Now in its seventh year, and at its new and better venue, Park Farm on the edge of Devizes, itโs full steam ahead for The Fulltone Festival โ26. From the 11thโ12th July Fulltone is set to ignite Wiltshire with an epic weekend of live musicโฆ..
Promising a โspectacular, joy-filled weekend of live music which brings together orchestral power, iconic artists and a true summer festival atmosphere in the heart of the Wiltshire countryside,โ The Fulltone Festival is a uniquely magnificent show. Presented by The Fulltone Orchestra, the festival features a fifty-piece live orchestra, major guest performers, celebrated tribute acts and genre-spanning concerts, from cinematic classical masterpieces and symphonic rock to dance anthems, Motown classics and sing-along crowd favourites.
Designed as a family-friendly, inclusive festival, Fulltone โ26 offers free entry for children under 14, accessible ticket pricing, on-site camping and a relaxed, welcoming environment that encourages audiences of all ages to experience live music together. The event arena is packed full of great food and drink stalls, as well as allowing picnics. Thereโsย parking on site and a shuttle bus taking people from the town to the event. Itโs exceptionally well organised, with Event Director Tanya Earley at the helm of the eventโs operations again.
Image: Gail Foster
The weekend begins for campers on Friday evening with a campsite DJ warming them up. Saturday and Sunday are packed with unmissable performances across the weekend. Audiences can enjoy an electrifying programme including orchestral performances of Holstโs The Planets paired with the Star Wars Suite and Symphonic Queen, featuring Ricardo Afonso who is back by popular demand, as featured in The Voice.
The guests this year are particularly special. West Country legends The Wurzels gives Fulltone the key to their combine harvester, and Jemma virtually yelped down the phone at me at the thought international pop icon Jason Donovan headlining a huge Sunday night eighties spectacular finale; thereโs going to be too many broken hearts in Devizes that weekend (okay, youโve got to be of a certain age to get that gag!)
Thereโs also some ska madness with nutty boys tribute Mainly Madness, and Seriously Collins, celebrating the music of Phil Collins and Genesis. Special guests are expected with a Best of Motown show, and everybody will officially be free to feel good when Devizesโ very own BBC Introducing DJ James Threlfall teams with nineties singer Rozalla, for some dance anthem floorfillers. Even the poster has more colourful zap and zest to it than ever before, and conveys Fulltone 26 will be one youโll never forget!
Conductor and founder Anthony Brown said, โFulltone is all about the thrill of live music and the magic that happens when people experience it together. For 2026, weโre bringing an extraordinary mix of sounds and styles to Park Farm, from breathtaking orchestralย moments to songs people know and love. Our aim is simple: for everyone who comes to feel uplifted, connected and part of something special.โ
Tickets are on sale now. Early Bird tickets are available until 28 February 2026. Weekend and day tickets are on sale now, with under-14s attending free when accompanied by a paying adult. Weekend passes offer the best value.
You can find full details and tickets here: www.fto.org.uk/events and theyโre Especially for You; see what I did there?!
The spookiest of half terms is nearly upon us again; kids excited, parents not quite so much! But hey, as well as Halloween, here’s what family fun and activities we’ve found locally to pass the time, save on Haribo and prevent wine 0’clock overloading…..
There’s a list of pumpkin patches at the end! What more do you want?!
Have a fangtastic fortnight, and oh, and come back to spook this list again soon, as I’m sure more will be added!
Wed 15th
Okay, let’s kick off early, Wednesday 15th, school gates still open, but St Thomasโ Church Trowbridge has a Brownie Trail session from 6:45, find the link below…..
Rag and Bone Arts CIC‘s recurring event in Chippenham for ages 12+. You can do art and design or acting improvisation, delivered in 10 week blocks. Taught by professional actor Rebecca Osborne, learn how to think on your feet, respond and listen and make up scenes using just your brilliant mind and spontaneous ideas.
With over 4.5 million social media followers and countless TV appearances under his belt, Pete Firman is the UK’s top comic magician. Join him for an evening of ‘Tricks & Giggles’, as Pete brings his trademark blend of magic and comedy from the small screen to stages around the UK with this brand-new show. Expect impossible feats, sleight of hand and big laughs from one of magic’s most exciting performers! As seen on Amazon’s Good Omens, ITV1’s Tonight at the London Palladium and The Next Great Magician, BBC1’s The John Bishop Show and The Sarah Millican Television Programme. He’s probably also popped up on your social media feeds with his mind-boggling and regularly viral magic videos. Age restriction: 11+.
Steph & Craig Mitchell presents a spooky and ghouly edition of their Gigs for little onesโฆ and their grown-ups!
Weโre edging closer to Halloween, and Steph & Craig are back with all things spooky and ghouly! Donโt worry โ nothing too scary for the babies and Littlesโฆ or grown-ups for that matter! But there will be some seasonal bangers โ think Monster Mash, Ghostbusters and The Cranberries to name a few.
Get into the mood and come in spooky fancy dress. Who ya gonna call? Rock The Tots!
Sessions are approximately 1 hour long, without an interval. Suitable for children aged 0-6, and their adults. Under 1s go free!
Journey to the Centre of the Earth @ Pound Arts, Corsham
Standard: ยฃ15
Lamphouse Theatre presents โฆ Journey to the Centre of the Earth!
Take a break Rick Wakeman, back to your trailer Brendan Fraser, watch and learn Jules Verne, Lamphouse are going on a journey all the way to the centre of the Earth! Two intrepid explorers, one impossible mission (featuring at least one joke about a big hole), and no special effects budget whatsoever. What could possibly go wrong?
From the makers of War of the Worlds (On a Budget) and Frankenstein (On a Budget) this new comedy take on Jules Verneโs classic novel will be one epic night out, full of belly laughs, brand new music and really impressive* dinosaurs.
Featuring Tom Fox and Becky Owen-Fisher, the familiar faces behind the On a Budget series, Journey to the Centre of the Earth will be another fan favourite. Expect silly jokes, catchy tunes, ridiculous costumes and lots and lots of cardboard.
Come along to the 1st Devizes Halloween Bingo for an afternoon full of treats and spooky fun at 1st Devizes scout hall 29 Southbroom Rd Devizes SN10 5AD. Eyes down 4pmโ6pm. Bingo games for everyone. Fancy dress โ come in your best Halloween costume! Prizes & goodie bags. Yummy food and refreshments. Raffle with lots of surprises. The perfect way to enjoy Halloween with the whole family!
It’s Trowbridge Carnival, see the link below for details!
Join Waterstones, 29 Borough Parade, Chippenham SN15 3WL for their Sunday afternoon storytime where they will be reading the slimy ‘The Dinosaur That Pooped A Monster’ by Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter. All are welcome.
Mon 20th
Rock the Tots: Spooky Fun @ Pound Arts, Corsham
Steph & Craig Mitchell presents a spooky and ghouly edition of their Gigs for little onesโฆ and their grown-ups!
Weโre edging closer to Halloween, and Steph & Craig are back with all things spooky and ghouly! Donโt worry โ nothing too scary for the babies and Littlesโฆ or grown-ups for that matter! But there will be some seasonal bangers โ think Monster Mash, Ghostbusters and The Cranberries to name a few.
Get into the mood and come in spooky fancy dress. Who ya gonna call? Rock The Tots!
Sessions are approximately 1 hour long, without an interval. Suitable for children aged 0-6, and their adults. Under 1s go free!
Our friendly historian Brian Edwards has a talk on white horses in Pewsey. I’m not sure how family-friendly this will be, but budding historians might find it of interest.
Running until Saturday 25th. Written by Willy Russell, the legendary Blood Brothers tells the captivating and moving tale of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with fateful consequences. Few musicals have received quite such acclaim as the multi-award winning Blood Brothers. The production ran for more than 10,000 performances in Londonโs West End, one of only five musicals ever to achieve that milestone. It has been affectionately christened the โStanding Ovation Musicalโ, as inevitably it โbrings the audience cheering to its feet and roaring its approvalโ (The Daily Mail). The superb score includes Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me Itโs Not True. Age Guidance: 12+
Wed 22 โ Sat 25 Oct โข 3pm & 7:30pm โข Admission ยฃ15 โข Community Theatre
By Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss Presented by Merriman Productions
His-storyโs about to get overthrownโฆ again! Back by popular demand, Merriman Productions present SIX: TEEN EDITION; a full-length adaptation of Toby Marlow and Lucy Mossโ international phenomenon SIX, modified for performance by teen actors for family audiences.
Divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived. From Tudor Queens to Pop Icons, the SIX wives of Henry VIII take the mic to remix five hundred years of historical heartbreak into a euphoric celebration of 21st-century girl power! This new original musical is the global sensation that everyone is losing their head over.
All children must be accompanied by one adult per child. If you have multiple adults coming (parents/grandparents), we kindly ask that they wait in the cafรฉ for the workshop to finish.
Numbers are limited. Booking is essential and due to limited spaces please book early to avoid disappointment. Sessions are ยฃ9.50 per child. Refreshments will be available from our coffee shop to purchase. Our age recommendation for our Art Clubs is 3-11.
All children must be accompanied by one adult per child. If you have multiple adults coming (parents/grandparents), we kindly ask that they wait in the cafรฉ for the workshop to finish.
Numbers are limited. Booking is essential and due to limited spaces please book early to avoid disappointment. Sessions are ยฃ9.50 per child. Refreshments will be available from our coffee shop to purchase. Our age recommendation for our Art Clubs is 3-11.
Our awesome Parks and Open Spaces crew is rolling out their tractors, electric vehicles, and cool machinery for you to explore โ talk about a joyride!
This year, weโre joined by Arty Kids Pottery Painting, Crazy Cheeks face painting and Chloeโs Mobile Farm. And donโt forget to flex those brain muscles with our Halloween themed word search โ go on a letter hunt around the park and see if you can conjure up the spooky words!
Dress to impress in your Halloween finest! The Deputy Mayor will be on the lookout for the best costumes at 1:30pm right outside the Cafรฉ โ and there are prizes up for grabs in these categories:
Ages 6 and under
Ages 7-12
Ages 13+ (adults, unleash your inner ghoul!)
Come for the fun, stay for the spooky vibes โ see you in the park!
This October half term, The Woodbridge Inn is bringing the community together for a spooktacular celebrationโand everyoneโs invited!
Dates: Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th October Thursday 30th & Friday 31st October Fest opens at 12PM | Fun until 6PM
Whatโs waiting for you: Pumpkin Picking Craft & Produce Market โ handmade gifts, bakes, jams, plants, sweets & more Sweet & Cake Stalls Arts & Crafts Activities Face Painting & Hair Braiding Burgers, Hot Dogs & Autumn Eats Fun Tarot Readings Live Music & Autumn Vibes Beer, Wine & Seasonal Sips from the Bar
Whether youโre here to shop, snack, sip, or simply soak up the spooky atmosphere, this is a celebration for all ages. Weโre proud to support local businesses and bring our community together for a few days of festive fun.
The Parade Cinema Marlborough Family Halloween Trail
Our annual halloween trail makes it’s return on Saturday 25th October at The Parade Cinema Marlborough!
Each ticket purchase for Corpse Bride or Hotel Transylvania on the 25th October gives a child a free spot on our yearly Halloween Trail around Marlborough, open from 11am to 2:30pm. We expect the trail to take around 45 minutes to complete, so last entry for the trail will be 1:45pm.
Book your tickets now… if your dare! www.theparadecinema.com 01672 646232 (Between 10am & 7pm)
Longleat Ghost Tours
This October Half Term, Ghost Tours are making a spooky return during Longleat’s Great British Autumn event. Longleat House was built between 1567 โ 1580, and it is believed to still have people who featured in its history making their presence felt. Discover the supernatural stories as expert guides reveal the tale of Lady Louisa Carteret, known as the Grey Lady, who is said to still walk the corridors searching for her lover.
Kidsโ Halloween Spooktacular @ Broadtown Brewery – Hop Chapel and Hop Gardens, Lydiard Tregoze
Bring the kids along to The Hop Chapel on Saturday 25th October from 1 – 3pm as we transform The Old Brewhouse into The Old BOO-house!!
๐ We’ll have two whole hours full of Halloween fun, with pumpkin carving, ghoulish games and more (all treats no tricks, we promise – we don’t want to scare your little ones!)
๐ป We’ll have a prizes up for grabs for the best pumpkin design, best pumpkin carving and the best dressed, so don’t forget your costumes!
from 25th Oct to 2nd Nov 2025, get out into the great outdoors this October half term for an insect-themed trail around the 270 acres of parkland. ยฃ2.50 per trail (normal admissions apply). Booking not required. Running 10am to 4pm, with last entry at 3pm.
Looking for a fun and creative way to spend time with your child or grandchild this October? Our Autumn Half Term Chocolate Experience is the perfect school holiday activityโdesigned for adults and children aged 5 & up to enjoy side-by-side.
Hosted by The Southwestโs Chocolate Champion, Holly Garner, this joyful and cosy experience is all about making sweet memories together as the autumn chill sets in.
๐ซ Start with a hot chocolate treat Warm up with a choice from our Ultimate Hot Chocolate Menuโfeaturing 12 indulgent flavours to begin your chocolate-filled day.
๐ Discover where chocolate comes from Taste raw cocoa beans, sample our signature blends, and learn how chocolate is madeโplus how we support small, ethical cocoa farms around the world.
๐๐ปMake & decorate your own chocolates Roll up your sleeves and create your own delicious chocolate treats to take home (if they donโt get eaten first!).
๐ Enjoy a special shopping discount Take home even more chocolatey joy with an exclusive Hollychocs discount on the day.
Rowdey Cow Halloween Festivities
Perfect for parents, grandparents and carers looking for something memorable to do with their children this autumn. Whether itโs bonding time, a school holiday treat or a special birthday surpriseโthis is time well (and sweetly) spent.
Join us at the Rowdey Cow for our halloween festivities
Pick a pumpkin from its patch & come in to carve your spooky artwork!
Join us for a more relaxed visit at the REME Museum during this special opening outside of our regular hours.
We have designed these โLights Up, Sounds Downโ days to reduce sensory input for individuals who would prefer a quieter experience. These sessions are primarily for, though not limited to, anyone who has sensory processing disorder; autism; social, emotional or mental health needs; dementia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or any other sensory needs.
During these days we will have:
Lights On โ our overhead gallery lighting will be turned on, without spotlights, to create a brighter environment in which to explore. Sounds Down โ we will reduce sound effects throughout the museum as much as possible by turning off most โsurround soundโ interactives and reducing volumes. Sensory maps โ we have marked out any areas around the museum where you may find louder interactives or visual effects that we cannot turn off. This means you can choose your own route and avoid any areas as you wish.
If you would like to bring any sensory items (including but not limited to ear defenders, magnifying glass, book, squeezy toy) that will help you or your loved one to enjoy their experience better, please feel free to do so, just make sure you hold onto it and take it home with you!
Join Filskit Theatre for an uplifting and relaxing hour with a talented live musician playing beautiful acoustic versions of well-known folk, jazz and pop songs. Enjoyable for both big and small ears alike thereโll be beautiful, atmospheric sensory visuals perfect for even the youngest audience members. And, as itโs halt term, bigger kids are welcome too so bring them along for this hour of fun and sensory play for the whole family.
October Holiday Activities @ Wiltshire Museum Devizes
October Holiday ActivitiesLecture Hall 28th October 2025 10:30 am – 12:00 pm 10:30 am – 12:00 pmCome along to our spooky Halloween activities for ages 3 to 11: pebble skulls spooky ghosts paper pumpkins and puppetsโฆ
Book OnlineOctober Holiday ActivitiesLecture Hall 28th October 2025 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm 1:30 pm – 3:00 pmCome along to our spooky Halloween activities for ages 3 to 11: pebble skulls spooky ghosts paper pumpkins and puppets.
Art Workshop in Rowde
On Tuesday morning, the 28th of October, from 9am to 12 noon, an Art Workshop takes place, at The Mind Tree Cafe in Rowde. It’s creative fun with collage and mixed media, hosted by Nancy Rose. It’s ยฃ30 for the session, and you must book in advance by emailing nancyrosehats@yahoo.com
This October Half Term, join us at the REME Museum for spooktacular STEM and crafts activities for all the family to enjoy.
โRocket Poweredโ โ Tuesday 28 October Drop-in, Education Suite
Design and launch your own bottle rocket or air powered car, using the same principles of engineering in rocket science! Led by our Education Officer, Andrew.
Miniature Assault Course โ Every day 28-31 October Drop-in, outdoors
Take on our miniature army-style assault course! Race your way across the course or take your time and enjoy the challenge! Please note: This activity is weather dependent.
Princess Pirate @ Pound Arts, Corsham
Adult: ยฃ10 Child: ยฃ10 Under 2s: FREE
Pirate Princess is a heartwarming story of hope against adversity told with physical theatre, clowning and circus. This brand new solo show by circus performer and professional idiot Gemma Bond tells the tale of poor shipwrecked Princess Poppy. Can she overcome a big dress, extreme weather and the ultimate test of strength to see her way to safety?
Inspired by strong and inventive women of history, Poppy must transform physically and mentally if she is to have any hope of rescuing herself from eternity on an island in the ocean. The show encourages all to reuse, repurpose and recycle as Poppy reinvents her outfit and her mindset to overcome her predicament.
A visual feast of colourful costume and a unique crowโs nest on a pole prop, this is a fun filled show for children aged 5 to 11 and their families.
All children must be accompanied by one adult per child. If you have multiple adults coming (parents/grandparents), we kindly ask that they wait in the cafรฉ for the workshop to finish.
Numbers are limited. Booking is essential and due to limited spaces please book early to avoid disappointment. Sessions are ยฃ9.50 per child. Refreshments will be available from our coffee shop to purchase. Our age recommendation for our Art Clubs is 3-11.
The Sheep Ate Up The Fairies @ Trowbridge Museum
3 days of captivating talks, hands-on crafts & engaging activities start today!
A one hour boat trip on Friday 31st October at 16:00 and 18:00 along the canal packed with fun and games for the children. Fancy dress welcome.
Please Note: Dogs are accepted at the discretion of the Skipper on the day who will check with other passengers first. Family tickets not available.
Children must be accompanies by at least one adult.
Kenavon Venture is a wide beam boat, seating up to 38 passengers, operated by volunteers of the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust. To book a private charter of this or any other trip, please send an enquiry via the main website.
โBuild a Tankโ Junk Modelling โ Friday 31 October Self-led, Creation Station
Come and create your own special REME-inspired vehicle to take away with you! Get creative and see what you can make from recycled materials. The only limit is your imagination!
There’s a trick and a treat for Halloween from Swindon’s finest alt-rock trio I See Orange; new single, La Bruja, or The Witch translated from Spanish, and it’s certainly cast a spell on meโฆ.
If you’re still unaware of I See Orange, it should be considered folklore cunning craft to overlook them after this; you’ll find yourself sinking in a river! Reviewing them at the Pump at the beginning of the year, I made a beeline to catch them again at Minety during warmer climates. In retrospect I should’ve reviewed their debut four-track EP Lonesome Joyreleased around the same time as the Pump gig, but missing that window I figured I’d await something new. And here it is, creeping up on us!
Lonesome Joy and a separate song from the same session are generally formulated like all good hefty grunge; rising and falling mood layers, and the single Simply, tended to take a commercial blues angle, as if a metal Cranberries. While these are all positives, with promising roots and truckloads of potential, La Bruja is a constant, progressive, and it doesn’t wait for you to attach yourself to the ambience; it’s a beautiful monster, stomping through a dark forest, chasing you, from beginning to end.
Yards ahead of their previous outpourings, I’d say, its theme perfectly captures the unique identity of the band; a grunge-riot grrrl-garage punk fusion. Charlie Hart and Cameron Hill proficiently drive a hard rock drum and lead guitar arrangement, respectively, behind bassist Giselle Medina, who plays out an ironic kawaii character, a kind of post-goth shลjo kogal, akin to Mieruko-Chan, or Ling Xiaoyu for the Tekken players!
It’s a spookily seductive look, therefore so is this song. It’s as if it’s a direct response to Kip Tyler’s She’s My Witch, with a contemporary edge; lots of haunting, rocking edge. Giselle’s divine, evocative vocals are like a non-stigma emo Greek siren, crying out either an enticement or warning, depending on your fixation for paraphilic disorders; scratch beneath her innocent superficie to discover how deep her โweird shit,โ delves, only at your own risk!
And it rocks sublimely, is risquรฉ and unearthly; nothing Monster Mash about it! Here’s their Linktree, and Bandcamp page, Spotify too. If you pop it on your pumpkin playlist, you’ll be grateful I told you and hopefullyfill my bucket with Haribo!
Featured Image:@jenimeadephotography Just another rainy Saturday afternoon in Devizes, whereby I watched a profound fellow dramatically sacrifice himself to the devil, then popped to Morrisonsโฆ
Stone Circle Music Events announced today that all proceeds of CrownFest will be donated to Wiltshire Hope & Harmonyโs Dementia Choir. CrownFest is an all-dayโฆ
If Devizes Scooter Rally has already established its base at Whistley Roadโs Park Farm and Full-Tone are moving to these new pastures, last year theโฆ
Dubiously biased and ruled with an iron fist, the mighty admin of the once popular Devizes Facebook group, Devizes Issues, is using the iconic Greatโฆ
Dumping pumpkins in the woods is bad for wildlife says Forestry England.
As millions of pumpkins hit supermarket shelves and make their way to gardens, porches, and windowsills across the region, Forestry England is reminding members of the public not to leave spent pumpkins in forests or woodlands.ย
Each year, well-meaning social media posts circulate that encourage people to leave pumpkins in the woods for wildlife to eat. But pumpkins are not natural to woodlands and can make some animals very poorly, such as our declining population of hedgehogs. Decomposing food waste can also attract pests and spread disease.ย
Instead, Forestry England recommends getting creative in the kitchen to use up Halloween pumpkins or recycling them at home.ย
Forestry England senior ecologist, Sam Pegler said, โWhile itโs wonderful that people want to do their bit for nature, leaving rotting pumpkins in the countryside isnโt good for wildlife. Some animal centres may accept a small number of pumpkins for their residents, but these are carefully given to appropriate species and removed before they rot down. This isnโt possible in a forest setting, so is best avoided completely.ย
My favourite way to use pumpkin is to explore the countless free and tasty recipes online. It isnโt all about soup, pumpkin is brilliant for stews, curries, pies, and even pasta and risotto dishes. If pumpkin really isnโt your thing, it can be disposed of in your food recycling container or composted at home. The high water content of pumpkin makes it a great composting material to add nitrogen and moisture to your compost bin.โ
Hoping to bring you a review of the Beatles tribute in Bath last night, but I thought I’d explain the strange thing which happened on the way back home, because while I accept there’s some weird people in Chippenham, this guy was off his rockerโฆ.
I suppose there’s a lesson to be learned. I’m not getting any younger, and trekking from one gig to review to another is taking its toll. I’m tired, but was keen to catch the last few songs at a gig in Devizes, so I confess, I was putting my foot down. The road was wet, and though usually I’m a careful driver, I guess I just had a momentary lapse of reason. I can’t explain why, I just lost control of the car I guess, on the Bath Road near Rowden Hill.
In those split seconds when fear grips you, I was careening off the road. A lampost abruptly came into my headlights and I was heading straight towards it. There was a moment when I assumed I would hit it and braced myself. That’s when this white figure of a young man stepped out from nowhere, like, from behind the lampost. Noting him there, though he surprised me, I yanked the steering wheel with one final hope to serve away from both him and the lamppost.
The thing was he didn’t seem too alarmed, or particularly concerned I nearly hit him. Oddly upon noticing me he kind of waved his arms, as if willing my car away from the imminent collision. The car spun suddenly, far further than I expected given the full lock, skidding away from the guy and post, I managed to regain control to brake to a halt. It was kind of hard to explain, but as if the guy’s kinetic energy willed the car to safety.
At least I was okay, but really shaken. I felt a chill run through me. Regaining my senses I figured I should find the man, thank him, and check if he was okay. By the time my shivering hand went to open the door he had approached it. A good looking fellow, I guess early twenties. He wore a brown leather jacket with a fluffy collar and underneath it I noted a rather neat pin-stripe suit. His blonde quiff blew as if in a zephyr, even though it didn’t seem windy out there. As I rolled the window down he put two ice cold hands on the descending window and protruded his head into my vehicle.
He seemed understandably agitated and a little confused, I mean I get that, right, given the circumstances, but before I could ask him if he was okay, he asked me if I’d seen someone called “Sheeley,” with a desperation in his rich, Northern American accent. Confused, I said no, being there was no one else around. In this he asked again, for two people called Pat, or Gene, but it was obvious Sheeley was the one he was most concerned about.
He wasn’t happy with me at all, there was frustration in his tone, claiming I had hit his taxi, but there were no other cars involved, or even nearby. It didn’t help that I pointed this out to him, as he expressed a need to get to Heathrow for an early flight home. I know and accept, anyone hanging around this area just outside Chippenham at this time of night is likely a weirdo, right, I mean there’s no clubs or pubs nearby, but there was something eerie about this whole guy’s persona, a lost, almost ghostly presence.
Frustrated, he told me it was his last gig here, he had just played the Bristol Hippodrome, in what he deemed “a backward country which wouldn’t know rock n roll if it slapped you in the face.” I disagreed, and told him I had just seen a great tribute act to the Beatles, who although weren’t exactly the originals, were pretty good. All I recieved was a confused reply; can you believe it, clearly he’s a musician and even if he’s American, he said, “who?” The guy hadn’t even heard of The Beatles! He quipped it was a stupid name for a band, so I asked him who he played for, thinking he might like a gig at Melksham’s rock n roll club.
He didn’t answer, clearly not the time nor place for smalltalk, he continued to look around him, occasionally turning his head to yell, “Sheeley!” Sauntering around he left my car and continued his imaginary search, kicking into the bracken looking for them and desperately calling their names, adding “c’mon everybody,” almost in hollow chanting melody, he cried out, “let’s get together tonight, I got some money in my jeans, and I’m really gonna spend it right!” Like I said, totally off his rocker.
Clearly he was either drugged up or schizophrenic, and blaming me for, apparently, hitting his taxi. I felt obliged to humour him, lest he might get dangerous, so I called the Chippenham police.
Sorry I did now, I mean I know the force is under pressure from cuts and so on, and Chippenham is hardly state-of-the-art, but this Rover P6 police car turned up with some long-haired youngster who’s uniform belonged in a museum! Calling himself “Dave Dee,” of all things, he didn’t even engage with the Yankie nutjob, it was as if he couldn’t see him. He just searched the bushes, unbelievably pulled out a broken Gretsch guitar, and, chuffed with himself, told me how he was going to fix it up and start a band, then got in his battered panda and drove off. Typical, useless copper!
If something’s worth doing it’s best to do it yourself, right? There’s no help from the police these days, so as Dave the copper’s rear lights faded into the night, I thought I’d have to see if I can settle the mind of this American crazy youngster. I mean, he seemed like a great guy, very interesting, and someone I could’ve easily got along with if we’d met under different circumstances. Maybe I could appeal to his better nature?
I sighed and crossed my fingers, opening the car door to find him, but he had gone, completely vanished. I looked everywhere, took my phone torch to the area, there was no sign he was ever there. The bracken he was rumbling in was undisturbed, which is more than can be said for me! I shivered as finally, a cold wind blew down the street, and so I hurried back to my car.
I got into the driver’s seat, feeling frozen and spooked. Gripping the wheel with white knuckles I started the engine and looked out to the road ahead. Slowly I pulled out of there, telling myself repeatedly it was just some prankster playing a joke on me. When I get home I’ll just draft up a review of the gig and try to forget this happened.
Until I got to the bottom of Derry Hill I drove in silent contemplation, but feeling lonely and a tad afraid, I thought I’d bluetooth my phone to the car stereo and just shuffle some tunes. The first song sang out, “Well, when you hear that music, you can’t sit still, If your brother won’t rock, then your sister will, Ooh, c’mon everybody!”
I recall this song, from one of my mum’s rock n roll compilations, but I’ve never downloaded it to my phone, and checking my playlists when I got home, it wasn’t on there. So I checked what was on at the Bristol Hippodrome last night too, there’s no rock n roll show at all, they’re hosting Pretty Woman the Musical!
Freaked out, I went straight to bed, the better half was sound asleep next to me. She suddenly woke up, screamed, “the house’ll be shakin’ from the bare feet a-slappin’ the floor!” And then she promptly went back to sleep. Me, I couldn’t sleep a wink, and she had no recollection of saying anything of the sort in her sleep. And oh, by the wayโฆ. Happy Halloween; Muahahaha!!!!
Of course, I ‘m full of bull, a little spooky fun on Halloween! But the idea came from an eerie blogpost from the Horses of the Gods, taking an article by Albie Morris, first published in the July 1980 edition of โThe Delirium Curiosumโ a now defunct, Wiltshire based underground cultural newspaper which started in 1971 and was dedicated to avant-garde poetry, wyrd folklore, ghost stories, hippy philosophy, Eastern mysticism and other ideas associated with the counterculture.
It suggests a few people have witnessed the ghost of Eddie Cochran at his tragic accident spot in Chippenham, including a chap called Mick Harris from Devizes. Do give it a read, fascinating stuff, and spooky too!
โHereโs to Windwhistle and places of dread, is there nothing to fear from the living or dead?โ
The Horses of the Gods are West Country folk duo, Mike Ballard and Matty Bane, and they are remembering their debut album, We Wish You Health which was released on 31st of October 2020. We fondly reviewed it HERE, and it makes the perfect Halloween listen! They told Devizine a while ago they were working on a second album, which had some folklore references to Devizes, and we very much look forward to hearing it.
Fantastic and spooky image of St Johns, Devizes, used with permission from Simon Folkard Photography
I say everyone, but itโs the inbetweenies always at a loss during Halloween, I tend to find. Too old for patronising trick or treating, only a handful of idiots, sulking at their lack of Harbio, who opt for the terrorising old folk kind, which spoils it for them, and for younger kids too, when everyone under the age of eighteen is tarnished with the same witchโs broom.
Yet too young to attend adult Halloween parties, which we all know, generally end up as mindless drunken satanic orgies, full of naked chicks pouring the blood of scarified male counterparts over themselves in a hellfire pit of inequity to the sound of evil giggling, and thrash metal roaring from the raftersโฆ. at least, in my mind it does.
What?! Iโm speculating, I wouldnโt know whether they break out the leather, or not. I grew up in a household where the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain was considered American commercialisation, and since escaping the nest I built my own, whereby on All Hallows’ Eve I don a beanie and wander aimlessly in the background, as โprotectorโ parent of hyperactive children, getting ecstatic about being out under street light.
I awkwardly grimaced at housekeepers like a vagabond, as neighbours loaded their pumpkin-shaped buckets with cheap confectionary they donโt like anyway. Weโd join chains of other trick or treaters, my watchful duties waning with each grouping; safety in numbers Iโd suppose perfunctorily, as I tire and they run off in merriment and sugar-fuelled frenzy. Responsibility is a bitch.
Iโve got cheap, Wilkos luminous paint on my jersey from a leaking zombie, whose mask is sagging where they broke the elastic, otherwise I blur into the background and children organise themselves, until one genuinely gets scared, and I get to return home, ignore door-knocking and slope on the sofa, groaning like a headless horseman, wishing one day theyโll grow out of it.
And before you know whatโs what, they do, and you pity the complaining, realise you miss the thrill in their eyes, and await the welcomed subsequent phase, grandchildren, when you hope them to provide the perfect excuse to get back out trick or treating again; by this age you need no mask or makeup, but you can return them sugar-bursting; mwahahaha!
Anyway, enough of my problems, you came here wanting to hear about all the spooky events and monster mashes going down over the Samhain, and thatโs what Iโm about to do, just, you know, had to get that off my chest.
Although if Iโve missed yours, I can always add them, if you liked, just message, email or howl under the full moon when the wind is blowing my direction, but the first โhalloweenyโ type event weโve found, is All Canningsโ Pre-School Half term Halloween Trail, starting on 23rd October and running until the 30th. Take your little ones to All Cannings, buy a trail map from the village shop and walk the village looking for clues to spell a spooky word! Put your completed maps into our box at the back of the village hall for your chance to win a Halloween prize.
Leading up to the Halloween weekend, Crazy Pโs Ron Basejam brings some Halloween disco to Komedia on Thursday 28th, but Saturday is when the spookiness really comes out to playโฆ.
In Devizes, the trusty Cavalier have a childrenโs Halloween fancy dress disco, with prizes for the best dressed boy and girl. Youโll need a ยฃ3 ticket, available here.
Forgive me if Iโm wrong but I believe wonderful DJ, Holz Stone will be on the spooky wheels of steel for the Halloween fancy dress disco at the Wyvern Club. Thereโll be hot dogs, burgers and sweet bags, a novel hook-a-skull game, guess the weight of the pumpkin and whatโs in the box, as well as best dressed prizes. This oneโs ยฃ2 per child, on the door.
For Devizes grownups, over 21s, thereโs a DJ set from Houses of Joy Soundsystem at The Muck & Dundarโs Zombie Cocktail Special night. Free entry, walk-ins, favourably like a zombie, and feel free to dress up or down. I think theyโll need an exorcist like me, to purify those spirits!
And of course, the traditional Krazee Devil Halloween Karaoke Disco will be down the The Pelican, Devizes. Only numbers are limited this year, so if you want to Party Pelicano style this Samhain then shout Sarah-Jane on (01380) 723909.
The Truzzy Boys welcome fancy dress at their Halloween Party at the Churchill Arms in West Lavington, also on Saturday. Honey-Streetโs Barge have a monster mash rock ‘n’ roll Halloween party, with Little Miss Blue Bass, Mutley and Rockin Rich. Best dressed wins a ยฃ20 bar tab, which beats a bucket of Freddos. They want only ยฃ6 off you for the pleasure, tickets here.
Meanwhile, over misty graveyards and ancient burial mounds to Bradford-on-Avon, where the Three Horseshoes host Strange Folk for a Halloween party. If you checked them out last weekend at the Southgate, or read our review, youโll know this will be a great, and very apt Halloween venture. It should go without saying by now, its fancy dress, with a prize for best dressed.
In spooky Swindon, The Swiss Chalet have one hell of a show from 2pm onwards. Train to Skaville, The DayBreakers, Hip Replacements and Mark Colton bring the skalloween tunes, all in aid of the fantastic Big Yellow Bus Project. Door tax is just a quid, with mac n cheese and a chance to win a Nintendo Switch!
Vampires and zombies of Frome only need head to The Cornerhouse, where theyโll find the highly recommended Back Wood Redeemers, with a dark country, twisted blues and religious fervor eve of Halloween. Expect special guests and theyโll be introducing the MagiGant Ska Sound System. There will be dancing afoot! Bring your relevant body parts and dress up should the whim arise… you’ll be in good company.
But not everyone wants dancing afoot, and for a relaxed meal-type Halloween event, Rowdeโs legendary George & Dragon have a Rocky Horror Tunnel Party, in, as the name suggests, their secret, aptly spooky, tunnel. Dress up in your favourite horror costumes for a three-course BMF supper, and a party to follow.
And on the Sunday, the 31st, The Roebuck Inn, Marlborough, has a Halloween Open mic Night, while over in Market Lavington’s Green Dragon, there will be all sorts of spooky bonkers things going on all day, perfect for kids and grown up kids alike; with the fantastic People Like Us playing from 8pm.
Iโm sure that list isnโt exhaustive, and Iโll add your event if you tell me about it. Otherwise have a grand Halloween, and as I say, Iโll be maxing relaxing, safe in the knowledge my kids now consider themselves too old for the trick or treating fiasco. I mean, Iโm not naming and shaming, but one of my nippers must be the only person who can lose a tooth bobbing for apples, for crying out loud into the cold night air!
Christmas has come early for foxes and normal humans with any slither of compassion remaining, as the government announced the righteous move to ban trailโฆ
Chippenham folk singer-songwriter, M3G (because she likes a backward โEโ) has a new single out tomorrow, Friday 19th December. Put your jingly bell cheesy tunesโฆ
Wiltshire Music Centre Unveils Star-Studded New Season with BBC Big Band, Ute Lemper, Sir Willard White and comedians Chris Addison and Alistair McGowan revealing theirโฆ
Daphneโs Family & Childhood Connection to Devizes Celebrations of Daphne Oram have been building in London since the beginning of December, for those in theโฆ
Part 1: An Introduction March 1936: newlywed French telecommunications engineer Pierre Schaeffer relocates to Paris from Strasbourg and finds work in radio broadcasting. He embarksโฆ
Yesterday Wiltshire Council published an โupdateโ on the lane closure on Northgate Street in Devizes as the fire which caused it reaches its first anniversary.โฆ
Halloween, Mwhahahaha! If you’re not venturing out tonight, armed with a sugared-up face-painted youngster, lucky you! Perhaps you’d like to lounge on the sofa with a scary story. Here’s one I wrote, back when I wrote stories and Devizine didn’t occupy my every waking minute!
Wrote in 2016, only a novelette size, but creepy enough. Blindfold is the telling, first person, of a professor of science, now in a care home, and his story of how he got there.
โGhosts are a figment of the imagination, we proved it here today.”
If you’ve an ereader or tablet you can download the book here at Smashwords. If you buy it, use this code XG89W and it will be free! Happy Halloween!
fortnight, and oh, and come back to spook this list again soon, as I’m sure more will be added!
Dress to impress in your Halloween finest! The Deputy Mayor will be on the lookout for the best costumes at 1:30pm right outside the Cafรฉ โ and there are prizes up for grabs in these categories:
Dates:
Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th October
Fest opens at 12PM | Fun until 6PM
Whatโs waiting for you:
Craft & Produce Market โ handmade gifts, bakes, jams, plants, sweets & more
Sweet & Cake Stalls
Arts & Crafts Activities
Burgers, Hot Dogs & Autumn Eats
Fun Tarot Readings
Live Music & Autumn Vibes
Beer, Wine & Seasonal Sips from the Bar
01672 646232 (Between 10am & 7pm)
devizine.com 