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Local music heroes will be front and centre stage at Royal William Yard Festival
3rd May 2017
Local musical talent will be front and centre stage at Royal William Yard Festival as Devon and Cornish bands to get fresh opportunity to perform alongside major national acts to new audiences
The first Royal William Yard Festival is to give local talent a new platform for performing with national level artists, putting the South West on the musical map, say organisers.
The festival, which features soul superstar, Soul II Soul's Jazzie B, is to feature some of the best local musical talent in the South West curated by the festival team.
All acts and performers in the Acoustic Courtyard and the Secret Blues & Jazz stage will be from Devon and Cornwall. These stages have been curated by two of the city's finest live music institutions, Andy Quick of Land of the Giants (acoustic stage) and Russell Sinclair and his Smoking' Locos (Blues & Jazz stage).
Showcasing the tremendous strength and depth of local talent across the West Country, these two stages will have support from the likes of Haunt the Woods, Martin Dale, The Big Sets, Jack Tucker, Elani Evangelou, The Organisation, Vince Lee, Becca Langsford, Lottie Bolt, Rosco Enrique, Double Denim, Gypsy Guys, Tony Harris Quartet, Ryan Jones, Joanne Cooke, Thomas Ford and The Blue Bottles.
Home-grown act, The Super XLs appearing on the Harbour Maritime will be closing that stage with a David Bowie tribute set followed by anthemic Live Aid anthems Saturday evening.
Saturday also sees Meadowlark, who are originally from Plymouth, playing their homecoming gig on the Harbour Maritime stage, their first ever performance in Britain's Ocean City; whilst Sound of the Sirens hailing from Exeter, also on the Harbour Maritime stage, launch their new album 'For All Our Sins'.
Local favourites, Matthew Gordon Price will be opening the Harbour Maritime stage on Saturday whilst the Aaron Douglas Band will be following the Band of HM Royal Marines on the Sunday.
Sunday also see Southwest jive kings, Company B getting the party started on the Harbour Maritime stage before West Country folk superstar, Seth Lakeman delivers a much anticipated solo set.
And, it's not just live music that is well represented by Devon & Cornwall, with Plymouth showing strong support for soul, funk and house music with local DJs and acts.
Local purveyors of soulful house & funk, DancersHip will be providing the feel good vibes in the Sundeck area with support from Pryzm's very own James Jordan, Souled Out's Franz Mac, Casa king Ryan Platts and local legend on his return to the Uk, Dave Green aka DJ Verdi.
Sundowners by River Cottage will host Ibiza veteran and Plymouth's premier Balearic chill maestro, Steve Power and the 'Full SP', accompanied by live percussion from former Plymouth University student, King Konga.
The first ever Royal William Yard Festival which promises to celebrate “peninsular living” and everything the beautiful West Country has to offer.
The festival will bring areas of the historic Grade 1 listed ex-Naval victualling yard to life with beautiful classic cars, motor bikes and boats providing the backdrop to six stages, dotted around the yard offering an array of musical styles.
It will all take place in the stunning surroundings of Grade 1 listed Royal William Yard, recently regenerated to huge acclaim by award-winning Manchester-based property developers Urban Splash. The Yard is home to some of the best food brands in the South West, including River Cottage Canteen & Deli, Seco Lounge, Wildwood, Bistrot Pierre, Wagamama, Las Iguanas, Le Vignoble, Prezzo and Victuals cafe as well as arts hub, Ocean Studios.
Creative Director for the Royal William Yard Festival, Craig Roxburgh said: “It's fantastic to celebrate such great local talent, along with Seth Lakeman and national superstars like Jazzie B. Our new festival really will celebrate everything Devon and Cornwall have to offer. From wonderful waterside living to great food, wine and musical talent. The festival will represent the best of the West Country and will have something for everyone to enjoy.
“Royal William Yard has become one of the the best places to work, rest and play in the West Country,” said Urban Splash Director, Emily Handslip. “We are thrilled to announce the first ever Royal William Yard Festival and welcome these talented local artists. We are really hoping to attract more people than ever before to The Yard to enjoy this unique event.”