Crawl at Pins & Needles on Snuff Street, Devizes.

Humdinger at The Three Crowns, Devizes. Cooper’s Creek at The Southgate. Dreamettes at Devizes Conservative Club. And Stevie MC is in the mix at the Exchange.

But, Editor’s Pick of the Week is The Marley Experience at the Corn Exchange, Devizes. I’ve been looking forward to this since CrownFest last summer; hope to see you there…jammin’ ‘til the jam is done!

Meatloud at Melksham Assembly Hall. The Corsairs at The Grapes. The Singing Herdsman at The Pilot.

The Chaos Brothers at The Talbot, Calne.

The Monkey Dolls at the Lamb, Marlborough.

The Exact Opposite at the Pump, Trowbridge. 

The Idle Silence, Cult Python, & Otterman at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.

Fire & Rain & American Pie at Chapel Arts, Bath.

Stockers Street Food Festival at The Hop, Swindon. The Daybreakers at the Vic.

The Good Old Fashioned Lover Boys at Tuckers Grave Inn, Faulkland.

The JB Conspiracy at the Winchester Gate, Salisbury. 

Top Secret – The Magic of Science at the Cheese & Grain, Frome. Mother Vulture at The Tree House.

Sunday 14th

CSF Wrestling at the Corn Exchange, Devizes.  Jon Amor Trio Special with guest Stevie Watts at The Southgate.

Open Mic at Red Lion, Lacock.

Deadlight Dance’s The Wiltshire Gothic Album Launch at The Blue Boar, Aldbourne. Album reviewed HERE.

Murder Trial Tonight at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.

Barney & Kelly at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.

Monday 15th

Macbeth at Swindon Arts Centre, also runs on Tuesday.

Tuesday 16th

The Lost Trades at The Piggybank, Calne.

Swindon Jazz & Soul Festival Fringe event for Jazz Knights at The Royal Oak, Swindon, A celebration of Herbie Hancock, with Tom Berge.

Poetika at the Winchester Gate, Salisbury.

And that’s all we’ve got for now, other than some technical gubbings to say: Events listed here are subject to change, we are not responsible for cancellations, errors or postponements in anything listed. 

Important note two, events which come to our attention from now on in, will be updated on the Event Calendar and NOT HERE. So, be sure to check in from time to time, use the Event Calendar to find more info on everything listed on here, and for ticket links, etc. Use the Event Calendar to check for updates and planning ahead.

And, while we’re planning ahead, April is hotting up, believe me, loads of good, good, even gooder stuff and stuff gooder than them! Have a look at the coming month HERE.  

Did we miss you out? Did you tell us about your event? 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!

Have a good week, One Love.

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Weekly Roundup of Events in Wiltshire: 3rd – 9th April 2024

First week of April, there’s no fooling you, here’s what we’ve found to do…..

Everything listed here is on our event calendar; go there for links and more info. It may be updated with even more things to do than listed here, so check in later in the week. 

Wednesday 3rd

Crafty Kids in Hillworth Park, Devizes. RAF Cadets’ Easter Egg Hunt continues across Devizes until 14th April. Easter Bouncy Castle Kingdom on the Green until 5th April. 

Acoustic Jam at The Southgate, Devizes.

Eric Walrond: A Caribbean Writer in Wiltshire – Free Talk at Melksham Library.

Screening of The Royal Opera Madama Butterfly at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.

Simon Munnery’s Jerusalem at Swindon Arts Centre.

Thursday 4th

There’s Easter themed holiday activities at Wiltshire Museum, Devizes. Rum & Records at the Muck & Dunder, Devizes.

Andrew Hurst is at St Nicholas Church, Bromham.

Hooch at The Tuppenny, Swindon. Subhumans at the Vic. Griff Rhys Jones: The Cat’s Pyjamas at Swindon Arts Centre. The Illegal Eagles at The Wyvern Theatre.

Salisbury Open Mic at the Winchester Gate, Salisbury.

Plumhall at Chapel Arts, Bath.

Friday 5th

Brian Poole at Long Street Blues Club, Devizes.

Teenage Halloween, Start The Sirens and Trashed at The Pump, Trowbridge. Open Mic at Newtown Social Club. 

12 Bars Later at The 3 Brewers, Corsham.

The Forgetting Curve & Little Villains at the Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon. Kammerphilharmonie Europa at the Wiltshire Music Centre.

Swindon Old Town Comedy Club at Christ Church. Black Parade at the Vic. Phil Ellis’ Excellent Comedy Show at Swindon Arts Centre. King of Pop starring Navi and Jennifer Batten at The Wyvern Theatre.

Martin Carthy at Chapel Arts, Bath.

Norman Jay’s Norman Soul at the Cheese & Grain, Frome.

Saturday 6th

Jamie Williams

Jamie Williams & The Roots Collective at The Southgate, Devizes. The Clones at The Three Crowns. SIX: The Musical – Teen Edition at the Corn Exchange. Back to the 80s party night at the Bear Hotel.

Mick Jogger & the Stones Experience at Seend Community Centre.

Siren at The Pilot, Melksham.

John Hackett Band at the Pump, Trowbridge.

Cara Dillon at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon. Desperate Measures, The Setbacks & Death Traps at the Three Horseshoes.

John Otway & Wild Willy Barrett at The Merlin Theatre, Bath.

The Beatles Complete Tribute Show at the Athenaeum Centre, Warminster.

Gaz Brookfield is in the Tent, at the Winchester Gate, Salisbury.

41 Fords at Tucker’s Grave Inn, Faulkland.

Motley Crude at the Vic, Swindon. Swindon Recital Series at Swindon Arts Centre. Northern Live – Do I Love You at The Wyvern Theatre.

A Band Called Malice at The Tree House, Frome.

Sunday 7th

Jim Blair at The Southgate, Devizes from 5pm.

Open Mic at The Red Lion, Lacock.

Little Wander Presents…Ria Lina at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon. The Ben Fletcher Band at the Three Horseshoes. 

Dreamboys at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.

Monday 8th

And then There Were None opens at the Wharf Theatre, Devizes, running until Saturday.

Tuesday 9th

Fish n Chip Supper & Quiz Night in aid of RNLA at Devizes Conservative Club.

Café Concert at St Andrew’s Chippenham.

Swindon Jazz & Soul Festival Fringe, a Celebration of Wes Montgomery with Nigel Price at Jazz Knights, The Royal Oak, Swindon.

And that’s all we’ve got for now, other than some technical gubbings to say: Events listed here are subject to change, we are not responsible for cancellations, errors or postponements in anything listed. 

Important note two, events which come to our attention from now on in, will be updated on the Event Calendar and NOT HERE. So, be sure to check in from time to time, use the Event Calendar to find more info on everything listed on here, and for ticket links, etc. Use the Event Calendar to check for updates and planning ahead.

And, while we’re planning ahead, April is hotting up, believe me, loads of good, good, even gooder stuff and stuff gooder than them! Have a look at the coming month HERE.  

Did we miss you out? Did you tell us about your event? 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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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 and…

Weekly Roundup of Events in Wiltshire: 27th March – 2nd April 2024

The first Kamikaze moth of the year dive-bombed my face the other morning. Forget blossoming trees and tulips, that’s a milkman’s sure sign of spring…because we wear a headtorch, you see? Oh, never mind, what do you care?! You just want me to tell you what’s happening over the eggtastic week in the wilds of Wiltshire; suppose so, if I must! Happy Easter one and all!

Everything listed here is on our event calendar; go there for links and more info. It may be updated with even more things to do than listed here, so check in later in the week. 

Wednesday 27th

Last day to catch Vowvas film screening at Parnella House, Devizes, see poster for details.

Devizes Books Presents…The Island Continent; A trip through the history and culture of Australia at Wiltshire Museum. From the achievements of early Aboriginal tribes, through visits from European explorers, the inhabitants of the Red Centre and finally to the work of Australian imports to this country, they celebrate all that is great about the Antipodean life and culture. With contributions from Thomas Keneally, Nevil Shute, Clive James, Germaine Greer and Billy Connolly. An evening devised and introduced by Lewis Cowen. 7pm for 7.30pm. Tickets, £6, includes a glass of wine or soft drink and nibbles. Tickets available from Devizes Books cash only please. Or book by phoning 01380 725944 and pay cash on the door.

The regular Green Grub Club at St James, Devizes. And Acoustic Jam at the Southgate. 

Opening night of Editor’s Pick of Week, Devizes Musical Theatre brings Sister Act to Daunsty’s School in West Lavington.

Siân Dicker: Walton’s Songbook and Aly Bain & Phil Cunningham, both at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.

The Rondo Variety Show at The Rondo Theatre, Bath. Bethlehem Casuals at The Bell, Bath.

Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard at The Tree House, Frome.

Thursday 28th

Starting Thursday and running all weekend, Wadworth have open days at the Wadworth Brewery & Tap Shop, Devizes, promising a “We’ll Meet Again Big Weekend.”

Regular PSG Choir workshop at King Alfred Hall, Chippenham.

Stuart Rolfe and Becky Lawrence at The Old Bell, Warminster.

Robert Brown at The Beehive, Swindon. Flo Parker Bombosch & Sienna Wileman at The Tuppenny. And it’s Vic Fest 2024 at the Vic, celebrating its tenth year, music all Easter “Band” Holiday Weekend: eggs opening at 7:30pm with Chasing Dolls, Ritual Divide, Kotonic, Trashed and Falls On Deaf Ears.

Luisa Omielan’s Bitter at Swindon Arts Centre, and The Best Of Queen at the Wyvern.

Friday 29th

Easter Bunny Hunt across Devizes by the Devizes RAF Cadets, all weekend.

People Like Us at The Three Crowns, Devizes.

Some reggae and soca with David Brewster at the Bear, Marlborough.

Future Sound of Trowbridge #7 at the Pump, Trowbridge with Nothing Rhymes With Orange, SOAK and Feedback. Junkyard Dogs at The Red Admiral, Trowbridge.

Marty’s Fake Family at The Old Road Tavern, Chippenham. Regular Music event at the Cause Cafe in Chippenham.

Iain Ballamy’s Fascinada at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon. The Boot Hill All Stars at The Three Horseshoes.

Funkkinsteins at The Beehive, Swindon. The Chaos Brothers at The Ashford Road Centre. A Country Night in Nashville at the Wyvern. Vic Fest continues at the Vic, with Truck, Nervendings, Men In Vests, The Belladonna Treatment and Fluff.

Tool Shed: A Tribute to Tool at The Tree House, Frome. General Levy at the Cheese & Grain – amazing, and it doesn’t look sold out yet!

Saturday 30th

Melksham Lions Easter Egg Hunt.

Tom Davis & The Bluebirds at The Southgate, Devizes. Funked Up at the Pelican.

Nick Harper’s Tempus Fugitive tour at St Peter’s, Marlborough. Barrelhouse at The Lamb. And a reggae party with Razah-Hi-Fi at the Royal Oak.

Josh Kumra at the Barge, HoneyStreet.

The Unpredictables at The Bell, Great Cheverell.

Brad Stevens at The Consti Club, Chippenham.

The Lost Trades at The Pump, Trowbridge, sold out I’m afraid. Be Like Will at the West Wilts Con Club in Trowbridge. Miss Bridy & The Two Notes at Gloucester Road Conservative Club. The Ultimate Retro Disco Party at the Civic.

Be Like Will

The Buttmonkeys at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon. The Mix at St Margaret’s Hall.

The Blue Moon Band at Tucker’s Inn, Faulkland.

The Jukebox Graduates at The Swiss Chalet, Swindon. SGO at The Beehive. The Chaos Brothers at The Ashford Road Club. Awakening Savannah at The Woodlands Edge.

Marquee Square Heroes at Swindon Arts Centre. Bowie Live at the Wyvern. And Vic Fest at the Vic has Modern Evils, Life In Mono, Bluntnose, Sebastian & Me, Nothing Rhymes With Orange and Colour of Bone.

Reuben’s Daughters at the New Inn, Bath.

Junkyard Dogs at The Sun, Frome. The Wurzels at the Cheese & Grain. Viva Morrissey at The Tree House. 

Junkyard Dogs

Sunday 31st

Scrambled Eggs Easter Hunt at Hillworth Park, Devizes. Illingworth at The Three Crowns. Adam Woodhouse’s Thieves at The Southgate, highly recommended if you like your Americana.

Thieves

Open Mic at the Red Lion, Lacock.

Junkyard Dogs at Calne Liberal Club.

Rob Clamp at The Barge, HoneyStreet.

Open Mic at The Old Road Tavern, Chippenham.

Sunday at Vic Fest, Swindon sees Kid Klumsy, Visceral Noise Department, AnyMinuteNo, Mr Badaxe, Rebel Station, Disruptive Influence, Bear Noir and Dangermind, from 5:30pm.

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

The Authentics at Tucker’s Inn, Faulkland.

Moonlit Poachers with Jake Puntis at the Long Room in Box.

Carmina 3 at The Bell, Bath, and a Palestine fundraiser with DJs Goodgroove, JayCee, and others, see poster. 

Monday 1st April

Canal & River Trust’s Let’s Walk through Caen Hill & Jubilee Wood. South Western at The Three Crowns, Devizesfrom 3pm-5pm.

Junkyard Dogs at The Red Lion, Lacock.

Tuesday 2nd

Swindon Jazz & Soul Festival Fringe presents at Celebration of Stan Getz with Terry Quninney, for Jazz Knights at The Royal Oak, Swindon

And that’s all we’ve got for now, other than some technical gubbings to say: Events listed here are subject to change, we are not responsible for cancellations, errors or postponements in anything listed. 

Important note two, events which come to our attention from now on in, will be updated on the Event Calendar and NOT HERE. So, be sure to check in from time to time, use the Event Calendar to find more info on everything listed on here, and for ticket links, etc. Use the Event Calendar to check for updates and planning ahead.

And, while we’re on about planning ahead, April is hotting up, believe me, loads of good, good, even gooder stuff and stuff gooder than them! Have a gander at the coming month HERE.  

I would recommend Andrew Hurst at St Nicholas Church in Bromham Thursday 4th, Brian Poole at Long Street Blues Club Friday 5th, Mick Jogger at Seend Community Hall on Saturday 6th and the John Hackett Band at the Pump, or Cara Dillon at Wiltshire Music Centre.

Following week, you can find And Then There Were None opening at the Wharf Theatre, Devizes Monday 8th, and the Marley Experience on 13th April at Devizes Corn Exchange; unmissable. 

Did we miss you out? Did you tell us about your event? 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 FB 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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Big up the Easter weekend, remember Easter is a time for celebrating the coming of spring, the beauty it encompasses, and the bringing of new life to the world…. by all means cover yourself in melted chocolate and ask your partner to get licking, but unless you’re prepared for all the gubbings bringing a new life into the world personally presents, be sensible and pop a Johnny on it! Filth, I know, but only the headstrong read this far!!

Trending….

FullTone Festival 2026: A New Home

It’s been a wonderful summer’s weekend, in which I endeavoured to at least poke my nose into the fabulous FullTone Festival, despite being invited to…

Weekly Roundup of Events in Wiltshire: 14th – 20th February 2024

Here’s what’s happening over the coming week in the wilds of Wiltshire, hold onto your hats, let’s lots to get through…..

Everything listed here is on our event calendar; go there for links and more info. It may be updated with even more things to do than listed here, so check in later in the week.

Look, if it’s all the same to you, I cannot choose an Editor’s Pick of Week; too much great stuff happening. I’m doing a Chocolate making workshop at HollyChocs in Poulshot on Friday (see here,) then off to see Gaz Brookfield at West Lavington Village Hall, (Preview) which has to be one. Saturday, if you loved Adam & the Ants, you need to get to The Vic, Swindon for Ant Trouble (previous review) and if you love hip hop get down the Pump in Trowbridge for the Scribes (preview) but saying all this, when SGO come to the Southgate, Devizes, which they are on Saturday, it’s always a pleasure (past review.) Huge dilemma, ergo, can I have five Editor’s Picks of the Week this week?!!

Ongoing until 17th February, two enlightening exhibits at Wiltshire Museum, Devizes, Lest We Forget: the Black Contribution to the World Wars in Wiltshire, and Eric Walrond: A Caribbean Writer living in Wiltshire. Reviewed HERE.

Potterne Pantomime presents Robin Hood at the Potterne Village Hall, running until Saturday. 

Wednesday 14th

Seed Bomb Making at Hillworth Park, Devizes, and the regular Acoustic Jam at The Southgate. 

Glad to hear The Charlton Cat at Charlton St Peter has a grand reopening on Wednesday.

Counterfeit Sixties Show at the Neeld, Chippenham. Love Stories in Chippenham, don;t know where, One Chippenham your website seems to be down! 

A lunchtime recital with violinist Madeleine Mitchell at Pound Arts, Corsham.

Sterling Elliott at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.

Ghost The Musical at The Athenaeum, Warminster.

Memory Cinema at Swindon Arts Centre screens Miss Potter (PG.) The Big Jam Session at The Vic.

Carrie the Musical at Rondo Theatre, Bath. Diddy Sweg at The Bell, Bath.

Thursday 15th

Open Mic nights return to The Cellar Bar, Devizes.

Seend Fawlty Players Presents Aladdin at Seend Community Centre, opening today, running up till Saturday.

Kid Carpet and the Noisy Garden Centre at Pound Arts, Corsham.

B-Sydes, Heartwork & Ed Poole at the Tuppenny, Swindon. Bob Porter Project at the Beehive. The Magic of Terry Pratchett at Swindon Arts Centre. Frankie Boyle’s show opens at the Wyvern Theatre and runs until Saturday.

Bath Bachfest opens and runs until Saturday with lots of concerts across the city.

Friday 16th

Innes Sibun Trio at The Southgate, Devizes. Disney’s Frozen Jr runs at the Wharf Theatre on Friday and Saturday.

Gaz Brookfield plays West Lavington Village Hall.

Ward Thomas at the Wyvern Theatre, Swindon. Collateral with Zac & The New Men at The Vic. Soulphia, new name for Sophia Bovell’s Soul Rebels, plays The Cow in Swindon.

Classic Rock American Highway Show at Chapel Arts, Bath.

Bootleg Blondie at the Cheese & Grain, Frome. Liam Helm & The Hang Ups at The Tree House.

Saturday 17th

The Melksham & Devizes Primary will be in Melksham town centre from 10am-noon.

Sorrel Pitts will be signing copies of her new novel Broken Shadows at Devizes Books. Reviewed HERE. There’s a Devizes Town Hall Ghost Hunt. The Truzzy Boys are at The Three Crowns, and S’GO at The Southgate, reviewed here. Oh, and of course, it’s DOCA’s Festival of Winter Ales.

The Devil’s Prefects Album Launch at The Barge on HoneyStreet.

Operation 77 at The Lamb, Marlborough.

The Scribes Boombox reaches the Pump in Trowbridge, preview here.

The George Ward School Reunion Disco Class of the 1970s, at the Spencer Club, Melksham.

Wiltshire Police Band at St Andrew’s Church Chippenham. Valentines Concert in Chippenham, at the Neeld, perhaps? One Chippenham, your website is down.

Gwilym Simcock Trio at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.

Framed! And Help! I Think I’m a Nationalist! at Pound Arts, Corsham.

Fleetwood Mac & Tom Petty The Legacy Show at Swindon Arts Centre. Apache Cats at Queens Tap. 12 Bars Later at Swiss Chalet. Ant Trouble at The Vic.

Deadlight Dance & Steve Mercy are art Chapter 22 Roots & Records, Bath. Joe Wilkinson 

At the Rondo Theatre. This Flight Tonight – A Tribute to Joni Mitchell at Chapel Arts.

Cover Stories at Salisbury British Legion Hall. The Wiseguys at the Rising Sun, Wimborne.

Even N Song at The Ship, Shipton Bellinger.

Judge Jules is at The Cheese & Grain, Frome.

Sunday 18th

Chantelle Smith is with Richard Wileman & Valve at The Vic, Swindon. Brian Conley at the Wyvern Theatre.

The Woodlanders at The Bell, Bath.

Monday 19th

Buffy Revamped at the Wyvern Theatre, Swindon

Swingle-Tree and Whistling Treason at The Bell, Bath.

Tuesday 20th

Ian Bateman Quartet plays Jazz Knights at the Royal Oak, Swindon. Miles Jupp at the Wyvern Theatre.

POETIKA poetry slams at the Winchester Gate, Salisbury.

And that’s all we’ve got for now, other than some important things to say: Events listed here are subject to change, we are not responsible for cancellations, errors or postponements in anything listed. 

Important note two, events which come to our attention from now on in, will be updated on the Event Calendar and NOT HERE. So, be sure to check in from time to time, use the Event Calendar to find more info on everything listed on here, and for ticket links, etc. Use the Event Calendar to check for updates and planning ahead.

Did we miss you out? Did you tell us about your event? 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!

Have a good week- that’s the last important thingy to say!!   

Trending……

Devizes Dilemma: FullTone or Scooter Rally?!

Contemplated headlining this “Clash of the Titans,” but that evokes the idea of a dramatic power struggle with fierce consequences rather than proof Devizes can…

Goodbye to The Beanery but Hollychocs Lives On

Popular award-winning artisan chocolate business Hollychocs has announced that its Beanery Café will close on Saturday 23rd August, marking exactly two years since its opening…

Weekly Roundup of Events in Wiltshire: 7th -13th February 2024

Hey you lovely lot, bit warm for Feb, innit? I wouldn’t do anything too daring, like break out your mankini yet, I expect there will be at least one more wintery blast to come. Here’s what’s happening over the coming week in the wilds of Wiltshire……

Everything listed here is on our event calendar; go there for links and more info. It may be updated with even more things to do than listed here, so check in later in the week.

Ongoing until 17th February, two enlightening exhibits at Wiltshire Museum, Devizes, Lest We Forget: the Black Contribution to the World Wars in Wiltshire, and Eric Walrond: A Caribbean Writer living in Wiltshire. Reviewed HERE.

Wednesday 7th

Acoustic Jam at The Southgate, Devizes.

There’s a screening of The Royal Ballet Manon at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.

Whitney; Queen Of The Night at the Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.

Peter Knight & John Spiers at Chapel Arts, Bath. Suntou Susso at The Bell.

Thursday 8th

Instalment 6 of the Comedy Loft at the Civic, Trowbridge.

Omid Djalili at Pounds Arts is listed, but sold out, sorry.

The Kahunas at the Tuppenny, Swindon. Jon Amor Trio at the Beehive. A Memory Move at Swindon Arts Centre, Jody And The Jerms play the evening there.

Josh Pugh’s Existin’ La Vida Loca is at the Cheese & Grain, Frome.

Friday 9th

All Floyd make a welcome return to The Bell on the Green, Devizes.

The Future Sound of Trowbridge #5 at the Pump, The Sunnies headline, with Ignotis and Cult Python in support.

Counterfeit Sixties Show at the Neeld Hall, Chippenham.

Syd Lawrence Orchestra: Big Band Brass at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon. Band of Others at the Boathouse.

Wizards of Oz and Black Rose play The Vic, Swindon. Limehouse Lizzy at Swindon Arts Centre. Rave On – The Rise Of Rock And Roll at the Wyvern Theatre.

Ed Tudor Pole at the Winchester Gate, Salisbury.

Alfie Moore at Rondo Theatre, Bath. Martin Harley at Chapel Arts.

Andy C has sold out the Cheese & Grain.

Saturday 10th

Music for Meninggitis at Seend Community Hall.

Courting Ghosts have had to cancel the gig at The Southgate, Devizes, find Grizzly Rhys Morgan there instead. Editor’s pick of the week takes us to Long Street Blues Club, where The Errol Linton Band makes a welcomed return. One of my best nights ever at Long Street last time they played, see a review Here. 

The Kast Off Kinks at Melksham Assembly Hall.

Jaz Delorean at the Pump in Trowbridge, with Swingletree in support. And Sound Knowledge hosts Declan McKenna at the Civic.

Cultural Assembly; the Art of the Sustainable and A Family Business at Pound Arts, Corsham.

Purple Fish play Westbury Cons Club.

Max Output at Prestbury Sports Bar, Warminster.

The Makings of a Murderer at the Wyvern Theatre, Swindon. Nabil Abdulrashid at Swindon Arts Centre. Nervendings, Toast and Arizona Law at The Vic. Mojo at the Swiss Chalet.

Love is Enough at the Winchester Gate, Salisbury.

Wifi Wars at Rondo Theatre, Bath

Billy in the Lowground at The Sun Inn, Frome. Ruzz Guitar’s Blues Revue at the Cheese & Grain…oh yes!

Sunday 11th

March for Palestine at Regent Circus, Swindon at 12pm.

Jon Amor Trio & Guest at The Southgate, Devizes from 5pm.

N’Faly Kouyatéo’s Ré-Génération at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon

Coyote Country at Prestbury Sports Bar, Warminster.

Bill Smarme Rock’n’Roll Trio at the Bell, Bath.

Ukrainian National Opera – Madama Butterfly at the Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.

Monday 12th

Filskit Theatre: Wonder Gigs at Pound Arts, Corsham.

Cameron Pierre at the Bell, Bath.

Tuesday 13th

Potterne Pantomime presents Robin Hood at the Potterne Village Hall, running until Saturday.

Paper Moon Quartet plays Jazz Knights at the Royal Oak, Swindon.

Maddie Storvold at the Bell, Bath.

And that’s all we’ve got for now, other than some important things to say: Events listed here are subject to change, we are not responsible for cancellations, errors or postponements in anything listed. 

Important note two, events which come to our attention from now on in, will be updated on the Event Calendar and NOT HERE. So, be sure to check in from time to time, use the Event Calendar to find more info on everything listed on here, and for ticket links, etc. Use the Event Calendar to check for updates and planning ahead.

Did we miss you out? Did you tell us about your event? 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!

Have a good week- that’s the last important thingy to say!!   

Weekly Roundup of Events in Wiltshire: 31st January -6th February 2024

Hey you, Feb already, here’s what’s happening over the coming week in the wilds of Wiltshire……

Everything listed here is on our event calendar; go there for links and more info. It may be updated with even more things to do than listed here, so check in later in the week. Oh, and accept no substitute, this is the definitive guide to what’s really happening around these parts!!

Ongoing until 17th February, two enlightening exhibits at Wiltshire Museum, Devizes, Lest We Forget: the Black Contribution to the World Wars in Wiltshire, and Eric Walrond: A Caribbean Writer living in Wiltshire. Reviewed HERE.

The Importance of Being Earnest is currently running until Sunday at the Wharf Theatre, Devizes. This is sold out, I’m afraid, reviewed HERE.

Wednesday 31st

Modern & Contemporary Art from the Collection of Chippenham Museum.

Acoustic Jam at The Southgate, Devizes.

‘Full Circle Part II’ – Phil Beer & Steve Knightley at Chapel Arts, Bath. Tight Lipped Combo at The Bell.

Truck at the Vic, Swindon, with the Belladonna Treatment and Nostomo. Viggo Venn at The Wyvern Theatre.

Thursday 1st Feb

The Tap Opening Night in Devizes.

Pound Arts, Corsham are screening Sherlock Jr. (1924) with live piano score by Meg Morley.

Cousins, Skiddy, Blair, Lynch at the Tuppenny, Swindon. Sebastian & Me, Talk in Code and Mirrored Faces feature at the Vic as part of Live Music Venues Week. Beyond The Barricade at the Wyvern Theatre.

All’s Well That Ends Well at Rondo Theatre, Bath. Nigel Wearne (AUS) at Chapel Arts, with support from Simeon Hammond Dallas.

Open Mic at The Winchester Gate, Salisbury.

Friday 2nd

Devizes Youth Action Group has their first event at the Devizes Corn Exchange. U18’s only, all-teen bands, Shox, Steatopygous, and BellaDonna play, with DJ Flam. Well done for organising, we fully support this initiative, and our own youngest reporter, Flo, will be there to give us the lowdown on it. Karaoke starts up at the Exchange nightclub below for the so-called grownups(!), with Karl Maggs on the wheels of steel. This will be a regular thing, the first Friday of each month. 

Also on upcoming bands, check the first heat of Take The Stage at Chippenham’s Neeld Hall, only costs a fiver entry.

Travis Waltons at the Pump, Trowbridge, with Marty’s Fake Family and The Earth & Me.

One Chord Wonders at The Boathouse, Bradford-on-Avon.

IVW 2024 Double Bill: Nuala Honan & Stevie Toddler at Pound Arts, Corsham.

All Ears Avow, Death is a Girl, Fluff and Ritual Divide all play the The Vic, Swindon. There’s a Swindon Old Town Comedy Club at Christchurch, Old Town. Calling Planet Earth, Duran Duran tribute at the Wyvern Theatre, Dire Streets at Swindon Arts Centre.

And the In-Cider Festival begins at Weston-Super-Mare! Weston-Super-Mare, Eddie!

Saturday 3rd

The Thomas Atlas Trio takes over from the postponed LeBurn Maddox at The Southgate, Devizes. A darn good replacement, expect some amazing blues. Our trusty duo, Funked up will be at The Three Crowns, guaranteed good night at either. DJ Stevie Mc is in the mix at the Exchange.

Kieran doesn’t know it yet, we’ll see if he reads this religiously, but I’m invited to the Pump by frontman Jamie, so for this reason and for many others, this gets my Editor’s Pick of Week!  

The Worried Men play the Pump, Trowbridge, with FuTuRe PlaN in support; anyone going up from Devizes? I needs me a lift!!

From the European Union Chamber Orchestra, Wiltshire Music Centre in Bradford-on-Avon presents Yuzhang Li.

Still Marillion at the Vic, Swindon. Apache Cats the Rat Trap. The Thinking Drinkers at Swindon Arts Centre, and The ELO Show at the Wyvern Theatre.

It’s Duckfest at the Duck in Laverstock, a Salisbury Live Beggar’s Bash thingy.

Phoebe Troup is at Chapel Arts, Bath.

Dylan tribute The Bob Villains at Tree House Frome Retro Electro at the Cheese & Grain.

Sunday 4th

All-family bike ride, Kidical Mass, from Hillworth Park, Devizes. Lewis Clark at The Southgate from 5pm.

Chasing Dolls, Lucky Number Seven, Better Heaven, Liddington Hill, and Oui Legionarries at The Vic, Swindon. Whitney Queen of the Night at the Wyvern Theatre. Ania Magliano at Swindon Arts Centre.

Monday 5th

Open Mic at the Lamb, Marlborough.

An Evening With Jasper Fforde at Swindon Arts Centre.

Tuesday 6th

Daniel Newberry Trio for Jazz Knights at the Royal Oak, Swindon. An Evening With Jeff Stelling at the Wyvern Theatre.

The Rob Auton Show at Rondo Theatre, Bath.

fOR WEEKLY RECURRING EVENTS CLICK HERE!

And that’s all we’ve got for now, other than some important things to say: Events listed here are subject to change, we are not responsible for cancellations, errors or postponements in anything listed. 

Important note two, events which come to our attention from now on in, will be updated on the Event Calendar and NOT HERE. So, be sure to check in from time to time, use the Event Calendar to find more info on everything listed on here, and for ticket links, etc. Use the Event Calendar to check for updates and planning ahead.

Did we miss you out? Did you tell us about your event? 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!

Have a good week- that’s the last important thingy to say!!   

Trending……

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Amidst another packed summer weekend’s schedule laid that lovable large village Pewsey’s turn to shine; always a law unto itself, things went off; if it’s…

Weekly Roundup of Events in Wiltshire: 24th- 30th January 2024

Hey frozen duckling, here’s what’s happening over the coming week in the wilds of Wiltshire……

Everything listed here is on our event calendar; go there for links and more info. It may be updated with even more things to do than listed here, so check in later in the week.

Ongoing until 17th February, two enlightening exhibits at Wiltshire Museum, Devizes, Lest We Forget: the Black Contribution to the World Wars in Wiltshire, and Eric Walrond: A Caribbean Writer living in Wiltshire. Reviewed Here.

Wednesday 24th

Acoustic Jam at The Southgate, Devizes.

Big Jam session at the Vic in Swindon. Rhod Gilbert & The Giant Grapefruit at The Wyvern Theatre.

Apricity Theatre Turns Ten The Rondo, Bath. John E Vistic’s Country Club at The Bell, Bath.

Screening of The Old Oak at the Athenaeum in Warminster.

Thursday 25th

Runny Snotts Acoustic Sessions at The Neeld, Chippenham.

Mark Simmons: Quip of the Mark at Pound Arts, Corsham.

Ellis Evason at the Tuppenny, Swindon, Adult Panto – Beauty And The Big Beast at The Wyvern Theatre.

Andrew Bird’s tour Taken Seriously is at The Rondo, Bath. Gordon Giltrap at Chapel Arts.

The Farewell Tour – An Evening With Sir Geoff Hurst at the Cheese & Grain, Frome.

Friday 26th

Lucky Number Seven are the Pump, Trowbridge, with LXRDVIRS and Notre Dame of Tokyo. John Law’s Re-Creations at the Civic.

BlueSoul at The Boathouse, Bradford-on-Avon.

Avalon Comedy Network: Stuart Laws, Lucy Pearman, Heidi Regan & Josh Weller at Pound Arts, Corsham.

This is Your (Improvised) Musical at The Rondo, Bath. Reggae vibes at St James Wine Vaults with the Biggle Sound System. Australia’s Ernest Aines at Chapel Arts.

King Awesome at The Vic, Swindon, Texas Tick Fever at the Beehive. Stranger Sings at The Wyvern Theatre.

Saturday 27th

Phereakers at The Southgate, Devizes, Don’t Frett at The Three Crowns.

Josh Kumra at the Bear, Marlborough. Broken Dolls at the Lamb.

Bo Walton Band at Melksham Rock n Roll Club.

A Big shout out to organiser John McConnachie, as Editor’s Pick of the Week is at Calne Liberal Club for the annual 7 Bands in 7 Hours. The Killertones, Real Cheesemakers, Mike & the Misfits, People Like Us, 6 O’clock Circus, Homer and the Chaos Brothers join forces for this fundraiser. This year it’s supporting two young children Hartley, diagnosed with Down’s Syndrome and Fletcher who suffers bowel disorder. The mini-festival comes with a suggested £5 donation, and starts at 4pm. If you can’t make it you can still donate here.

Marty’s Fake Family at Gloucester Club, Trowbridge. Samantics with Devil’s Doorbell at The Pump.

Junkyard Dogs are at The Consti Club in Chippenham.

Shakespeare’s Fool at Pound Arts, Corsham.

Band of Others at Warminster Conservative Club.

Stranger Sings at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon. Papa Shango at The Vic with Here Comes The Crows in support. 

Ukrainian Benefit Evening at The Bell, Bath. Ania Magliano’s I Can’t Believe You’ve Done This at The Rondo.

Snuff at The Winchester Gate, Salisbury. Wilton Live all dayer at Wilton Community Hall, see poster. Sam Fraser is at Follow Comedy at Qudos.

Hugh Cornwell and special guests The Primitives at the Cheese & Grain, Frome, Bruce Juice, Bruce Springsteen Tribute at The Tree House.

Sunday 28th

Vince Bell at The Southgate, Devizes.

Screening of The Royal Opera’s Rusalka at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.

South West Hotel and Careful Spider play a Schtumm at the Long Rooms in Box. Andy Burden Band at The Bell, Bath.

An Evening with Glenn Hoddle at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.

Monday 29th

Is the opening night of The Importance of being Earnest at the Wharf Theatre, Devizes. This is running until Feb 3rd, and we will bring you a review of it before it opens; watch this space!

Rock The Tots – ‘The 1990s’ at Pound Arts, Corsham.

Most Haunted Live at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.

Brooks Williams & Aaron Catlow at The Bell, Bath.

Tuesday 30th

Stop Making Sense at Pound Arts, Corsham.

Tom Clarke-Hill Quartet plays Jazz Knights The Royal Oak, Swindon. I See Orange at the Vic. Most Haunted Live at The Wyvern Theatre.

Pete Morton at The Bell, Bath.

And that’s your lot! Let me know if we missed anything, we can list events for free, but a chocolate muffin works better to persuade me! Lots to look forward to this month, I’ll lob a few posters below, but keep your best eye on the……

Event Calendar!!

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IDLES’ at Block Party

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Weekly Roundup of Events in Wiltshire: 17th -23rd January 2024

V busy week ahead, too busy to type the word “very,” (though I just did type the word “very,”) despite the cold spell, nothings gonna stop us now, reminding me somewhat of Ollie & Jerry’s theme “Breakin’, there’s no stopping us.”

Not that it takes me much to be reminded of Ollie & Jerry – I think about them all the time, I wonder where they are and what they’re…..okay, let’s push on, we don’t need you to be like Turbo, no one to dance with other than a broom, (youngsters pipe down and Google it!) here’s what’s happening over the coming week in the wilds of Wiltshire……

Everything listed here is on our event calendar; go there for links and more info. It may be updated with even more things to do than listed here, so check in later in the week.

Ongoing until 17th February, two enlightening exhibits at Wiltshire Museum, Devizes, Lest We Forget: the Black Contribution to the World Wars in Wiltshire, and Eric Walrond: A Caribbean Writer living in Wiltshire. Reviewed Here.

Artist Clifton Powell with Eric Walrond portrait at Wiltshire Museum

Wednesday 17th

The Melksham & Devizes Primary have a new year meet at the Kings Arms, Melksham; we recently did an interview with them, a really important issue, check it out here.

The regular Acoustic Jam at The Southgate, Devizes.

Lunchtime Recital Series at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon, with Babatunde Aleshe in the evening.

Opening night of The Wind in the Willows at The Rondo, Bath, running until Sunday the 21st. Meanwhile, Starlings play The Bell in Bath.

British Lion are at the Cheese & Grain, Frome.

Thursday 18th

M3g plays The Tuppenny, Swindon, Zamba Lando at The Beehive, John Otway at The Vic, a memory sing at Swindon Arts Centre, and Get It On at The Wyvern Theatre.

Friday 19th

Borrowed Atlas plays the Pump, Trowbridge, with Ravetank in support.

Cara Dillon is at Pound Arts, Corsham.

Forbidden Nights at Melksham Assembly Hall, ladies!

Stompers at The Boat House, Bradford-on-Avon.

Littlemen at Chapel Arts, Bath.

Dark Prophecy at The Vic, Swindon, UK Pink Floyd Experience at The Wyvern Theatre. 

Saturday 20th

Day course: Wood Engraving with Robin Mackenzie at Wiltshire Museum, Devizes.

An album launch gig for Cracked Machine at the Southgate, Devizes, with Clock Radio in support. Siren at The Three Crowns. Real Music are at the Bear, with a Soul, Motown Disco.

Open Mic at The Barge Honeystreet.

Chippenham Record Fair, at The Citadel on Bath Road; free entry.

Editor’s Pick of the Week is Bradford Roots Festival at the Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon; I’ve been saving myself since new year for this! Incredible line-up, all day Saturday and Sunday, preview here, hope to see you there?

Cara Dillon is at Pound Arts, Corsham.

Ian Diddams and Wendy Dopheide take Happy Jack to the Athenaeum, Warminster for a two night run, Saturday and Sunday; here’s a review from when this show was at the Wharf in Devizes.

The Korgis – Time Machine at Chapel Arts, Bath.

Apache Cats at The New Inn, Swindon, The Rolling Clones at The Vic. Abba Forever at The Wyvern Theatre, and an RPA Golden Ticket Show at Swindon Arts Centre.

Sunday 21st

Manos Puestas at The Southgate, Devizes.

Bradford Roots Festival continues.

Sing-A-Long-A Matilda The Musical (PG) at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.

Gordie Tentrees & Jaxon Haldane at The Bell, Bath.

Monday 22nd

Giovanni Pernice at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.

The Swing Vote at The Bell, Bath.

Tuesday 23rd

Vasilis Xenopoulos & Tom Berge Trio for the regular Jazz Knights The Royal Oak, Swindon.

Giovanni Pernice at The Wyvern Theatre.

And that’s your lot, let me know what we missed, we can list events for free, but a chocolate muffin works better to persuade me! Lots to look forward to this month, I’ll lob a few posters below, but keep your best eye on the……Event Calendar!! Also note, we have a new page for weekly events including clubs and activities, here: it’s new so we need to list some more, tell us what you know!

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Hotcakes, Wildfire, Shoes…. and Acid!

In the dead of night sounds in a rural environment are resonating singularities, a car in the distance or the farmer calling his herd. In…

Weekly Roundup of Events in Wiltshire: 25th – 31st October 2023

Boo! We’ve got everything to do in Wiltshire this coming week, leading us into Halloween and the end of the month…..as we always do….boo! It’s that time of year when I get repetitive strain injury from typing “Halloween Party!”

Okay my little pumpkins, please be aware this is not comprehensive and new events can and might yet still be added to our blossoming, occasionally updating EVENT CALENDAR; they might not be added here, so do check in regularly. You can also find links to everything mentioned there, and plan ahead.

One other really important thing before we get going, the thing everyone seems to brazenly browse past pretending it didn’t apply to them, we need donations to fund this, so, if you can, please donate a little something to keep us going; awl, thank you. If you love it, don’t lose it, like Bez on a nineties dance floor. For info on how, see HERE. Please and thanking you…

Happy Jack is running at the Wharf Theatre, Devizes, until Saturday, we’ve a review of it HERE.

Wednesday 25th

Devizes in Bloom invites you to plant a bulb for Christmas, at Hillworth Park. Don’t forget the regular Acoustic Jam at the Southgate, Devizes.

Music for Miniatures has a Bubble Bach at The Neeld, Chippenham.

Changing Times: The Impact of Total War in Wiltshire and its effects Post-War, 1939-1955, with Julie Davis at Pound Arts, Corsham.

Memory Cinema, films designed in a setting suitable for those with dementia, are showing High Anxiety (PG) at Swindon Arts Centre, while there’s a Quiz Night at The Castle.

Mike Oldfield’s Tubular Bells and Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon are reenacted at the Rondo Theatre, Bath, and the Sun Kings play The Bell.

Thursday 26th

Those wonderful River Warriors of Calne invite families to the Pocket Park for half term autumn activities. There’s also a Demonstration of Mediumship at Calne Town Hall.

The Brewery Inn, Seend start their Halloween Haunted Garden, which runs until 31st October, which is Halloween…Boo!

 Open Mic at Stallard’s, Trowbridge. Open Mic at the Crown, Aldbourne.

Hags: A Magical Extravaganza by Scratchworks at Hullavington Village Hall, and Luke Wright’s Silver Jubilee at Pound Arts, Corsham.

Spontaneous Potter at The Wyvern Theatre in Swindon, while Nervendings and Fluff play the Vic. Fran McGillvray & Mike Burke at the Tuppenny. 

Parameter Promotions Presents Lewis Poole Live at The Electric Bar, Bath, and the Rondo Theatre has Butchered.

Friday 27th

Friday sees the opening of a new exhibit at the Forbidden Carnival in Chippenham, called Dark, and it runs until 26th November.

Devizes Arts Festival Comedy Night at The Corn Exchange, Devizes, and they’re celebrating Dave’s birthday at The Southgate with an ongoing Beer & Cider Festival all weekend with lots of music, no doubt. Halloween Party at the Bridge, Horton.

Trash Panda at The Coopers Arms, Pewsey. Static Moves at The Bear, Marlborough, and Marcus N Kellie Lutener is at The Lamb with a Halloween Party.

A Festival of Remembrance concert at the Civic, Trowbridge, while the Pump another round of The Future Sound of Trowbridge with Mobscure, Ravetank and LXRDVIRS.

Halloween Family Disco at The Neeld, Chippenham.

Abbamania at  Melksham Assembly Hall, Halloween Party at the Pilot.

Hags: A Magical Extravaganza by Scratchworks at Hawkesbury Upton Village Hall.

Highly recommended Siouxsie and the Banshees tribute, Painted Bird at The Vic in Swindon, Sister Sister at North Swindon Club, Bad Good Times at The Queens Tap.

Sean Collins’ Smokin’ Funny at the Rondo theatre, Bath, Josienne Clarke at Chapel Arts.

Bon Giovi at the Cheese & Grain, Frome, Faux Bonamassa at the Tree House.

Saturday 28th

Autumn in the Park at Hillworth Park in Devizes. The Four Sopranos have a CPRE fundraiser at the Town Hall. Susan Santos at Long Street Blues Club. The Southgate’s ongoing Beer & Cider Festival, with music from Red Light and Free Peace. 

The celebrated Halloween Party at The Three Crowns, Puscifer Presents Global Probing Halloween Bash at The Snuff-Box.

Editor’s Pick of the Week!

But, if you’re going to a Halloween party I’m a firm believer you should pick it up as a ska-loween one! Therefore it makes purr-fect sense that the Skaloween at Devizes Scooter Club HQ, the Cavalier should be Editor’s Pick of the Week, with ska band Skamageddon. In case you were wondering, the music is ska, the theme is halloween!!

Dorothy House fundraiser at The Lamb in Urchfont, with Humdinger.

Oktoberfest at Seend Community Centre.

Hooch at The Coopers Arms, Pewsey.

Apache Cats at The Talbot, Calne.

The Monster Ball at Melksham Assembly Hall.

Shivers and Shadows at The Neeld, Chippenham, followed by the Emeralds Boxing event.

The Worried Men at the Pump, Trowbridge, Train to Skaville at The Gloucester Road Conservative Club, Halloween with the Buttmonkies at Stallards, Be Like Will at The Red Admiral.

A mod, northern soul and ska night at The Players in Westbury. Band of Others, with optional Halloween fancy dress at the Cock Inn, Warminster.

Triple JD Band at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford On Avon.

Rachel Fairburn’s Showgirl at the Rondo Theatre, Bath. Steven Brinberg’s celebrated tribute to Barbra Streisand, Simply Barbra, is at Chapel Arts.  Siren plays The Devonshire Arms.

The Vintage Bazaar at the Cheese & Grain in the daytime, but with Glenn Hughes sold out, people of Frome need to head for 23 Bath Street for the Frome Fair Fundraiser, a Night of BOO! – Boot Hill All Stars will entertain you.

Jo Caulfield at Swindon Arts Centre. Destination Anywhere has a mod-soul-ska club night at The Vic. Down & Dirty Halloween Party at The Woodland Edge, the amazing SexJazz at The Castle, and Damn at the North Swindon Club.

Sunday 29th

There’s a Haunted Hayride at Poulshot Village Hall; now, that sounds fun!

Devizes Town Band at The Corn Exchange, with Chloe Jordan for an autumn themed concert. Blues at The Southgate, Devizes with Thomas Atlas.

Guinea Lane Saxophone Quartet at the Heritage Centre, Pewsey.

October Jam at The Wheatsheaf, Calne.

There’s a fundraiser for Friends IVF treatment at The Vic, Swindon, with Mirrored Faces, Copper Creek, Thieving Magpies, N/SH, and more. 

Junkyard Dogs play the Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.

King Dinosaur at The Bell, Bath.

Monday 30th

Rock The Tots: have some Spooky Fun at Pound Arts, Corsham.

Reverend Richard Coles: Borderline National Trinket at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon. 

Nightshift at the North Swindon Club.

Mobrasuto at The Bell, Bath.

Tuesday 31st

Trick or treat! It is Halloween and I know of no Halloween party; we’ve exhausted ourselves already rather than exorcised ourselves!

There are the regular Jazz Knights at The Royal Oak, Swindon, with the Robert Fowler Quartet, Gigspanner Big Band at Swindon Arts Centre, and Gary Delaney’s Gary In Punderland at The Wyvern Theatre.

Then, Bob’s your dad’s brother it’s November, and though I confess there’s still a lot of updating to do, which I must stop playing online backgammon and get on with, there’s lots to be keeping you out of trouble, so keep an eye on our event calendar for updates for next month. 

Devizine is going out to over 100K local folk and listing your event will remain free, nudge me if you’ve told me and it’s still not listed, all you have to do to insure it is here is to tell us about it!

Have a spooky week!

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

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

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

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

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

Wednesday 30th:

Acoustic Jam at The Southgate, Devizes.

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

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

Thursday 31st:

There’s an Open Mic at The Crown, Aldbourne.

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

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

VirginMarys & Lucky Number Seven play The Vic, Swindon.

Friday 1st:

There’s an Open Mic at the Barge on Honey Street.

Too Complicated at The Wellington, Marlborough.

Let’s Rock this Country with Shania & Friends at Melksham Assembly Hall.

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

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

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

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

Phil Beer’s 2023 Solo Tour at Chapel Arts, Bath.

The Scribes play The Winchester Gate in Salisbury.

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

Saturday 2nd:

Devizes RFC V Thornbury at Devizes Rugby Club. 

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

Julien Biddulph’s trio, Work Experience debut at the The Southgate, there’s karaoke at The Three Crowns, and a Carnival Disco Party at the Pelican.

Swindon’s Apache Cats make their debut at The Bell in Great Cheverall.

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

Trash Panda plays Great Bedwyn Cricket Club.

And it’s Pewsey Pride at The Coopers, with The Reason and, of course, Miss Luscious Lips!

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

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

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

Hatepenny at The

Dire Streets tribute at Chapel Arts, Bath.

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

Sunday 3rd:

Gunina Lane Saxophone Quartet with The Pewsey Players, Take Five and Pewsey Winds at St Mary’s Bishops Cannings. 

The White Horse Vehicle Show, Westbury.

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

Monday 4th: 

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

Tuesday 5th:

Curious Kids at Wiltshire Museum, Devizes.

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

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My Oasis of Calm… Vince Bell at the Southgate Devizes

By Ben Niamor

Vince is often shy of praise, yet his gentle, respectful delivery of his own wonderfully written songs and carefully chosen covers deserve a celebratory mention….

There are many a-decent artist in the public conscious who would envy the beautifully crafted lyrics of songs like Lisa’s Kitchen, or Spider-Man Pyjamas , and our town anthem, of course Vince’s Devizes song.

Whether it be a reflection on life’s changes and fragility or the wry comical observations on youthful misadventure, those of a mind to settle and really listen are rewarded with a most engaging and enveloping warmth.

As ever, I want to extend my warmest thanks to not only Vince but, of course, Deb & Dave who’s own passion for music gives us these wonderful gigs and harmonious relaxing Sunday sessions.

This is my town, and this is one of the biggest reasons I ain’t never leaving!

The Railway Children Calls at Devizes’ Wharf Theatre

Pride of the arts in Devizes, The Wharf Theatre say, “if you love the story of The Railway Children, first serialised in The London Magazine in 1905 and published as a book in 1906, before being made into the classic 1970 film; then we can assure you that the stage play will not disappoint.“

Being honest, it’s a story I’m unfamiliar with, believing, if memory serves me well, there was also a popular TV series of it in the early eighties, but at the time I was cosumed rather by Monkey Magic and The A-Team! I think today, though, I can look upon this with matured eyes and be equally as intrigued by its genius synopsis as those the Wharf deem “lovers” of the story.

Therefore, I’m pleased to highlight that they’re proud to present this renowned story of a prosperous Edwardian family from London, forced into near-penury in the rural north of England, after their Father is falsely imprisoned. Come and meet ‘Bobbie, Peter and Phyllis as they adapt to their new life in the cottage by the railway and join them as they meet someone who might just be able to help them get their happy ending.

Under Freddie Underwood’s direction, this stage adaptation perfectly captures the anxieties and exhilarations of childhood with great tenderness and insight. Adults and children will be enthralled by the heart-warming story and the clever use of imaginative theatricality. This is definitely one ‘not to be missed’…

Running from May 8th to May 13th 2023 @ 7.30pm. As you might predict, tickets are selling well on this already, so I encourage your urgency to snap up a seat.

Tickets can be purchased by ringing 03336 663 366; from the website and at the Devizes Community Hub and Library on Sheep Street. For group bookings, please contact hire@wharftheatre.co.uk

Weekly Roundup of Events in Wiltshire: 22nd – 28th February 2023

Last week of February, then; winter, do one! Lots going on as ever, so let’s not beat around the bush, because left to my devises I know I tend to waffle, and no one ever just stops me and gives it, “just get on with telling what’s happening, for crying out loud, man!”

I do need to say this though, as usual, more information and ticket links can be found at our ever-updating event calendar. If your event is not on there you didn’t tell us about it, no fault of mine! I do this shit for free, but I ain’t going to chase you up! Tell us about it next time, bring cake.

Wednesday 22nd and Visual Radio Arts stream one of our favourite bands on the circuit, Concrete Prairie, into the comfort of your own front room. If you’ve not seen this band before, do not miss this. Meanwhile it’ll be the regular acoustic jam at The Southgate, Devizes.

Theatre Accord in association with The Production Exchange Ltd. Presents She at Swindon Arts Centre, charting the experiences of different women from childhood to old age, these stories, each with an intriguing twist, are visceral, poignant, and laced with humour.

Prue Leith’s Nothing in Moderation is at Bath Forum, with Grace Campbell’s A Show About Me(n) at Komedia.

Thursday 23rd sees an open mic at Stallards in Trowbridge.

National Theatre Live with Othello at Pound Arts, Corsham.

Concrete Prairie’s name crops up again, they’re with Cooper’s Creek at The Tuppenny, Swindon, while Kotonic and Failstate play the Vic, with a debut tour for comedian Chloe Petts at Swindon Arts Centre.

Tribute Local Cohen play the Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon, while Eleanor McEvoy is at Chapel Arts, Bath, “Swiftogeddon,” Taylor Swift club night at Komedia, and Michael Jackson tribute show at Bath Forum.

Regular children’s Music 4 Fun session at Brown Street, Salisbury.

Friday 24th Always a great night with the Celtic Roots Collective, who play The Pelican in Devizes.

Over in Trowbridge, chap-hopper Thomas Benjamin is at the Pump.

Native Harrow: Old Magic Tour at Pound Arts, Corsham.

The Jerry Lee Lewis Story at Chapel Arts, Bath, while The Fleetwood Mac Story is at Bath Forum, and cabaret night at Komedia with The Ministry Of Burlesque.

Riot Ensemble at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.

Gary Delaney’s Gary in Punderland comes to the Wyvern, Swindon, while tribute Dire Streets play Swindon Arts Centre, and Rush tribute Moving Pictures are at The Vic.

AC/DC tribute Livewire at The Cheese & Grain, Frome, and an intimate evening with Will Varley at The Tree House.

Saturday 25th and it’s Devizes Lions’ Fashion Show at the Devizes Conservative Club, Gardna arrives at The Muck & Dunder, Bone Chapel are at The Southgate, Scott Browne is at The Three Crowns, and Sour Apple play at The Lamb. The Wharf Theatre hosts the Apollo Theatre Company’s Ode to Joyce, about the songs and monologues of Joyce Grenfell.

As if there wasn’t enough to choose from in Devizes, I’m out of town for our Editor’s Pick of Week; Will Lawton and the Alchemists are at The Pump in Trowbridge, and it’s a double-whammy if I’ve correctly sussed the anagram of the support act; “Slotted Hearts!”

Hairy Stars at The Neeld, Chippenham.

Mickey Ace & The Wildcards play Melksham Rock n Roll Club, and Mixed Bag play The Pilot.

Phoenix River Band play Chapel Arts, Bath, while Suzanne Vega is at Bath Forum.

Ravers head for The Vic, Swindon, where Midlife Krisis crew are in effect, with a Diversify night.The Blind Lemon Experience play The Swiss Chalet.

Salisbury Arts Centre have Looking For Me Friend: The Music of Victoria Wood.

And a Retro Electro night at The Cheese & Grain, Frome completes our Saturday.

Sunday 26th sees Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club at the Wyvern, Swindon, while there’s a secret session at the Vic, with Mickelson.

Simon Brodkin’s Screwed Up is at Komedia, Bath.

Monday 27th sees Gigspanner Big Band play Swindon Arts Centre.

Tuesday 28th and KT Tunstall is at Bath Forum.

That’s all I got folks, tell us about anything we missed and I’ll slip it in! Don’t forget I’m getting close to 50, and that might mean it takes a little longer, but you’re all invited to laugh at me at the Three Crowns in Devizes on March 4th; oh yeah, we’ve got some amazing live music too, naturally.

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Bands At The Bridge

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Phil Cooper is Playing Solitaire

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Are You The Strongest Man or Women in Devizes? Yeah, So You Reckon!!

Who knew? Devizes has an annual Strongest contest; why am I the last to know about these things? Best guess is because I’d only show you all up!

Wiltshire born and bred, the saying goes, strong in the arm and thick in the head! Let’s forget about the latter bit, and concentrate on the first. Who is the strongest man and strongest woman in Devizes? And I don’t mean like a vintage cheddar type strong.

No need to take this outside, on Sunday 2nd April we’ll know for sure, pal, as Pure Grit personal training gym at Hopton Industrial Estate host their second Devizes Strongest competition at Devizes Football Club, and I’m like, that’s a great idea, something a bit different.

To enter costs £35, including the T-shirt, and places are filling fast. Of course, there’s different categories, from beginners and novice lifters to the experienced, of which you’re big and can find out about these for yourself, I’m more interested to wonder if this is a spectator sport.

I know, I’m old, and harking back to the grand days of good ol’ Geoff Capes and Iceland’s Jón Páll Sigmarsson, when The World’s Strongest Man content was something every man and his dog tuned in for, and thinking this might be a fun Sunday thing to watch. So I dropped a line to organiser and Pure Grit owner, Zoe Trevena, warned her I’ve no intention of lifting any cars in case she got the wrong idea, and she tells me it’s a mere two quid to come watch.

The competition starts at 10am, there will be food and side stalls, Zoe explained “we held our first Devizes Strongest Man & Woman last year. This year we have sixty competitors, 40% women 60% men. We also use the Wadworths Dray as part of our pulling event instead of pulling a truck!”

Story checks out too, via a quick online search I found the Wiltshire Times covered this last time, complete with a picture of Zoe pulling the dray. Wowzers; I’m not arguing with her even if she was making it all up! Is she trying to put the shire horses out of a job?!!

12 Bars Later at The Southgate

Could be a pub crawl, more likely the chord progression of blues, but my drunken jesting query met with a shrug from the guitarist, the name 12 Bars Later means either, whatever!

I might not have been so far from a truth, in that over this bank holiday 12 Bars Later nail four bars; played the Crown at Bishop’s Cannings Saturday afternoon, switched to The Southgate later, and Sunday it’s over to Calne to play the Talbot’s mini-fest at 2pm, and the Gurkha Baynjan Restaurant at 8. Given a few more days I reckoned they could’ve shaken the rafters of a further eight!

Why is this narrowboat three-piece Wiltshire blues band fully-booked for gigs this weekend? Proof in the pudding, arm twisted, I nipped to the Gate to find out for myself.

Arriving late due to FullTone, it was immediately obvious, jigging up to the bar like the crows in Dumbo, their sound in its simplicity is irresistible, their stage pressence is immediately likeable. Confident Female fronted bassist, Helen Carter, banters well with the slight crowd and has the gritty vocal range of Joan Jett, while drummer and guitarist work in unison,  and we’re grinding to some down and dirty electric blues.

Yet there’s something more universally appealing here, 12 Bars Later will hook any classic tune duck, and ease it out of the pool with a blues makeover. The prize on the butt of said duck for anyone who books them will be enthused and delighted punters. This could be because they were once known as The Blue Rose Band, a seemingly more function band type name.

So yeah, while Howlin Wolf, Muddy Waters and obviously apt Rolling Stones covers were adroitly delivered with passion and a deserved hard-edge, they applied the same ethos to some well-crafted originals, of which they’ve recently recorded for a forthcoming debut, and what was more for the supportive audience, sing-along covers like Elvis’ Burning Love, You Never Can Tell by Chuck Berry, and even Eddie Floyd’s Knock on Wood. The latter of which they amusingly claimed was “as close to disco as we get!”

It’s an appropriate rebranding, for a highly entertaining pub band; certainly floated my boat, and likewise the blossoming crowd at The Southgate, as FullTone closed and folk headed over. For me, as acomplished and professional the sound of a full orchestra pushing pop hits is, it was of a generation next, for me, and I couldn’t nostalgically relate to Britney and Spice Girls covers any more than I did at the time. The Southgate was my safe haven, and boy, 12 Bars Later fit there like a glove, cumulative to another fantastic night at our dependable best pub in Devizes for the down-to-earth music aficionado.

REVIEW – Skinny Molly @ LSBC, Devizes – Saturday 20th August 2022

What A Sell Out

Andy Fawthrop

Seems ages since we were last turning up at the Con Club for Long Street Blues, but last night the new Autumn/ Winter season began, and there we all were again.  And what a way to start, with a cracking US band and a ticket sell-out….

The place was, therefore, obviously packed out. Whilst it might suit the music – hot & sweaty –I think it’s time that the Con Club looked into installing some air-con.  Just like the The Homing’s gig back in June, as part of the Devizes Arts Festival, the room was really stifling and airless.

Nevertheless we had some great entertainment to distract the huge crowd.  First up were Koerie & Andy, a duo new to me, introduced by host Ian Hopkins as recently discovered busking.  As might be expected with such a heritage, they were a little raw and rough around the edges, but very effective and entertaining for all that.  Using guitar, vocals and harmonica, they delivered a string of covers, including “Wild Thing” and “Should I Stay Or Should I Go?”  The crowd gave them a good listen and a good welcome, and hopefully we’ll see them again.

But that was as nothing to the roar that went up went Skinny Molly finally hit the stage to start their 75-minute one-set performance.

This band, hailing mostly from Tennessee, is a major force on the US Southern Rock scene.  They were formed by guitarist/vocalist Mike Estes (formerly of Lynyrd Skynyrd and Blackfoot), original Molly Hatchet guitarist Dave Hlubek (who has since left the band) and drummer Kurt Pietro (who also played drums for Blackfoot).  By 2008, the line-up was solidified with the addition of Blackfoot guitarist/vocalist Jay Johnson and  Grand Ole Opry stalwart bassist Luke Bradshaw.  And this was the line-up featured last night.

Skinny Molly’s mantra is apparently “Never let one fan leave a show disappointed” and they set about trying to fulfil this promise right from the outset, with a string of rock-infused blues and country numbers. There was newer SM material, mixed in with some older Skynard classics, and some covers.  Free’s “Wishing Well” was perhaps a surprise, less so Steve Earle’s “Copperhead Road”, but the biggest cheer of the night of course came about an hour in when they launched in to probably their biggest hit “Sweet Home Alabama”.  But there was nothing one-dimensional about their material – we had a good old Southern gumbo of different ingredients, including southern rock, old country, blues, hard rock, and general Americana.

They built up the mood and the atmosphere, and there were soon plenty of folks rocking along and dancing. They kept the inter-song chat to a minimum, instead focusing of packing in as much music as possible, culminating in a standing ovation and well-deserved encore. I don’t think anyone went home disappointed, so I guess they did exactly what they said on the tin.

Future Long Street Blues Club gigs:

Saturday 8th October 202-   Eddie Martin’s Big Blues Band

Friday 14th October 2022  Black Sabbitch (Corn Exchange, Devizes)

Saturday 5th November 2022  Robbie McIntosh Band

Friday 11th November 2022   Beaux Gris Gris & The Apocalypse (Corn Exchange, Devizes)

Saturday 19th November 2022   Hardwicke Circus and The Alex Voysey Trio

Friday 23rd December 2022  Gee Baby I Love You

REVIEW – Devizes Arts Festival– Simon Calder @ The Corn Exchange 21st June 2022

Travel Tales

Andy Fawthrop

Well, we’re on to week two of the Devizes Arts Festival, but there’s been no let-up, as the entertainment continues to come thick and fast. Following Florian Felcitta’s wonderful Free Fringe performance in the Three Crowns on Sunday afternoon, and yesterday’s highly entertaining talk from gardening expert Adam Frost, last night it was the turn of The Independent’s travel writer and commentator Simon Calder.

I suppose there was a deep irony at play in Simon coming to D-Town, a place that last saw a rail service back in the 1960s, and which “enjoys” the bus services of a third-world country. Added to which, of course, was the added insult of it being the first day of the national rail strike. Simon’s day had started very early (as early as that of our esteemed milky editor) in his attempt to catch the first (still running) train of the day from London to Gatwick. And even then, his only purpose in being at Gatwick at sparrow’s cough was to be aboard the first Gatwick Express back to London, just so that he could report on the experience for various TV and radio stations. His quest turned out to be forlorn – the first train failed to run (staff shortages), and the second one only managed ten miles before it broke down. It was the start of a day which, he remarked in an understated stage whisper, had “gone completely Tango Uniform”. If you don’t know, Google it.

Following that, he’d made his way via Swindon, and the rigours of the cross-country 49 bus, to finally haul up in The Vize – and there were plenty of graphic pictures to prove it, including a shot of him in Tea Inc. doing yet another media despatch. Having played this early sympathy card, and got the near-capacity audience fully on-side, Simon was off on his more standard presentation on the life of a travel journalist, using photos of funny signs from around the world, personal travel experiences, and his reflections on such issues as the Covid travel restrictions, and the sub-optimal outcomes (for travellers at least) of Brexit.

His style was confident and brisk, with quips, asides and much dry humour in evidence. He was deft in praising the charms of D-Town, whilst playing to the gallery by snarking at Melksham, Swindon and Trowbridge. He’d done his homework all right. The main presentation having concluded, Simon spent a good half hour fielding audience-generated questions (ably delivered by DAF Chair Margaret Bryant) and providing helpful and hilarious advice on topics as wide as Avios points, best and worst places to visit, when to board an aircraft, the quality of airline catering, the value of rail travel, tourism in post-conflict Ukraine, and the feasibility (or otherwise) of electric planes.

An altogether professional and entertaining evening, and another coup for DAF in getting a media personality down to our neck of the woods.

The Devizes Arts Festival continues for the next few days until 25th June at various venues across town. Tickets can be booked at Devizes Books or online at www.devizesartsfestival.org.uk

Sarnie for Her Majesty!

There’s still time to suggest your ideal sandwich filling fit for the Queen! Devizes Food & Drink Festival are hoping for seventy sandwich fillings…..even I couldn’t eat seventy butties, but I never refuse a challenge, if they need a judge!

“Lots have been suggested,” they say, “and BBC Wiltshire’s Sue Davies was suitably horrified by Jenny’s favourite smoked mackerel and banana.” I’m with Sue on this, see, I love banana but not as a sandwich filling, no, no, no, let alone with mackerel; Jenny walks on the wild side of delicatessens… what about you?!

Though, it has to be said, banana is already a major component of the King’s sandwich. Yep, The Elvis Sandwich really is a thing, a thing of banana, peanut butter and bacon; I’ll leave the building.

They need more, to come up with a list of 70 before judging. It can be exotic, weird, or just plain delicious. Personally I say don’t overthink it, simplicity is key here, Queeny is probably sick to the back teeth with truffle and foie gras, escargot caviar et al. What she craves, I’d wager, is a good ol’ fish finger butty!

Winners receive a prize from the wonderful Jack Spratt sandwich bar in Devizes, and all you got to do is post your suggestion on the Devizes Food & Drink Festival’s Facebook or Instagram pages, to be automatically be entered into the competition. Plus, your sandwich will be made and sold at Jack Spratts, over the Jubilee celebrations.

Soraya French’s Art Demonstration in Devizes

The Lawrence Art Society welcomes Soraya French’s return to Devizes, on 7th March at the Devizes Conservative Club. She will be demonstrating a contemporary approach to landscape painting using acrylic inks.

Soraya is an International Artist, and Author based at Project Workshops in the UK, she also demonstrates for GOLDEN Artist Colours, runs private art workshops, and regularly teaches her painting techniques to art groups (including the Lawrence Art Society.)

The Artist Articles – Soraya is a regular contributor to the UK’s leading art magazine “The Artist”. Her articles vary from reviewing products to a four-part series about colour, figure painting, use of acrylics, mixed media, and many more subjects.Collins 30 Minute Acrylics – Many people think they don’t have enough time to paint, but in this attractive guide Soraya French encourages quick and simple learning.

Check out her Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/sorayafrenchpswa

£2 for members. You can attend as a none member as a “try before you buy.”

REVIEW: Devizes Musical Theatre’s “A Gallery Of Rogues” @ Lavington Community Centre –Saturday 11th September 2021

Yes M’Lud!

By Andy Fawthrop

It’s not often that you’ll get me schlepping down to a Community Hall in the middle of nowhere (well, OK, Lavington) on a Saturday night for a dose of Light Opera, but…well…it seemed like a good warm-up for the BBC Last Night of the Proms which was due to be broadcast later that night – and so it proved to be.

Devizes Musical Theatre (DMT), in their wisdom, had chosen this slightly out-of-the-way place to perform “A Gallery of Rogues” as their 2021 production (their first since 2019 following Lockdown for most of last year). And thus, breezing my way past the various posters for WI and other local events, I found myself in this rather modern and well equipped hall.

The evening was in two parts – the first being a performance of Gilbert and Sullivan’s “Trial By Jury”, a one act comic opera, and the second being the company performing a number of well known songs from many different musical shows.

“Trial by Jury” is a comic opera in one act, with music by Arthur Sullivan and libretto by W. S. Gilbert. It was first produced in 1875, at London’s Royalty Theatre, where it initially ran for 131 performances and was considered a hit. The story concerns a “breach of promise of marriage” lawsuit in which the judge and the legal system are the objects of light-hearted satire. As with most G&S operas, the plot of “Trial by Jury” is ludicrous, but the characters behave as if the events were perfectly reasonable. This narrative technique blunts some of the pointed barbs aimed at hypocrisy, especially of those in authority, and the sometimes base motives of supposedly respectable people and institutions. The success of “Trial by Jury” launched the famous series of 13 collaborative works between Gilbert and Sullivan that came to be known as the Savoy Operas.

In this production, using mostly modern dress, no scenery, and virtually no props, the guys and gals from DMT had nowhere to hide. Using only a simple piano accompaniment, it was down to the strength and quality of the voices only. And, after a slightly nervous start, they pretty well nailed it, with each singer growing in confidence as the play progressed. The call-and-response choruses, so beloved of G&S fans, were used to great effect and the whole production swung along with very few flaws. Of particular note were Naomi Ibbetson as The Plaintiff, and Tom Hazell as The Defendant. The supporting roles, especially the three bridesmaids, were also strongly played to great effect.

The second half consisted of a series of songs from various musicals including “Cats”, “Oliver” and “The Wizard of Oz”, culminating in a full-cast version of the Lockdown classic “Somewhere Over The Rainbow”. Not a dry eye in the house.

For me, it was a good evening of entertainment, and well worth the trip out to Lavington. And I’d say the rest of the audience agreed, as the applause was hard and long. However, I’m still mystified as to why a concert that clearly took a lot of time and effort to be produced was only to be given this single performance, and why at such an out-of-town venue. Surely more people would have gone to see DMT in action if this had used a more Devizes-central location?

Future DMT productions:

The Wind in the Willows – 3rd to 10th April 2022 at Dauntsey’s School

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