Feedback - Budapest Cafe Orchestra

Our thanks to Chris Garrick for these kind words:

"What an unforgettable event in an unforgettable place the Dart Festival is!

My colleagues of the Budapest Cafe Orchestra and I think the DMF team are wonderful and organise the whole thing with so much energy and joy. 

The crowd are no less joyful and energetic and our audience at St Saviour’s on Saturday night did more than a little to help us lift the roof off the beautiful venerable venue and send excitement to stratospheric heights! 

Thanks to all involved at the Dart Festival and we sincerely look forward to returning one day soon."

Thank you - we are so glad you enjoyed performing at the Festival and hope to see you here again.

Next year's Festival dates: 13th, 14th & 15th May 2016

Festival Feed back - again... DMF

More feedback from esteemed Committee members Pam Braakenburg (Chair), Marilyn Bird (Classical Music Director and Hilary Day (Musical Director)

Amy and Adrian

Chairman Pam Braakenburg comments:

 

"What a weekend! The weather was kind and the music was fabulous, from opera in the church to The Wurzels in the gardens, it could only happen at the Dart Music Festival.

I want to thank all the people who made it possible for us to stage our 18th festival - our sponsors, all those who donated and my marvellous committee who work all year to make sure each festival is better than the last. 



In addition many thanks to our volunteers who helped with such things as collecting, sound management, sales of merchandise, not forgetting the BRNC cadets who acted as car park attendants, it really was a community event.

I stand to be corrected but I am very proud to say the Dart Music Festival is unique in that we do not charge for any of our music and judging from all the positive feedback we have had this is much appreciated by both local people and visitors to our beautiful town!" 

 

Charles Hazlewood

"WE HAVE A PROBLEM! All the festival performers think our festival is the best... They love the town, the atmosphere, and the wonderful audiences we get - so they all want to return next year! They are amazed at our ethos of "Music for All" and that we do not charge at our concerts and stunned that we are able to raise the £55,000 to put it together each year...

For me I cannot pick a highlight as each concert had its own special moments... 

The wonderful organ and piano recitals and joyous choirs to the foot stomping rendition of the Budapest cafe Orchestra's Grieg's piano concerto and Nesum Dorma raising the roof in St Saviour's Church with Peter Knapp's Opera company - all magical. However, a thirteen year old little girl playing a giant marimba solo with the Devon Youth Orchestra and that Charles Hazlewood asked his young daughter to sing for us during his very powerful presentation - well, it just blew me away...

What would life be without music...?" Thoughts from Marilyn Bird, Classical Music Director

And last but not least, a few words from Hilary Day, our Musical Director. 

Here are some of Hilary's Highlights...

'The View from the Bandstand...'

The schoolchildren performing on Friday in the sun and great performances by students from the Academy, followed by a stirring performance by our own BRNC Volunteer Band. What a brilliant start! Mighty Leap ended the evening with their great Reggae set getting everyone dancing.

Gimi Hendrix

Saturday saw the Bandstand in Royal Avenue Gardens full to the brim with music ranging from children’s sing along with Poco Drom doing the worm wiggle to the wonderful Connie Lush singing her powerful blues. Moulettes had the audience entranced with their complex and beautiful folk. 


Jo Harman performed for the second year running and again the crowd loved her.  And nothing like a touch of Jimi Hendrix, courtesy of the Gimi Hendrix Experience to finish a great day off!

Sunday was another day of blue skies and the build up towards the headline act continued.  Pirates on stage with Tom Mason from USA, followed by Urban Folk Quartet who literally had the crowd jumping out of their seats!  Gary Quinn gave us a wonderful Country set with his band.  And then of course the Wurzels who filled the whole bandstand area with crowds of fans, all singing along to their well know songs.  Then party time with The Normals playing a mix of ska/folk/pop/rock with their pumping brass duo and tight rhythm section.  Tankus the Henge closed this year’s Dart Music Festival getting the crowd dancing with their energetic set leaving everyone wanting more.

Velvet and Stone

News highlights from other venues:

* Will McNicol and Luke Selby earning a standing ovation in The Masonic Hall.   

* Velvet and Stone filling Bayards Cove Fort to capacity with approx. 250 people watching their set.

* The Market Square run by Committee member Ben Malley - it was buzzing all weekend with great music and great food being served by the cafes including Mark Lobb.  An amazing atmosphere in there!

* Mama Tokus doing impromptu set in Foss Street, Poco Drom entertaining children in the library and Market Square. 

And finally from Hilary, some quotes from performers and visitors:

"Thanks for a involving us in such a brilliant festival. A real pleasure to meet and work with you all! We had a blast"- Gary Quinn

 "Thank you for a great gig at The Guildhall with To The Sun, I danced all night!"

 "Just wanted to say a big thank you for a brilliant weekend. Some of the acts that you booked were truly inspiring."

"Once again, we loved the Windjammer, and the Market Square gig was something special. Thanks again" Roger and gang x

"I don't know if you got any feedback from our gig yesterday but we had a real blast . Thank you very much from all of us, we'd love to come back anytime"  Regards, Mike (Bailjumpers )

We think this rather kind of sums it all up...!

See you next year: 13th, 14th & 15th May 2016

www.dartmusicfestival.co.uk

Festival Feedback - Dart Music Festival

Woohoo...we did it again...!!

Well, our eighteenth Festival turned out to be just as successful this year - the weather was kind to us and a good time was had by all. 

There's a tired but happy band of DMF Committee Members in Dartmouth right now, currently dotting the i's, crossing the t's and generally tying up the loose ends.

Here are some thoughts from Alan Depledge - Vice Chairman:

"This year’s DMF was amazing - EIGHTEEN years old and better than ever! All the venues were packed and all music was free! It was busier than last year and there was no trouble with the crowds of people who just wanted to enjoy the live music for all tastes.

The Wurzels with lovely local bobby Ian Symons

From ‘The Wurzels’ - who produced the biggest crowd ever in front of the Bandstand Stage on Sunday afternoon - to rock band ‘To The Sun’ who packed out The Guildhall on Saturday night, every venue over the weekend was full to capacity.

The Flavel Arts Centre required people to reserve (free) tickets for the concerts held there and these were fully taken before the weekend even started.

 DMF Food Outlets Policy - Keep It Local...

...This year, before the event, the DMF committee invited local Dartmouth food outlets to a meeting to discuss takeaway food during the event weekend. We wanted to ensure they could cope with the huge demand that happens when happy festival goers want to eat and still listen to the music. More importantly we are strongly committed to ensuring all the food available is supplied by local businesses. Our policy is to only use local traders for this local festival. We want to concentrate on the music and let local businesses look after other needs of our lovely visitors.

Fresh fish from Mark Lobb's Market Stall

This policy worked extremely well this year. Feedback from food outlets and pubs tells us this year was the best ever for local businesses, beating last year’s ‘best ever’ results! 

The music quality was exceptionally good this year - I think we say this every year and mean it! 

Things kicked off before the Festival with our annual fundraiser at Little Dartmouth last month, where piano sensation Ji Liu, the UK’s biggest-selling classical breakthrough artist of 2014, performed to a sell-out audience. This two-night event also showcased wonderful young classical musicians  (link to blog post: http://dartmusicfestival.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/little-dartmouth-classical-weekend.html )


The Music Festival traditionally starts with a music themed film shown on Thursday evening at the Guildhall by Dartmouth Film Society. This year's film was ‘The Jersey Boys’ - the story of ‘60’s pop group The Four Seasons. Over 100 guests enjoyed the film and buffet - making it the most popular DFS film night ever!

Tankus the Henge

DMF then ‘explodes’ through the town on Friday in venues as diverse as shop windows where singer songwriter Sam Fearon played guitar for Quba’s shoppers, through the many pubs like The Dolphin in Market Square  and The Windjammer bursting with revellers to restaurants and cafes such as Café Alf Resco who always put on great live music such as James Harris’ Beat Belt. 

We have also received great feedback from our website – www.dartmusicfestival.co.uk:

“I would just like to express our appreciation of all the hard work that went into such an amazing event ,we were blown away with the quality of the musicians and the smooth running of the whole weekend… we are looking forward to next years weekend so well done to you all and a very big thank you from 6 very happy and tired party revellers lol “ Sharon

“I spent the day at Dartmouth on Sunday and had such a great time, I want to try to book accommodation for the 3 days next year. Any information on the best way to find accommodation would also be very much appreciated”  Yours thankfully, Graham

“I attended the festival this weekend and had a fabulous time.  Do you know the dates for 2016 yet please?”  Thanks  Mark  (It's 13th, 14th & 15th May 2016 - just to let you know)

"Hi- I must tell you how much my husband and I enjoyed the festival. Extremely well organised fantastic acts. Your volunteers  we so
helpful. Thank you so much." Sharon Sanders

Some other really brilliant high lights for me whilst running The Guildhall fore the weekend were Gaz Brookfield – singer songwriter, Billy Thompson - Gypsy Style Jazz and Doug Macleod – blues slide guitar, although to be honest all the performances were hugely enjoyable and of a very high standard - in fact trying to pick out favourites is awful, it’s like trying to pick your favourite son or daughter! All the performances were pretty amazing with many multi-talented performers who really seem to enjoy coming and playing in Dartmouth."

Happy People in Royal Avenue Gardens - Photo Joe Murtagh

Overall there was a fantastic atmosphere in town over this weekend - Dart Music Festival really does seem to bring out the best in both locals and visitors to Dartmouth!

Next year's Festival dates: 13th, 14th and 15th May 2016

www.dartmusicfestival.co.uk 

Dart Music Festival - How Was It For You..??

Well - that was a blast, wasn't it??

We are just about coming down from the high of last weekend's Festival, which by all accounts was really successful. 

It was a lot of work but a lot of fun and we just had a ball - and we hope you did too!

We'd love to have your feedback - please let us know your thoughts and your Festival Highlights.

Send them by e mail to:

Hilary Day - Musical Director. hilary.day@btinternet.com

Val Depledge - DMF Publicity: valdepledge@hotmail.com

We look forward to hearing from you soon

- and thanks!

www.dartmusicfestival.co.uk

STOP PRESS: Flavel sell-out - Dart Music Festival

 NEWS FLASH!!

Just to let you know that the following performances at the Flavel have now 'sold out' - i.e. no more places are available. 

Friday: Jazz Night

Saturday: Charles Hazelwood

Sunday: DYJO

So sorry to disappoint but just wanted to make sure your time isn't wasted by calling into the Flavel, as there are no waiting lists 

www.dartmusicfestival.co.uk

15/16/17 May 2015

Thursday Lunchtime Concert at the Flavel

Anti-Clashers!

Just before the wonderful Music Festival - chill out at the Flavel at Lunchtime today with three very talented local pianists, Liz Ferguson, Katrin Irvine and Rowena Marshall, giving a recital of solo and multi-handed piano works.

Admission by free ticket with a retiring collection. 

Please note two further concerts in this series:

Thursday 11 June Gregory Graves (euphonium ) accompanied by Jonathan Delbridge

Thursday 9 July "Silver Saxes" make their Flavel debut - Mike Jones' new line-up.

Enjoy all the Music!

 

 

WWW.DARTMUSICFESTIVAL.CO.UK

 

15TH, 16TH & 17TH MAY 2015

Poet Kevin Pyne on Music...

Our sincere thanks to local poet Kevin Pyne for his beautiful poem, which we feel really sums up the harmonious atmosphere of Dartmouth during the Dart Music Festival weekend.

Make for me good music

Down by the sea

In the market and inns

And where the churches be



Play for me a rock song

Pick out and strum

The chords of a gentle lullaby

As I thumb the pages of

My little yellow book

And the boats sail by



The clarity of choirs

The richness of violins

The raunchiness of a saxophone

The inspiration of the piano

Are all so worthy of being

Listened to and indeed loving



And may we all sit gently

As the songs are sung

In a world where there

Is much musical talent and all

Is at peace for every one? 

Happy people in Royal Avenue Gardens - Photo Joe Murtagh Photography

We hope you enjoy the Festival Kevin - keep on writing..!

 

www.dartmusicfestival.co.uk

15th, 16th & 17th May 2015

Kingswear Bus Timetable Change - Dart Music Festival

Important Announcement

Due to a recent change in the bus timetable, the last bus from Kingswear to Brixham will be at 8.00pm on the Friday and Saturday of the Festival 

www.dartmusicfestival.co.uk 

15th, 16th & 17th May 2015 

Youth Transport Help at Dart Music Festival

Youth Charity the Youth Genesis Trust has very kindly offered help to young people during the Dart Music Festival. 

Michelle Fascione of  the Trust, who have recently opened a base in the Flavel Chapel in Dartmouth, have promised to be attendance during the Festival on a voluntary basis and just for Saturday evening from 7.30pm.

Although they only have limited resources and with only two paid employees including Michelle, they will cover Dartmouth and Kingswear and be issuing fluorescent wristbands and bottled water to youngsters going home. They will also be happy too pass on any updated transport info.

www.dartmusicfestival.co.uk

15th, 16th & 17th May 2015

Dart Music Festival Sampler CD on sale soon!

Just to let you know that the ever-popular Music Festival Sampler CD for 2015 will soon be available online and will be on sale at just £5.00 from the Merchandise Tent (at the entrance to Royal Avenue Gardens) throughout the Festival.

The CD contains about 70 minutes of music from 19 bands performing at this year's Festival, and our thanks go to these artists who have donated their work for free to help raise funds for the Music Festival.

Our thanks also to Jonathan Hughes-Jones for organising production of the CD, Simon Hart for the cover design and Guy Rigby for the CD mastering.

What more can I say except 

"What a great way to remember your Festival Experience - and help us to raise funds at the same time..!"

Supplies are limited so make sure you grab your copy while you can - oh and Happy Listening...

www.dartmusicfestival.co.uk

15th, 16th & 17th May 2015

Any chance of a quick blog post to say CD's will be available online
soon and of course at the Merchandise tent.
 

Venues - Dart Music Festival

Just a brief run-down of all the main venues hosting music at Dart Music Festival this year...

The Bandstand Main Stage

Situated in Royal Avenue Gardens, the main stage hosts many different performances this year. Some seating is made available

Music is free with donations requested via yellow collecting tins. 

Use of Royal Avenue Gardens is by kind permission of South Hams District Council.

The Masonic Hall - Situated in Lower Street, use is by kind permission of the Freemasons. 

N.B. IN THE EVENT OF REALLY GOOD, SUNNY WEATHER, EVENTS MAY BE TRANSFERRED TO BAYARD'S COVE FORT. PLEASE CHECK EACH DAY

In the event performances being relocated in good weather, the Fort is situated at the end of Bayard's Cove and is made available by kind permission of English Heritage. 

Some chairs are made available for the performances, which will be held on Saturday and Sunday and will start at 11.30 am.

 

The Flavel Arts Centre - situated in Flavel Street. The Music Festival is grateful to the Flavel for use of the main auditorium, studio and also the Library which are all part of the events being staged. 

SOME EVENTS - ALTHOUGH FREE - WILL BE TICKETED. 

Please check with the Flavel Box Office:

 01803 839530

 

The Flavel Church - Situated in front of the Arts Centre, the Church will be holding workshops, performances and Songs of Praise.

The Old Market Square - situated in the centre of town. 

Music in the afternoon after the Friday Market has finished. 

All the shops will be open, and there will be a bar organised and sponsored by Bays Brewery, with music and food on Saturday and Sunday too.

Collections will be made via yellow collecting tins and buckets

The Guildhall/Clifton Room - Situated in Victoria Road just past the Old Market, this venue will be signposted by a large yellow venue flag. 

Workshops take place in the Clifton Room downstairs whilst upstairs in the Ballroom performances run from Friday early evening and all through Saturday and Sunday, with a bar sponsored by Bays Brewery and cafe run by Friends of Stoke Fleming School on Saturday.

Entry to the venue is free with donations requested via the yellow collecting tins and buckets.

St Saviour's Church 

Situated in the middle of town, with performances being held in  the Church all over the weekend as well as the Festival Eucharist on Sunday Morning.

St Petrox Church - situated next to Dartmouth Castle out on the headland. Allow at least half an hour to walk to this beautiful small venue in a wonderful setting - so it will be worth it! The Castle Ferry runs throughout the day - details from the Ferry Kiosk on South Embankment or the back page of the DMF Programme.

Hope this helps to whet your appetite...have a great time.

www.dartmusicfestival.co.uk

15th, 16th & 17th May 2015

Bars, Pubs, Cafes and Other Venues at Dart Music Festival

The DMF Committee would like to thank all the fabulous pubs, cafes and shops who get involved and support us every year!

By booking and promoting their own musical performances and really entering into the spirit of the Festival, they really do us proud. 

Here are the 'Other Venues' taking part during the Festival - make sure you don't miss what they have on offer:

THE CRAB AND BUCKET

South Embankment, music during the day

Fri 8pm: Phoenix 2. Rock/Funk/Soul band

Sat 1 -2pm: Sax Appeal - Local legends

Sat 4 - 5pm: Dirty Strings - Acousitc pop/soul

Sat 8pm: Local Superstar DJ Mark

Sun 12 - 1.30pm: Reggie's Band - Good time party band

Sun 4pm: Mafia4 - Brilliant mix of funk and pop

THE FLOATING BRIDGE - By the Higher Ferry

Fri 7pm: Disco with Rosco Dan - dance the night away

Sat 3pm: Children's entertainment with Rosco Dan

Sat 7.30 - 10pm: Sam Fearon - Singer/songwriter

Sat 10.30 - 11.30pm: Disco with Rosco Dan

BELLINI'S BAR - Hauley Road

Fri 8pm: Ryan Inglis - Singer/songwriter

Sat 8pm: Ben Carr & Sy Lane - Blues

 

NO. 8 - Foss Street

Sat 11 - 12.30pm: Ross Purdy - Acoustic

Sat 4 - 5pm: Nick the Fish - Party with this brilliant local legend

Sun 12 - 1.30pm: Drew Millen - Acoustic covers

THE SLOPING DECK RESTAURANT  Duke Street

Sat 11 - 12pm: Chris Thomas - 20 years experience and great covers!

Sun 3pm: The Harry Browns - Sea shanties

QUBA -Duke Street

Sat 2.30pm: Sam Fearon - Amazing young singer/songwriter

THE SEALE ARMS - Victoria Road

Fri 9 - 11pm: Michael Bryan Harris & Band - Energetic mix of styles

Sat 3 - 5pm: Alfi Romeo & Guests - Blues and Rock

Sat 9 - 11pm: Wired - Ska and Funk

Sun 9 - 11pm: Reggie's Band - Local covers band

 

THE ANGLING CLUB

  Oxford Street

Fri 9pm: Sarah Yeo

Acoustic singer, back by popular demand

Sat 9pm: Scott McGowan

Singer/guitarist on his debut at the Club

THE SHIP INN - Kingswear

Fri, Sat and Sun: Various times, various music - 01803 752348 for details

THANKS TO YOU ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT - WE HOPE YOU HAVE A GREAT FESTIVAL!

www.dartmusicfestival.co.uk

15th, 16th & 17th May 2015

Food Glorious Food at Dart Music Festival

Dart Music Festival likes to keep it local...

...so various food providers in town have offered to offer food for extended hours this year to help make sure everyone gets fed.

Check out these great Food Outlets during the Festival - further details in the Programme:

MARKET SQUARE

All open until 8.30pm on Friday and Saturday:

Dart to Mouth Deli - hot and cold food

Wild Food Devon - Hot and cold fishy delights

Market Cafe - Burgers, hot dogs etc

Dartmouth Caring - in the Community Corner, serving tea, coffee and cakes on Saturday only.

DUKE STREET

Sloping Deck and Dartmouth Bakery - hot and colds meals and takeaways until 8.30pm Fri & Sat

The Deli at Dartmouth - Increased opening hours and special weekend menu

SMITH STREET

Smith Street Deli - extended hours and providing deli platters

LOWER STREET

Wheelhouse Cafe - Extended hours for takeaways and restaurant food.

SOUTH EMBANKMENT

Station Restaurant and Angel Restaurant - Open until 10pm for hot meals and takeaways.

CORONATION PARK

Browney's - Extended opening hours for burgers, bacon rolls and chicken

There are many other great restaurants and takeaways in Dartmouth - hope you enjoy them.

www.dartmusicfestival.co.uk

15th, 16th & 17th May 2015 

Programmes/Lanyards: still time to buy online...Dart Music Festival

Just a reminder that our official programme is available to download online right up to the Festival, or by post up until Tuesday 12th May to allow time for delivery.

As well as full details of all the performances and artists, the programme contains a whole host of useful information designed to make the Festival even more enjoyable for you, including food outlets, transport, parking and lots more.

Programme sales are vital to us...

Not only is the Programme an invaluable aid to planning your day (making sure you don't miss out on a single thing...) and a great souvenir to remember the good times by, your £4.00 really DOES make a huge difference by boosting the funds needed to keep the event going, so a huge

 Thank you Very Much! 

to all who have already bought a copy or are planning to do so. 

This year we're delighted to introduce the DMF programme's 'little sister' - our Keepsake Festival Lanyard with see-at-a-glance information on the venues and performances for the weekend.

We  hope it will be a lovely souvenir of what we are sure will be a great event and also a handy quick reminder of what’s on where, and when, for keeping with you at all times.

This small and smart listing has eleven laminated cards as a quick and easy venue-based guide, with each Venue Card showing what's on for all three days. 

So, for example, if you have been enjoying music at the Bandstand, then the Bandstand Card will show you what's on next. Stocks are limited though and once they're gone they're gone so to avoid disappointment make sure you nab one as soon as you can..!

The Lanyards to be sent by post are also available to buy online until Tuesday 12th May 2105, and then throughout the Festival from the Merchandise Tent, TIC and various other venues, as will be the Programmes.

To purchase Programmes and/or Lanyards online go to the 'Purchase a Programme' tab - here's the link:  

http://www.dartmusicfestival.co.uk/purchase-programme

 

www.dartmusicfestival.co.uk

15th, 16th & 17th May 2015 

New T shirts galore! Dart Music Festival

 WOW!!

Unisex - Metro Blue. Photo Joe Murtagh

We have just received our brand new T shirts for this year and are blown away by the lovely new designs and colours.

We hope you will be too...

 

Fuchsia Pink - Ladies. Photo Joe Murtagh

 

 

 

Many thanks to our fabulous model Omi for showing off the T shirts so delightfully, and to official DMF photographer Joe Murtagh for all his lovely photos.

 

 

White - Ladies. Photo Joe Murtagh

 

 

The T shirts come in two styles  - Unisex and Ladies - and in a variety of sizes

 

Navy Vitruvian Man. Photo Joe Murtagh

Some but not all T shirts are available in two designs, the geometric, and the Leonardo Vitruvian man.

 The Ladies T shirts come in pale pink, fuchsia pink, white,black and dark blue...

Pale pink - Ladies. Photo Joe Murtagh

Honey Yellow - Unisex. Photo Joe Murtagh

...and the Unisex in Honey yellow, White, Black,Metro blue, Light blue,

Orchid (pale mauve) and Ice Grey (not photographed).

Orchid - Unisex. Photo Joe Murtagh

As you can see, Omi has worn them as a night shirt or shift - so good for girls too...!

Pale Green - Unisex. Photo Joe Murtagh

The T shirts will be on sale throughout the Festival from the Merchandise Tent at the entrance to Royal Avenue Gardens

Dark Blue - Ladies. Photo Joe Murtagh

We do try to stock as many styles and sizes as possible so that there is something for everyone, but the more popular sizes do sell out quickly so make sure you're not disappointed...

...and grab yours while you can.

 Once they're gone they're gone!

Fuchsia Pink - Ladies. Note the sunglasses! Photo Joe Murtagh

We also have some lovely colourful sunglasses on sale to complement the T shirts - and of course, as we know, the sun is going to shine for us next weekend...

Dark Blue Vitruvian Man - Ladies. Photo Joe Murtagh

 We look forward to seeing you at the Festival next weekend.

Have a great time - and don't forget to visit the Merchandise Tent for our fab new T shirts, hats, sunglasses, pins, lanyards - oh and don't forget the doggie bandanas too!

www.dartmusicfestival.co.uk

15th, 16th & 17th May 2015