Latest news.....

Here we are half way through February and only two more committee meetings to go before the Festival!!

So what's been happening, well quite a bit actually:

• We are now going to be using the lovely old Guildhall for a venue to replace the Market Square. 

  Whilst we are sorry to not be in the Market Square again, at least this year we can prepare the Guildhall properly and make it even more comfortable. We are hoping to have a bar and cafe on site and of course some great performers.




Lots more bands now confirmed and on our website: here

We need all the feedback we can get so please don't be shy, tell us what you think, what you want to see and do at the Festival and we promise to read all your comments, we may even reply to the more sensible ones...

The next item:

• Alternative 'wet weather' venue to wonderful Bayards Cove which is open air.

Now we know it is always hot and sunny in May for the Fest' but we feel it only sensible to provide an alternative site in case of clouds. We did not expect to be offered a fabulous place like this:

Dartmouth Masonic Lodge

 Yes this really is a possibility this year. We hope to have this Masonic Lodge available and it will interest lots of people who have never set foot in a Lodge before. Watch this space for confirmation and of course keep an eye on the weather forecast for May.

More next time.

Media Release

A great start for the Dart Music Festival with the first major sponsor announced

The New Year has started well for Dart Music Festival organisers with the recent confirmation by Noss Marina as first major sponsor for the 2011 Dart Music Festival.

In announcing the sponsorship, Committee Chairman, Pam Braakenburg, said: “It is wonderful that Noss Marina has made an early decision to become one of our major sponsors.  They have been strong supporters of the Festival in the past, and it’s a vote of confidence that they have not only continued their involvement, but have increased their commitment for 2011.”

In commenting on the sponsorship Stephen Corner, Chief Executive of Noss Marina said: “Noss Marina has been an important part of the wider Dartmouth community for many years.  The redevelopment of Noss means that this involvement will continue in a variety of ways. 

“Along with our support for the elderly and various sporting clubs in the area, we see the Festival as a means of inspiring younger people to enjoy music by participating as musicians and by taking part in workshops and the wider musical programme.  We are delighted to be involved supporting such a major event and look forward to other businesses joining with us as major sponsors.”

Sponsorship is now open and the organisers are hopeful that businesses will commit early so that musician bookings can be finalised.  Mrs. Braakenburg noted:  “The Festival aims to provide music for all, and to ensure that most of the events are free.  However in order to do this we need the early and generous support of the local business community and Noss Marina has recognised this.

“Businesses in Dartmouth and surrounding areas have been very supportive in the past and we appreciate this.  That is why we are looking at new ways to support those businesses that support the Festival. There will be different levels of sponsorship with a range of benefits for each level.

“We will be approaching businesses in the area over the next few weeks to discuss how they might be involved and of the benefits the festival will bring to their business.”

“The last Festival saw some 20,000 people attend over the three days, and businesses reported increased trading of up to 30% particularly in the food, beverage and accommodation sectors. This is remarkable considering the wider economic difficulties at the time.                                                       

“There’s no doubt that the Music Festival, in bringing music for all, is also good business for all and we’re keen to ensure that the wider community benefits again in 2011.

“Our thanks to Noss Marina for getting the sponsorship ball rolling.”

-ends-

Media contact:  Noss Marina:  Charles St George or Clare Jones PPS Group 01454 275630 or Mob: 0145 275 630 Dart Music Festival:  Pam Braakenburg Mob: 0789 089 8940

Notes to Editors

Noss Marina: In 2010 the Owners of Noss Marina obtained outline planning consent for the regeneration of the site to include: an expanded marina; a Marine Academy created in partnership with South Devon College; marine workshops and offices; a five star hotel, spa and conference centre; and 137 private homes.

The owners of Noss Marina include Paul and Michael Berrow who managed Durran Durran at the height of their success and who are still active in promoting young musicians

Stephen Corner the CEO of Noss Marina a keen guitarist comes from a musical family and played trumpet in various youth orchestras in his youth.

It is hoped that the public areas in the new Noss development will provide the music festival with new accessible venues in the future contributing further to the diversity of the festival offering.   www.nossmarina.co.uk

Progress again....

So just worked out there are only 3 more committee meetings before the 2011 Dart Music Festival......! Quite scary then.

Just been looking at the new draft 2011 website put together by those dartmouth.tv guys. Looks really good. Should be up and running next week hopefully, keep watching.

Our new Facebook page is up to 300 friends now which is great. If you want to support us please become a friend. Just find our page at: Dart Musicfest. Facebook only allow 5000 friends so you better be quick!

Well I haven't got the spanner, have you got the spanner?

 Just think it will soon be sunny and warm and the sound of scaffolders in the Royal Avenue Gardens will herald the building of the stage once more. Question: why do the scaffold poles get shorter every year?

 

 

 

 

 

Danielli  DMF 2005 window display

 We were wondering about having a proper window display competition for a prize this year. What do you think?

The One Ronnie.....

You have to see this latest sketch from Ronnie Corbet and Harry Enfield, could be a new comedic duo birth.....

Progress....

So we are now working on alternative venues to replace The Market Square in Dartmouth town centre. There are a couple of places that could work so will keep you posted on developments.

Our musical director James reports that we are now full with regards to bands and artists for this years DMF. Thanks to everyone for sending in CD's for us to listen to. They are still arriving at the rate of 5 - 10 per day but the deadline has been reached and exceeded now - Woow! Stop now!!

If you want to be condsidered for DMF 2012, please send us your stuff from September this year. That's September 2011 for next year's DMF. Details on our website: www.dartmusicfestival.co.uk

Les says 'No More samples please!'

First set-back of 2011.....

Just heard that Market Square will not be available to Dart Music Festival this year. It seems the redevelopment work on the Market shops has already been delayed (hasn't even started yet!)

This means a lot more work for the DMF committee to find alternative venues - still it will make us leaner and fitter, ha,ha......ha.

First year, 1998. Music from the Boatfloat

First post......

Here is the historic first post to the new DMF blog.

The idea is keep it simple, keep it up to date and keep it cutting edge. (only joking about the cutting edge bit....)


Big thanks go out to the guys at Insignia Creative who put together last years website, at very short notice, and did a really great job.

This year we welcome the team at dartmouth.tv who are sponsoring DMF by providing our website for 2011, brilliant.

The website is www.dartmusicfestival.co.uk  and it will be evolving shortly into its 2011 skin. Keep eyes peeled.

Here are some photos of the T shirts we sold in 2010, there will be more this year.


Thanks to Joe Murtagh of The Dartmouth Canvas Factory for these images.

Jay Carter 2010 DMF