Tag: news

Devizes Youth Action Group’s First Club Night

by Florence Lee. Images by Gail Foster.

On Friday, I was lucky enough to have seen the four local bands at the youth gig set up by Devizes Youth Action Group to give under-18 bands the opportunity to perform and show off their talent at the Devizes Corn Exchange.….

Bella Donna were the first band on stage. The first song I saw them perform was Livin’ on a Prayer by Bon Jovi and the audience loved it. They had a great set list which consisted of songs such as Drain You by Nirvana and We Will Rock You by Queen. It is safe to say that their stage presence and enthusiasm in these performances spread throughout the audience, who didn’t stop singing or dancing. The band consists of Emmie on drums, Roxie, bass, Bea, guitar with both Bea and Roxie singing. For a band so young, I was impressed by their ability to interact with the audience. I will be following their progress and I am looking forward to seeing how they develop.

The second band was called Shox. As soon as they started to get ready, the audience was shouting their name, eagerly anticipating their performance. My interest was piqued as soon as I saw they were using both a DJ set and live music to perform. They opened their set with using the DJ set and then went into a cover of the Arctic Monkeys ‘Fluorescent adolescent,’ which was an instant hit with the crowd. Throughout their set, the drum and bass held the groove nicely, which paired up with Zach on guitar, who played some creative and well-polished solos. He nailed the solo in ‘Can’t Stop’ by the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, which blew me away as I am an avid fan. The lead singer, who was very solid as a rhythm guitarist, let the others be technical and explore their parts whilst holding a beat and singing, which exceeded all of my expectations.

They covered songs such as R U Mine?, in which the drums created the heartbeat of the band, and Buddy Holly by Weezer, to which everyone was dancing. The DJ set really just levitated their performance and meshed really well with the live playing, but gave it an electronic feel, which I haven’t heard or seen in any other gigs. On top of this electric feel, the drummer used electric drums, and this helped the pre-recorded tracks on the mixer fuse smoothly with the instruments. Also, a shoutout to the bassist, who despite standing at the back of the stage held the backbeat of every song humbly, but it didn’t go unnoticed. Altogether, these guys have some awesome ideas, which makes them stand out and make a unique sound that I would love to hear some original songs with. Well done.

Talking to some of the band players whilst Bella Donna and Shox took the stage, all of them downplayed and reacted humbly while I told them how excited I was to hear them play, saying things such as ‘Don’t be too excited’ and ‘We aren’t that good, don’t expect too much.’ However, to say that my expectations were not just met, but exceeded so much that I think I am Enguun’s and Steatopygous’ biggest fan.

When Enguun went onto the stage, I was simply blown away. They are insane. My ears were in euphoria as soon as Ewan Middleton and Joshua Allen started to bless the audience with their music. As a musician, their ability to capture audience attention and put everyone in a trance-like state of freaking out was out of this world. They used techniques such as detuning whilst playing and just purely encapturing everyone with their performance, breaking their promises of ‘not that good.’ Using, or should I say blessing, a Tama Kit (the best type IMO), Ewan played with his whole body, putting his all into creating a beat that the audience could move their bodies too. The mass of sweaty teenagers loved the way that both musicians let each other explore the feel of music that they wanted to create.

It wasn’t just good music either, it was a performance. As you can tell these boys could just play and transport those around them into a different world.  I am not quite sure how to describe to you just how much talent these boys have. Even without a Bassist (although they are looking for one) they still managed to keep the groove and attention of everyone looking at them. I was sure that the two boys must have known each other for years, but I was wrong.  In the same year at school, and aware of each others presence, they didn’t get along too well at first, as Ewan ‘used to sit next to (Joshua) in Year 8 and it annoyed the s*** out of him.’ That was until over time gained respect and one day Ewan asked Joshua if he could play bass, to which he lied and said yes, but with some luck, the guitarist left, leaving the two boys to play ever since. I hope that I have written this to show the admiration I have for these guys. I will be following them and going to see them again as they were just insane, and you should too.

Last, but definitely not least, the act of which I was the most excited for, Steatopygous took the stage. With their adoring fans, of which I am one, hyping them up around me, my anticipation for their act had only grown. The band consists of talented Poppy Hillier on guitar and singing, Ewan Middleton (again) on drums and enticing Eliza Brindle on bass. The first thing I noticed about this band was how friendly they are. I had contacted them before to ask about doing an interview and they instantly replied being extremely kind; this was reflected to the incredible audience of enthusiastic and happy people who welcomed everyone to dance with each other and enjoy the music. The previous bands, school mates and strangers came together to enjoy their music. The fact that they have only done four gigs was insane for the way that they have an ability to perform; the queue after the gig for buying posters and signing them really just reflects how much the audience loved them.

Now, I was lucky enough to be able to talk to them myself, so if you read on, meet Poppy, Eliza and Ewan: When did you become a band?

‘May last year maybe? First, it was me and Eliza. We had Steatopygous and it was just. I had been playing bass, for like three days!’

‘We started a band and I literally didn’t know how to play guitar. We were just like “let’s start a band”’

‘We went to this Young Women’s Music Project in Oxford and afterwards we were like, yeah we are gonna start a band. Ewan joined a bit later.’

What are your musical inspirations?

‘Definitely Bikini Kill’

‘Yeah. I think it would be a sin to answer this and not say Bikini kill. X-Ray Spex. Amyl and The Sniffers.’

‘Sonic Youth, as well.’

‘And Rat Mobile.’

When you were writing your single, how did you go about it?

‘We had never written a song before, so it was very much like let’s just try and do it.’

‘We had no idea what we were talking about, but we were very angry with some boys, so we thought we would channel it.’

Would you like to explain what the songs about?

‘I think our main inspiration is what it is like to be a women in music and how it feels to not be taken seriously in the industry. There was this one time we were in band practise, and this builder next door, whilst we were playing a Pixies song. He goes to Ewan, our male drummer, “Oh, you guys are really good, do you like the pixies?” and completely ignored us. He did not acknowledge us and talked to Ewan the whole time.’

‘I think from there, it just became about all the annoying experiences we have had with men.’

Why the fish?

‘Poppy is really into fish; she wants to be a Marine Biologist and I do a lot of art. I spray painted a fish once and then wrote Steatopygous over it, and it just stuck.’

Why Steatopygous?

‘Steatopygous means excess fattiness on the thighs and ass of a woman, but it sounds like a dinosaur, which is a plus. My Mum was telling me about the poems she studied in her GCSE and there was one called fat, women’s thoughts in a bath… or something. It was a poem about Steatopygous and I thought it was a sick word.’

How does your female punk ‘riot girl’ look fit into having a male band member?

‘I think that ‘riot girl’ definitely isn’t exclusive just to women. I think that one of the problems to ‘riot girl’ in the 90’s was that it was very exclusive, which let to some ethical issues with transphobia and racism within the riot girl movement, so I think it’s important for us to show that anyone can be a ‘riot girl’ and that comes across with having Ewan as our drummer.’

Any upcoming gigs?

‘No, don’t have anything in the calendar at the moment, but always looking guys!’

In conclusion, these are some people, who are truly talented and you they should be on your radar.

Editor’s Note: Trust me to have to add my tuppence into this great review, but I would just like to say a few things, if I may?! Thanks to everyone at Devizes Youth Action Group for hosting this event, it means so much to the youth that there is something for them to do, and let’s hope there’s more to come. Thanks to all the bands who played, I wish you the best of luck for the future and hope we get the opportunity to write about you all again. To all parents, we have as much as possible attempted to gain permission from you for featuring the bands, and while many responded, if there is an issue please do not hesitate to contact me.

I’ve linked in the band’s Instagram pages, please give them a follow and support them with their journeys; the future of Devizes live music scene depends on it!

But most of all, thanks to Flo for all her hard work. It’s one thing for me to report on youth events such as these, but it is far better that youth are the ones reporting on them. Thank you all!!

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The Turnaround; New Album from The Jon Amor Trio

Devizes is a blues town, fact. I’ve dubbed its origins as “The Mel Bush Effect,” in the past; via Long Street Blues Club and down to The Southgate, the tradition continues and the label sticks. Music promoter Mel Bush would later go onto be a prominent organiser of some of the country’s most memorable concerts, but he cut his teeth here in the early seventies, bringing top acts to the Corn Exchange, at a time the town only had a population of approximately ten thousand…..

Knock on effect, while upcoming nineties bands modelled themselves on Madchester or grunge, from a local village five footballing teenagers formed a band inspired by Dire Straits, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Dr Feelgood, the latter playing a particularly significant gig at the venue, which we need not recount now; if you know, you know! Concentrating on The Hoax, those youngsters, the Davey brothers Jesse and Robin, Hugh Coltman, finalised drummer Dave Raeburn, and of course, Jon Amor, raised the bar on the UK blues scene with the vigour of youth in an otherwise largely considered matured genre.

Pushing new boundaries post-Hoax, Jon has explored many guises, from Amor, with Wayne Proctor and Matt Beable, to the Jon Amor Blues Group and King Street Turnaround, solo, and collaborating projects like Birdmens, with Ian Siegal, Joel Fisk, and Dave Doherty,  prolifically producing albums throughout. Here, he’s our lovable living legend, never failing to turn up at the Southgate for a monthly Sunday residency, set in concrete in December 2021, and with renowned guests to boot. Such splendour of the recurring occasion, many of whom return in their own right.

Jon’s backing for said residency and various other venues on the circuit comprises of astounding bassist Jerry Soffe and celestially-sited drummer Tom Gilkes, dubbed aptly as The Jon Amor Trio, and they’ve been into Swindon’s Crescent Records studio. While a Jon Amor album is no new thing, The Turnaround is the first for the trio, and being as it’s such a high pedestal I’m popping them onto, I take a listen to it with a tinsey hint of scepticism they can recreate the magic of their live gigs. Because it’s the improv moments, the atmosphere, warts and all of a pub gig which grasps the magic, see? I found myself wondering if they could’ve released a live album instead, but who am I to kid, I should’ve known better!

Eleven original tracks strong opening with the title track, it wastes no time in recreating said magic. Regardless of any particular setup, this is another Jon Amor gold album, enhancing their live performances and creating a little piece of it you can take home with you. The electric blues held in esteem here is not cut short, there is no wild tangents of experimentation, The Jon Amor Trio never try to be something they’re not; just wild and highly accomplished archetypal blues riffs wavering in tempo, exciting and invigorating.

It’s when I arrived at Rideau Street any doubts melted. With a subtle hint of rockabilly, it rides to the bridge as any good Jon Amor tune does, and you know, you’re in capable hands. Mrs James adopts a firmer delta blues riff, and from there I’m immersed in its gorgeous and thick layers of sublime blues. A downtempo number, I Know What You’re Using sounds direct from the Hoax songbook, and onwards we journey through an album which has definitely got Jon Amor all over it, enveloping the brilliance of this new Trio’s live shows, with bells on. Fans will not be disappointed, and so the shows must go on. Find them at the Beehive in Swindon tomorrow, Thursday 8th Feb, and Sunday sees this month’s residency at The Southgate, Devizes, with Nat Martin as guest, guitar tutor at The Academy Of Contemporary Music in Guildford.

The album is only available at gigs and on Bandcamp; streaming isn’t good enough for this beauty, and rightly so!

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Mantonfest 2024

Images: Gail Foster

Whilst festivals around us come and go Mantonfest has been a constant of the Wiltshire music calendar since 2009.….

The 29th of June 2024 will once again see the Manton Water Meadow, near Marlborough transformed into a festival field providing an affordable family friendly music picnic by day and a more traditional music festival by night. Most people arrive and pick their spot between 11 am and 12 noon. The live music starts at noon and there will be something for everyone.

Unlike many music events, festival goers can bring their own food and drink or make use of the many food and drink facilities on site.  With an eclectic ‘market’ of local traders and of course the band merchandise tent this event has a real buzz from start to finish.  

Mantonfest 2023

The 2024 Line Up

This year’s line up is now complete. Headlining are The Bohemians a world class Queen tribute act. Badness return by popular demand (or should we say instance) after wowing everyone last year. Forever Elton and The Fab Four will get the whole field singing  across the afternoon and evening.  Local jumping blues band Barrelhouse will be getting the field moving with a blend of reworked classic and their own material and Jose and the Radio Tones plus The Bergamots will get the afternoon mood set perectly.

Mantonfest 2023

Young Talent Development Slots

Once again, this year Mantonfest is pleased to announce the continuation of its young talent development slot. Last year saw an impressive array of talent wow the audience and this year will continue the trend.

Mantonfest 2023

Chairman’s Comment

Chairman Roger Grant says – “This year’s event is one of our most ambitious and ticket sales are going very well. The event is managed by a volunteer committee who are supported by a range of villagers who help set up, steward and break down the festival. Without them we would be lost. It’s amazing that we have hosted the likes of Toyah, The Animals, The Swinging Blue Jeans, Katrina and the Waves, Dr Feelgood and many world class tribute acts across the years. As ever profits made will be donated to good causes including Cancer Research. The primary aim is to provide a great day out for those attending from near and far but we like to make donations where possible.“

Mantonfest 2023

More info and tickets, here.

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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!!   

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N’Faly Kouyaté (Afro-Celt Sound System) Tour Includes Wiltshire Music Centre

Perhaps best known as the frontman of Afro Celt Sound System, the Belgium-based artist N’Faly Kouyaté will be hitting the road for nine intimate shows with his new solo project.  Beginning at Southampton’s Turner Sims on 8th February, the tour will include Bradford-on-Avon’s Wiltshire Music Centre on the 11th February….

N’Faly Kouyaté’s UK tour will be preceded by the release of a brand new single, “Premiers Pas”, a powerful, political track that finds the artist echoing Africa’s call for total autonomy. Offering a poignant reflection on Africa’s tumultuous history, the single will shine a light on the suffering, terror, and an unquenchable thirst for freedom the continent has endured. Merging French and Malinké languages, the lyrics reflect Africa’s fervent call for complete control, with N’Faly Kouyaté requesting the world recognise Africa’s right to shape its own destiny. It will be streaming on all services on 3 February 2024. 

The release of “Premiers Pas” will be accompanied by a striking official music video co-directed by N’Faly Kouyaté, his manager Sandra Werner, and their team. The metaphorical visuals will depict Africa’s journey to freedom, celebrating cultural diversity and the inner strength of its people. Filmed in South Africa, the choice of Nelson Mandela’s homeland as the filming location underscores continental solidarity in the pursuit of autonomy. In tandem, the artist sheds light on similar phenomena in daily life, such as workplace abuse of power, domestic violence, and many others. 

Speaking about the new single N’Faly Kouyaté says: “I am raising a cry with ‘Premiers Pas’ to demand total autonomy for Africa. This song is the expression of the determination of an entire continent to finally take control of its destiny.”

More than a song, “Premiers Pas” is the resounding cry of a continent seeking to reclaim its voice and place on the global stage, sung by one of its most passionate musical advocates. 

Originally hailing from Guinea, N’Faly Kouyate is a world-renowned Griot master musician and multi-instrumentalist. Moving to Belgium in 1994, he formed the ensemble Dunyakan (The Voice of the World), before joining Afro Celt Sound System in 1996. Frequently performing at WOMAD, the latter have released many albums through Real World Records and performed with stars including Peter Gabriel, Robert Plant, and Sinéad O’Connor. Owning an innovative sound that blends electronica with music from Ireland and West African countries, Kouyate prominently provides vocals, kora and balafon for the group.

Famed for his irrepressible energy and virtuoso performances on stage, N’Faly Kouyaté’s latest solo project will promise a spellbinding mixture of polyphony and electronic music in symbiosis with traditional instruments, called Afrotronix.

On his upcoming ‘Ré-Génération Tour’, N’Faly will be joined each night by his extraordinary ensemble, promising a unique opportunity for British audiences to experience this visionary artist like never before. He comes to Wiltshire Music Centre in Bradford-on-Avon on 11th Feb, Tickets here.

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Wife Cooks Husband in Devizes!

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The Importance of Being Earnest at the Wharf Theatre, Devizes

The Importance of Being Earnest is rather like a newfound interest in jazz, you must “unlearn” the four-beat pop you’re accustomed to, to fully appreciate it. You have to rewind, temporarily forget Rick Mayall and Ade Edmondson, forgo all farcical comedy from The Goon Show to Charlie Chaplin, and leave your Tardis in late Victorian England, then, you will laugh.….in a hoity-toity kinda fashion!

Opening Monday, it’s a sell-out at the Wharf Theatre in Devizes already, assuring me you know the plot and backstory; though I caught last night’s dress rehearsal, I’m not sure I need review it, only to assure ticket-holders they’re in for a good night, express, once again, why you gotta love our communal and hospitable town’s theatre, and maybe attempt to convince you I’m an intellectual!

One of the few plays I’ve read, I’m reminded how ironic and sardonic towards pomposity Oscar Wilde was, and how much trouble he got from it; surely making The Importance of Being Earnest a Victorian Men Behaving Badly, albeit written by a genius of twisting narrative the like I find unable to make a modern comparable.

I find myself wondering how, or even if it’s possible, to modernise it, as they did with Brewster’s Millions, for example. For it lambasts the snobbery of Victorian social etiquette as nonsensical, ridiculing the formalities of gentry as preposterous folly, and though it suggests insincerity and fabrications should be morally neutral, our protocols to be so feigned with social interactions has drastically improved through equality since, making this feel somewhat lost in time. Such is its ex-post facto beauty, concluding some things are best left the way they are. 

This leaves the happy ending scene questionable by today’s standards. In an unfeasible  modern twist it’s surely likely both Jack and Algernon would’ve been victims of their own circumstance; akin to a double-act of Basil Fawlty and Basil Fawlty. A modernisation of the play would end (spoiler alert) with the penultimate scene, where the ladies discover Earnest was a big, fat double-whammy fib to get in their knickers, and the boys would’ve been summoned to punishment for their deceptions, liable to sharp kicks to their respective groin-areas!

True, isn’t it? Modern girls wouldn’t have given these unsuitable and practically unhinged suitors the time of day! They’d receive only a two-finger salute, probably de-friended and condemned on Facebook, and they’d both be rung out to dry on Tinder, no matter how loaded they are! It is then, with a curiosity of Victorian ethics which makes this play so endearingly comical, classic and impossible to modernise; go tell Disney! 

Though, with a line in the play ironically defuncting happy endings I hadn’t picked up on till last night’s fantastic dramatisation of it, I strongly suspect that is precisely what Wilde was getting at, only leaving me ponder what he would think of our era today. There’s far more connotations to encrypt from this play than first meets the eye, but at least he wouldn’t be threatened with a bouquet of rotten vegetables from his boyfriend’s pop and in his attempt to sue the Lord, get banged up in the big house for it. More likely the Lord would get a wrap on the knuckles for a hate-crime; proving how far we’ve emancipated and why this play is so intriguing and poignant, if outmoded comically.

And it’s played out wonderfully, Rob Finlay plays steadfast Jack Worthing, Oliver Beech makes the perfect punster Algernon Moncrieff, and their conflicting characters ricochet off each other like they were performing this in Melksham’s Bounce House!

Sophie Kerr plays Gwendolen Fairfax, and Anna McGrail is Cecily Cardew, elegantly defining the constricted mannerisms of Victorian ladies, and Wilde’s attempts to satirise it. Comic gold from Debby Wilkinson as Lady Bracknell and Jess Bone as Miss Prism, particularly when the two finally clash. Rob Gill is the bumbling reverend, Tony Luscombe and Ian Diddams make the perfect butlers.

Lewis Cowen is one dedicated director who has made this play shine beyond the rafters of the Wharf. I think you’ll love it, being far more intellectual than me, and I finish with an oxymoron Oscar Wilde might be proud of me for; oh, awfully witty, what-what! Photographer Chris Watkins was there, trying to grab some images from him to illustrate this with, for now, I apologise for not taking photos, but guarantee you, it’s yet another stunning performance.

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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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Devizes Corn Exchange; Vaccine Clinic Accepting Walk-Ins

The Devizes Corn Exchange is holding vaccine clinics on Wednesday 4th of August, Friday 6th ( Pfizer only) and Saturday 7th August ( Astra and Pfizer) between 8.30 and 5pm each day.

They are accepting walk-ins, you do not need to book. If this is to be your second vaccine, you must be at 8 weeks between your first vaccine, as per government recommendations.

The Corn Exchange The Market Place Devizes SN10 1HS

Devizine would like to extend its eternal gratitude to all the staff and volunteers working so hard at the Corn Exchange, and I hope that speaks for the town. I’m thinking we should organise a club-together, get them each all a small gift of thanks from Devizes folk. What do you think?

Candidate for Wiltshire Police & Crime Commissioner barred from Volunteering to Administer Lateral Flow Covid Tests

Is it campaign point-scoring, as the authorities seem to presume, or concern for health which encouraged Wiltshire PCC candidate, Mike Rees to volunteer to administer lateral flow tests? Whatever, the bottom line is discouraging anyone from attempting to help out during this crisis is bureaucratic nonsense.

And besides, just a brief chat with Mike recently, throughly convinced me his motives are genuine. He’s an open minded, authentic and down-to-earth guy, with experience in the field and a passion for the role.

Mike explains: “It’s with great surprise and disappointment that I have to let you know that I have been stopped, and apparently barred, from becoming a volunteer in the police effort to combat Covid19.

As a retired police officer I put my name forward for volunteer duties last year when the pandemic struck.

Mike Rees

This month I answered another call to volunteer to administer lateral flow tests to police officers and staff. I had a training session earlier this week and completed the online NHS assessment and passed to certificate my competency for the task.

Today I was expecting to attend a ‘dry run’ session however I’ve now been told I cannot attend as they have to investigate the ‘rules’ as allowing me to volunteer may suggest bias on their part because I’m a candidate for the role of Wiltshire Police Crime Commissioner.

I’m disappointed and dismayed to be denied the opportunity to volunteer to support the police, a force I worked in for 30 years.

I’ve asked for the ‘rules’ to be clarified as I see no possible concerns.

For your information, I do not agree with this decision to bar me from volunteering. 

I’m standing as an independent candidate, not aligned to any political party and volunteering was a personal decision.”

Mike is fast becoming the outside chance of becoming our PCC, and we’re backing him fully here on Devizine after his Malmesbury boxing club recently helped out the homeless, appealing for  donations of sleeping bags , food and clothes from locals and delivering them to the OpenDoors support agency in Devizes.

Plus, this is, by far, not the first charitable thing Mike has engaged in.