girls go ska – devizine.com

Hi, yeah s’me, keeping up the Song of the Day feature like dedication was as word I know the definition of!

No excuses not to, I mean I am of the generation when Roy Castle clasped his trumpet weekly, ready for the signing off of “Record Breakers.” No, it’s not a euthanasim, Google it whippersnappers.

Might also explain my fondness for brass. Brass is class, and a vital element of ska. Yep, four tunes in and I couldn’t resist sharing some ska with you.

It’s a commonly misguided notion that ska is a retrospective cult here in England. It tends to convey a bygone era of Two-Tone records, boots and braces.

Yet today, while said stereotype has a grounding, ska is an international phenomenon, particularly in South America. I did write a piece about this region’s love for ska, and how it’s roots out of Jamaica bare a different tale from our own.

To show you how fresh it can be elsewhere in the world, and it’s not a reminiscence for a
load of overweight balding pensioners as perceived in the UK, here’s all-female bar one Mexican band, Girls Go Ska, who I’m secretly in love with, (so secret they don’t even know themselves….until they use Google translate!) doing an instrumental jam.

Girls and ska; what’s not to like? Have a lovely rest of your day. Very good. Carry on….

Dinosaurs at Jurassic Hillworth Park!

Images: Jess Worrow

Ah, for the connotations of US drive-in movie theaters, now in decline over the pond, but embedded as characteristic romantic americana; the rock n roll era, waking up little Suzie, and Danny Zuko making his move on Sandy while a monster movie plays on a giant screen in the background. It was folklore Brits forever envied….

Okay, yesterday evening at Hillworth Park in Devizes wasn’t precisely like that for their annual open air cinema experience! Replace the Chevrolets and Cadillacs with collapsible camping chairs and blankets and pillows, rock n roll with Was not Was and whatever songs about dinosaurs Fantasy Radio could dig up, and the “Snack-N-Vue” with homegrown outlets like Piña Colada connoisseurs The Muck & Dunder, Freddy’s Juice Bar and of course the in-house, fabulously tasty SoupChick.

But what else could I possibly compare this unique event to?! Awaiting twilight, the park appeared more like a local music festival more than any cinematic jaunt. Apparently US drive-ins held grand fairs to entertain, and tire children before sundown too. As well as the everyday features of our fabulous town garden, we also had waddling dinosaurs chasing children through the park; terrifyingly simple but effective!

Yet, this doesn’t compare to the contemporary soulless experience of a trip to a modern cinema; buy tickets online, flash your phone at a scanner on the door and collect your popcorn from a vending machine. You don’t utter a word to another human!

Pricey merchandise thrust into your kid’s faces, and overpriced one-size-fits-all popcorn buckets the dimensions of a cathedral, are standard at multiplexes. Here it’s a moderate portion of popcorn for three coins, and merch only exists on those already dressed for the occasion in Jurassic Park t-shirts brought elsewhere. The word of the day is communal, for it was a little Devizes thing, where you rub shoulders with friendly faces, and that’s like no other cinematic pleasure I’ve experienced.

Congratulations to Hillworth Park and Devizes Town Council, for the age demographic was plenary, the atmosphere adventurous and although stars were amiss with an overcast sky, rain thankfully didn’t show. But mostly, the film choice was apt; a movie set in a park, in a park, where a dad playfully pretends he’s a T-Rex, blowing raspberries on the belly of his captured prey, his giggling son, makes priceless memories.

Jurassic Park was democratically decided upon. Civic & Community Engagement Manager for Devizes Town Council, Cherry Rosalind Cullen explained, “the public were invited to vote on which film they would like to see, and we had a total of eight films to choose from. The result was neck and neck between Jurassic Park and Dirty Dancing. As it was tied, we held an additional poll to determine the winner.”

I’m content, for Dirty Dancing is not my cuppa, and certainly doesn’t touch the sides of the universal appeal of Spielberg’s 1993 masterpiece. This is the event’s sixth occasion since the first in 2019. “For our Twilight Cinema events,” Cherry informed me, “we have always given the public the opportunity to choose the film.”

The unrivalled skill of Spielberg returned to me rewatching this after years of questionable sequels and rehashing; to adapt Michael Crichton’s relatively gruesome techno-horror novel, into a family-friendly sci-fi, is reflected in a modern franchise where, while plots remain similar, total CGI erases the authenticity of its suspense somewhat. There’s the jumpscare elements of Jaws in the original Jurassic Park, ingeniously combined with ET’s nurturing warmness. And gen z looks upon clunky vintage CGI like gen x does scratchy vinyl.

The plot also captures a period of Dolly the sheep, where the possibilities of genetic cloning were open to interpretation for the most imaginative fiction authors. Of course, cloning dinosaurs is now regarded as impossible, that’s the fantastical point! There’s a funny dinosaur chasing kids around Hillworth Park; that’s more important here than scientific evidence; killjoy!

“This isn’t just a film night,” Hillworth Park said, “it’s a chance to experience the magic of cinema in the heart of Hillworth Park, under the stars.”

And the description fitted, it was certainly popular and a safely organised friendly evening. In a town where you’ll be sent to Facebook jail for enquiring when the cinema might reopen, this is a brilliant incentive!

I confess, with regard to the cinema, I might’ve jinxed it, for which I humbly apologise. Living in Marlborough we craved for the flicks, I moved here delighted we had a cinema. It closed and one opened up in Marlborough! As if you ever needed an excuse to tell me to pack my bags! But, hey, you should know by now I like to cast my beady eye over happenings here, you don’t have to read them. This was something a little different for us to cover, and I’m delighted to report it was a fantastic family occasion!
3 Daft Monkeys Jumping on The Barge at Honeystreet

I can be sent an album, review it because I love it, and put the artists atop of my cognitive must-see list. Although the list will grow as time progresses, I’m the elephant with a knotted trunk, awaiting some legendary local venue to announce, yeah, we’ve got these guys coming……

In this case the legendary venue is the most apt for this act locally, it is the worshipped Barge on Honeystreet, and the band are the cider-infused Cornish scrumpy & western choir with a message to breakneck Balkan beats, 3 Daft Monkeys; I’m jumping on this bed and if I hit my head I’m waiting for no mama to call the doctor…..

It seems the further west country you trek, across thar cider border, the crazier folk meshed danceable energy embellishes, with carefree counter-culture vibes. But, slightly eastwards to us there’s the remaining outpost of sanity, rejecting today’s mangled status quo and botched mainstream society. For those in agreement, The Barge is a temple, and a wharfside campsite, holding a spiritual synergy of its own making, and perhaps a few crop circles.

If I’m going to see 3 Daft Monkeys on my doorstep, there isn’t a better place to do so. So, Saturday 26th September marks the occasion, owner Lenny No Strings supports. Lenny and his team have continued the authentic nonconformist vibe of the place, and transformed The Barge into the kind of place we’d have wanted it to be back in the nineties, with a homely festival vibe.

It’s been two years since I fondly reviewed Information Camouflage, 3 Daft Monkey’s 2024 album, and I’m delighted for the possibility of finally catching them live. At the time they described their latest release as “a rich, life-affirming tapestry that masterfully blends world folk inspirations with wild punk-infused energy and modern storytelling,” and I could only agree. I said Information Camouflage called to me, as I “yearn for the alternative, the quirky and curious counterculture,” and it bears such hallmarks. I made reference to its melting pot, citing punk, ska, gypsy folk and bonkers west country underground. I hailed its frenzied fiddles, frivolous beats, poignant messages and its dreamy psychedelic vaudeville.

I also said at the time; “all this album has done, other than entertain me highly, is confirm that, if they were playing a festival I’m at, and my mates wanted to go do something different, I’d be saying “see you later,” and making haste for the stage 3 Daft Monkeys are on!” But unfortunately that didn’t happen, I’m not getting any younger, so I hope to be there.

I mean, I could scribe a few words about this event, probably I will, because that’s standard issue with me now, like a lost little diarist. But don’t leave me lonely there, waiting for me to tell you what you missed! Tickets are HERE.
“Playhouse Creatures” at The Wharf Theatre, Devizes, October 8th-10th – A preview

by Ian Diddams

images by Simon Hoy

This tragi-comic play, set in 1660s London, focuses on the first English actresses allowed on stage after the Restoration. It explores the lives, struggles and camaraderie of five women navigating a male-dominated world, dealing with sexual exploitation, ageing, and the fight for artistic freedom. Bawdily funny yet profound, Playhouse Creatures explores the pitilessness of ageism and the need for economic independence. The play highlights the harsh realities of the early theatre scene, where actresses were often seen as ‘animals’ or ‘creatures’, rather than respected professionals. [ 3rd Third Theatre ]

While April de Angelis’ play is – as above – set in the second half of the seventeenth century, and there are mentions to historical events of that period – the beheading of Charles I, Charles II, the plague, the Great Fire of London – as well as references to the contemporary theatre still of Shakespeare – nonetheless the real messages and contexts of its story are universal throughout time, including the present day. Its really about the patriarchal oppression of the female of the species, and only somebody that is living in a cave could fail to recognise that these women’s struggles are reflected in issues facing women almost four hundred years later than the play’s timeline. And then within those broadest of divisions, are portrayed further social demographics between the women of the story… of class differences.

Some of the characters are actual historical figures, others a melange of types, none more so than the nominative deterministically named Doll Common. Played by Louise Peak, she represents the working class and is an everywoman – cleaner, dresser, messenger et al

Elizabeth Farleigh, played by Sophie Kerr, is a societally acceptable woman, somewhat disdainfully interacting with those she sees as beneath her social position. However, she falls from grace and ends up as one of the under-class she previously showed open contempt for. Mary Betteton, delivered by Wendy Dophiede, is the matriarch of these women – a long-standing actress of note and phenomenal palmarès, whose husband ran the theatre they performed in… and who fell from her pedestal when replaced by younger, prettier actresses.

Nell Gwynn, portrayed by Grace Sheridan, probably the most well known today of the characters portrayed is a rags to riches story of commoner to leading actress and eventually a kept woman by King Charles II, while Rebecca Marshall, represented by Freddie Underwood, uses her connections as an actress to socially climb by marrying an Earl… to end up shunned by society as she is first tricked by a man, and then accused of a heinous crime.

Five women, all under the control of men, trying to escape their lot… and all in differing ways ending up still oppressed by the patriarchy whether they rose, fell or trod water in life

Five women, five stories, loosely intertwined. “Playhouse Creatures” is so much more than just five timelines though. It is funny, shocking, dramatic, poignant. These five actors and director Debby Wilkinson have together brought a black box performance to life, in the debut performance by new kid on the block, “3rd Third Theatre”.

You can catch this rather super production in a few weeks time at

The Wharf Theatre, Devizes between October 8th and 10th, tickets available from https://www.ticketsource.com/the-wharf-theatre/playhouse-creatures/e-jpykpl
Halloween Firewalk for Wiltshire & Bath Air Ambulance
Would you dare to join Wiltshire & Bath Air Ambulance at their airbase on Friday 30 October 2026 for an unforgettable Firewalk Challenge?

Feel the buzz, face your fears, and experience the ultimate adrenaline rush as you walk barefoot across hot embers beneath the autumn night sky – all while supporting Wiltshire & Bath Air Ambulance’s lifesaving work…..

Firewalk 2026

This spooky season, Wiltshire & Bath Air Ambulance say “we’re turning up the heat, and asks you to join them at their airbase for an unforgettable Firewalk Challenge. Feel the buzz, face your fears, and experience the ultimate adrenaline rush as you walk barefoot across hot embers beneath the autumn night sky – all while supporting our lifesaving work.

The embers will glow a vivid red, with temperatures often reaching approximately 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit.

Firewalking isn’t about fitness – it’s about mindset. With expert guidance and a powerful group atmosphere, you’ll build courage, confidence and belief before taking those unforgettable steps across the coals. There is no training required!

Sign up fee:
- Adult: £35
- Child: £25 (12-16 years)
- Team of 4: £120
Why not get your colleagues or friends together and take on the challenge as a team?

They ask every participant to pledge to raise a minimum of £100. As a charity, Wiltshire & Bath Air Ambulance receive no government funding and rely heavily on the generosity of community and events like this to continue delivering their vital services across Wiltshire, Bath and beyond. They will provide fundraising tips, ideas and support to help you smash your target!

Be Brave! Sign up HERE
Ruby Darbyshire’s Freeman Tribute at Ilfracombe Festival

If it’s not unusual for Wiltshire singer-songwriter Ruby Darbyshire to break out the bagpipes at a gig, it’s often for a solo stint of piping. Yet Ruby continues to experiment with ways she can merge piping into her music, and this, recorded last weekend at Ilfracombe Maritime Festival, shows Ruby at her best, backed with a band playing a tribute to the victim of the worst miscarriage of justice in British history, Clive Freeman….

It was sent to us via Ruby herself, and we love it. Please like and share this video, it is outstanding. It explains why we support this artist as much as we do, hope to see her performing here soon, and wished we were in Ilfracombe last weekend! This is a watch party, I’ll say no more!
“Pink Mist” at The Mission Theatre, Bath, September 9th-12th

by Ian Diddams

images by Mike Stevens

This week marks 25 years since 9/11 (11 September 2001), when the world awoke to the news that Al Qaeda hijackers had flown two commercial airliners into the Twin Towers, causing their collapse and a devastating loss of life. In 2006, British troops were deployed to Helmand Province; these years saw some of the heaviest combat and the highest UK casualties. UK combat operations formally ended in 2014, having had a very real human cost for the UK with 457 British service personnel killed, more than 600 serious casualties and thousands of medical evacuations. (Kitty Muffet – Director).

“Pink Mist” by Owen Sheers portrays the experiences of three young men from Bristol, and the women in their lives, who sign up to the British Army aged in their teens in 2008 and are deployed in Afghanistan. Its content, though fictional, is drawn through Sheer’s interviews with actual military veterans that served there, for a previous play “The Two Worlds of Charlie F.” It delivers an, at times, harrowing story of three boys going to war, three boys in war, and three boys coming home from war, broken, damaged … or draped in a flag. While three women, girlfriend, mother and wife with young child become equally scarred through concerns, worry and grief. “Boys” and “Women” – two sides of the same coin. We live in a patriarchal society but it’s the matriarchs that are its glue and carry the burdens, and “Pink Mist” amply demonstrates this as the women pick up the pieces.

The story was originally written and recorded for BBC Radio 4, and broadcast as five, fifteen-minute episodes in 2012, then adapted into a verse-drama book in 2013, winning the “Wales Book of the Year” award in 2014. Subsequently it was again adapted as a stage play which premiered in 2015 at Bristol Old Vic. As such as a stage play it is not “action” heavy yet director Kitty Muffet has created some powerful non-active interaction; tableaus and frozen positions from characters not involved in a scene or dialogue. Some of these tableaus last for multiple minutes – the opening scene is at least ten minutes during which the only speech – bar a minimal very few lines – is given by Arthur played by Jonathan Taft. During that monologue there is movement from characters directly involved in the story when mentioned, but otherwise all sit perfectly still until it is their own time to strut and fret their hour upon the stage. All actors remain on stage throughout the entire play in this powerful manner.

The book also won the 2018 “Wilfred Owen Poetry Award”, extremely fitting as the play evokes connections with that poet’s own WW1 works – as the three lads sign up, gung-ho and crying “Who wants to play war” and desperate for action, we surely recall immediately “Dulce et Decorum est”, and the pals battalions of 1914.

It would be remiss to give any more of the plot away as its strength and its impacts come as each new layer of the story is revealed, so I urge you to go and see it this week at the Mission Theatre, Bath, performed by “Next Stage”.

The boys Arthur, Taff and Hads are played respectively by Jonathan Taft, a Next Stage stalwart, Arthur Williams, in his first appearance since school, and James Hacker, in his second Next Stage production. All three excellently convey the youthful exuberance and naiveness when signing up, then the shocking appreciation of the realities of war, and then the consequences of their own involvement.

No less excellent are the women in their lives picking up the pieces after initial worries, arguments and concerns… Arthur’s girlfriend played by Perrine Maillot, another long-standing Next Stage performer, Had’s devoted mother Sarah, wonderfully performed by Tania Lyons and demonstrating all her stage craft and experience, and Taff’s young wife Lisa played by Poppy Morris in her stage debut … Poppy has set her own bar extremely high right at the start of what must be a stunning acting career.

This is Kitty Muffet’s directorial debut with Next Stage and as mentioned above already has created something very special with this dialogue heavy and precise actioned piece, including some clever choreography especially in the opening monologue by Arthur. She is aided and abetted by Andrew Muffet as Stage Manager, and tech crew Hannah Johnson, Jamie Woodington and Kris Nuttal. Music provided by Bill Whelan.

Amongst all the wonderful prose, and delivery there are snippets of realisation oneself… the use of colour descriptions throughout the play… blue, green, red, black, rose… and pink. And if you don’t know the meaning of the play’s title before you see this, you will learn it well before the end. Then there is the juxtaposition of two types of “friendly fire” – one war, one domestic.

This is not to be missed. Take a hanky, Have a stiff drink afterwards.

You may well need both.

“Pink Mist” is performed at The Mission Theatre, September 9th-12th at 7.30pm, with a matinee at 2pm on Saturday 12th.

In addition, there is a Q&A with the author and playwright, Owen Sheers, at The Mission Theatre between the matinee and evening shows. Held at 4.15pm in the theatre, entry is £5, all of which goes to the charities being supported by this show, the Royal British Legion and the Royal British Veterans Enterprise, supporting those affected by the Afghanistan conflict and by conflicts past and future.

Tickets are available from https://www.missiontheatre.co.uk/tickets?category=1.+Pink+Mist
I See Orange Pining For Apollo

If spring saw Swindon’s premier rock trio I See Orange breaking new ground on a US tour, autumn brings with it their first full length album, Pining For Apollo; prepare…

I See Orange come at you loud and proud. It’s driving rock versus edgy grunge, but unafraid to test the boundaries of either subgenre as they form foundations into commercial rooms fit for The Cranberries or The Cardigans. Yet they never abandon their idiosyncratic image of dolls and gore, nor their distorted power chords and dark focussed themes of apathy and alienation with sassy overtones. Pining For Apollo was released yesterday, and proves this, professionally.

I See Orange match with a chemistry every band must envy. Formed in 2022 when frontgirl Giselle, originally a folk-pop singer-songwriter moved here from Mexico, and an impromptu rehearsal session with Cameron and Charlie established potential magic. Inspired by nineties and millennial alt-rock, they add their own unique post-grunge flavour.

Recorded at Western Audio Studios, produced, mixed and mastered by Claire Sutton, rolling drums kick us into Pining For Apollo, a minute until the full force of I See Orange hits you in the face, and shakes your bones. Thirteen solid tracks of dynamite follow, and, unlike the rising and falling template of grunge, I See Orange rarely comes up for air. Velvet Scars is a downtempo exception to this rule, leisurely it rolls out like the penultimate moodsetter on a setlist.

There’s all the recent singles we’ve previously fondly reviewed, Mental Rot, La Bruja, and my personal fave, the playful anthem Doll Guts. With them and between them the songs are stylised, carving a definitive methodology. The band say “It is the introduction of our music and our band to the world. There’s nothing we love more than making music together and these songs are a compilation of our passion, effort, hope and pining for our dreams to materialise and become our reality.”

Feebleness is a prime example. Three tunes in, it breathes fresh air into I See Orange while retaining their common theme of doubt, debility and inferiority complex. Then the haunting La Bruja follows, subtly confident when hexed. The album as a whole is dark mien, erotic at times, it contrasts winsome with macabre and through adroit unification musically it swathes them all into an electric blast of sublime and fulfilling rock.

If the eleventh and twelfth tracks project with grunge fury, the finale offers something more delicate indie-folk with commercial viability. Nice, but I want I See Orange breaking new audiences gradually by not losing their edge, rather than falling through a mercantile pothole, because this album is a fantastic showcase to be savoured by a majority.

Stream & Download ‘Pining For Apollo’ by I See Orange.

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DOCA Awarded National Lottery Grant

Congratulations to Devizes Outdoor Celebratory Arts, who announced yesterday that they’ve been awarded a substantial National Lottery Project Grant from Arts Council England….

This is amazing news for everyone in Devizes, on the day of their carnival, which in recent years required Devizes Town Council to subside it after years of Arts Council cuts prevented DOCA’s most elaborate free events from going ahead.

Could we see a return of the beloved street festival? DOCA say they will launch ‘A Season of Discovery,’ a brand-new summer and autumn programme of festivals, live music, workshops and performance across Devizes and the surrounding area.

When I think back over the years at all the fantastic events DOCA has produced for us, this news gives me hope we can recapture the spirit of them once more. Carnival, today, tomorrow, who knows?!
Chippenham MP Sarah Gibson Reflects on Shayne Hambakachere Case

Looking at the evidence presented by the media on the Shayne Hambakachere case in Chippenham, unless there is something we’re not being told I’m of the opinion there has been a serious miscarriage of justice. I spoke to Chippenham MP Sarah Gibson about this terrible outcome…..

Shayne Hambakachere was a 16-year-old aspiring bricklayer and a pupil at Hardenhuish School, who tragically died after being fatally stabbed on 31st of January 2026. Shane had met the attacker in an alleyway near London Road, to settle a dispute over stolen cannabis.

Unarmed at the time, Shane sadly passed away the following day at Southmead Hospital in Bristol. A 16-year-old boy, 15 at the time of the incident, cannot be named for legal reasons. He stood trial at Bristol Crown Court. The court heard that the defendant filmed the confrontation on his mobile phone, capturing footage of Shayne trying to back away when the weapon was produced.

Yet, at the trial on the 20th August, the jury found the defendant not guilty of both murder and manslaughter. The defendant argued that he acted in self-defence, claiming he brandished the knife to scare Shayne away because he feared he was about to be attacked.

I asked Sarah Gibson if she felt an inquiry to the trial should be opened. “Shayne’s death was an appalling tragedy which has had a profound impact on his family, friends and the wider Chippenham community,” Sarah explained. “I appreciate that the outcome of the trial has caused considerable confusion and concern locally.”

“I met with Shayne’s family following his death and have remained in contact with them. When I met with the family, I made a commitment that I would not make public comments about Shayne, or pursue action specifically in his name, without an express request from them to do so. I believe very strongly that any decision about whether they want me to become involved following the conclusion of the trial must come from Shayne’s family.”

“If Shayne’s family ask me to support them, raise questions on their behalf or help them seek further information from the relevant authorities, I will of course do everything appropriate within my role as their Member of Parliament to assist them.”

“For the same reason, I am not currently calling for a public inquiry into Shayne’s case. Any such step would need careful consideration and, above all, I would want to understand and respect the wishes of his family rather than make that call on their behalf.”

This is completely understandable, and my heart goes out to Shayne’s family at this terrible time. I also respect the court decision, if there may have been evidence not disclosed to the public. But, Sarah reflects my wider sentiments about the wider implications, in her last paragraph to me. “That being said,” she continued, “there are wider issues raised by this case which require serious attention. I was particularly concerned by what was said during the trial about the influence of gang culture, county lines and social media content involving knives, guns and drugs on young people.”

“I am actively working with organisations across the constituency on harmful online content and its impact, particularly on boys and young men. We need to understand how children can become exposed to this material, how we intervene before that exposure escalates, and what more schools, families, social media companies, communities and government can do to protect young people.”

Stopping to consider when Nigel Farage used the phrase “pure cold rage” in June, to describe how he thought the public should react to police actions during the Henry Nowak case, who was similarly stabbed in Southampton, the lines I cannot help reading between, when considering why Reform are not irresponsibly encouraging the same public outcry with this case.

Face the basic fact, Shayne was tragically killed… over a bag of plants. Only vengeful people supporting a clear and irrelevant racial narrative want a reaction of “cold hard rage,” to any murder case, but careful consideration of its reasoning should be welcomed, for the purpose of preventing other similar incidents.

Plants which could be controlled if decriminalised. Plants which rarely cause any significant damage, and the only damage they might, is surely caused by their legal status, and consequently their connection to harder drugs and other related crime, through the black market they’ve been assigned into. The war on drugs debate is nonsensical and irrelevant now, as it never worked. You can point the finger at “harmful online content,” or “gang culture” when the facts are this happened in an alley, not online, and this appears to be two individuals, not gangs.

Of course, the family of Shayne’s wishes should be respected, but the case’s wider implications must surely be considered, and acted upon. It may be radical, but I believe it is long overdue to review our laws on recreational cannabis use. For if it was decriminalised, the prices could be fairer, without any need to steal it, and this alleyway confrontation, this senseless murder, would not have happened. Many crimes would not have happened.

Legalise it, tax it, and spend the profits on drug misuse education, but to continue to fight against it, by tightening the laws of its prohibition clearly isn’t working, as this terrible incident proves. I thank Sarah for her time, but I worry this issue will be brushed under the carpet and shamefully, allowed to reoccur. There’s words, let us see actions, via open and honest debate, not shrouded by the misconceptions of cannabis use.
Wiltshire Music Awards Announce Ceremony Lineup, Excruciatingly AI

With an AI-powered poster so excruciating I cannot bring myself to show it here, this year’s Wiltshire Music Awards announce the lineup for their ceremony. Should we judge a book by its cover?! The event looks great, but the AI epidemic has infected this, and is so cringeworthy it doesn’t invite attention, which is a shame when the tagline reads “inspiring Wiltshire…..”

I can’t look at it for too long at a time; it’s got an Oscar on it! Why has it got an Oscar on it?! Isn’t suggesting it’s the most prestigious awards in the film industry raising expectations somewhat?! It’s on Saturday 14th November, at The Melksham Assembly Hall, not Hollywood. Oscars may/may not be presented at the ceremony, that is unconfirmed.

What is confirmed is raising the bar several notches over the marketing; some top local acts, with an odd opening presentation. If you see me there and I’m sporting a cresting scumbucketed shirt and misted glasses, it’s because there’s a burlesque chair dance introduction! Begging the question, what burlesque has to do with musicians in Wiltshire winning awards, but when you get to my age you can’t be picky.

What I do love about it is Talk in Code, 5 Nights at Adyans, Ruby Darbyshire and Fly Yeti Fly are on the roster, and The Syvertones will be entertaining during the break. Some great acts which truly represent the local music scene.

And there’s an after party with the Unpredictables, DJ Alex, and some random chap who remains unnamed on the poster! Tickets are £12.50 from HERE. I cannot abide by this AI pandemic any longer. I will joke about it, and encourage organisers not to use it; but while it is unwelcome here, perhaps we should compromise when it’s a great event, supporting local musicians.

Update: poster changed, due to my whingeing too much time on my hands ramt!