Devizine

An Endless Summer with Braydon-Lee’s New Single If, inspired by the likes of Ed Sheeran and James Arthur, the majority of Gen Z loves a good power ballad, the beginnings of the next generation, Alpha, seem to be following suit. And if that’s the thing, fifteen-year-old Calne singer-songwriter Braydon Lee was already in the forefront locally, but in my unprofessional opinion, his second single newly released, Endless Summer…

An Endless Summer with Braydon-Lee’s New Single

If, inspired by the likes of Ed Sheeran and James Arthur, the majority of Gen Z loves a good power ballad, the beginnings of the next generation, Alpha, seem to be following suit. And if that’s the thing, fifteen-year-old Calne singer-songwriter…

Tour Des Frites: Four Dauntseys’ Sixth-Formers Awarded Travel Scholarship Cycle from School to Bonn, Germany Four Dauntsey's Sixth-Formers have been awarded travel scholarships, and plan to cycle all the way from their school to Bonn in Germany, shortly after completing their A-level exams this summer. Helping at food banks, documenting their journey, and rating chips along the way! The group, Flo Lee, Will Fittock, Tom Sharples and Mika Jessel said, “while simply a group of friends, we also bring a very good physical ability to the table. 

Tour Des Frites: Four Dauntseys’ Sixth-Formers Awarded Travel Scholarship Cycle from School to Bonn, Germany

Four Dauntsey's Sixth-Formers have been awarded travel scholarships, and plan to cycle all the way from their school to Bonn in Germany, shortly after completing their A-level exams this…

Wiltshire Business Leader to Host Free International Women’s Day AI Webinar to Prevent Women Being “Left Behind” in Tech Shift Leading Wiltshire digital entrepreneur Natalie Luckham, AI Educator and founder of award-winning Wiltshire social media consultancy Naturally Social is hosting a free “Introduction to AI” webinar this International Women’s Day to help women across the county understand artificial intelligence - and ensure they are not left behind as the technology reshapes workplaces and homes.... The webinar event is aimed at women across Wiltshire, from business owners and freelancers to employees, returners to work, and those simply curious about AI’s growing influence in everyday life.

Wiltshire Business Leader to Host Free International Women’s Day AI Webinar to Prevent Women Being “Left Behind” in Tech Shift

Leading Wiltshire digital entrepreneur Natalie Luckham, AI Educator and founder of award-winning Wiltshire social media consultancy Naturally Social is hosting a free…

The Return of The Fold Music Venue in Devizes If your average Tuesday night in Devizes might feel like The Day The Earth Stood Still, it certainly felt this way for me yesterday; I was at an open mic, down The Fold….. Yeah, you read that right, the back room of The Lamb which launched Kieran’s Sheer Music a decade or so ago, a Devizes to Trow-Vegas success story many hold fond memories of.

The Return of The Fold Music Venue in Devizes

If your average Tuesday night in Devizes might feel like The Day The Earth Stood Still, it certainly felt this way for me yesterday; I was at an open mic, down The Fold….. Yeah, you read that right, the back room of The Lamb which launched Kieran’s…

Dulcet Tones Rock Back to Bassett! You're a teenage Tom Cruise, at least you wish you were, but stay with me on this! Your parents are away, you're home alone with dad's liquor cabinet. For certain, you're going to get into some risky business as the movie progresses, but your initial impulse is to dance around the house in a shirt and pants. I've no interest in seeing you in your pants, Tom, what makes the scene so iconic is surely the song choice.

Dulcet Tones Rock Back to Bassett!

You're a teenage Tom Cruise, at least you wish you were, but stay with me on this! Your parents are away, you're home alone with dad's liquor cabinet. For certain, you're going to get into some risky business as the movie progresses, but your initial impulse is…

Talk in Code Headlined Devizes Winter of Festive Ales Devizes Outdoor Celebratory Arts key into the town's majority demographic for its first annual event of the year, mature couples, with an affection for sampling the widest varieties of beers and ales. In this The Winter of Festive Ales may function parochially, but is not only extremely popular and is revitalising from the torpor of winter, it also raises vital funds for DOCA to stage more family-driven events freely throughout the coming year…..

Talk in Code Headlined Devizes Winter of Festive Ales

Devizes Outdoor Celebratory Arts key into the town's majority demographic for its first annual event of the year, mature couples, with an affection for sampling the widest varieties of beers and ales. In this The Winter of Festive Ales may…

The Munster Returns to Slam-Dunk Wiltshire Council Budget! Well, I admit, the Black Dog Crossroads has reopened with shiny new traffic lights and looks pretty groovy, as far as road junctions look groovy. But I will forever be flabbergasted how the Wiltshire councillor for The Lavingtons, Dominic Muns, who signed off the project, concentrated his announcement of the project with political point-scoring rather than safety….  Claiming this “wouldn't have happened” with any other specific party at the helm of Wiltshire Council, particularly spatting The Greens with certain bitterness, was hearsay.

The Munster Returns to Slam-Dunk Wiltshire Council Budget!

Well, I admit, the Black Dog Crossroads has reopened with shiny new traffic lights and looks pretty groovy, as far as road junctions look groovy. But I will forever be flabbergasted how the Wiltshire councillor for The Lavingtons, Dominic…

Wiltshire Music Awards 2026 Announces New Organisers and Major Event Upgrade The Wiltshire Music Awards 2026 entered an exciting new era when Stone Circle Music Events announced was as official sponsor and organiser. Backed by their Galway, Ireland office, the company continues to grow as a major force in event production in the South West of England.... Joining them are the  Kingston Group, bringing extensive industry experience within Wiltshire. Together the partnership will build on the success of 2025, and deliver an enhanced awards experience.

Wiltshire Music Awards 2026 Announces New Organisers and Major Event Upgrade

The Wiltshire Music Awards 2026 entered an exciting new era when Stone Circle Music Events announced was as official sponsor and organiser. Backed by their Galway, Ireland office, the company continues to grow as a major…

Live Music in Trowbridge; Still Pumping! The Sunnies, Between The Lines and Meg at The Pump Images from KieshaFilms I confess my motivation to venture out this winter stagnated, like sludge in a drain. Akin to a hedgehog, I poked my twitching rhinarium out of my nest last Sunday, a mere pint down the Gate with Jon Amor. But what better way to cure my hibernation than a refreshing night at Trowbridge’s t’rrific grassroots venue, The Pump?

Live Music in Trowbridge; Still Pumping! The Sunnies, Between The Lines and Meg at The Pump

Images from KieshaFilms I confess my motivation to venture out this winter stagnated, like sludge in a drain. Akin to a hedgehog, I poked my twitching rhinarium out of my nest last Sunday, a mere pint down…

REVIEW – Wakeman & Son @ The Corn Exchange, Devizes – Saturday 21st February 2026 Yes! Wakemans’ Journey To The Centre of Devizes! by Andy Fawthrop Rumours are swirling round that D-Town is about to launch a bid to be named the UK Town of Culture, and you have to think that we have to be in with a chance. Let’s face it - any competition that doesn’t use the state of the local roads as one of its yardsticks has to be worth entering....

REVIEW – Wakeman & Son @ The Corn Exchange, Devizes – Saturday 21st February 2026

Yes! Wakemans’ Journey To The Centre of Devizes! by Andy Fawthrop Rumours are swirling round that D-Town is about to launch a bid to be named the UK Town of Culture, and you have to think that we have to be in with a…

Big Ones: The Major Events in Devizes This Year No one knows why, apparently, but fish are dying in our canal; everyone says wait for the EA report, except for the fish. A town full of road works, burnt out buildings and roads which look like we’ve suffered a doodlebug air raid, but there’s glitch in the Matrix; it’s temporarily stopped chucking it down with a perpetual drizzle of ice rain, and I saw a cold early-rising hedgehog this morning.

Big Ones: The Major Events in Devizes This Year

No one knows why, apparently, but fish are dying in our canal; everyone says wait for the EA report, except for the fish. A town full of road works, burnt out buildings and roads which look like we’ve suffered a doodlebug air raid, but there’s glitch…

Devizine Steps Down From Organising Wiltshire Music Awards After much deliberation, Devizine is to pull out of any further organisation of the Wiltshire Music Awards….. It has not been an easy decision, and I remain super-proud of what Ed and I achieved last year, getting this special occasion off the ground. The Wiltshire Music Awards takes complex organisation. Therefore, I feel I cannot commit to the workload involved this year effectively enough for what the event deserves whilst continuing to run Devizine too.

Devizine Steps Down From Organising Wiltshire Music Awards

After much deliberation, Devizine is to pull out of any further organisation of the Wiltshire Music Awards….. It has not been an easy decision, and I remain super-proud of what Ed and I achieved last year, getting this special occasion off…

Whatever Happened to Pancake Races in Devizes? It seems Shrove Tuesday celebrations in Devizes have fallen as flat as a….well, you get the gag… Traditionally organised by Age Concern Wiltshire, and often supported by local partners like the Black Swan Hotel, which provided the pancakes, and the Devizes Rotary Club, pancake races in Devizes were an annual occasion, aptly on Pancake Day. Originally held in the Market Place and shifted over to Hillworth Park in later years, you may have fond memories of trying to win a running race, giggling whilst tossing pancakes in frying pans, but these days it all seems to be lost; correct me if I'm wrong, you usually do!

Whatever Happened to Pancake Races in Devizes?

It seems Shrove Tuesday celebrations in Devizes have fallen as flat as a….well, you get the gag… Traditionally organised by Age Concern Wiltshire, and often supported by local partners like the Black Swan Hotel, which provided the pancakes, and the…

Minety Music Festival Announce Headliners; The Bluetones and Dub Pistols The mighty mighty Minety Music Festival announced The Bluetones as their Sunday headliner at their Eames Laurie Main Stage, and The Dub Pistols on the Saturday..... It's not unspoken, we LOVE Minety Music Festival here at Devizine and don't care who knows! It never fails to attract with some superb renowned names, and then throws in a plethora of local acts either established or upcoming, and in doing so creates a marvellous atmosphere where local music is supported via the followings of international headliners.

Minety Music Festival Announce Headliners; The Bluetones and Dub Pistols

The mighty mighty Minety Music Festival announced The Bluetones as their Sunday headliner at their Eames Laurie Main Stage, and The Dub Pistols on the Saturday..... It's not unspoken, we LOVE Minety Music Festival here at…

Shindig Festival Announces Bob Vylan as Headliner The celebrated Shindig Festival at Malmesbury's Charton Park announced their headline act for May bank holiday 2026, and being that it's Bob Vylan, it is bound to open debate…. London based grime rappers Bob Vylan are no strangers to controversy through their criticisms of the establishment and calling out inequalities. Whilst they were one of many acts at last year's Glastonbury to make statements condemning the genocide in Palestine, they seemed to take the brunt of the rightwing media assault.

Shindig Festival Announces Bob Vylan as Headliner

The celebrated Shindig Festival at Malmesbury's Charton Park announced their headline act for May bank holiday 2026, and being that it's Bob Vylan, it is bound to open debate…. London based grime rappers Bob Vylan are no strangers to controversy…

Help DOCA Raise Funds….by Drinking Booze! Winter of Festive Ales Returns Now, you know when you see a fundraising advert and think, I'd like to raise some wonga for this or that cause, but further reading reveals you're expected to take on an extreme mission like trekking the Great Wall on a unicycle made from coat hangers, or scaling Everest in just clogs and your wife's undercrackers? Well, this one is a smidgen easier, and it's something Devizions take great pride in accomplishing…..

Help DOCA Raise Funds….by Drinking Booze! Winter of Festive Ales Returns

Now, you know when you see a fundraising advert and think, I'd like to raise some wonga for this or that cause, but further reading reveals you're expected to take on an extreme mission like trekking the Great Wall on a…

Devizes Acting Company to Debut New Show at Edinburgh Fringe 2026 A gameshow unlike any other is set to take local actors to the world stage. The Wharf Theatre is proud to present the debut of a brand-new show, "Whose Play is it Anyway?" Set to enjoy a week-long run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2026 from August 17th to the 22nd, this innovative original production offers a fresh perspective on contemporary storytelling, using a gameshow format to explore a range of devised, scripted and improvised pieces, many created by the talented cast themselves.

Devizes Acting Company to Debut New Show at Edinburgh Fringe 2026

A gameshow unlike any other is set to take local actors to the world stage. The Wharf Theatre is proud to present the debut of a brand-new show, "Whose Play is it Anyway?" Set to enjoy a week-long run at the Edinburgh Fringe…

Thieves Plan Unplugged Gig at Brokerswood We don't like many thieves here at Devizine, but we do love Thieves the band! Well, those Thieves have an interesting next gig it's worthwhile mentioning….. The first time I saw these Thieves it was a paradox of coincidences. I was hiding in the back of the Wild & Wooley room of Bradford Roots Festival at The Wiltshire Music Centre, and I was suitably wowed by their Americana/UK folk harmonies.

Thieves Plan Unplugged Gig at Brokerswood

We don't like many thieves here at Devizine, but we do love Thieves the band! Well, those Thieves have an interesting next gig it's worthwhile mentioning….. The first time I saw these Thieves it was a paradox of coincidences. I was hiding in the back of…

Rowdefest 26 Lineup Reveal! Drizzly Sunday…again. I’ve just finished designing the poster, so allow me to reveal the lineup for Rowdefest this coming May, might cheer us up a bit!  It was a hugely successful Rowdefest last year, and was lots of fun for all the family. We cordially invite you to do it all again this year! The wonderful committee is still hard at work, planning the day, and some work needs doing.

Rowdefest 26 Lineup Reveal!

Drizzly Sunday…again. I’ve just finished designing the poster, so allow me to reveal the lineup for Rowdefest this coming May, might cheer us up a bit!  It was a hugely successful Rowdefest last year, and was lots of fun for all the family. We cordially invite you to do…

Breaking News in Rowde: Wiltshire Road Gets Resurfaced! Are you sitting down, as this may come as a shock? Residents of the Springfield Road estate in Rowde should be feeling rather privileged at the moment, as bucking the countywide trend of having roads which look like Mars has suffered a doodlebug air-raid, it's actually been resurfaced! Not all of them seem satisfied they've the only road in the county which is, comparatively, as smooth as a baby's botty though, and have taken to their local Facebook group, …

Breaking News in Rowde: Wiltshire Road Gets Resurfaced!

Are you sitting down, as this may come as a shock? Residents of the Springfield Road estate in Rowde should be feeling rather privileged at the moment, as bucking the countywide trend of having roads which look like Mars has suffered a…

Chippenham’s New Venue, The Ruze Opens with The Showhawk Duo It could be bigger than Diggers! See what I did there? Okay, you youngsters might need Google, but while you're researching Chippenham's hedonistic past, a new music venue and studio is preparing to open its doors at the end of February….. The Ruze on Union Road opens on Friday, 27th February. It's a daring era to be opening a new venue, but this looks rather special.

Chippenham’s New Venue, The Ruze Opens with The Showhawk Duo

It could be bigger than Diggers! See what I did there? Okay, you youngsters might need Google, but while you're researching Chippenham's hedonistic past, a new music venue and studio is preparing to open its doors at the end of…

Things to do in Devizes for February…. Yay! We made it to Feb, in one piece, just! I might even be persuaded to break out of hibernation. If you’ve been hibernating too, maybe it’s time to throw caution to the wind, poke your twitching snout from your cubbyhole and have a nose about. If you do, here’s some special recommendations of things to engage you, shake you up, and possibly warm you up for spring, but there will be much more on our ever-updating event calendar, so keep it on your browser, you lovely little hedgehogs…..

Things to do in Devizes for February….

Yay! We made it to Feb, in one piece, just! I might even be persuaded to break out of hibernation. If you’ve been hibernating too, maybe it’s time to throw caution to the wind, poke your twitching snout from your cubbyhole and have a nose about. If you do,…

People Living in Devizes Could be Moving to Devizes! Do you live in Devizes? Are you sure? Sure sure? Sure sure sure?! You could actually be living under the oppressive regime of Bishop's Cannings Parish Council and not even know about it! But fear not blinkered comrades, an elite task force from Devizes Town Council is coming to liberate you! The border between Devizes and Bishop's Cannings extends the Cannings side into the parts of the north-east of the town.

People Living in Devizes Could be Moving to Devizes!

Do you live in Devizes? Are you sure? Sure sure? Sure sure sure?! You could actually be living under the oppressive regime of Bishop's Cannings Parish Council and not even know about it! But fear not blinkered comrades, an elite task force from…

Agricultural Appropriation with Monkey Bizzle There's no sophomore slump for Monkey Bizzle; prolific in their art, these rural chav-choppers return with a second album, Agricultural Appropriation, only five years and a kazillion bongs after their debut, Idiot Music, and it be gurt lush, shagger…. Not on the guesstimate I've passed a thousand plays of Oi Mate, their tune from Idiot Music about the ultimate scrounger, and figured these guys know a blagger when they see one, rather on the grounds I laughed out loud more times at the opening tune than I've laughed at any comedy song, ever, possibly combined, I brought this album rather than requested a review copy; it's going in my personal collection, even if you can't skin up on an mp3.

Agricultural Appropriation with Monkey Bizzle

There's no sophomore slump for Monkey Bizzle; prolific in their art, these rural chav-choppers return with a second album, Agricultural Appropriation, only five years and a kazillion bongs after their debut, Idiot Music, and it be gurt lush, shagger….…

Doctor Faustus Sells His Soul…. in Devizes! Featured Image:@jenimeadephotography Just another rainy Saturday afternoon in Devizes, whereby I watched a profound fellow dramatically sacrifice himself to the devil, then popped to Morrisons for a Toblerone! The supermarket felt insignificant and plastic after the epic conclusion of Doctor Faustus at the Wharf Theatre, which opens on Monday 26th and runs until Saturday 31st January….. Treated to the final dress rehearsal, as our regular theatrical scribe Ian Diddams is stuffing a bucketload of Rice Krispies in this one, of which one couldn’t fail to notice!

Doctor Faustus Sells His Soul…. in Devizes!

Featured Image:@jenimeadephotography Just another rainy Saturday afternoon in Devizes, whereby I watched a profound fellow dramatically sacrifice himself to the devil, then popped to Morrisons for a Toblerone! The supermarket felt insignificant and…

Devizes Sammi Evans in the Shadow of a Debut Single Being a singer in a tribute or covers band is nerve-wracking. Though tributes can hide behind a mask, a cover band frontperson can be reassured only by the notion that friends are backing them; blame the drummer! But a soloist, singing their mind acoustically is in another ballpark. Stripped back, alone, exposing your innermost thoughts, desires or even personal issues to an audience takes some bottle.

Devizes Sammi Evans in the Shadow of a Debut Single

Being a singer in a tribute or covers band is nerve-wracking. Though tributes can hide behind a mask, a cover band frontperson can be reassured only by the notion that friends are backing them; blame the drummer! But a soloist, singing their mind…

Chandra Finds Heaven on Earth Usually I just write what I think, but if I had a point-scoring system this new single from Bristol-based indie-pop outfit Chandra would tick every box. It’s called Heaven on Earth; if Belinda Carlise made it, Chandra rocked it! Punchy, tick. Find that perfect hook, tick. Subtly righteous narrative, tick. Balance pithy narrative with equal amount of carefree fun, tick.

Chandra Finds Heaven on Earth

Usually I just write what I think, but if I had a point-scoring system this new single from Bristol-based indie-pop outfit Chandra would tick every box. It’s called Heaven on Earth; if Belinda Carlise made it, Chandra rocked it! Punchy, tick. Find that perfect hook,…

Peter Gabriel to Release Live at Womad Album Peter Gabriel - ‘Live At WOMAD 1982’ will be released on 8th May 2026. It was a simple idea; to create a festival out of all the brilliant music and art made all over the world, stuff made outside of the mainstream – music that wasn’t getting on the radio and was even harder to find in record stores… The very first WOMAD Festival took place at the 240-acre Bath and West Showground, Somerset over the weekend of 16–18 July, 1982.

Peter Gabriel to Release Live at Womad Album

Peter Gabriel - ‘Live At WOMAD 1982’ will be released on 8th May 2026. It was a simple idea; to create a festival out of all the brilliant music and art made all over the world, stuff made outside of the mainstream – music that wasn’t getting on the…

Fulltone ‘26 to Ignite Wiltshire with an Epic Weekend of Live Music Now in its seventh year, and at its new and better venue, Park Farm on the edge of Devizes, it’s full steam ahead for The Fulltone Festival ‘26. From the 11th–12th July Fulltone is set to ignite Wiltshire with an epic weekend of live music….. Promising a “spectacular, joy-filled weekend of live music which brings together orchestral power, iconic artists and a true summer festival atmosphere in the heart of the Wiltshire countryside,” The Fulltone Festival is a uniquely magnificent show.

Fulltone ‘26 to Ignite Wiltshire with an Epic Weekend of Live Music

Now in its seventh year, and at its new and better venue, Park Farm on the edge of Devizes, it’s full steam ahead for The Fulltone Festival ‘26. From the 11th–12th July Fulltone is set to ignite Wiltshire with an epic weekend of…

Stone Circle Music Events to Donate all Proceeds of CrownFest to Wiltshire Hope and Harmony Stone Circle Music Events announced today that all proceeds of CrownFest will be donated to Wiltshire Hope & Harmony’s Dementia Choir. CrownFest is an all-day family festival, happening on 4th July 2026 at The Crown, Bishops Cannings, Devizes..... Due to perform over two stages will be Kinisha’s renowned Simply the Best Tina Turner Tribute, Adam & The Ants tribute Ant Trouble, Wiltshire’s premier indie-pop favourites and winners of six Wiltshire Music Awards , Talk in Code, purveyors of Irish & Celtic folk The Publicans, Salisbury’s rock cover band Innovator, rock covers band Tipsy Gypsies, George Wilding, Ruby Darbyshire, Mother Ukes, and Lucas Hardy, with more acts to be confirmed.

Stone Circle Music Events to Donate all Proceeds of CrownFest to Wiltshire Hope and Harmony

Stone Circle Music Events announced today that all proceeds of CrownFest will be donated to Wiltshire Hope & Harmony’s Dementia Choir. CrownFest is an all-day family festival, happening on 4th July 2026 at…