A new banding initiative inspired by the famous Whit Friday contests is set to take place in Devon later this year.

'Bandamonium' will be hosted on Saturday 30th July (starting at noon) and aims to replicate the famous contests with a twist of Devon flavour around five public houses in and around the market town of Hatherleigh.

Increase awareness

It is hoped it will increase the awareness of the brass band tradition in the region as well as instil a sense of fun and enjoyment into live music making that will also help boost the local pub economy.

Organiser Tim Williams told 4BR: "After such a period of inactivity during Covid-19 we all deserve some musical fun and to have a cracking day out in the process. 'Bandamonium' is about celebrating brass banding in public."

Pubs

Five pubs have already signed up to host contests at Northlew (The Green Dragon); Sheepwash (The Half Moon); Hatherleigh (Tally Ho & George); Stamford Courtney (New Inn) and South Zeal (Kings Arms), with reserve venues at Bridestowe, Okehampton and Bratton Clovelly eager to take part if there is a good take up.

To help, the organisers will provide coach transport to get bands to each venue, with the intention that a band will be able to play all five venues in the afternoon.

Tim added: "At the location you'll have the opportunity to march 'Whit Friday' to the performance spot and then play for about 10 to 20 mins and have time to sample the hospitality!

After the band's final location everyone makes their way back to Hatherleigh where we'll try for a massed band performance before the prize giving. We should be all done and dusted by 8.00pm — so even more time to enjoy things!"

There will also be cider and pasty sales and merchandise, and if the day makes a profit then this will be split 50/50 between the participating bands and a local charityorganisers

Pasty and cider

He added: "To participating bands there is no cost other than getting here and back and beverages. We'll be asking for donations from the public and from the landlords if their coffers have swollen.

There will also be cider and pasty sales and merchandise, and if the day makes a profit then this will be split 50/50 between the participating bands and a local charity."

Find out more

Tim is hoping that at least 10 bands sign up to take part, as they will be able to deal with the logistics with comfort, whilst there will an all-inclusive atmosphere — so no registration or instrument requirements with bands able to play anything they wish in their spot — from Whit Friday marches to pop songs.

To find out more, please e-mail Tim Williams at: tarbytim@gmail.com