Festivals

South Devon Festival 2010

Devon’s burgeoning music scene is helping fuel bigger and better festivals in the region and this summer the smart money’s on the new South Devon Festival.

Set at Newton Abbot race course on Saturday 24 July, the festival created a buzz as soon as it launched.

In fact so many performers wanted to play organisers had to add a second stage.

With stacks of free entertainment for all ages, great food and a special place to chill out, it’s already been heralded as Devon’s mini Glastonbury – except you get to leave your sleeping bag at home.

Pop sensation Will Young headlines the packed line up in his only confirmed appearance in the region this year. Leading up the newer acts are Teignmouth rockers The Quails.

They’ll be joined by celebrated live performers Ade Edmondson and the Bad Shepherds, The Wurzels, Joey the Lips and The Demon Barber Road Show – named Best Live Act in the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards
Among the fresh talent being showcased is singersongwriter Ella Edmondson, The Normals, The Rachel Jones Quartet, BeckyFalls, Thinking for Tuesday, Scott Raba, The Bad Apples and Soft Toy Heroes.

Making the festival stand out is the range of entertainment available.

For children there’s free animal-themed activities from badge-making to puppet shows. All ages can clown around at the free circus skills workshops or learn to survive in the wild at the bushcraft sessions.

For those who like a more relaxed affair, there’s a chill out village for mid-fest massages and other alternative therapies, street entertainers milling through the crowds and an arts and craft market to browse through.

In fact, with so much packed into 12 hours, the only danger is that you won’t want it to end.

Tickets cost £40 for adults, £2 for 5-12 years. Under 5s free. Buy online and hear sample music at www.southdevonfestival.co.uk

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Tags: south devon festival, will young