My brass band, the Liss Band, is planning to go to the “Bandamonium” festival, based in Hatherleigh, Devon, in late July of the year we have just begun. It’s our 50th anniversary this year. And though I wasn’t quite a “founder member,” I did join the band in its first calendar year, 1974. And I’ve written a book to celebrate the band’s 50th. More on that (much) later.
The event is described as “the Whit Friday marches, but
without the marching.” So, each band is transported by coach around various
pubs, at each of which they play a brief programme. After playing, they have a
drink and move on to the next. At the end of the day, everyone meets in
Hatherleigh, and plays together. We might have as many as 20 bands.
I had a list of the six pubs from last year. I thought it might be a decent use of the New Year break to go and survey them. So, here they are. New Year’s Day was probably the worst day I could possibly have chosen, because not only was it a bank holiday, but a Monday too, on which most rural pubs these days would be closed anyway. So, all were closed except one. And the weather was… inclement would be a kind word.
The King’s Arms, South Zeal
The Green Dragon, Northlew
The New Inn, Sampford Courtenay
The Tally Ho, Hatherleigh
The George, Hatherleigh
The Half Moon, Sheepwash
This is hilly country, and not easy to navigate around. The
roads are narrow, complicated and confusing. It took me almost six hours,
starting from Exeter, to find all these pubs and then to get back to Exeter.
The coach drivers will surely earn their wages on Bandamonium Day!
Accommodation in the area is, to say the least, limited. And
as late July is peak season, it won’t be cheap either. Those who don’t want to
have to drive on the day will have either to book super early, or stay in the
same place as their “designated driver.”
The event will reach its climax in the evening in “The Square” in Hatherleigh. I confess I’m confused as to where it is. I found this place:
which is called the Market, and is neither square nor beautiful. And this one:
which is right next to the George. There is a public space
here. But fitting 20 bands, with more than 500 bandsmen, in here would be
impossible, at least to this former mathematician. Although this does look to
be where last year’s celebrations were held.
To add to the confusion, there is a new “Market Quarter” of
housing currently being built, which includes a new Market Square. This was
scheduled to be completed last year, but I couldn’t find evidence as to whether
or not it has actually happened.
Ah well, I’m sure Tim the organizer – who used to play with
us 40 years ago – will inform us all in due course.
1 comment:
Whatho Neil,
Mrs W just forwarded this to me - can't believe you drove down on New Years Day! If I'd known I'd have come out for a tour with you.
So yes we live in a very green area of West Devon & indeed the lanes are narrow and quite often if you miss the 'main roads' you'll find grass in the middle of the track -which normally means ignore the sat nav! This is why we've put on the transport round the various venues to avoid coach clogging or sticking, not to mention we want to reduce the costs for Bandamonium to make it more inclusive.
In terms of hotels you again are 100% correct there aren't a load which is why we're still rural, but sratching the surface there are a load of opportunties in and around mainly Okehampton including the Ashbury Manor which is a large complex designed for golfing or crafting holidays who have also opened their doors to Bandamonium. Is it cheap? I'm not that sure as especially the Manor have alot of facilities that the bander wouldn't necessarily use - but they've tried. Feedback gratefully received.
Then the square in Hatherleigh - your second choice is definitely the square (the first was the roundabout by co-op (and 1min from the bandroom)), https://maps.app.goo.gl/eBbXBSNywYzX6a4k9. This year we have a road closure notice for the day round the square stopping the traffic from the main road before and during the massed bands, which means we have room to spreadout. Yes with 400-500 players we shouldn't all fit in the raised area of the square, but with the overspill areas it will be comfortable & alot better off than last year - oh and the marquee will have some lighting which will also make a difference! We could make this easier and move to a larger open area - and indeed that might have to happen next year - but when you play there I hope you'll agree the sound is pretty special with the music bouncing off the walls of the surrounding buildings. Have you listened to this on our youtube channel? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhD5K7Waa50&t=8s.
Still can't believe you drove down on New years Day! Will see you in July, if not before, and can't wait to hear and see you.
Post a Comment