Wealth of Talent Wows Crowds

A mini-music festival in Teignmouth has been a huge success, we are told.

The first J&D Musical Festival – held as part of the town’s carnival celebrations – rocked out hundreds of visitors.

Sponsored by Teign Music, in Carlton Place, 10 outfits played on The Den with more putting on intimate acoustic sets, a sideline event, at the Jolly Sailor pub.

The music fest was dreamed up by Danny Ross, the carnival committee’s chairman, and committee member Jason Payne, both of whom share a history of involvement with the music industry.

We think it’s great that Teignmouth is creating its own opportunities for music and giving so many bands the chance to take their material to a wider audience.

Teign Music’s Peter Williams, the joint director with Phil Fray, excitedly told us: “This shows Teignmouth can put on a music festival of high quality which is enjoyed by all.

“There was no trouble and security was kept at a minimum.

“With the setting in a Glastonbury style music stage with an excellent sound systems by Hewes Audio Engineering, the sun beating down and excellent crowds, the mood was set for a festival of local music.”

Well-known local acts including The Quails, Hey Molly, Morph and Thieff were on the bill along with Mahoney, Celladoirs, Red Paper Dragons and all-new girl group Vanity.

Peter said: “The Outfit, who have only been together for seven months and are already making a name for themselves, brought the crowd to their feet with their unique style of music and energetic performance.

“Closing the day’s events was London’s Imperial Vipers, who are now veterans of the festival circuit, and it showed with the ease and professionalism they bought to the occasion.”

He praised all of the bands and groups involved, adding: “This event would not have been possible without the support of the bands, Jason Payne, Danny Ross, Teign Music and the Teignmouth carnival committee. To you all, many thanks – and here’s to next year.”

(c) 2008 Herald Express (Torquay UK). Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.