Tag: warminster

Live Music in Devizes, Anyone? Meg & Seren at The Fold

Friday afternoon at The Lamb, tucked away behind the Town Hall in our market town, with my aim to introduce two aspiring local singer-songwriters who haven’t played in Devizes before, and present them at The Fold, a venue once renowned and hopeful to recreate its former reputation. I was anxious about the prospect. Their magnificent soundchecks filled me with confidence, though their wonderful talents were never the questionable element to this venture…..

From Chippenham, Megan Hoy, or M3G to the local music scene, is a breathtakingly unique singer-songwriter. At nineteen she has built the kind of reputation, in both live performances and recorded, which welcomes her to the South West’s best venues and festivals. Her music and autism blend to become one, and exhausts something so personal you take a little of her emotions away with you; a skill usually reserved for only rare, professional acoustic performers decades down their journey.

If M3G’s outpourings are translucent windows into the souls of contemporary youth emotions, anxieties, cogitations and reservations, and those on the spectrum, she unites with her Warminster match. Seren, the same age as Meg, bypassed my vetting process of only booking acts I’ve already seen live, based on Meg and other’s recommendations, and the videos she posts on social media. They were plentiful to confirm Seren had something special, still her performance came as a pleasant surprise compared to my readymade affections for Meg’s music, based upon the numerous times I’ve witnessed her magic.

If both define it as indie-folk, either fits nicely for a support set to an indie band, and allows scope for such bookings such as at The Pump, where they are welcomed by young punters awaiting a punky band. Yet I see it still as timeless folk, that rawness and unrivalled valour to open yourself up to an audience, stripped back instrumentally, just you and guitar, alone in the spotlight; that is courageous. And both Seren and Meg wowed. Just as folk was here, at The Fold, even before Kieran cut his teeth with Sheer Music within these very walls, it was again with a new generation. Everything about this gig fitted, in my opinion.

And it was a wonderful evening. As the sun fell to the moonlight through the high windows of the Fold, Seren opened with her original songs, sublimely. Though shy to talk, Seren commands an audience and holds them spellbound through her honest, ingenious songwriting and her talent to deliver them with soothing, evocative vocals.

A short break and Meg’s is complementary to Seren’s set, matching with similar appeal but not rivalling; they’ve gigged together before and there’s a genuine mutual respect. This sweeping package of excellence was tied and united by a third set, where they joined forces, and this really was something to behold. Each complimenting each other’s original songs and perfectly balancing their vocal arrangements for some covers. 

Obviously this review is an encomium, as it was my doing! Still, I wouldn’t say it so if it wasn’t, I’d bury my head in the sand, pretend it never happened! If you question my honesty, read on. I’m left bewildered and somewhat frustrated, because those who witnessed this astounding gig were few, few enough for it to cause an issue and serious doubt about hosting more in Devizes.

Reintroduce The Fold they said, a gathering of support on social media welcomed it, but unfortunately, not in reality… yet. I heard the opening night with the fantastic Bluebeard was also poorly attended. Let’s be honest with ourselves, I thank everyone who came, but poor attendance leaves me dubious as to why. Varied illogical reasons spring to mind, which could be debated until the cows come home. Maybe it’s teething issues at The Fold, or the market is already flooded? There could’ve been any number of reasons, but it certainly wasn’t the quality of the music, nor was it the price when we state you “pay what you can.”

Friday night isn’t a Saturday, lots of folk work Saturday mornings, I could tell myself. Booze ain’t cheap anywhere these days, but another event, ticketed with a hefty price-tag, sold out, understandably reducing footfall. Perhaps though, not through the want of trying, The Lamb has yet to regain the popularity it once held. It is a great watering hole, as it ever was, I’d be horrified should it go the same spiralling downward route of so many others.

That’s our motivation behind putting gigs on at The Fold, relaunching this venue, for the sake of original live music and the upkeep of the pub. Easy to yodel “support live music,” or “support your pubs” on your Facebook page, it might be another to attend, but that is only where it will impact.

Here were two young aspiring artists, singing their hearts out beautifully, and producing something unlike anything else you will currently witness here in this traditional market town. Yet, a majority would rather ignore, to either stay at home kissing Netflix, or attend a tribute act to prog-rock hasbeens. This is saddening for local music. You. Missed. An. Outstanding Gig.

The Fold is not out to rival the cover-band ethos popular at The Three Crowns, despite this glory having its place equal to the blues at the Blues club and Southgate. The Fold doesn’t intend to better any other event or venue happening in Devizes, only to add to the options we already have, and bring to town a variety of original grassroots music in an intimate setting. But the intimacy of the room has to have a minimum for it to be viable.

The first open mic at the Fold

This should NOT be a negative reflection on the acts or venue. I find myself paranoid, if it’s me, and you’ve lost trust in my judgement to book acts? Yet I’ve been to other events which made no sense for their failings. I only got into event organisation to better understand what organisers undertake, being I was to appraise them, after our first birthday party left me completely unprepared for the tasks involved. It is still a learning curve, but everything previous has been successful for me; now I know the heartfelt emotions of an event organiser who worked tirelessly but whose event didn’t attract attention. So, if this comes off bitter, it is genuinely upsetting. 

Perhaps if I host tribute acts to Meg and Seren fifty years from now in Devizes we’ll sell out! Or are we really this shallow? I prefer to hope we are willing to give upcoming local talent a chance to shine, to move between the little circuits carved by the fields dividing us.

But for now, do I continue, pick up the pieces and try, try, try again, and if so, at what cost? Phil Cooper arrives at The Fold on Friday 22nd May, with Jamie and Tamsin. Here is a gig from the gang very well known to Devizes, which, hopefully will attract some attention. l wait in hope, concerned for the future of local live music in Devizes.  

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M3G, De-Anchored

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Ready for RowdeFest?

Not long now, for Rowdefest! Which, as the name suggests, is in Rowde, near Devizes, on Saturday 30th May, and is a free, community spirited…

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Devizes to Host New County-Wide Music Awards

I’m delighted to announce Devizine will be actively assisting to organise a new county-wide music awards administration, in conjunction with Wiltshire Music Events UK. The public will be asked to vote, and the award ceremony will take place in Devizes at the Corn Exchange, on Saturday 25th October 2025, with hope it will continue annually…..

Wiltshire Music Events UK in conjunction with Devizine, have decided it is overdue to acknowledge and celebrate the creativity, innovation and dedication of musicians, music promoters, and venues in Wiltshire. Therefore, we have created The Wiltshire Music Awards, an annual award ceremony reflecting and commemorating musical talent within the county.

Nominations are open for the ceremony from 1st May 2025, and will close on 10th June 2025. We are excited to unveil the categories, which reflect the diverse ways people bring music to life within their respective communities, county-wide.

These awards will recognise the individuals, groups and organisations whose efforts make a real difference. If you know someone you believe deserves recognition, or want to showcase your group, this is your chance to give them the spotlight they deserve.

Wiltshire Music Events calls for anyone promoting music locally to get involved and help create diversity and coverage for their own communities. A panel of professionals from across the county will be elected to assist in judging the nominations. With a finale date of Saturday 25th October, when an award ceremony will take place, central to the county, at the Corn Exchange, Devizes.

I have pushed for this event to take place in Devizes, for while it’s geographically central to the county, I’m sure you’ll agree, there is also a powerhouse of talent emerging in this area and it will be a positive attribute to Devizes and hallmark its rightful place in the arts scene of Wiltshire.

Why get involved?

Music has the power to unite communities, foster creativity, and change lives. The Wiltshire Music Awards will honour those who make this possible and provide a platform to showcase to local talents. Whether you’re a performer, organiser, or supporter, these awards are an opportunity to highlight the hard work that often goes unseen.

To receive an award will bring more than just a trophy. It will elevate profiles, help with funding applications, and energise the community.

There is plenty of time to recognise the people and projects that inspire you. Nominating will be easy and online, and we will release the website in which to do so nearer the time for voting. There will be categories. The public can nominate their choices in all of the categories. Once the nominations process is completed, the top three of each category will be presented to the judges, who will then decide the winner of each category. The judges decision will be final, and we shall then announce to the public the top 3 of each category with the result announced at the ceremony.

The 2025 Categories:

Best Solo Male Artist – Best Solo Female Artist

Best Covers Band – Best Original Band

Best Duo – Rising Star Newcomer

Tribute Artist /Band – Music Venue

Best Original Song – Best Vocalist

Best Guitarist – Best Bassist

Best Drummer – Best Instrumentalist

Best Original Song – Best DJ

Lifetime Achievement Award


Outstanding Contribution to the Wiltshire Music Scene


Outstanding Contribution to Music in the Community:

Weekly Roundup of Events in Wiltshire: 25th April – 1st May 2023

Hey, how’s you? Ah, been better, been worse, thanks for asking. Here’s what we’ve found to be doing over this coming week…….

All links, info and updates can be found on our event calendar. Other incoming events will be added there when we discover them, so do check in later in the week. For now though…. 

Tuesday 25th April:

Deadlight Dance on the Radio! Yes, Marlborough’s goth-rock duo Deadlight Dance will be live and chatting to Peggy on Don’t Stop the Music Show tonight, on Swindon 105.

Staying in Swindon, The Cavern Beatles pay The Wyvern Theatre.

And there’s the regular jazz night at il Fiume in Bradford-on-Avon, with the Graham Dent Trio.

Wednesday 26th:

Acoustic Jam at The Southgate, Devizes.

Sirius Chau at Wiltshire Music Centre in Bradford-on-Avon.

Running until 29th April, opening night for Julius Caesar at Rondo Theatre, Bath.

Also Running until 29th, Phoenix Players presents The Business Of Murder at Swindon Arts Centre.

Thursday 27th:

 Open Mic night at Stallards, in Trowbridge. 

Alex Lipinski and The Crown Electric & Matt Owens and The Delusional Vanity Project at Chapel Arts, Bath.

Mr Love & Justice play The Tuppenny, Swindon, while there’s a Chuckles Comedy Club at Meca, and The Diana Ross Story at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon

Friday 28th:

Marillion tribute Marquee Square Heroes play the entire Script For A Jesters Tear for its 40th anniversary at Marlborough Town FC. Laurence plays Motown and soul classics at The Castle & Ball.

It’s The Final of Take the Stage 2023 at The Neeld, Chippenham, and Mr Love & Justice play The Old Road Tavern.

A Moroccan Banquet at Trowbridge Town Hall.

Billie Bottle’s Temple of Shibboleth – Solarference at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon, while Brake Lights play The Boathouse.

Tribute to Bonnie Raitt at Chapel Arts, Bath,The First Raitt Band. 

Oasish & Stereotonics at The Vic in Swindon, The Illegal Eagles at The Wyvern Theatre.

The Big Excuse: Featuring Solcura, Bit Bigger, and Big Dog at 23 Bath Street, Frome, and the Toasters play The Cheese & Grain.

Saturday 29th:

Is Seend Beer Festival, also the start of Urchfont Scarecrow Festival, which is running until Monday.

Mr Love & Justice is at The Southgate, Devizes, Ben Borrill at the Moonrakers.

The Duskers at The Barge on Honey-Street.

Barrelhouse plays The Bear in Marlborough.

The Woodbridge, Pewsey has a hog roast with live music from The Busy Fools.

From Jovi & Dragoneye at The Wheatsheaf in Calne.

The Upbeat Beatles play The Civic in Trowbridge, sold out already at The Pump for Carsick with support from Nothing Rhymes With Orange and Meg.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream Masquerade – The Mayor’s Charity Ball at the Neeld, Chippenham.

Operation 77 at the Westbury Cons Club, Local Heroes Inc at Prestbury Sports Club, Warminster.

The Lost Trades return to Wiltshire after a national tour, and play the Hop Inn, Swindon. Meanwhile it’s emo night at The Vic with Black Parade. Paul Young – Behind The Lens at The Wyvern Theatre.

Lucis Choir at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon, Pop-Up Bowie at Chapel Arts in Bath.

The Cheese & Grain in Frome has Peter Hook & The Light, and Greg Lake tribute Lucky Man at the Tree House.

Sunday 30th:

Dr Zebo’s Wheezy Club will be at The Southgate, Devizes from 5pm.

May Day Musical Mayhem at The Talbot Inn, Calne, raising funds for Campaign Against Living Miserably, they have Six O’Clock Circus, Peaky Blinders, One Chord Wonders, Red Light, Absolute Beginners, The Killertones Underground and The Daybreakers.

Family Concert at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon,Noisy Nature with the Magnard Ensemble.

Devil’s Doorbell are live in session at The Electric Bar, Bath

Raver Tots comes to Meca, Swindon, while The Wyvern Theatre has the Ministry of Science.

Monday 1st:

Running until 7th May, Swindon Festival of Literature opens.

Monthly album listening club, The long Player at The Vic, Swindon.

And that’s it, do check out Zog with the kids at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon, opening Tuesday 2nd, and running until 4th May. Then we have the King’s Coronation next weekend, lots going on to do with that, and lots happening if you wish to avoid that! Do keep a check up on the calendar. 

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Time to Be Thinking About CrownFest 2026

Not just a pretty spiral church, there’s plenty for Bishop’s Cannings to be proud about. Evidence with the personal touch recently defeated a brazen landgrab,…

Vinyl Realm Settles Into New Home

A median haul of vinyl can weigh in, but there’s no longer a trek down Northgate Street for record collectors and musicians alike. Vinyl Realm…

Radium on Liddington Hill

Swindon-based adrenaline pumping five-piece Liddington Hill released their first EP for three years, and Radium is highly radioactive….. For most on the North Wessex Downs,…

Local Optician Backs National Campaign to Help Children’s Sight

Independent optician, Haine & Smith, are backing a national campaign this summer to raise awareness of the link between screen time and short-sightedness in children.……

Myopia is a growing, global, epidemic linked to the amount of time spent looking at tablets, phones and TV screens. If left un-diagnosed, this can cause serious eye problems in later life.

Anna Lewin, Clinical Lead at Haine & Smith, advised: “Along with cutting back on screen time, we’re also encouraging parents and guardians to get their children’s eyes examined regularly. This will allow your optician to see the health of the eyes and whether they have deteriorated at all since the last exam. Our opticians can provide helpful tips on ways to keep your children’s eyes healthy which is extremely important while they are still growing and developing.

“The World Health Organisation (WHO) predicts that up to half of all people will have myopia by 2050. This is a startling figure which is why we have to educate people now to hopefully bring this figure down.”

Anna has also given some signs to look out for which could indicate your child is short-sighted. “They could be struggling to see the board at school, squint when they try to see something in the distance, hold their screen close to their face or sit close to the TV and maybe even complain of headaches. Although sometimes there are no signs or symptoms, which is why regular eye tests are so important.”

Anna Lewin Clinical Lead at Haine & Smith

The aim of the national campaign by Myopia Focus is for myopia to be recognised as an ocular disease by the NHS and for there to be free myopia management for all children in the UK. Haine & Smith has signed the petition and is giving its full support to get this agreed upon.

​Children under the age of 16 are entitled to a free NHS eye test and, if needed, free glasses. To make an appointment with Haine & Smith either visit your local practice, call them to book a test, or fill out the contact form on the website www.haineandsmith.co.uk

Myopia Facts

1 in 3 people in the UK are affected by myopia

2.6 billion people worldwide have myopia or short-sightedness

In the last 50 years, the number of children in the UK with myopia has doubled.

By 2050 half of the world’s population will be myopic

**Information and figures from World Health Organisation and Myopia Focus (www.myopiafocus.org/)**

What the Myopia Focus petition aims to achieve:

Myopia recognised as an ocular disease by the NHS

To provide a myopia screening service across UK schools from the age of 4-5 to include all children and all areas

To provide a new GOS (general ophthalmic services) provision for children to pay a higher eye examination fee to take account of myopia screening and management, including a three-month recall for those with progressive myopia and undergoing treatment

To provide a new tier of spectacle/contact lens vouchers for myopia management – to ensure that all children receive free access to myopia management solutions to a minimum standard

To provide free eye examinations to those with high myopia of any age

To provide free eye examinations to all myopes up to the age of 25

To provide greater provision for vouchers for myopia management optical appliances for those over 25 on limited means

The Government to set up a task force to listen to the optical/ophthalmic bodies and align with the WCO stance

Secondary care NHS to include myopia management in eye departments

The government to invest in a large scale public health campaign to reduce the potential risk to our children’s and grandchildren’s long term sight health

Trending…..

Inspire Warminster; Free Live Music on Sunday

Skewered, the adverse replies to my Facebook post a month ago, asking for suggestions on how to kill a few hours in Warminster; it was as if I’d wandered into the outback! Skewered by banter, neighbouring rivalry, perhaps, but I also have to take into account the town’s proximity to funky freewheeling Frome, and the fact any town name with the word “war” in hardly connotes an approachable kind of place..…but, is it?

But what’s in a name, military links aside? I set about a little research project to suggest Warminster is not a cultural void, and any accusation it is, is obscured by ignorance, surely? They probably say the same about us; all’s fair in love and war, minster….see what I did there? A little Sunday pun to break the ice! Okay, I’ll get my coat.

Already aware both the Rose & Crown and Prestbury Sports Bar host a regular live music programme, supporting local live music, I also came across a group aptly titled Inspire Warminster. Coincidently, they’ve a free community festival happening Sunday 3rd July from 1-7pm in the town park. I suggest if you suffer from Warminster-phobia you check it out, overcome your negative presumptions!

The brainchild of Pete Bartley and Doug Halls, Inspire Warminster started out in 2013, when their Town Council approached them with their idea to put on an annual live music event in the park to showcase local talent, and more specifically to encourage young people to take up a musical instrument. Doug and Pete wanted to put on a daytime family event where parents could bring their children and enjoy a family day out listening to the music, which is precisely what they did!

Okay, so there’s a guy clearly scratching his butt in their featured Facebook photo, what of it?!

I spoke to Tom of the group, whose job it is to organise the bands. “We’ve nine very diverse bands booked for this year,” he tells me, “All of whom local to Warminster, so it really will be a wonderful showcase of the talents in the town.” This is exactly what I was after, evidence!

Coyote Country starts the music at 1pm, followed by Wade Merritt, Junkyard Dogs, Grumpy Dog, and Brakelight. Then the Warminster Community Choir are on at 4:20, followed by Dr Alibi, The Frontman and our good friends, People Like Us headline at 6. “With the amount of talent on during the course of this event,” Last playing Inspire in 2017, People Like Us announced, “we are stunned, thrilled and humbled to be headlining this brilliant community event.”

Old stock photo of PLUS, knocks a couple of years off, guys!

“PLUS were instrumental in reuniting our community,” Inspire explains, “as we emerged from lockdown, reigniting our spirits and reminding us that good times could exist again. All that remains is to let them do their thing, so come, dance and sing!”

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Seren’s New Single; Worm

There’s a cold remote ambience of burrowing doubt in the opening of Westbury’s singer-songwriter Seren’s debut song, in which, as the title suggests, she uses…

The date is set for Imberbus 2026 !

We are pleased to start 2026 by announcing that this year, we are planning to run the Imberbus service on Saturday 15th August 2026 when…

Don’t Click on Illegal Rave Rage-Bait!

The biggest risk for any media reporting negatively on illegal raves is that, in their youth, their fifty-plus target audience probably attended illegal raves themselves!…

The Makers Exchange; DOCA Call to the Creative

Thimbles on standby, Devizes Outdoor Celebratory Arts are calling all creative craftspeople and makers to their new project, The Makers Exchange. It’s a new craft…

Wiltshire Council Whack Up Parking Charges

It took only a couple of hours at a Wiltshire Council meeting yesterday, to decide punishing drivers would be the order of day; they intend to whack up parking charges an extra 10p per hour, and enforce blue-badged disabled drivers to cough up too…...

Free Sunday parking and Town Council’s free event parking will also be a thing of the past, as the conservative-led council voted in favour of the proposals.

Liberal Democrats called for the amendment to be scrapped, while Wiltshire Council leader Richard Clewer called it “economic illiteracy” and “morally bankrupt.” Apparently,it’s all part of our town centres’ “transformation.” Cllr Clewer claimed the Conservative administration “has a clear plan for the future of our towns,” continued to slag off the Lib Dems’ for their “lack a coherent strategy,” and accused them of “playing politics for short-term gains.”

So, there you go, online shoppers, let’s say a prayer for our High Streets, as we once knew them…..

Crusader Vouchers to the Rescue!

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Nope, just shopping I’m afraid, but a marvellous idea to help small businesses locally!

With a striking superhero comic-book themed corporate identity, a small group of marketing agents from Westbury have donned cloaks and set up a voucher system in support of our local high streets.

Claire Rowlands runs Fundraising in the Community, a local company dedicated to supporting businesses in Wiltshire, whilst helping schools, groups, charities and organisations raise funds. They plan to launch Crusader Vouchers as a subsidiary to FITC Media. As it sounds, it’s a voucher-based concept akin to the website Groupon, but for local small businesses, the ones hit hardest by the lockdown.

Fundraising in the Community is a quality, professional service that offers a unique platform with a tailored audience to help drive prospective new business through the doors of local companies; whilst helping schools, charities, clubs and organisations within the community fundraise for their good causes.

Their voucher idea launches this October, and asks you to “put on your mask, grab your vouchers, support local businesses and bag yourself the best deals in town!” They have a website, but the majority of action is via Facebook, so like their page, where you’ll be able to access monthly vouchers for independent shops and small businesses throughout the South West.

These crusaders of independent shopping say, “the offers that we provide are free for everyone to enjoy, no catches, just straight forward vouchers to take advantage of each month for local small businesses and independent businesses. Due to Covid-19 our businesses need us more than ever so we’re appealing to you to put your mask on, grab your vouchers, buy local and bag yourself the best deals in town!”

Since the successful IndieDay in Devizes, I’ve noticed many similar schemes in local towns but here’s something truly original but like any new scheme, it’ll only work if people get behind it. So please do, everyone loves a voucher!

Truth Sluth: Epistemological Investigations for the Modern Age

One of the most intriguing blurbs to a local event to catch my eye on recent online travels, in this humble but perpetual quest to bring you news of happenings, has to be a new performance from a Bristol/South-West theatre group, aptly named the Modest Genius Theatre Company. “Truth Sluth: Epistemological Investigations for the Modern Age,” is touring locally, and coming to Trowbridge Library on Tuesday 7th April, Warminster’s on the morning of Wednesday 8th April, the afternoon at Devizes Library on the 8th and Calne on Thursday 9th.

truthdevizes

Targeted at everyone aged seven and up, Truth Sluth is a choose-your-own-adventure comedy show that will make laugh, think critically and question everything. It explores contemporary issues surrounding fact and fiction, and asks “ever wondered who you can trust? Ever read a blog and doubted its veracity? (Hummm; ed!) Is your newsfeed feeding you fake fodder? Truth Sleuth is on the case of fake news.”

Pre- booked tickets are £5 and are available from www.modestgenius.co.uk or telephone 01249 701628. Tickets on the door are £7 (cash only for on the door tickets.) Then, be ready to “join Truth Sleuth to gather clues, make decisions and steer the action. Come on down to the birthplace of information itself, the oracle with a public toilet: your local library.”

The Modest Genius Theatre company are fast becoming renowned for their innovative, dark physical comedy about social taboos. Based in Bristol and the South West, the company was formed in 2015 by graduates of the Lecoq, Gaulier and Dell’arte theatre schools, Tristan Green, Sidney Robb and Tess Cartwright. Using clown, mime, physical theatre, storytelling, movement and music they mesmerise audiences with poignant material that takes you on an emotional journey. “We love the extremes,” they tell, “and give our audience permission to feel how they feel.”

truthmain

Truth Sluth: Epistemological Investigations for the Modern Age is hot topical comedy, in collaboration with Canadian playwright Greg Cochrane, and Pound Arts. Using physical comedy, storytelling and clever wordplay, this is devised theatre that obliterates the fourth wall. I don’t know about you lovely lot; I’m delighted to hear local libraries hosting something so intriguing and hope it’s the beginning of more such performances.

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