As promised/threatened (delete as appropriate) I’m continuing on with the pledge to relaunch the Song of the Day feature, and today proves ska is universal.
From Yekaterinburg in Russia, Lollipop Lorry have worked their way to the top of the international ska scene over a twelve year period, getting kudos through a tour of Mexico this year, where the scene is at its apex.
It’s refreshingly fun and carefree sunshine music, as ska should be, and this tune is out today. If anyone could translate I might know the subject, but the amusing speed dating video suggests a frustrating man-hunt! You just have to pick one, Svetlana, we really are all that rubbish, (excluding myself obviously!)
They first caught my attention and affection three years ago when covering the Gaylettes’ rock steady classic, Silent River (Runs Deep) in which one third of Bob Marley’s backing singer trio, The I-Threes, Judy Mowatt takes the lead vocal. Judy’s range is such that this was no easy feat, which front lady Svetlana made a cracking job of, in a sultry and distinctly Russian tinge; I’m smitten, don’t tell the trouble and strife… long distance relationships never work out!
Meaning to bring back this simple and quick feature for a while now, and what better opportunity than a new tune from Cardiff’s reggae virtuosoes Captain Accident and the Disasters?
Nice mellow rock steady number this one, with a sombre theme and contrasting clown in the video. Bring on those happy, happy clowns, for a band who supported Toots and the Maytals on their 2016 UK tour, who Toots Hibbert liked so much to invite them back to do the same for the follow two tours, it could only be more talent than “accident.”
And that’s my song of the day!! Very good, carry on…..
Venturing over to the Barge tonight to catch crazy corsets and getars shenanigans with the Boot Hill All Stars. So, to get me in the mood, supporting act Dry White Bones gets our song of the day…. yee-ha!
And that’s my song of the day!! Very good, carry on…..
Tomorrow, Friday 2nd October, sees a new single from Chippenham indie folk singer-songwriter Meg Hoy, or M3G, and it’s called My Riverโฆ.. If you deem … Continue reading “My River, New Single from M3G”
Chedworth, Gloucestershire; proud village soloist, songwriter and model Flora Fiora is kicking the tyres and smashing windows in with a new single, and itโs about … Continue reading “Flora Fiora Kicking the Tyres”
Never fails to bring a smile, Gecko breezes the feel good factor once again with this heartwarming, summery song. Backed up with the most wonderful video produced by Cas Janssen out of many quirky self portraits sent in from worldwide fans; how utterly brilliant can you possibly get?!
And that’s my song of the day!! Very good, carry on…..
Tomorrow, Friday 2nd October, sees a new single from Chippenham indie folk singer-songwriter Meg Hoy, or M3G, and it’s called My Riverโฆ.. If you deem … Continue reading “My River, New Single from M3G”
Chedworth, Gloucestershire; proud village soloist, songwriter and model Flora Fiora is kicking the tyres and smashing windows in with a new single, and itโs about … Continue reading “Flora Fiora Kicking the Tyres”
I could scrutinise my archives, like a minister’s accountant, but without doing so I highly suspect Lady Nade has had a song featured on our Song of the Day feature once before.
Futile to check, as if I’ve implimented a ruling of one song per artist on our feature, which I haven’t. And even if I had, I’m my own boss here, and have every right to override it. And for what? What purpose?
I’ll tell you, shall I? If only to share and spread the word, this is a gorgeous tune, with a video nodding to her home city, Bristol, and its hint of topical affairs, despite the conotations of the song not revealing a similar notion, rather a classic theme of romance.
But the soulful expertise of Lady Nade makes it look so easy, and in this beautifully executed breezy ballad, one can only gasp at her skill and wallow in its splendour.
And that’s my song of the day!! Very good, carry on…..
Tomorrow, Friday 2nd October, sees a new single from Chippenham indie folk singer-songwriter Meg Hoy, or M3G, and it’s called My Riverโฆ.. If you deem … Continue reading “My River, New Single from M3G”
Chedworth, Gloucestershire; proud village soloist, songwriter and model Flora Fiora is kicking the tyres and smashing windows in with a new single, and itโs about … Continue reading “Flora Fiora Kicking the Tyres”
Here’s a thing, did you know the Michael and Janet Jackson duet “Scream,” is cited as the world’s most expensive music video, totaling a cost of $7 million? And Wacko dished the cash out of his own pocket?
Despite critical acclaim at the time, reaching number 3 in the UK pop charts, and the retaliatory nature of the song against the tabloid assault on Michael after sexual abuse accusations, I thought, and always will think, it was a bit shit, to be perfectly frank!
Look, I mean, okay, bit harsh were the allegations, so MJ thinks, I know, I’ll bag myself a B-movie spaceship, take my sister off the planet, buy us both matching knobbly jumpers, dance about in zero g, and cough up seven million dollars for someone to film it, that’ll convince the fans I’m not a complete fruitcake.
They didn’t even save enough pennies to get it filmed in technicolor. Input sad face emoji.
Compare and contrast to Devizes-own Jon Amor, who, with just the creativity of Lucianne Worthy, a big chunk of inspiration from Jim Henson and some snazzy blue loafers, pulls off this absolute beauty for the track Rider from the latest album Remote Control.
Smashed it, guys, and it’s in colour too. Proof you don’t gotta do a Wacko Jacko and push the boat out as far as Mars to accomplish something all together entertaining.
And that’s my song of the day!! Very good, carry on….
Tomorrow, Friday 2nd October, sees a new single from Chippenham indie folk singer-songwriter Meg Hoy, or M3G, and it’s called My Riverโฆ.. If you deem … Continue reading “My River, New Single from M3G”
Chedworth, Gloucestershire; proud village soloist, songwriter and model Flora Fiora is kicking the tyres and smashing windows in with a new single, and itโs about … Continue reading “Flora Fiora Kicking the Tyres”
Having a great album reviewed fairly recently on Devizine doesn’t exclude you from being in the spotlight of our Song of the Day posts. And if it ever does, call me out on it. Just ask me who hell I think I am, Vlad the Impaler, or something similar.
Check the review of Buy All That $tuff by Andy, here, or just enjoy today’s video, Night Terrors, exposing where the band practice, under the beds of children, obviously! Which kinda makes we wish I was a kid again, as there were no bands practicing under beds back then. Just once I’d like to have discovered, I dunno, the Bangles perhaps, practicing under my bed!
And that’s my song of the day!! Very good, carry on….
Tomorrow, Friday 2nd October, sees a new single from Chippenham indie folk singer-songwriter Meg Hoy, or M3G, and it’s called My Riverโฆ.. If you deem … Continue reading “My River, New Single from M3G”
Chedworth, Gloucestershire; proud village soloist, songwriter and model Flora Fiora is kicking the tyres and smashing windows in with a new single, and itโs about … Continue reading “Flora Fiora Kicking the Tyres”
Song of the Day hoggers! Yes, they’ve had a song featured on our song of the day feature once before, and yes, they’ve had so many thumbs up on Devizine in general, thumbs are starting to ache, but The Lost Trades have a new song, getting another thumbs up, a sneak from the forthcoming album, and it simply, without question, has to be our song of the day… I’m the editor, what I sez goes, sue me if I’m wrong, I double dare you!
And that’s my song of the day!! Very good, carry on….
Tomorrow, Friday 2nd October, sees a new single from Chippenham indie folk singer-songwriter Meg Hoy, or M3G, and it’s called My Riverโฆ.. If you deem … Continue reading “My River, New Single from M3G”
Chedworth, Gloucestershire; proud village soloist, songwriter and model Flora Fiora is kicking the tyres and smashing windows in with a new single, and itโs about … Continue reading “Flora Fiora Kicking the Tyres”
My classic excuses don’t wash in an online era; the dog ate my Song of the Day blogpost, I’m certain I put it in my bag when I left school, bull like that.
I know, right. It’s been a while since my last Song of the Day, a post I promised on a daily basis but failed, miserably. I got nothing, no excuse that’ll wash. But the moment you hear this tune from John Smith and Jolyon Dixon, the duo known as Illingworth, you’ll understand the need to bring it back.
They’re the Kenco of local music, instantly, each new song comes across as a rock classic, sounding as if it’s always been swimming around in your head.
But Man Made of Glass is emotionally topical and contemporary. Just, go on, have a listen, and I might be persuaded to realign my promise to bring you a song of the day each day, else I’ll have to change the title to song of the month, which is a bit lack lusture of me.
Pulling my finger out, if you’re looking for someone to blame; Netflix. There, it’s out there. Why has every fair idea got to be flipping twelve season series of 200 episodes each, consisting of a drawn-out narrative a better writer could’ve concluded in a hour and half movie? For God’s sake, bring back live music!
Anyway, I’m waffling, feel free to stop me; that’s my song of the day. Very good, carry on….
Tomorrow, Friday 2nd October, sees a new single from Chippenham indie folk singer-songwriter Meg Hoy, or M3G, and it’s called My Riverโฆ.. If you deem … Continue reading “My River, New Single from M3G”
Chedworth, Gloucestershire; proud village soloist, songwriter and model Flora Fiora is kicking the tyres and smashing windows in with a new single, and itโs about … Continue reading “Flora Fiora Kicking the Tyres”
Naarm/Melbourne-based singer-songwriter, Maple Glider releasesd a new single today, “Good Thing.”
Her striking emotionality is at the centre of her performance, which opens with her light and velvety voice accompanied by a sparsely strummed guitar. She wastes no time in revealing the state of sadness sheโs in, offering such tenderness and introspection that the listener feels as though theyโre inside her bedroom as she plays for herself. Eschewing a traditional chorus, the repeated refrain is more a bookend to each verse. The emotional apex hits in verse three, turning the song into a spectral folk powerhouse with the revelation that sheโs cutting ties before things turn sour.
Ziestch explains:ย โI wrote this song out of a place of defeat. I was really heartbroken at this point, and very confused. I like the feeling of my independence and I think I was afraid of putting energy into the wrong people. Sometimes we make decisions out of fear and sometimes itโs because we know that it is the best decision to make. Those lines can get very blurry.โ
And that’s my song of the day. Very good, carry on….
Tomorrow, Friday 2nd October, sees a new single from Chippenham indie folk singer-songwriter Meg Hoy, or M3G, and it’s called My Riverโฆ.. If you deem … Continue reading “My River, New Single from M3G”
Chedworth, Gloucestershire; proud village soloist, songwriter and model Flora Fiora is kicking the tyres and smashing windows in with a new single, and itโs about … Continue reading “Flora Fiora Kicking the Tyres”
We are the mods, we are the mods, we are, we are, okay, you get the gist. Imagine Kate Nash is Doctor Who’s assistant, and they tracked back to Carnaby Street in 1963. If she dressed and performed without raising suspicion that they’re time travellers, you’ve got a general picture of the fantastic Emily Capell.
On one hand, this is fab retrospective meddling, on the other it’s lively and fresh fun, with a beehive hairdo.
There’s nothing here not to like, unless you’re a ret-con rocker and if so, I’ll see you on Brighton beach, pal. All I ask is you aim for the face, so you don’t crease my suit.
Tomorrow, Friday 2nd October, sees a new single from Chippenham indie folk singer-songwriter Meg Hoy, or M3G, and it’s called My Riverโฆ.. If you deem … Continue reading “My River, New Single from M3G”
Chedworth, Gloucestershire; proud village soloist, songwriter and model Flora Fiora is kicking the tyres and smashing windows in with a new single, and itโs about … Continue reading “Flora Fiora Kicking the Tyres”
I know, I accept your question, and let me just say, I think it’s a very good question, one which I fully intend to answer in the fullness of time, but first, let me just say this, and this alone, and let us be totally sure that this is the correct time to, indeed, as you ask, for me to answer that question, one which I think is a very good question, as I may or may not have said and I really feel it is a question which needs answering….and so on, and so forth….
Think I’ve got what it takes for national politics?! I can waffle shit for Queen and country, and yes, I promised a Song of the Day feature everyday, and I haven’t delivered on that promise for a few days now, and any excuse I could provide wouldn’t be fully truthful. That’s why I believe I’ve got what it takes, my capacity to lie is acute, and my moral responsibility is pretty much shot, besides I couldn’t possibly mess it up further than it already is anyway, so yeah; I might stand.
The fact you’re probably all watching real politicians waffling about the easing stages of lockdown, is neither here nor there. I’m going to slip our song of the day in now, when you least expect me to.
And it’s wonderful, earthy folk outfit Strange Folk, with a track called Glitter. You may recall them playing the Vinyl Realm Stage at Devizes Street Festival, you may not. But enjoy, it’s gorgeously fantastical, the kind of escapism we need right now.
Back to reality, why they gotta keep calling it a “roadmap,” for crying out loud? Boris navigating for real and you’d end up driving headlong into a lake.
Strange Folk they might be, but not as strange as those leading us, I might add. The announcement will be on all night, while the Daily Mirror managed to sum it all up, hours prior to the conference, in one neat graphic.
And that’s my song for the day. Very good. Carry on…..
Tomorrow, Friday 2nd October, sees a new single from Chippenham indie folk singer-songwriter Meg Hoy, or M3G, and it’s called My Riverโฆ.. If you deem … Continue reading “My River, New Single from M3G”
Chedworth, Gloucestershire; proud village soloist, songwriter and model Flora Fiora is kicking the tyres and smashing windows in with a new single, and itโs about … Continue reading “Flora Fiora Kicking the Tyres”
Nigel writes to confirm heโs from theย โDevizes side of Bristol!โย Had to laugh about the perceived strictness of an obnoxious aging school teacher, and feel I should explain. While Devizine does offer local news subjects, since lockdown weโve blown up our border control and now rampage internationally when it comes to featuring arts and music. So, it makes hide nor hair what side of Bristol you come from, or even if you come from Bristol Connecticut, if I like it or I think my readers will, Iโll mention it, and despite the title,ย Boring, yeah, I do.
Seems weโre alike, Nigel, least in the concept donโt judge a book by its cover, because this nugget of quirky art-pop reminds me of Talking Heads and is far from boring. Nigel explained the meaning, โ[itโs] written after spending time with people who only seem to like the sound of their own voice – warning, I may be one of them!โ Yep, me too. But if weโre not one of them, we all know one who is.
โThe song started off as a Stones/Pistols rant,โ he continued, โand has developed into a soft indie rock stomp, with an added lyrical twist at the end.โ
Itโs the first single from a forthcoming album,ย Hello Mystery, which I think we need to review nearer the time. Until then, thatโs my song of the day, very good, carry onโฆ.
Tomorrow, Friday 2nd October, sees a new single from Chippenham indie folk singer-songwriter Meg Hoy, or M3G, and it’s called My Riverโฆ.. If you deem … Continue reading “My River, New Single from M3G”
Chedworth, Gloucestershire; proud village soloist, songwriter and model Flora Fiora is kicking the tyres and smashing windows in with a new single, and itโs about … Continue reading “Flora Fiora Kicking the Tyres”
Can you go twice on our Song of the Day feature? No, certainly not, one shot is all, get over it!
Wha? Cabin fever, me? Getting tetchy, perpetual rain the only visible sign of spring, going to need Google maps to locate my local pub if it ever gets back to normal, whatever normal is, been so long, forgotten, might need retraining in how to order a pint… ah, okay, point taken. I’m calm….
Here we go with the brilliant Big Ship Alliance reggae band, who may’ve had a Song of Day before but hey, when you hear this you’ll realise why I’m making the exception to my steadfast iron ruling.
My Life, it’s called, featuring Mitchell Joseph Thompson, and the Alliance introduces us to the incredible Kiano Taylee. At 13, it’s an emotive and sentimental debut single, capturing teenage anguish, bullying and family issues which bear heavy on modern youth. Moving stuff.
For the record, I was young once too, you know. But, don’t let me get started on my memoirs, it’s a longwinded tale of nothingness but reading the Beano and eating spaghetti hoops. But, that’s my song for the day. Very good. Carry on…..
Tomorrow, Friday 2nd October, sees a new single from Chippenham indie folk singer-songwriter Meg Hoy, or M3G, and it’s called My Riverโฆ.. If you deem … Continue reading “My River, New Single from M3G”
Chedworth, Gloucestershire; proud village soloist, songwriter and model Flora Fiora is kicking the tyres and smashing windows in with a new single, and itโs about … Continue reading “Flora Fiora Kicking the Tyres”
A tad shocked my car fluked its way through its MOT today, first time. Going on the theory good luck is a positive virus, maybe I should get a lottery ticket.
It’s your lucky day too, Song of the Day needs no introduction; Lady Nade, ’nuff said?
And that’s my song for the day. Very good. Carry on…..
Tomorrow, Friday 2nd October, sees a new single from Chippenham indie folk singer-songwriter Meg Hoy, or M3G, and it’s called My Riverโฆ.. If you deem … Continue reading “My River, New Single from M3G”
Chedworth, Gloucestershire; proud village soloist, songwriter and model Flora Fiora is kicking the tyres and smashing windows in with a new single, and itโs about … Continue reading “Flora Fiora Kicking the Tyres”
Ever just float around your favourite social media site with no objective in mind, to unexpectedly find something which pounces on you as utterly brilliant, and wonder why you’ve not heard about it before?
Took a second of watching this to establish it’s one of those rare occasions, and not just a pointless scrolling exercise for your index finger. You know the kind, where you only see your mate’s unappealing dinner, a wonky, windup political opinion, or video of a young prankster posing as a magician hoaxing eye candy on a Florida beach.
Took a further second to confirm it’s not to be confused with senior easy listening giant, Andy Williams, rather an indie-pop Bristol-based singer-songwriter namesake, but with an added middle J, a penchant for a funky riff and eye for a beguiling tune.
Check this cracking danceable video out, where one could ponder if the middle J stands for “Jacko!”
Not that I’m usually one to allow a cracking video convince me, even with dancing stormtroopers. So, you should note, he’s on his third album “Buy all the $tuff,” of which you can, here. I’m reckoning I need a window to review this fully in the near future. For now it came as big as a nice surprise as spotting an unidentified circular yellow object in the sky this morning, for a near halfhour! Amazing.
And that’s my song for the day. Very good. Carry on…..
Tomorrow, Friday 2nd October, sees a new single from Chippenham indie folk singer-songwriter Meg Hoy, or M3G, and it’s called My Riverโฆ.. If you deem … Continue reading “My River, New Single from M3G”
Chedworth, Gloucestershire; proud village soloist, songwriter and model Flora Fiora is kicking the tyres and smashing windows in with a new single, and itโs about … Continue reading “Flora Fiora Kicking the Tyres”
Self-taught multi-instrumentalist, singer and actor, Darling Boy, aka Alexander Gold adds reminisces about his game childhood with this video for his new single “Tea Drinkers of the World.” An unusual move for this brand of indie-pop, but a colourful and entertaining 16-bit retro game fashioned video; enjoy.
Tomorrow, Friday 2nd October, sees a new single from Chippenham indie folk singer-songwriter Meg Hoy, or M3G, and it’s called My Riverโฆ.. If you deem … Continue reading “My River, New Single from M3G”
Chedworth, Gloucestershire; proud village soloist, songwriter and model Flora Fiora is kicking the tyres and smashing windows in with a new single, and itโs about … Continue reading “Flora Fiora Kicking the Tyres”
If you’ve not heard of The Lost Trades before, you must be new to Devizine! Not a problem, we welcome newbies with open arms.
For further information we have a search bar, use it!There are plenty of archived features on The Lost Trades, Phil Cooper, Jamie R Hawkins and Tamsin Quin: enough for Devizine to be an official fan club! These Song of the Day posts are brief and are not intended to be full reviews.
They’re also about introducing you to artists we’ve not, or hardly ever mentioned much of before. Today’s case differs.
I should explain, we’ve followed the individual careers of this local vocal harmony trio since the website’s creation, and they’re three out of many in through doing this, have become personal friends.
Naturally, there’s a danger to the bias of honest criticism in a reviewer befriending the creators; mainstream artists use “enemy” as a term to describe NME journalists.
Although they’re aware I’d be critical if there was ever anything to be critical about, this is also, never a problem, because, simply, the awkward situation never arises.
Partly, I believe, this is because Devizine isn’t a job, it’s a hobby, and if I thought for a second I’ll unjustly slag anyone off for kicks, then the whole objective of it is compromised. Though it’s a delicate balance to provide honest content and maintain relationships with the talented subjects, there’s no reason to wreck a career, and I’d sooner avoid scribbling anything on the matter at all.
The fact if you do search for the Lost Trades or the musicians which make the trio up, you’ll find a fair amount of matter on the subject, can therefore mean only one thing: there never is a problem because they’re genuinely awesome, and this would still be the case even if they hated my guts. Which I’m not ruling out, but suspect it’s unlikely; least I can hope for is they think I’m a headcase. A friendly headcase, but a headcase nonetheless!
Still, it’s a great song, as ever, with a fascinating homemade video fusing Jamie’s enthusiasm for stop motion animation. Get it here.
And that’s my song for the day. Very good. Carry on….
If you came here looking for an original song by upcoming hopefuls, look away. Chippenham’s Blondie & Ska may not be groundbreaking or looking for a mainstream recording contract, a Blondie tribute act who fuse ska and Two-Tone classics into their repertoire, but what they do they do with a barrel load of lively fun. And, in a nutshell, lively carefree fun is the backbone of ska.
Heores of the live stream currently, booking Blondie & Ska for a party or pub gig in the future, and you can gurantee, if fussy music devotees tut, the majority will be up dancing. For this reason enough, I blinking love this duo, but that alone is plentiful. Like their Facebook page for details of future free streams, it’s an entertaining, unpretentious show.
And that’s my song for the day. Very good. Carry on….
Anytime is a good time for some roots reggae, Sunday morning, doublely so.
Enter one of my favourite current reggae bands, from Madrid, the Emertarians.
They always remind me of an occasion, at a festival in Andalusia. I watched this great French reggae band. The slighty rotound frontman looked rather like the late, great Jacob Miller. After the performance I noted he was standing close to me, watching the following act. I went over in hope of telling him how much I enjoyed their music, praying they spoke English.
I momentarily regretted my school French lessons, which I spent making homemade comics out of text books, as he replied with an adamant no upon asking if he spoke English.
All the vocabulary my intoxicated mind could conjour was “tres bien,” so I repeated it perpetually in true Del-Boy fashion!
Otherwise the meeting was the awkward silence of communication breakdown, in which I suspected they thought I was completely nuts. Not so far from the truth.
So, I namedropped Jacob Miller and suddenly we had understanding and mutual respect for the man. My point is, sometimes the Emertarians sing in Spanish and sometimes English, often the Spanish ones more emotive, but reggae has no language barriers, because it’s spiritual meaning and uplifting ambiance is universal. As with the French Jacob Miller-alike, we were on the same song sheet….
Naturally at that conjunction, I rolled a joint.
And that’s my song for the day. Very good. Carry on….
Tomorrow, Friday 2nd October, sees a new single from Chippenham indie folk singer-songwriter Meg Hoy, or M3G, and it’s called My Riverโฆ.. If you deem … Continue reading “My River, New Single from M3G”
Chedworth, Gloucestershire; proud village soloist, songwriter and model Flora Fiora is kicking the tyres and smashing windows in with a new single, and itโs about … Continue reading “Flora Fiora Kicking the Tyres”
Congratulations go to folk duo Antonie & Owena for winning the G.S.M.C award for Best Album this year. Yet it’s not their first award, winning best duo at last year’s GSMC, and others. Here’s Something Out of Nothing, which I think explains all you need to know about how and why they won it!
And that’s my song for the day. Very good. Carry on….
Even portions of expressive contemporary pop, the ambience of post-goth and downtempo electric blues of trip hop makes this Staffordshire singer, Darla Jade really someone to watch. With a haunting uniqueness about her voice and style, there’s shards of Evanescence fused with Beth Orton. It’s somehow individually chartable but would also appease alternative rock or goth aficionados alike.
Subscribe to her YouTube channel, hear her own stamp on Radiohead’s Creep, and realise, her talent is so very special.
And that’s my song for the day. Very good. Carry on….
Facebook memories posts a year ago this week we rocked up in the Celler Bar raising money for the Waiblingen Way Fire fund, and makes me stops and think about the years I’ve been smashing out articles on Devizine. So many artists and bands we’ve mentioned, I rarely forget about them, this one I admit I nearly did. Most likely because I didn’t get the opportunity to attend Stoke-on-Trent’s teenage country sensation Emily Lockett’s gig at Dean’s Country Club, then operating at Devizes Cons Club, later at the Cavalier.
So, nice as it is to discover new talent, equally important is to recap. Emily must be nearing her twenties now, and as a musical prodigy from aged 5, her expertise shines through in a matured sense now. This track, Front Porch says it all.
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….
Cast your minds back around about a month and you may recall a Devizine preview of โPlayhouse Creaturesโ, performed by โ3rd Third Theatreโ at The Wharf Theatre, Devizes.
That preview covers the basic premise and storyline of the play, and its societal equivalences to modern society. Its a rags-to-riches, riches-to-rags, rags-to-rags and riches-to-nothing story of five women who in their pursuits of idolatry, social climbing and wealth, and escaping the oppression of men, all in their own way achieve their aims โ mainly โ but are still left oppressed by the patriarchy.
Doll Common retains a semblance of normality but as a drudge to everybody โ including other women โ she neither improves nor worsens her lot. Rebecca Marshall full of confidence and panache during the story finally sees herself ruined by slander at the hands of the nobility โ who also do the dirty on Elizabeth Farleigh who from lofty pretensions , airs and graces, descends to the gutter, abandoned. Nell Gwynn (yes โ THAT Nell Gwynn) in many ways truly โmakes itโ โ but at the cost of abandoning any independence and thoughts of fulfilling her dreams. And finally there is the matriarch of the group, Mary Betterton, who crashes from doyen of the theatre to a housewife, rejected in her middle age by her most dearest.
Director Debby Wilkinson in this debut performance for her new theatre company โ3rd Third Theatreโ has created a black box presentation focussing all attention on the actors, the characters and the story. It’s stunningly effective โ less is more as they day โ as with subtle lighting, and sound alone the action is embellished in this captivating and intimate portrayal of womenโs experiences across all time.
Her cast is simply sublime; every member plays their role to the utmost excellence. In no particular order as they are all equally wonderful, Louise Peak drudges through Dollโs interactions with not a little humour subtly delivered as she plays her cynical underdog role. Sophie Kerr as Elizabeth Farleigh is cool and classy and haughty until undone and her transformation to a guttersnipe is seamless.
Wendy Dophiede as Mary Betterton portrays Maryโs self assured, slightly unworldly, diva drifting into obscurity, disbelief and self doubt smoothly, from self assurance to horror at her demise. Grace Sheridan captures the cheeky London orange seller, Nell Gwynn, whose social climbing reached the highest ranks of the land whilst retaining her charm and fun, and that twinkle in her eye, later resigned to her fate as a kept women to the King. Freddie Underwood completes the cast with her stunning portrayal of Rebecca Marshall, sassy, fun loving but ultimately ruined. A true cast of cohesiveness, bringing April de Angelisโ play to life.
Tickets for โPlayhouse Creaturesโ, October 8th – 10th at the Wharf Theatre are available at
Yeah I know, right, itโs come up on us rather unexpectedly, this Festival of Discovery thing, hasnโt it?! Whatโs itโs all about then, I hear you ask. With DOCA busy with the hugely successful Confetti Battle and Colour Rush, theyโve not had time to update their website yet, so hereโs what we know so far, and how Devizine got involved; letโs discover what we can and The Festival of Discovery!
The Festival of Discovery is a new free weekend festival for Devizes, organised by DOCA. It is happening across the weekend of Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th October. The festival will consist of three zones. Each zone is closed to traffic and is curated with wonderful happenings for you to explore, all connecting with their theme. Some performers will be travelling between zones. โMake sure you explore all of them,โ DOCA says, โthere is something for everyone in each zone!โ
One zone then, is at The Market Place and is labelled โDiscover Community.โ This is the place to sit, eat, listen to music, watch shows, make something in a workshop and make new friends.
The second zone will be at The Brittox, โDiscover Nature.โ Swap, learn, repair, watch nature-inspired shows, check out our willow installations, make a dandelion flower and ride on the Bewonderment Machine. Think about how we can help and appreciate the nature that is all around us. In this nature zone, a huge willow structure will weave its way through the Brittox, transforming the townโs main shopping street into a unique woodland-inspired walk.
The third zone is in Sidmouth Street, the Youth and Community Zones; discover young perspectives. โIf you are or have ever been young,โ DOCA says, โyouโll enjoy this zone!โ There are games, inflatables, and a mini-stage for talented young musicians; the latter is where Devizine comes in, and the bit I want to tell you most about, despite the fact that I’m neither young nor talented!
Iโm delighted DOCA has asked me to host this stage, and with it Iโm bringing some friends along; only the finest lineup of youthful talent in Wiltshire! The focus is on acoustic and singer-songwriters aged from 13 to 23, but there will be cover artists too, a couple of duos, and we will give them the freedom to perform what they wish.
So, we will be in Albion Place at Sidmouth Street from 11:30am to 5:30pm both days, please, join us, and support these incredible young artists. Do not assume Sunday is going to be the lesser day, it seriously is not. Iโve had such a huge response to this, Iโve been crazy busy trying to organise it, and squeeze everyone in. Our grand finales on both Saturday and Sunday will blow your mind! And, if youโre thinking, โitโs just a bunch of kidsโ you are still welcome, because you will be the most surprised!
So, in order of appearance from 11:30 till 5:30, we present, on the Devizine Launchpad!ย
Saturday: Stan Jenkins, Sienna Wileman, Braydon-Lee Jones, Jodie Lauren, Ed Dowdeswell, Rosie Jay, Emelia Houchin, Meg Hoy.
On Sunday we have Tamzin Antignani, Lois Millington, Indigo Avenue, Alfie Crinion, Orla and Jack, Seren Alyssa, Poppy Rose and Ruby Darbyshire.
Itโs going to be amazing, I’m more excited than they are! And I look forward to seeing you all there! Here’s some teasers…..
There’s musical acts which play united on equal pegging, and then there’s those which follow the lead of a virtuoso. Be it guitar, like Hendrix, the poetry of Dylan, or trumpet like Miles Davis, any specific field of expertise, but none are so emotively poignant as the human voiceโฆ.
It would be unfair on anyone to compare their vocals with Bristol-based singer-songwriter, Lady Nade; I have to save this for the likes of Anita Bakerโs rich phrasing and control, the gospel roots of Aretha Franklinโs, and, particularly, the smoky contralto of Nina Simone. Lady Nade has a new album, Indentity, out tomorrow, Friday 2nd October, a deeply personal album of self-discovery, self-acceptance and the courage to show the world who you truly are; it does, sublimely.
The more I immerse myself into this album, the more intricate details I discover. Lucky I donโt give star ratings out of ten because there arenโt enough in the galaxy to award this treasure trove with what it deserves!
We first reviewed a Lady Nade album back in 2021, Willing, where it was heavy with nods towards country influences, and I waffled about Ray Charlesโ affection for the genre. This time, with only subtle sprinkles of roots, more of jazz and blues, the concentration though is soul. This lady takes on every subgenre of soul, track by track, and even with the blending of other styles, by the meaning of these ingeniously penned songs and Ladyโs extensive vocal range giving them emotive deliveries, they win every time.
Other than the general theme of courage and self-acceptance, thereโs no precise running concept through the album; it is a collection of independent songs, where each holds its own narrative and prose; often of transformation, hope or resilience, but each one amazing within its own category.
โIdentity exists because of the love that surrounds me,โ Lady Nade says of the album. โI hope these songs offer a safe space for anyone who has ever felt they had to hide parts of themselves to belong. We all deserve to be seen, heard and celebrated for who we are. This album is a reflection of what it means to be human, and to stand in our own truth.โ
Image: Arthur Reneฬ Walwin
If thereโs an objective embedded into the album, itโs most prominent with the metaphoric penultimate song, Masks, a lounge jazz earworm which really brings the essence of Lady Nadeโs homage to Nina Simone. Where it is that the album is honest reflection, and effectively โunmasksโ the Lady behind, the summary is in the conclusion and the last single to be released from the album, Bloom; the empowering cure, an uplifting motive, akin to Heather Smallโs Proud, but so much more delicate and subtle, itโs awe-inspiring.
The theme of strength above the odds kicks in with the title track at the opening, and itโs a funky introduction. Funk makes a huge return halfway through with the righteous Stand, to make Marva Whitney blush. But the prospective love single One of Us comes second, with these subtle roots elements, and an irresistible singalong chorus rich with upbeat pop commercial viability; whoa, thereโs a lot going on with this Identity, but as with any, theyโre multi-layered.
With a beautiful acoustic guitar riff, Rainbow, brings the uplifting sentiment into play with the most prominent nod to folk roots. And while thereโs delightful ballads like Powerless, thereโs Sober, the doo-wop inspired catchy little handclapping beauty that it is.
The most vivid in subject is Smoke & Mirrors, and undoubtedly of the least abstract or of personal poignancy. Itโs a jazzy homage to Hattie McDaniel, telling the story of Georgiaโs racial segregation causing her to be banned from 1939โs Gone with the Wind premiere, and even at the Oscar ceremony in Los Angeles, where she was required to sit at a segregated table away from the rest of the film’s white cast and crew.
The remaining songs, though, are more personal, and open to the listenerโs reflections and interpretations, and with a voice like Lady Nadeโs, one which Cerys Matthews of BBC Radio 6 Music describes as โa pure voice that gets stuck in your mind,โ it is impossible not be immersed in this wonderful album.
Identity is out on the 2nd October 2026. Lady Nade will celebrate the release of Identity with a UK headline tour running from Friday 6th to Saturday 21st November 2026. If you recall, you lovely local people, Lady Nade did bless Devizes Arts Festival, it was one my all time favourite gigs in Devizes.
Tomorrow, Friday 2nd October, sees a new single from Chippenham indie folk singer-songwriter Meg Hoy, or M3G, and it’s called My Riverโฆ..
If you deem songwriters using rivers as metaphors as a bit clichรฉ these days, from Springsteen’s safety net for the burdens of youthful relationships, or Joni Mitchell’s desperate escapism, to Billy Joelโs spiritual quest, or Neil Young’s haunting impulsive act, I’d nod, and tend to agree…but…
Rivers often, and arguably more simply, represent the relentless passage of time, a comforting escape from relationship issues, or bold life or spiritual journeys. I’ve expressed the originalityย in past reviews of Meg’s songs, and how she angles subjects with breathtaking honesty, and completely unique prose. My River is the perfect example, for here’s a commonly used subject, but Meg uses the river more as emotional balance; a kind of psychological therapeutic acupuncture.
โThe timeless presence of my river helps me find perspective through my pain,โ she said, explaining โI grew up on and around the River Avon, it has been a constant in my life, something I can always rely on to be there.โ
โAnother constant over the past seven years has been my pains and aches throughout my body. I wrote this song as I was being diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. Coming to terms with the fact that there is nothing physically causing all of my pain and that it would be around for the rest of my life was something I did not want to do. But as my pain will continue, so will the river that I love.โ
Perhaps the most appropriate song about rivers to compare this by composition to, is The Byrds, Ballad of Easy Rider, which Dylan famously scribbled the chorus to on a napkin for the director, Peter Fonda, because both flow like rivers.
Acoustic for a minute, until subtle layers of chanting develop, and the whole composition of Meg’s river themed song builds in intensity to a climax of ultimate expression, just how a river builds its flow to an estuary. My River presents Meg vocally more mature than anything past. The effect is spellbinding.
โThe name ‘Avon’ comes a Celtic word used thousands of years ago to mean river,โ Meg said, โso the River Avon literally means the River River!โ
Equally this song is so intensely beautiful, it should be named twice!
Chedworth, Gloucestershire; proud village soloist, songwriter and model Flora Fiora is kicking the tyres and smashing windows in with a new single, and itโs about as explosive as female rage soundsโฆ..
With Olivia Rodrigo fashioned dynamic and unfiltered sound of Gen Z vulnerability, hints of Florence & The Machineโs baroque indie-pop, and the radical emotional honesty in the songwriting of Lizzy McAlpine, Kick the Tyres is a new new wave, and shows Flora Fiora at her most fiery. If this is airing frustrations, just roll with it, because Flora Fiora makes it sound sublimely perfected.ย
Her third single of the year, the others all worthy of checking out; but this one, this one totally smashes it. Itโs an instant like from me!
I met Flora supporting Talk in Code at their single launch at The Vic in Swindon last year. There she was in acoustic splendour, but wielding an electric guitar; I knew this was going to go off. Outside I congratulated her, she took control of my phone from my intoxicated sausage fingers, too wonky to press the right buttons, to ensure I followed her Insta, and besides the perfection of her rocking performance there, coupled with the notion I wouldnโt advise rashly lending your phone out to any rock chick on those mean streets of Swindon, Kick the Tyres confirms I did the right thing!
The Wharf Theatre in Devizes is thrilled to announce a major new chapter in its artistic programme: the theatre has officially become a registered screening centre for National Theatre Live, bringing worldโclass theatre from the West End directly to Wiltshire…..
From November 2026, audiences will be able to enjoy up to 12 NT Live productions every year, screened in stunning highโdefinition and presented with the same care, atmosphere, and community spirit that defines the Wharf Theatreโs live performance season.
The programme launches with an exceptional first screening:
The Misanthrope โ starring Golden Globe winner Sandra Oh
Tuesday 3rd November 2026 at 7.30pm Tickets: ยฃ18 + booking fee Discounts available for Wharf Theatre members.
Artistic Director of the Wharf Theatre, Alison Warren said, โbecoming an NT Live venue is a huge step forward for us. It means our community can experience the very best of British theatre without travelling to London. Weโre proud to offer a programme that is both accessible and artistically ambitious.โ
Audiences can expect a diverse year-round slate of productionsโfrom gripping dramas and reimagined classics to bold new writingโeach captured live from the West End and delivered straight to Devizes.
Tickets for The Misanthrope and the upcoming NT Live season are available now via the Wharf Theatre website and Box Office.
Young, talented, I tick neither box, but I am delighted to tell you Devizine has assembled the very best of emerging musical talent from across Wiltshire, and weโre showcasing them at Albion Place on Sidmouth Street, Devizes, for DOCAโs Festival of Discovery on the 17th&18th of October. From 11:30am until 5:30pm we will squeeze in 16 young upcoming and professional acts; you will be amazed!
For many years now Devizine has been promoting local music, and over those years weโve seen young talent rise to professional capacity and become renowned nationwide names. Thereโs an uprising, the next generation are here! I could fondly waffle on about them and have faith youโll take heed, but proof is the bottom line! Iโm delighted to be able to host this amazing opportunity, presenting proof to you!
Subject to change, our line-up includes:
Saturday 17th October:
11:30: Stan Jenkins
12:00: Sienna Wileman
12:40: Braydon-Lee Jones
13:30: Jodie Lauren
14:20: Ed Dowdeswell
15:10: Rosie Jay
16:00: Emelia Houchin
16:45: Meg Hoy
Sunday 18th October:
11:30: Tamzin Antignani
12:00: Lois Millington
12:30: Indigo Avenue
13:20: Alfie Crinion
14:10: Jack Ralph
15:00: Seren Alyssa
15:50: Poppy Rose
16:40: Ruby Darbyshire
I hope to see as many of you as possible, supporting live local music, and the youngest of our most talented performers. More information to come, and we will include bios and info on all our artists. For now, just had to get the message out there; I think I’m more excited about this than they are!!
Second single of 2026 from local legend George Wilding, Loser to Loser is a grower which carries a delightful punchโฆif any type of punch could be deemed delightful, this is probably it!
Thereโs something breezily contented indie-pop about Georgeโs recent releases with more commercial viability, rather than the often whimsically lost or dejected characters of his early works. Iโm tempted to reach more to bands like The Boo Radleys or Deacon Blue for a comparison than The Velvet Underground.
Although thereโs something broken in the relationship in Loser to Loser, where past characters might let it get them down, they seem to face up to realities gratified, or at least nonchalantly. Perhaps to match with the catchy hook and lively ambience. George declares in the song, a system of an accusation designed to confuse and amuse you.
It kicks off with an electric guitar riff like an eighties power-pop anthem, but an โooh-oohโ vocable breathing something more doo-wop or Motown, but whether George ventures for hints of quirky or experimental hidden details, itโs incomparable and unmistakenly George Wilding; a cracking single!
by Ian Diddamsimages by Simon Hoy Cast your minds back around about a month and you may recall a Devizine preview of โPlayhouse Creaturesโ, performed by โ3rd Third Theatreโ at The Wharf Theatre, Devizes. Here is it to refresh your memories ๐ https://devizine.com/2026/09/10/playhouse-creatures-at-the-wharf-theatre-devizes-october-8th-10th-a-preview/ That preview covers the basic premise and storyline of the play, andโฆ
Yeah I know, right, itโs come up on us rather unexpectedly, this Festival of Discovery thing, hasnโt it?! Whatโs itโs all about then, I hear you ask. With DOCA busy with the hugely successful Confetti Battle and Colour Rush, theyโve not had time to update their website yet, so hereโs what we know so far,โฆ
There’s musical acts which play united on equal pegging, and then there’s those which follow the lead of a virtuoso. Be it guitar, like Hendrix, the poetry of Dylan, or trumpet like Miles Davis, any specific field of expertise, but none are so emotively poignant as the human voiceโฆ. It would be unfair on anyoneโฆ
A ladies-only club, four gloriously eccentric rooms and a barista in a bowler hat: The Dressing House is anything but ordinary. Devizine contributor Charlotte Howard bought a ticket to its second soft launch to find out what was going on behind the doors…..
Iโd been dying to know what was happening at 40 Market Place ever since I spotted The Dressing House on Instagram, and rushed to buy a ticket as soon as they became available. Numbers were limited to give the new team a chance to settle in. The invitation was intriguingly titled โThe Department of Very Important Outfitsโ and said groups and singles were welcome. So I bravely went alone, while my husband dropped me outside and left me to navigate the world of ladies-wot-lunch.
The Grand Staircase
Iโm socially awkward at the best of times, but the team made me feel at home immediately, with a warm welcome and a glass of bubbly thrust into my hand. Then came a tour of four rooms, each decorated in glorious, eclectic, maximalist style.
Welcome Bubbly
Thereโs the main parlour, looking out over Devizes Market Place; the Peacock Room, where colourful clothes are displayed in a rainbow of shades; the Raven Room, dressed in monochrome for more formal events; and the bar, ably run by the token male barista in a bowler hat, radiating reassuringly non-threatening energy.
I quickly made friends and met Jemma and her mum, Sabrina, who lives above the shop and is keen to make new friends in town. I didnโt get to meet Jemmaโs sister Tami, who looks after the work behind the scenes. Jemmaโs young assistants were an absolute delight, and after a good rummage through the rails of gorgeous clothes, we settled down to lunch in the main parlour.
All the clothes are second-hand and available to buy. You can also bring in your own clothes to exchange for credit to spend at The Dressing House. Itโs a brilliant idea for anyone with a wardrobe full of things they no longer wear but canโt quite bear to part with.
Lunch was a charcuterie selection, beautifully arranged on high-tea plates and served with vintage cups. Then the games began. We were each given a character and a mission, and told to dress up using the clothes in the two rooms.
Ladies Who Lunch – In Their Costume
My mission was to play an artist dressing for her first feature in Vogue. Unfortunately, I was too fat for most of the outfits, but I still had a great time putting my former skills as a professional stylist to work, helping everyone else put their looks together. I then shoved a load of flowers into my hair, drew on a monobrow and became Frida Kahlo.
My Costume- An Attempt At Frida Kahlo
Prizes were handed out, more drinks were poured, numbers were exchanged and new friends were made. Before I knew it, the three hours had flown by. My husband was waiting patiently outside to take his inebriated wife home. Apparently there will be the occasional โbring your well-behaved manโ night too: the feminist answer to a Masonic ladiesโ night.
It takes guts to turn an idea this big into a real place, and Iโm thrilled to see it happening in our town. Itโs just what Devizes needs. Jemma already has plans to expand into more buildings once The Dressing House outgrows this space.
The Dressing House is welcoming, imaginative and gloriously different. Wishing Jemma, Tami, Sabrina and the whole team every success.
Chedworth, Gloucestershire; proud village soloist, songwriter and model Flora Fiora is kicking the tyres and smashing windows in with a new single, andโฆ
A ladies-only club, four gloriously eccentric rooms and a barista in a bowler hat: The Dressing House is anything but ordinary. Devizine contributorโฆ
Yummy, yummy, yummy, I got love in my tummy! Another great year for Devizes Food & Drink Festival ended on Sunday with the World Food Day at the Corn Exchange. A hugely popular free event which annually sees queues heading out of the Market Place of hungry Devizions prepared to sample small dishes of a massive variety, prepared from locals with oversea originsโฆ.
Iโm not well travelled, but my belly is, thanks to The Devizes Food & Drink Festival! In a market town like Devizes, thereโs limited options for exotic dining. We have Chinese, Indian and Italian covered, and I must give a shout out to Som-Somโs Thai-day Friday, but other than a kebab, thatโs about as adventurous as it gets on a day-to-day basis. With dishes at just 60p each, your tastebuds can explore the world like Phileas Foggโs bib.
I confess, last time I attended this I went overboard and had to sample everything; โeyes bigger than his bellyโ my nan used to say about me, but I learn lessons slowly and by means of โthe hard way!โ I had to apply a small dose of self-control this year, and be selective, but it all looked so scrump-diddly-ump-tious!
What did you go for? Spoiled for choice we were! From Austria, Hungary, Romania, Germany, Spain, Italy, even the Isle of Man. From Ukraine, Lebanon, Syria. From Asia, Japan, India, China, Vietnam and Taiwan. And African countries, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. I was wowed by everything I had; the spiced potato fritter, Hong Kong minced beef with potato chips, Italian minestra, the South African fish dish on a hot cross bun! I couldnโt get near the Vietnamese summer rolls, the queue was too big; I worried I might miss out on other things! My favourite, I must say, was the Lousianna gumbo!
All delicious though, puddings too! I had a chocolate almond slice from Austria, but the winner there was sticky doughnut from Namibia. What a fantastic lunch, what an inspiring community event; I shed a tear as I made my way back to the car, for the few people dining in Spoons; seriously?!!
The Quizzine event has been postponed until 9th October, but other than this, World Food Day ends another great year for The Devizes Food & Drink Festivalโฆback to the old lunchbox for Monday morning!
As youโre probably aware, because thereโs been lots of people kicking up a scene, Wiltshire Councilโs recycling centre booking system being trialled at Devizes, Lowerโฆ
Immediately after the weekend which saw press photographers ejected, so they could savagely beat women at the Birmingham Reform conference, as if someone threw aโฆ
Tributes to Chippenham’sย community activist, poet, actor, and event compere Brian Reid poured onto social media today, as the sad news of his passing spreadsโฆโฆ
Iโve found myself sympathising about post-punk recently, how they scrambled around in the dark somewhat, taking pot shots at reggae, claiming a โnew wave,โ orโฆ
Singers and players of instruments of The Southwest assembled for an album celebrating the ninetieth anniversary since Emperor Haile Selassie I was exiled to England,โฆ
Look, right, I’m not at the top yet, but it’s in clear sight. A round number, of the half century kind, awaits me atop the hill, and there’s no stopping the ride to get off.
I guess reaching these milestone ages causes you to analyse your life somewhat, and if there’s one thing I do know in all my years, it’s that I’ve told some colossal pork pies. Some real stinkers. I don’t know why, other than occupational hazard as a journalist, I’ve no excuses, not one which will wash with you clever lot.
Whether it be for the prestige, the glory, or, sometimes just for the sheer hell of it, just because the golden opportunity arose and I couldn’t stop myself, they just slipped out.
I’m not proud, just saying, you know, get it off my chest. Not compulsively, though, I’d go as far to say the majority of what I say is true.
Why do people say, “I’ll be honest with you…” ? Well duh, I sincerely hope you do anyway, it should go without saying. But the phrase immediately raises the alarm; I’m guessing a whopper is on its way. I never use that phrase on principle. The principle I don’t trust myself to keep to it.
See, what with the whopper, the real damaging kind of fib. I consider my track record on that quite good, I tend to lie to big myself up, but not to put others down. I tend to lie to make light of a situation, rather than darken the notion. I tend not to lie to anyone I trust not to lie to me, and I’ve seen too many of them backfire anyway, so, I’m done with lies, filled my quota but retain decency in not being overly destructive with them; quantity not quality!
And anyway, I don’t lie here, cos I trust you all, I really do. This isnt a tabloid, this is me. Clearly you get what you see, which might be a waffling clown but, hey.
So, Harmony, from Chippenham, on the subject of liars; she’s not singing about me, no sir, not when I say with all the honesty left in me, this young singer-songwriter I’ve discovered via Sheer music, has got something really special. And even if I was lying, which I’m not, I’ve shared the video, to prove it.
And that’s Song of the Day, for the third day. It’s become a popular feature, overnight, honest.
Should you choose to believe that!
Have a lovely rest of your day. Very good. Carry on….
Newly-formed just a year ago, this Birmingham-based seven piece reggae band, Big Ship Alliance started out as possibly the only tribute act to reggae legend Freddie McGregor, but on track to record their own material they’ve teamed up with the outstanding UB40 tribute act, Johnny2Bad for this gorgeous topical debut single.
Featuring Robbie Levi and Stones, aside from my love of all things reggae, the song’s positive message of togetherness and unification during this era of the pandemic makes it more than apt for my second “song of the day” post. Though I did say I wasn’t intending to write anything like a review on this feature, just let you enjoy the tunes, and this is kinda heading a little bit “reviewy.” Probably cos it’s such a nice tune.
I also promised not to waffle; but I’m here now. Something about having your cake and eating it goes in rather appropriately at this point!
More so than being my song of the day, I believe this should be, as the Big Ship Alliance say themselves, “the anthem for 2021!”
Determined to make this feature a goer, as of yesterday’s pledge to add a song each day, ingeniously titled “song of the day.” I know, right, it scares me at times, I’ll be honest!
So, enjoy this fantastic tune, let the good vibes roll and have a great rest of the day. Same time tomorrow then?
Irregularly I share a music video to our Facebook page with the status “song of the day,” or week, or whenever, as if it’s a daily occurrence. When the reality is it’s a big, fat fib on my part, it’s only when I happen to find such a video and can be arsed to share it. What-cha gonna do, sue me?
So, just in case your lawyer says you have a case, I thought I’d streamline this sporadic idea for 2021, make it an actual feature on the site rather than a Facebook post, and show off that I know what long words like “sporadic” mean.
Little more gone into it than this, you should be used to it by now. I’m not going to review them, just embed them here for your own appraisal and entertainment purposes. Potentially, it’ll be a groundbreakingily breif post, a simple but effective phenomenon, and something I can do without missing the Simpsons.
The challenge is consistency; whether I actually stick to the idea or, like others, it’ll be a flash in the pan. Who knows, this could be the start of something beautiful, this could be the thing they’re talking about in decades to come. A holographic Ken Bruce could be asking “what was the very first Devizine Song of the Day” in a Pop Master 200 years from now.
And you can answer it with who I bestow this honour, Atari Pilot. They’ll be revelling in the triumph of the hour if it wasn’t lockdown, I bet.
History in the making then, the only issue I foresee is I over-waffle any old crap, which is, incidentally, not what’s happening now and rarely does here; I had to explain myself, didn’t I?
Okay, I get message; here it is then, enjoy the tune, enjoy the rest of your evening. Good job, carry on.
Cast your minds back around about a month and you may recall a Devizine preview of โPlayhouse Creaturesโ, performed by โ3rd Third Theatreโ at The Wharf Theatre, Devizes.
That preview covers the basic premise and storyline of the play, and its societal equivalences to modern society. Its a rags-to-riches, riches-to-rags, rags-to-rags and riches-to-nothing story of five women who in their pursuits of idolatry, social climbing and wealth, and escaping the oppression of men, all in their own way achieve their aims โ mainly โ but are still left oppressed by the patriarchy.
Doll Common retains a semblance of normality but as a drudge to everybody โ including other women โ she neither improves nor worsens her lot. Rebecca Marshall full of confidence and panache during the story finally sees herself ruined by slander at the hands of the nobility โ who also do the dirty on Elizabeth Farleigh who from lofty pretensions , airs and graces, descends to the gutter, abandoned. Nell Gwynn (yes โ THAT Nell Gwynn) in many ways truly โmakes itโ โ but at the cost of abandoning any independence and thoughts of fulfilling her dreams. And finally there is the matriarch of the group, Mary Betterton, who crashes from doyen of the theatre to a housewife, rejected in her middle age by her most dearest.
Director Debby Wilkinson in this debut performance for her new theatre company โ3rd Third Theatreโ has created a black box presentation focussing all attention on the actors, the characters and the story. It’s stunningly effective โ less is more as they day โ as with subtle lighting, and sound alone the action is embellished in this captivating and intimate portrayal of womenโs experiences across all time.
Her cast is simply sublime; every member plays their role to the utmost excellence. In no particular order as they are all equally wonderful, Louise Peak drudges through Dollโs interactions with not a little humour subtly delivered as she plays her cynical underdog role. Sophie Kerr as Elizabeth Farleigh is cool and classy and haughty until undone and her transformation to a guttersnipe is seamless.
Wendy Dophiede as Mary Betterton portrays Maryโs self assured, slightly unworldly, diva drifting into obscurity, disbelief and self doubt smoothly, from self assurance to horror at her demise. Grace Sheridan captures the cheeky London orange seller, Nell Gwynn, whose social climbing reached the highest ranks of the land whilst retaining her charm and fun, and that twinkle in her eye, later resigned to her fate as a kept women to the King. Freddie Underwood completes the cast with her stunning portrayal of Rebecca Marshall, sassy, fun loving but ultimately ruined. A true cast of cohesiveness, bringing April de Angelisโ play to life.
Tickets for โPlayhouse Creaturesโ, October 8th – 10th at the Wharf Theatre are available at
Yeah I know, right, itโs come up on us rather unexpectedly, this Festival of Discovery thing, hasnโt it?! Whatโs itโs all about then, I hear you ask. With DOCA busy with the hugely successful Confetti Battle and Colour Rush, theyโve not had time to update their website yet, so hereโs what we know so far, and how Devizine got involved; letโs discover what we can and The Festival of Discovery!
The Festival of Discovery is a new free weekend festival for Devizes, organised by DOCA. It is happening across the weekend of Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th October. The festival will consist of three zones. Each zone is closed to traffic and is curated with wonderful happenings for you to explore, all connecting with their theme. Some performers will be travelling between zones. โMake sure you explore all of them,โ DOCA says, โthere is something for everyone in each zone!โ
One zone then, is at The Market Place and is labelled โDiscover Community.โ This is the place to sit, eat, listen to music, watch shows, make something in a workshop and make new friends.
The second zone will be at The Brittox, โDiscover Nature.โ Swap, learn, repair, watch nature-inspired shows, check out our willow installations, make a dandelion flower and ride on the Bewonderment Machine. Think about how we can help and appreciate the nature that is all around us. In this nature zone, a huge willow structure will weave its way through the Brittox, transforming the townโs main shopping street into a unique woodland-inspired walk.
The third zone is in Sidmouth Street, the Youth and Community Zones; discover young perspectives. โIf you are or have ever been young,โ DOCA says, โyouโll enjoy this zone!โ There are games, inflatables, and a mini-stage for talented young musicians; the latter is where Devizine comes in, and the bit I want to tell you most about, despite the fact that I’m neither young nor talented!
Iโm delighted DOCA has asked me to host this stage, and with it Iโm bringing some friends along; only the finest lineup of youthful talent in Wiltshire! The focus is on acoustic and singer-songwriters aged from 13 to 23, but there will be cover artists too, a couple of duos, and we will give them the freedom to perform what they wish.
So, we will be in Albion Place at Sidmouth Street from 11:30am to 5:30pm both days, please, join us, and support these incredible young artists. Do not assume Sunday is going to be the lesser day, it seriously is not. Iโve had such a huge response to this, Iโve been crazy busy trying to organise it, and squeeze everyone in. Our grand finales on both Saturday and Sunday will blow your mind! And, if youโre thinking, โitโs just a bunch of kidsโ you are still welcome, because you will be the most surprised!
So, in order of appearance from 11:30 till 5:30, we present, on the Devizine Launchpad!ย
Saturday: Stan Jenkins, Sienna Wileman, Braydon-Lee Jones, Jodie Lauren, Ed Dowdeswell, Rosie Jay, Emelia Houchin, Meg Hoy.
On Sunday we have Tamzin Antignani, Lois Millington, Indigo Avenue, Alfie Crinion, Orla and Jack, Seren Alyssa, Poppy Rose and Ruby Darbyshire.
Itโs going to be amazing, I’m more excited than they are! And I look forward to seeing you all there! Here’s some teasers…..
There’s musical acts which play united on equal pegging, and then there’s those which follow the lead of a virtuoso. Be it guitar, like Hendrix, the poetry of Dylan, or trumpet like Miles Davis, any specific field of expertise, but none are so emotively poignant as the human voiceโฆ.
It would be unfair on anyone to compare their vocals with Bristol-based singer-songwriter, Lady Nade; I have to save this for the likes of Anita Bakerโs rich phrasing and control, the gospel roots of Aretha Franklinโs, and, particularly, the smoky contralto of Nina Simone. Lady Nade has a new album, Indentity, out tomorrow, Friday 2nd October, a deeply personal album of self-discovery, self-acceptance and the courage to show the world who you truly are; it does, sublimely.
The more I immerse myself into this album, the more intricate details I discover. Lucky I donโt give star ratings out of ten because there arenโt enough in the galaxy to award this treasure trove with what it deserves!
We first reviewed a Lady Nade album back in 2021, Willing, where it was heavy with nods towards country influences, and I waffled about Ray Charlesโ affection for the genre. This time, with only subtle sprinkles of roots, more of jazz and blues, the concentration though is soul. This lady takes on every subgenre of soul, track by track, and even with the blending of other styles, by the meaning of these ingeniously penned songs and Ladyโs extensive vocal range giving them emotive deliveries, they win every time.
Other than the general theme of courage and self-acceptance, thereโs no precise running concept through the album; it is a collection of independent songs, where each holds its own narrative and prose; often of transformation, hope or resilience, but each one amazing within its own category.
โIdentity exists because of the love that surrounds me,โ Lady Nade says of the album. โI hope these songs offer a safe space for anyone who has ever felt they had to hide parts of themselves to belong. We all deserve to be seen, heard and celebrated for who we are. This album is a reflection of what it means to be human, and to stand in our own truth.โ
Image: Arthur Reneฬ Walwin
If thereโs an objective embedded into the album, itโs most prominent with the metaphoric penultimate song, Masks, a lounge jazz earworm which really brings the essence of Lady Nadeโs homage to Nina Simone. Where it is that the album is honest reflection, and effectively โunmasksโ the Lady behind, the summary is in the conclusion and the last single to be released from the album, Bloom; the empowering cure, an uplifting motive, akin to Heather Smallโs Proud, but so much more delicate and subtle, itโs awe-inspiring.
The theme of strength above the odds kicks in with the title track at the opening, and itโs a funky introduction. Funk makes a huge return halfway through with the righteous Stand, to make Marva Whitney blush. But the prospective love single One of Us comes second, with these subtle roots elements, and an irresistible singalong chorus rich with upbeat pop commercial viability; whoa, thereโs a lot going on with this Identity, but as with any, theyโre multi-layered.
With a beautiful acoustic guitar riff, Rainbow, brings the uplifting sentiment into play with the most prominent nod to folk roots. And while thereโs delightful ballads like Powerless, thereโs Sober, the doo-wop inspired catchy little handclapping beauty that it is.
The most vivid in subject is Smoke & Mirrors, and undoubtedly of the least abstract or of personal poignancy. Itโs a jazzy homage to Hattie McDaniel, telling the story of Georgiaโs racial segregation causing her to be banned from 1939โs Gone with the Wind premiere, and even at the Oscar ceremony in Los Angeles, where she was required to sit at a segregated table away from the rest of the film’s white cast and crew.
The remaining songs, though, are more personal, and open to the listenerโs reflections and interpretations, and with a voice like Lady Nadeโs, one which Cerys Matthews of BBC Radio 6 Music describes as โa pure voice that gets stuck in your mind,โ it is impossible not be immersed in this wonderful album.
Identity is out on the 2nd October 2026. Lady Nade will celebrate the release of Identity with a UK headline tour running from Friday 6th to Saturday 21st November 2026. If you recall, you lovely local people, Lady Nade did bless Devizes Arts Festival, it was one my all time favourite gigs in Devizes.
Tomorrow, Friday 2nd October, sees a new single from Chippenham indie folk singer-songwriter Meg Hoy, or M3G, and it’s called My Riverโฆ..
If you deem songwriters using rivers as metaphors as a bit clichรฉ these days, from Springsteen’s safety net for the burdens of youthful relationships, or Joni Mitchell’s desperate escapism, to Billy Joelโs spiritual quest, or Neil Young’s haunting impulsive act, I’d nod, and tend to agree…but…
Rivers often, and arguably more simply, represent the relentless passage of time, a comforting escape from relationship issues, or bold life or spiritual journeys. I’ve expressed the originalityย in past reviews of Meg’s songs, and how she angles subjects with breathtaking honesty, and completely unique prose. My River is the perfect example, for here’s a commonly used subject, but Meg uses the river more as emotional balance; a kind of psychological therapeutic acupuncture.
โThe timeless presence of my river helps me find perspective through my pain,โ she said, explaining โI grew up on and around the River Avon, it has been a constant in my life, something I can always rely on to be there.โ
โAnother constant over the past seven years has been my pains and aches throughout my body. I wrote this song as I was being diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. Coming to terms with the fact that there is nothing physically causing all of my pain and that it would be around for the rest of my life was something I did not want to do. But as my pain will continue, so will the river that I love.โ
Perhaps the most appropriate song about rivers to compare this by composition to, is The Byrds, Ballad of Easy Rider, which Dylan famously scribbled the chorus to on a napkin for the director, Peter Fonda, because both flow like rivers.
Acoustic for a minute, until subtle layers of chanting develop, and the whole composition of Meg’s river themed song builds in intensity to a climax of ultimate expression, just how a river builds its flow to an estuary. My River presents Meg vocally more mature than anything past. The effect is spellbinding.
โThe name ‘Avon’ comes a Celtic word used thousands of years ago to mean river,โ Meg said, โso the River Avon literally means the River River!โ
Equally this song is so intensely beautiful, it should be named twice!
Chedworth, Gloucestershire; proud village soloist, songwriter and model Flora Fiora is kicking the tyres and smashing windows in with a new single, and itโs about as explosive as female rage soundsโฆ..
With Olivia Rodrigo fashioned dynamic and unfiltered sound of Gen Z vulnerability, hints of Florence & The Machineโs baroque indie-pop, and the radical emotional honesty in the songwriting of Lizzy McAlpine, Kick the Tyres is a new new wave, and shows Flora Fiora at her most fiery. If this is airing frustrations, just roll with it, because Flora Fiora makes it sound sublimely perfected.ย
Her third single of the year, the others all worthy of checking out; but this one, this one totally smashes it. Itโs an instant like from me!
I met Flora supporting Talk in Code at their single launch at The Vic in Swindon last year. There she was in acoustic splendour, but wielding an electric guitar; I knew this was going to go off. Outside I congratulated her, she took control of my phone from my intoxicated sausage fingers, too wonky to press the right buttons, to ensure I followed her Insta, and besides the perfection of her rocking performance there, coupled with the notion I wouldnโt advise rashly lending your phone out to any rock chick on those mean streets of Swindon, Kick the Tyres confirms I did the right thing!
The Wharf Theatre in Devizes is thrilled to announce a major new chapter in its artistic programme: the theatre has officially become a registered screening centre for National Theatre Live, bringing worldโclass theatre from the West End directly to Wiltshire…..
From November 2026, audiences will be able to enjoy up to 12 NT Live productions every year, screened in stunning highโdefinition and presented with the same care, atmosphere, and community spirit that defines the Wharf Theatreโs live performance season.
The programme launches with an exceptional first screening:
The Misanthrope โ starring Golden Globe winner Sandra Oh
Tuesday 3rd November 2026 at 7.30pm Tickets: ยฃ18 + booking fee Discounts available for Wharf Theatre members.
Artistic Director of the Wharf Theatre, Alison Warren said, โbecoming an NT Live venue is a huge step forward for us. It means our community can experience the very best of British theatre without travelling to London. Weโre proud to offer a programme that is both accessible and artistically ambitious.โ
Audiences can expect a diverse year-round slate of productionsโfrom gripping dramas and reimagined classics to bold new writingโeach captured live from the West End and delivered straight to Devizes.
Tickets for The Misanthrope and the upcoming NT Live season are available now via the Wharf Theatre website and Box Office.
Young, talented, I tick neither box, but I am delighted to tell you Devizine has assembled the very best of emerging musical talent from across Wiltshire, and weโre showcasing them at Albion Place on Sidmouth Street, Devizes, for DOCAโs Festival of Discovery on the 17th&18th of October. From 11:30am until 5:30pm we will squeeze in 16 young upcoming and professional acts; you will be amazed!
For many years now Devizine has been promoting local music, and over those years weโve seen young talent rise to professional capacity and become renowned nationwide names. Thereโs an uprising, the next generation are here! I could fondly waffle on about them and have faith youโll take heed, but proof is the bottom line! Iโm delighted to be able to host this amazing opportunity, presenting proof to you!
Subject to change, our line-up includes:
Saturday 17th October:
11:30: Stan Jenkins
12:00: Sienna Wileman
12:40: Braydon-Lee Jones
13:30: Jodie Lauren
14:20: Ed Dowdeswell
15:10: Rosie Jay
16:00: Emelia Houchin
16:45: Meg Hoy
Sunday 18th October:
11:30: Tamzin Antignani
12:00: Lois Millington
12:30: Indigo Avenue
13:20: Alfie Crinion
14:10: Jack Ralph
15:00: Seren Alyssa
15:50: Poppy Rose
16:40: Ruby Darbyshire
I hope to see as many of you as possible, supporting live local music, and the youngest of our most talented performers. More information to come, and we will include bios and info on all our artists. For now, just had to get the message out there; I think I’m more excited about this than they are!!
Second single of 2026 from local legend George Wilding, Loser to Loser is a grower which carries a delightful punchโฆif any type of punch could be deemed delightful, this is probably it!
Thereโs something breezily contented indie-pop about Georgeโs recent releases with more commercial viability, rather than the often whimsically lost or dejected characters of his early works. Iโm tempted to reach more to bands like The Boo Radleys or Deacon Blue for a comparison than The Velvet Underground.
Although thereโs something broken in the relationship in Loser to Loser, where past characters might let it get them down, they seem to face up to realities gratified, or at least nonchalantly. Perhaps to match with the catchy hook and lively ambience. George declares in the song, a system of an accusation designed to confuse and amuse you.
It kicks off with an electric guitar riff like an eighties power-pop anthem, but an โooh-oohโ vocable breathing something more doo-wop or Motown, but whether George ventures for hints of quirky or experimental hidden details, itโs incomparable and unmistakenly George Wilding; a cracking single!
by Ian Diddams images by Wharf Theatre An artist expresses their personal thoughts. The rich and powerful use their positions to shut that expression down and remove the artist. Yet the act of suppression feeds a wider interest in the subject being suppressed. Macklemore, Ed Sheeran and venue owners? Or a 1980s play about aโฆ
Our trustworthy Gazelle & Herod reported today that โdisgracefulโ behaviour in Devizes Market Place has elevated into a dental issueโฆ. Publishing an article which states the police are frustrated by the issue, they quote an Inspector, who said The Public Spaces Protection Order โhas given them certain useful powers, but lacks teeth, and has yetโฆ
Devizes Town Council would like to hear your views on the proposed scheme for the Brickley Lane Play Area… They are inviting residents and the local community to share their feedback. The consultation closes on the 30th September 2026. The Town Council is proposing to refurbish the Brickley Lane Play Area, which has been closedโฆ
A ladies-only club, four gloriously eccentric rooms and a barista in a bowler hat: The Dressing House is anything but ordinary. Devizine contributor Charlotte Howard bought a ticket to its second soft launch to find out what was going on behind the doors…..
Iโd been dying to know what was happening at 40 Market Place ever since I spotted The Dressing House on Instagram, and rushed to buy a ticket as soon as they became available. Numbers were limited to give the new team a chance to settle in. The invitation was intriguingly titled โThe Department of Very Important Outfitsโ and said groups and singles were welcome. So I bravely went alone, while my husband dropped me outside and left me to navigate the world of ladies-wot-lunch.
The Grand Staircase
Iโm socially awkward at the best of times, but the team made me feel at home immediately, with a warm welcome and a glass of bubbly thrust into my hand. Then came a tour of four rooms, each decorated in glorious, eclectic, maximalist style.
Welcome Bubbly
Thereโs the main parlour, looking out over Devizes Market Place; the Peacock Room, where colourful clothes are displayed in a rainbow of shades; the Raven Room, dressed in monochrome for more formal events; and the bar, ably run by the token male barista in a bowler hat, radiating reassuringly non-threatening energy.
I quickly made friends and met Jemma and her mum, Sabrina, who lives above the shop and is keen to make new friends in town. I didnโt get to meet Jemmaโs sister Tami, who looks after the work behind the scenes. Jemmaโs young assistants were an absolute delight, and after a good rummage through the rails of gorgeous clothes, we settled down to lunch in the main parlour.
All the clothes are second-hand and available to buy. You can also bring in your own clothes to exchange for credit to spend at The Dressing House. Itโs a brilliant idea for anyone with a wardrobe full of things they no longer wear but canโt quite bear to part with.
Lunch was a charcuterie selection, beautifully arranged on high-tea plates and served with vintage cups. Then the games began. We were each given a character and a mission, and told to dress up using the clothes in the two rooms.
Ladies Who Lunch – In Their Costume
My mission was to play an artist dressing for her first feature in Vogue. Unfortunately, I was too fat for most of the outfits, but I still had a great time putting my former skills as a professional stylist to work, helping everyone else put their looks together. I then shoved a load of flowers into my hair, drew on a monobrow and became Frida Kahlo.
My Costume- An Attempt At Frida Kahlo
Prizes were handed out, more drinks were poured, numbers were exchanged and new friends were made. Before I knew it, the three hours had flown by. My husband was waiting patiently outside to take his inebriated wife home. Apparently there will be the occasional โbring your well-behaved manโ night too: the feminist answer to a Masonic ladiesโ night.
It takes guts to turn an idea this big into a real place, and Iโm thrilled to see it happening in our town. Itโs just what Devizes needs. Jemma already has plans to expand into more buildings once The Dressing House outgrows this space.
The Dressing House is welcoming, imaginative and gloriously different. Wishing Jemma, Tami, Sabrina and the whole team every success.
OCTOBER at The Wharf Theatre, Devizes arrives with a burst of creativity, variety and irresistible entertainment. This monthโs programme showcases everything that makesโฆ
Yummy, yummy, yummy, I got love in my tummy! Another great year for Devizes Food & Drink Festival ended on Sunday with the World Food Day at the Corn Exchange. A hugely popular free event which annually sees queues heading out of the Market Place of hungry Devizions prepared to sample small dishes of a massive variety, prepared from locals with oversea originsโฆ.
Iโm not well travelled, but my belly is, thanks to The Devizes Food & Drink Festival! In a market town like Devizes, thereโs limited options for exotic dining. We have Chinese, Indian and Italian covered, and I must give a shout out to Som-Somโs Thai-day Friday, but other than a kebab, thatโs about as adventurous as it gets on a day-to-day basis. With dishes at just 60p each, your tastebuds can explore the world like Phileas Foggโs bib.
I confess, last time I attended this I went overboard and had to sample everything; โeyes bigger than his bellyโ my nan used to say about me, but I learn lessons slowly and by means of โthe hard way!โ I had to apply a small dose of self-control this year, and be selective, but it all looked so scrump-diddly-ump-tious!
What did you go for? Spoiled for choice we were! From Austria, Hungary, Romania, Germany, Spain, Italy, even the Isle of Man. From Ukraine, Lebanon, Syria. From Asia, Japan, India, China, Vietnam and Taiwan. And African countries, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. I was wowed by everything I had; the spiced potato fritter, Hong Kong minced beef with potato chips, Italian minestra, the South African fish dish on a hot cross bun! I couldnโt get near the Vietnamese summer rolls, the queue was too big; I worried I might miss out on other things! My favourite, I must say, was the Lousianna gumbo!
All delicious though, puddings too! I had a chocolate almond slice from Austria, but the winner there was sticky doughnut from Namibia. What a fantastic lunch, what an inspiring community event; I shed a tear as I made my way back to the car, for the few people dining in Spoons; seriously?!!
The Quizzine event has been postponed until 9th October, but other than this, World Food Day ends another great year for The Devizes Food & Drink Festivalโฆback to the old lunchbox for Monday morning!
Congratulations to Devizes Outdoor Celebratory Arts, who announced yesterday that they’ve been awarded a substantial National Lottery Project Grant from Arts Council Englandโฆ. This isโฆ
Looking at the evidence presented by the media on the Shayne Hambakachere case in Chippenham, unless there is something weโre not being told Iโm ofโฆ
With an AI-powered poster so excruciating I cannot bring myself to show it here, this yearโs Wiltshire Music Awards announce the lineup for their ceremony.โฆ
The Wharf Theatre production presents an electrifying confrontation between artistic truth and political authority, with a content warning! Howard Barkerโs Scenes from an Execution isโฆ
While The Hebrew Bible depicts women in composite roles, from submissive domestic positions in a patriarchal society to powerful figures of leadership excelling moral courage,โฆ
By Ben Romain. Images: ยฉAlice Rose Photography Following a stand out long weekend of blues and americana at the Hillbilly Hootenanny, Victoria and I managedโฆ
