Tag: wiltshire

Crowned Lightbringer: New EP From Ruby Darbyshire

If I was bowled over backwards by Rubyโ€™s teaser single last week, its title, Crowned Lightbringer, now also belongs to this five-track EP, released today, and as you might guess, youโ€™re in for a treatโ€ฆ..

Thereโ€™s so much incredible time, effort and adroitness pouring out of this itโ€™s actually scary how talented Ruby Darbyshire is at such a young age, and in pondering the journey her music will take her. Youโ€™re left numb to what to listen to next, in awe, and spellbound by its harmonic perfection. Thereโ€™s also a general theme of journey, often rinsed in ingenious metaphors, which connects you to Rubyโ€™s world and imaginings, the hallmark of a musician who knows what buttons to press to engage an audience and leave them spellbound.

Rubyโ€™s Scottish roots are displayed in a bagpipe instrumental bonus track, The Spirit of Jenny Whittle, the rest relies on her accomplished acoustic mood-setters, and the ambience is as ever, hauntingly choral, layered with dedication, folk emotive and saturninely uplifting soulfully, edifying a matured Ruby, compared to her debut EP. But if Crowned Lightbringer displays a whole new level for her music, what comes next will be anyoneโ€™s guess. It is, in my humble opinion, an EP which needs to be in everyoneโ€™s life.

Vocally itโ€™s faultless too, profoundly as guiding as Nina Simone, as variable and soulful as Billie Holiday; comparisons of such high accolades, I know, I donโ€™t know where else to go to balance her sublime vocal range. Lady Nade and Mayyadda the only contemporary likenesses I could fairly credit. Opening with Timekeeper, as deeply emotive as Crowned Lightbringer, chilling and as distant as an autumn zephyr. With a rustic vinyl crackle, Calling Hades captures a timeless acoustic goodness of underworldly Greek gods, with a romantically liberating hopefulness as its theme.

Black Dog has a deeper blues feel, yet sprinkled with northern celtic, spiritually-guiding us away from the omen of solitary, the Gytrash. Ruby is folk, primarily rooted and understanding of it. Thereโ€™s much to unpick from her beautiful music tapestry here, Iโ€™ve only had a quick listen, couldnโ€™t wait for a complete analysis before telling you how fantastic this EP is, but I believe, in time, this might be my personal fave! But hey, the title track follows, and weโ€™ve mentioned this last week, itโ€™s a metaphoric shanty which depicts perfectly where Rubyโ€™s music is taking her and all the demons which might lurk on her journey.

All I know is this should put Ruby not a local circuit map, but on an international stage; I donโ€™t flatter, and if you donโ€™t take note more fool yourself. Listen, just, listen! 

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Find Out The Winners of Wiltshire Music Awards

Results of the public vote have been put to our expert panel of seven judges in our inaugural Wiltshire Music Awards, and now the judges have decided. I bet you’re wondering who has won and who the runners-up are, aren’t you?

Well, I’m not going to tell youโ€ฆ.yet! Ah, clickbait of ye gods; beat that Newsquest (who havenโ€™t even bothered mentioning this crucial local extravaganza, I might add!) Truth is, I don’t know the results any more than you do, as I kindly requested to remain in the dark for the genuine element of surprise on the night, and itโ€™s the night I want to remind you of!! Because, if you want to find out the winners you need to grab yourself a ticket to the presentation ceremony, the Awards Evening on Saturday 25th October at Devizes Corn Exchange; proper job!

Thereโ€™s table tickets as groups, and single tickets available for our gurt lush Wiltshire Music Awards, the first of its kind. A night of music, celebration, and unforgettable moments. Bring your family, friends, and supporters! Weโ€™ve some top local acts confirmed, all performing a song or three, with intervals where I and special guests will be announcing the winners. Thereโ€™s seventeen categories to get through, wine to drink and partying to be done in honour of all the amazing musical talent weโ€™ve got hiding in our rural county; please, help us to achieve this.

Ticket and info HERE, I look forward to seeing you on the night.

Musicians: please use our top ten to see if you’re nominated, and good luck to all!

REVIEW โ€“ The Pump Acoustic Club @ The Lamb, Trowbridge โ€“ Friday 8th August 2025

Pump Acoustic Nights Are Back!ย 

Andy Fawthrop

For those weird enough among us to be of an acoustic bent, particularly on the folkie side, the time since the Covid lockdowns has been a bit of a desert.ย  Several local clubs which once thrived before 2020, never actually opened again โ€“ Devizes Folk Club, Corshamโ€™s Acoustic Oak, Bradford Folk Club and Trowbridgeโ€™s Village Pump being amongst them.ย  Last year the Bradford club finally stuttered into life again, first at the now-closed Swan Hotel, then at other venues, but only as a very low-key weekly sing-around.ย  The proper full fat Open Mic nights and Guest Nights seemed to have disappeared from the local scene completely.ย  Some of this was due to the โ€œretirementโ€ of the previous hosts, and some of it (unfortunately) due to the passing of their once-leading lights.ย 

The venue itself, known as the Village Pump, at the rear of Wadworthโ€™s The Lamb in Trowbridge, and the mothership of the hugely popular Village Pump and Trowbridge Festivals, recently found a new entrepreneur in our good friend and music promoter Kieran J Moore.ย  Kieran has performed wonders in re-opening the venue, in overhauling its sound and lighting infrastructure, and in attracting a whole new range of artists over the past couple of years.ย  Audiences have grown, drawn by the inventive programming, and the support for many local up-and-coming new indie bands.ย 

And now, at last, a light has re-emerged from the gloom for the folkies with the start of The Pump Acoustic Club as a new pop-up venture at the venue.  Running every second Friday of the month, the club promises a welcoming night whether you want to come and play or just rock up and listen.  The format is pretty similar to the old VP folk club:  the first half is dedicated to acoustic-only (unplugged) floor spots, and the second half to a booked guest.  For the Open Mic part, you have to sign up in advance (first come, first served via comments on their Facebook page), and you get time to sing two or three songs each.  The running order allows for about ten or eleven acts.  Then, following the break, and the inevitable raffle, the second half is a 45-60 PA-supported slot dedicated to a booked artist.   

Last month, on the first outing for the Club, we were treated to a great set by local duo Lorna and Darren, playing as Fly Yeti Fly.  Anyone there would agree it was a great night and a fabulous start to this new venture.   

Last night, for Augustโ€™s booking we had Wings and Whispers, an all-female duo from Bristol. Both classically trained, both admitted to preferring the folkier side of things.  Using harp, guitar, whistle and voices, the pair played some fascinating, ethereal music based in folk legends and myths and in the natural world.  They wove original compositions together with re-arranged folk classics and covers into a mesmerising set. Superb stuff. 

The new Club, set up by Bradford-on-Avonโ€™s Simon Taylor (lately of Water Thieves Trio and Dr. Zeboโ€™s Wheezy Club) and Matt Cook, looks as if itโ€™s hit just the right formula.  Both last monthโ€™s affair and last night were pretty busy, with most seats taken both upstairs and down. Itโ€™s ยฃ4 to get in, and ยฃ1 for a strip of raffle tickets, so youโ€™re all done and dusted for a great night out for a fiver โ€“ what more could you want? Letโ€™s hope that now itโ€™s back, folks will continue to support it and make it into the success it surely deserves to be. 

Future gigs, as stated, will be the second Friday of each month.ย  See their Facebook page for individual events, but hereโ€™s a preview:ย 

Friday 12th September Andy Skellam 

Friday 10th October Lorikeet 

Friday 14th November Brian Stone & The Masters Of None 

Friday 12th December Dr. Zeboโ€™s Wheezy Club 

Swindon Palestine Solidarity Host Summer Fete

Swindon Palestine Solidarity will be hosting a summer fete on Saturday 23rd August, at 12.30pm – 3.30pm. They need volunteers from 11am – 4 pm. at The Broadgreen Community Centre, Salisbury St, Swindon SN1 2AN….

Bring the family to float a boat for Gaza, send a postcard to Gaza, or play ring toss, ball toss, or knock down alley, knocking down injustice one throw at a time! There will be food, Palestinian embroidery, Arabic calligraphy, face painting, and henna. Have a go at tumbling the apartheid wall or on the watermelon shy!ย 

Funds are being raised to send Swindon Palestine Solidarity delegate Liaquth Ali as a volunteer, joining the A thousand Madleens to Gaza flotilla.

In response to the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the ongoing illegal siege imposed by Israel, a historical global initiative – The 1000 Flotilla: Call to break the siege – is being launched to mobilise an unprecedented international civil fleet to challenge the maritime blockade and deliver life-saving aid directly to the besieged people of Gaza.

This initiative calls upon civil society, humanitarian organisations, trade unions, faith-based movements, maritime workers and peace loving individuals from every continent to contribute ships, crews, medical supplies, food and solidarity.

The aim is to assemble a thousand vessels, symbolic of the global unity and determination, to peacefully defy the blockade and demand an immediate end to the collective punishment of over two million Palestinians.

Liaquth Ali said, “Iโ€™ve decided to join the flotilla because I believe this could be Gaza’s last chance at survival. If we donโ€™t act boldly and urgently, the suffering will only spread, and the West Bank could be next. I canโ€™t sit back while children are bombed and starved, but I’ve also seen hope, our Swindon community and people across the UK rising with courage and solidarity. The world is waking up. Now is the time for action. Every bit of support matters.”

A recent protest by Doctors Against Genocide said, “We are living through a catastrophe unlike any in history. 90% of Gazaโ€™s population has now reached stage 5 malnutrition, the most severe and deadly level. At this stage many cannot be saved.”

Lynn Boylan Member of the European Parliament said “For me, the deep frustration is that the EU has had ample opportunity to do the right thing and they have failed to do that. They have failed to take a single action against Israel. They have a list of actions that they could do, and they are not doing a single one. I hope that they witness, through this flotilla, through the people power, through the mobilisation of people on the streets, that they are on the wrong side of history. They should implement every single item on that list: no trade with Israel, a two way arms embargo, sanctions on the Israeli government, and upholding the ICC arrest warrants.“

To support this cause and help send the Swindon Palestine Solidarity delegate from Swindon, please join Swindon Palestine Solidarity at the fete. If you would like to volunteer on the day, or have any questions, please contact Swindon Palestine Solidarity on Facebook, Insta @swindonpalestinesolidarity or email info@swindonpalestinesolidarity.org

Stranglers Frontman Hugh Cornwell Coming To Cheese & Grain

Image: John Kisch

Legendary songwriter and original Stranglers frontman Hugh Cornwell has announced a run of UK dates this November, accompanied by special guests The Courettes, and it includes Fromeโ€™s Cheese & Grain on Saturday 15thโ€ฆ..

Golden Brown, Strange Little Girl, Always The Sun… sound familiar? All big hits, all great songs, all penned and performed by Hugh Cornwell, the songwriter behind the legendary early eighties punk band The Stranglers.ย 

 When future historians of music draw up a list of the movers and shakers who changed the modern musical landscape, Hugh Cornwellโ€™s name will no doubt be amongst them. As a pioneering musician, songwriter and performer, his pervasive influence persists in the record collections of music aficionados, across this spinning globeโ€™s radio waves, and on stages around the world. Hughโ€™s presence is unquestionable.

 As the leader of The Stranglers, Hugh was the main songwriter of all of the bandโ€™s most memorable songs across ten stellar albums. After their 1977 debut Rattus Norvegicus, follow-up albums such as No More Heroes and The Raven consolidated Cornwellโ€™s stature as a unique songwriter and musician. His multi-layered lyrics to Golden Brown, from La Folie, remain a songwriting masterclass.

Hugh embarks on his Come And Get Some tour in November, appearing at Fromeโ€™s Cheese & Grain on Saturday 15th. A full band show with Stranglers choice cuts and solo delicates, plus support from The Courettes, an explosive group from Denmark and Brazil. With Flavia Couri on vocals and guitar and Martin on drums, they provide the perfect blend of Wall of Sound, Girl Group Heartbreaks, Motown and R&B. Imagine the Ronettes meeting the Ramones at a wild party in the Hitsville echo chamber, thatโ€™s the Courettes!

โ€œCornwellโ€™s still doing things his way and often with striking results,โ€ said Mojo, โ€œThunderously tribal garage rockโ€ฆ the ex-Strangler not yet gone soft,โ€ Uncut provided. 

Kicking off at Epic Studios in Norwich on 6th November, Hugh Cornwell will be playing favourites from his time with The Stranglers as well as a range of solo material, including his 1979 album โ€˜Nosferatuโ€™ in full. The record saw Cornwell teaming up with Captain Beefheartโ€™s Robert Williams to create a record as gothic as the film it takes its name from.

Throughout November, Cornwell will make stops at beloved venues up and down the country including Hangar 34 in Liverpool, Concorde 2 in Brighton and Islington Assembly in the capital. Heโ€™ll be joined on the road by retro-inspired punk rock duo The Courettes, helming from Denmark and Brazil. 

Tickets are on sale HERE

Hugh Cornwell UK 2025 Live Dates

6th Nov – Norwich, Epic Studios

7th Nov – Holmfirth, Picturedome

8th Nov – Liverpool, Hangar 34

13th Nov – London, Islington Assembly

14th Nov – Coventry, Warwick Arts Centre

15th Nov – Frome, Cheese and Grain

16th Nov – Brighton, Concorde 2

20th Nov – Glasgow, St Lukeโ€™s 

21th Nov – Dunfermline, Carnegie Hall

22nd Nov – Newcastle, Digital

Talk in Code Announces New Single; More Than Friends

Atmospherically anthemic and reinforced with that infectious rhythmic groove weโ€™ve come to love Talk in Code for, More Than Friends is chockfull of it, and itโ€™s their latest single, to be released on Friday 22nd August 2025 via Regent Street Recordsโ€ฆ.

Even if youโ€™re accounted for now, happily married and matured like a fine wine, the recollections of a blossoming relationship and the eagerness versus apprehension it provokes will never be pushed down a dark alley of your memory lane; successful or epic fail, they live inside the mind forever, Iโ€™m afraid! Frontman, Chris Stevens said of the single, โ€œweโ€™ve all been there, in a situation waiting for the other to make the first move, to validate our feelings, or save face!โ€

I could tell you a few stories, but will save you the agony! Especially as the earliest would be set in the eighties, about getting hot under the collar over girls in rah-rah skirts, leg warmers and dippy-boppers! But thatโ€™s the beauty of this songโ€™s simple premise; if youโ€™re older the irresistible eighties feel to the sound assists you in extracting the emotions needed to savour a memory or two, and youโ€™ll stare back up at your Morten Harket or Kim Wilde poster, should the blu-tac not have dried out, praying theyโ€™ll bless you with a cure to your longing!! Billy Joel, you charlatan, it isnโ€™t that easy to tell her about it!

Whereas if youโ€™re younger and, as gen z generally are, far more practical to be praying to Smash Hits pullout posters, you might relate the songโ€™s narrative to a newfound emotion, sharable on TikTok. But the eighties vibe still functions as a mechanism, because, letโ€™s face it, musical innovators of the eighties are the catalysts to contemporary pop. I was careful here not to suggest eighties music was better, though with my rose-tinted specs on, the thought was! 

And thatโ€™s what makes Talk in Code so universally engaging; it bridges a needed gap between eighties new wave electronica and nineties indie pop. In goes the synths, guitars riffs, the immortal choruses and rousing hooks, and what it exhausts is fresh and pumping, modern yet as timeless as Chris’s Adidas jackets, like someone slipped a rocket between the bum cheeks of Tony Hadley, and whip, zoom heโ€™s top of the download chart faster than you could cry Oasis.

For the reflective mood to the bandโ€™s artistry, which this track seems to strengthen, More Than Friends might be considered typical for the bandโ€™s direction, but as ever, they are growers, and after a listen or three youโ€™ll find the quintessential is challenged with each new release, because this band are tight, theyโ€™re professional, and bounded by great PR, management, and a truly loyal fanbase. A base which will be singing this back to them, in blue sunglasses, at their numerous live performances within the next month!

The single’s launch party is at the Vic, Swindon, on Friday 22nd August. Tickets HERE

Another cracker, Talk in Code. For everyone else, pre-save it HERE!

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Female of the Species Return for the Last Time

โ€œMore deadlier than the maleโ€ is my usual corny pun for this, but if supergroup Female of the Species returns to Melksham this September, it looks like the last time Iโ€™ll be able to use itโ€ฆ.

September 2017, when Devizine had merely eight articles published, I previewed a charity fundraising event in Melksham, The Female of the Species, and Iโ€™ve loved it and supported it since. A supergroup composed of the frontwomen of various local bands, they were already in their second year, but after ten years they announced this one will be their lastโ€ฆ.

Julie Moreton from Trowbridgeโ€™s ska and reggae covers band Train to Skaville, formed the supergroup Female of the Species with Nicky Davis from Warminster-based The Reason, Glastonburyโ€™s Julia Greenland from Soulville Express, Fromeโ€™s Claire Perry from Big Mammaโ€™s Banned, and solo artist Charmaigne Andrews, for an annual fundraiser at the Melksham Assembly Rooms; it became a much-loved institution and has raised over an estimated ยฃ25-30K for various local charities chosen annually.

Itโ€™s an incredible amount, but Julie revealed she wasnโ€™t sure of the grand total over the combined years. โ€œWe’ve never really kept a total of what we’ve raised,โ€ she modestly told me, โ€œwe sang a few songs, and someone’s life got a little better is how we think about it.โ€

Their tenth and final time performing the fundraiser as The Female of the Species will be at The Melksham Assembly Hall on Saturday 13th September 2025, and will be raising for Voices, a Bath-based charity supporting survivors and overcomers of domestic abuse and violence to recover and thrive. Tickets usually sell out quickly, you can grab yours HERE.

And youโ€™ll be glad you did, the accumulation of five talented singers from different bands, coming together for a sizzling melting pot of all popโ€™s subgenres, from rock, soul and reggae, blended with some filthy banter is something to behold, a whole lot of fun and dancing. Thereโ€™s always a quality support act too, the likes of Plan of Action, Becky Lawrence and Dylan Smith have all warmed up the audience in previous years, but the girls have called inย Laura Jayne, their first ever support act, who has carved out her own career as a vocalist.

With only months to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds or face potential closure due to the building it leased being beyond economical repair, in 2024 Female of the Species raised funds for Trowbridge preschool Rainbow Early Years. 2013 was for Alzheimerโ€™s Support, and previous years theyโ€™ve supported Mind, Young Melksham, Wiltshire Air Ambulance, and one very close to our hearts here at Devizine, Carmelaโ€™s Stand Up to Muscular Dystrophy.

They received a Civic Award in 2019, a letter from the Queen Consort, and thanks from the Chartered Institute of Fundraising. For a couple of years, with a misinformed council, they made the move to Seend Community Hall, but in 2024 they headlined Melkshamโ€™s Christmas light switch on and are now back at the Assembly Hall. Although, where and why did it all begin?

โ€œI started The Female of the Species because I didn’t like the way women were perceived on the local music scene,โ€ Julie Moreton told us. โ€œOut with Train to Skaville, at a couple of local festivals I noticed I was the only female on the stage, so I went into the green room and asked โ€˜anyone got any girls in the band?โ€™ The reply was, โ€˜we don’t have girls in our band because theyโ€™re unreliable, always gotta find a babysitter!โ€™ At another  festival I asked the same question, this time the reply was, ‘we get a few girlie’s in when we want some backing lyrics done!โ€™ It bugged me for about a year, then I decided to do something about it, spoke to my co-founder Julia Greenland, we booked the Civic Hall, without really knowing what we were doing!โ€

They only ever planned the gig as a one-off in 2014, but went on for ten years. Julie concluded, โ€œthe rest is history,โ€ until hilarious force of nature Claire โ€œBig Mammaโ€ Perry had to butt in with her welcomed thoughts too!

โ€œI joined this crazy bunch after their first year of performing,โ€ Claire  informed me, โ€œwith, I have to admit, some apprehension!!โ€ and continued to explain her reasoning; being โ€œbadly burntโ€ by another woman in a band; I didnโ€™t dare delve deeper! 

โ€œBut after Jules and Julia convinced me,โ€ she continued, โ€œI thought Iโ€™d be mad not to, โ€˜cos it’ll be fun!  I have to say….I’ve never looked back, well, maybe once or twice, to tell the drummer he’s too frigginโ€™ loud, or asleep, or pissed!โ€

โ€œIt’s been hard work every year, to get the time needed to rehearse, as all the band have their own commitments be it musically, or with their own families and lives, but what a privilege itโ€™s been every year to raise not only awareness of our chosen charities, but of course the money  that has helped them all, in whatever way they chose to put it to use.โ€ 

โ€œI think, if I may speak on behalf of all of us, what being in the Female of the Species has done for us, is to firmly secure the respect, admiration, and amazing friendships we have made amongst us all. Every year, we come out, smiling, (teeth & tits!!) to our trusty, and loyal audiences, professional to a fault, to put on, what we hope- will be a great show…but often hiding, or certainly masking, our own sometimes sad or heartbreaking dilemmas!โ€

Claire described how every year one of the members had issues in their personal lives, โ€œwhether that be, broken hearts, broken limbs!โ€ and here I recollected the year Nicky Davis hobbled out with a broken leg, and stunned the audience standing for her solo, but Claire reflected back three years past, when she lost her mum the night before the show.

โ€œTen years at the top of our game, we hope we can raise the rafters on this, our big celebration of music, friendship, and helping decent people, working to help others in chronically under funded charities, and get the place bouncing!! For me, itโ€™s been a blast, boosted my confidence and morale, and it’s made me proud of what a bunch of musos from the West can do, when we put our collective skills in the pot. Over the last ten years we have been The Female of the Species band, we have raised somewhere in the region of 30K for some very deserving people. It’s been a slog, it’s been a grin, but most of all…it’s been a pleasure!โ€

The pleasure has been ours, as we turn the final page, The Female of the Species will become an historical landmark on Wiltshireโ€™s music scene, and I still didnโ€™t get any of their phone numbers. For one last time youโ€™re invited to help them raise the roof of the Melksham Assembly Hall on Saturday 13th September 2025, but you need a ticket from HERE.

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Rowdefest 26 Lineup Reveal!

Drizzly Sundayโ€ฆagain. Iโ€™ve just finished designing the poster, so allow me to reveal the lineup for Rowdefest this coming May, might cheer us up aโ€ฆ

Keep reading

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Crowned Lightbringer; New Single From Ruby Darbyshire

Ruby, Ruby, Ruby! So good the Kaiser Chiefs wrote a song about her, or if not, at least brilliant enough to silence the most rowdy venue into an utter state of jawdropping awe! A video of a new tune, a metaphorical sea shanty, Crowned Lightbringer teasing us for a forthcoming EP, is out todayโ€ฆ..

A diary jam-packed, gigging across the South West to Scotland and beyond, her natural talent is off the scale, and deservedly gaining attention. With youth on her side, raw determination, and a twinkle in her eye, whatever avenue she might choose to take to get there, everything screams future legend about Ruby Darbyshire. I predicted this from day dot, Crowned Lightbringer confirms.

They whisper, โ€œoh, I’ve not heard her play yet,โ€ and not wishing to present them with a spoiler, I reply, as Ruby tunes up, โ€œjust, don’t go anywhere.โ€ Seconds later, another instant Ruby Darbyshire fan has spawned!

For her most treasured song to date, Insomnia, uses the inventively crafted metaphor of a blankie to represent a relatively adult issue, even breaks the solemnity with a comical line, it remains the simple premise of an intelligent childlike product in comparison to Crowned Lightbringer.

A rowing boat in a storm, a race against sea monsters, the lighthouse diverting ships from a bay; this is multi-layered and richer metaphorically than anything we’ve heard from Ruby in the past,ย and projects a maturing sentiment, with a fleshed, lost character and a sombre, inspiring narrative. The mood is chilled in darkness and euphorically hopeful to be guiding towards light.ย  It’s a sublime voyage of discovery, and overlapping looped harmonies echoing Ruby’s soulful vocal range insists you come aboard.

sneaky peek at the forthcoming EP cover

The tempo mellowed to ghostly, the sentiment interwoven into this rich theme of the implications of maturing; blues, in essence, with silk and steel strings? I’m no expert, but I do know the result is breathtaking, perfection on every level. It feels personal yet outwardly reflecting, and leaves you longing for this forthcoming EP.

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Wiltshire Music Centre Announces First New Season Under New Leadership

Wiltshire Music announces a new season for Autumn Winter: and the first under the new leadership of Daniel Clark, Artistic Director and Sarah Robertson, Executive Directorโ€ฆ.

Since first opening in 1997, Wiltshire Music Centre has been a musical hub, bringing the best in live performances to the area as well as providing a home for local orchestras, choirs and music groups. The upcoming season will feature returning WMC favourites while also spotlighting exciting new artists and expanding the programme, signalling a fresh direction and commitment to musical discovery.

Audiences can look forward to internationally recognised artists including a first visit to WMC by Kingโ€™s Place resident ensemble and Southbank Resident Orchestra,โ€ฏAurora Orchestra (21 Nov) a rare UK appearance by the phenomenal Bill Frisell Trio (22 Nov), classical season opener by Roderick Williams, one of the UKโ€™s most sought after baritones, alongside theโ€ฏCarducci Quartet, (28 Sep) and experimental folk singer-poet Richard Dawson (9 Nov), among others.

Other classical season highlights include celebrated Baroque violinistโ€ฏRachel Podgerโ€ฏperforming withโ€ฏBrecon Baroqueโ€ฏ(8 Oct) and returns to the WMC stage by virtuosic pianist,โ€ฏJeneba Kanneh-Masonโ€ฏ(Sun 26 Oct) andโ€ฏI Fagiolini, who bring their musical storytelling back to the stage with leading local choir, Bath Camerata (13 Dec).โ€ฏThe Young Artist Programme supporting the brightest young stars is back with Classic FM 2024 Rising Star and violinist Nathan Amaral (17 Dec) and Syrian-British pianist, Riyad Nicolas (12 Nov), exploring piano works from Bach, Beethoven and the Arab World.

A season of sensational jazz kicks off with Giacomo Smith and an all-star line-up celebrating 100 years of Louis Armstrong (27 Sep), a tribute to Nina Simone by Lady Nade, contemporary jazz and inventive improv from Danish Jazz Awards winners Jasper Hoibyโ€™s 3Elements, and much more.โ€ฏ

Alongside traditional folk offerings of Gypsy, folk inspired music by Budapest Cafe Orchestra (15 Nov) and โ€œworld-folkโ€ by Dallahan (31 Oct), the line-up also features contemporary sounds, including spellbinding Welsh triple harpist and vocalist Cerys Hafana (18 Oct), the critically acclaimed duo The Breath (2 Nov), and London folktronica band Tunng (19 Nov). 

Families can look forward to CBeebies Musical superhero and Podcast host, Nick Cope and his festive themed show (7 Dec) while earlier in the year, thereโ€™s a Halloween special for all the family with The Paper Cinema (1 Nov) and their immersive puppetry and visuals.

Referring to the Centreโ€™s rich history, Daniel Clark says โ€œWith these concerts, we have aimed to honour the spirit of musical curiosity so present in those early days, with a diverse programme spanning past, present and future. In our next season, you will find a collection of extraordinary musical experiences, handpicked for our wonderful auditorium and marking the start of our own journeys as stewards of this special venue.โ€ 

Daniel Clark joined in January this year, alongside Sarah Robertson. Sarah was previously Director of Communications and Special Projects at Bristol Beacon, leading the marketing and rebranding of the venueโ€™s ยฃ132 million transformation. Daniel, with over 25 years in the arts as a Creative Director, composer, and musician, formerly led the Creative Programme at the Story Museum in Oxford.

Highlights:

Aurora Orchestra: one of the most innovative and boundary-breaking ensembles in classical music make their WMC debut performing Mendelssohnโ€™s much-loved โ€œItalian Symphonyโ€, and Prokofievโ€™s expressive Violin Concerto No 2 with Chloe Hanslip โ€“ all performed from memory. (21 Nov 2025) 

Bill Frisell Trio: Wiltshire Music Centre welcomes legendary jazz guitarist and composer and his acclaimed trio featuring Thomas Moran on bass and Rudy Royston on drums. This will be just one of a handful of UK performances, that includes the London Jazz Festival. (22 Nov 2025) 

Artist Residency: Groundbreaking clarinettist, active educator and composer Giacomo Smith performs a series of concerts: โ€œThe 1925โ€ (27 Sep) celebrating 100 years of Louis Armstrong featuring UKโ€™s jazz talents, Joe Webb and Laura Hurd; Giacomo Smith + Wiltshire Youth Jazz Orchestra (12 Oct), a special afternoon of brilliant big band magic with talented young musicians; Giacomo Smith & Mozes Rosenberg โ€œManoucheโ€ (14 Nov), a special quartet project paying homage to Djanjo Reinhardtโ€™s musical legacy.

Penguin Cafe Plays Music from Penguin Cafe Orchestra: The sounds of Music from the cult avant-pop band of the 80s & 90s is played by group founded by Arthur Jeffes, son of the original creator, Simon (18 Nov)

Little Rituals presents Heliocentrics: Special event presented by Bradford on Avonโ€™s coolest coffee shop, Little Rituals: an evening of psychedelic-funk-jazz, audio-visuals, pop- up vinyl shop run by Melkshamโ€™s indie record shop, Doubles and cocktails. (29 Nov)

Tickets are now on sale from HERE.ย 

Trending…..

Devizes Issues Wants You!

Dubiously biased and ruled with an iron fist, the mighty admin of the once popular Devizes Facebook group, Devizes Issues, is using the iconic Greatโ€ฆ

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Lady Nade; Sober!

Dry January, anyone? Well, Lady Nade just plunged into an outdoor 4ยฐC eucalyptus sauna for a social media reel. But whilst I’d require a stiffโ€ฆ

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Announcing The Top Ten Nominees of Wiltshire Music Awards 2025

Yeah, I hear you! An update on our inaugural Wiltshire Music Awards is overdue. So my partner on this monumental project and the guy doing all the work while I take the credit, Eddie Prestidge of Wiltshire Music Events, has taken off his shoes and socks and provided a top ten shortlist for each categoryโ€ฆ.drum roll, and perhaps a generous spray of Febreze!

Excited? I know I am, but then I’m easily excitable. Firstly you should know by now, despite the umpteen โ€œwhere can I voteโ€ questions still fired online at us daily, that the voting has closed; closed, people; pay attention!

We are now in the process of collating those thoughtful public votes, and handing the top three winners of each and every category to an expert panel of judges either selected for their keen involvement in the Wiltshire music scene, sporting a purple goatie, or both.

We thank those who took the time to cast their votes. We had over 700 votes, proving the music scene of Wiltshire is vast and enjoyed by many, has more talented people than a night out with The Venga Boys, and there’s a few Swifties and generally silly people who didn’t get the memo that this is Wiltshire Music Awards and not the Pennsylvania oneโ€ฆ.unless you can find me a suitable connection between Wiltshire and Taylor Swift?! 

Hey, look, let’s be honest, I’d be happy to hand her an award, perhaps in exchange for her phone number, but we have to keep things in perspective.

On our Facebook group over the past week or so, Eddie has been listing the results, precisely as they were written in the boxes by the voters, so you can see, warts, spelling mistakes, and those spoiled ballots by a minority of silly sausages were included. We’re aware, due to stage names, variations, and the state of the education system, some names appear twice or more, and it’s been a task to collate them.

The thing is, and always was, that the voting boxes should be left blank rather than those annoying drop-down option thingies. While the combined minds of Ed and I is both something to behold, and a virtual encyclopedia of the Wiltshire music scene, we can’t pretend to know everyone, and therefore some of the choices made by you, the voters, we were unaware of. And that’s the beauty and ethos behind these awards, networking foremost. Making the scene competitive is the bottom of our priorities, Wiltshire Music Awards is about recognising and celebrating local talent, and showcasing it.

Personally I reckon anyone with the guts to get out there and entertain Wiltshire folk deserves a big shiny medal of bravery, and perhaps one of those right posh giant Toblerones! Thereโ€™s a number of artists and bands missing that Iโ€™d personally liked to see up there, I guess thatโ€™s the way the cookie crumbles.

So, enough of my warbling, cue the Gregory Isaacs song, โ€œThough she isn’t in my top ten, still she is on my chart, Sitting in the back bench still she’s a student of my class,โ€ or not perhaps; political correctness! Here, anyway, is the Top Ten from each category; fill yer boots, no squabbling, and the very best of luck to everyone mentioned belowโ€ฆ.

Listings are alphabetical. Those eagle-eye Action Men might notice not all categories contain ten; where the final one or two contains multiple entries with the same amount of votes, they’ve been omitted.

Come and help us celebrate the winners and runners up with a star-studded lineup of music, announcements, perhaps even yours truly as host (a polished turd in a tuxedo,) and a special celebrity guest or three, by grabbing some tickets for the grand ceremony at Devizes Corn Exchange on Saturday 25th October. 

Best Male Solo Artist

Vince Bell

Giles Halski

Lucas Hardy

Josh Kumra

JP Oldfield

John โ€œIllingworthโ€ Smith

George Wilding

Adam Woodhouse

Best Female Solo Artist

Harmony Asia

Ebony Bell

Chrissy Chapman

Sammi Evans

Ruby Darbyshire

Chloe Hepburn

Rosie Jay

Tamsin Quin

Rachel Sinnetta

Best Originals Band

All Ears Avow

Be Like Will

Burn The Midnight Oil

Dark Prophecy

Deadlight Dance

Cephid

The Jon Amor Trio

Nothing Rhymes With Orange

Talk in Code

Best Covers Band

Be Like Will

The Britpop Boys

Martyโ€™s Fake Family

The Midnight Hour

No Alarms And No Devizes

Pinky & The Slapcats

Static Moves

The Unpredictables

Best Duo

Deadlight Dance

Fly Yeti Fly

Illingworth

Jolyon Dixon & Rachel Sinnetta

Lauren & Hardy

Matchbox Mutiny

Millers Daughter

Rackham

The Sylvertones

Best Rising Star/Newcomer

Sam Bishop

Burn The Midnight Oil

Cephid

Chole Hepburn

Sammi Evans

Fran Daisy

JP Oldfield

Koerie Willsdon

Rosie Jay

Best Tribute Artist/Band

The Bowie Show

BC/DC Breakcover

The Britpop Boys

50 ft Queenie

Mick Jogger & The Stones Experience

Just Elton

Painted Bird

Plastic Fantastic

Rebjorn 

Best Music Venue

The Pump, Trowbridge

Qudos, Salisbury

The Royal Oak, Pewsey

Stallards, Trowbridge

The Southgate, Devizes

The Three Crowns, Devizes

The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon

The Victoria, Swindon

Best Original Song

The Bitter Mass – Iโ€™ll Wrap You

Burn The Midnight Oil – Lock Up

Butane Skies – Innocence

Gaz Brookfield – Hook Village Hall

Lucas Hardy – The Below

Rob Sadler – I Wrote a Country Song

Rosie Jay – I Donโ€™t Give a Damn

Talk in Code – All In

The Vivas – Saint Swithens

Best Vocalist

Amber Coleman

Tom Corneill

Elijah Easton

Lucas Hardy

Chloe Jordan

Rachel Sinnetta

Chris Stevens

Tom Thornton

Best Guitarist

Jon Amor

Nick Beere

Joe Burke

Jolyon Dixon

Andy Hill

Howard Hughes

Jack Lowe

Innes Sibun

Alister Sneddon

Best Bassist

Mark Turner

Nick Gowman

Nick Beere

James Hinsley

Lucianne Worthy

Jerry Soffe 

Ed Docherty

Richard Hunt

Thomas Noke

Best Drummer

Dean Creighton

Ed (Solar Bird)

Tom Gilkes

Andy Naish

Jamie O’Sullivan

Thor Porter

Callum Rawlings

Jane Truckle

Best Instrumentalist

Mike Barnett

Nick Beere

Jolyon Dixon

Claire Hopkins

Cailien Hunt

Andrew Hurst

Chris O’Leary

JP Oldfield

Sara Stagg

Wade (from Brakelight)

Best DJ

Paul Alexander

Mark Anthony

Chloe Grist

Guy Griffiths (DJ Bong)

Kevin – (Odstock Radio)

Mark Lister

Maurice Menghini

Andy Saunders

James Threlfall

Lifetime Achievement Award

Jon Amor

Nick Beere

Vince Bell

Jolyon Dixon

Colin Holton

Ruth Jones

Michael Johnson

Pete Lamb

Darren Simons

Talk in Code

Outstanding Contribution to the Wiltshire Music Scene

Jo Baines

Nick Beere

Colin Holton

Ian Hopkins

Tom Mallard

Solstice Sound Music Studio

Talk in Code

The Three Horseshoes

Darren Worrow

Outstanding Contribution to Music in the Community

Jo Baines

Robb Blake

Jemma Brown & Fulltone Orchestra

Saun Dobson & The Three Horseshoes

Ross Gooding

Colin Holton

The Royal Wottonn Bassett Dementia Choir

Talk in Code

West Wilts Radio

Darren Worrow

That’s all folks, save the most important part for you; come and help us celebrate the winners and runners up with a star-studded lineup of music, announcements, perhaps even yours truly as host (a polished turd in a tuxedo,) and a special celebrity guest or three, by grabbing some tickets for the grand ceremony at Devizes Corn Exchange on Saturday 25th October. 

To make this as glitzy as we want it to be, you can help us also by sponsoring a category, more information about this and everything else to do with Wiltshire Music Awards, see HERE.

Wiltshire Music Awards 2025

Devizes Rising Star Jess Self in Final for West End Kids

If youโ€™ve seen Jess Self performing at the Wharf Theatre, singing at the FullTone Festival or elsewhere Iโ€™m certain youโ€™ll agree with us; Jess has that star quality which lights up the stageโ€ฆ..

At 13 Jess won Vernon Kayโ€™s Talent Nation, studied performing arts at Trowbridgeโ€™s Stagecoach and has appeared in many productions including Devizes Music Academy’s Six:Teen, The Railway Children and lead roles in more pantomimes at The Wharf Theatre than I could name!

Weโ€™re delighted to hear Jess has made the final seven hopefuls for West End Kids, the UKโ€™s renowned pre-professional company for musical theatre training and elite performance. From hundreds of entries, the final seven young contestants are decided by public vote, to win a scholarship for their training programme.

Jess said, โ€œthe first show I ever went to watch was Matilda when I was 9, after the show I said I want to do thisโ€™ and I haven’t stopped singing since. This would be a dream come true for me!โ€

Now, this is where you come in, interactive which we are! Please help Jess reach the dream, vote for her and support local talent. Vote HERE by entering your name, and confirming by email. Voting ends this Sunday, 3rd August, so donโ€™t delay.

We wish you the very best of luck, Jess! 

WEK: Star National Singing Competition – Final 7

Devizes Scooter Rally; Best Yet, Ranking Full Stop!

If there’s been hearsay and ballyhoo about the date clash of two major but individually different events in Devizes this week, I hold my hand up for stirring the pot, yet try to attend both and find fair balance. But at the dawning of them, as magical as the FullTone Festival is, it cannot be argued, Devizes Scooter Rally was the success story this weekendโ€ฆ..

My afternoon was spent, Muck & Dundar piรฑa colada in hand, in the magnificence of FullTone’s mighty stage, Vivaldiโ€™s Four Seasons striking out with the acoustics of the gods, in awe at glitter-faced violinist Katy Smith and the orchestra behind.ย 

It is unquestionably a fantastic event. Though Devizine isn’t my employment, neither a public service, it’s a hobby, its opinions driven by the personal preferences of the authors. As much as I pretend to be classically cultured, there’s another gig I’m impelled by preference to explore; Devizes Scooter Rally.ย 

Handbags and gladrags for a cider guzzling retrospective camping adventure on the future site of FullTone, Park Farm. The scope for expansion for FullTone is available here, even if townsfolk accustomed to a freebie from their deckchair on the small green might whinge, at least the date will not clash and Devizions can enjoy both next year, if they so wished. Yet if the clash must remain, my devotion is towards the Rally, because it’s more my cuppa.

I’m standing upfield with the โ€œColonelโ€ of Devizes Scooter Club Adam Ford and his partner Lauren Gibbs, watching the sun setting across the vast expanse of tents, campers and scooters; neither sure nor fussed over stats, but the site is at least 25% fuller than last year, which was recordbreaking too. They, club members, and volunteers have been here all week, setting up this magnificent spectacle, now feeling the fatigue but maintaining smiles, and the bar staff continue regardless of lost voices and aching feet. The club built the fantastic bar themselves, and once the rally is opened this testament to their conscientiousness never creates a dull moment.

The sound reputation the rally has built, both locally and nationwide has boosted attendance figures, the headlining of Ranking Jnrโ€™s incarnation of The Beat assisted. A bold move to introduce a renowned name, but the Club needs to discuss just how willing they are to expand the rally, the issues it may raise, but in general the consensus seemed to be that in fear of losing the communal and hospitable atmosphere, this yearโ€™s Rally might be as large as they are willing to take it. I like this, for the atmosphere is sublimely buzzing, yet it retains a friendly, family vibe.

The spirit of the attendees, or the overall โ€œvibeโ€ is key to its success, and something no matter how much dosh you throw at the mechanics or promotion of an event, you canโ€™t manufacture. It just happens, via the altruism and motivation of the organisers, presenting an affordable occasion welcoming all. The scooterists flock here from every corner of the country, the locals are now keen to come too, because thereโ€™s no boundaries or prejudices dividing them. It is also, undoubtedly the nostalgia they all love, a merger of youth cultures of yore, and, for the younger attendees, its influence on today. This, and the certitude ska, reggae, and soul is irresistibly danceable, and for the locals, genres something rarely provided here.

Devizes Scooter Rally is top of its own class. Other largescale rallies have debatably lost their communal atmosphere through their expansion, and those at the lower end of the scale do not pack the same powerful punch. Five bands are booked, thereโ€™s lengthy breaks between them filled with the renowned DJ Terry Hendrick, and no one batters an eyelid in botheration. This isnโ€™t exactly a festival even though it might appear so, more a gathering of likeminded, out to party like thereโ€™s no tomorrow! They gather to chat, drink and be merry; thatโ€™s the motto reflected.

The Butterfly Collective, the penultimate Saturday night act seemed far more polished and diverse than last year, and took us on a grand historic musical journey of covers, relevant yet era-spanning and anthemic. What would finalise the live acts was bubbling the anticipation and excitement of the crowds jamming themselves into the marque.

Two-Tone pioneering bands striving towards chart success in the early eighties attempted it in different ways. The Specials upheld politically-motivated teenage anguish, The Bodysnatchers used their frontgirl for feminist awareness, Madness locked into a carefree fairground sound to appease the youngest, but The Beat achieved it by combining musical styles which would change the nature of pop. Punk, ska, soul and reggae, even Latino influences were not off the cards for The Beat. Though, as seemingly mandatory of the Two-Tone style, an Afro-Caribbean toaster was provided, and his unforgettable name was Ranking Roger.

2019 Ranking Roger sadly passed away aged just 56. We heard a heartwarming homage to him in both speech and song from his son Matthew Murphy, aka Ranking Junior, and though subtle not to sombre the mood, it was emotional. The remaining time was spent absolutely and categorically rocking the crowd with a combination of self-penned songs in the skanking fashion of The Beat yet updated with subtle dancehall and obviously classics from the original lineup when the concentration leaned on his father rather than Dave Wakeling. In so much we weren’t treated to tunes like Canโ€™t Get Used to Losing You, but at the height of the party mood, Mirror in the Bathroom, Full Stop, Hands Off…She’s Mine and an updated Stand Down Margaret did more than suffice. 

It was off the scale, a perfect balance of testament to his father and his own progression, akin to Ziggy Marley, a high but deserved accolade. Through his youthfulness was the drive in the show, the same zest and raw energy his father wouldโ€™ve delivered in his prime, and that was simply delicious, respectful and infectious.

Once the steam had lessened and the night bit in, Terry would supply the other end of the musical difference of contemporary scooterists, Northern Soul. So if the soul dancers were persuaded by genre to hover outside while Ranking Junior’s The Beat took on this timeless extravaganza, the dancefloor was now theirs to show off their fancy moves, and they did!

What a fantastic, peaking blinder on our doorstep, I only hope Iโ€™ve done it justice trying to express how bloody marvelous it was, especially the afternoon after the cider I consumed! Devizes Scooter Club, friends and family sure know to throw an unforgettable shindig, and maximum respect to them for the diligence and efforts they put into putting this rally firmly on the map, again. It just gets better each time! 

Static Moves Crawling Back With Debut Single

In a way itโ€™s more intriguing when a cover band sends an original song than one already producing originals. For if original bands can sometimes be critical of the desire of pub venues to value cover bands over them, yeah, your average cover band is heeding the call for their bread and butter, but are often equally passionate about music, and turn to recording some of their own wares. And when they do itโ€™s natural to pay homage to the particular style they play in, as guaranteed, thatโ€™s their calling and influenceโ€ฆ..

Certainly true of Marlborough-based Static Moves, who released a debut single today, full of the retrospective energy theyโ€™re celebrated for at live shows. They turned a cold February night at the Three Crowns in Devizes into a volcano, as they regularly warm crowds at a plethora of local venues with a repertoire of welcomed new wave to Britpop covers.

The concern is that the raw energy doesnโ€™t transfer to the recording, but you have no worries here; it’s the dog’s bollocks. Crawl Back, as theyโ€™ve called it, belts out an accomplished potential anthem of precisely what theyโ€™re loved for on the circuit. A matured and modern indie-rock spliced โ€œTurning Japaneseโ€ by the Vapors, with a carefree attitude of the Merton Parkas. Itโ€™s got the new wave mod-punk crossover of the early eighties splashed across it like two-tone trousers and Fred Perry T-shirts never went out of fashion. And it didnโ€™t, because you can hear its influence crying out for attention in contemporary indie-rock bands, ergo, the appeal of Crawl Back reaches beyond nostalgic middle-aged to youths today.

With a theme of the tail between your legs sympathy vote, forgiveness is key when you still fancy the wrongdoer, forget the three minute hero, this weighs in at four and a half, and it waits for no man to catch up with it. In a way the length of this whopper is more indicative of modern punk bands, but you cannot help but imagine youโ€™re at a musky gig in 1981, it costs two quid to get in, youโ€™ve only got one and half a packet of fruit Polos to trade with the glue-sniffers hanging outside drinking tins of Tennents!

Static Moves promises more of their, indeed, moreish raw energy captured, and if thereโ€™s more in the pipeline, an EP would be welcomed, an album worth would be knockout, because they could, and should, slip this into their covers set and no one would be any the wiser it wasnโ€™t an album track from Modern English or a nineties influenced crew like The Coral or Supergrass; itโ€™s on that level of excellence too, and that’s why they’re all over our local circuit like Dr Martens were in 1981.

Salisbury Musicians Record Fundraising Single in Memory of Thom Belk

A feast of Salisbury musicians have recorded the single Edge of Reason, a powerful tribute to the irreplaceable Thomโ€ฏBelk, a champion of Salisburyโ€™s music scene who sadly passed away at the end of 2023….

โ€œThomโ€™s passion for local talent lit up this city, and this song is our way of keeping that flame burning bright,โ€ explained Salisbury punkers Lump, organisers and main artists of the single.

You can download the track for ยฃ2 from Bandcamp, and every penny goes straight to The Roseโ€ฏGale Trust & The Thomโ€ฏBelk Community Fund, helping young people in Southโ€ฏWiltshire follow their dreams. Tickets to the Salisbury Victoria Park fundraiser on Saturday August 16th are also available from this link, by Salisbury Live.

Wilton based former Salisbury FC staff member, DJ and chef, Thom Belk passed away in December 2023, aged just 36. A firm supporter of the Salisbury music circuit, and the Salisbury Music Awards.ย 

โ€˜Edge of Reasonโ€™ย  was written, recorded and performed by Lump, with a rap section written and performed by Gavin Roberts (MC Daytripper.) Other vocalists featured on the track areย Alex Morgan-Wardrop, Helen Maple, Mr H, Ruth Jones, Matty Priest, Becs Marchant, Cam Walker, Ellie & Emerson andMC Daytripper. The single has fiddle by Wen Archer and Andy Boulton as lead guitarist.

Trending……

Rooks; New Single From M3G

Chippenham folk singer-songwriter, M3G (because she likes a backward โ€œEโ€) has a new single out tomorrow, Friday 19th December. Put your jingly bell cheesy tunesโ€ฆ

by Darren Worrow

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Devizes Food & Drink Festival Programme of Events Released

Devizes Food & Drink Festival launched their 2025 programme of events today. Running from Saturday 20th to the 28th September, the Box Office opens online and at Devizes Books on August 11th; can you wait that long or is your tummy rumbling already?!

The free Street Food and Artisan Marketย will take place in the Devizes Market Place on Saturday 20th, opening the festival. There’s tales and food of Greece, cheese & wine tasting, a teddy bear’s picnic, an exploration of the culinary traditions that have bound French and Russian cuisine together, ย lunch in the Menโ€™s Shed,ย local nutritionist and personal trainer Matt Fruci, lunch of Indian street food at Indigo Antiques, Polly’s lunch on the Water Gypsy, The great Foodie Quiz, a Wadworth tour, a murder mystery dinner, Come Dine With Us, and lots more.

The festival ends with the usual World Food Day, something I very much enjoyed last year when I got my fill! That’s free entry at the Corn Exchange on Sunday 28th September. 12.30 they say, but get there early as the queue will be huge and so might your appetite!

More info on the events HERE.

Strange Days Festival Brings Brian Blessed and Henge to The Barge on HoneyStreet in September

With your standard festivals two-to-a-penny, some consisting of not much more than a bloke with a guitar in a pub selling undercooked and overpriced hotdogs, folk are hunting for the unique and often quirky exceptions. Accept The Barge at HoneyStreet always goes the extra mile as a fact. With camping and weekly events so good it’s like a little festival there most of the time, and their homemade HoneyFest still looming on our calendar this September one caught both my eyes and ears; it’s not just unique, it’s otherworldlyโ€ฆ..

Our legendary and beloved Barge Inn, long considered a nexus for crop circles, cosmic curiosity, and canal-side wonder, will host the inaugural Strange Days Festival, a bold new gathering of curious minds, music, and mystery; intrigued huh?!

And leading the charge into the unknown? They’re truly blessed to have none other than the inimitable Brian Blessed, Britainโ€™s booming-voiced national treasure. As a headline speaker on the Saturday afternoon, Blessed, known for his larger-than-life presence and deep fascination with both earthly and cosmic exploration, not to mention his own real-life cryptid investigations, is surely worth the ticket stub alone. If “Gordon’s alive,” let’s hope he’s not moored at the Barge in September!

โ€œStrange Days Festival is a celebration of the unexplained, rooted in the Fortean tradition: a space where the strange is taken seriously, but not solemnly,โ€ organiser Matt Page of Area 51 explained, and he should know. Area 51 Design provides world-class performances, costumed characters, and cutting edge themed decor to events worldwide, from Glastonbury to the Seychelles.

I had a gander at their Facebook page and was left in awe at their quality bizarre installations, pioneers in this art movement to create feasts for the eyes of festival-goers. But back to Strange Days, indeed.

There’s talks and panels on cryptozoology, folklore, the paranormal and other such shenanigans. This includes legendary underground cartoonist Hunt Emerson, an inspiration to me in my scribbling days of yore, cryptozoologist Richard Freeman, Ian Simmons, editor of Fortean Times, and various other podcasters, artists, authors and researchers.

The festival’s ethos invites attendees to question the world around them, with curiosity, critical thinking, and a sense of cosmic humour. But we’ve only just got started, for when day turns to night, the mystery turns to music. With an electrifying line-up of live bands, DJs and performance art, our interstellar heroes Henge headline. 

If you’ve not witnessed their high-energy, intergalactic spectacle before, what planet are you on? I trekked to The Cheese and Grain to investigate them, here’s my take on it, and the bonkers support I mentioned, Paddy Steer is also playing Strange Days. With their message of peace, rave, and galactic unity, Henge are the perfect sonic ambassadors for the spirit of Strange Days.

Plus, naturally, if QTV’s Quentin Smirhes and Comfrey aroused your unnatural senses and turned your head towards social distancing worm helmets during lockdown, you’ll be concerned Sean Reynard will be there, along with Calne’s Real Cheesemakers, with or without their tortoise.

โ€œThis isnโ€™t a conspiracy circus or a sci-fi cosplay,โ€ Matt promises. โ€œItโ€™s a space for real inquiry, meaningful discussion, and a very good time. We’re bringing together the serious and the surreal, the cerebral and the celebratory.โ€ Okay I get that, but you know those human fans of Henge will bring the plasma ball hats anyway!!

If aliens are to visit us, this is surely the best weekend to do so. Therefore I’m going above and beyond our usual local network, calling all galactic lifeforms, space cadets and fortean fans, for this, on our doorstep, looks more like a porthole to another world rather than the typical half-baked efforts at a festie!

Strange Days Festival is at The Barge on HoneyStreet from 5th to 7th September 2025. Tickets and info HERE, or at your nearest interstellar space port, located near Alpha Centauri.

Trending….

Schools Out For Summer: Here’s Some Things to Do in Wiltshire!

Schools out for summer, yelled a man called Alice, but that was in 1972. We’re about what you can do THIS school summer holiday with those little munchkins; here’s what we’ve found…

Please note as soon as we publish this we’ll be bombarded with events we have missed; at least that’s what usually happens! So, bookmark this article as it will update, as will our event calendar, as soon-(ish) as they come to us! Do not fear, we’ll help you through this period, parents, and prevent you having bored kids and compulsory wine-o’clock!

WC says school hollibobs begin Thursday 24th July and parents are freed on Monday 1st September, but we’ve found stuff from Monday 21st, so let’s get this ball rolling from there…..

Ongoing throughout the summer hols….

Boomerang, Melksham

Kids Activities at Bowood House

Longleat Summer Carnival

Friends of Jesus Children’s Summer Holiday Club @ Southbroom School, Devizes

Mon 21st July

Wed 23rd July

BSO On Your Doorstep Concert @ Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon

Fitzgraham Academy of Dance โ€“ Mythos @ The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon

(26th July)  The Jungle Book @  Salisbury Playhouse

Fri 25th July

Sat 26th July

Mon 28th July

Tues 29th July

Summer Chocolate Experience (Adult & Child/Teen) @ HollyChocs, Poulshot

Thurs 31st July

Wiltshire & Bath Air Ambulance Teddy Bear’s Picnic @ Semington Base, Trowbridge

Fri 1st August

Kidโ€™s Summer Art Club @ Wiltshire Scrapstore, Lacock

Threads: Clothing, Memory and Identity

Origami Aeroplanes Workshop @ Trowbridge Museum

(-6th Aug) Devising Drama @ Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon

(-8th Aug) PLUK Song-Writing Club @ Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon

(-8th Aug) LEGO Stopframe Animation Workshop @ Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avo

The Most Perilous Comedie of Elizabeth I @ Old Town Bowl, Swindon

Sat 2nd August

Brick Creative Club with Trowbridge Library

The Arc Open Day
Ice Cream & Bubbles Festival

Circus Skills Workshop @ Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon

Friends Summer Tea Party @ Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon

Mon 4th August

Lights Up, Sounds Down – Quiet Opening

Tues 5th August

COOKERY CLASS FOR ADULTS & TEENS WITH COMPLEX NEEDS
Summer Holidays: Autism Friendly Quiet Time
Trio Paradis Family Concert: Planes, Trains & Automobiles
ATBShop Warminster Skate Park Event

Craft Day @ The Shires, Trowbridge

Wed 6th August

Drama Tots @ Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon

Little Piccolos @ Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon

Exhibition On Screen: Vermeer: The Greatest Exhibition

Thurs 7th August

Summer Pirate Cruises From The Wharf, Devizes

COOK TOGETHER (ADULT & CHILD) – ITALIAN FEAST

Kidโ€™s Summer Art Club @ Wiltshire Scrapstore, Lacock

Childrenโ€™s Tie Dye T-shirt Workshop @ Trowbridge Museum

Rock The Tots Summer Party @ Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon

Fri 8th August

Kidโ€™s Summer Art Club @ Wiltshire Scrapstore, Lacock

Mermaid Dance Party @ Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon

Paddingtonโ€™s First Concert @ Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon

Sat 9th August

Curious Kids: Under the Sea @ Wiltshire Museum, Devizes

Seend Fete

Story Time @ Trowbridge Library

Swindon & Wiltshire Pride

Tues 12th August

Make your own musical – (14-18’s) with Emily Malcolm
Writing (and performing?) your words – (11-14’s) with Saili Katebe

Wed 13th August

Junk Modelling (ages 5+) @ Trowbridge Museum

Thurs 14th August

Kidโ€™s Summer Art Club @ Wiltshire Scrapstore, Lacock

Balloon Modelling @ The Shires, Trowbridge

Pewsey Moviola at the Bouverie Hall

(-14th-16th Aug) Annie @ The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon

Fri 15th August

Kidโ€™s Summer Art Club @ Wiltshire Scrapstore, Lacock

Fearlessly Taylor @ Town Gardens Bowl Town Gardens, Swindon

Sat 16th August

Colour Rush
Confetti Battle

Sun 17th August

Mon 18th August

Holiday Club at Southbroom St James Academy, Devizes

A Churches Together in Devizes Holiday Club is taking place from Monday the 18th to Friday the 22nd of August at Southbroom St James Acadamy in Nursteed Road. The sessions are from 9.45am to 12.30pm each day, and itโ€™s for children going into school years one to seven in September. Go along and make new friends this summer. Thereโ€™ll be Bible stories, games, activities, crafts, songs, drame, and much more. Thereโ€™s a suggested donation of ยฃ1 per day. Email devizeschurches.holidayclub@gmail.com for further information and booking details.

(-22nd Aug) Musical in a Week! @ Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon

Tues 19th August


Crafting with Leather @ Wiltshire Scrapstore, Lacock

11+ 2 DAY COOKERY CAMP – AUGUST
Make-up for stage – (11-14’s) with Anna Randall

Wed 20th August

Horrible Histories: Gorgeous Georgians and Vile Victorians @ The Wyvern, Swindon

Thurs 21st August

Kidโ€™s Summer Art Club @ Wiltshire Scrapstore, Lacock

COOK TOGETHER (ADULT & TEEN 14+) – ASIAN FEAST
Comedy writing (and performing?) – (14-18’s) with Angie Belcher
Costume design/making – (11-14’s) with Lottie Bywaters

Fri 22nd August

Meet Stitch & Bluey at Hillworth Park! | Fri 22nd August

Kidโ€™s Summer Art Club @ Wiltshire Scrapstore, Lacock

https://thefarmcookeryschool.co.uk/event/cook-together-adult-child-pastry/
Bat & Moth Evening at Baydons Meadow
Vicky Jackson as Pink

Sat 23rd August

Summer Fete at Devizes Scout Hall

The Last Baguette: Bin Rat at The Corsham Almshouses

In The Night Garden Live@ The Wyvern, Swindon

Sun 24th August

Crofton in Steam – August Steaming weekend

Mon 25th August

Balloon Modelling @ The Shires, Trowbridge

Tues 26th August

4+ SUPERSTARS
7+ SUPERCOOKS
Acting improvisation and creating scenes (14-18’s) with Deepraj Singh
Instruments and DJ’ing – (11-14’s) with Mark Lodge

Wed 27th August

11+ HOLIDAY CLUB

Flowers And Friendship Bracelets โ€“ The Ultimate Pop Concert @ The Wyvern, Swindon

Thurs 28th August

COOK TOGETHER (ADULT & CHILD) – SUMMER TREATS

Fri 29th August

Hot Air Balloon Weaving (ages 5+) @ Trowbridge Museum

Sat 30th August

Devizes Carnival Parade

Kennet & Avon Summer Floating Fayre @ the Barge, HoneyStreet

MELKSHAM FOOD & RIVER FESTIVAL

Calne Food Festival

Malmesbury Carnival

West of England Youth Orchestra with Leia Zhu @ Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon

The Amazing Bubble Man

That’s all Folks! Back to school. Parents, breath out and relax!

Devizes Dilemma: FullTone or Scooter Rally?!

Contemplated headlining this โ€œClash of the Titans,โ€ but that evokes the idea of a dramatic power struggle with fierce consequences rather than proof Devizes can peacefully contain two major events on the same weekend, and, potentially, everyone comes up smiling because they attract different target audiences. But if the practicalities and ethos of both events differ enough for townsfolk to calculate a decision on which they’d prefer to attend, when you think about it there’s also some striking similarities between the twoโ€ฆ.

Next weekend sees two major Devizes events happening simultaneously, FullTone Festival and Devizes Scooter Rally. Me? My eclectic tastes and desire to impartially cover as much goings-on as possible puts me in a dilemma, but for most it’s a no-brainer which they’d rather go to. FullTone, central in town, celebrates our homegrown orchestra, with classically trained and theatrical musicians and singers. Though it leans towards representing pop too, classical is the root, and you can chill among friends on a deckchair absorbing the magnitude of something akin to Last Night of the Proms, whilst close to both home and some lardy cake! 

Whereas The Scooter Rally, out on the Whistley Road, appeases scooter enthusiasts from near and far, though not exclusively, but either usually have a retrospective penchant for soul, reggae, and dancing to it like there’s no tomorrow! If production is slighter here, it’s ample for its needs; technically engineering sound for ska bands with a brass section, keys and all other gubbings can be nearly as challenging as an orchestra, but the Rally has never failed us yet with precision and high quality output. You. Will. Have. A peaky blinder, guaranteed!

Slide and Decide!

On cost, yes, FullTone comes at a price, but as I’ve stated many times before, when you’re held spellbound in the epicentre of that domed stage, captured by its acoustic magnificence, you’ll soon see where the money is spent; on matchless production, coordination, planning and the highest quality performances. The Scooter Rally prides itself on affordability, but somehow doesnโ€™t skip on quality, which is miraculous in itself. There you will feel like part of something really rather communal and will never be left feeling anyone is out to rip you off; similar to FullTone under the premise โ€œyou get what you pay for.โ€

The ambience this creates at the Rally is second to none; drinks prices match the fairness of the ticket stub, camping is included, showers are provided free, and unlike any preconceived notion, mods and skinheads would rather cuddle you than nick your purse!! As an orchestral event it goes without saying, Fulltone also has the hospitality Hagrid would get returning to Hogwarts. Still, the music offering and type of crowd are vastly different, we could suggest by social class, but again, thereโ€™s a good mix at both too. 

Fulltone Festival 2023 Day Two Image: Gail Foster

So, where’s the other similarities, you ask, or I’d imagine you might, as they sound completely different kettles of fish, agreed.

I’ll tell you the easiest comparisons first, both are in Devizes; yay! Secondly, both are blooming fantastic, worthy of your hard-earned cash. Both are about the same age, and  have become stalwart and beloved annual occasions, both locally and further afield. The attraction nationally of both benefit the town financially.

The other major similarity is uniqueness; if there’s nothing else quite like either in Devizes, it’s fair to argue there’s not much quite like either nationwide. Where else would you find an entire magical weekend covering every aspect of the capabilities of a seventy-piece orchestra, theatrical productions and additions catering for a wider demographic? I cannot think of another event anything like FullTone.

Similarly, scooter rallies tend to only come at two ends of the extreme. There’s long established overpriced rallies of glorious magnitude, and then there’s a pub selling undercooked hotdogs for a tenner, with an uninspiring local mod band perpetually playing Wonderwall. Devizes Scooter Rally sits between the two. You might pay the same price as the lower end of the scale, but you’ll receive all the glory of the upper end, and with a hospitable, local feel to it. I’m not making this up. I’ve spoken to folk who travelled up from Cornwall and folk who trekked down from Manchester to attend Devizes Scooter Rally simply because, and I quote โ€œthere’s nothing quite like it.โ€

And โ€œhighest quality performances,โ€ did I state about FullTone? This year Devizes Scooter Club has only gone and booked The Beat! Yes, The Beat, the legendary Two-Tone popsters remembered for hits like Mirror in the Bathroom, Hands off Sheโ€™s Mine, and Canโ€™t Get Used to Losing You. Although Ranking Junior, son of the late Roger Charlery, aka Ranking Roger has settled into the shoes of his father and fronts a reformation of The Beat, itโ€™s a welcomed addition for the Rally to pull in a big name. They are joined by four other bands including Specials and Small Faces tributes, and top northern soul DJs. Devizes Scooter Rally has the space to expand, booking such a renowned headliner suggests theyโ€™re willing to take it on.

Meanwhile, FullTone this year has concentrated efforts on exhibiting the orchestraโ€™s projects, which theyโ€™ve exported to other towns and cities, such as a homage to Enyaโ€™s Watermark album, and Vivaldiโ€™s Four Seasons, rather than introducing local acts outside of the sphere of orchestral music. Although Friday offers a youth showcase and organiser Jemma Brownโ€™s Devizes Music Academy production of Everybodyโ€™s Talking About Jamie, Saturday hosts the Big Sound Choir, and Sunday finds the Gloucestershire Youth Orchestra on stage at 1pm. If FullTone feels a tad more inclusive this year, it doesnโ€™t need nor has the capacity to expand, it is an incredible experience within itself, as it is.

Fulltone Festival 2023 Day Two Image: Gail Foster

Tickets for FullTone next weekend (25th-27th August) are HERE. For Devizes Scooter Rally, also next weekend (26th-27th July) Facebook message the Devizes Scooter Club, or call 078088 49965.

Not forgoing both The Trowbridge Festival and Swindon’s My Dads Festival are also next weekend and come highly recommended from us. Wiltshire Soul & Blues Club have Owlfest at their secret Lacock location on Sunday, and Tidworth have a freebie festival. And if you cannot make your mind up, or gawd bless you cannot afford any of these, on Friday 25th find The Elvis & Orbison at Devizes Corn Exchange. Saturday sees The Reason at The Three Crowns, Barney Kenny is down The Southgate, thereโ€™s an Elton John tribute in Potterne, and Verdiโ€™s La Traviata at Seend Community Hallโ€ฆ.but youโ€™d know all this if you checked the Devizine event calendar, and youโ€™d be informed of everything going on!

Clashes over summer months are inevitable, weโ€™ve a busy schedule around here and it is an honour to bring them all to your attention. Yeah, thereโ€™s similarities between these two giants, but at the same time, theyโ€™re different enough to not affect the sales of each in these trying times, I hope, and whatever you choose itโ€™s better than staying home, crying into a bag of cheap cheesy puffs and watching โ€œPointless Celebrities;โ€ (thereโ€™s a clue in itโ€™s very name!!) 

Or am I being too nice and impartial for Devizes with this article?! It’ll never get a Facebook share without some conflict. No, the secret is out, we all know which is the better of the two, โ€œthere can be only one;โ€ let the fight to the bitter end commence!

Goodbye to The Beanery but Hollychocs Lives On

Popular award-winning artisan chocolate business Hollychocs has announced that its Beanery Cafรฉ will close on Saturday 23rd August, marking exactly two years since its opening in Poulshot, near Devizesโ€ฆ.

Founded by award-winning chocolatier Holly Garner, Hollychocs has become a much-loved fixture in the local community, known not just for its handcrafted chocolates but for creating a warm, welcoming space for chocolate lovers to connect, indulge and experience the very best chocolate in the Southwest.

โ€œThis decision hasnโ€™t come lightly,โ€ said Holly. โ€œSam and I have poured so much into the cafรฉโ€”working long days, championing other small businesses and suppliers and welcoming thousands of people through our doors. The support from our community has meant everything.โ€

The closure comes amidst rising costs that have impacted many small businesses across the country. โ€œWeโ€™ve tried everythingโ€”from constantly creating new menu offerings, to introducing special offers,โ€ Holly added. โ€œIn the end, the increased labour costs paired with price increases across the board, have made it time to focus our energy on a future thatโ€™s sustainable for us, our chocolate, and the people behind it.โ€

Yet this opens a new chapter for Hollychocs. Although the cafรฉ will no longer offer drop-in visits, Hollychocs will continue to host a wide range of bookable chocolate experiences from their studio just outside Devizes. These include guided tastings, chocolate-making workshops, and sit-down afternoon teasโ€”already popular with locals and visitors alike.

Hollychocsโ€™ full product range will also remain available for UK-wide delivery and click & collect. Sheโ€™s just released a Hollychocs version of the viral sensation Dubai Bar and has plans to increase her postbox-friendly chocolate gifts which are an increasingly popular way of sending a thoughtful gift.

They will also be focusing more on Corporate Gifting and Wholesale opportunities both locally and nationally.

โ€œWeโ€™re not going anywhere,โ€ Holly assured. โ€œWeโ€™re simply shifting focusโ€”putting our efforts into the parts of the business we know can sustain us in the long term.โ€

The final day of trading at the Beanery Cafรฉ will take place on Saturday 23rd August, and the team welcomes the community to pop in for one last drink or treat.

โ€œWeโ€™d love to see some familiar faces before we close the doors,โ€ said Holly. โ€œWeโ€™re so proud of what weโ€™ve builtโ€”and incredibly grateful to everyone in Wiltshire whoโ€™s supported us on this journey.โ€

Devizine wishes Holly and the team all the best with progressing this delicious brand. It’s a shame to hear about The Beanery but I believe they’ve made the sensible decision.

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Right Here, Right Now; Fatboy Slim Tribute at Salisbury Fundraiser

A smidgen fuddled over a tribute to a DJ, but Fatboy Slim is no ordinary DJ, heโ€™s a superstar, constructing hits from samples and remixes, rams Brighton beach and is loved for larginโ€™ it. So, when Salisbury Live and The Sounds of Salisbury radio get together for a live summer extravaganza at the cityโ€™s Victoria Park, you might fancy being right there, right then; Victoria Park, Salisbury on Saturday 16th Augustโ€ฆ..

The extravaganza boasts nine acts across two stages, Norman Cook tribute Fatboy Tim, The Absolute Stone Roses, and Salisbury bands In Colour, Love is Enough, Southbound, Signature Vision and Corellian, with Rob Clamp. Thereโ€™s a bar, food stalls and stuff for the kids promised.

Tickets available for ยฃ10, Under 12s free. The event supports The Rose Gale Trust and the Thom Belk Community Fund.ย 

Park Farm; Mantonfest Came to Devizes!

The first Park Farm Festival happened Saturday, it was fabulouso, and in some way Mantonfest came to Devizes; conveniently for me as I had to unfortunately miss Marlborough’s gem a fortnight agoโ€ฆ..

Weather and festival organisers aren’t besties. Organisers quiveringly check forecasts months prior, usual concern being moisture. Daytime at the inaugural Park Farm Festival just outside Devizes, where they positioned a professional looking stage some distance between where punters took shelter in beer tents and sun-shaded tables, Southwestโ€™s premier Chicago blues replicators, aptly named Chicago 9 blasted a wonderful set to distant onlookers whilst the zone between better resembled an African savanna where no man dare tread from fear of being frazzled!

I suspected many events this weekend subtly suffered from the heatwave despite the prospect favoured over torrential downpours, and one look during the day might suggest placing the stage so far away was an error. But by sunset that area will be filled with a selection of locals particularly from surrounding villages, heavy rock or grunge fans, regular Mantonfest attendees knowledgeable these guys have 25+ years of experience at hosting the most hospitable and welcoming local festival we could namedrop, or perhaps those who ticked more than one of those multiple choices. It was at this point you realised, despite July’s event clashes, a flooding of the festival market, and Park Farm being a first timer, numbers in attendance was averagely high and everyone was up for a good time.

I met with Mantonfest’s organisers some months ago where I was concerned replicating Mantonfest this side of Devizes might have a dubious impact, yet it seemed all was alright on the night, tribute acts are welcomed once the beer flows and Park Farm Festival set a high bar, recreating the friendly atmosphere expected at Mantonfests of yore, where everyone had an amazing day. It now takes me to blow the secret, this intends to return annually and I would seriously consider jotting it onto your calendar.

If Lower Park Farm will be a camping site for freewheeling soul and ska mods and skins in a fortnight, when the Devizes Scooter Club’s celebrated annual rally takes hold, this weekend is dedicated to a range of rock aficionados. Sadly I missed Essex’s finest Jamie Williams & The Roots Collective, welcomed regulars to The Southgate, though, I’m safe in the knowledge these guys know what strings to pull.

Barrelhouse followed Chicago 9, keeping the blues flow with the unique yet highly entertaining hoedown of  groovy vintage blues, standard issue at Mantonfest now adored throughout the county.

Double-booked as usual, at this point I took advantage of the free shuttle bus, headed into town to poke my nose into The Three Crownsโ€™ fundraiser, details set to follow. Meanwhile here, Josie & The Radiotones played and I returned for sixties heroes The Swinging Blue Jeans.

Seen these before, legendary rock n rollers who make universally entertaining a crowd look like childsplay, blasting their timeless hits and others which influenced them, as even the younger dared to dance under the beating sun.

Legends ticked it was time for the evening’s tributes, and judging the amount of Nirvana t-shirts against those of AC-DC ones was tight. A sudden quantum leap forward three decades and Nirvana UK did the most accomplished task of recreating those pioneers of grunge, loudly and proudly. Yet if you came here for authenticity in a tribute, AC/DC.UK mightโ€™ve thrown contemporary sound engineers with their usage of original eighties amps, but they sublimely recreated the heavy metal sound of the period and knocked it out of Park Farm!

Personally, heavy metal was never my bag, and through Swindon’s modern grunge scene, bands like I See Orange, The Belladonna Treatment and Liddington Hill have turned my head onto something I also sorely missed in the ravey nineties. Therefore my preference lay in Nirvana UK rather than the headliner, but judging on doing what it says on the tin, AC/DC.UK absolutely rocked that finale.

Yet the whole shebang must be hailed as putting this inguinal festival on the map for following years. For anyone who winces at the price tag, it’s standard in this era of hyperinflation, blame a government not organisers, and know, just like big sister Mantonfest, you’ll see where your money was spent if you attend; quality tried and tested acts, the highest quality production and nice touches like clean toilets and the shuttle bus.

For Grist and his team, financial risk is a thing in any competitive market and it can be surprising how narrow festivals can be; it’s a five-year plan minimal where research is crucial, and the reward is  you’ve created enjoyment. Hats off to them, for this was an amazing beginning.

Pitstop at Air Ambulance Fundraising Mini-festival at The Three Crowns Devizesย 

Rude to walk into an event sporting another event wristband but the welcome was friendly as ever at the Three Crowns in Devizes. It’s mid-afternoon, Park Farm Festival‘s shuttle bus took me into town, cheekily I used it to poke my nose into the Air Ambulance fundraiser here, their first real multi-act day, I believe, save perhaps my 50th birthday, which if you remember any details of, you could always fill me in!

It was a necessity, if only to see Ruby Darbyshire, as it’s been a while, not a long while, but long enough for me. First time playing the venue and she went down a storm, unsurprisingly. Such a rich, natural talent, vocals made from silk, expressive and  forever a joy to listen to; be they either covers, a Portishead one being a particularly breathtaking one, or her intelligently constructed originals, of which she dropped a couple of new ones I’m eager to review here in good time.

There were hugs all round upon my entrance; Ben Borrill and Pat Ward finished a set as Matchbox Mutiny, a shame to miss, because those gorgeously talented guys pull a crowd and hold them. At the moment I did arrive I was delighted to catch Rachel Sinnetta & Jolyon Dixon doing their thing with Andy Fellows accompanying on guitar, as itโ€™s always impressive and highly entertaining. It was a stellar lineup with cupcakes, lollipops, childrenโ€™s face-painting, and tried and tested acts at the Three Crowns, save Ruby, who Iโ€™m assured would be welcomed back.

Rumour was Devizes Male Choir was intending to do a flash mob bit between Ruby and the grand finale, the ever lively Funked-Up. Unsure if this happened, as unfortunately, I was duty bound to return to Park Festival, but you can rest assured Funked-Up got the crowds dancing the night away. I wish I could’ve stayed.

The spirit of The Three Crowns remains toppermost in town; the go-to pub in Devizes for a good night, an unpretentious, friendly atmosphere with the widest age demographic which never clashes. Itโ€™s trouble-free fun, itโ€™s live music program set to enthral, and not forgetting gourmet burgers; itโ€™s an all-round winner on any night, but more of this all-day stuff, please kind sir!  

Ann Liu Cannon’s Clever Rabbits

Ann Liu Cannon is the Marlborough success story I hadn’t heard of until yesterday; thanks to local promoter and frontman of the Vooz, Lee Mathews for the tip off! Her debut album  Clever Rabbits was released today, and itโ€™s a mustโ€ฆโ€ฆ.

Brit Award winning Paul McCartney and Tom Jones producer Ethan Jones spotted Ann Liu performing at Camden’s Spiritual Bar, leading her to a publishing deal with BMG. Ann, who now lives in London, represented Whispering Bob Harris at The Great Escape and Black Deer Festivals, featured on Beans on Toast’s stage at Bearded Theory and on his UK tour. She opened for Lewis Ofman in Mexico, played prestigious venues like The Clapham Grand and The Hotel Cafe Hollywood in LA, but delighted to tell me she schooled in Marlborough and grew up in a nearby village; and I thought St Johnโ€™s girls just sat around the Priory Gardens smoking menthols!

Okay, calm yourself. That was just an eighties joke, and you know this! But remain calm for Clever Rabbits because itโ€™s a breathtaking ride, a tapestry of Anglo-Celtic folklore, sacred texts, sonic binaries of modern digital synthesis and Ann Liuโ€™s classic singer-songwriter roots. โ€œI am the rabbit that knows how to kill the hill, and I have only just begun,โ€ she expressed.ย 

Experimentally playful, with two piano-based ballads opening Clever Rabbits, there’s an ambience of musical theatre about them, then with an irresistibly simple drum and bass the title track runs akin to a Mardi Gras iko-iko chant. Lost Ways has the shuffle of South America rhythms, and weโ€™re halfway through these ten uplifting masterpieces with a bittersweet psychedelic swirl called Tangle.

No You Donโ€™t is acoustic blues with a hint of lounge jazz, as gorgeous as the ultimate Norah Jones song. Another tune in, and rather Iโ€™m now pitching this alongside Joni Mitchell; itโ€™s that strong, naturally raw, and yeah, folk, fundamentally.

The album continues in a similar fashion, uplifting jazzy folk under sublime soundscapes and broken wonderfully with snippets of humorous band banter, which usually are outtakes. It lifts in tempo with False Hope, and chills for the penultimate Movement of Standing Stones, which builds in layers of atmospheric spiritual ambience, and finally a minute and half of bizarre with Gobbleknoll, breaks the concept this isnโ€™t really a book by Richard Adams and Ann Liu is not a rabbit after all!

Exploring limits of prescribed identity in a timeless, brave and sensitive challenge of the zeitgeist, the album is inspired by a Chinese idiom โ€œclever rabbits need three burrows,โ€ and the imagery of three rabbits found in Devon’s churches and China’s caves. Clearly, with profound narrative, you would need to dive deeper into this warren to explore. After one listen, though, you will feel it criminal not to. Everything in this melting pot of influences is subtle, the overall feel is a mellowed thoughtful prose sitting somewhere between the exploratory of Kate Bush and punch of Alanis Morissette, both jamming under the aura of Steeleye Span.ย 

This isnโ€™t an album for streaming. This is a take my money album. The attention to detail is divine. The unedited recordingsโ€™ background goings-on authentically puts you in the room. In promoting it, Ann Lui revealed the backstory. โ€œWhen I was ten,โ€ she explained, โ€œmy father gave me records by Ethan. When I turned 21, I got a call from Ethan after Raf sent my music to him. We began capturing these songs, and my father began dying. Today I turn 26, my father is dead, and the record is born.โ€

โ€œIn the first 25 years I found powerlessness in slow, bad, unwanted death. In limbos and dependency. I found power in wilful endings. In choice. Love ran underneath in a welcome riptide, contextualising the hurt and loss. I nursed wounds, read my stories, read other peopleโ€™s stories, broke away, reflected, mourned, rejoiced, set free. The first quarter century has been about endings, leavings, dying, and dying well. This album is a good death. The bin men are smiling. I am smiling, too.โ€

A launch for Clever Rabbits is at Londonโ€™s Lexington tonight. Ann Lui returns to her roots, as she regularly does, with an Instore at Sound Knowledge, Marlborough on Thursday 17th July at St. Peter’s. Entry is FREE but please do let them know to expect you if you’d like to attend, or pre-order a copy of ‘Clever Rabbits’ from them to guarantee your place.

LinkTree Website

Striking Photographic Portrait Exhibition Celebrates Five Years of Impactful Creative Workย with Older People at Wiltshire Music Centre

If youโ€™ve popped into Wiltshire Music Centre recently; for a concert, workshop, screening orย even a meeting, you might have noticedโ€ฏchanges in the foyer: recorded music, the cafe-barย open at peak times during the day, and currently, a strikingโ€ฏphotographic exhibition of black and white portraitsโ€ฆ..

The โ€˜Men in Conversationโ€™ exhibition presents portraits of members of the Trowbridge Creative Conversations Menโ€™s Group, a creative arts and heritage group for men aged 65+ held in Trowbridge Library. Facilitated by professional artist practitioners, Creative Conversations sessions bring together isolated older people to share their experiences and creative ideas in a friendly and welcoming environment.โ€ฏSo, when Stuart Brook, one of the members of the Trowbridge menโ€™s group shared his interest in photography, it wasnโ€™t surprising that it inspired the participants to take portraits of each other. The results were so impactful, uplifting and moving, that theyโ€™re now on display at Wiltshire Music Centre until the end of July, before moving to Trowbridge Library, all made possible by funding from The Trowbridge Town Trust.

The free-to-visit exhibition contributed to a Celebration event, marking the impact of theย Celebrating Age Wiltshire partnership from 2020-2025. The event, attended by partners,ย funders, artists and community champions, showcased some of the many outcomes achieved through this project, funded by the National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund. Artworks, as well as the exhibition included songs, spoken word, and art and heritage pieces, introduced by Creative Producer, Rebecca Seymour.

It was an opportunity for Wiltshire Music Centre to thank everyone that has contributed to this project to this point, including funders, The National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund, Wiltshire Council Area Boards, Town Councils, Wiltshire Community Foundation, Arts Council England and other Trusts and Foundations. Partners, Pound Arts, Wiltshire Creative, Wiltshire & Swindon History Centre, AgeUK, Wiltshire Council and Libraries and Community First, Creative Producer Rebecca Seymour and our staff team, volunteers, community champions and community organisations past and present, and, of course, the sixty-five artists!

In August, Wiltshire Music Centre will hand over the leadership of this award-winning, countyย wide project to AgeUK Wiltshire, who will continue to reach isolated older people throughย creative arts and heritage events and workshop groups. We look forward to continuing toย partner in this incredible project, as it continues to grow.ย 

More Information HERE

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Snow White Delight: Panto at The Wharf

Treated to a sneaky dress rehearsal of this year’s pantomime at Devizesโ€™ one and only Wharf Theatre last night, if forced to sum it upโ€ฆ

Chatting With Burn The Midnight Oil

Itโ€™s nice to hear when our features attract attention. Salisburyโ€™s Radio Odstock ย picked up on our interview with Devizes band Burn the Midnight Oil andโ€ฆ

Henry Aldridge and Son to Move Into Devizes Old Town Hall

Family run premier auctioneers of antiques and collector’s items, Henry Aldridge and Son announced a move into The Old Town Hall on Wine Street, Devizes; a move which will see them return to their rootsโ€ฆ..

Alan Aldridge started Henry Aldridge and Son from the first floor of The Old Town Hall thirty-five years ago. Theyโ€™re delighted to be coming home having completed the freehold purchase of the property. โ€œIt means so much to us as a family,โ€ Chrissie Aldridge told us.

โ€œThe Old Town Hall, a stunning Grade II* neoclassical property will serve as the principal location for the collation of our Titanic, Liner and iconic memorabilia auctions. We will also host weekly free valuation days on Thursday market days.โ€ 

โ€œThe first stage of our move will take place next month with our main operation relocating to the Old Emporium in October.โ€

Henry Aldridge and Son host free valuations in Devizes every Friday with their Head of Valuations, TVโ€™s Paul Martin. Paul, who hosted BBCโ€™s Flog It for nearly twenty years is available to cast his expert eye over your prize possessions.

The Old Town Hall dates to 1752, first commissioned as a market hall, the ground floor was the town’s cheese market. By 1785 the first floor was an arsenal for the Royal Wiltshire Militia, and has also been the mess hall of the Devizes Loyal Volunteers, and a Sunday school. 

Why is it called Wine Street? By 1836 the building was leased for commercial use, acquired by wine merchants, Messrs Cunnington, who used the basement and the vaults below for storage. The building has also been the museum, library and reading rooms of the literary and scientific institution. But many will remember its use by TSB, Hen House and the Wine Street Gallery.

โ€œMuch Ado About Nothingโ€ at Cleeve House, Seend, July 7th-12th 2025.

By Ian Diddams
Images by Ian Diddams and Shakespeare Live

Is it post watershed? Then I shall beginโ€ฆ  The etymology of the word โ€œNothingโ€ is quiteโ€ฆ  interestingโ€ฆ aside from meaning โ€œzeroโ€ such as is today, historically it has had other meanings and pronunciations including โ€œnoting,โ€ the writing down of musical notesโ€ฆ  and in Shakespeareโ€™s era it had another totally different meaning, that being a slang term for female genitalia. So, with this in mind, Willโ€™s comedy about the pursuit of female companionship and the alleged capriciousness of the distaff members of the human species, โ€œMuch Ado About Nothingโ€ takes on a somewhat slightly different nuance โ€ฆ

Trawling the web for relative popularity of Shakespeareโ€™s plays holds few surprises with regards which gets performed the most etc.  Unsurprisingly maybe โ€œRomeo & Julietโ€, โ€œMacbethโ€ and โ€œMidsummer Nightโ€™s Dreamโ€ feature highest (google is your friend here), and that trend continues with other โ€œobviousโ€ plays until we reach number seven in the list and โ€œMuch Ado About Nothingโ€, his tale of marital pursuit, deceit, jealousy and spurned love that all comes good in the end. The plot of such a Shakespeare standard needs no explanation here and YouTube can easily fill in the blanks for you, and so we move onto the beautiful background of Cleeve House, Seend, for this weekโ€™s performances by โ€œShakespeare Live.โ€

Directed by Gill Morell, her vision has set the play in preโ€“English Civil war times where tensions were rising and familiesโ€™ split along royalist and parliamentarian lines. This is wonderfully portrayed here with the familyโ€™s soldierโ€™s clearly cavaliers, with the opposing Don John and his entourage as parliamentarians. This is perfectly and simply set by some sumptuous costumes revelling in the brightness and pageantry of the Royalists, and the simplistic, wide collared black clothing of the Roundheads. The physical setting is regal too โ€“ with Cleeve House as a backdrop to the stage area we feel we really could be back in time, including use of the houseโ€™s own windows for the bedroom scene.

The entire play of course is premised on spying and eavesdropping โ€“ some for comedic value of course as both Beatrice and Benedick are spoon fed falsehoods as they eavesdrop on the knowing conspirators, but also surreptitious spying in the bedroom scene which in itself is a subterfuge akin to the likes of โ€œOperation Mincemeatโ€. After all, the first casualty of war is truth.

There are three basic groups of characters in Much Ado โ€“ the family, the soldiers, the villagers. The family is portrayed by Alison Paine as a strong Leonata, the matriarch, Jeremy Reece as her brother, Antonio, Sarah Horrex superb as Hero, Leonataโ€™s daughter, the wonderfully tempestuous and feisty niece Beatrice by Phobe Fung, and Kerensa McCondach as Margaret the gentlewoman and erstwhile friend to Hero.

The soldiers are more than well provided by Laurie Parnell as Don Pedro the prince, Peter Emuss as lovestruck Claudio, Oli Beech as Claudioโ€™s best friend and Beatriceโ€™s sparring partner and love-hate interest, Adam Sturges as Balthasar and Napoleon as the sneaky, jealous and conniving Don John, aided and abetted in his fifth column activities by Roger Hames as Borachio and Lucy Perry as Conrad.

That just leaves the villagers made up of the unflappable Simon Reeves as the ย equally unflappable Father Francis, and of course, the best part of the show (personal opinion here! ) the Watch consisting of Paul Batson as Dogberry, Graham Paton as Verges, Penny Clegg as Seacole, Caroline Emuss as Pyke, and David Morrell as Oatcake,

Tech is provided by the ever resourceful Rich Carter, Alex Latham and Ellen Read, the previously mentioned wonderful costumes by Hermione Skrine, Caren Felton, Helen Holliday and Ellen Williamson, Music by Laurie Parnell. This was all kept running smoothly by the dream team of stage management James Dennis and Connor Palmer.

The play finishes with all loose ends neatly tied up and for those that don’t know the plot, no particular spoilers here though following a brief discourse at the eventual wedding scene I was reminded that as Tina Turner once sang… “We Don’t Need another Hero“

This is a well delivered rendition of Much Ado in a stunning setting โ€“ it really doesnโ€™t get any better than this. The show runs all week until July 12th, including a Saturday matinee, and tickets are available from https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/shakespearelive

Live in Pewsey, at the First Oak-Fest

Amidst another packed summer weekend’s schedule laid that lovable large village Pewseyโ€™s turn to shine; always a law unto itself, things went off; if itโ€™s good enough for King Alfredโ€ฆ..

The Royal Oak has filled a gap, hosting quality regular music nights under the production of Wiltshire Music Events, but this Saturday was the true test, transforming it into an inaugural carpark-festival, an icing on an already delicious lardy cake, though equally a learning curve.

Programming by Eddie Prestidge, so passionate about spreading word of musicians south of the county, inevitably overbooks, as is his desire to showcase as many as feasible. He called me Friday, delightedly informing me George Wilding was added to the already jammed schedule; but how will he fit him in?! 

Thinking big; quality stage production, security, generous VIP hospitality, two food outlets, and hopeful punters would flood the site. The latter being the only dubious thing about the event. All the right ingredients there, comparable, the price reasonable, certainly got your money’s worth, but to debate only a sprinkling were attracted is opening a Pandora’s box to a general plight of austerity, flooding the festival market, or a combination of the two; every man and his dog are putting them on and there’s only so many individuals can reasonably attend.

Therefore, established festivals may well appeal over the risk of testing a new one, but I was assured here, as I suggested you should be too; Wiltshire Music Events has hosted many great ones in various locations; your money goes on production and ensuring musicians are paid their fair share, something sadly overlooked by other organisers. CrownFest and Salisbury Market Place were the most memorable, plus, whenever The Marley Experience is in the area that’s where I’m gonna be, sir! 

A win-win for me, who was due to attend the fantastic Minety but work and family commitments shadowed this; possibly an argument supporting pub mini-festivals over larger established festivals. Convenience for the middle-aged wrought with unpredictable employment culture or family commitments, above the intense arrangements necessary for a three-day camping extravaganza, such as the beautiful Minety. The mini-festival goer can be spontaneous; it’s Saturday, my only day off, sleeping in a tent is for younger nutters. Iโ€™ve  been otherwise occupied on recent weekends, so, like Peter Pan in spirit but not in body, I’m determined to make up for it this weekend!

There I be, Pewsey, dammit, in an apt Bob Marley tee, watching the grand finale ignoring the timetable; Bird is The Word captured the moment on camera! The Marley Experience professionally captivated and caused the slight crowd to appear larger, with their infectious and irresistible homage to Bob Marley & The Wailers; a matchless show, the band tight, expressive and clearly adoring the limelight of what a decade of dedication has perfected into a sublime tribute act.

But there was magic in the air prior, which opened with Pewsey-own The Little Big Band, and was followed by Rosie Jay and Leon Daye, all of which, due to aforementioned commitments, I missed; and I love Rosie Jay. Though her last single we reviewed was a duet with Salisburyโ€™s award-winning newcomer Lucas Hardy, and on that ground alone I was delighted to catch the end of his superb set. With George Wilding penultimately added, I saw a similarity in Lucas to George’s early years, a natural and unpretentious talent who can engage an audience with a guitar and smile.

Returning from cruising tours, George Wilding doesnโ€™t plan, doesnโ€™t need to, he just charms as usual; if heโ€™s an interactive human jukebox, heโ€™s one of those polished decorative American ones from the fifties. Shout your requests, George knows it, or will give it a try, make it his own, and youโ€™ll love him for it, you wonโ€™t be able to help yourself!

Between those two, then, a basic four-piece setup from Andover with a repertoire of rock classic covers sprinkled with a folk tinge, called The Tipsy Gypsies. Their music commanded Iโ€™d come to the right place. The premise sounds simple, the effect was far from it. They owned the stage with accomplished showmanship, stylised renditions, and a barrelful of fun.

Gypsies tipsy perfect for what would follow, a Somerset Pogues tribute known as The Phogues. Now things were going to really liven up, as, warts, a spilled round of whiskey shots, and all, were divinely caricatured. The Pogues uniquely blended Irish folk with punk, others mimicked it, overshadowing the blueprint. When Phogues return to the originators, you recall why it was copied aplenty; a stern yet fun reminder to the heyday of Shane and bandโ€™s drunken skullduggery, and the music which somehow spawned from it!

Despite being off-season, they told me they had to do โ€œthat song,โ€ and I supposed they did. So, between Streams of Whiskey, Fiesta, Sickbed of Cuchulainn and just about every favourite Pouges song of mine, they drafted in the assistance of unsuspecting Claire Grist, singer and self-proclaimed โ€œright titโ€ of Bird is the Word music promotion, to be Kirsty MacColl, and who made a good job of it. Was their female vocalist absent? No, itโ€™s a gimmick to invite anyone from the audience to take the position, they explained to me, but hey, they didnโ€™t need gimmicks, they did a fine job of bellowing out the beloved Pogues songs far sober than the originals ever did.

Time for a change of direction, as local indie-pop favourites Talk in Code rocked up for a lengthy set of eighties-inspired synth-rock bombs, ate complimentary curry, and lit up the stage with their electric presence. If youโ€™ve come to an event expecting cover bands, Talk in Code donโ€™t go there, but their infectious originals cause you to wonder if youโ€™ve heard them before, on some Now, Thatโ€™s What I Call Music compilation album from 1986. Hereโ€™s the lads in perfect sync, jumping, flaunting their perfection, as ever, doing what they love and engaging any audience from roughneck boater to FullTone Festival punter; they never fail to obtain admiration.

Time pushing on, George Wilding entertained while The Marley Experience prepared, and did their amazing thing, exploding the finale with irresistible reggae vibes. Oak Festival, Pewsey Live, or whatchamacallit, couldโ€™ve been more affordable, by skipping on some of the magic, but they chose to showcase the lot, that paid off to those there, but I suspect, as videos and images emerge, folk not there will be wondering how and why they missed it. They could have overplayed their social media promotion, and a striking poster mightโ€™ve been advantageous, yet I believe thereโ€™s a delicate balance which sees one event sellout and another left threadbare, and itโ€™s debatable what causes this. For what itโ€™s worth, I’ve seen lesser attended first time festivals, much less, and the slight crowdโ€™s merriments made for a population tenfold from the reality!

There was a kebab van, but the delicious waft of curry from a stand, by Tale of Spice on Pewseyโ€™s North Street, twisted my arm. There was little in alternative entertainment, insufficient pub loos, but with concentration on the lineup, this was a welcoming, fun and lively occasion, a showcase of Wiltshire Music Eventsโ€™ quality and varied artists, and petty issues one can shrug off uncaringly when the vibe is this alive. 

Pewsey rocked into the cooling night, possibly later than planned, but no one whined on social media, because this is Pewsey, not Devizes; a carnival village where rather than rant you cannot hear your pin drop, you get your slippers on and join in! 

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Free Charity Fundraising Festival at The Three Crowns Devizes

With the Three Crowns being the liveliest pub in Devizes for some years now with live music every weekend and the Brewery Shop as a new neighbour, it seems sensible to upgrade the idea to a free Wadworth mini fundraising festival ….yay!

On Saturday 12th July The Three Crowns will pull all stocks out, with a free mini-festival supporting Wiltshire Air Ambulance and Juliaโ€™s House. Wadworth has a beer tasting table, Chirton School is doing a cake sale, and they promise other stalls. The music starts at 11am with a childrenโ€™s disco and face painting until 1pm.

The best tried and tested locally sourced music lineup includes Matchbox Mutiny, who starts the music proceedings at 2pm, followed by Jolyon Dixon and Rachel Sinnetta at 3:15pm. Ruby Darbyshire at 4:15pm. Headliners Funked Up at 7pm.

Agreed, there’s a gap between Ruby and Funked Up – maybe there’s something they’ve forgotten to tell me, maybe it’s a surprise, or maybe it’ll be time to grab one of their fantastic gourmet burgers?!

REVIEW โ€“ White Horse Operaโ€™s Cosi Fan Tutte @ Assembly Rooms โ€“ Saturday 21st June 2025

Another Triumph for WHO

Andy Fawthrop

Following the excellent recent production of La Belle Helene at Devizesโ€™ Wharf Theatre back in March (see here), White Horse Opera (WHO) have triumphed yet again by bringing their production of Mozartโ€™s Cosi Fan Tutte to D-Town.ย ย 

Cosรฌ fan tutte is an opera buffa in two acts by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. It was first performed on 26 January 1790 at the Burgtheater in Vienna, Austria. The libretto was written by Lorenzo Da Ponte (who also wrote Le Nozze di Figaro and Don Giovanni).ย  Cosรฌ fan tutte, literally means “So do they all”, using the feminine plural (tutte) to indicate women. It is usually translated into English as “women are like that”.ย  Weโ€™ll get to that in a minute.

Mozart and Da Ponte used the idea of “fiancรฉe swapping”, which is a recurring theme dating back to at least the 13th century; notable earlier versions are found in Boccaccio’s Decameron, and Shakespeare’s play Cymbeline. Elements from Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice and The Taming of the Shrew are also present.  Whilst itโ€™s likely that nowadays weโ€™d see such an idea as somewhat โ€œproblematicalโ€, in opera terms such unacceptable behaviour is seen merely as a comic problem to be resolved with a neat and happy ending.

So it was that White Horse Opera (WHO) brought this sparkling jewel to life last night in the elegant surroundings of the Assembly Room in the Town Hall.  Unlike many operas requiring a large cast, chorus and orchestra, Cosi Fan Tutte can be played with only six singers and a pianist, and this made it a perfect piece to transport into a smaller, intimate atmosphere.  Using a simple backdrop, a few screens and virtually no props, the production was allowed to breathe.  The spoken dialog and the songs (all in English) were straightforward and easy to follow, allowing the comedy to shine through (although there was a helpful synopsis in the programme too).  This minimalist approach, thanks to Lewis Cowenโ€™s staging, and Roland Meliaโ€™s musical direction, kept it all as light as a feather.

All six singers excelled in their roles, and it would be invidious to single any one of them out.  Seriously โ€“ they were all on cracking form. The solos, duets and ensemble pieces were all well-delivered, glittering like jewels in a crown.  And the โ€œseventhโ€ member of the cast, pianist Tony James, who was on-stage throughout every scene in this two-act production, provided exactly the right supportive, yet under-stated, musical platform for the singers to really shine.

I loved this production โ€“ it was a chance to get up close to the stage and the mechanics of the performances, and to chat with the performers during the interval and afterwards.  It was as far as it was possible to be from the โ€œgrand ideaโ€ of opera โ€“ i.e. a big cast production in a large gilded opera house with all the social trimmings and conventions.  It proved, if proof be needed, that such a stripped-back delivery can provide all of the good things about opera, but without the concomitant fripperies.

To take such themes as love, trust, fidelity, deception, betrayal, forgiveness and reconciliation, to say nothing of the supposed โ€œweakness of womenโ€, and the cynical view of Don Alfonso that (to quote someone more contemporary) โ€œif you canโ€™t be with the one you love, then love the one youโ€™re withโ€, and to deliver all this up in less than two and a quarter hours, was no mean feat.  Leaving aside the dubious morality of testing fidelity by swapping girl-friends, using (deliberately risible) disguises, the manipulation if others by the main character, and the portrayal of women as weak characters who simply canโ€™t help themselves, sits uncomfortably with a modern audience.  But, hey, this is comic opera, and you need to join in with the joke.  Yes, itโ€™s all very contrived and very silly, but thatโ€™s how comic opera works.  And you can see exactly where Gilbert & Sullivan were coming from when they unleashed their satirical take on many of these devices.

So โ€“ an absolutely spiffing and hats-off production by WHO.  Sparkling staging and singing, and all completely accessible.  Do go and see them whenever you get chance.  Weโ€™re so lucky to have such a talented outfit working in and around our town.

Bravo!

CAST

Fiordiligiโ€“ Barbara Gompels

Dorabellaโ€“ Paula Boyagis

Guglielmo โ€“ Jon Paget

Ferrando โ€“ Robert Felstead

Despina โ€“Toni Johnstone

Don Alfonso โ€“ Robin Jukes

Musical Director Roland Melia, Stage Director Lewis Cowen, Pianist Tony James

White Horse Opera are based in Devizes and regularly perform operas around Wiltshire and beyond.

Findย  out more HERE

News & Chat About Wiltshire Music Awards on Donโ€™t Stop the Music Radio Show

Despite being a tad under the weather last week, I was delighted to join Eddie Prestidge of Wiltshire Music Events on Swindon 105.5 radio to discuss the next stages of our Wiltshire Music Awardsโ€ฆ..

For those not in the know, though I suspect many are, presenter Peggy-Sue Ford produces a weekly show on the long-established station called Donโ€™t Stop the Music, dedicated to showcasing signed and unsigned acts, particularly locally-sourced. What better place to explain our plans for the awards? I cannot think of any, because thereโ€™s few radio shows locally as thoroughly dedicated as Peggyโ€™s, who brings acts into the studio to perform live and has become such a popular catalyst for upcoming local musicians.

This week Peggy-Sue was talking to Rich Swatton of a gem on our event calendar, Minety Music Festival, so it was the second week absent of live music; I did offer to sing for our turn on the show, which was swifty and understandably avoided and the topic diverted! Other than this, I think it went rather well and Ed and I made a bit of a duo, in the vein of Laurel & Hardy!!

Peggy-Sue uploads the shows on Spotify, so you can catch up with the shows if you miss them; hereโ€™s ours, should you wish to listen. Despite no live music, thereโ€™s local tunes from many already on our radar, Talk in Code, Deadlight Dance and JP Oldfield, and others new to us, Swindon crossover rapper Brandon Clarke, who goes under the pseudonym Weather, and Kate X, an upcoming RnB singer; both worth looking up.

With the voting process now closed, Ed and I explained what happens next. The votes will be counted and the top three of each category will be put before a panel of judges, all with professional experience and loyalty to promoting the local music scene. The reason for this, so we can find a balance across the entire county and represent countywide fairly, ensuring the results are not centralised in one area. Whereby some results appear to be close to call, judges will decide the winner, but in all cases, especially those results where one has walked the category, this accomplishment must be considered by the judges as priority.

The judges were announced as being, subject to their own availability: Claire Grist of the Facebook page Bird is the Word, Ed Dyer of Swindon Shuffle, Roger of Sound Knowledge in Marlborough, Ronnie Laurie of Marland Music, Salisbury music producer Joylon Dixon, Nick Beere of Mooncalf Studios, and Peggy-Sue Ford herself. We have advised, now the judges are announced, bribing them with sweeties, kisses, or anything of the kind will be frowned upon!

This is the first Wiltshire Music Awards, and weโ€™re learning and planning as we go, but we are dedicated to presenting the results in October with a grand ceremony at Devizes Corn Exchange. In order to do this effectively we require sponsorship for each category, for which is affordable and details of which can be found HERE. Tickets for the ceremony can also be found there, starting at just ten pounds, and thereโ€™s some FAQs.

We strive towards that date crossing the Ts and dotting the Is, and look forward to presenting the awards with lots of live music acts on the night, perhaps a celebrity presenter alongside me in a tux, the latter of which is worth the ticket price alone!

Iโ€™d like to thank Peggy-Sue and Swindon 105.5 on behalf of myself and Eddie, for allowing us to visit the studio last week, to chat about the awards, and test the swing chairs for squeakiness, which I report was minimal. What a great show! 

REVIEW โ€“ The Lost Trades @ The Piggy Bank, Calne โ€“ Tuesday 18th June 2025

Five Have An Out-of-town Experience

You canโ€™t always get that live music experience you crave by simply staying within the walls of D-Town.ย  Sometimes, and especially when thereโ€™s aย  band playing that you simply have to see, you just need to get the gang together and pile into a motor to visit the wilder Wiltshire provinces.ย  And so it was last night that we ventured over the hill to Calne.ย  We found the border post un-guarded, and so we slipped into the town and found our way to The Piggy Bank micro-pub to see The Lost Trades……

The Piggy Bank has been a surprisingly good little venue over the past year or two, featuring some great nights with, among others, The Rob Lear Band, The Black Feathers, Jess Vincent, and Jinder, as well as pop-up dining nights, quiz nights and (a big favourite of mine) Crazy Bird comedy club nights.

Just in case you donโ€™t know them, The Lost Trades are a trio who play folk/ Americana with a cool Laurel Canyon vibe. With a sound that is reminiscent of the California folk scene of the late 60s/early 70s, (weโ€™re thinking here of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young), their three part harmonies have been previously described as “flawless”, “spine tingling” and “magical”.

Formed in late 2019, the global Covid hoo-hah cut short their first tour after just a single sold out gig.ย  The band shrugged their shoulders, and retreated to their respective song-writing rooms to work on what was to become their debut album, “The Bird, The Book & The Barrel”, released in June 2021. The follow up album, “Petrichor” was released in March 2023. Both are highly recommended โ€“ trust me!

Then, just last year, one of their founding members, Tamsin Quinn, decided to leave the trio to pursue other interests.  Bit of a shock.  Was this the end for The Lost Trades, we all wondered?  Not a bit of it!  Tamsin has now been replaced (if replaced is really the right word) by the very talented Jess Vincent, who had recently returned to the UK after a few years away in Bulgaria.  

The result of all that is that The Lost Trades now consist of:

ยท Phil Cooper (vocals, acoustic guitar, electric bass), a performer not unknown in the local area for many years, both as a solo performer, as well in various bands, and a guy who knows his way around a recording studio and the producerโ€™s job;

ยท Jamie R Hawkins (vocals, acoustic guitar, electric bass, ukulele), also massively well-known locally, especially in venues around D-Town, for his wonderful solo performances and some great songs. Indeed a bunch of us had slipped over to The Pulpit (ex The Little Hop) in Old Town, Swindon only last week to witness a really excellent solo performance at that new musical venue;

ยท Jess Vincent (vocals, guitar, percussion, shruti box).  Jess first came to notice singing with Penny Red, before branching out into a solo career that produced several albums (Time Frame, Seesaw Dreams, Shine, and last yearโ€™s Lions Den)  

Between us five weโ€™d seen The Lost Trades in their old formation many times before, but this was to be the first time with new band-member Jess.  How would this all work out?  Would the sound and the dynamic have changed?  And if so, for better or worse?  Well, in sum, we need not have worried.  Despite a massive learning curve for Jess to pick up the bandโ€™s performing repertoire in just a few short months, to say nothing of having to re-blend all of their trade-mark close harmonies, the end result was spectacularly good.  It was neither better, nor worse, just slightly different and more developed and mature.  Right from the first number we knew that the magic had remained intact.

All the old stuff was still there โ€“ the constant and easy interchanging of instruments (including guitar, ukulele, bass and percussion), the close three-part harmonies, the well-worked song material, and the light-hearted intimacy, with the group engaging in comfortable repartee with each other and the audience like a group of old friends. And there were a lot of old friends in the audience to help them along.  And, of course, the many familiar songs.

But there was some great new stuff too โ€“ new songs, a different female vocal line, new instruments, and (obviously) a new personal dynamic between the three performers.  All of them had played The Piggy Bank before, and all to packed houses, so there were no nerves about any of that.  And last night, in front of yet another packed house, they managed to produce a truly spell-binding performance once again.

My only (very slight) reservations about the evening were that I needed slightly less chat (some of the introductions were as long as the songs!) and I would have liked slightly more of Jess (the two boys tended to dominate proceedings at times).  But, hey, these are very simple things to be fixed and developed, and didnโ€™t in any way detract from all the superb quality of the music they delivered in their three sets (or โ€œspasmsโ€ as Phil nicely put it).

There were no lashings of ginger beer, but the music flowed, the craft beer certainly flowed, and a jolly good time was had by all.  Then, under cover of darkness, we fled through the night back to the safety of D-Town, our out-of-town mission successfully accomplished.

Hopefully thereโ€™ll be more music dates to come at The Piggy Bank in the autumn.  But, meanwhile, if you want to see The Lost Trades live in concert (and I strongly recommend that you do!), theyโ€™ll be appearing locally as below:

Future dates for The Lost Trades:

Wednesday 23rd July 2025 @ The White Bear, Devizes

Friday 25th July 2025 @ Trowbridge Festivalย ย 

Friday 26th September 2025 @ The Pump, Trowbridge

Saturday 27th September @ The Hop, Old Town, Swindonย ย 

For more information go to thelosttrades.com/ย 

Devizes Arts Festival Relive the Eighties with Riviera Dogsย 

Together in Electric Dreamsโ€ฆ. at The Corn Exchange

Fashionably late for Devizes Arts Festival, I’d like to thank Andy and Ian for informative coverage of some complex events to review, whilst I took the easier route; rocked up for the last Saturday evening party like I was Prince, stole a fluorescent trilby and dad-danced around my bum-bag until they switched the final disco ball offโ€ฆ..

Iโ€™ll be honest, with my diddy-boppers cover band radar on high alert and leg warmers in the wash, I wasnโ€™t expecting to stay until the final curtain, for what seemed from the outside to be a refined generation X school disco. I could also get as pedantic as Mary Whitehouse; the band promised eighties, but the name Riviera Dogs is obviously a play on a 1992 Tarantino movie title; quibble when compared to the fantastic night they delivered.

As bang on cue as waiting for Top of the Pops each Friday, Riviera Dogs fired their flux capacitor and dropped Devizes Corn Exchange into the middle of the decade theyโ€™d pay homage to, with an exemplary cover of Go Westโ€™s We Close Our Eyes. From the off it was obvious this five-piece were some way above your average function band. Attendees wasted no bashful time finding a spot on the floor and dancing like it was 1985 again, even those few not old enough to recall it the first time around, (like me, a-hem!)

From there, everybody wanted to rule the world with Tears for Fears and I just died in Cutting Crewโ€™s arms as Riviera Dogs played their trump cards early. Mid-eighties power ballads were their calling, they were proficiently and professionally good at them. Seems they tour the nationwide retro circuit rather than play functions, for if they were to play a wedding itโ€™d overshadow the attention the happy couple would receive!

This said, many function bands use both male and female vocalists for songs, respectively according to the gender of the front person, and I wondered, if eighties pop hits were truly to be covered comprehensively some Madge, Cyndi Lauper and Kylie, to mention but a few, wouldnโ€™t have gone a miss with a female singer as proficient and entertaining as the existing male counterpart.

But as it was, it was a highly entertaining show, full of lively play, relevant and amusing nods to eighties trends which roused the crowds and caused them to reflect on their heyday; thatโ€™s nostalgia on top form. They rolled out smash hit after smash hit like you were listening to a Now album, Chesney Hawkes to Don Henly and beyond. Perhaps the more rock tunes, like Springsteenโ€™s Dancing in the Dark, which though I welcomed, wasnโ€™t as precisely executed as the electronica power pop ballads, but with those so sublimely fulfilled, and the evening in full swing, the crowds simply lapped it up, and twas so subtle no one cared to notice.

At one point though, we went from one end of the decade to the other too suddenly, for me. One minute we were dancing to Buggles’ Video Killed the Radio Star next it was Bros. The scant warning being a gag about wearing Grolsch bottle tops on shoes wasnโ€™t enough for me to prepare for the paradox! This stark contrast midway mayโ€™ve corrupted my timeline but didn’t seem to bother most of the audience either, exposing quinquagenarian Brosettes in the crowd!

As a homage to eighties music several elements were missing; feminine and queer insurgence, and rebellious tenets either side of that mid-eighties march for unadulterated pop mush; punk and Two-Tone at one end, hip hop in the middle, and acid house at the latter. The eighties was about more than the pop they played so well, it was also about advances in music technology and the vast variety of sound experiments it developed. They got as close as covering The Police brilliantly, but jโ€™mon, they never even dared to account for Wacko Jacko, dammit!

It may have reflected only pop commercialisation rather than covering the entirety of a generational divide of consciousness, but this wasnโ€™t supposed to be a history lesson nor comprehensive representation, it was about having a party to celebrate the close of another glorious Devizes Arts Festival, and for that it shone. The vibe was electric, the crowd letting their hair down (or perhaps up with hairspray) for a final night to what’s been a successful and varied programme of events for Devizes Arts Festival. Well done to all involved, you are the one and only, nobody I’d rather you be, you are the one and only, I can’t take that away from you!

Long may Riviera Dogs image the eighties in Mateyโ€™s bubble bath, for it was a Bigtrak loaded with fun, and to assume from my minor critique they didn’t stray from their trump card of electronic power ballads, would be unfair, they did. The finale was a Queen medley and in their own way, they made a fine job of such a difficult trick. For what we must judge this night on is not my personal feelings of commercialisation, rather the expressions of pure delight in the crowd, and if you saw me on the night shaking my tail feather like I was thirteen again, you’d be right to suggest I lived among the creatures of the night, like Laura Branigan, and loved every moment of it too!

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REVIEW โ€“ Devizes Arts Festivalโ€“ Mark Watson โ€“ Corn Exchange – Friday 13th June 2025

Welsh Favourite Comes to Devizes

Andy Fawthrop

The Devizes Arts Festival came up with another of its heavy hitters last night with a packed house at The Corn Exchange, all ready to welcome comedian Mark Watson to the town.

Mark Watson is an English comedian, novelist and producer.ย  Born in Bristol of a Welsh mother and English father, he has adopted a somewhat Welsh lilt in his delivery.ย  Heโ€™s won a number of comedy awards and is well known from his frequent appearances on TV, as well as being a Radio 4 regular.

Introducing himself, Mark climbed on stage to do an introductory 10-15 minutes before bringing on his support act for the night โ€“ Vicky Slater.  Projecting a slightly larger-than-life persona, Vicky delivered her material well, but Iโ€™m not sure that quite all of it landed.  Her tales of coming out as gay were delightful and amusing, rather than particularly hilarious.  She at least avoided the current lazy habit some up-and-coming comedians have of trying to pick on audience members in order to prompt some witty improv, and instead stuck to her own original material.  Respect for that. She was slightly rambling and incoherent in places, but she gradually won the audience over.

After a slightly short first half and an early interval, the main man was back to deliver his set.  Mark kicked off with comparing how difficult it was being a stand-up comedian versus, say, being a brain surgeon or, prompted by an audience member, a menopause therapist.  His key criteria for the comparisons were, aside from the training and basic aptitude, the amount of sheer stress and anxiety that such an activity could induce.

This was all by way of introduction to his first main theme โ€“ stressful situations in ordinary life.  But this was no feeble Michael Macintyre โ€œobservational comedyโ€, laughing at โ€œisnโ€™t it funny whenโ€ฆ?โ€ type comments.  This was full of little anecdotes of his own personal experience that everyone could easily relate to โ€“ flying with a small airline, getting into a car thinking it was an Uber (when it wasnโ€™t), asking for help in Tesco (from someone who wasnโ€™t even an employee), dealing with a homeless man (who began to take advantage), interacting with chat-bots online (who seemed very concerned for his continued welfare after once buying some towels a few years previously), and coping with his son whose only apparent language capability seemed to be through frequent WhatsApp messages.  The situations were carefully crafted and set up before the always droll and almost exasperated punchlines.

His second โ€œthemeโ€ (if I can call it that) was around the โ€œcorporateโ€ gigs heโ€™s sometimes had to do, particularly the waste-processing and meat-processing industries.  The latterโ€™s โ€œMeat Management Awardsโ€ provided a rich vein that he mined repeatedly for jokes about sausages and how heโ€™d become โ€œan advocate for natural casingsโ€.

Against his own better judgement, heโ€™d been persuaded to use ChatGPT to create a self-description, and it had come up with โ€œa breathless delivery by a neurotic personalityโ€, and even he had to admit that it wasnโ€™t too far from the truth.  And Iโ€™d agree.  Watson came across as genuinely curious about the world, bemused by modern technology, amazed by other people, and surprised by how much of modern life created stressful situations for him.  And out of this melting pot there came a genuinely funny man.  He was self-deprecating, very natural and โ€“ no doubt about it โ€“ absolutely hilarious.

Absolute top marks to Mr Watson and to the Devizes Arts Festival for booking him.ย  Top notch. Findย  out more at www.markwatsonthecomedian.com/ย ย 

The Devizes Arts Festival continues until the night of Sunday 15th June at various venues around the town.  Tickets can be booked at Devizes Books or online at  www.devizesartsfestival.org.uk  

REVIEW โ€“ Devizes Arts Festivalโ€“ Julian Costello Quartet โ€“ Assembly Room – Thursday 12th June 2025

Nice place.ย  Nice music. Nice.

Andy Fawthrop

The Devizes Arts Festival has almost run its course, with only a couple of days to go, but still seven events left.ย  But itโ€™s not going quietly, and last night in the Town Hallโ€™s Assembly Room was no exception……

British jazz saxophonist Julian Costello, a superbly gifted musician, composer and teacher from London, and who writes for various ensembles, was the Festivalโ€™s guest.ย  Playing tenor and soprano saxophones, he was joined by John Turville on piano, Andy Hamill on upright bass and harmonica, and Tom Hooper on drums.

The quartet has recently released their third album, โ€˜And All The Birds Were Set Freeโ€™ on the acclaimed label 33 Jazz Records, and their two sets last night featured many tracks from the album.  The albumโ€™s title is a reference to Costelloโ€™s idea that the musicians should be free to express themselves and able to fly. The pieces they played, including the title track, The Gecko, London Blue, Song For Anna and Sunflowers, were all good examples of this open, loosely-structured approach.  Each musician took his various solos easily, improvising on the scenario, but slotting into the structure laid down at the start of each piece.  The particular highlights of these for me were provided by John Turvilleโ€™s piano passages.

The original material was tempered with a leavening of jazz classics, including material from John Coltrane, La Rosita by Benny Goodman, and Carlos Jobimโ€™s If You Never Come To Me.  Costello himself, leading the quartet very much from the front, moved over from tenor to soprano sax for his composition Connections, based upon the structure of an Indian raga.  And bassist Any Hamill strayed onto a very welcome harmonica during the encore Song For Anna (written for Costelloโ€™s wife Anna Stearman).

Costelloโ€™s personal style was laid-back and chatty, bonding easily with the audience using dry humour, and the quartet were clearly very comfortable in each otherโ€™s company. Their enjoyment on stage was very evident.

After an absolute dearth of live jazz in D-Town, it was like drinking at an oasis after a long crawl through a musical desert.  But, parched as I was, I was left very slightly wanting.  The sets needed more variation in tempo, more contrast between light and shade.  Each number they played was very good, but it was slightly one-paced across the whole programme.  Donโ€™t get me wrong โ€“ this was a hugely enjoyable affair, featuring some great music in a beautiful room.  Sound and lighting were spot on (as usual).  But I was left wanting just that little bit more. More jazz please!

Findย  out more at www.juliancostello.co.uk/ย ย 

The Devizes Arts Festival continues until the night of Sunday 15th June at various venues around the town.ย  Tickets can be booked at Devizes Books or online atย  www.devizesartsfestival.org.ukย 

Various venues in/around D-Town โ€“ Saturday & Sunday 7/8th June 2025

Just How Big Is That Fringe? Or Two Go Myth-Busting

Andy Fawthrop

Weโ€™ve always held that D-Town is a great place to live, and one of the many reasons is that it punches well above its weight in terms of the arts and cultural events.ย  Just speaking to musicians and artists who visit the town for gigs and festivals, the feedback is always the same: theyโ€™re in awe of just how much weโ€™ve got going on here.….

Do we need to recite the list?  Oh go on then โ€“ two/ three Beer Festivals (DOCA Winter Ales, Seend, CAMRA DBF), an arts festival (DAF), a food and drink festival, Fulltone on The Green, our own theatre, two opera companies (WHO, DMT), Devizes to Westminster canoe race, Long Street Blues Club, the DOCA events (Street Festival, Colour Rush, Lantern Parade, Carnival, Picnic In The Park)โ€ฆ.I could (and usually do), go on.  Thereโ€™s pubs with regular live music (White Bear, Three Crowns, The Southgate), fairs and circuses on The Green, book clubs, sports clubsโ€ฆ(youโ€™re really going on a bit nowโ€ฆEd).

But somehow that old refrain of โ€œNothing Ever Happens In Devizesโ€ has been making a come-back of late on social media, yet it just ainโ€™t true.  But like all myths, it refuses to lie down and die.  Despite this revered organ (ooh, matron) laying out the many, many choices you might have every week, and bringing you previews and reviews of everything and anything arts-based that we can get our sticky little fingers on, some folks seem to persist in apparently finding โ€œnothingโ€ to do. So itโ€™s time to, yet again, challenge that myth and have another go at laying it to rest for once and for all.

Anywayโ€ฆ..at the moment of writing weโ€™re right in the middle of the Devizes Arts Festival fortnight, with plenty of variety to please all tastes.  But, admittedly, some of these events can command ticket prices that are unaffordable for some.  So, inspired somewhat by last weekendโ€™s wonderful free Rowdefest (thank you Darren!) and, admittedly, a bit of a โ€œrobust discussionโ€ in the pub, I decided to see just how much fun and entertainment you could enjoy over this weekend at next to no cost. Itโ€™s a challenge I decided to take on by getting off my luxury sofa, and propel myself out โ€œinto the fieldโ€ (as it were).

Armed with only a stout pair of walking boots, an inquisitive and open mind, and a supportive girlfriend, I headed out into the local area to see what I could actually come up with on Saturday and Sunday this weekend.  The results are below:

  • 1. Devizes Farmersโ€™ Market in The Market Place Bar (Saturday 9 am)
  • ยท What it was: monthly gathering of local suppliers
  • ยท What was it like?ย  Plenty of choice โ€“ venison, bread, honey, olives, cheese, bread & fruit, flowers and plants, fresh coffee, cider, cakes.ย  Plenty of good fresh stuff from suppliers within a 30 mile radius of D-Town.ย  Added to stalls in the Shambles, this is worth a half hour of anyoneโ€™s time, either for shopping or simply browsing.
  • ยท Cost: ยฃFREE
  • ยท Childrenโ€™s rating: 1/5, Adultsโ€™ rating: 4/5
  • 2. K&A Canal Walk towpath, any old time
  • ยท What it was: a c. 4 mile walk down the towpath from D-Town to Poulshot
  • ยท What was it like?ย  Lots of people out strolling or cycling, boats passing up and down the flight (an opportunity for some gomgoozling).ย  We also saw many species of birds, including four, yes four, different grey herons โ€“ such elegant birds.
  • ยท Cost: ยฃFREE
  • ยท Childrenโ€™s rating: 1/5, Adultsโ€™ rating: 5/5
  • 3. Poulshot Medicine in Nature Herbal Walk at Poulshot Village Hall (Saturday 10.30am โ€“ 12)
  • ยท What it was: a short walk led by Katherine Baldock & Simon Parkes (ecologist) around the village to explore the wild and naturalised medicinal plants growing thereabouts, and an opportunity to make some herbal vinegar after foraging the local hedgerows.
  • ยท What was it like?ย  Way too slow for me, it was part talk, part very gentle amble around the village green and woodland, part discovery of a number of wild plants.ย  We discussed culinary and medicinal uses. At least I found bits of Poulshot I didnโ€™t know about, including the pond, the specially-created woodland, and some country paths (useful for getting over to Whistley Road later on).
  • ยท Cost: ยฃ5/ person
  • ยท Childrenโ€™s rating: 0/5, Adultsโ€™ rating: 2/5
  • 4. Wiltshire Steam & Vintage Rally Lower Park Farm, Whistley Road (Saturday & Sunday 10 โ€“ 5)
  • ยท What it was:.ย  An event organised by WAPG (Wiltshire Agricultural Preservation Group), featuring static displays of steam traction engines, tractors, miniature steam engines, heavy horses, trade stalls, fairground, military vehicles, classic cars.
  • ยท What was it like? As it was chucking it down with rain as we arrived, the most welcome thing for the first half hour was the (well-stocked) beer tent.ย  I could have done without the loud piped music but, hey, it was dry and there was beer!ย  When the rain slowed down a bit we did the full circuit and there was plenty to see, the most impressive of which were the full-size old traction engines in steam (some also seen later driving through D-Town).ย  There were pop-up food outlets, fresh coffee, craft stalls and tents, a 1940s-themed tea and cakes tent, bouncy castle for the children etc.ย  The site was large with plenty of parking but, because of the rain, getting increasingly muddy.
  • ยท Cost: ยฃ10/ person + drinks
  • ยท Childrenโ€™s rating: 4/5, Adultsโ€™ rating: 4/5
  • 5. Pete Robson & J P Oldfield in The Bear, Cellar Bar (Saturday 8pm)
  • ยท What it was: foot-stomping blues from two solo performers
  • ยท What was it like?ย  Each performer used steel guitar and stomp box to deliver some hard-cutting blues.ย  CDs for sale. Not very well attended, which was a shame.ย  Perhaps it needed to be better advertised. For me Pete Robson was the better performer of the two, taking a slightly less hard-edge approach to his vocals, and mixing up the tempo, giving more light and shade to his set.ย  The cellar bar is an OK venue at best, being a rather odd shape, with very low ceiling and an only partially-stocked bar.ย  I suspect it needs to be used much more often if itโ€™s going flourish as a venue.
  • ยท Cost: ยฃFREE + drinks
  • ยท Adultsโ€™ rating: 3/5
  • ยท Note โ€“we could have also gone to see either Matchbox Mutiny/ Tom Harris in The Three Crowns or The Duskers in The Southgate (both FREE entry), but thereโ€™s only so many hours in the day!
  • 6. Crammer Watch Day on the Small Green Devizes (Sunday 11am onwards)
  • ยท What it was: a chance to meet those involved in celebrating and preserving the Crammer. RSPCA, Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, Wessex Water, Friends of The Crammer, Lawrence Society of Artists, Sustainable Devizes + The Moonrakers Legend (performed at 12 noon and 1pm), photography competition, charity tombola
  • ยท What was it like?ย  We missed the Moonrakers performance, so as an experience I found it a bit thin on the ground.ย  There was little to see and do, unless you wanted to stand and chat to someone about the issues which the Crammer faces. Several stands were just offering information leaflets. Although a worthy attempt, for me personally it was just not very engaging.
  • ยท Cost: ยฃFREE
  • ยท Childrenโ€™s rating: 1/5, Adultsโ€™ rating: 1/5
  • 7. Lions on The Green on The Green (Sunday 10am -4pm)
  • ยท What it was: organised by Devizes Lions Club, a vehicle display (cars, bikes, scooters, military etc) and family fun day (lots of stalls, bar, food outlets)
  • ยท What was it like?ย  Covering the whole of the large Green, this was really excellently-well organised.ย  The central area was given over to the displays of antique, rare and sports cars.ย  Stalls had cakes, plants (from Plot 35), metal signs, honey etc.ย  There was a bouncy castle and fairground rides for children.ย  A licensed bar, coffee shop etc.ย  Lots to look at and plenty of photo opportunities. Fantasy Radio were broadcasting live from the site.
  • ยท Cost: ยฃFREE (donations to the Lions collecting buckets) + drinks
  • ยท Childrenโ€™s rating: 4/5, Adultsโ€™ rating: 5/5
  • 8. Devizes Arts Festival Free Fringe: Whiskey River (@ British Lion gardenย  Sunday 2 โ€“ 5pm)
  • ยท What it was: Roots Music From the Welsh frontier
  • ยท What was it like?ย  The trio Whiskey River played Americana, Cajun, Zydeco, Folk, Country, Blues and a smattering of Celtic music. Using guitar, fiddle, flute, harmonica, mandolin and concertina, these guys provided an excellent and enjoyable afternoon of music in the (occasional) sunshine.ย  The bar was open, and there was a BBQ going on throughout. People sitting out enjoying a drink, dogs, children, good music โ€“ perfect!
  • ยท Cost: ยฃFREE + (a large, undisclosed) drinks bill
  • ยท Childrenโ€™s rating: 3/5, Adultsโ€™ rating: 5/5
  • 9. Wood & Steel (@ The Southgate Inn Sunday 5-7pm)
  • ยท What it was: an acoustic duo playing blues, jazz and ragtime
  • ยท What was it like?ย  This duo were new to me, but I was very impressed by what I heard.ย  Two very good musicians, clearly comfortable in their own skin, played two excellent 50-minute sets and got a very well-deserved encore.ย  Lots of covers from many ages and genres, using dobro, guitar, upright bass and vocals.ย  Excellent musical accompaniment to a late, lazy Sunday afternoon. Great atmosphere too.
  • ยท Cost: ยฃFREE (donations to โ€œthe hatโ€) + more (undisclosed) drinks
  • ยท Adultsโ€™ rating: 5/5
  • ยท Note โ€“ we could also have gone to see Bodge It & Scarperย  at The White Bear (Sunday 5-7pm) playing acoustic music, but didnโ€™t hear about this until quite late.ย  Also canโ€™t be in two places at once.ย  This event was also FREE.ย ย 

In summary:

  • ยท Miles walked โ€“ about 10
  • ยท Bird species spotted โ€“ about 20, including swans, herons, jackdaws, mallard, moorhen, starlings, robins, great tits etc;
  • ยท Friends met – loads โ€“ far too many to mention!
  • ยท Total cost (for two) – ยฃ27.80 (of which ยฃ20 was for the steam fair) + the drinks (but letโ€™s not mention that bit!);
  • ยท Fun and entertainment had โ€“ loads and loads and loads;
  • ยท Well-being โ€“ absolutely knackered, but very happy.ย  Looking forward to next weekend!

Yes it all took a little bit of planning, but it wasnโ€™t that difficult really.  We walked to/ from most venues, so we got lots of other good D-Town stuff (Caen Hill locks, the towpath etc) and took only one short (cheap) bus ride when the heavens opened.  So there was plenty of exercise and fresh air to mitigate the various bits of eating and drinking.  Did I mention that the odd libation was partaken of?  And Iโ€™m not saying that EVERY weekend is quite this packed, but it certainly can be if you put your mind to it.  Bear in mind that thereโ€™s LOADS of other stuff going on โ€“ these were simply the things we happened to pick out.  There were choices โ€“ and we made them!

Nothing Ever Happens In Devizes???  Donโ€™t make me laugh.

Lions, KITT, Moonrakers and a Whiskey River; Sunday Stroll Around Devizes

If it’s good enough for Knight Rider it’s good enough for me. I see the Hoff ditched his Knight Industries Three Thousand on the Green for a stroll around Devizes on Sunday. He probably found a crusade to champion the cause of the innocent in a world of criminals who operate above the law, whereas I ended up at the British for a scrumpy or threeโ€ฆ.

Image: Simon Folkard Photography

Unlike some guys who act like Spongebob Squarepants on his tenth bag of Haribo at Chessington World of Adventures, I can only get yay excited about a car show. But Devizes Lions do it with cherries onโ€ฆ and debatably false advertising. There were no lions on the Green, but it was Lions on the Green this Sunday past, an annual free fete/car show crossover which never fails to appeal universally; kids nag mums for Rowdey Cow ice cream while dads furiously argue for three hours with a total stranger in sandals that the Mk2 2.8 Injection Granada handles better than the Mk1 with a 3.0 V6 engine.

Image: Simon Folkard Photography

I browse unacquainted with such matters, unfazed by contemporary cock extensions, but in admiration of vintage, retro cars and those with a movie reference attached. Every local from MP Brian Matthews to Pete of Vinyl Realm, and outsiders like Marty McFly have brought their big boy toys along to display, as Fantasy Radio blast Gary Numan. It’s a sunny morning, it’s a lovely occasion, it’s raising funds, and there’s nothing to dislike about it. 

Image: Simon Folkard Photography

Cars ticked off, hot dog and an extended conversation with a detectorist who’d discovered a variety of civil war shots and cannonballs on Roundway, if the Lions on the Green is a great and unbroken walkthrough event it coincided with Crammer Watch Day further along on, at the Little Green.

With long term solutions outstanding for unsafe conditions for wildfowl on the Crammer, there appears to be a far more communal tenet between concerned residents and the council compared to the outcry a few years ago, and this day was intended rather to celebrate the Crammer than address expensive possible solutions. As it stands, the simple fix is to raise public awareness that the only escape route for swans is across the roadside and they should apply caution when driving throughโ€ฆ.please.

With live painting from the Lawrence Arts Society, stands from the RSPCA, Sustainable Devizes and hosts Friends of The Crammer, conservation was a topic, if overshadowed somewhat by historical tomfoolery, which was something new to the day and personally my highlight.

Image: Simon Folkard Photography

A random team of amateur thespians, some from the Wharf Writers Group and others along for the giggle and wearing of knitted beards, staged a short promenade satirical play โ€œreenactingโ€ the fable of the moonrakers, aptly at The Crammer. The premise didn’t sound so inspiring to me, and I thought I might have to hold my tongue. The actuality surprised me, it was absolutely brilliant!

Image: Simon Folkard Photography

Pythonesque humour delivered with skill on a local legend, deliberately naff props such as a paddling pool for the pond, and astutely scripted silliness, it was indigenous and hilariously original.

Image: Simon Folkard Photography

Authenticity deliberately skewed for amusement; they couldn’t have done this anywhere else but here, the setting of the beloved fable, which is amusing enough without the added gags. Francis Grose was a witty Victorian chubster and nothing more needs to upset the applecart about the origin of the moonrakers, as this wasn’t intending to proclaim historic fact checking rather to amuse, which a country gent in Harris Tweed with a carrot in his mouth pretending to be a donkey will inevitably achieve.

Image: Simon Folkard Photography

I don’t know where the Hoff got to, but he missed a rarer treat than reuniting with Pamela Anderson for a titillating slow-motion beach jog. Oh, and a whistle stop to Morrisons was a let down culturally compared to what was outside. Along the road I shrug at a classic bus, for its appearance would’ve been more expected trekking the Sahara than parked outside the faithfully traditional British Lion, and there was no explanation for it being there.

Nevertheless I’m one step away from the bar, pondering if there’s one thing expected in Devizes: it’s that The British Lion doesn’t change, because it doesn’t need to. With Devizes Arts Festival is full swing, they’ve arranged a Cwmbran roots trio called Whiskey River to play us some of their sublime classic rock covers, Celtically, with a deep southern Americana twist, as a free fringe event; I cannot argue with this.

Devizes live music aficionados amassed and were thankful, as if they needed an excuse for a pint and fundraising burger from the barbecue. The British Lion is a fond institution, Whiskey River was a great break from our usual circuit, The Lions put on a brilliant and well organised family event, Crammer Watch added to an already great day and those awesome actors with rakes did make us laugh as promised.

It was all too much for me, the White Bear and Southgate continued the music, but I needed a little lie down, while our roving reporter Andy outdone me, partying like Prince in 1999, so I’m also putting up his account of weekend adventures for it’s fuller, far more informative and factually accurate than mine, even if it doesn’t mention Pamela Anderson, because really, she didn’t show. Devizes though, doesn’t need Pam, the fun never stops here, Sunday proved it.

Image: Simon Folkard Photography

Hotcakes, Wildfire, Shoesโ€ฆ. and Acid!

In the dead of night sounds in a rural environment are resonating singularities, a car in the distance or the farmer calling his herd. In an urban environment itโ€™s a cacophony, a mesh of motorways, trains and factories. Living in either you become accustomed, but to change can take adjusting. To accommodate the increase of clamour, when I first moved from a village to be neighbours with a cheesy nightclub in Swindon, we drained the noise outside with the 1990 KLF album โ€œChill Out.โ€ Prior to being bound for Mu Mu Land with Tammy Wynette, they created an ambient soundscape which rarely provided a beat. I am reminded of this, and other vague but fond memories while listening to The Hotcakes of Wildfireโ€™s four track EP, Shoes and Acidโ€ฆ.

Released last week, Shoes and Acid is the brainchild of Mick Stanger, guitarist for Bradford-on-Avon scrumpy & western outfit The Boot Hill All Stars and presenter of Sounds of the Wilderness on West Wilts Radio, a show where Mick uncovers a variety of experimental locally-sourced tracks. Alongside him are engineers Alex Pilkington and Leo Hossent, Boot Hill and Monkey Bizzle drummer Cerys Brocklehurst, with synths, guitars and vocals by Rat Himself, additional vocals by Holly Taylor and a fiddle from Ruth Behan. A different line-up from the 2022 debut single War of Words, whereby Mick thrashes out a tongue-in-cheek Scrabble war over grinding metal guitars, and a very different sound too; virtually horizontal dancing in places!

If Iโ€™m reminded of Chill Out, and stealthily manoeuvring through a jungle of guy-ropes and tent pegs across Glastonbury Festival like a missionary expedition, while The Orb rang out subtle harmonies like the call of the natives in the ether, itโ€™s because Iโ€™m of that era. Factually, thereโ€™s been meditative and relaxing moods in all genres from classical and jazz to new age whale song or electronic kosmische. The beauty in Shoes and Acid seems to be that these Hotcakes nod to them all, or if not all, at least since the prog-rock of Zeppelin and Floyd, and exhausts them nonchalantly unique and punkish.

Itโ€™s a lo-fi soundscape opening with birdsong, but Stubentiger kicks in agreeably backwards like the intro to Electric Ladyland, and rolls out a pungent bass guitar riff akin to Fromeโ€™s Ozric Tentaclesโ€™ finest hour; itโ€™s at this early moment I figure Iโ€™m in for an enjoyable if hypnotic ride; pass my meds. Four extended tracks is all it takes to knock up about forty minutes of expressive outpourings, largely instrumental and influenced by many soothing musical styles. Iโ€™m not sure if shoes are a requirement, but acid wouldnโ€™t go a miss, itโ€™s a trip.

Second tune Knocking at the Tree has whimsical female vocals conflicting with devilish male vocals, a drifting prog-folk-rock track wisping and earthy; a Westcountry Clannad with a sprinkle of Hawkwind. But if the prog-rock element continues into the eleven minute beauty, Fever Dream, it becomes very Ozric Tentacles, and like my favourite tune of theirs The Domes of G’Bal, it takes on dub reggae. Being that Iโ€™m fascinated by the studio adventures of King Tubby yet irked somewhat with dubstep, Iโ€™m most at home here, a contemporary Orbโ€™s Towers of Dub which could convert Lee Anderson into a crusty traveller! 

Fever Dream is the summit, an outstanding and epic moment in the album. A final track awaits us, now embedded in a horizontal dream like state imagining fractals forming in the sky. Tardigrades is another eleven-minute sonic exploration, beginning ambient house, Eat Static is expected but it doesnโ€™t venture into trance-techno, rather it builds in layers like Leftfield but takes a space-rock angle with Hollyโ€™s vocals in the driving seat after five minutes of swirling spacey soundscape.

A gorgeous finale to a great third eye opening listen, which doesnโ€™t appear to care if you’re coming at it from a Hawkwind or Orb direction. Iโ€™m just pleased to know thereโ€™s still folk out there producing soothing yet psychedelic ambient music on an astral plane, and this rolls a joint up for you and tucks you into a blissful slumber! 

REVIEW โ€“ Devizes Arts Festivalโ€“ Anna Ling โ€“ St Andrewโ€™s Church – Thursday 5th June 2025

Another Little Sweetie In The Jar

Andy Fawthrop

Well the Devizes Arts Festival is in full swing now, with several events already under its belt.ย  Thereโ€™s stuff cropping up every day, so I took the chance to pop in to a much-underused venue in the town St Andrewโ€™s Church on Long Street.….

After several big-ticket shows in the programme, it was a pleasure to settle down to something a little more modest, a more bread-and-butter item if you like.ย  Mid-week lunchtime isnโ€™t going to be a time to attract a particularly large audience, even on market day, but a good few hardy souls turned up to at least create a good audience atmosphere.

Anna Ling, a performer Iโ€™d not personally come across before, is a guitarist and singer/songwriter.  Her creative work and sense of purpose are deeply rooted in her love of bringing people together through song. This passion shapes her life, guiding her from leading community choirs to performing at venues, care homes, and world-class festivals.

In a concert co-promoted with the charity, Live Music Now, Anna delivered a professional and engaging 50-minute set which featured both her own material along with a few covers.  She worked hard to engage the audience right from the kick-off, inviting us into her world.  The performance was light and humorous, heartfelt and intimate.  And she was determined that we were not just going to sit back and listen to her, but to join in as well.  She had a lovely clear, strong voice, and used it to particular effect when she came down from the stage and abandoned her guitar in favour of an unaccompanied song right from the middle of the audience.

Her lyrics were simple, her guitar chords straight-forward.  This was not a set filled with new arrangements or presenting anything particularly challenging, but an opportunity to listen to a set of songs simply delivered and largely unadorned.  She filled the gaps between the songs with little stories and anecdotes, never lifting her voice very much, and thus drawing you in.

Plain, simple, and thoroughly enjoyable.  Just another little sweetie in the jar from Devizes Arts Festival.  And thereโ€™s plenty more to see and hear yet, so do make sure that you get along to experience something soon. Itโ€™ll all be over before you know it!

Devizes Arts Festival continues until Sunday 15th June at various venues around the town.ย  Tickets can be booked at Devizes Books or online HERE

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Jol Roseโ€™s Ragged Stories

Thereโ€™s albums Iโ€™ll go in blind and either be pleasantly surprised, or not. Then thereโ€™s ones which I know Iโ€™m going to love before theโ€ฆ

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โ€œThe Last Actโ€, Devizes Arts Festival at The Wharf Theatre, June 4th and 5th 2025

by Ian Diddams
images by Ian Diddams and from Devizes Arts Festival

The pea souper smog swirls in the dark. A small light illuminates a bare room โ€“ hatstand bare but for a bowler hat, chair, side table with various bric-a-brac. A rug. Music plays in the distance. London, 1916. And The Wharf Theatre stage, 2025โ€ฆย  the lights drop to darknessโ€ฆย  and the show begins.

Such is the picture provided at the outset of โ€œThe Last Actโ€ by David Stuart Davies, on the first of two nightsโ€™ shows brought to us by Devizes Arts Festival, performed at The Wharf Theatre, Devizes by Fringe Management. A ninety-minute single hander performance by Nigel Miles-Thomas, directed by Gareth Armstrong, providing a potted history of the lives of Sherlock Holes, โ€œConsulting Detectiveโ€, and Dr. John H. Watson โ€“ formerly of the parish of Marylebone.

Nigel plays Holmes, of course, and also Watsonโ€ฆย  but into that also covers Inspector Lestrade, Stamford, Mrs. Hudson, Inspector Hopkins andโ€ฆย  arch enemy Professor James Moriarty.ย  This potted history, or timeline of Holmes and Watsonโ€™s friendship begins at the occasion of Watsonโ€™s funeral, followed by Holmesโ€™ recollections of their partnership marked by key stories in the Sherlock Holmes case history; โ€œThe Adventure of Abbey Grangeโ€, โ€œThe Speckled Bandโ€, โ€œThe Final Problemโ€, โ€œThe Hound of the Baskervillesโ€ and โ€œHis Last Bowโ€. Nigelโ€™s delivery skips nary a beat as his voice changes and facial expressions per character float in and out seamlessly from Holmesโ€™ character as the carefully woven tale even foreshadows itself. We gain an insight into Sherlockโ€™s childhood and brotherly relationship, of his mother and father mirroring the Abbey Grange lead characters, and his fatherโ€™s death mirroring in portrayal that of Moriartyโ€™s. A description of the wind โ€“ โ€œ…ย  cried and sobbed like a child in the chimneyโ€ is used both in Holmesโ€™ praise of Watsonโ€™s descriptive writing and that of his family home.

It is a story ultimately of loneliness and love โ€“ Holmesโ€™ solitary lifestyle – but also his attachment to his brother, but especially Watson. And a story written with affection for Conan Doylesโ€™ character, delivered with care by Nigel Miles-Thomas, packaged with fondness by director Gareth Armstrong. Truly a “Last Act” with love for the subject.

The Thursday 5th June performance of โ€œThe Last Actโ€ is already sold out, but Devizes Arts Festival continues until Sunday 15th June with a wide range of differing genres and arts to enjoy, with tickets just still available. To see what is available and tickets, browse https://www.devizesartsfestival.org.uk/events/

One Week Left to Cast Your Votes for Wiltshire Music Awards

Thatโ€™s right, lovers of local live music countywide, you have less than a week now to cast your votes for your favourite acts in our prestigious, one-of-a-kind Wiltshire Music Awards!

The closing date for voting is Tuesday the 10th June, so get your thinking caps on and VOTE HERE NOW.

Whoโ€™s tickled your fancy the most? Whoโ€™s brought tears to your eyes with their self-penned ballad? Whoโ€™s dragged you off your seat and commanded your feet to the dancefloor, like nobody’s watching?! Whoโ€™s provided that ideal space for you to shake a tailfeather? And who deserves to be recognised for their outstanding contribution to local live music in your honest opinion? We need to know, but donโ€™t tell us here- keep it secret and cast your votes now!

We’ve already had way over seven hundred ballot papers sent into us, and I’ve not taken one sneaky peek yet, but I’m informed the results are close to call, so your vote might yet tip the balance.

So don’t procrastinate on me now, will you? Not for your favourite musicians’ finest hour. They need you; this is important, dammit!

And hereโ€™s an added special message to all musicians, bands and promoters, we love you all, so, please help us to help you, by sharing this news with your fans, as thereโ€™s nothing wrong with shameless self-promotion; order them to vote for you, offer them custard creams if they do, tell your mum you want her to vote for you, tell them all you wanna win a shiny medal for all youโ€™ve done to entertain them. You deserve this, goddammit, everyone creating music around these backwaters does, but thereโ€™s only so many awards we can give out on the night – make sure one of them is yours, yay!

I’m so excited, I just can’t hide it, and I am officially about to lose control…and, guess what? I think I like it. At least, those are my inspirational words to motivate you into the groove.

Wiltshire Music Awards 2025

Swindon Palestine Solidarity Upcoming Events

Swindon Palestine Solidarity continues to call for a ceasefire in Gaza and for aid to be allowed to enter Gazaโ€ฆ..

Their three recent roadside sign actions generated a lot of positive responses. Itโ€™s an effective way to keep people talking about what is happening in Gaza and these actions will be one of the many ways that SPS will continue to campaign.

On Thursday 12th June from 6 – 9pm, people can join us for Stitched in Solidarity, a free sewing workshop at the Bangladesh Centre, County Road, SN1 2EW. Participants can stitch a leaf with their messages of solidarity, or just add their name. The leaves will be added to the large olive tree on the banner, which will be used in protests and public exhibitions. This is a great way for people to add their voices, especially for those who canโ€™t attend protests, but want to be a part of the movement. A free place can be reserved on Eventbrite – Stitched in Solidarity or by emailing info@swindonpalestinesolidarity.org

SPS has called for a local march in Swindon on Saturday 14th June at 1.30pm starting at Regent Circus.ย 

A spokesperson said, โ€˜The narrative from politicians and journalists is shifting. Itโ€™s really important to keep up the pressure and to let them know that we want the people of Gaza to have the food, water, shelter and medical aid that they need. Thousands of them are in immediate danger of starving to death. We demand a ceasefire. Our government should not be sending arms. We previously had 1000 people protesting in Swindon and want the next local protest to be even bigger. We are being joined by members of the local mosques, so letโ€™s show our solidarity with the Palestinian people.โ€™

A coach has been booked to take supporters to the next London protest on 21st June. Leaving Swindon at 8am, and returning at approximately 7.30pm.ย 

The spokesperson said โ€˜There were over 500,000 people at the last national protest for Palestine in London. It was noticeable that directly after that march was when the narrative about the plight of the Palestinians started to change. The next London march needs to be even bigger.โ€™ 

To reserve a seat on the coach, go to Eventbrite – SPS Coach to national protest 21 June from Swindon – or email info@swindonpalestinesolidarity.org  There is a charge of ยฃ13.70 per person, but people can donate more to help cover the subsidised seats. Please contact Swindon Palestine Solidarity if you want to come but canโ€™t afford a seat.

โ€˜We know there is a lot of support for Palestine in Swindon. Hundreds of people have honked their horns and put their thumbs up during our roadside actions. If you arenโ€™t already involved in anything to show support for the people of Palestine, why not come along to a march, either locally or nationally. If marching isnโ€™t for you, you can join the stitching event or a roadside sign action, follow us on social media, join our WhatsApp groups, help fundraise or organise, come to a film night or talk. You can see, sign and share articles, petitions and actions. It all puts the pressure on for the positive changes so many of us want to see. Our charity quiz and meal last week raised over ยฃ900 for GINA (Gaza Infant Nutrition Alliance) which works to establish a continuous milk supply and education for breastfeeding support where it is most needed. Starving mothers are struggling to keep their newborn babies alive. There are so many ways to get involved, we urge everyone to โ€˜DO SOMETHING!โ€™ 

More information about Swindon Palestine Solidarity

Are We Still in Rowde?! RowdeFest 25 Sunny Overview

Images by Hans Shell, Ruth Wordley, Helen’s PolarPix and Bird is the Word

If you’re going to write on a subject you must research it, but if you’re going to write well about it you need to get involved in order to understand the details often hidden to outside observersโ€ฆ.

I learned this a year into creating Devizine, when I decided to hold an anniversary gig. Event organiser Dean Czerwionka basically held my hand through it, as I hadn’t a Scooby-Doo of the immensity of variables involved. Since then, I’ve dug myself deeper into the practical, to understand those obstacles and overcome them, so when being critical, I’m aware of how much work goes into putting events on.

Did you seriously buy that baloney?! Really, I’m an attention-seeking party animal who loves to showcase, whenever feasible, the talents of those I spend hours tapping my keyboard to review, then steal all the credit for it! The whole balancing on a learning curve stuff is only a bonus ball! But it is a delight, whenever the opportunity arises, to witness the actualities of my labour, and one such opportunity occurred yesterday, a short walk from my home.

Rowdefest happened Saturday in my village, an idea to retain aspects of a traditional fete yet modernise it to reflect a mini-festival, in which I had to get my foot in the door of.

Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, but for myself and the committee, Rowdefest 2025 started months ago, with tea, cake and planning at Barbara’s house. Then, an amount of WhatsApp messages, a Facebook chat coordinating the band’s specs with Simon Stockley, the solo sound engineer worth an entire team of professionals.

RowdeFest Committee pose at the end!

Then there’s the mountains I didn’t climb; Clare’s tribulations to provide a bar, Liz’s organisational skills to provide food vans, sponsors and collect raffle prizes, Kirsty creating a book stall, Geraldine and Angie tying things together, tea, cake and a photo exhibition in the church, chairperson Sue binding our meandering meetings into some kind of order, and so much more from many villagers and parish councillors mucking in, till the point on Friday I was driving a milk-float down Rowde Court Road with a huge tent on it and it all suddenly felt real!

Event organising with a team is wrought with disagreements, problem solving, worries which drag you to examine speculating weather apps daily, and fingers-crossed assurances everything will be alright on the nightโ€ฆ.thankfully it was, so Rowde was blessed with a hugely successful, beautiful occasion. An equally huge thanks and congratulations must go to all involved in its making, but none so much as our chief, Barbara. Even if one of them was me, I still reserve the right to report on it, for there is no flattery necessary, feedback from others gives me the confidence to say this was as fantastic as I perceived it as!

Devizes Jubilee Morris Dancers

For me personally, it was all about community merriment, and of course, the entertainment. Under the premise we wanted lively bands I took to organising a lineup consisting entirely of tried and tested locally sourced talents, and calling in a few favours! Opening the event then, the Devizes Jubilee Morris Dancers arrived, did their thing literally with bells on, and got the blossoming crowds engaging in a final routine.

Between the two Morris dancing sections, Mat Fucci of Fucci Fit teased the crowds with a workout, and under the beating sun they got as physical as Olvia Newton-John in 1981, or near to it!

ANdrew Hurst with Lucianne Worthy

Then the live music started with my wildcard, the experimental imaginations of music scholar and tutor, Andrew Hurst. With exceptional bassist Lucianne Worthy, they whisked the audience through multi-instrumental tangents, wonderfully.

Talk in Code

Usually a headline act next, and it was only 3pm, with the crowds still on our villageโ€™s own delicious Rowdey Cow ice cream rather than ciders! Wiltshireโ€™s finest indie-pop darlings, Talk in Code kindly pepped it up, making a pitstop on their way to Swindonโ€™s Castle venue. Blasting their eighties pop flavoured originals gorgeously across our small playing field was an indicator this was going to go off rather different from your average village fete!

That was my doing, and apologise if it came as a shock to some sensitive residents. What attendees didnโ€™t witness was me, once being informed about their complaints, slightly sulking in guilt behind the scenes. Yes, what started as a village fete had now gone full-blown festival, which I believed was the intention and well advertised as such. My resolution was, other than gorging on biscuits, that, in times like this, we have to go with the majority. As the huge crowd gathered, of all ages, appeared to be lapping it up, dancing and cherishing every moment, coupled with the expressions of delight I witnessed on the faces of some disabled children in wheelchairs when I held the gate open for them, well, they counteract a billion complainers for me, and Iโ€™m certain there was far, far fewer of them than that!

Talk in Code with Peggy-Sue Ford of Don’t Stop the Music radio show

Talk in Code shines like a beacon to everything dedication can achieve on our local circuits, and their reputation builds with every appearance; I was overjoyed to see them, as, like anyone they meet, theyโ€™ve become my friends. The second act tends to be more modest with their skills, but The Sarah C Ryan Band will always be one of my most favourite bands. They deliver a sublime melodious panache in style and sound, the kind I liken to Fleetwood Mac, but my daughter suggested Florence and The Machine; either works.

The Sarah C Ryan Band

Through cooler originals and the odd cover, Sarah and her band held the crowd spellbound, after wondering if anything would equal Talk in Code, now they were assured I had many more tricks up my sleeve!

Thieves

WIth the crowd simmered, time to allow Thieves to do their thing. Semi-acoustic vibes, Iโ€™d go out on a limb and suggest this is the finest Americania youโ€™ll find around these waters. Authentic bluegrass to rootsy blues, this wonderfully accomplished four-piece vocal harmonise on a level which left our unsuspecting attendees around the hay bales spellbound and those in the know nodding impressively. It was the set to end all sets, setting the scene to bliss, as I wandered receiving everyoneโ€™s approval, but I had one more band yet to introduce.

Burn The Midnight Oil

Given the chance, Talk in Code mightโ€™ve headlined, safe in the knowledge of what they will deliver. Despite knowing front-girl Chrissy Chapman for many years, and fondly reviewing her vocal collaborations on drum n bass tunes, when she put together Burn The Midnight Oil I met with the original lineup to interview them and hear a little rehearsal, but regrettably, I still hadnโ€™t had the opportunity to tick them off my must-see list.

Okay, so, I took a chance here, suspecting theyโ€™d be good, and heard all the good reports, but I didnโ€™t begin to imagine just how good. Burn the Midnight Oil totally rocked the finale, with fantastic originals slipped unnoticed into a set of covers, they made the perfect end to the day. Dressed in a divine white dress of sentimental value to Chrissy, she took her accomplished band and the audience on an elevated hour plus expedition of bluesy rock which no one wanted to ever come to an end. It was total and utter dynamite!

Alannah Mylesโ€™ Blue Velvet rang out across our playing field, as we gathered the committee and volunteers to be cheered before an encore. Chrissy has a confident stage presence. Her interactions with the audience were so professional, I had to take a double-look to check if it was still my dear friend up there!

But, thatโ€™s the magic right there, to take our talented locals and celebrate their skills as they deserve to be celebrated, allow them to shine with the freedom of expression to deliver works theyโ€™ve written and composed, disperse them with classics if they wish to, and introduce the quality of local talent to audiences which may not have the opportunity to follow our local live music scene. That was my objective, as that is alway my objective, and I thank the Rowdefest committee for allowing me to do that in my own village, rather than hiking up Dunkirk Hill again, or trekking further afield; Bradford-on-Avon had a town music festival on, at a level our village couldnโ€™t compete with, but those at RowdeFest wouldnโ€™t have cared at that point; it was magical.

Bramblerose Designs

Okay, Iโ€™m still at one thousand feet about what we accomplished yesterday, but I donโ€™t believe time will water my excitement down. This should go down in the village history books, and if not, it will always be remembered by me. Again my sincere thanks goes to all involved, the committee, the attendees which included MP Brian Matthew, and our media friends Bird is the Word, Peggy-Sue Ford and Alan Watters of our village magazine, but especially the acts and Simon, who came to my rescue; thank you all, for your time, dedication and for superbly rocking my village! 

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CrownFest is Back!

Yay! You read it right. After a two year break, CrownFest is back at the Crown in Bishop’s Cannings. So put a big tick ontoโ€ฆ

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REVIEW โ€“ Devizes Arts Festivalโ€“ Kiki Dee & Carmelo Luggeri โ€“ Corn Exchange – Friday 30th May 2025

Still Got The Music In Her

By Andy Fawthrop

Itโ€™s been a while coming a-round but at long last Devizesโ€™ very own Arts Festival finally kicked off last night for its two-week run.ย  And we started off, as is usual now, with a real belter of a concert in the Corn Exchange, this time featuring veteran performers Kiki Dee and Carmelo Luggeri…..

If you were after star quality, Kiki Dee has it in spades.ย  Recently celebrating her 60th year in the music industry, she has now released a whopping 40 singles, three EPs and 22 albums. She is one of the UKโ€™s finest and most revered vocalists, and sheโ€™s sung with and for just about anybody who is anybody in this industry.

Pauline Matthews (as was) was born in Bradford, West Riding of Yorkshire in 1947.  At the age of 10 she won a local talent contest, and at 16 she had her first paid job as Kiki Dee in show business. She worked briefly as an apprentice hairdresser (she did my motherโ€™s hair once โ€“ my feeble claim to fame!) and at Boots in Bradford during the day, while in the evenings she sang songs with a dance band in Leeds.  Initially with Fontana Records, known for her blue-eyed soul vocals, she was the first female singer from the UK to sign with Motown’s Tamla Records. Sheโ€™s best known for the hit singles “Amoureuse” (1973), “I’ve Got the Music in Me” (1974) and “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart”, her 1976 duet with old Reg Dwight (Elton John), which reached Number One on the UK Singles Chart and the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.  Her 1981 single “Star” became the theme song for the talent show Opportunity Knocks when it was revived by the BBC in 1987.  

During her career sheโ€™s sung backing vocals for Dusty Springfield, was one of the backing vocalists on Love Affair’s 1968 UK number one single Everlasting Love, sang backing vocals on various Elton John recordings, such as “All the Girls Love Alice” from Goodbye Yellow Brick Road and various tracks on Rock of the Westies, played as support act to Queen at their Hyde Park concert in front of a crowd of 150,000 people, and performed at Live Aid in 1985, reprising “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” with John, and performing backing vocals on the other songs in his set. On top of that sheโ€™s won awards for her Musical Theatre roles in Willy Russell’s Blood Brothers, in which she took on the role originally played by Barbara Dickson for the 1988 production and recording, and received an Olivier Award nomination in 1989 in the Best Actress in a Musical category.  

But all of that is history!  Nowadays, or at least for the last twenty years or so, sheโ€™s continued to move forward with the music that she creates with Carmelo Luggeri. Kiki says Carmelo is her favourite guitarist and he co-writes and produces all their songs.  

Dee released the live album Almost Naked, a joint effort with Carmelo in 1995, followed by the studio albums Where Rivers Meet (1998) and The Walk Of Faith (2005). In September 2013, Dee and Luggeri released their third studio album, A Place Where I Can Go, on Spellbound Records. They have been touring together ever since and have played alongside such musical luminaries as Roger Taylor, Jack Bruce, Fish, Paul Young, Tom Robinson, Graham Gouldman and Madeline Bell.  

Carmelo Luggeriโ€™s abilities as a guitarist, composer and producer have taken him on a rich and interesting musical path over his career. Born in England of Italian parents, Carmelo was mainly self-taught with some classical training.  Working with comedian and television personality Billy Connolly he created the โ€œWatzinโ€™ Matildaโ€ re-work used for the hugely successful 1995 โ€œWorld Tour Of Australiaโ€ TV series. In 1998 Carmelo produced the track โ€œStealinโ€ for the film โ€œStill Crazyโ€ starring Jimmy Nail.  Carmelo has also worked with US singer Andy Williams, Paul Rodgers (Free, Bad Company), Ray Cooper (Elton John band), Gus Dudgeon, Stuart Epps, Romy Haag and singer songwriter Ralph McTell.

Carmelo and Kikiโ€™s paths first crossed when he produced a collection of bonus tracks for โ€œThe Very Best of Kiki Deeโ€ album, and, under the guidance of their manager Steve Brown they took on a new musical direction together, playing acoustic concerts, starting with an appearance at The Royal

Albert Hall for World AIDS Day in 1994. It was quite a departure for Carmelo at this point as he was essentially an electric player but this marked the beginning of their now 25 year collaboration where acoustic guitar is at the foundation of their sound.

Sorry for the long introductory pre-amble, but just wanted to reprise the careers of these two wonderful musicians.  And I guess youโ€™d have to say that represents as good a musical pedigree as youโ€™re ever going to get, so the expectations for the large crowd were, to say the least, pretty high.

And we werenโ€™t to be disappointed one bit. Kicking off with โ€œGet What You Wish Forโ€ and the first of several musical career anecdotes, we were suddenly there at โ€œDonโ€™t Go Breaking My Heartโ€!  Like most people I thought this would be the wrap-up song or the encore, but Kiki clearly wanted to get the song on the table early.  Using, not unexpectedly, a completely different acoustic arrangement, with a rather slower tempo, her rendition allowed the lyrics to really shine through, and to deliver some really pathos.

Cracking on with anecdotes about meeting David Hockney in Malibu, and working with Dusty Springfield, we had the self-penned โ€œSmall Merciesโ€. She then mined a rich vein of beautifully-arranged covers โ€“ Kate Bushโ€™s โ€œRunning Up That Hillโ€, Robert Palmerโ€™s โ€œEvery Kinda Peopleโ€, and Neil Youngโ€™s โ€œHarvest Moonโ€.

Following โ€œa nice glass of redโ€ and a costume change, the second half continued in much the same vein, with Kiki interspersing the songs with more anecdotes.  Early up we had her big hit โ€œAmoureuseโ€, partly sung in the original French, a jazzy cover of Leonard Cohenโ€™s โ€œDance Me To The End Of Loveโ€ (featuring a touching cameo when she danced with a member of the audience whilst Carmelo commanded the stage with some fabulous guitar work).  We then had a run of the pairโ€™s own compositions โ€“ โ€œAmen and Goodbyeโ€, โ€œSheโ€™s Smiling Nowโ€, โ€œYou Canโ€™t Fix The Maybeโ€ and โ€œUntil We Meet Againโ€ โ€“ before finishing with an upbeat and rousing version of โ€œIโ€™ve Got The Music In Meโ€.  Getting an encore was a mere formality by this stage, but their choice was a strange one โ€“ a very quiet number entitled โ€œIf You Ever Need Someoneโ€, and a harmonised version of The Beatlesโ€™ โ€œBlackbirdโ€.  Cue lots of cheering and a great ovation.

Kiki showed us that, at 78, sheโ€™s definitely still got it.  Her voice is, expectedly, not as strong and pure as in her youth, but itโ€™s still bloody good, hitting all the notes perfectly, and still delivering plenty of soulfulness and meaning.  Carmelo demonstrated throughout to be no mere prop or accompaniment to the big star on his left, but a real guitar craftsman in his own right.  His subtle and effective use of loops and pedals to add depth and colour to every number, coupled with several changes of guitars and tunings, proved a real revelation.  His introductions and solos were beautifully crafted, drawing much applause, and plenty of genuine praise from Kiki.

As a duo they harmonised well, and were very clearly extremely comfortable in each otherโ€™s company on stage.  Their rapport with each other, and with the audience, added considerably to the quality and the professionalism of the show.

This was the third or fourth time Iโ€™d seen these guys, and Iโ€™d have to say that they only get better and better.  A really solid two and a half hour show, filled with great songs, hilarious anecdotes and superb guitar work โ€“ what more could you possibly want?  I absolutely loved and, it seemed, so did the packed audience.  

A cracker of a concert to kick off this yearโ€™s Devizes Arts Festival!

Learn more at www.kikiandcarmelo.com/carmelo-luggeri/ย ย 

The Devizes Arts Festival continues until Sunday 15th June at various venues around the town.ย  Tickets can be booked at Devizes Books or online atย  www.devizesartsfestival.org.ukย ย 

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Clock Radio Turf Out The Maniacs

The first full album by Wiltshireโ€™s finest purveyors of psychedelic indie shenanigans, Clock Radio, was knocked out to an unsuspecting world last week. Itโ€™s called Turfinโ€™ Out The Maniacs, which perhaps should be fact-checked as it sounds to me like theyโ€™re letting them all in, as they arrive on yellow submarines and check into Frank Zappaโ€™s 200 five-rhombus rated motelsโ€ฆ..

Self-described as โ€œeasily triggered, dishonest, cryptic yet flirty deluded jangle rockers,โ€ Clock Radio have produced a string of catchy slacker pop wonders here, as they continuously reach inside the box, like theyโ€™re four elfish Rowan Atkinsons all cast as Paul Atreides. But one thing is for certain, Chris Genner, Oliver Daltrey, Gary Martin and Fraser Wilson will entertain you.

Turfinโ€™ Out The Maniacs sound like the results of the Coral offering The Divine Comedy a hashpipe in a moulded teenage boyโ€™s bedroom; thatโ€™s a compliment by the way.

The opening tune Blood on Chrome certainly reeks of that breezy retrospection of Merseyside garage bands or sixties surf-rock, with an added preliminary Quo guitar riffs. Stoned at the Dojo, which follows emphasises the mock lounge style of The Divine Comedy. Itโ€™s vaudeville throughout, all Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Bandโ€™s twirling circus, and an accordion welcomes in the next song, yet the tempo is upbeat indie rock. Handsome Weeping Man might leave you questioning if itโ€™s necessary to connote the narrative, but it will leave you amused.

Clock Radio knows precisely what buttons to press to evoke a mood, and press them with free will. To say itโ€™s a tad bonkers, itโ€™s only a tad, and Mountains Beyond the Sun kindles a gentle side, drifting surf-rock, sunny side of the street vibe.

Thereโ€™s ten three minute heroes on this impressive debut album, recorded, mixed and mastered by Dominic Bailey-Clay at Nine Volt Leap Studios, with Fender Rhodes piano, percussion by Dominic and a triangle by Shoshi B. If weโ€™re content with getting halfway through and assuming theyโ€™ve calmed slightly, No Death takes us back onto the weird and wonderfully expressed if questionable muses of the opening.

Turfinโ€™ Out The Maniacs is a comfy yet nippy prank, like being stung in the bottom but launching away from it to splash into a chocolate lake. Not so unlike Noรซl Coward playing a Bond villain, with Bowie as Bond; something you couldnโ€™t imagine happening, but being Marie-Georges Mรฉliรจs directed it and itโ€™s on FilmFour at 3am, you might as well grab a bag of cheesy puffs and thirty grams of Amber Leaf, stay up watch it in your pants. โ€œCactus is cooler, Iโ€™m no Ferris Bueller, I do as Iโ€™m told,โ€ is just one line Iโ€™m cherry picking to illustrate my point, youโ€™ll be amused and rocked in plentiful equal measure.

It has an acoustic ending called Complex 5 which will leave you incarcerated in the meandering yet meticulous peculiarly pulp portrayals of Clock Radio, as if you melted into a bubble sofa. It is available now on the streaming platforms, or buy the digital album from Bandcamp.

The Bradford on Avon Live Music Festival- This Weekend!

Bradford-on-Avon Town Councilโ€™s annual festival, aptly titled The Bradford on Avon Live Music Festival is back this weekend, championing local talent with an eclectic line-up of impeccable performers across its multiple venues and in association with the Wiltshire Music Centreโ€ฆ..

The festival launched in 2022, sees music pouring out of venues across the entire town over three days of music. From indie to rock, pop, jazz and blues, there really is something for everyone at this yearโ€™s festival. โ€œOur town is a hub of creativity,โ€ organiser Katie explains, โ€œand weโ€™re proud to keep that spirit alive through the BOA Live Music Festival.โ€

It runs from Friday 30th May to Sunday 1st June; itโ€™s a long listed lineup, hereโ€™s what weโ€™ve found and recommend you donโ€™t miss if youโ€™re attending. Throughout the weekend there will be music at eight venues: Westbury Garden, Trinity Hall (St Laurence School,) Lamb Yard, Timbrellโ€™s Yard, The Three Horseshoes, The Castle Inn, The Canal Tavern, and of course, Wiltshire Music Centre.

On Friday 30th May at 7.30pm, Wiltshire Music Centre brings Jah Wobble & The Invaders of the Heart to the festival. As a bassist, Jah Wobble is well-known for his heavy, hypnotic bass grooves, which often serve as the backbone for atmospheric, genre-crossing tracks. Covering everything from reggae to rock, dub bass to drum and bass, and global influences, his deep, melodic, and trance-like bass is central to the experience. He will open Bradford on Avon’s Live Music Festival for the Centre, along with this band of world-class musicians- the Invaders of the Heart.

Jah Wobble and the Invaders of the Heart: Bradford on Avon Live Music Festival

Jahโ€™s career speaks for itself, spanning over 40 yearโ€™s heโ€™s played on countless albums, with performers such as PILโ€™s John Lydon, Brian Eno, Bill Laswell, U2โ€™s The Edge, Sinead Oโ€™Conner, Primal Scream, Bjork, The Orb, The Cranberries Dolores O ฬRiordan and many more, as well as a regular on the hit TV show Never Mind the Buzzcocks.

Jah Wobble and the Invaders of the Heart at Wiltshire Music Centre is ยฃ27 / ยฃ14.50 U18s + students, but observe this special offer code: 30% off at checkout using promo code BOA30. Highly recommend it.

The Bowie Experience – Bradford on Avon Live Music Festival

Also on Friday you can find The Bowie Experience, 8pm at the Trinity Hall of St Laurence School. I highly recommend Karport Collective with Jess Chivers in support at The Castle Inn. Find some carnivalism at The Three Horseshoes from 5pm with delinquent fuzz jugernaut The Bucky Rage, BullyBones and Glasgow nuggets of Kosher Pickles!ย  And with Bird is the Word taking over music at The Boat House, who has Band of Others on Friday, you are spoiled for choice.

Nothing Rhymes With Orange @ The Exchange ~ The Last Big Devizes Gig

Decisions get even harder on Saturday 31st May, at the main stage at Westbury Garden youโ€™ll find Retro Electro headlining at 9pm. The penultimate act is our favourites, Nothing Rhymes with Orange. All after a lineup of Karport Collective, Feast of Fools, Funky Monkey Bubble Club, Sian & Rob Colquhoun, the incredible Becky Lawrence and the Jazz Factory.

Meanwhile, at Lamb Yard I highly recommend Melkshamโ€™s indie pop band The Sunnies headlining at 9pm, after JPQ, JB & the Mojomakers, Lorikeet, Lone Sea Breakers, Body & Soul, and Jess Chivers from 3pm. The Castle Inn has The Relayz, Westward, This Way Up, I highly recommend Dylan Smith, Broken Focus, Lee Broderick, Joe Hunt, and I highly recommend Becky Lawrence, all from 1pm  

Saturday night at โ€œThe Shoesโ€ youโ€™ll find The Bucky Rage, Kitchen Lover, Kosher Pickles – Well Brined, and The Borough. The Canal Tavern has Star Shaped Pegs, Mojo & Yuji, Lloyd & Art,  and Jake Lockhart. Timbrellโ€™s Yard has Lorikeet, highly recommend Ruby Darbyshire, Sian & Rob Colquhoun, Jess Chivers, Sour Apple and Feast of Fools.

Itโ€™s all afro-beat at Wiltshire Music Centre on Saturday with The Gasper Nali Band, highly recommend it. Famous since a film of him went viral, Gasper Nali is a not-so-traditional babatoni player from Lake Malawi. The babatoni is an African one-string home-made 3-metre long bass guitar, and with a stick and an empty beer bottle. Together with a cow skin kick drum and catchy melodies, he creates the most amazing and danceable original Afro Beats possible!

Gasper Nali Band: Bradford on Avon Live Music Festival

Gasper has toured the UK and Europe several times since his breakthrough video, playing in all environments from seated arts centres spaces to major festival stages. This year, Gasper will be transforming his customary one-man-band show and perform with a three-piece band for the very first time in the UK. Along for the ride is Malawi born songsmith and cultural proponent Luhangah on additional vocals and percussion, as well as Gasperโ€™s long-time producer and collaborator Mattias Stรฅlnacke on guitars.

Gasper Nali Band: Bradford on Avon Live Music Festival at Wiltshire Music Centre starts at 7.30pm. ยฃ16 / ยฃ9 U18s + students. Another SPECIAL OFFER here: 30% off at checkout using promo code BOA30.

Sunday is the first of June, and what a way to see the month in. At The Three Horseshoes from 3pm, for some mod, funk and RnB with The Convulsions. Trinity Hall has The Hipcats: A Century of Sinatra with support from JPQ from 7.30pm, and Judas Goat & the Bell Weather from 3pm, who we highly recommend too!ย 

Nick Langston & The Hipcats: A Century Of Sinatra: Bradford on Avon Live Music Festival

More Info HERE!

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Oh Danny Boy!

Oh Danny Boy, oh, Danny Boy, they loved your boyish Eton looks so, but when ye was voted in, an all democracy wasnโ€™t quite dying, ifโ€ฆ

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A Quick Shuffle to Swindon

Milkman hours with grandkids visiting it was inevitable a five hour day shift was all I was physically able to put into this year’s Swindon Shuffle.โ€ฆ

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โ€œSweeney Toddโ€ at St. Augustineโ€™s Catholic College, Trowbridge May 28th-31st

by Ian Diddams
images by Chris Watkins

Performing Sondheim isnโ€™t the simplest of tasks. Or, rather, singing Sondheim isnโ€™t the simplest of tasks. With his dissonant music, off the beat lyrics and constant interchanges of charactersโ€™ lines in songs it takes a lot of practise, a good ear, and huge concentration to meet Sondheimโ€™s demands. Many companies avoid his shows for exactly that reason โ€“ and understandably so being fair to them. So itโ€™s an arguably brave company that goes with that direction โ€“ and congratulations must go to Trowbridge Musical Theatre (TMT) for pulling it off so well.

Many of you will have seen Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter in Tim Burtonโ€™s 2007 film, but here was the full stage musical in all its gory glory, the tale of a falsely accused ex-convict turning revenge  on those that framed and convicted him allied to a little bit of pie-making on the side.

The set built all but overnight by Bernice Hudson and her crew works really well with pie shop stage left and Toddโ€™s barberโ€™s shop above at mid-level. Stage right is the Judgeโ€™s house, with roof garden, the intervening space representing Fleet Street. The set crew have created a three-level space as a result and full kudos to them and Lyn Taylorโ€™s fine eye as director for providing such a visual treat so well utilised constantly drawing our eyes up, down, left, and right. More visual treats in store are the costumes, provided by Sandra Tucker and her team, really hitting the mid-nineteenth century vibe to fully set the tone, and special mention must be made of the work put into hair styling and wigs by Sarah Davies and Lauren Hamblett. Completing the triumvirate is of course the tech team of Jon Lewthwaite, Alex Jacobs and Tony Bonner bringing moody lighting and eerie sound effects expertly. Supporting these creatives was choreographer Daisy Woodruffe and dance captain Hannah Symonds keeping the ensemble moving sinuously during their street scenes, and in perfect unison in the bar scene! All ably assisted โ€“ as ever โ€“ by Team R-H of Nicky, Cameron, and Connor Runyard-Hunt back together again for this show with Stu Langford, Pete Grant, and Steve Riddle who between them lugged furniture and a huge meat grinder as well as other sundry items on and off stage. And Chris Isaacson as stage manager keeping it all under control at the back!

That of course leaves the thirteen strong orchestra led by Musical Director Samuel Warner performing the crazy Sondheim music with strong and emphatic delivery.

Any show is only as strong as its ensemble and this showโ€™s sixteen strong group kept the show moving along nicely with their choreographed street and bar scenes and constant interactions with each other, as well as providing a bird seller, policemen and grave diggers. Special mention is worthy for Claire Warner, Emily Lawes and Hannah Symonds who performed a typically complex Sondheim trio perfectly, and the entire ensembleโ€™s playing of inmates of Bedlam asylum!

It is the principals of course that take the limelight in any show and drive the story along, and TMT have been blessed with a very strong line-up for this show. The minor principals especially supported the main principals well. Caroline Murray as the beggar woman was deliciously wonderful as the annoying, crazy, old hag and Katy Pattinson shone in her quasi principal-boy role as Tobias Ragg the semi-adopted pie making apprentice who grows from timid shyness to cheeky confidence. Matt Wisener with only two weeks to pick the role of Beadle up, and Andrew Curtis as Judge Turpin provided the corrupt underbelly of authority. Never to be underplayed, the evergreen and versatile excellence of Paul West was once again to the fore as the charlatan barber Adolfo Pirelli, while Alan Rutland played the sleezy, corrupt asylum keeper Jonas Fogg.

Noah Heard as Anthony Hope and Amy Emberson as Johanna provide the showโ€™s love interest as Toddโ€™s fellow sailor colleague and daughter respectively โ€“ both with clear, strong and lovely voices and an on-stage chemistry as erstwhile lovers.

Chris Howlett delivers the serial killer Sweeney Todd to perfection โ€ฆย  moody, dark, surly, momentarily relaxed once the money is coming in, then finally distraught. Excellently portrayed. And of course, Michelle Hole as Mrs Lovett. Her stage presence was immense, always engaging, with strong voice and great characterisation.

There is however one absolute star of this show. Itโ€™s usually unfair to pick a star in a show where everybody has put their blood, sweat and even tears into but it is only right and proper in this performance to announce the standout part is most definitely โ€ฆ The chair! A fully working, depositor of Toddโ€™s victims to Mrs Lovettโ€™s bakehouse complete with handle and trap door. Absolutely Brilliant! Worth the ticket price alone!



โ€œSweeney Toddโ€ plays at St. Augustineโ€™s Catholic College, Trowbridge from May 28th to 31st.

Tickets from https://trowbridgemusicaltheatre.co.uk/tickets

Ruby Darbyshire to Perform at Silverwood School Open Evening

The phenomenally talented Ruby Darbyshire is performing at Silverwood School in Rowde on 27th June. Ruby has kindly offered to support Silverwood Schoolโ€™s open evening…..

Silverwood School near Devizes, has an ambition to provide a truly integrated system of outstanding education for those with special educational needs and disabilities in Wiltshire up to 19 years old.

Silverwood Charity Trust supports the school by fundraising to enhance the educational experience and advance the abilities of the children and young people at the school. A pleaโ€ฆWe are looking for donations for a raffle that we will hold at this event. Any offer will be much appreciated and we thank you in advance for your generosity. We can collect donations at your convenience.

The Trust has made grants across the Chippenham, Trowbridge, and Rowde Campuses totalling ยฃ20,000, built a multi-use sensory walkway at the Rowde Campus to allow wheelchair access to the woodland areas, and has submitted a planning application for an Animal Resource Centre (ARC).

With the new building work at the Rowde Campus complete, the Trust is delighted to hold an open evening at 6pm on Friday 27 June 2025, to which they hope you can join them to learn more about the School and Trust, and support the young people at Silverwood School by raising vital funds for the ARC.

The event is free, but please reserve tickets HERE

Contact: Georgie@NutwoodHouse.co.uk or Tim@NutwoodHouse.co.uk for donations

Shoot Me, A New Single From George Wilding!

I loved it, but if the jury was out in March over Isn’t She Lovely, the last single from George Wilding under the production of Jolyon Dixon for its experimental vaudeville ambience of Queenโ€™s later material and sprinkles of doo-wop at the intro, the third single comes out punchingโ€ฆ..

Shoot Me is released today across all platforms, and if we’re used to George’s wispy moments of psychedelic Velvet Underground, this rather takes on Lou Reed’s more edgy rock n roll. In line with the blossoming tendency of many local bands, from Nothing Rhymes With Orange to Talk in Code, this adopts the timeless indie-rock angle of The Killers and Arctic Monkeys. It’s lively, fire in the belly driving music, I can imagine a crowd hailing it back at him within a relatively short time.


A slight move sidewards for George and a wise decision; millennials to gen z, and even Britpop nineties kids are going to lap this up. It’s a timeless belter. My immediate thought laid with the La’s when the song opened, the notion quickly shifted to something more contemporary, of Franz Ferdinand, and the others I’ve already mentioned.

Yet George is a force in his own right and needs no comparison. Shoot Me contains those recognisable vocal delicacies we’ve come to love him for, that understanding he could shift into any pigeonhole and come up trumps.

The Big Sound Choir to Perform with Aled Jones at St Georgeโ€™s Bristol

Devizes-based The Big Sound Choir will take to the stage at St Georgeโ€™s Bristol on Wednesday 4th June as part of Aled Jonesโ€™s nationwide Full Circle tour โ€“ and audiences are in for a real treat….

Known for their dynamic energy and uplifting sound, The Big Sound Choir will open the evening with a rousing set of feel-good songs before joining Aled Jones live on stage for a powerful finale.

Aled, the beloved boy treble who captured hearts with Walking in the Air, is back with a brand-new show thatโ€™s packed with songs, stories, and surprises. โ€œItโ€™s time to come Full Circle,โ€ says Aled. โ€œIโ€™ll be telling stories about how it all began, then taking the audience on a journey through my career โ€“ from meeting Royalty, singing all over the world, to being sat between Elton John and Billy Connolly at Bob Geldof and Paula Yatesโ€™s wedding!โ€

The concert promises previously unseen photographs, live performances of Aledโ€™s favourite songs, and the chance for the audience to ask him questions. Itโ€™s a warm, funny, and nostalgic evening that celebrates a remarkable career โ€“ and for The Big Sound Choir, itโ€™s a chance to shine alongside one of Britainโ€™s most recognisable voices.


SPECIAL OFFER: 50% OFF TICKETS Book now HERE and use code: 50ALED at the checkout!

Donโ€™t miss this joyful collaboration โ€“ a night of beautiful music, heartwarming memories, and one unforgettable finale!

Thieves Debut EP

Adam Woodhouse, Rory Coleman-Smith, Jo Deacon and Matt Hughes, aka Thieves, the wonderful local folk vocal harmony quartet of uplifting bluegrass into country-blues has a four track debut EP; who knew?!

I only found out through talking with Adam about a merch table at our forthcoming RowdeFest, where you can, incidentally, find Thieves playing, but at any gig youโ€™re lucky enough to catch them at, I suggest you pick up a copy of this little showcase disc; theyโ€™re our very own resident Carter Familyโ€ฆ.

Opening with Calneโ€™s Jo Deacon on lead vocals, who also sings solo and with soul function band the Midnight Hour, Coming Back For Me is beguiling and uptempo, refreshing bluegrass fashion. Yet Working Man, which follows, slides the divine ambience into mellowed country-rock. With Adam on lead vocals, Iโ€™m thinking Neil Young, the Byrds, and all those irresistible Americana classics, which imagines youโ€™re heading west through Oklahoma on a Harley with Dennis Hopper and Peter Fonda.

Probably the highlight of this EP is the penultimate, Now You’re Around. Five minutes of total bliss, with Jo back on vocals and some seriously intricate melodies, combining the talents of Roryโ€™s resonator, Adamโ€™s mandolin, and Mattโ€™s upright bass, you can sense Joโ€™s soul experience, as it rings out as authentically Americana as Janis Joplin playing Woodstock with Crosby, Stills & Nash. And still I hear something decidedly UK folk here too, of Fairport Convention, perhaps. Iโ€™m no connoisseur, just know what my ears like; itโ€™s all a melting pot,ย and Thieves stir it with delicate precision.

And in that, Iโ€™m unsure about the name Thieves. Certainly the genuine sound of America is pinched if not more agreeably heavily influenced by, but it might suggest thereโ€™s something edgy going on, when this is dinkum, universally appealing sunny side of the street melodies; the kind of folk the eldest in the crowd will tap their toes to while children will merrily twirl barefoot on the grass.

It was a series of coincidences when I first saw them at Bradford Roots Festival a few years ago. From a distance I thought โ€˜that guy looks just like Adam Woodhouse,โ€™ (and maybe a smidgen like MacGyver too!) but upon hearing them perform I thought of The Lost Trades, turned to tell the person standing next to me, who just happened to be Phil Cooper of the Lost Trades, who nodded his trilby in approval; a fine accolade indeed. โ€œIt is Adam,โ€ Phil replied! Oh, yeah, so it is; I didnโ€™t need to go to Specsavers, because their wonderful sound pulled me closer.

We finish the EP with a ballad called Lately, which Adam and Jo duet, and itโ€™s so beautiful and moreish, leaving you suspended on whatโ€™s to come from Thieves, but rest assured, hereโ€™s a wonderful quartet which can hold a crowd spellbound.

Find where Thieves are playing on our local circuits by following socials Facebook Insta for gigs, and hopefully catch them at Rowdefest on Saturday 31st May? Itโ€™s free, bring me a haslett and cucumber sandwich, Iโ€™ve arranged the acts, I wonโ€™t let you down.

iTunes Link

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Talk in Code Down The Gate!

What, again?! Another article about Talk in Code?! Haven’t they had enough Devizine-styled publicity?! Are their heads swelling?!ย  Didn’t that crazy toothless editor catch themโ€ฆ

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Between Two Worlds with Ruzz Guitar

He might be between two worlds but he can also be in your home, in your very own ears, and that’s the best place for Ruzz Guitar to be. With a striking Funk-O-Pop styled cartoon cover, Ruzz Guitar has a new album out and yeah, just yeah!

Shadowing the Shadows with a belter of an opening track, Ruzz slips into Bo Diddley like a glove, then it’s off to those foot-tapping honkytonk ballads for a few tracks; oh yes, Ruzz is back and it’s a Gretsch-grappling beautiful monster.

There’s not a great deal I can say about this which I’ve not said about our Ruzz before; if it’s not brokenโ€ฆ.

Ruzz Guitar is a tour de force, a sublime blues rocker meshing blues into a unique and prolonged ecstatic ride into the rock n roll formula of yore, it just jumps, jives, and doesn’t come up for air. And if he does, five tunes in with Forever Yours, it’s like standing in a burning sugarcane field; the sweetest air you’ll ever breathe.

Ruzz brings in stellar backing, with some mind-blowingly soulful vocals from Shannon Scott and Julhi Conlinn. Drummer Brian Fahey, both Chris and Steve PelletierSmith on bass, pianist Paul Quinn and special guest appearances from Tyrone Vaughan, Paul Pigat and Mike Eldred.ย 

Recently he’s been two and fro across the Atlantic more times than Concorde, hence the title of this ten track whopper, but I never find myself wondering how he goes down on the other side, you know, delivering something they invented back to them. It worked for The Beatles, you simply know they’ll love him as deep down as Texas, because it’s impossible not to.

Right here though, we’re in Devizes and via the โ€œMel Bush effect,โ€ the Hoax and now the Long Street Blues Club we’ve equally been conditioned with high expectations when we receive a blues dosage, but no one does it quite proper job like our Bristolian Johnny-be-Goode, Ruzz Guitar. He’s so good they named the guitar after him.

This is class in a tall glass, I was expecting it, it never disappoints. Thereโ€™s a number of tracks weโ€™ve tasted before, revised and polished for the ultimate road trip soundtrack; itโ€™s got a new version of Sweet as Honey on it, which for some reason always makes me go bananas!

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A Busy Week For Lunch Box Buddy!

It was great to bump into Lunch Box Buddy in Devizes today. Last week was hectic for him; first BBC Wiltshire stopped by his standโ€ฆ

Wither; Debut Single From Butane Skies

Whilst dispersing highly flammable hydrocarbon gases into the atmosphere is not advisory,  Butane Skies is a name increasingly exploding on local circuits. The young andโ€ฆ

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Bird is the Word Take Over Live Music At Bradford-on-Avon’s Boathouse

Under the new management, live music will be making a triumphant return to
The Boathouse in Bradford-on-Avon and that Cracking Pair, Claire and Chloe of Bird is the Word are controlling bookingsโ€ฆ..

They excitedly announced today on their Facebook page that they are โ€œworking in partnership to make sure that you are brought the most excellent entertainment!โ€

Due to taking control of bookings acts as of 1st June, they’ve already organised a regular and loved band and DJ at the venue for the relaunch.

We look forward to seeing what they have in store. Bird is the Word said, โ€œfrom 1st June onwards there will be new bookings of bands, artists and events of a super-duper standard that will be well looked after – ‘musicians supporting and promoting musicians’. That means good pay, good treatment, good advertising, and timely response to emails and enquiries.โ€

All bookings will be managed via the email address: Boathouse.Events@sdhospitality.com

So keep an eye on their Facebook page for more information. Great news, and best of luck to Claire & Chloe!

Deadlight in the Daytime; Vinyl Realmโ€™s Acoustic Saturdays Return….

Always a happy place, our traditional record shop Vinyl Realm in Northgate Street Devizes is back in the game of hosting some live music afternoons. First up was the dynamic duo and purveyors of all things goth, Deadlight Danceโ€ฆ.

Owners Pete and Jackie were glad to announce the return of some live music afternoons atย  Vinyl Realm, and between us we couldnโ€™t recall how long itโ€™s been since they last did this. A welcomed visit then, where you can leave your penny-farthing outside, browse some records while youโ€™re there, and take in some locally sourced, unplugged acoustic sounds.

From 2:30pm Deadlight Dance played through stripped back versions of their originals and plenty of classic covers of the eighties new wave and gothic scene, claiming it was World Goth Day, though Google reckons itโ€™s next Thursday, but whoโ€™s arguing? Deadlight Dance were covering these songs when Google was an itch in Ask Jeevesโ€™ web crawler.

Always a pleasure to hear Nick and Tim play, though attired in their black jackets, white shirts and shades, it seems Tim drew the short straw and stood window-side with the sun beating in and a wasp groupie hovering overhead! Mandolin and guitar Echo Beach rinsing through the rafters though, while everyone outside is shopping for a birthday card for their pet cat, or Iceland hot dog stuffed crust pizza; plenty of time that malarky afterwards. I found a 7โ€ of Chaka Khan, and another from Neil from the Young Ones, so there.

Next up is our wonderful Devizes singer-songwriter Sammi Evans, next Saturday 24th May from 2:30pm. Iโ€™ve asked Jackie for a list, but this was vague at the moment; watch this space. Of course JP Oldfield is on for a suitcase drum and kazoo sesh at some point, so if youโ€™re an acoustic performer I suggest you pop into Vinyl Realm and put your name down!ย 

PREVIEW โ€“ Chippenham Folk Festival โ€“ Friday 23rd May through to Monday 26th May 2025ย 

One of Wiltshireโ€™s Best

by Andy Fawthrop

Looking for something to do next weekend? One of Wiltshireโ€™s biggest festivals is happening just up the road in Chippenham all over the late May Bank Holiday weekend.ย  Itโ€™s also one of the largest folk festivals in the UK, and one of the longest running โ€“ this year theyโ€™re clocking up their 52nd festival……

The festival happens over four days at venues all over the town, and provides several streams of entertainment to suit most tastes.ย  With over 650 performers already confirmed covering music concerts, workshops, dance/ ceilidhs, Morris dancing, storytelling and spoken word, and a wide range of childrenโ€™s and other entertainment, thereโ€™ll be something going on in every town-centre street and pub, to say nothing of the thirteen dedicated stages and dance venues.ย ย 

And the good news is that, aside from all the ticketed camping and music/ dance events, thereโ€™s plenty of FREE stuff too.ย  Down at Island Park thereโ€™ll be community stages, a session beer tent (run by Moongazing Hare this was highly popular last year, and Iโ€™d thoroughly recommend it!), lots of pop-up food vendors (crepes, churros, Sri Lankan, vegan, Mexican, Japanese, ice cream etc), and craft stalls โ€“ allย  located alongside the beautiful River Avon. Itโ€™s got a great vibe and is a good family-friendly place to relax, soak up the atmosphere, and enjoy a session and entertainment with children, family and friends.ย 

But with so much going on โ€“ you should see the bulging programme with its literally hundreds of events – we thought weโ€™d take the chance before all the fun starts to preview and pick out some of the best stuff, and to highlight some of our favourite picks. 

Overall, thereโ€™s a brilliant line up of music concerts featuring over 75 different acts, including: 

  • The East Pointers – hailing from Prince Edward Island in Canada. Their dancefloor-shaking, electro-trad glorious combination of folk/ pop sounds has already seen them acknowledged as musical trailblazers internationally. Their debut album Secret Victory won the 2017 JUNO Award for Traditional Roots Recording of the Year. Their 2023 EP House Of Dreams was nominated for a JUNO Award, and won Contemporary Roots Recording of the Year, Group Recording of the Year and Pop Recording of the Year at the 2023 East Coast Music Awards. Their headline show is on the Sunday night;ย 
  • Phil Beer & Paul Downes โ€“ two of the stalwarts of British folk music, and truly great musicians both.ย  Their shows are not only musically entertaining but always delivered with great bantering humour.ย  Their headlining set is on the Saturday night;ย 
  • Miranda Sykes โ€“ another of the folk worldโ€™s all-time great performers, Miranda has played bass with countless bands and line-ups, and has worked for over 20 years with folk royalty Show Of Hands. In 2024 she toured with Hannah Martin, paired a new Baring-Gould Centenary project with Jim Causley, and has toured a wide range of summer festivals. Catch her on the Monday night;ย 
  • Seth Lakeman โ€“ will be playing material from his new album The Granite Way.ย  Catapulted into the spotlight after his album Kitty Jay received a nomination for the Mercury Music Prize in 2005, since then heโ€™s produced multiple albums, toured worldwide and participated in several high-profile collaborations, most recently with Robert Plantโ€™s band The Sensational Shape-shifters.ย  His fiddle playing is simply stunning, and a joy to behold in live performance.ย  Heโ€™ll be doing his thing on the Monday afternoon.

And then thereโ€™s a nearly forty different bands, including a great calling team for the dances and ceilidhs, with bands including Banter with Fee Lock, Sawney White Bird, Doug Eunson & Sarah Matthews, Portmanteau, Hinny & Joe Wass with callers Andrew Swaine, Bernie Culkin, Geoff Cubitt, John Stewart, Susanna Diamon, and more to meet every style.  

Add to this nearly seventy different Morris sides from all over the UK, and over twenty-five childrenโ€™s entertainers (including the simply hilarious and highly-talented Keith Donnelly), featuring music, dance, puppets, dressing up, play, workshops, meet-the-entertainer sessions, and youโ€™ve got plenty to choose from, with different things for all members of the family. 

Apart from the main venues and stages, thereโ€™ll be stuff going on in just about every pub, in the main streets, and anywhere else the performers can find a space. Thereโ€™ll be some open mic sessions too. 

Having been to many Chippenham Folk Festivals over the years (and indeed performed at a few!), I can highly recommend a trip out to one of Wiltshireโ€™s best events โ€“ itโ€™s colourful, itโ€™s noisy, itโ€™s busy, but most of all, itโ€™s entertaining! 

Thereโ€™s still a limited number of day and event tickets, as well as full weekend season tickets (with or without camping) available. Or thereโ€™s also still time to volunteer to help with stewarding and venues (which qualifies you for a FREE ticket). All the information is on the festivalโ€™s website, together with ticketing information at www.chippfolk.co.uk/Tickets

Jake Martin: Heโ€™s a king, and it was in the Castle, with SOP Swindon

By Ben Niamor

Itโ€™s been way too long since I saw the irrepressible Jake Martin, and he did not disappoint, classic songs as ever, open, maybe even anarchic delivery.. he found himself in front of mostly familiar ears….

On tour with some friends on a multi head bill, having fun whilst often singing and talking of lifeโ€™s serious side, all of them; relationships, drinking games and mental health, all up for dissection and deliberation through song.ย 

Mexican Dave opened, a wisecracking confident man with a definite penchant for singing fast, and getting us to sing whilst other key figures in this scene, Gaz Brookfield and Ben B-Sydes become improvised captains for each side of the room in a chorus battle.. as you do! My friend and I sat either side of a table at the front wearing our respective captains tee shirts by coincidence amused us and Dave..!ย 

Blake Cateris, was the middle man in the line up, a little more settled and profound.. an Aussie in our midst. Perhaps more reflective, though, are some great songs, and having a look at his poetry book this morning, he is a great writer. About to set off for a 22 date tour in Germany before returning to Sydney, wish him well and hope to see him againโ€ฆย 

The headline, the main man, Jake Martin. Heโ€™s famously self deprecating and among the most appropriately described musicians in the folk punk remit. Your mother may not appreciate every turn of phrase, but his crowds always will!

I consider him an anthemic hero, all on the bill actively involving us, but none with such fervour, perhaps through widespread familiarity of his rousing songs. I am one to try for instance, of loving, failing and trying in equal measure.

Songs about relationships, poor decisions, mental health, and all with an openness that rarely is found in larger yet less enveloping venues and in many artists. Foot stomping common ground, for many present will have had these problems, for my part my antidote to the modern condition is music, so thatโ€™s how perhaps I should wrap up my ramblings, Jake and all the wonderful musicians that grace our venues are the antidote. All you need to do is go find some that work for you. 

I am pretty sure Ed (Dyer) will forgive me for likening last night as it nostalgically did for me, to the venue which opened this world for me, the fold in Devizes. It literally changed my life. Sadly gone yet seeing old friends and musicians alike roll eyes, and wax lyrical of shared nights such as this many years past, aware how important it is to seize the moment. 

There are great venues around and tirelessly passionate people, many among my friends, itโ€™s as simple as doing a little research, and getting out to support them.

Thankfully I wonโ€™t wait too long as aside from town gigs this weekend , I shall be back to Old Town for the incredible Wilswood Buoys at next week’s Thursday night club at the Castle.

Frome Multi-Instrumentalist James Hollingworth Recreates Pink Floydโ€™s Wish You Were Here Live

Oh hear ye, for a foretelling I behold. A prog-rock shamen of extensive knowledge and sorcery will enter our sacred vale during the moon to cometh.…

A mysterious lone traveller stands at the Trow Bridge, as steadfast as the mist surrounding him. Behind him, the home he departed, the market Frome across the Somerset border. In front as he strides barefoot across the downs, resides the unsuspecting kind folk of the White Horse. He arrives clasping under his cloak, a magical multi-track looper known as a Boomerang III Phrase Sampler, a gatefold sleeve album of yore in his other hand he holds high above his brimmed kappell, and he hath a celebration to bequeathโ€ฆ.

โ€ฆ.or he might have a van, Iโ€™m not 100% certain! But James Hollingsworth returns to Wiltshire to pay homage to Pink Floydโ€™s ninth studio album Wish You Were Here, which celebrates its fiftieth anniversary. With loop pedalboard and other such tech, he bravely attempts it solo, but if any one can, he can.

In our writer Andyโ€™s extolled words of a review long past, when James did similar at the Devizes Southgate on Dark Side of the Moonโ€™s fiftieth birthday, Andy called him a โ€œtour de force, a stunning effort of both musical versatility, but also of concentration. Itโ€™s the music he loves, and it really showed.โ€

Unlike Andy, Iโ€™m not of that era, being only two when Wish You Were Here was released, and as a result Iโ€™m more critical about prog-rock. Though Floyd are a timeless band, whose lyrics we chanted on the playground, inciting us not to need education or thought-control. And of James I said in a 2022 review, again at the Southgate, โ€œfor any music lover from folk to prog-rock, from the era of mellowed Floyd-eske goodness, James Hollingsworth works some magic,โ€ so, I must have loved it!

To make sure, James sent me his latest outpouring, an intense collaboration with keyboardist Steve Griffiths called Lost in the Winds of Time. With tolkienesque charm, swirling soundscapes and whimsical storytelling, Lost in the Winds of Time is a sea shanty rock opera, nine lengthy tracks strong, each flowing beautifully like the whistling winds, into a narrative, mystically.

Though Lost in the Winds of Time might be better comparable to the album Meddle, with its gorgeous circulating psychotropic-inducing effects and riffs which roll over like waves on a  calming sea caressing the shore. Jamesโ€™ silky vocals drift across the ether, like Wiltshire’s own Justin Hayward narrating a Victoran fantasy adventure, or Harry Potter Goes to Sea with Gandalf!

Itโ€™s an impressive trip, to me, as Iโ€™m one who, during the intervening period between undesirable commercialised electronica and the more welcomed acid house, sought the archives for lost psychedelia to suit my blossoming journey into the psycheโ€™s nirvana (I was at art college, it was part of the curriculum!) The older Floyd albums were an inevitable discovery I revelled in, horizontally in a moulding bedroom. Wish You Were Here stood out, for its vivid masterpieces of alienation and mental health, attributing original Pink Floyd member Syd Barrett, and paying their respects to him in such sublime manner reflected by listeners to anyone they once loved and lost.

Not to be confused with a tribute act, James Hollingsworth more simply pays homage to his influences in his own manner, and plans to play some of his compositions alongside. How will he do it? Bet you wish you were here to hear itโ€ฆ (see what I did there? Iโ€™ll get my fur-lined Afghan coat!)  

He takes his show to Melksham, at the Grapes on Saturday 17th May. At the Southgate in Devizes on bank holiday Monday, the 26th May, which are both free, and as part of the Bath Fringe on Thursday 29th May at The Ring O Bells, ticketed event. Also at The Creative Innovation Centre in Taunton on Friday 23rd May.ย 

Melksham Marketing Expert Launches AI Training Course

So what if it paints six fingers on a human hand?! AI is here to stay, love it or lump it; Iโ€™ve known manually run businesses where the right hand doesnโ€™t know what the left is doing! Naturally Social, a social media marketing agency based in Melksham, unveiled its new “AI Made Easy” online course this week. Tailored specifically for marketers and business owners, this affordable training programme is designed to equip organisations of every size with the skills to integrate, manage, and maximise AI tools across their operationsโ€ฆhumโ€ฆ..

The news comes after Microsoftโ€™s 2025 Work Trend Index was published in April 2025. The report identified that 80% of the global workforce feels they donโ€™t have enough time or energy to meet rising demands, and 53% of leaders agree productivity must increase; the flipping slave-drivers; up the workers, even if they’re R2D2.

With my tin foil hat on, I toiled with if I should publish this news. Increasing productivity is one thing, replacing the workforce to do it is another. After using AI as a political propaganda tool, harvesting creativity concerns me mostly; robots should do our mundane housework so we can dedicate our time to being creative, not create art so we have time to do the housework! But in a business environment, AI is here, like it or not. We must integrate this humanely and with consideration for the repercussions, which Naturally Social seems to address, so, with my organic fingers and toes crossed, Iโ€™ll go for it, and let the debate erupt!

Naturally Social say: with the swift progression of AI technologies, many professionals are grappling with how to effectively integrate them into their workflows. Research has shown that employees globally feel unprepared for AI adoption, with concerns about their job security and understanding of these tools. Naturally Socialโ€™s course aims to address this gap by making AI accessible, equipping businesses, freelancers, and charities with the knowledge to thrive in an AI-driven world.

Hey, my first ever AI generated prompt, I think it captures it rather well!

Donโ€™t get me wrong, I was always a fan of the Jetsons, and welcome androids to do the washing-up, but hey, โ€œan AI-driven world,โ€ I confess scares me into a far darker scenario derived from bleaker sci-fi narratives. AI should assist, in the passenger seat, not drive. My mobile phone plays up, overloaded with data it doesnโ€™t do what I ask, it freezes up, glitches, and throws me out of an app; can we really rely on AI to take on jobs which require a degree of responsibility when AI cannot own morales or be held accountable? Maybe a sceptic like me needs this course more than Musk.

Naturally Socialโ€™s founder, thankfully not Sarah Connor but Natalie Luckham, emphasised the importance of education in this space and said, โ€œ2025 is the year to move beyond experimentation and truly embed AI into your strategy.โ€ Dammit, this is SkyNet level! โ€œThis is a pivotal moment for AI adoption, thereโ€™s never been a clearer signal that upskilling must be a top priority. AI Made Easy provides that critical bridge, from curiosity to competence.โ€

They claim participants will learn how to use AI tools to save time, boost creativity, and stay ahead in the competitive digital landscape,and while the other two I am okay with, boosting creativity worries me; we have human designers aching to put dinner on the table, Metal Mickey doesnโ€™t need feeding.

From understanding ethical AI usage, it continues, to leveraging tools for meaningful business impact, “AI Made Easy” empowers learners with the expertise they need to step confidently into the future. This course continues their legacy of providing meaningful, results-driven support to their clients. Kaye King, a fellow marketer and small business owner, attended one AI Made Easy session at the beginning of May and said: โ€œI found it really helpful to understand the different tools available and how to work with them collectively. I also love Natalieโ€™s emphasis on the ethics and transparency around how, when, and why you use AI for your own business and with your clients.โ€

The jury may be out on AI, but while youโ€™re deciding others are embracing it and itโ€™s never the technology which is the problem, rather the person pushing the buttons. So, perhaps this course is for you? The “AI Made Easy” online training course opens for enrolment on the 16th of May with in-person training also available for teams. For more information or to sign up, visit: https://www.naturallysocial.co.uk/ai-made-easy

Just a Mirrorball; Auralcandy New Single With Sienna Wileman

If weโ€™ve had a keen eye on Swindonโ€™s Sienna Wilemanโ€™s natural progression as an upcoming singer-songwriter since being introduced to her self-penned songs via her father Richard Wileman some years ago, her songs have always reflected her dadโ€™s penchant for combining curious and experimental soundscapes with acoustic vibes. Working with the more rhythm-driven Auralcandy this single is a change of directionโ€ฆ.

Just a Mirrorball released yesterday, with a pop sound of nineties nu-cool, as if Sophie Ellis Bextor was on the Madchester scene with Deee-Lite. It’s an instant love from me, and couldn’t go any other way really. Itโ€™s sassy, Maroon 5, danceable, but Auralcandy requests no one ask them for the โ€œboringโ€ backstory on this interesting collaboration, and to stop them if they ever try to tell it! Weโ€™ll just have to see it for what it is, a working combination made in heaven.

Sienna shows her versatility as a recording artist here, from acoustic folk to musical theatre, now this is decidedly pop, the timeless variety.

โ€œSienna is an absolute joy to work with, an obvious talent but with a complete nonchalance that comes with being one of those pesky kids Scooby Doo warned me about,โ€ they said, โ€œthe middle vocal is all Sienna’s invention. And, to me, reeks of 1960s pop Franรงoise Hardy, Brigitte Bardot et al; effortlessly cool.โ€

And it is so! So much so, it needs wider attention, it deserves to chart, and put them both on the map, but they’re both modest with their talent, so allow me to plug it!

You; Lucas Hardy Teams With Rosie Jay

One of Salisburyโ€™s most celebrated acoustic folk-rock singer-songwriters Lucas Hardy teams up with the Wiltshire cityโ€™s upcoming talent who’s name is on everyoneโ€™s lips, Rosie Jay, for a charming Sunday morning ballad called Youโ€ฆ..

Ah, newfound love, I remember it well! That ray of peerless positivity, like a sunbeam which cannot be clouded; nothing can spoil your mood now youโ€™ve found that certain someone. Many artists have tried to capture it, many overthink it, but You is simply saccharine, and captures the concept beautifully.

This is staring out of a window of a moving car on a sunny Sunday morning music, contemplating when your longing will be over and youโ€™ll be in the arms of your soulmate again. Thereโ€™s nothing negative here, no hidden concern like many such songs, itโ€™s blissful and an the ideal harmonious coupling weโ€™d love to hear from. Check it out!ย 

Trending…..

Progress Made for the Wiltshire Music Awards

A week into the voting process for the Wiltshire Music Awards and things have been moving forward fast. Weโ€™ve had the best part of 500 voting forms already submitted and weโ€™re busy spreading the news about these new awardsโ€ฆ

The voting process for the Wiltshire Music Awards went live on the 1st May, and if it was overshadowed by some other voting thing going on that day too, this far more important election is gradually gathering pace. And unlike the other elections, no one is jumping on anyoneโ€™s back, making up stories to derail other candidates!

Cast Your Votes HERE

Eddie Prestidge of Wiltshire Music Events UK and I have been busy promoting the concept, and weโ€™re delighted and extremely grateful to everyone who has helped us with this. From visiting Castledown FM to meet Kev Lawrence and waffle on his drive-time show, and future such gigs like Peggy-Sueโ€™s Donโ€™t Stop the Music Show on Swindon 105.5, to features in Swindon Link and Salisbury Radioโ€™s blog, and everyone who has shared our news on social media, word is getting around thanks to you all. 

Of course individual musicians, bands and studios have taken to their social media platforms begging for their fans to vote for them, and, donโ€™t worry, this is encouraged! Itโ€™s also our most treasured venues such as The Wiltshire Music Centre in Bradford-on-Avon who are sharing our news. I believe this is all vital, to ensure weโ€™re making it comprehensive and spanning across the entire county. If you can help us with this, please do get in touch.

Nominations will close on 10th June 2025, so we need your picks by then! Itโ€™s not easy, I know; Eddie messaged me a few hours into the voting process to say he hadnโ€™t seen my submission yet, and I had to tell him I was still making my mind up!

Thereโ€™s so many talented musicians around here, it is difficult to decide whoโ€™s name to put in those boxes. But, in this I feel is a point worth making about the Wiltshire Music Awards; we are doing this to promote, encourage and celebrate everyone creating music locally, from DJ and cover band to original artists and sound engineers. This isnโ€™t intended to make our circuits competitive in any way, as we all enjoy the communal and friendly ethos of our local circuits, and vow to maintain this. The hard work they all do to entertain us is recognised and appreciated; while some of our many friends on the music scenes in Wiltshire might not pick up an award, it doesnโ€™t mean weโ€™ve forgotten them!

Eddie says, โ€œthese awards recognise the individuals and groups whose efforts make a real difference. If you know someone who deserves recognition, or want to showcase your group, now is your chance to give them the spotlight they deserve.โ€

Weโ€™ve just opened a Facebook group for the Awards you can join HERE. People have joined and are making connections there already, which is great and exactly what we want to achieve with this venture; itโ€™s not the Oscars!

Thereโ€™s loads of questions which have been fired at us over the week about how the awards work, despite many of them being answered on the FAQs page of the website! Some others have come up, and we thank you for raising some valid points. One good one I had by Rich of Minety Music Festival, who asked if we could have a category for festivals. We pondered how we could do this as the categories have already been set, thereโ€™s 17 of them already, and feeding it into the venues category might not be fair on the smaller grassroots venues. So, we decided to add festivals as a category for next year, and make a list of festivals in Wiltshire for the judgesโ€™ perusal. I mention this to say, hey, weโ€™re open to ideas and things we might have overlooked.

The most frequent question Iโ€™ve been asked is โ€œcan I vote for myself?!โ€ To which the simple answer is a big fat YES! Why not? Show off your ego, youโ€™ve earned it, go for it! The less frequent but similar question Iโ€™ve had is, surprisingly, โ€œcan I vote for you?!โ€ The answer is, yeah (blush,) if you must!

Weโ€™ve been browsing trophies and medals from a catalogue by Avon Trophies like weโ€™re kids drooling over the lingerie section! And over the next couple of weeks we will be sending invites for people to be judges. Choosing experienced people with dedication to promoting music in the county and trying to set one in each area, we have a list of possibles, but if youโ€™re interested in this let me know this coming week. It is also vital that this event receives sponsorship in order for it to work as well as whatโ€™s in our minds. Please contact us if you would like to sponsor an individual award or the whole shebang!

The award ceremony will take place in Devizes at the Corn Exchange, on Saturday 25th October 2025, tickets are here. We hope it will continue annually, this all depends upon your input and support, which has so far been so encouraging I might even be moved wear a dickie-bow at the event, and that’s worth the ticket price alone! Please vote and share our news, thank you!

โ€œThe Diary of Anne Frankโ€ at The Wharf Theatre, Devizes, May 12th-17th 2025.

by Ian Diddams
images byย Chris Watkins Media

One could argue that Anne Frank is possibly the most well-known civilian of the WW2 years, and certainly of those totally unconnected with the machinery of war where we may consider the likes of Turing, or Barnes-Wallis etc. Itโ€™s a name one comes across quite early in life generally โ€“ and never leaves one. In this regard she and her diary need no further explanation (although as ever Wikipedia provides background). The stage play, by Frances Goodrich & Albert Hackett, brings Anneโ€™s words into action, and in an intimate space such as the Wharf theatre, quite literally into your lap in the front row seats.

You could be excused if you had a preconceived idea that the play is one of horror and misery and sadness. It is โ€“ but the mood is not as sombre as those fears overall, and there are elements that are light-hearted, joyful and uplifting. There are jokes too โ€“ albeit admittedly black humoured ones that may raise a smile rather than a belly laugh. Yet the uglier parts of the storyline are cleverly not actually regarding the Nazi oppression of Jews and the concentration camps although that omnipresent fear is there, but of the interaction of personalities of the inhabitants of the attic. Clashes of ethos, and bigotry, constantly arise โ€“ misogyny, social class and ephebiphobia are all displayed as a microcosm of the wider and bigoted world outside the warehouse, where petty personal quarrels despite the extreme and perilous position the group are in are never far from the surface.

The opening scenes introduce us to those in hiding โ€“ Otto Frank (Sean Andrews), Edith Frank (Mari Webster) and their two daughters Margot (Poppi Lamb-Hughes) and Anne (Tamsin Antignani), and their guests The Van Daans (Debby Wilkinson and Steve Brookes) and their son Peter (Joe McMillan) with the late arriver Mr Dussel (Chris Underwood). They are supported by the friends on the โ€œoutsideโ€ Mr. Kraler (Ian Glennie) and Miep Gies (Mitzi Baehr). The action takes place in a warehouse attic, of course, ably represented on stage with differing levels for main room, Anna and Mr Dusselโ€™s elevated bedroom with window overlooking the street, and a roof space bedroom on a third level for Peter complete with skylight. A simple table with a couple of kitchen chairs sits centre stage, with a small kitchen at the rear.

We quickly learn each characterโ€™s personality. Otto is a kind, generous man very much the peace maker amongst the enforced group which do not get on at all well. Edith is a well-mannered but stiff woman trying to keep her daughters, especially Anne in check, with whom she has a difficult relationship โ€“ Anne frequently laments this. Margot emulates her motherโ€™s simple quiet approach and studies hard. Mrs Van Daan is at first supremely gauche, but opiniated, though later succumbs to fears and terrors and her early familiarity turns to anxiety and a breakdown. Messrs Van Daan and Dussel prove to be Anneโ€™s nemeses โ€“ or at least unappreciative and spiteful opponents. Neither of them approves of her youthfulness and forthrightness, where Dussel is an autistic loner and Van Daan a reprehensible human being who has no good word for anybody and breaks obvious societal rules for the position they are all in. Peter is a lost boy โ€“ oppressed by his fatherโ€™s ire and his motherโ€™s insouciance and control. He is an uptight lad, his only joy his cat โ€“ at least initially. Which leaves Anne โ€“ a boisterous, playful and obstreperous teenager with a strong mind and words to equal it, that clashes with most of the roomโ€™s occupants throughout the show, aside from her sister and father whom she adores.

The overall atmosphere of the attic is one of social oppression โ€“ everyone mucking in while resenting each partyโ€™s presence โ€ฆย  the Van Daanโ€™s view the Franks as too progressive, Peter doesnโ€™t trust anybody, The Franks play the tight-lipped hosts, while Dussel arrives late to the group, is accused of taking up valuable food and despises the entire situation and others. It is maybe the original Big Brother houseโ€ฆ.

The overarching storyline is Anneโ€™s of course โ€“ the other characters in some ways creating the background to her story. This is a story of growing up โ€“ she was incarcerated in that attic from the ages of thirteen to fifteen and we see her move from playful child to moody but confident teenager. Her self-cognisance develops as the play progresses. And her monologues become increasingly poignant, especially with our benefit of hindsight over eighty years later. In many ways her feistiness and self-assurance seem decades ahead of her time.

The lifelines of Mr Kraler and Miep provide hope and excitement as their visits bring provisions and news. Kraler is overwhelmed by events while risking his own life for them, and Miep is the caring, doting friend, very much everybodyโ€™s mother in her protections.


The play however is not without lighter scenes illustrating joy, highlighted by the sweet scene as the group celebrate Hannukah together โ€“ shared prayer, food, and presents from Anne for everybody. Itโ€™s a joyous scene, providing a relief of tension akin to the Porter scene in Macbeth, but โ€“ just as in the wedding scene in โ€œFiddler on The Roofโ€ โ€“ it has a disturbing ending. What finally happens to these characters is well documented of course. Only Otto survives, and in real life it is he that has Anneโ€™s diary published.

Lighting and sound throughout add wonderfully to the sombre, oppressive atmosphere, headed up as ever by The Wharfโ€™s Tech Team. Set design โ€“ see previous comments โ€“ equally as ever was provided by ever excellent John Winterton. Costumes sold the period extremely well provided by Gill Barnes and her wardrobe team.

Direction was by Freddie Underwood โ€“ Freddie visited Anne Frankโ€™s house in Amsterdam last year and was moved to find a play to present with this amazing story. This is a tight production, with clever uses of levels and space and even with at times ten people on the Wharfโ€™s fairly small stage it never looked crowded or crushed. Testimony to Freddieโ€™s vision is how slickly the action and story moves along โ€“ both the eighty-five minute first act, and hour long second act moved along timelessly with nary a slow moment.


And so to the cast, who all combined to tell Anneโ€™s story so well. Sean Andrews as Otto embodied the loving, peace-making tribe leader so wellโ€ฆ a reassuring presence on stage both in character and as a performer. The nuances of grief, hope, despair and love embraced smoothly. Mari Websterโ€™s Edith was a master class in tight lipped suppression of emotions until her eventual explosion of rage and home truths โ€“ nought to sixty in three seconds, flipping a switch, and Mari managed both, and the switch, to perfection. Poppi Lamb-Hughes was the perfect foil as Margot to Anneโ€™s outgoing demeanour, playing the demure older sister in a peaceful, tranquil manner while indicating the inner fears that Margot must have had. It was good to see Joe McMillan return to the Wharfโ€™s stage again, and his portrayal of Peter as the shy, reticent, lonely boy scared of his father and distanced from his mother, that blooms as his friendship with Anne develops was made to look so easy. Debby Wilkinson as Mrs Van Daan also had a changing personality to perform, from brash gaucheness to fear ridden depression and the ever-talented Debby naturally provided both with aplomb. Steve Brookes as Mr Van Daan wonderfully filled the role of most hated character with his snide remarks, dislike of younger people, and selfishness. Chris Underwood of course caught Drusselโ€™s mean nature throughout the play as the outsider that doesnโ€™t want to be inside. Ian Glennie in his first ever acting role showed the frailty and fear of Mr Kralerโ€™s position to a tee, while the versatile Mitzi Baehr was wonderful in her performance of Miep Gies โ€ฆย  the compassionate, caring, selfless provider.


Which just leaves Tamsin Antignani. Aged fourteen, the same age as Anne Frank pretty much, this was a virtuoso performance for one so young. She WAS Anne Frank. A huge number of lines, constant stage movement, expressions, mood swings were all taken in Tamsinโ€™s stride.ย  A wonderful performance โ€“ chapeau. Totally chapeau!

The play has no surprise end โ€“ we all know what happened. And in the second act particularly passages from Anneโ€™s diary litter her characterโ€™s monologues providing chilling reflections of what was to be, as opposed to what was hoped for.

โ€œI want to be a journalist. I love to writeโ€.
โ€œWill I ever be able to write well? I want to so muchโ€

The painful ironies here of course being Anne never survived WW2, never became a journalist. But has a book that has been translated into seventy languages and has sold over thirty million copies worldwide.

And of course โ€“ we shall remember them.
Otto ย ย ย ย Edith ย ย ย ย Margotย ย ย  ย Anneย ย  Hermann ย  Auguste ย  Peterย  Fritz

We should never forget them. And as Anne says in this play

โ€œSome dayโ€ฆย ย ย  I hopeโ€ฆโ€


โ€œThe Diary of Anne Frankโ€ plays at The Wharf Theatre, Devizes, Mayย 12th-17th.
The cast, crew and theatre are delighted to announce that the show is already sold out.

Bands At The Bridge

Organised by Kingston Media – to raise money for Dorothy House and Wiltshire Air Ambulance – the 3rd of May saw Bands At The Bridge come to the Bridge Inn, Horton …

With the sun peeking out and the rain clouds temporarily parting I had the opportunity to head on down to Bands on The Bridge, a mini festival-style event at the Bridge Inn on the outskirts of Devizes. Organised by Kingston Media โ€“ in a step away from their usual publicity/catering work โ€“ the event saw eight bands and solo performers stretched across the afternoon and evening of the Bank Holiday Saturday, all in aid of Dorothy House and Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

From the moment of entering, you could feel a strong sense of excitement, and although the crowd wasnโ€™t big, they definitely had the enthusiasm side nailed as each of the performers was met with cheers and dancing.  

The first band I had the opportunity to see that evening was Burn the Midnight Oil. They started with a cover of Dreams and soon had everyone singing along, before launching into a set of original songs, which saw dancing, cowboy hats and even people howling like wolves for a short time (there was more context to it than that, I promise!).

Although all songs they played โ€“ other than one โ€“ were originals, they played them which such skill that without knowing their setlist beforehand you wouldnโ€™t have known that they werenโ€™t just covers of songs that you just didnโ€™t know, which can take a lot of skill to do right. All their songs were great, but Iโ€™d like to give a mention specifically to Scapegoat and Werewolf, which were my two favourites of the evening. It was clear their focus was on well played and polished originals, which they were fantastic at and which the audience clearly appreciated. 

Dreamcatcher came quickly next, a band that originally started as a Fleetwood Mac tribute, but their tastes broadened to encompass a load more songs of the same sort of style – although rest assured, they still had a healthy dose of Fleetwood throughout. Their 45 minutes setlist saw a variety of different songs, broken strings and even the sun (for a short appearance, which had everyone cheering) with a main focus on stuff from the 60s and 70s, the sort of songs that everyone would know and have a little dance to.

The Dreamcatchers played well, and despite the small crowds, it was clear the audience enjoyed their material and it fit in well for that kind of event. 

By far the most appreciated band of the evening were The 789s, a Bristol based events band. Itโ€™s fair to say they were some of the most skilled players of the evening, with their four-person line up seeing drums, bass, guitar and vocals. Once again, their setlist focused on well-known and easily danceable songs, seeing performances of Come On Eileen, Donโ€™t Look Back In Anger and many more that had everyone excited.

I had a quick chat with their lead singer Ally who said a lot of the songs she enjoys performing are 70s funk and disco style numbers and that that was what she grew up with around the house. Their high energy songs soon had everyone up dancing and singing along and it seemed that 45 minutes wasnโ€™t enough for the audience, after two back-to-back encores at the end of their set leading to a few extra songs, which were just as impressive as โ€“ if not better โ€“ than the rest of their set.

With their skilled instrumentalists, incredible talented singers and a well-polished setlist I thought it was perfect for this kind of event and clearly the rest of the audience agreed. Ally went on to say that the energy people gave her made it a really fun gig to be playing at.  

The last performance of the evening saw headliner Almost Elton take to the stage. By this point the audience were invested in whatever performance would come next, so he was met with a great reception after setting up a keyboard and mic followed by a quick outfit change into a feathered coat and a not entirely convincing wig.

He had a longer set than others, and being an Elton John tribute act ran through all the favourite songs of Mr John โ€“ even bringing some random audience members on stage to โ€˜helpโ€™ with the vocals on Donโ€™t Go Breaking My Heart. It was a good way to round off an event like this, everyone knew the songs, everyone sang along and everyone danced. 

All in all, Kingston Media pulled off an enjoyable event with some fantastic performers throughout the evening. As well as the four Iโ€™ve babbled about above Iโ€™ve heard great things of both Jane Bennetโ€™s and The Sitting Ducksโ€™ sets (and actually all of the rest of the performers) and was sad to miss them.

Although the crowds were a little small, that is completely normal and to be expected for the first year of this sort of event (and in fact, their first ever event of this type). They had the traditional festival atmosphere nailed and a great venue to go along with it. So, hereโ€™s hoping for it to be done again next year, maybe with a bit more sun though?! 

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Phil Cooper is Playing Solitaire

Trowbridge singer-songwriter and one third of The Lost Trades, Phil Cooper has actually been doing more than playing solitaire, heโ€™s released a new solo album called Playing Solitaireโ€ฆ..

Released yesterday (2nd May) Playing Solitaire is Philโ€™s first solo album in five years. The last being These Revelation Games in 2020, which was a varied bunch where Phil experimented extensively. Perhaps lockdown inspired artists to scrutinise and pilot new ideas, though through his part in the Americana harmony trio The Lost Trades, fronting the harder rocking The Slight Band, and BCC project, where Phil dives into synth-pop, heโ€™s never been one to shy away from testing new waters. But the principle beauty of Philโ€™s work lies in the simplicity of his idiosyncratic and solitary acoustic outpourings, a clear and clean line of self-reflection, drenched in honesty and poignancy, and thatโ€™s precisely what youโ€™re getting with Playing Solitaire.

Apologise for the delay in announcing this; I had to take one more listen this morning, before deciding if I should call this his best work to date, as heโ€™s a prolific artist with an outstanding discography already. But I think I can safely say, because of the wonderful way this flows, coalescing in mood and style, I think I can safely suggest that it is.

If an all-out anarchistic thrash of rock n roll is what you require, this isnโ€™t for you. For everyone else Playing Solitaire is beautifully crafted and passive, gorgeously taut and accomplished. Thereโ€™s no whimsical introduction. โ€œLook out world, Iโ€™m here to stay,โ€ Phil confidently announces without warning; good! Because Phil knows precisely how to construct a song, and itโ€™s this dedication to composition where he shines best. The opening song, Still Holding My Breath is quintessential Phil Cooper. Itโ€™s the acme of his observational writing, a homage to the notion hard work pays off, a characteristic we know Phil well for.

Moving to the next tune, romantic dejection is his soft play centre topic, and oh, how you wrote that note, disregarding how it might be interpreted by the receiver; perhaps weโ€™ve all been there. If itโ€™s a personal reflection, you identify, and the magic lies at the feet of this contemplation, the very magic of Philโ€™s words, song and ability to combine them, hard at work. And this is an observation we could make to summarise the whole album.

That Easy Road, is remarkable heart on a sleeve content again, it drifts with a stormy sea metaphor to convince himself heโ€™s loved. Another peace of mind ballad follows, then Bijou comments on struggling grassroots music venues, and even if Iโ€™m not a musician, itโ€™s exceptionally touching and poignant. The passion Phil delivers this with and the construction of the riff, itโ€™s my personal favourite on the album, maybe replacing Road Songs, my past fav Phil Cooper tune. 

Halfway mark of this ten strong album, and weโ€™re in another foreboding place with Beauty in the Cracks, a frustration at progression, perhaps. Uptempo, and weโ€™re on a lighter note next, followed by a live favourite, They Will Call Us Angels. Eric Bogle fashioned or Guthrie, even, if we suggest an Americana route, but weโ€™ve definitely arrived folk inspired by his work with The Lost Trades. Phil glows through a moving account of a frontline medic, and itโ€™s something kinda wonderful.

Maybe Phil lessened on the deeper narrative in the middle of this album and left three moreish golden nuggets to finish on. Directionless is as it says on the tin, it drifts, and rises halfway through. And we finalise akin to where we began, a little self-help guide type lyrics, but hey, Phil is always on-point. It is an almost one-man choral twinkle, defining Phil as a perfectionist.  

If you worked with Phil in an office, he might be the friendly confidant you relay youโ€™ve prepped nothing for this meeting, and heโ€™ll assure you heโ€™s done equally poorly, and then, at the meeting heโ€™d turn up with a full presentation! Not a show-off by any means, just a dedicated precisian, motivated to the hilt, but seemingly oblivious of the haphazardness of the more spontaneous type, and thatโ€™s a rare trait in a musician, making for something individual, solitary, like the one who plays solitaire when they could engage in a two-player game, usually with our Jamie!

Image:ย Andrew Bert Greaves Photography

This album gets top marks as it reflects his personality sublimely, even by title, and you take a little bit of Phil Cooper away with you. In other news, The Lost Trades are back in the picture since the departure of Tamsin Quin. Jess Vincent takes her place as the third Lost Trader, their touring dates are announced, and we look forward to seeing them with the new addition. For now, Playing Solitaire is out, and you can find it HERE.

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Voting Now Open for the Wiltshire Music Awards

The voting process for the Wiltshire Music Awards goes live today; there might be some other voting thing going on too, but this is far more important!

In conjunction with Wiltshire Music Events UK, Iโ€™m delighted Devizine will be actively assisting to organise this new county-wide music awards. Weโ€™ve mentioned it a few times now, but today the moment has finally arrived for you to cast your votes. Nominations are open for the ceremony from 1st May 2025, and will close on 10th June 2025.

Cast Your Votes HERE

Please Share this News

The award ceremony will take place in Devizes at the Corn Exchange, on Saturday 25th October 2025, tickets are here. We hope it will continue annually, this all depends upon your input. Please get voting, and we call upon everyone actively involved in music scenes across the county to get involved too.

Hereโ€™s some FAQs about the process, and other than to say Iโ€™m mega-excited about it all, and to please share this news far and wide, thereโ€™s not a lot else I can waffle on about it for now; everything relies on you all to help us find the talented in Wiltshire, so get voting!

Who can be nominated?

Anyone involved in music based in Wiltshire or primarily active within the county can be nominated. This includes solo artists, bands, DJs, instrumentalists, music promoters, and venues.

Can I nominate in more than one category?

Yes, you can submit nominations in multiple categories. However, each artist, band, group, DJ, or venue may only be nominated in one category overall, so please choose the most suitable one.

Who decides the winners?

A panel of music professionals from across Wiltshire will review the shortlisted entries and select one winner per category. The panelโ€™s decision will be final.

Theatre Review: Everybodyโ€™s Talking About Jamie by Devizes Music Academy

An effervescent musical, full of promising young talent

Written by: Melissa Loveday

Images by: Gail Foster

After the success of SIX last year, Devizes Music Academy is beginning to make a name for itself with its second musical production, Everybodyโ€™s Talking About Jamie, which featured two electrifying performances on 19th April at Devizes Schoolโ€ฆ.

And wow! What an incredible show it was! Bringing this musical sensation to life โ€“ including Northern accents, multiple set and costume changes and complex dance numbers โ€“ was ambitious. Yet after only a week of rehearsals, 23 talented young performers, aged just 13 to 18, poured their hearts and souls into a performance that was dynamic, professional and full of impressive talent. It had heart, humour and heels so high I wouldnโ€™t be able to walk in them, let alone dance!

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie

From the opening scene, it was packed with raucous energy and perfectly delivered sass that immediately transported us to a gritty Sheffield comprehensive, where Year 11s contend with the wonderful and frightening possibilities that lie ahead of each of them. Jamie New, an openly gay 16-year-old who dreams of becoming a drag queen, was instantly likeable as he and the rest of the cast swept us into his pop-fantastic daydream โ€˜And You Donโ€™t Even Know Itโ€™.

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie

Inspired by the BBC Three documentary Jamie: Drag Queen at 16, Everybodyโ€™s Talking About Jamie was written by Tom MaCrae with music by Dan Gillespie Sells, from an idea by Jonathan Butterell. First produced by Sheffield Theatres, the show took Londonโ€™s West End by storm in late 2017 and has brought infectious joy to audiences ever since.  

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie

But this is a story about more than a boy wanting to wear a dress. Itโ€™s a multi-layered tale of family and friendship, and having the courage to step into the person you were always meant to be. Set in a working-class area of South Yorkshire, England, the story is grounded in a world thatโ€™s relatable, keeping it from becoming overly sentimental. Instead, it feels edgy and vibrant, whilst not shying away from the struggles individual characters face.  

What made this amateur โ€˜Teen Editionโ€™ so special was the thrill of watching real teenagers bring these teen characters to life. Under Jemma Brownโ€™s expert direction, with vocal coaching by Teresa Isaacson and choreography by Sarah Davies, the cast delivered a level of talent that could easily hold its own on a West End stage.

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie

The whole ensemble was brilliantly cast, with every member delivering a believable storyline through genuine and multi-dimensional acting, powerful vocals and sharp choreography.

Jacob Leggett was made to play Jamie. At just 15, he brought the perfect mix of camp charisma and youthful innocence to the role, whilst also capturing Jamieโ€™s wit, cheekiness and vulnerability. His rendition of โ€˜Wall In My Headโ€™ was captivating, building beautifully into an emotional crescendo that gave me chills!  

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie

Meanwhile, Ruby Phipps gave Pritti, Jamieโ€™s loyal, studious best friend, a quietly headstrong presence. Her solo โ€˜Beautifulโ€™ was sung with elegant control, allowing each phrase the space and diction needed to feel both precise and spontaneous. Although she and other cast members werenโ€™t Muslim, the production honoured the spirit of diversity by respectfully representing the Muslim community, complete with hijabs.

As a parent, I was moved by Lisa Grimeโ€™s portrayal of Jamieโ€™s mum, Margaret, especially her song โ€˜Heโ€™s My Boyโ€™. It was heartfelt and mature, with excellent vocal range, and had me reflecting on the bittersweet truth that while we strive to shield our children from pain, life will inevitably hurt them, and yet we thrive on seeing them live authentically. Our children, in all their brilliance and vulnerability, are our greatest accomplishments.

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie

Another standout came from Cory White, who doubled as the school bully and Jamieโ€™s dad, whoโ€™s harsh lines stung, but showed subtle remorse that added depth to his characterisation.

Ted Maughan was commanding as Hugo and playful as Loco Chanelle, offering a refreshing contrast with his confident spoken-word delivery style and lively American accent.

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie

The set design was simple but effective, with props such as a balloon arch for the prom scene creating a party feel. Transitions between classroom, kitchen, bus stop and prom seemed to happen as if by magic, enhanced by effective lighting and seamless costume changes, from school uniforms to dazzling prom gowns. The spotlight reveal of Jamieโ€™s red dress was especially powerful, leaving the audience wanting more.

Dynamic choreography and colourful harmonies elevated the production, from coordinated group numbers to breakout moments allowing individual characters to shine. Particularly memorable was the schoolgirls’ clapping routine in โ€˜Spotlightโ€™, reminding us of the charactersโ€™ young age, while a dance duet between Cory White and Chloe Whitcombe during Margaretโ€™s โ€˜If I Met Myself Againโ€™ added a poignant, dreamlike quality to the song. But I especially loved the title number โ€˜Everybodyโ€™s Talking About Jamieโ€™, which kicked off Act II, with its excited, gossipy feel, as multiple characters bounced their individual lines off each other before erupting into an energetic and synchronised dance sequence that had the whole room buzzing!

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie

Itโ€™s genuinely hard to believe this was amateur musical theatre. The level of professionalism, emotional authenticity and pure talent displayed by every single cast member absolutely blew me away. These young performers truly brought a little bit of glitter to the grey.

With so much promising young talent on our doorstep, it begs the question: whatโ€™s next Devizes Music Academy? Whatever it is, I canโ€™t wait!

You can catch an abridged version of Everybodyโ€™s Talking About Jamie at the Fulltone Festival, The Green, Devizes, on Friday 25 July. For tickets, visit www.fto.org.uk

Is This Calne Reform Candidate Violette Simpson?

A photo is circulating on X of Calne’s Reform UK candidate Violette Simpson, which for some reason doesn’t appear on her election campaign….I wonder why?

Just to clear up any confusion, she’s the one with the gun.

According to Calne News Violette Simpson, the Reform UK candidate for Calne Central, has been criticised for describing herself as an “independent” on the ballot paper for Calne Town Council, despite being a member of Reform UK. What else is she hiding, we could ask.

Now, we all know X is a barrage of bamboozlement and bull, so how can we possibly fact-check something as sensitive as this? Simples: It’s her Facebook profile picture!!

“Add friend,” it asks underneath….na, you’re alright, thanks! Vote for Reform in Calne, and you might be forever wondering what happened to your pet cat, as well as your rights to democracy and NHS.

Thanks to Reform UK Exposed for the scoop on this beauty, follow them here.

Devizes Palooza DJ on the Bill for Fatboy Slimโ€™s All Back to Minehead

Big congratulations to Devizes DJ Greg Spencer this week, the creator of Palooza house nights at The Exchange nightclub, for he made the prestigious bill of Fatboy Slimโ€™s All Back to Minehead festival in November at Butlins; we have to celebrate him, baby, and praise him like we should!

Palooza launched in March last year, to bring back regular house nights in Devizes, and fantastic they are too. A year later and Greg excitedly messaged us with the news he was potentially booked for Fatboy Slimโ€™s annual shindig at the Butlins in Minehead, we just had to wait for confirmation, which he now has. โ€œIโ€™m a bit overwhelmed by it,โ€ Greg told us at the time, describing the news as one of the best days of his life when he announced it last week.

Goldie, K-Klass and a DJ set from Leftfield are among the highlights of who will be larginโ€™ it with Norm at this annual dance music extravaganza; we wish Greg all the best with it. But if you want to get Paloozaโ€™d closer to home, theyโ€™re back at the Exchange nightclub this Friday, 2nd May. And weโ€™re leaking future dates for Palooza nights to put in your diary, the 27th June, 29th August and 19th December.

This Friday sees the crew playing house, old skool, techno and tech house with DJs Floormover, Leggy, Rodj, Eldridge and Grit. Pay on the door, Facebook event page is here; let them know if youโ€™re going!

No Alarms No Devizes, Aptly in Devizes!

If I’ve been galavanting recently, gorging on other local townโ€™s live music scenes, what better way to return to Devizes than a visit to the liveliest watering hole, The Three Crowns, to see a band with our town’s name all over it, No Alarms And No Devizes? How apt!

Iโ€™ll confess, while I know most of the members of this five-piece as individual musicians in their own rights or as members of various other groups, I was yet to see them in this setup, despite them forming the best part of a year ago. Naughty of me, I accept, but Iโ€™m overly glad to finally tick them off my must-see list, and on the strength of last nightโ€™s performance, it wonโ€™t be the last.

Aware of their talents as individuals my only pre-gig apprehension being it can sometimes be a case whereby groups formed of members whoโ€™ve met at open mics sadly donโ€™t equate to the sum of their counterparts. This minor angst I quashed before arriving; I could hear them from the carpark as they rang out Steve Harley & the Cockney Rebelโ€™s Make Me Smile with gusto. โ€œCome up and see me,โ€ the song suggests, yeah, Iโ€™m nearly there, and already glad I did. Again, how apt!

But itโ€™s not just in the word-playing a Radiohead songโ€™s band name to give it a local spin, nor the coincidental meaning of the song they were covering when I arrived which makes me happy to report that they know exactly what buttons to press, rather on the tightness of the band and their comradeship too. Frontman Tom Harris, known for also fronting extreme-metal band Kinasis and a stalwart locally as a blues solo artist, is a force to be reckoned with. His lively vocal range knows no bounds, and thereโ€™s joyful connotations within his energy and often amusing facial expressions which rub off on the audience.     

If, as it suggests, โ€˜extreme-metalโ€™ is too extreme for me, itโ€™s in his lighter fashions which makes me smile, and during lockdown the few funky tunes he created really brought Tomโ€™s natural talent to entertain to my attention. With No Alarms No Devizesโ€™ varied range of cover choices in their arsenal, Tom is free to explore his funky side or whatever fancies his tickle, and I loved this about the No Alarms And No Devizes show the most.

Tom is backed by proficient guitarist Pat Ward, once modest about his abilities, today moving through the audience whilst strumming, like a pro! Bassist Jonny Jam, whoโ€™ll you see blessing his skills in many local bands. A new drummer, Nick Wood, who sure found his feet and sticks last night. And with the additional Matt Pryor on keys, the lineup gives them the scope to nail a vast range of pop songs into their repertoire, and they do them all with impressive confidence and showmanship.

Keyed in to precisely what the varied crowd at the Three Crowns want, they ventured through anything and everything from Nina Simone and the Beatles to the obligatory Radiohead, the Proclaimersโ€™ crowd-pleaser, and eighties pop such as my personally most welcomed Men at Workโ€™s Down Under, with a gradual fade from melodic to a frenzy. They slipped in a few great originals too, but whatever direction they took themselves into they did so with flow, precision and enthusiasm, making for a universally highly entertaining night I cannot fault. Even their break was no longer than a wee-stop!

I do ponder if the bandโ€™s name implies itโ€™s just a bunch of guys from Devizes when they arrive at other townโ€™s venues. They played Swindonโ€™s Rolleston recently, they played HoneyFest at the Barge and Salisburyโ€™s Coach & Horses, among others, but Matt assured me theyโ€™re welcomed wherever they play, leaving me only to assure venues outside Devizes, they may be announcing theyโ€™re guys from Devizes within their very name, and banter between towns might be a thing, but once No Alarms And No Devizes are in full swing, youโ€™d be glad you booked them!

Another wonderful night at the Three Crowns, then. It never fails to please. With the Brewery Shop opening next door, seeing visitors stopping into the pub, the live music and gourmet burgers, The Three Crowns is surely a testament to what a pub can achieve if they put their heads into what punters want, particularly in these uncertain times. It was as busy as ever in there, hospitable and lively, with a varied age demographic out to party and nothing baleful.

We clashed events with the wonderful Facebook page dedicated to promoting local live music, Bird is the Word, which had to happen at some point! Go give them a like if you do Facebook, theyโ€™re doing good things over there, with higher quality photos and video streams than my tiddly tries of getting into focus while dancing and balancing a cider!

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Hannah Rose Plattโ€™s Fragile Creatures

If Whitney Houston set a benchmark for female vocalists many did before her too, but while others were influenced by them, they never felt obliged to attain a sound precisely mimicking them, as, it seems to me, many modern female singers striving for pop success do with Whitneyโ€™s. And when they do, it sounds, well, manufactured and impassive. A Liverpudlian now residing in Bristol, Hannah Rose Platt releases a concept album tomorrow, Fragile Creatures, of which Iโ€™d compare more to like of Kate Bush, whereby Hannah can weave beautiful tapestries, adapting her voice to reflect the sentiment of her narrative, mood and style of the track; and thereโ€™s a lot going on in Fragile Creaturesโ€ฆ.

It is undoubtedly a concept album, anatomising the complex relationship between women and medicine throughout history. It explores how antiquated myths and misconceptions in the pursuit of science have impacted female health, while creating countless injustices and inequalities. If this comes across sounding more akin to a poignant lecture, Hannah Rose Platt shifts between a collection of musical influences to imprint her wisdom, causing Fragile Creatures to be an altering and compelling journey of prowess and refinement.

It opens introductorily with a spoken word sample of Helen Andelinโ€™s Fascinating Womanhood, a controversial sixties manual encouraging women to uphold their conventional marital role. Ataraxia is as calming as the meaning of its Greek philosophical title, ambiently floating over an acoustic guitar riff and drumbeat, musically reflecting on Diazepam-flavoured tranquillity, as if conformity to the sample will land us all in a world to make Aldous Huxley quiver. In this, Hannahโ€™s voice is bitter, eerie, to convey the point.

But by the second tune, Curious Mixture, a drifting acoustic vibe, Hannahโ€™s voice is as silky and smooth as Kylie, which shifts to a sharper more indie-punk feel as the songs progress. Thereโ€™s a definite Bristol trip hop scene there too, causing me to consider Portishead as an influence. By the fourth tune weโ€™re blessed with the most gorgeous ballad to Mary Magdalene, reminding me of Daisy Chapmanโ€™s folk angle. Itโ€™s at this conjunction I realise Hannah is reciting her deepest thoughts and observations on the theme, historically, and theyโ€™re gender ecumenical rather than bitter stabs of feminist vendetta. I didnโ€™t feel under attack as a guy listening to this, provided I ponder the meanings Hannah so poignantly expresses.

This is eleven tracks strong, melding myths of pseudoscience, superstition and patriarchy with medicine and chronicles of the resilient and defiant women who unyieldingly fought for equality and autonomy. At times itโ€™s Kate Bush vocalising for Massive Attack, as is the tune The Yellow Wallpaper, at others, such as La Grande Hysterie, itโ€™s a contemporary Alanis Morissetteโ€™s Jagged Little Pill covered by Siouxsie and the Banshees. It ends playfully like musical theatre, but penultimately is horrific and beautiful in equal measure.

The album is a themed anthology. Each song has its own narrative, weaving into each other. From the tale of Anne Greene, accused of infanticide under the Concealment of Birth of Bastards Act, and pardoned after being revived from hanging to reflections on the health gap that lingers to this day. Thereโ€™s so much more I still need to discover exploring its sheer brilliance as a concept and how the music compliments it.

Hannah explains the concept, โ€œThis record is both an offering and a tribute to female pioneers in medicine; and an endeavour to honour, and give voice to, the unsung heroines in the history of our health. What struck me most during the research and creation of this album was the deeply ingrained, sinister nature of myth and misconception surrounding womenโ€™s health, and the harmful, cyclical dismissal of experiences; decade after decade, century after century, often reinforced by outdated and dangerous practices. My hope is that listeners will not only be intrigued by these stories but also inspired to dig deeper and empowered to challenge the systems that have long ignored or misrepresented womenโ€™s voices, as this dismissal remains so prevalent today.โ€

At this I could agreeably sigh, like any poignant art which usually preaches to the converted those who really need to take heed of its message will likely overlook it. Nevertheless, if others cite Fragile Creatures as the work of an upcoming artist, Iโ€™d favour to compare the depth and production of this fantastic album to Dark Side of the Moon. And with that the right audience might spare its lesson a thought. A high but deserved accolade, in considering it took Pink Floyd seven albums to accomplish this magnum opus, when this is Hannah Rose Plattโ€™s second; what comes next will be astounding because Fragile Creatures is a sublime keeper.

The advance single Curious Mixture is out now. Full album is released tomorrow (April 25th) via Xtra Mile Recordings and mastered at Abbey Road, with production and playing from Ed Harcourt. Launch party is Friday 25th at Rough Trade, Bristol.

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IDLES’ at Block Party

With their only UK shows of the year quickly approaching, the 1st and 2nd August will see IDLESโ€™ and music festival Block Party take overโ€ฆ

Keep reading

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Yea Devizes; The Future of Events in Devizes

The premise is really quite simple, the prospect is positively glowing with brilliance, the result remains to be seen, but on Sunday the 4th May Devizes will know for sure where the future of events in the town rests โ€ฆ.. No pressure Devizes Yea team!!

It was never a nice thing to have to announce our beloved Street Festival had to be cancelled due to arts funding cuts, but being as the Market Place was booked for an event on the date, Devizes Outdoor Celebratory Arts are determined to put on a show regardless.

The fantastic part to all this is that DOCA has brought together teenage volunteers to create a new annual festival in Devizes Market Place, under the name Yea Devizes. The most important thing for all to note about this is, this is not the street festival, nor a replacement for it, it should not be compared to it, and most important of all, it is NOT just for teenagers. Even if the committee of organisers are youths, this event welcomes everyone, of all ages.

DOCA say they โ€œnoticed very few young adults attended traditional local events and therefore sought out youth ambassadors eventually creating Devizes Youth Event Area (Devizes Yea). The youth volunteers wanted to represent their own interests, making local events appeal to our young adults. Theyโ€™re using their skills and collaboration to create this festival, with an aim of bringing together all generations of our community.โ€

I met up with the team at their weekly planning meeting, and over a massive map of the Market Place, plastered with sticky notes highlighting all the great ideas theyโ€™ve collectively worked on, I was mightily impressed. Under the direction of DOCA expert Annabel, Elsie, Bea, Jo, and Sam are the Devizes Yea core ambassadors, learning the tricks of the events trade, and likely how much hard work goes on behind the scenes to create large scale eventsโ€ฆ. and thereโ€™s more than you imagine.

Jess, my daughter, just joined as press officer, (which puts us ahead of the game of telling you about it!) But Devizes YEA are still looking for teenage volunteers to help in the build-up to and the event itself. So, if you are a young person living in the local area and want to get involved contact: yeadevizes@docadevizes.org.uk or find out more on the DOCA website or Instagram.

โ€œThere will be something for everyone at this outdoor event,โ€ Devizes Yea promises, โ€œwith a range of live music, circus acts, poetry open mics, plot35 Devizes community gardening, cooking demonstrations, food traders and more. There are also chances for teenagers to get involved on the day with sound tech and learn from professional sound engineers who will be setting up the main stage.โ€

We think this is a great idea, and look forward to seeing the results. Oh, and wish them all the best of luck with the first event on 4th May, obviously. This could be the start of something amazing, and I must stress the point once again, that this day is designed and intended to be for everyone, not just our younger residents. Even middle-aged young-at hearts, duty bound to show them how itโ€™s done on the dancefloor; Dad-dancing mode switched to crazy legs… and I’m off, nobody attempt to stop me!!

Devizes South Conservative Candidate Accused of Election Fraud

Melksham & Devizes Conservatives released a statement on the 7th April explaining an internal audit revealed one of their candidates was โ€œnot qualified by residence as they believed they were,โ€ and claimed it was a โ€œgenuine mistake.โ€ Devizes residents have gathered on social media to express their concerns that electoral law has been broken and the affair is quietly being pushed under the carpetโ€ฆ.

Conservative candidate Sarah Batchelor moved to the area in July last year, to take over as management of the Crown Inn in Bishops Cannings and therefore has not been resident in the area or on the electoral roll for the legal minimum requirement of twelve months to apply for a councillor role. Melksham & Devizes Conservatives said in their statement they have informed the Electoral Registration Officer and the candidate will โ€œtake no part in the campaign process nor take up their seat if elected.โ€ 

But residents are angered by both the belief this was not a genuine mistake as claimed, is an incident in which media attention is deliberately being avoided, and hypocritical when Melksham & Devizes Conservatives caused a major outcry at a local by-election, when a Devizes Guardian candidate accidentally breached election law. Another sour point was that the Melksham & Devizes Conservatives make no attempt to apologise for the mistake and any potential cost to the taxpayer if a reelection is necessary in the process which will follow. โ€œYouโ€™d thought theyโ€™d have learnt after the PCC debacle a few years back,โ€ the original poster stated, โ€œis this what you want from local councillors?โ€

Announced on the MDCA X account, because everyone looks there!!!

โ€œThe qualifications and rules are clearly stated on the form, and an individual knows if they meet them or not,โ€ one resident pointed out on the Facebook group, Devizes Issue (But Better,) where the debate is causing a storm. โ€œIf the individual completed the forms,โ€ they continued, โ€œthey have falsified an application. If someone else completed them on their behalf – they have not carried out due diligence or have ignored the clear rules. So which is it?โ€

The group were informed by former Labour councillor Noel Woolrych that โ€œthis is actually a police matter and is in their hands. However, I least believe that the name will still appear on the ballot paper as they had already been printed.โ€ This raises the issue if she will be replaced, and as another commenter stated, โ€œeven though the election will still go ahead and the Conservatives have distanced themselves from the candidate, her presence on the ballot could still influence the outcome. Votes cast for her could impact the overall vote share and potentially alter the result, even if sheโ€™s not officially endorsed. That in itself raises concerns about fairness and electoral integrity.โ€

Sarah Batchelor (far right) pictured with other Conservative hopefuls, including Jordan Overton

A reliable source informed us these forms will have been checked prior to submission by Conservative Wiltshire Councillor Iain Wallis, who also controversially runs another Facebook group, Devizes Issues. It is a fact that this councillor is head of promoting all Conservative candidates for Devizes South. Sensitive enough to question the overall honesty of the Melksham & Devizes Conservatives it appears then, that the issue here has been deliberately avoided on said group, and elsewhere by Melksham & Devizes Conservatives, despite Councillor Wallis creating his own storm in a teacup at a by-election last year when a Devizes East Guardian candidate made a minor omission on a leaflet, falsely claiming the candidate had been arrested. 

โ€œI see it as fraud on both parties,โ€ another resident said, โ€œFirst party being the person who completed the forms and stated in the declaration that they are correct knowing they are false. Second, the political party who vetted the form knowingly didnโ€™t complete the due diligence process to ensure that their candidate was lawful and correct.โ€

Again, we suspect the desperate local Conservatives are playing dirty for this local election, as they do for national politics, yet clearly claiming on their social media posts they are โ€œlocal people with the community as our focus, with no central party control and our focus is not on national politics,โ€ to divide themselves with the downfall nationally of their party. Yet, we discover them clearly using national party funds to campaign, and boy, they certainly are influenced by their national party tactics!

And that’s the truth, dammit!!

On a banner produced by the Devizes Conservatives it is claimed what makes candidate Iain Wallis โ€œstand outโ€ is that he โ€œbelieves that every resident should feel their voice is heard.โ€ Shamefully laughable considering this debate has to appear on groups he does not administrate and will no doubt be excluded from his own popular Facebook group. A group which has seen opposition candidates, councillors, support groups, upstanding citizens and charity organisations, and anyone who dares to challenge his opinion with a differing one be rewarded with lifetime bans. 

We also find ourselves in said club of โ€œdisregarded dissidents,โ€ for stating the facts, are proud to say it has been this way for a long time, and consider it a badge of honour!

Although, I strongly suspect, as it has been in past times when we have been caused to be critical of Devizes Conservatives, Mr Wallis will bleat like a hurt lamb, hold up a victim card, claiming all manner of falsehoods that we are attacking him personally. This simply isnโ€™t true, and never has been. We only intend to highlight scoops that, for some strange reason, no one else is willing to risk their backhanders or potential advertising revenue to cover with the clarity needed to expose fraudulent candidates, which this is clearly as a case of. Is it my fault the same name appears to crop up each time? A case I rest there.

As the original post creator asked the group, โ€œis this what you want from local councillors?โ€

Soupchick in the Park

And there was me thinking nothing good comes out of a Monday! Today local bistro Soupchick, popular in the Devizesโ€™ Shambles opened their second branch, transforming the Hillworth Park cafรฉ. I felt the need to poke my nose in, for the sake of a tea and toastieโ€ฆ.

A slight cooling of temperature didn’t prevent a busy opening day for the team.  Owner Marc told me how customers were lined up at the doors before they opened, and supposed the cooler climate wasn’t a bad thing, as they were still finding their feet!

Hillworth Park was much the same as usual, scenic yet functional, with a sprinkling of families passing through and children playing games. This is a welcomed addition, though, as Soupchick is renowned locally for quality homemade tasty tucker, though the customer base might change slightly. What then, is different from the Soupchick of the Shambles and the new cafรฉ, and what’s the same? I hear you ask!

Easy. The ethos is the same, fromย  the hospitable welcome to fresh quality produce and homemade food, with Anya’s exceptional attention to flavours that compliment each other; it’s all sooo scrumptious!

There’s two of their delicious soups of the day options, naturally, and there’s toasties of similar variety as before. But with a view to more family clientรจle, there’s simplified versions of the toastie, such as plain cheese with ham, tomato or onion, as well as those favourites at the Shambles, such as The New Yorker with pastrami, Swiss cheese, red onion and American mustard, the tuna melt, or Smokey Spanish Chorizo.

While I’m personally partial to a New Yorker toastie, the greater welcomed element will surely be the essential ice cream from Marsh Farm, and a greater concentration on teas, coffees, smoothies, milkshakes and salads. From quiche to baguettes and falafel wraps, it’s a wider variety, but everything retains the fresh quality we’ve come to love Soupchick for.

They’re open for breakfast too, with granola bowls, fruit salads, porridge, toast and wraps, and everything on the menu all day is very reasonably priced; when considering how tasty it all is; you can’t go wrong with a toastie for six pounds, or sandwiches from ยฃ5.50.

It was a shame, for years past, the Hillworth Park cafรฉ perhaps wasn’t reaching its full potential, and selling chocolate bars and drinks which could be found cheaper at the Hillworth Road store a short walk up the street. Soupchick has truly turned the facility around, it offers now something unique with a personal touch, and something, while Devizes residents have become accustomed to through their time spent at the Shambles, a wider appeal than before.

Though, I must stress, Anya, Marc and the team are determined to keep both cafรฉs open, and The Shambles one will continue as before. You could, potentially, buy a takeaway soup at one and walk to the other for a refill!!

We wish them all the best with their new venture, and look forward to the possibility of perhaps having a few events there too some sunny day and meeting you there, of course!

Whereโ€™s the Music on Sunday in Swindon? Fran Daisy at The Plough

Sometimes I believe we donโ€™t know how lucky we are in Devizes. Sunday afternoon live music is a thing here, and weโ€™re often spoiled for choice. This Sunday Phil Cooper played the White Bear, and it was the celebrated Jon Amor Trio monthly residency at the Southgate. But the meter was running on Dadโ€™s taxi and I was left with a few hours to kill in Swindon; at least this means I might find something new to me, which I did, and was pleasantly surprisedโ€ฆ.

More sporadically the trend seems to be in Old Town. The usual circuit pubs like the Vic, Beehive and Castle were mostly having quiz nights (which my general knowledge level doesnโ€™t permit me to engage in,) or nought; the place was relatively void of entertainment; shocking! I scanned social media, assuming there had to be something going on in a town this size on such a sunny afternoon. I guess itโ€™s a case of knowledge of the scene, of which I thought I had some, but being I could only find one happening, it had to be this.

On a pastel-pink cloud poster, Fran Daisy was advertised to be singing at the Plough on Devizes Road. As I know neither, and she looked like one of these singers who karaoke with a PA and phone, which isnโ€™t usually my cuppa, but I shrugged at the notion it was this or nothing, and took a chance.

The surprise element is far stronger than knowing the venue and the act, and was certainly true last Sunday. Starter for ten, The Plough is a humbling pub, simple L-shape plan with a low rising stage area, friendly staff and regulars, and comfy too; I felt quite at home there. Though itโ€™s slightly off Old Townโ€™s main drag, there are three pubs on that corner of Devizes Road and Newport Street, The Wheatsheaf and Royal Oak, and The Steam Railway is a lively sports bar a stone’s throw away. The Plough holds its own against this competition, hosting regular music nights on Saturdays with a variety of local acts on the circuit; I must add them to our event calendar.

But the biggest surprise was Fran herself, while, yeah I was right, she was singing pop covers over a karaoke app from her phone, she delivered them with crystal clear precision, gusto and were vocally powerful and confident. An era-spanning repertoire of sing-a-long classics, I arrived an hour into her set, where I recognised the contemporary tune but after a trio of Abba songs forgot what it was! Because Fran Daisy has the skill to adapt her voice to suit the cover, and she nailed Abba, in fact, she nailed them all. She asked for requests, gave the audience options, and joyfully put in the overtime. 

An encore involved a song from Greace, in which she explained she performed it with a theatre group some years ago, to the hail of her entourage who obviously appeared in it too. It was clear through the diversity of her song choices and her lively, amusing audience banter alone, although Fran told me she had only been doing this on the local circuit for a year, that she had musical theatre experience.

It never ceases to amaze me when I discover a DIY singer on the circuit, seemingly content to do the rounds, promote and cart their own kit around, that is as an amazing performer as Fran is, that which should be fronting a popular function band, at the very least. But Fran explained she was a full-time nurse when I put this to her, so as a sideline perhaps this is a big enough bite for the additional workload, and dammit, we donโ€™t need to be convincing nurses to follow the star! All said and done, though, Fran has the proficiency and potential to go much further, should she wish to, and the gorgeous voice to mimic divas and legends.

There are a few Iโ€™ve found in a similar position, our Kate Mills for one, who also works in the acoustic duo Sour Apple, and has stolen the voice of Alison Moyet! For the customary pubs without a reputation for hosting regular progressive or risque bands, who want their punters entertained, the karaoke-style singer is an affordable option. But when youโ€™ve got the skills of someone like Kate or Fran, this is a guaranteed chicken dinner. Therefore Iโ€™m warming to the option, and judge accordingly on if it does what it says on the tin, and Fran goes above and beyond to create that engrossing entertainment. 

A landlord would need to know the tried and tested, or take a leap of faith, but if you want your whole pub up singing along, Fran Daisy is a perfect option.

Follow her Facebook page, or deliberately injure yourself, cross your fingers and hope Fran Daisy is your appointed nurse!!

Family Easter Holiday Events

Devizine isn’t only about music and gigs for grownups, y’know? It’s about events for everyone. This Easter we’ve lots of things to do over the school holiday, you just need to scroll our event calendar to find them!

Oh, okay yeah, wine o’clock already and it’s only the first day?! I’ll list what we’ve got so far below, make it easy for you, but you should keep an eye on the calendar as it updates daily with more stuff to do! And, it should go without saying by now, if you’ve know of anything else let us know and we can add it!

Imber Village open days โ€“ April 7th to April 9th

Monday 7th

Wonder Gigs: Under The Sea

Thursday 10th

Saturday 12th

Young Curators Club: April โ€“ Prehistoric Sea Creatures @ Wiltshire Museum Devizes

Little Pickles Market

Sunday 13th

Messy Easter at Bishops Cannings School

Monday 14th

Official Opening of Hillworth Park Cafe with Soupchick

Easter bonnet decorating @ Caffe Vialottie, Devizes

Rock The Tots: Transport

Tuesday 15th

Wednesday 16th

Thursday 17th

The Noise Next Door: The Adventure Academy … For Adventurers!

Saturday 19th April

Natural History Museum Presents Dinosaurs Live! @ The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon

Sunday 20th

Mini Ravers – Easter Special

Mon 21st

Bradford-on-Avon Duck Race

That’s all folks! But do come back here in a day or so, I’m sure there will be more added! Happy Easter!

Trending……

Hotcakes, Wildfire, Shoesโ€ฆ. and Acid!

In the dead of night sounds in a rural environment are resonating singularities, a car in the distance or the farmer calling his herd. In an urban environment itโ€™s a cacophony, a mesh of motorways, trains and factories. Living in either you become accustomed, but to change can take adjusting. To accommodate the increase ofโ€ฆ

Darren Worrow's avatar by Darren Worrow

Un/Common People: Folk Culture in Wessex; Latest Fascinating Exhibition at Wiltshire Museumย 

Stuffed my dinner, scanned the brief, headlonged out the door, forgot about the road diversion into the Market Place, made a u-turn, arrived at Wiltshire Museum only two minutes late for the preview evening to their latest exhibition, convincing myself itโ€™s often more interesting to go in blind to what the show is all about anyway!

Thereโ€™s graffitied skateboards in the exhibition, embroideries, an abstract canvas, a jesterโ€™s uniform, old ledgers, ships in bottles, straw sculptures, a video of Stonehenge at summer solstice, and many other fascinating items youโ€™d be excused for misunderstanding how they all relate if the rooms was stripped of the information boards and the exhibitionโ€™s title, Un/Common People: Folk Culture in Wessex.

The exhibition opens at Wiltshire Museum from today, Saturday 5th April and runs until Saturday 6th September 2025; plenty of time to pay it a visit, and I recommend you do. 

Fortunately for my ignorance, external curator Mellany Robinson of The Museum of British Folklore was on hand to provide a brief speech explaining the reasoning behind it. All the items on show here are bonded by one concept, that they โ€œtell local, political, expected and entirely unexpected stories to reframe the rich heritage and vibrant present day folk cultures for modern audiences.โ€ And as being folk culture, all the items are created by folk without the disciplines of their craft via official training or education.

Now I can relate! Although I donโ€™t wish to discuss my short-lived art college days, my creative labours are all self-taught, save some advice from cartoonists and writers in my younger days. One piece in the exhibit in particular caught my fascination, as a punk-paste zine-maker of yesteryear; an amateurishly hand-drawn flyer for the 1979 Stonehenge Festival. I strongly suspect, whatever angle you come at this from, whether historian, antique dealer, or folk musician, counterculture artist, or possibly more simply, you hold a passing interest in the origins of local folklore, you will find many objects here on display to fascinate you.

I left feeling enlightened, and perhaps a smidgen abashed by the many things I didnโ€™t know. A Hob-Nob is not biscuit, rather a horse-like costumed fellow in the Salisbury Giant, a midsummer procession first recorded in 1572, for example! I now understand why Great Wishford has Oak Apple Day, and what it means to proclaim, โ€œGrovely, Grovely and all Grovely!โ€

A handcrafted Wiltshire sweetheart pin cushion made by a World War I veteran, a rare ship crafted entirely from straw linking to Pooleโ€™s maritime heritage, and a poignant portrait by a Nigerian artist created while seeking asylum in Swindon, are items the Museum hail are the highlights, but depending on your personal interests, I believe what will constitute the highlight will be open to interpretation, being such a timeless mixed bag of tricks held together only by this theme of folk art; I have plenty of musician friends of whom, I guess, would be fascinated by the instruments, artists who would love the artwork from a community project, and others who would cherish this Wessex folk calendar feel to the whole exhibit, from the Summer Solstice at Stonehenge to the May Day celebrations in Cerne Abbas.

Now Iโ€™m concerned by my overuse of the word โ€œfascinating,โ€ but the boot fits, thatโ€™s what it surprisingly is!   

Curator Mellany Robinson told how the The Museum of British Folklore doesnโ€™t have a fixed venue, and it started because founder Simon Costin was, โ€œpassionate about what museums call intangible cultural heritage, the heritage of folklore which has historically been suppressed, and overlooked. So, when people die, their works get chucked, because it isnโ€™t considered financial value, but it is of huge personal and historic value.โ€ 

Simon Costin founded the The Museum of British Folklore by โ€œbuying an old caravan on Ebay in 2008, and travelled around the country for six months turning it into a museum, to test the response. And we need a Museum of British Folklore because we are one of the very few countries which doesnโ€™t have one.โ€

This project, a collaboration with the Wessex Museumโ€™s collections and the Museum of British Folklore, is more anti-museum than museum in the traditional sense. With many items by unknown creators and certainly all of them unprofessional, itโ€™s more of a hobbit-hole of hidden treasures and curiosities.ย ย 

โ€œWe had to share what we thought of as folk culture because lots of people think certain things of folk culture,โ€ Mellany explained, โ€œbut our definition is; something creative not necessarily tangible, produced by someone who doesnโ€™t have formal training in that medium.โ€ 

Again, we find Wiltshire Museum bucking the preconceived stereotypes of what constitutes traditional aspects of a museum exhibition, and we should consider ourselves lucky to have them on our doorstep here in Devizes, putting the โ€œmuseโ€ in โ€œmuseum!โ€

Un/Common People: Folk Culture in Wessex opens today, and runs until Saturday 6th September. Summer Opening Times are from 10am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday. Entry to the exhibition is included in the admission ticket. Tickets cost from ยฃ8.50 (concessions available,) and itโ€™s free for under 18s. Director of Wiltshire Museumย David Dawson has an online talk introducing the new exhibition on the 8th April.

Do check the Museumโ€™s website for there are many great events upcoming, including the Curious Kids workshops for ages 3-11 and the Museum Explorers Club for 5-7 year olds, lectures, walks and stone carving courses.

Trending……

Clock Radio Turf Out The Maniacs

The first full album by Wiltshireโ€™s finest purveyors of psychedelic indie shenanigans, Clock Radio, was knocked out to an unsuspecting world last week. Itโ€™s calledโ€ฆ

Beauty & the Beast; Devizes Musical Theatre at its Best

It was a fantastically successful opening night for Devizes Musical Theatre at Dauntseyโ€™s School for their latest show, Disneyโ€™s Beauty and the Beast, and I returned home still singing Be My Guest and Gaston; they’re still stuck in my head now truth be told, and I’m not usually one for musicals!

Remaining faithful to Disneyโ€™s 1991 adaption of the French fairy tale by Barbot de Villeneuve, widely regarded as one of the greatest animated films of all time, new director Georgia Watson and the entire team at Devizes Musical Theatre pulled out all the stops last night; amateur dramatics has never been this good, surely?!

Already clued up on the plot, as my daughter had a โ€œthingโ€ for the film when little, didn’t prevent me thoroughly enjoying this show, rather itโ€™s likely it aided it; familiarity transformed from film to stage is kingpin to a universally welcomed musical, which this is. Aside from the stellar performances, it was arduously and thoughtfully produced with attention to detail, especially the costume design; they were brilliant. Easy for a cartoonist, but how do you recreate inanimate objects such as a clock and teapot as characters on stage, I wondered beforehand, but not now!

And in this, commendations in particular go to Tia Shafee and Oli Beech, also Sarah Williams, Natalie Angus and Claire Abraham, all for adding those comical elements as candlesticks, clocks and teapots. Yet it was up to Georgia Saunders to add the sparkle, as the compassionate bookworm protagonist Belle, and her relationships with Samuel Phillis as the troubled Beast, Gareth Lloyd as the bawdy egomaniac Gaston, and Graham Day portraying her troubled inventor father, all of which were played confidently and rapturously.ย ย 

Interactions between Gareth and his literal sidekick LeFou, played with camp hilarity by Adam Sturges were comedy gold, as was the โ€œsilly girlsโ€ fighting for Gastonโ€™s affections, Georgia Claridge, Mimi Martin, Laura Bartle, and Bronwyn Hall. With special shout to Pip Emm who was last nightโ€™s Chip, a role which takes on a different young actor each performance, everyone on that stage looked to be loving the spotlight and this enthusiasm shone through, reflecting back off the audience in awe.

It never fails to amaze me how much work and effort goes into Devizes Musical Theatreโ€™s shows, and how professional they are. Beauty & The Beast runs until Saturday 5th April, with a matinee performance on the final Saturday. Ticket holders are in for a real treat, anyone looking for a ticket should act fast as the last rose petal is about to drop; last look there were some left for tonight, the rest is already sold out. At ยฃ16 a pop, youโ€™d pay more at the bar in a West End theatre for a glass of fizzy pop, or for parking.

Trending…..

Thieves Debut EP

Adam Woodhouse, Rory Coleman-Smith, Jo Deacon and Matt Hughes, aka Thieves, the wonderful local folk vocal harmony quartet of uplifting bluegrass into country-blues has aโ€ฆ

Junk Street Drumming Workshop in Devizes; Easter Holiday Fun for All Ages

Itโ€™s only the beginning of the Easter school holibobs and your little ones are already making a racket upstairs; what do you do? Is it wine oโ€™clock already? Devizes Outdoor Celebratory Arts might have another answer – a free drumming workshop!

From Monday 7th April to Wednesday 9th, DOCA have Junk Street Drumming workshops with the Drum Runners, at the Baptist Church on Sheep Street Devizes. Itโ€™s free, you can make your own instrument from recycled materials and learn to create some great rhythms using drums provided, some are even made from old bicycle wheels!

Drum Runners offers educational and fun outdoor workshops throughout the UK, to bring people and skills together. Energy, rhythm, culture and eco awareness for community events. You can find out more about them HERE, otherwise get drumming!

They run from 2pm to 4:30pm, Mon 7th April is for ages 12+. Tuesday 8th April is for families and all ages are welcome. Wednesday 9th April is for ages 12+. 

Please complete this short form, so DOCA know what workshop(s) you will be attending to create your own Junk Band!

UrchFunk; The Forgotten Tale of How George Clinton Created Funk Music in the Wiltshire Village of Urchfont

You’d be forgiven for believing funk music came out of Detroit in the early seventies, when it is a little known fact, obscured and deliberately hidden, likely for the prestige of the American city and the ignominy of the village, that funk music was actually created in the Wiltshire village of Urchfontโ€ฆ.

Funk pioneer George Clinton and bandleader of the collective Parliament-Funkadelic was born in North Carolina and grew up in New Jersey, moving to Detroit in the mid-sixties to work as a songwriter for Motown. By the early seventies Clinton and several members of the band settled in Toronto, but during this time he encountered legal difficulties arising from acquisitions of his record label, resulting in dangerous circumstances and was secretly exiled to England, settling in Urchfont for a few short months.

It was in solitude at the sleepy Wiltshire village where Clinton honed the funk style based on the recordings of James Brown. Developing an association with a few village musicians who had formed a skiffle group on his lonely walks to the village pond from his home in Cuckoo Corner, Clinton convinced them to create a new band. Clinton called them Urch-Funk. The band would play to a small crowd in the village hall, and even daringly attempted an ambitious outside gig around the pond.

After a short while, Clinton got the all clear from his record label, and made his way back to Toronto, taking the idea of funk music back with him, but not without leaving a significant influence in the village. What happened next was a secret funk phenomenon in the village, now sadly hidden; I wanted to know why.

1973: Parliament-Funkadelic visits Clinton in Urchfont

A villager, who prefers to remain anonymous, revealed, โ€œyarp, they bee dancin’ โ€˜nโ€™ singin’, arn movin’ ter thar groovin’, arn joist wen wun hit me, with argh bloody shovel I mioght add, I turned arand I dids, n shouted play art funky music Urchfunk boi!โ€

But, it was not a case of one village under a groove. Some villagers and the parish council have deliberately made my research as difficult as possible. My initial discovery of a disco ball buried in mud for decades and only unearthed when the new houses at Peppercombe were built, led me to wonder how it came to be there. I returned to the site to discover disregarded afro wigs and flyers for soul all-nighters at the village hall. But everyone who I approached refused to talk, accusing me of creating a hoax.

Some even chased me out the village with pitchforks and torches, calling me to not unearth Urchfont’s secret funkadelia past, if I knew what was โ€œgard fur me!โ€ This naturally roused my suspicions that Urchfont held a direct secret link to funk music, a majority were embarrassed by it and, it seemed, were willing to kill to protect the secret. I had to know more.

A rare flyer for an UrchFunk gig at the Village Hall

I took to returning to the village to hunt for more clues by the cover of night, but I found nothing. Until one evening, so frustrated my searching was unfruitful, I stayed all night looking, and early morning joggers and dog walkers were emerging from their homes. Ducking stealthily into Stone Pit Lane, a strange looking old man appeared from out of the bushes and clasped his hand over my mouth, stating, โ€œcum wiff me if yer wanna live… groovy!โ€

He took me to a secret lair in the undergrowth which appeared to be a shrine to Urchfont’s forgotten past. Within this hobbit hole of treasures he allowed me to browse, and as I did he told me his story. He was one of musicians who met Clinton, and who had created the definitive sound of funk which would soon take America by storm. But he told me how the local folk club banished them, believing funk was the work of the devil, but really, he suspected it was more likely because they upstaged them, with glitter, and platform shoes with goldfish in them, which later they declared was animal cruelty. The fish were released into the village pond.

Likely the only existing photograph of UrchFunk. Believed to have been taken at the Urchfont Village Hall in 1973.

They were simply excuses, the man dressed in worn purple corduroys and flowery dagger collar shirt, informed me. He explained how the folk club encouraged the entire village and council to hide Urchfont’s funky disco days, as it was considered untraditional and could radicalise the young people of the village into wearing sequined jumpsuits.

โ€œHoy,โ€ he said, โ€œonce eye bee argh boogie singer, playin’ in argh rock-and-roll band, see? Never โ€˜ard no prublems, me, yer nose, ganderflankinโ€™ down thar one-night stands, like. N everything arand me gart ter start ter feelin’ so low, so eye decided quickly, yarp, eye dids, ter disco down anโ€™ check art thar show, praper jarb!โ€

1973: Parliament-Funkadelic visits Clinton in Urchfont

Once settled down from his excitement of my arrival, the old man continued with his amazing story. Clinton tried to organise a funk festival in the village which he called the Afro-Festival, which the old man claimed once Clinton left for America the parish council changed the name of it to the Scarecrow Festival. The outside gig around the pond, Disco Balls Around the Pond was swiftly changed to Candles Around the Pond, and the villageโ€™s connection to funk was forever swept under the carpet, save for when the wind blows south east across Sleight.

I remain steadfast that this forgotten past of Urchfont should be exposed, and celebrated; the village should be proud of it’s funky past. Therefore, Iโ€™m glad to be able to finally publish this information after many years of research, today, the 1st April 2025.ย ย 

Devizes Auctioneers Henry Aldridge and Son Relocating to Old Emporium

Renowned Devizes auctioneers and valuers, Henry Aldridge and Son announced today they are relocating their auction rooms to The Old Emporium, a Grade II listed property that backs onto the iconic 16th Century St Johnโ€™s Alley, which, as a long-running gift shop, sadly closed last monthโ€ฆ..

In 2024 the company sold the two highest-priced items at auction outside of London. Andrew Aldridge, Managing Director commented, โ€œWe feel moving to the centre of Devizes shows our commitment to the community and hope that our international reputation will bring a number of new visitors to the town.โ€

Henry Aldridge and Son has a global reputation for selling iconic historical memorabilia, from a watch from the Titanic for $2m to the Worldโ€™s First Christmas Card, and in moving to the Old Emporium, they will be selling history within a unique setting which they believe will be one of if not the oldest Auction Room in the UK.

Looking for the right property for two years, Henry Aldridge and Son say that the old Emporium is โ€œperfect.โ€ Its location dates from the early 16th Century, before Henry VIII came to the throne and over 150 years before the English Civil War. The opportunity to move to this unique location in the centre of Devizes, a town described by Poet Laureate John Betjeman as having the โ€˜Perfect Market Placeโ€™, was โ€œone we had to grab with both hands. We will remain at our present Bath Road site until later this year, and the first auction in our new premises will be Titanic and Iconic Memorabilia in the autumn of 2025. Once our renovation is complete we will be running free jewellery and collectibles valuation days on Market Day at The Old Emporium, giving clients access to our specialist valuers.โ€

JP Oldfield Meets The Devil’s Doorbell at the Cellar Bar

To suggest I’m knowledgeable about the music of the 1920s because I lived through the era is plain cheeky, though I wouldn’t put it past you! I like to think I know just enough to hold my own in a drunken waffle on the subject. Such is that Jellylegs Johnson suggested a resurgence of 1920s jazz was pending, to which I agreed, or at least I would appreciate it if it was soโ€ฆ.

Cos I love digging to discover the roots of music, although I cannot be certain a gig of the era resembled what occurred down the Bear’s Cellar Bar last night, even if it was labelled thus, but it was an entertaining night for sure. This much is guaranteed whenever The Devil’s Doorbell has moored nearby.

Yeah, that’s right, I said The Cellar Bar, that central cobblestoned cosy dungeon which holds as many fond memories for Devizions than it does history. It feels great to be down there, as it’s been a while, and this sentiment is shared with the modest audience.

Backstory to why we’re here goes, after our interview with Devizesโ€™ rising star of kazoo-blowing, suitcase drumming idiosyncratic delta blues, JP Oldfield, he landed a gig at Chippenham’s Old Road Tavern supporting the bonkers jazz skiffle duo and boaterโ€™s royalty of double-entendres, Devil’s Doorbell.

Being he was unaware of them at the time, I assured Josh he was in apt company. For if JP’s style is quirky, Nipper, a freewheeling James Baskett/George Formby crossover, and Jellylegs Johnson in sequined hot pants, feathered flapper girl headband and marigolds, audaciously but not impudently salvage long-lost rags, nuggets of bebop and gypsy jazz with tenor ukuleles, a kazzumpet, and Jellylegs on a bass handmade from a washtub and broom handleโ€ฆ and that’s beyond averagely quirky!

It’s also a hard act for anyone to follow, as the agenda was switched for Nipper and Jellylegs to open the show JP Oldfield had arranged. They rang the doorbell for surety, with their unique cheeky tunes and banter, which Jellylegs told me afterwards are often assumed to be of their own pen, rather than outrageous long-lost 78s of a golden jazz era. It’s always a pleasure to hear them play, and so playful with the circus-cabaret they are, it’s infectious.

JP contends with more sombre moods versus a need to be jocular, but his ability to find that perfect balance is his unique spin on delta blues, that and using a kazoo where a harmonica is usually positioned, and both are something blossoming with each gig. His masterwork to date, The Ghost of Spring-heeled Jack is the verification of this balance.

I don’t believe confidence was ever an issue for JP, but that’s grown too, and he proficiently pulled a stunning set of originals and rare covers, neatly chosen to compliment those of his own labour; Tainted Love perhaps not so rare, but with added kazoo, welcomed!

Though on this occasion JP proved he’s no one trick pony as he turned to harmonica for a song, and excused himself for any amateur delivery of it, which was unnecessary as it was sublimely done. As was his entire set.

If we fondly reviewed his debut EP last month, JP Oldfield astutely replicated the magic on stage and guided the crowd to his chosen mood. Likewise, we fondly reviewed Devil’s Doorbell live recording from Trowbridgeโ€™s Pump a couple of years ago, and their excellent stage presence sticks like mud. Two acts, complimenting in a manner others might find it tricky to do, makes for an entertaining night, which it was, and back in the Tin Pan Alley days of yore, of course instruments were handmade or secondhand, salvaged from wherever they could be sourced.

Maybe a gig in the 1920s wouldn’t have been so different to this after all, as both JP and the Devil’s Doorbell are authentic enough and value the retrospection, and when sprinkled with this fun element, does it even matter?!

Killers, Catalysts and Devizes Author Dave McKennaโ€™s New Novelette

On impulse I speculated, just short of a quarter way through this book and at the conjunction the format of the narrative is sussed, that if the author, Devizesโ€™ Dave McKenna, has a favourite Quentin Tarantino film it might be my favourite too, the lesser acclaimed Jackie Brown. Not for its plagiarism of blaxploitation nor usage of derogatory slangs, rather for the multiple point-of-view conclusion, because The Killer & The Catalyst follows this formula throughout, and this is what makes it engagingโ€ฆ.

This and breakneck volatility, conspiracy inducing, disloyal and sadistic action from nearly every character and the intense velocity itโ€™s all delivered with. Coincidently, Dave cites Tarantino as an influence at the back matter, alongside Harlan Coben and Stephen King. Some of the bookโ€™s settings are drawn from actual features and places in Devizes. Most commonly the now closed and speculated as haunted Roundway psychiatric hospital, and an alley besides it in which Dave elucidates his inspiration for the storyโ€™s events set there were developed from a real incident at the location. Itโ€™s with these eerie settings, familiar if youโ€™re local, I find understanding for citing King as an influence, especially to begin with; it feels like a horror, yet while the book has an unnerving ambience, a crime thriller might better pigeonhole it.

It’s causally written in a loose style with nothing academic about it, making it simple to digest, as if the narrator is on equal level to the characters, as if rambling the yarn to his mate in the pub. Breathes a sense of reality into it; the characters talk like you and I, therefore you identity, why not the narrator too? I like this relaxed and contemporary approach, particularly suits the plot and macho target audience; lads need to read more, and if thatโ€™s the case, this might be the book for them. Hyper popcorn-munching movie violence fashion this is.

Apostrophes are used instead of speech marks. This, and the abbreviation of okay to โ€˜OKโ€™ out of speech makes the grammar police inside me cringe, to be honest. Such usages and the out of speech line, โ€œThat was a piece of piss,โ€ implies this is hardly Dickens quality! But Iโ€™m willing to overlook and ignore these niggly criticisms for this book, because Dave McKenna can weave a story, dammit. He can evoke an appropriate mood within his readers, twist it, and he can suspend you on the edge of your seat. That makes him an author, not an ability to whisk long and misunderstood words (like wot I do to make me sound more intelligent than I is!)

Identifying the protagonist from the antagonist is questionable, when this periodic method of returning to the same opening scene with each point-of-view occurs, and thatโ€™s genius and a narrative difficult to construct. It conveys everything is not as it might seem from the angle of each individual and engages you into understanding the bigger picture. That is what makes The Killer & The Catalyst an absorbing and worthwhile read.

With the current state of the literature industry being itโ€™s who you are rather than how good you can write, I wouldnโ€™t imagine finding this on a supermarket shelf alongside ghost-written celebrity autobiographies. This is an example proving the asset of self-publishing, that which a mainstream publisher wouldnโ€™t touch, doesnโ€™t mean a person hasnโ€™t got an exceptional story to tell and the ability in which to write it, it simply means itโ€™s not commercially viable.

People merely need to be brave and take a lucky dip on a rising author, rather than accept what Waterstones throw at them. The Killer & The Catalyst is the good example of this, should you wish to be held in suspense and driven to question which characters were right and which were wrong, not forgoing indulging in some nasty scenes of violence to boot!

You can get The Killer & The Catalyst as paperback or Kindle on Amazon, or pop into Devizes Books for this page-turner, and youโ€™ll look forward to reading future yarns of Dave McKenna, of that Iโ€™m certain.

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You; Lucas Hardy Teams With Rosie Jay

One of Salisburyโ€™s most celebrated acoustic folk-rock singer-songwriters Lucas Hardy teams up with the Wiltshire cityโ€™s upcoming talent who’s name is on everyoneโ€™s lips,โ€ฆ

by Darren Worrow

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Bits of Elation; Chatting with The Belladonna Treatment

One of Swindon’s premier grunge pop-punkers, The Belladonna Treatment released their debut single, Bits of Elation, with London-based SODEH Records earlier this month. I spoke about the single, the band and local circuits with the bassist in the band, Ian James, as he was the most punctual at a recent gig at the Vic!

Bits of Elation is fifteen seconds under a three-minute-hero which doesnโ€™t come up for air, compensates for those missing seconds with a dynamic and retrospective Ramones-fashioned riff and the feelgood vibe of pop-punk this side of the millennium.

It is far from the Belladonna Treatmentโ€™s first outing to a recording studio, there was a single last year The Torture Garden, and a three-track EP called Pleasure from 2023, which cherry-picks the best elements of many punk subgenres and moulds them into an imitable and infectious house style. Though Ian expressed working with SODEH has opened doors for the band popular in Swindon, evidently blossoming elsewhere. โ€œItโ€™s being played on radio stations in Belgium, Brazil, USA and Canada,โ€ he told me with delight.

The Belladonna Treatment I witnessed live once, in awe at how they rammed the Castle with adoring fans at Swindon Shuffle. Tonight they play a double-header with I See Orange, who alongside Liddington Hill and a number of others usually on this burgeoning Swindon grunge scene, have turned my head toward the subgenre which passed me by at its inception, save Smells Like Teen Spirit. The Belladonna Treatment are ahead of this game, their appeal is universal and seemingly not confined to aficionados of the grunge subgenre. That was clearly evident at the Castle gig, but other than playing Minety last year, I rarely see their name pop up on local circuits other than Old Townโ€™s lively route of The Vic, Castle and Beehive.

Understanding thereโ€™s a number of local grassroots venues where The Belladonna Treatment would fit like a glove, I was surprised to note they hadnโ€™t yet ventured to Trowbridgeโ€™s Pump, Bradford-on-Avonโ€™s Three Horseshoes or even Chippenhamโ€™s Old Road Tavern. I pondered on bands which seem to get stuck in certain fanbase circuits, despite being fully deserved to be showcased across the county and beyond. โ€œIt all depends on what everyone wants to do,โ€ Ian began, โ€œthings like this pop up and itโ€™s nice to do them, but we do want to expand and do other gigs.โ€

โ€œIt is very easy to get stuck into that circuit, of doing the Castle, and those,โ€ he expanded, โ€œbut itโ€™s nice to get out too. I mean, we played a gig in London at the end of January; a cracking venue, which James put together. There were other bands there, all different, but it was a brilliant show, packed out. We were two or three under the bill, so there were loads of other bandโ€™s fans watching us and we can get more followers this way.โ€

Guitarist James has recently moved to London, hence the opportunities for gigs there, but originally the band were all from Stratton, and knew of each other prior to forming The Belladonna Treatment just over two years ago. โ€œLee and James accidentally got together about five years ago, wrote some songs and went around as an acoustic duo, but weโ€™ve all known each other our whole lives. Then they decided they wanted to get a band together. I hadnโ€™t seen either of them for about twenty years, but I was getting back into playing. Stu, our drummer has been around in lots of other bands, played Glastonbury and stuff like that, and again, weโ€™ve known him, and for the last two and a half years we’ve been playing as a full band.โ€

The Belladonna Treatment have been honing their sound since, and Ian felt Bits of Elation is a milestone. Pigeonholing their style he cited Nirvana and The Manic Street Preachers as influences they grew up on, and also mentioned Bowie, โ€œbut if you listen to the songs theyโ€™re melodic, itโ€™s not just head down thrash punk, itโ€™s more melody-orientated, grunge too. That’s why we like playing with I See Orange, thereโ€™s a whole nineties feel about us, similar to them.โ€

We rapped over the idea of levelling off the thrashed out element for a more melodic preference might once have been considered as โ€œselling out,โ€ in punkโ€™s heyday, rather now itโ€™s more of a natural progression and causing the sound to become viable to a wider audience. โ€œIt can do,โ€ Ian agreed, โ€œitโ€™s also a case of, you want to sell more records and if you want to be popular, you have to do this.โ€ Such progression is kingpin to crowds turning up at the Vic tonight and ramming the Castle at The Shuffle, knowing thereโ€™s a motivated band which rocks!

So I threw in the labour of love concept, and we talked cheerfully about while theyโ€™re sharpening their style to suit wider appeal, theyโ€™re also determined to strive for individuality, create their own methodology and not clone existing successful bands. Ian spoke of three new songs ready for release, the snowballing of radio plays and their determination to accomplish wider appeal, โ€œthatโ€™s what weโ€™re going for.โ€ 

It was great to meet Ian, and the rest of the band briefly, when they turned up! Dadโ€™s taxi was on duty and I could only remain until the end of the Wildcats game, unfortunately missing the gig. A valid reason for highlighting bands seemingly confined locally to our larger towns and encouraging venues to book them around here, because you only need to stream some of their infectious tunes to see what I mean, and why The Belladonna Treatment should be popping up at grassroots venues across the UK, at the very least; fingers and toes crossed.  

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Bands At The Bridge

Organised by Kingston Media – to raise money for Dorothy House and Wiltshire Air Ambulance – the 3rd of May saw Bands At The Bridgeโ€ฆ

Phil Cooper is Playing Solitaire

Trowbridge singer-songwriter and one third of The Lost Trades, Phil Cooper has actually been doing more than playing solitaire, heโ€™s released a new solo albumโ€ฆ

No Alarms No Devizes, Aptly in Devizes!

If I’ve been galavanting recently, gorging on other local townโ€™s live music scenes, what better way to return to Devizes than a visit to theโ€ฆ

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Situationships With Chloe Hepburn

A second single from Swindon Diva Chloe Hepburn, Situationships was released this week. With a deep rolling bassline, finger-click rhythm and silky soulful vocals, this is the definite RnB sound of now, with nods to nineties RnB like Macy Gray and Mary J. Bligeโ€ฆ.

Though this is fresh, I believe itโ€™s fair to compare Chloe to such RnB queens, for the elements are composed accordingly; the poignant relationship prose of passionate writing, and the sensual tone expressed simply both rinse out those sombre amatory vibes commonly associated with the genre, especially with female vocalists.

Chloe Iโ€™ve just discovered, but itโ€™s an immediate like from me. Soul is not the typical style we find much of here, therefore when it does youโ€™ve got to take it on the hip and make the most of it! Itโ€™s been six months since her last single On The Run, which takes a slightly more ballard approach, and followed by a five track EP called 7 Months, tending towards a pop sound, and that RnB style reliant on and spliced with dancehall, and even house. But, when youโ€™ve finished listening to the moreish Situationships, youโ€™re duty bound by your ears to delve deeper into Chloeโ€™s back catalogue.

But more importantly, now we know of Chloe Hepburn we look forward to hearing what she will do next, as I believe this emerging soul artist has not yet reached her peak, and we need to be there when she does. Situationships filled me with the confidence Chloe is destined for greater things. Itโ€™s a gorgeous single, oozing with potential and only trickling with the necessities to produce something groundbreaking.

Linktree Here

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 youโ€™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:

Ruby, Sunday at the Gate

It’s a rarity that I should drag myself off the sofa on a Sunday these days, one usually reserved for the monthly Jon Amor Trio residency at The Southgate. But beyond doubt my favourite young singer-songwriter right now, Ruby Darbyshire, is down my favourite watering hole, and such an occasion would be unmissable even if she did it weekly; twist my arm, why don’t you?!

This raw and self-disciplined talent when I discovered Ruby a little under two years ago was so breathtaking it caused me to state, โ€œRubyโ€™s music will grow into a phenomenon, and you need to hear it blossoming.โ€ I’m honoured to note it’s quoted on her website, one which everyone took heed of, on our local scene and beyond, and one which we can safely convert to past tense; Ruby’s music has blossomed and is now phenomenal.

Everyone was held spellbound throughout, this is now standard protocol wherever Ruby plays. Though Ruby remains modest and โ€œshowyโ€ simply doesn’t equate for her performances, alongside her refined multi-instrumentalism, her confidence to present herself and engage with an audience has accelerated to level up with the naturally sublime soulful voice she’s blessed with. A voice which may be kingpin to her excellence, but is really only the cherry on a cake with top marks all round.

A cake which covers virtuosos Nina Simone to Freddie Mercury, and makes them her own homages, then flips to bring Rag’n’Bone Man’s magnum opus to an older audience, and slides her own compositions in so effectively it’s divinelyย  encapsulating. Then, there’s the additional nods to her Scottish roots; folk sing-a-longs and her distinctive introduction to the second half of her set, with bagpipes. Even if you know it’s coming, you’ll never tire of it or any of it because that’s simply the magic Ruby brings to any venue.ย  Ruby Darbyshire is the whole deal now.

Headline Tickets For Devizes Arts Festival Available Now, And What Else is to Come?!

Tickets for the headline acts at Devizes Arts Festival are up for grabs now, and the rest will follow for general release on April 28th, unless you become a โ€˜friendโ€™ of the festival, in which case it will be the 7th Aprilโ€ฆand why wouldnโ€™t you?!

We all love Devizes Arts Festival here at Devizine, which opens on Friday 30st May and runs right up to Sunday 15th June. If you promise not to go breaking my heart, Iโ€™ll tell you whatโ€™s happening thereโ€ฆyeah, I know, you couldnโ€™t if you tried!!

The festival opens with headliners, Kiki Dee & Carmelo Luggeri at the Corn Exchange on the evening of Friday 30th, and an exhibition by local landscape artist David Oโ€™Connor, who draws inspiration from Paul Nash, and ceramicist Richard Phethean. The exhibit will run throughout the festival at White Chalk Gallery in the Old Swan Yard.

Saturday 31st May sees multi-award-winning teacher, composer and organist Chris Totney returning to Devizes to give this yearโ€™s Festival Organ Recital; one of the very first times youโ€™ll get to experience the new pipe organ that has taken the best part of a year to install in St Johns Church. Followed by one of the UKโ€™s finest Latin bands, Kโ€™Chevere, at the Corn Exchange.ย 

Sunday 1st June, thereโ€™s a walk with Judy Hible of Wiltshire Geology Group, and furniture-maker Stewart Linford hosts a fascinating and informative talk on โ€œLuxury in Woodโ€ at the Peppermill (free fringe event.) But all eyes will be on the skies, when space scientist and BAFTA-nominated presenter of โ€œThe Sky at Nightโ€ Maggie Aderin-Pocock, pops in for an inspiring exploration of the universe.

Monday 2nd is time to get interactive, in a writing session with members of Devizes Writersโ€™ Group, exploring writing fiction or nonfiction, one of the first workshops at the festival this year. Tuesday sees an enthralling and earth-moving evening of gardening talk with TVโ€™s top gardener Frances Tophill. Wednesday is the turn of bestselling crime and thriller writer Felix Francis, for a fascinating talk on mysteries in the world of thoroughbred horse-racing. And Conan Doyle expert David Stuart Daviesโ€™ โ€˜Sherlock Holmes: The Last Act,โ€™ directed by award-winning director Gareth Armstrong, plays at the Wharf Theatre, with a second performance on Thursday. Also find guitarist and singer-songwriterAnna Ling at St Andrews on Thursday.

Friday 6th, join Rowdeโ€™s only botanical artist and author, Ann Swan, for a workshop in her studio, while ceramicist Keith Brymer Jones will talk about his life as a creative potter and his experiences as a judge of The Great Pottery Throwdown at The Corn Exchange.

Saturday 7th June, and youโ€™ll find the Sunday Times bestselling author of โ€œMiss Austenโ€, Gill Hornby talking with Mark Jones from Fantasy Radio, a demonstration by the Devizes Regency Dancers (free fringe event,) and an electrifying country show with all-female Country Chicks.

Another walk on Sunday, gosh, they do like their Sunday walks, this time with Wiltshire Wildlife Trustโ€™s Nick Self, conservation lead for North Wiltshire. Then itโ€™s over to The British Lion for some Welsh frontier roots music with Whiskey River, (free fringe event.)

Monday 9th June you can join print-maker Hannah Cantellow at her Printmaking Studio in Rowde, or learn some crossword secrets from Times Puzzle Master Tim Moorey, who has been solving Times crosswords for over 50 years, on Tuesday. Tuesday also sees virtuoso clarinettist Sarah Williamson and soloist and chamber musician Simon Callaghan.

Wednesday 11th sees singer-songwriter Miranda Pender presenting a darkly humorous talk which includes five original songs based around some of the more bizarre stories unearthed from her family history. And Two Queens, One Nation at the Wharf Theatre, Miriam Cooperโ€™s one-woman show exploring the unavoidable collision of dynamic sovereigns and cousins, Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots.

Photographer and naturalist Stephen Davis is at the Cheese Hall on Thursday 12th, and jazz saxophonist Julian Costello brings his quartet to the Town Hall.

Friday is comedy night as Mark โ€˜Taskmasterโ€™ Watson, celebrates twenty years in standup. Multi-award-winner, YouTube cult figure, Radio 4 favourite and recently โ€˜Baby Reindeerโ€™ actor, Mark comes to Devizes after seasons at the Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Edinburgh comedy festivals.

Author of English Civil War historical fiction series โ€˜Divided Kingdomโ€™, Charles Cordell is with us on Saturday 14th June. His writing has received high praise in editorial and readersโ€™ reviews alike, his latest novel, โ€˜The Keys of Hell and Deathโ€™, is set between Wiltshire and Somerset in July 1643. Followed by the Bath Male Choir in St Johns, and Torbayโ€™s five-piece 80s party band Riviera Dogs at the Corn Exchange.

For the final day of Devizes Arts Festival, Sunday 15th June, author Charles Cordell finishes his talk with a guided walk and discussion of the Siege of Devizes in July 1643. Journalist, writer, and experienced skydiver Sally Smith is at Devizes Books talking about her book โ€˜Magnificent Women and Flying Machines.โ€™ And Bath-based instrumental jazz-infused blend of Levantine mystery, Balkan passion and Latin rhythms quintetย  Radio Banska bring the Arts Festival to a dynamic close at the Cellar Bar. Both of these last two events are free fringe events.

Tickets for the headliners are on sale now, all others will be on sale from HERE on April 28th.

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Soupchick in the Park

And there was me thinking nothing good comes out of a Monday! Today local bistro Soupchick, popular in the Devizesโ€™ Shambles opened their second branch,โ€ฆ

Keep reading

Family Easter Holiday Events

Devizine isn’t only about music and gigs for grownups, y’know? It’s about events for everyone. This Easter we’ve lots of things to do over theโ€ฆ

Keep reading

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Take Our Wiltshire Pothole or Moon Crater Quiz Challenge!!

Can You Find The Wiltshire Potholes From The Moon Craters?!

Now, at Devizine Towers we are far too mature and sensible to mock Wiltshire Councilโ€™s sterling efforts to repair our road defects by jumping on the bandwagons of chalking phallic symbolism around our countyโ€™s potholes, playing pitch and putt in them, or creating memeโ€™s with a drowning Leonardo DiCaprio. But we thought a fun game for all the family might be some harmless entertainment; at least, far more harmless than driving on our roads….

Can you distinguish the pictures of potholes on Wiltshireโ€™s roads between those pictures of moon craters?! It’s not as easy as it looks, kids! Would you know which of these images to report on the MyWilts app, or NASA?!

Thereโ€™s ten pictures below, carefully cropped and in grayscale to avoid clues, like vaguely painted road markings, or little green aliens. If you do need a clue, I can tell you, there’s more Wiltshire pot holes than there are moon craters; we like to keep things real on Devizine!

See how many you can correctly guess in our pothole or moon crater challenge!

Find the answers below, if I can remember myself which ones are which!!

NO PEEKING!!

Question 1: Pothole or Moon Crater?

Question 2: Pothole or Moon Crater?

Question 3: Pothole or Moon Crater?

Question 4: Pothole or Moon Crater?

Question 5: Pothole or Moon Crater?

Question 6: Pothole or Moon Crater?

Question 7: Pothole or Moon Crater?

Question 8: Pothole or Moon Crater?

Question 9: Pothole or Moon Crater?

Question 10: Pothole or Moon Crater? Tricky one to finish on!

Answers: 1- pothole, 2- pothole, 3- moon crater, 4- pot hole, 5-pot hole, 6-moon crater, 7-tricky one this, but it is a moon crater we found on the Poulshot road, 8- pot hole, 9- moon crater, 10- unless Neil Armstrong took a traffic cone with him, we strongly suspect it’s a pot hole, but who can be sure? I reckon you’ve taken a traffic cone to the moon in the past after a few too many shandies, or maybe just to the end of your cul-de-sac.

Mark your own papers, I trust you, but deduct a point for every traffic cone you’ve woken up with, cuddling in your bed, you silly drunken sausages.

๐€ ๐๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ญ ๐จ๐Ÿ ๐Œ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ข๐œ ๐š๐ง๐ ๐Œ๐ž๐š๐ง๐ข๐ง๐ : ๐…๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ญ๐จ๐ง๐ž ๐Ž๐ซ๐œ๐ก๐ž๐ฌ๐ญ๐ซ๐š ๐š๐ญ ๐“๐ž๐ฐ๐ค๐ž๐ฌ๐›๐ฎ๐ซ๐ฒ ๐€๐›๐›๐ž๐ฒ

Review by Pip Aldridge

Last week, I had the privilege of seeing the Fulltone Orchestra perform at the beautiful Tewkesbury Abbey beneath the Peace Doves art installation.…

The entire concert was breathtaking, divided into two halves. The first featured a mixture of orchestral pieces and solos, beginning with the theme from Blue Planet, which was my favourite piece of the evening. The acoustics of the church, combined with the sheer talent of the orchestra, completely captivated the audience. It felt as though, if you closed your eyes, you could almost believe you were watching the programme itself.

This half included a range of music, including a stunning violin solo that provided a striking contrast to the rest of the programme. It concluded with a wonderful rendition of Youโ€™ll Never Walk Alone, which was the perfect piece to lead into the second half.

The second half featured Karl Jenkinsโ€™ The Peacemakers, performed by the Fulltone Chorus and Orchestra. There was a fascinating contrast between the different pieces – some were slow and melodic, while others were more rousing and intense. Many had African and Celtic influences, with a driving beat towards the end.

To me, it felt as though the music gradually built in intensity, symbolising the lengths to which people will go in their pursuit of peace. The concert ended with a powerful crescendo that left me feeling both hopeful and deeply moved. Performing this music beneath the Peace Doves installation felt so intentional and uplifting; hearing music about striving for peace in such a setting truly enhanced the experience.

The variety of music worked beautifully together, giving the impression that it represented the world itself – how it changes and how our approaches to peace evolve over time. The inclusion of words from great peace leaders such as Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King Jr. made the performance feel deeply personal, yet simultaneously vast in its significance.

This was my first time attending a concert of this kind, and I found it profoundly moving. The passion and dedication of the performers were evident in every note, and I experienced a wide range of emotions throughout. If you ever have the opportunity to see the Fulltone Orchestra and Chorus in one of their upcoming projects, I would highly recommend it – it is a truly special experience.

The last one is in Bath Abbey on the 15th March. You should go. 

Pip is sixteen and studying film at college, with the hope of becoming a journalist. We wish Pip all the best with her career and are grateful for allowing us to publish this insightful and brilliantly written review.

CUDS, Devizes Town Litter Pick for GB Spring Clean

Clean Up Devizes invites you to help with a town littler pick for the GB Spring Clean on 22nd March. The Litter Pick is open to everyone to take part in, equipment can be borrowed on the day. CUDS have pledged to pick up 100 black bags of litter this year which is up from 75 bags last yearโ€ฆ..ย 

On the day people just need to turn up at The Green opposite Morrisons at 10am, they’ll be split up into small groups of 3 or 4 people, and have litter picking routes to go on. The litter pick ends at 12:30, but coordinators Shirley and George tell me, โ€œthey can do as much as they feel able to do, and it’s open to everyone to take part in. We hope that families, neighbours, friends, etc, will all take part!โ€.

Just pledging to fill one bag can make a big difference to the town we love!

Coupled with a Devizes Swap Shop at St James Church on the same Saturday, where you can donate clothes, toys, books, games, crafts, and house plants, swap or take some as you need, itโ€™s going to be a very green day in Devizes! See the poster below for details.

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Situationships With Chloe Hepburn

A second single from Swindon Diva Chloe Hepburn, Situationships was released this week. With a deep rolling bassline, finger-click rhythm and silky soulful vocals, thisโ€ฆ

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Hells Bells! AC/DC tribute in Devizes

With our roads being the state theyโ€™re in, is it any wonder on the 5th April Hells Bells, rated as the UKโ€™s top AC/DC tribute, are taking the highway to hell, via Devizes Corn Exchange?! But they are! Better to be thunderstruck than burst a tyreโ€ฆ..

Hells Bells are Europe’s longest established AC/DC Tribute Band who have performed all over the UK as well as Portugal, Austria, Russia, Belgium, Czech Republic and the Middle East since 1996.

And theyโ€™re bringing Dead Zebras, who claim not to be your typical rock revivalists. They’ve mastered the art of blending eighties nostalgia with a fresh, modern sound, and creating a cocktail that sounds like a wild ride in a DeLorean with a Van Halen soundtrack, apparently!

Tickets are a snip at ยฃ15, which you can grab online here, and Let There Be Rock!!

Soupchick to Take Over The Hillworth Park Cafe

Weโ€™re delighted to hear Anya & Marc of the fantastically tasty Soupchick in the Devizes Shambles are to take over the cafe at Hillworth Park. โ€œWe are excitedly expanding by taking on that little gem of Hillworth Cafe. We aim to source most of our produce as locally as possible to benefit the local economy and to be sustainable,โ€ said Anyaโ€ฆ.

It is hoping to be going ahead in April, and the dynamic soup duo intend to have a grand opening; watch this space! I supposed to Marc that the cafe at the park cafe seemed to sell mainly cakes, chocolate, teas and soft drinks, many of which one could nip around the corner and buy cheaper from the Hillworth Store. Soupchick would be a game changer.

โ€œThatโ€™s what weโ€™re hoping,โ€ Marc replied, โ€œAnya has loads of ideas. We will start with a bit of caution, but of course will do hot food, and alcohol, but weโ€™re really excited to see what we can do!โ€

Soupchick made an appeal for information today, already using Heritage Fine Foods, Lower Field Farm Meats in Coate, coffee roasted in Warminster and fresh fruit and veg from the Thursday Market, they need suggestions for reasonably priced back ups to guarantee a smooth flow. They are looking for local fruit and veg wholesalers, particularly interested in juicing oranges, salad veg growers, and cheesemakers, particularly feta style, cheddar & halloumi style cheeses. Contact them via Facebook.

We wish them the very best of luck with the project, but I grew concerned; would I still be able to get my soup fix in the Shambles and sit in the lovely Valentina art gallery opposite to eat it?! โ€œOh yes,โ€ Marc assured me, โ€œwe are keeping the Shambles going, I like being in town.โ€ We like being in town too, Marc, we like that you like being in town, and I hope you like that we like that you like being in town, andโ€ฆ oh, just lace me with some beef & mushroom stroganoff to stop my over excited waffling, hint, hint!!

If Devizes can have two Greggs, it can have two Soupchicks too!!!!

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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. Theโ€ฆ

Ruby, Sunday at the Gate

It’s a rarity that I should drag myself off the sofa on a Sunday these days, one usually reserved for the monthly Jon Amor Trioโ€ฆ

๐€ ๐๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ญ ๐จ๐Ÿ ๐Œ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ข๐œ ๐š๐ง๐ ๐Œ๐ž๐š๐ง๐ข๐ง๐ : ๐…๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ญ๐จ๐ง๐ž ๐Ž๐ซ๐œ๐ก๐ž๐ฌ๐ญ๐ซ๐š ๐š๐ญ ๐“๐ž๐ฐ๐ค๐ž๐ฌ๐›๐ฎ๐ซ๐ฒ ๐€๐›๐›๐ž๐ฒ

Review by Pip Aldridge Last week, I had the privilege of seeing the Fulltone Orchestra perform at the beautiful Tewkesbury Abbey beneath the Peace Dovesโ€ฆ

Hells Bells! AC/DC tribute in Devizes

With our roads being the state theyโ€™re in, is it any wonder on the 5th April Hells Bells, rated as the UKโ€™s top AC/DC tribute,โ€ฆ

Cracked Machine at The Southgate

If many space-rock acts have more band member changes than most other musicians change their socks, Hawkwind are the exemplar of the tendency. There might be some scientific theory for this, equally there may not. What is more probable is that it is an occupational hazard for members to get as lost in space as Dr. Zachary Smith. Cracked Machine, here tonight to provide the entertainment at the Devizesโ€™ Southgate, are also prone to getting through some keyboardists and drummers, though if the lead guitarist-frontman and bassist remain steadfast, this propensity is not the only element to them comparable with Hawkwind, and thatโ€™s a good thing in my opinionโ€ฆ..

If youโ€™ve any hazy recollection of a maintaining a horizontal posture in a bedroom for the duration of a scratched long player with a gatefold sleeve, staring at patterns either in the mould on the wall or blu-tacked Mandelbrot set posters covering them up, in a smoky haze proportionate to your memories and stenching of wood burner and red Leb, whether only with a bong for a friend or a few stragglers with no more conversation than the bong, save a few comments like โ€œoh wow, man, can you see it?!โ€ then Cracked Machine is the band to seek such fond memories, and bring them to the forefront of your fragile cerebral cortex, through a preponderance of sublime bassy rock bliss.

For if space-rock is a natural progression from Led Zeppelin, Flyod or Hendrixโ€™s overextended bridges of swirling sonic electric guitar skullduggery and wobbly sound effects, Cracked Machine nailed it some years ago and show no sign of altering their methodology. In fact, the tendency is to get harder. Though Hawkwind allowed vocals, Fromeโ€™s Ozric Tentacles may be a better comparison for space-rock aficionados.

In this, itโ€™s been some years since Iโ€™ve caught up with them live, despite reviewing albums one, two and three. It was left up to Ben Niamor and Andy Fawthrop to review their last two appearances at the Southgate, respectively in November 2022, and October 2018. For me, I will always have the 2019 Devizes Street Festival, when Pete of Vinyl Realm paid and hosted our local stage idea on the corner of St Johnโ€™s and townsfolk slow-roasted on deckchairs while Cracked Machineโ€™s definitive sound caressed their very souls. But while Cracked Machineโ€™s lineup has changed since then, their devotion to the sound and ability to knock it out to the shimmering rafters, isnโ€™t. 

In that, I knew what I was letting myself in for. It was another one of those birthday things for me, which always seems to charge me with ever-increasing speed. There wasnโ€™t actually much else happening in town Saturday night, much I wouldโ€™ve missed this for a wanton jig to Motown or some-other such-like, elsewhere. Suppose I had the option to go down the Bin afterwards, but as it was advised by Vince Bell who I met on the bus, such a recommendation had to be taken with a pinch of salt, and was best at 52 to get a taxi direct to my duvet! For a while there though, it was a party, as it is in The Southgate, with itโ€™s no frills hospitable atmosphere, affordable range of drinks, and general โ€œproper pubโ€ tenet. The affectionately dubbed โ€œGateโ€ doesnโ€™t change like band members of a space-rock band, and itโ€™s a cracking party there more often than not.

Tom Harris kicked off the proceedings with his guitar, belting vocals and the expressions of a hyperalgesic at the dentist. Impossible to fault, Tom delivers the banter as well as his songs, divides covers equally from originals, so if heโ€™s not charming an emotive blues ballad of his own pen, itโ€™s perhaps a scatological one or heโ€™s made amusing entertainment from a slyly chosen cover. Rob Thomasโ€™ Santana summer smoothie reflects the unusually clement climate for March, and Tenacious Dโ€™s hilarious Tribute was surely perfect for Tom, and he handled them with might, until drummer Gary Martin arrived from a support slot at the Pump with Clock Radio, and the main act was completed and ready to rock.

They didnโ€™t come up for air throughout these lengthy compositions of prog rock formulated instrumentals, and as a result of not taking advantage of the customary break, their set ran off too early. Landlord Dave encouraged them to pull something else out of the bag, saving the necessity of the crowdโ€™s cliche call for an encore, which you know wouldโ€™ve happened anyway. To which they considered how to continue, yet what elapsed was another drifting spacey masterpiece of fifteen minutes or more. We loved it.

If the template of Cracked Machineโ€™s sound is arguably narrow, and narrative is vague due to only being expressions of instruments, their nature is stylised, and works wonders, creating a spellbinding ambience. Cracked Machine are always welcomed by the Southgate regulars, for even if the pub strives to diversify, itโ€™s electric blues and prog rock which they favour, and this, with those wobbly keyboard noises and subtly placed samples, is simply a psychedelic progression from it which is decades old, yet Cracked Machine proves itโ€™s worth in the modern world.

Space rock, or acid rock, a direct descendant of Pink Floyd and Zepโ€™s tolkienesque The Battle of Evermore, also acts as the bridge from rock to electronica and ambient house, a bridge the guarding troll usually confounds most rock subgenres with a riddle and renders them unable to cross, thatโ€™s why I love it, and thatโ€™s while I will only have good things to say about Cracked Machine.

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Results of Salisbury Music Awards

All images: ยฉ๏ธ JS Terry Photography An awards ceremony to celebrate the outstanding musical talent within the city, aptly titled The 2024 Salisbury Music Awards,โ€ฆ

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Isnโ€™t She Lonely, New George Wilding Single

The second single from Georgeโ€™s sessions with Jolyon Dixon is out today, Isnโ€™t She Lonely. With the vaudeville ambience of Queenโ€™s later material and sprinkles of doo-wop at the intro, this whisps around crooners with subtler psychedelic undertones than usual. One could ask if this is tongue-in-cheek or a mature direction for George, to delve into post rock n roll influences, yet, of course, it retains, through its incredibly inventive uniqueness, the definitive George Wildingโ€ฆ..

For his fans itโ€™ll remind them somewhat of Terrible Little Secret from his decade past Being Ragdollian EP; how George is skillfully capable of frolicing vocally with the schlager of artists like Tony Christie, and remain cool throughout by splicing this music hall vibe ironically with a degree of melancholy in the narrative. It is, in short, impressive.

โ€œThe lyrics were born out of the idea of changing one letter of โ€˜Isnโ€™t She Lovelyโ€™ so it takes on this whole desperate air,โ€ George explained. โ€œIt goes from so celebratory to a real longing when you change it to โ€˜Lonely;โ€™ the instant flip side of love. When I wrote it I had it as a 60โ€™s thing in my head; think Bobby Veeโ€™s โ€˜Take Good Care of My Baby.โ€™โ€

George Wilding

My immediate reaction was Stevie Wonder was referring to his newborn daughter in the title, rather a romantic interlude, but this take only bears resemblance to it by title, and just like how George can make a cover his own, Isnโ€™t She Lonely is not in any way a parody of Wonderโ€™s 1978 hit. Though the commercially viable element rings home, and sticks. 

Just as Madonna did with True Blue, yesteryear pop hooks will be recalled and reused so not to be archived in an impenetrable chest, and in that they become timeless, precisely summing up this song. If the last single back in October, Signs of Life, bore elements of gothic and most definitely indie, this is George being more playful, different, yet still being George!

Isn’t She Lonely is across streaming platforms today….

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Favourite Waste of Time: Chatting with Owen Paul Ahead a Devizes 80s Gig

July 1986, Madonna was asking her papa not to preach, Chris De Burgh was fantasising about a lady in red, and they were the only two things preventing a feelgood summer cover called My Favourite Waste of Time reaching the top of the charts. It was recorded by Owen Paul, who arrives in Devizes for a โ€œtribute to the eightiesโ€ gig at the Corn Exchange on Friday 21st March. I caught up with him ahead of this, and we chatted merrily about the hit, his origins and influences, mullets and all things eighties, oh and what to expect from the showโ€ฆ.

After clearing up uncertainty over his two forenames, Owen is his, Paul derived from a younger brotherโ€™s name, we moved onto the way I envisioned this meeting. I imagined weโ€™d be dancing on some tropical beach in white sleeveless t-shirts and sporting mullets, as was the video to his pop smash.

โ€œYeah,โ€ he laughed, explaining about a gig last Saturday in Exeter with Radio 1 DJ Pat Sharp, โ€œit was the battle of the guy that used to be the world champion of the mullet people!โ€

A tropical theme was so eighties too, I said, from Wham to Blacklace, we all wanted to go on holiday, we all wanted to be on that beach in the My Favourite Waste of Time video. โ€œYou’re absolutely right,โ€ Owen responded, pointing out the gig last weekend was in a theatre called Tropicana. โ€œIt was one of the strangest shows I’ve ever done. Club Tropicana, just for the event, right? ย The show started at 2pm and run โ€˜till 8pm. I said to my manager, โ€˜weโ€™re gonna play in the afternoon?โ€™ She was like, โ€˜yeah. You do the thing in the afternoon, people come dressed in eighties clothes and they forget their lives for five minutes.โ€™ Apparently, itโ€™s a thing; adults like to go to a show between 2 and 6pm, so they can get back to watch Casualty!โ€

I assured Owen I must be the exception to that rule, but Owen was still giggling, โ€œor Strictly!โ€

But were the contents of the show like what we can expect to see in Devizes on the 21st, I had to ask. For the record, while tagged with the idiom โ€œone-hit-wonder,โ€ Owen is a prolific recording artist who is still releasing new original material; will he be playing these? โ€œEven though I still do songs, when it’s an eighties show like in Devizes, it’ll be full on eighties-tastic, girl singers, dancers, and weโ€™ll sing Bowie, U2, Deacon Blue, Crowded House and more.โ€

Time to drop my million-dollar question which had been floating around my excuse for a brain since knowing I was to chat with Owen. That the term one-hit-wonder, which Owen was bequeathed at the time, must be quite disparaging for an artist with a wealth of other works. I asked him how he felt about it at the time, and how he feels about the label now.

Not to blow my own trumpet, he replied, โ€œif I think of all the interviews I’ve done in recent times, that is the best question I’ve ever had! No one has ever asked that of me because they’re always scared. And youโ€™ve asked, so thatโ€™s fine. Iโ€™ve got to tell you the truthful answer, right? And I mean this with all my heart. I know a million acts whoโ€™ve never had a hit. And I have. That ahead gave me the doorway to be here forty years later, playing festivals all over the world. So I don’t think it’s disparaging at all. I think it’s a complete opposite. I think I’ve had a hit, when I know people more talented than me,โ€ Owen exampled a mildly successful Scottish band called The Blue Nile, โ€œthey had โ€˜Tinseltown in the Rain,โ€™ the closest thing to them having a hit, (reached No. 87 on the singles chart in 1984) Theyโ€™re an incredible act, but I had a smash that went global. They never had. So I don’t think of it as disparaging at all.โ€

In this I think Owen misunderstood my question, that it wasnโ€™t the having a one-hit-wonder which I thought might be disparaging, rather being labelled a one-hit-wonder which could be, but hey, it was a calculated and flattering response anyway!

Being Iโ€™m walking Owen down memory lane, I wanted to take him further back, being aside My Favourite Waste of Time being an acoustic guitar-led feelgood anthem delineating eighties pop, Wikipedia claims it was the Sex Pistols which first inspired him.

โ€œThe basic story is this, and this is completely true,โ€ Owen elucidated, โ€œwe had a basement, which makes us sound posh, but it was a council flat. My brother and his mates from school used to come back to our house, and they used to rehearse and make an absolute racket of a noise! And this is like 1975-76ish. I was too young; I wasn’t allowed to go downstairs. I used to sit upstairs and listen to what they were doing, and they would play singles of whatever was going on, and they played the Damned, The Clash, The Strangers, and then played the Sex Pistolโ€™s Anarchy in the UK, and I’m upstairs going, what, the, hell, is, that?!โ€

โ€œAnd I’m going off the back of the seventies when it was prog rock and all the stuff where you had to be a virtuoso and play for ten hours. And it really changed me, and the guys who’s downstairs in our basement, turns out to be Simple Minds; you wanna write that down?!!โ€

Noted in awe, Owen, thank you. His brother Brian was the Simple Minds drummer, and guitarist Charlie Burchill, he informed me, โ€œwould come upstairs to my room, ’cause I was not allowed down there, and I had a guitar. My dad was publican, and when people couldnโ€™t pay their bill, you make them get on and perform.โ€ Owen told how Charlie showed him an E chord, an A chord and a D chord, โ€œand he said that’s all you need, and I said โ€˜thanks!โ€™โ€

We talked of the 3-chord simplicity of eighties pop, Owen extended this by getting technical on learning structures from the likes of The Velevt Underground. โ€œAnd then,โ€ he explained, โ€œoff the back of that, I started to make my own noise.โ€

On his first band, Venigmas, Owen explained how at just sixteen they left Glasgow for London, and he told his mum, โ€œI don’t think we’ll be back.โ€ Owen spoke of the changing scene, the new romantics, but was adamant he was a โ€œrock guy.โ€

โ€œBecause everyone thinks you’re an overnight sensation. I was eight years or more in the industry before I got signed to Sony. They signed me as a rock act, and then I stupidly made a pop record! And that became my real problem. Because I saw myself as a Bowie guy, I thought you could do anything. I thought you could do funk, you could do rock, soul, and pop; that’s what I thought. How naive was I?!โ€

Owen recorded two songs for Sony, the one we all know was nominated for a Brit award. He spoke fondly of recording it and how they immediately knew it was a hit, then suggested โ€œbut at the same time, in my heart I went oh-no. I’m in trouble here.โ€

I speculated aloud, asking him if it was because the music industry will typecast him as pop, and he replied, โ€œyou’re absolutely right; that’s what happened. So the record comes out, it’s a worldwide smash. It got me on Smash Hit’s cover, on Saturday morning, telly; I’m shiny, bubble-gum pop guy. That’s where I am, right? Now, the record label wants ten more tracks which sounds like thatโ€ฆ. but Iโ€™m a rock guy!! You can see the problem?!โ€

If all sounds weighty, I must point out Owen finished this sentence with a giggle, recalling his moment in the spotlight playfully. But we compared it to his freedom now to write, and his new song Fly With Me, which I observed reminded me of Cat Stevens or George Harrison. Again, he found my question about it, โ€œinteresting. I don’t get it asked much. I think ultimately, I’m a Celt, Scottish and folk music is everything to us. I’ve always been like that, every song I hear in my head, when I’m doing new tracks sounds like a folk song. But when you’re in the eighties and you’ve got a record deal, they donโ€™t want that, you turn that into a pop song.โ€

Owen continued to explain how, with his guitarist Howard, decided to produce a folk album after an acoustic gig, but clarified, โ€œfolk is the fifth of it all.โ€ This seemed like a convenient time to move away from the roots and back to idea he was coming to Devizes to do an eighties show, and people will lap that up. โ€œI love that about eighties shows,โ€ he revealed, โ€œI didn’t do them for a long time, nearly twenty years. I pretended that I wasn’t Owen Paul or sang that song. And then, I did a thing on telly called Watchdog, Rouge Traders. They were investigating this company with security cameras and asked me to walk in at the end and sing (and he did sing it for me!) youโ€™re mineโ€ฆ!โ€

โ€œI thought, hang on a minute. Is this because I didn’t pay my tax bill?!  Are they actually chasing me?! I double checked, and it turned out that it was the BBC, and it was fantastic and really funny! The next day, my phone was exploding. My website was exploding with pictures going โ€˜oh my God, Owen Paul isn’t dead,โ€™ can you do this show?!โ€

Owen recalled with joy, how it felt to now do retro festivals where, โ€œthe most amazing thing occurred to me. After me not wanting to be Owen Paul, that guy, that song. I get to the beginning of the song, and obviously it’s not like there’s an intro, it just goes bang, you know? And then suddenly, I’ve got 20,000 people singing that back at me.โ€

Regardless of how you might feel about the commercialisation of it, I try to imagine that and offer to Owen that it is truly is the testament to his work. โ€œYeah,โ€ he responded so positively, โ€œI think I grew up as well. You know, I’ve been doing this for a while now and I’ve realised if you’re the wrong side of forty-five, so youโ€™re an eighties kid and you’ve got two kids, a mortgage, bills and you’ve got all your rubbish; you want five minutes away from it all.โ€

Which is, in turn, the best advert for the upcoming show! We continued for some considerable time, I was enthralled he spoke about Howard Jones on first name terms, being asked to do a number of celebrity shows, like Strictly. We talked about dance music, Britpop, and the changes these brought, and even from the effect of streaming services on the industry, to the youth of today identifying with the songs of the eighties. It was becoming clear one of us needed to break the chat through fear of day becoming night, and maybe back again.

It was a wonderful conversation which knew no natural end, because though I was honoured and slightly in awe of Owen Paul, we chatted like old school friends at a reunion. If the nineties saw me shun the commercialisation of the pop of my youth, Owen caused me to rethink it again, and it was a pleasure.

Owen Paul brings his eighties show to the Corn Exchange on Friday 21st March. Tickets are aptly ยฃ19.80, because itโ€™s promised youโ€™ll be transported back to the 1980s! Have I got time to grow a mullet?

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RowdeFest 2025!

Okay, I canโ€™t keep the secret any longer or Iโ€™ll pop! While all the hard work is being organised by a lovely committee, because theyโ€ฆ

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The Trump & Zelenskiy Meeting; A Personal Reflection From a Ukrainian Living in Wiltshire

Iโ€™m certain most of us have seen the disturbing video of Zelenskiy meeting Trump at the White House last week, and have formed our own judgments of it. While opinion pieces abound in national media, we donโ€™t dabble in national politics here at Devizine nor jump on a bandwagon. However, as the affair has left me unusually speechless yet moved with concern and compassion for those directly affected by this terrible war, I figured the only way to address this with a local angle is to ask a Ukrainian currently residing in Wiltshire for their personal reflectionโ€ฆ..

ะžะปัŒะณะฐ ะกะธะปะฐะตะฒะฐ (Olga Silaeva) came to Royal Wootton Bassett with her son under the Homes for Ukraine programme. She agreed to express her feelings about the incident. All I ask is you leave any political opinion at the door if you wish to read on. For while Olga begins by outlining the politics of the incident, this isnโ€™t about affairs of the state, rather what it flows into, which is heartfelt and personal.ย ย 

For translational purposes Olga has used Chat GPT for the political parts, but here is what she had to say:

Of course, watching President Trump’s statements and actions (his pressure on Zelenskiy to influence the presidential election, public accusations of dictatorship, false debt figures, imposing a disadvantageous rare earths contract, voting against the Ukrainian resolution at the UN to whitewash Putin’s policies), we all expected the continuation of harsh pressure and attempts to force Zelenskiy to surrender Ukraine’s interests.

It is clear that Trump has no real plan to end the war, despite repeatedly promising this to his voters. Since he cannot agree on a ceasefire with Putin and does not want to confront him, he decided to force President Zelenskiy, who is in a weak position, to make significant concessions. In addition, Trump is keen to distance Russia from China in order to weaken China, and he seems willing to sacrifice Ukraine to achieve this goal.

I believe that Zelenskiy, when he went to Washington, hoped to convince Trump and improve relations. However, he could not ignore the insults from J.D. Vance, who said many offensive things, including that Zelenskiy organised โ€˜tourist tripsโ€™ to Bucha. (Bucha is a city that was occupied by Russian troops, where many civilians, including children and adults, were subjected to violence, torture, looting and brutal killings. It was the first big shock for all Ukrainians and the world).

President Zelenskiy was certainly not a perfect diplomat and openly disagreed with the White House leadership. However, he has told the truth and called a spade a spade without humiliating anyone. That is why the vast majority of Ukrainians support him. He has demonstrated that he will not betray us or our national interests.

โ€˜Agreements with Putin on a ceasefire are meaningless without security guarantees from the West.โ€™

โ€˜Putin has repeatedly deceived European and American leaders.โ€™

โ€˜If Ukraine loses, there is a high probability that Putin will send troops to other European countries. Then America, as a member of NATO, will be forced to send its soldiers to war with Russia.โ€™

This is the truth that offended President Trump.  The nuclear weapons that Ukraine voluntarily gave up in exchange for the support of the Budapest Memorandum signatories give Ukraine the right to demand a legal document as a guarantee in response to America’s demands.

But today, the US president is not acting as an ally and partner of Ukraine, but as a party lobbying for the interests of the aggressor Russia.

Thus, it is deeply regrettable that the leader of the United States does not put justice and international law first and does not appear to be a reliable partner or ally for Europe either.

It seems that the US is no longer a leader in global security and compliance with international laws and agreements. Europe must therefore take on this vacant leadership role. Europe should form a new military alliance – this would be the best guarantee of peace and stability in the future. We very much hope that European leaders will act quickly and decisively in this direction. In the meantime, we, Ukrainians, will continue to fight the evil of our crazy neighbour and continue to tell the world the truth.

A little bit about me. I came to Royal Wootton Bassett with my son under the Homes for Ukraine programme. We have a strong community of active Ukrainians and an amazing support network. We organise festivals, celebrations and performances to introduce the British to our history and culture, explain the reasons for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, support each other and raise funds to help Ukrainians.

I fell in love with Britain. The British are very open, kind and always ready to help. I am extremely grateful to everyone I have met here – they are wonderful people. Despite our differences in culture, traditions and habits, I also see that we share a similar spirit.

But my heart remains at home. I follow every air raid alert in Kyiv and am regularly donating money to support our soldiers in various ways. My nephew was recently wounded in action. Some of my friends and their children were killed in the war. My parents’ house was completely destroyed. What our nation is going through now is terrible and tragic because we are losing our best people. Many of our fallen heroes were never able to start families and have children. Civilians are dying and becoming disabled. Thousands have lost their homes and jobs. Thousands more remain in the occupied territories, suffering from oppression and violence. Millions have fled to other countries with their children – will they ever return home?

We have difficult times ahead of us. But we must save our nation, our country and our independence.

I would like to thank Olga for her insightful and moving words. We stand with Ukraine.

Olga and many other Ukrainians living in the Swindon borough network, campaign, and get assistance from Swindon Welcomes Ukraine, a not-for-profit committee created to help the people of Ukraine. And there is a Facebook support group in Wiltshire for Ukrainian people both in Ukraine and those fleeing the fighting.

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Park Farm; New Music Festival in Devizes

A new music festival is coming to Devizes this July. Organisers of the long-running Marlborough based festival MantonFest are shifting west across the downs and hooked up with Grist Environmental to bring a second day event, this time in Devizes…..

Park Farm Music Festival will take place on Saturday 12th July at Whistley Road near Potterne. Park Farm Music Festival will be held in the beautiful location of Potterne in Devizes, Wiltshire. It promises a big outdoor stage, brilliant sound and lighting, plenty of room to dance, lots of trade stalls and a range of food and drink outlets.ย 

Barrelhouse at Mantonfest 2023: Image Gail Foster

The line-up includes headlining tributes AC/DC UK, and Nirvana UK. Sixties legends The Swinging Blue Jeans. MantonFest favourites and one of our favourites too, Barrelhouse will also play, with Chicago 9 Rhythm & Blues Band and Essex’s finest and stalwarts at the Southgate, Jamie Williams & The Roots Collective.

Jamie Williams

Adult tickets are ยฃ40.00, 13-17 are ยฃ20, and children under 13 are just ยฃ10.
Camper vans are an additional ยฃ2,5 and tents are ยฃ15, if you wish to camp. If you would like to bring your own gazebo (3m x 3m max.), these will ยฃ10 and be payable on entry.

Tickets and more info HERE.

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Results of Salisbury Music Awards

All images: ยฉ๏ธ JS Terry Photography

An awards ceremony to celebrate the outstanding musical talent within the city, aptly titled The 2024 Salisbury Music Awards, was held on Saturday at The Winchester Gate, and the results are inโ€ฆ.

Members of the Salisbury music community came together yesterday to celebrate the incredible musical talent the city has within its music scene.

The Thom Belk Community Fund, named after the founder of the Salisbury Music Awards who sadly passed away in 2023, wanted to ensure that the awards continued in his memory. They collaborated with Salisbury Live, Sounds of Salisbury, The Winchester Gate and Rock The Boat DJs to bring a spectacular night of celebration and music to Salisbury.

The musical talent on offer for the event was a showcase of the superbly diverse music scene within the City. With a DJ set from Radio Odstockโ€™s Kev Lawrence kicking off the proceedings, the fantastic crowd were also treated to live music on two stages. Luke Hall, Lauren & Hardy, Sock Puppet Jukebox and Black Iris entertained on the acoustic stage, with sets from Solarbird, Charmtype, KINKi and headliners Pugwall lifting the room off of the band stage area.

And when the live music was finished, a silent disco provided the perfect end to a wonderful event via DJ sets from StreetLife, No Gimmicks and Bad Gxrls Do It Well.

The Awards, voted for by the public and collated by the team at Wade Digital, were announced over two breaks in the live music schedule, to allow acts and audience to show appreciation and support for winners and nominees. With voting up 16% on the previous year, there were an incredible number of nominees in each category.

There was a truly emotional moment during the second awards segment, as the Belk family accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of Thom Belk, given in recognition for his many years of supporting and promoting Salisbury music and the community as a whole.ย 

His sister Charleigh said, “Thom would be incredibly proud and humbled to see his legacy continuing with these awards and extremely happy to see so many acts continuing to prove Salisbury has such a superb music scene.”

The family also recognised the extremely positive influence of Colin Holton and Robb Blake on Thomโ€™s musical and life journeys, gifting them special commemorative gifts as token of their appreciation.

Here at Devizine, we would like to congratulate all the winners. In particular, Rosie Jay for picking up the award for best breakthrough act. An incredible soloist we’ve keenly followed the career of. And to Lucas Hardy for best solo act.ย 

Award results are as follows:

Lifetime Achievement Award: Thom Belk.

Outstanding Contribution to Music in the Community: Lilli Badcock (Evolution Choir.)

Outstanding Contribution to the Salisbury Music Scene: Sounds of Salisbury (Ellen & Alex Morgan-Wardrop.)

Best Band: Lump

Best Original Song: Love is Enough for their song โ€˜1 in 4โ€™

Best Live Act: Lump

Best Solo Act: Lucas Hardy

Break Thru Act: Rosie Jay

Best Covers Act: Solarbird

Best Venue: The WInchester Gate

Best Vocalist: Becs Marchant

Best Guitarist: Joe Burke

Best Bassist: Nick Gowman

Best Drummer: Edd Grigg

Best Instrumentalist: Owena Archer

Best DJ: Disco Dion

Exchange Comedy Back in Devizes Thursday 6th March

Monsieur, with these Exchange Comedy night you are really spoiling us, for usually comedy in Devizes is just what we make ourselves; laughing at visitors trying to hairpin turn at Shane’s Castle, or trying to order a Just Eat delivery, and ode to the guy who climbed atop Roses’ faรงade to ride the lawnmower mounted on display there, for that guy is comedy gold!

Yet on Thursday 6th March we can relax from our banter and let the professionals do the work, thanks to Exchange Comedy. Steveย N. Allen, long-standing on theย Mashย Report headlines. He has joy, he has worries, he has hopes and he has a knack of relating what is personal grief to not seem maudlin in anyway. The writing is tight, the delivery spot on and the way of painting images with his words is almost tangible. Featuring on TV’sย Late Night Mash, Not the One Show, and talk RADIO, LBC, GWR and Mercury FMย to list but a few.

Samantha Day also on the bill, explores everything from sex and money,ย to pronouns and social media; come and find out if you were smart enough to be born at the right time.ย SCF New Comedian of the Year (2022)ย andย British Comedy Guideย Proย Award Finalist (2024).

Plusย Ben Bridgeman and Marina Oโ€™Shea. Next Exchange Comedy Night is on the 1st May, with David Tsonos and Rajiv Karia.

Tickets are ยฃ15 from HERE.

Tickets also available in DEVIZES – Devizes Books / Vinyl Realm / British Lion โ€ขย Marlboroughย – Sound Knowledge

Marlborough School of Languages to Hold Summer Fiesta

Pot pourri, Rodney, mange tout! If weโ€™ve brought to your attention as large a variety of local festivals as possible, here is one that is completely unique, and you will learn something from, rather than, like me, remaining speaking French with the fluency of Del-Boy!

Marlborough School of Languages is the newly branded Marlborough Language Tutorsโ€™ Hub; a group of independent language tutors who offer a wide range of courses and workshops for secondary school students and adults. They are now taking bookings for the 2024/25 academic year. But as well as these workshops and a Spanish student exchange program, over the week from the 7th to the 11th July they are holding a summer fiesta across Marlborough’s grand high street; a unique week of language, culture and fun!

The fiesta is an immersive summer experience designed for language enthusiasts of all levels, it includes morning language lessons in Spanish, French, Italian and English as a foreign language with expert tutors. There are afternoon cultural talks and workshops in language, culture, and gastronomy, and to really twist your arm, you will also enjoy meals at top local restaurants, a paella feast on Wednesday, and a finale celebration of wine tasting, tapas and live music the tutors call the “Battle of the Nations.”

It must be a challenge second only to teaching pet hamsters quantum mechanics, to teach the average English person a foreign language! Personally, I assume shouting in the same English what has already been misunderstood, while ingeniously adopting a wonky foreign accent will generally suffice! But you should be rest assured the team at Marlborough School of Languages are a dedicated bunch.

There are eight fully-qualified tutors at Marlborough School of Languages. Valรฉrie Calder for French, who comes from Champagne, Italian tutor Claudia Marin from Venice, Laura Simons who teaches English, Welsh and French, Kate Browne from Canterbury, who teaches English, and four Spanish tutors, Nazaret Garcรญa Val from a town in Zaragoza, Nacho Panadero Carroceda from Vigo, newest member Ignacio Vargas online only from Cantabria, and the founder Marรญa Gonzรกlez.

โ€œAfter years of tutoring students of all ages in Wiltshire and London, I decided to offer the locals the opportunity to make their learning experience a social event too,โ€ Marรญa explained, native Spaniard from Lugo, in the beautiful Galicia who has lived in the UK for twenty-five years, teaching at Marlboroughโ€™s St John’s Academy, organising Spanish learning clubs in local primaries and is now working at the Department of Modern Languages in Marlborough College.

Marรญa Gonzรกlez

Maria said, โ€œWe aim to give our students, whether secondary school pupils or adult learners, a chance to really immerse themselves in the language and understand a little about different cultures from our base in the picturesque Wiltshire market town of Marlborough and online. We offer them the opportunity to engage in cultures and perspectives beyond their immediate environment.โ€

“The tutors at the fiesta will be Andrew Brown (French), Matt Gow (EFL), Claudia Marin (Italian), and I will teach Spanish,” Maria continued, “Andrew and Matt both worked at Marlborough college and they are just doing this event with me. They have 30 and 25 years of experience so, over the moon with their input!”

This could be the golden opportunity to broaden your horizons and learn a language the fun way, discovering new cultures, and making unforgettable memories. Always a silly sausage, I struggled with languages in school truth be told, troubling with English even, but had my teacher brought in a paella feast things might have been oh so different!! 

There are limited spaces available for this, so secure your place with a ยฃ100 deposit HERE. The cost overall is ยฃ345 per person. Book now at: www.marlboroughsol.com

Contact Marlborough School of Languages at info@marlboroughsol.com or call 07940910821 for more informationโ€ฆ. or informaciรณn, con su permiso mi amigoโ€ฆ okay, thereโ€™s no fooling you, I used Google translate, but you might not need to after this and the world will be your oyster, or ostra!

Devizes Street Festival Cancelled For Second Year

Without sounding like a stuck record, itโ€™s the same unfortunate news for Devizes Street Festival as it was last year; Arts Council England has not awarded DOCA funding for their programme of summer events in 2025โ€ฆ..

DOCA was sorry to announce today, a spokesperson saying, โ€œfunding across the country has diminished significantly and demand for it has increased. As a result our already small staff team will be reduced to a minimum as we try to secure funding for the future.โ€

โ€œThis means that the Street Festival cannot go ahead as intended on 4th & 5th May. We will, however, still be delivering an exciting event in town that weekend. The YEA Devizes project (Youth Event Area Devizes,) which has been funded by National Grid, will present a youth-led event in the Market Place, created and delivered by the incredible young people of our town.โ€

Devizes Yea would like to connect with other community groups and individuals, so if you are a young person interested in being a part of it, or an organisation or club that would like to support the event please get in touch at: yeadevizes@docadevizes.org.uk ( For all non-youth related enquiries please use info@docadevizes.org.uk)

Alongside this DOCA will host Grow Devizes that weekend, a concept that encourages and combines both growth in nature, and growth in our community. To this end, the Out and About project will take the performing arts out into a rural village and in turn invite people from those areas back into all they do in town.

โ€œWe are still navigating the best way forward for our other summer events,โ€ DOCA continues, โ€œsuch as Colour Rush, Confetti Battle, Picnic in The Park and Carnival, working with our partners around town and funders to come up with the best solution. Please bear with us while we consider all available options and weโ€™ll update you as we know more about each specific event.โ€

This was such a special event in Devizes, loved by all. It is such a shame to hear this terrible news for a second year running. The effects of the governmentโ€™s 16% cut in real terms across the UK to arts funding since 2017 is beginning to impact significantly on free events such as town carnivals and village fetes.

Earlier this month Wiltshire Council confirmed an increase in funding to its arts and heritage partners. The council funds four arts organisations across the county; Pound Arts in Corsham, Trowbridge Town Hall Arts, Wiltshire Creative in Salisbury and Wiltshire Music Centre in Bradford on Avon. Funding also goes to Wiltshire Museum and Salisbury Museum.

We support, of course we do, all additional funding for arts in the county, but Devizes gets zilch for arts. They stated this demonstrates WC, โ€œis committed to the delivery of culture in the county by agreeing to uplift each of its grants to arts and heritage partners by 10% in 2025/26.โ€ Yet this excludes every charitable event organisation in the county dedicated to providing arts and culture freely, as while many of their heritage partners fundraise for important charities, all events at the venues require tickets.

The failing of funding for community events is the remnants of a conservative austerity ethos that arts and entertainment will only be available to those able to pay for it, and if Wiltshire Council were as thoroughly dedicated to arts and culture as the claim they are, they would provide budgets for town carnivals as well as the ticketed venues affiliated with them. Instead, and to illustrate by example, one of our Conservative town and county councillors and area board managers criticised the beloved Street Festival for not having a โ€œdiverse audience.โ€ 

The statement was, obviously, poppycock and only made to favour profit-making events in the town; Street Festival was, by a country mile, the most diverse event Devizes has ever seen and attracted the most diverse audience, being it was free and open to all.

Street Festival was a true colourful display of music, arts and theatre, and was once a testament to all which can be accomplished freely when a community comes together. It is heart-breaking to have to mention the event in the past tense, but this sad news today casts a shadow over any hope the Street Festival will ever return.

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Discovering Swindon Story Shed

With Dad’s taxi on call in Swindon and a few hours to kill whilst her majesty is at the flicks, it was fortunate local authorโ€ฆ

The Rise of Winter Festivals

Once upon a time it seemed to me, that folk would grin and bear the winter weather for the sake of a Christmas lights switchingโ€ฆ

In Retrospect With Gary Martian

So yeah, not only has Cracked Machine and Clock Radio drummer Gary Martin added a letter A to his name to make it sound moreโ€ฆ

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