May 2023
Yikes – we are just over a week away!
The committee are finessing the final bits, the bands are getting ready, the staging is on its way, and we hope you are all looking forward to attending DMF 2023.
MUSIC FOR ALL
Some highlights for this year include Christie Reeves, who has an incredible voice and sings, in her words, campfire pop. She is often compared to Stevie Nicks and she will envelope you with her soulful depth. If you like soul, funk classics then Soul Strutters are one of tightest bands we have heard. They have real SOUL and having played together for 10 years have undefinable quality coming out from every pore. For all the Blues boppers, the Flavel will be a must visit with their all-new Blues Café, and don’t forget about all the fabulous and free to attend workshops!
We also have the most amazing classical line up including the super talented Lyric Chamber Orchestra, and outstanding Cellist Erland Vestby, who will be performing J S Bach’s first three unaccompanied cello Suites.
This is just a snippet, there is truly something for everyone no matter your age or preference! Every venue around Dartmouth will have some superb music from Bayards Cove Fort, to the Acoustic Café in the Yacht Club, the Old Market Square, the Guildhall, the Flavel and of course our main stage in the Royal Avenue Gardens. Don’t forget all those bars and pubs that sponsor the festival will also have their bands listed in our programme too.
To find out more on all of the wonderful performers, download our app for £4.99, or buy our programme for £6 from our website, at the Flavel Arts Centre or (cash only) from No 11 Clothing, Dartmouth Community Bookshop, Kingswear Post Office and Compass Bookshop.
SUPPORT US
Talking of support, as well as buying a programme, you could also buy a (recycled and recyclable 😘) wristband. They are £25 for the whole weekend and then you won’t keep being asked very politely to donate by our volunteers! Buy a programme at the same time for £30 (these will be available from volunteers and in the information hut on the weekend) and save a £1!
JUST FOR FUN
We will be running a little photography competition this year. It is just for fun…no prizes (we spent all the money on bands for you), but big kudos when we pick a winner and marvel at your photography skills! So, if you take a silly, fun, sexy or super observant photo, send it to us at chair@dartmusicfestival.co.uk by 10pm on Saturday 20th May, and we might even pop it on the big screen for Sunday! We will publish it everywhere. Fame is literally around the corner…😂
HOUSEKEEPING
Just a reminder… in case you haven’t heard, the road at Halwell could well be closed! Devon County Council are carrying out essential works from the 9 – 26 May. The road contractors may have traffic lights in place if appropriate but we cannot be sure of this. There will be a diversion in place and no doubt the traffic will be busy, so do ensure you leave enough time if you are driving to Dartmouth. Visit Devon County Council to see what diversions are in place. If you are driving from Torbay, you can use the higher or lower ferries, or indeed the passenger ferry. All timetables can be accessed through the links below:
Higher ferry
Lower ferry
https://www.southhams.gov.uk/dartmouthlowerferry
Passenger ferry
https://www.dartmouthrailriver.co.uk/boats
MERCHANDISE
Yard Park will be at the festival from Thursday afternoon selling our official DMF merchandise, but don’t forget, you can still preorder yours from them direct. Makes sense; avoid the queues, and the possibility of sell outs! Their website is here https://www.yardparkdartmouth.com/
OUR THANKS
We would like to take this opportunity to again thank all our generous sponsors and friends of the festival and also to our volunteers and the committee who work so hard throughout the year. Last but not least, we would like to thank you – the festival goers and arguably the most important element of the whole event!
Let’s hope for fine weather, good tunes and dancing moves worthy of a strictly stage!
We cannot wait to see you all, and hope you enjoy DMF 2023!
You can get a taster of the music on Spotify or You Tube just search Dart music Festival