I was lucky enough to spend last weekend down in the beautiful town of Dartmouth in Devon, basking in the gorgeous sun and enjoying some great live music. The Dart Music Festival (DMF), which occurs annually, celebrated its 22nd year in 2019 and, as a first-time DMF festival-goer, I can see why it has been so successful over the years. The festival is free to attend but donations are gratefully received to support this great event that apparently costs £70,000 to run every year.
Dartmouth is a small and peaceful riverside town but if you visit during DMF you wouldn’t know it, given the loud noise and music fans that swarm for the duration of the weekend. Various stages are erected throughout the town with the mainstage located by the bandstand in the Royal Avenue Gardens, whilst other venues and heritage sites are transformed to accommodate the multitude of great acts the festival has to offer. It’s a great excuse to explore the different pubs, clubs and restaurants that visitors might not otherwise have the pleasure of attending. They even host acts by Dartmouth Castle and in the ruins of Bayard’s Cove Fort!
My advice would be to get hold of a programme early so you can identify what acts you’d really like to see. Unfortunately, it just isn’t possible to see everything but you can definitely make your way around. It’s also a good idea to head to one of the pop-up bars or pubs for a drink to get one of the reusable plastic cups (£1) which can be refilled at any venue to reduce waste which is fab.
The whole weekend was incredible but I wanted to share a few of the best acts I managed to see, most of whom I have already streamed on Spotify since their performance!
True Strays
Describing themselves as ‘Rhythm and blues fuelled, good time vintage roots rock and roll’, True Strays are everything you could want from a headliner. The audience went wild for their rocking sound and it didn’t take long for the crowds to be begging them for more, with what I can only describe as a triple encore! Founding members James Cameron and Joseph James have clearly cultivated something special with True Strays and I look forward to seeing them again in the future.
The Nauti Buoys
If you’ve ever wondered what sea shanties sound like when performed with proper gusto and in their true quirky style, then look no further than the repertoire of The Nauti Buoys. These fun-loving guys show you exactly what to expect from the getgo, with pirate hats and an infectious sense of fun. Traditional sea shanties combine with confidence and passion to produce one of the most bizarre musical acts I have ever witnessed – and one that I found myself humming for the rest of the weekend!
Noble Jacks
If you want to see the epitome of a musical multitasker then the lead singer of Noble Jacks is the place to look. With incredible fiddling skills (don’t make this into something it’s not), harmonic talent, guitar prowess and vocal talent, it seems like there isn’t anything this guy can’t do! This band was one of my favourites from the weekend due to their self-described ‘high-energy footstompin’ rhythms’ and their perfectly evolved folk-esque sound. We were dancing away in no time and I loved the originality of their music and their impressive instrumental skills.
Crinkle Cuts
This Bristol-based band bring hardcore energy and then some. Sporting bright yellow headbands and possessing addictive energy, Crinkle Cuts got everyone buzzing and raring to dance. This electric band pumps funk/reggae/ska in an eccentric way that doesn’t fail to captivate all those listening. They might seem like they’re not for everyone but their energy and talent smashes that idea into oblivion!
Overall, the DMF is a wonderful free live music weekend in a stunning location. There were so many other great bands dotted around the town and exploring the local eateries is a huge bonus. I hope to attend the event again next year and spend another glorious weekend soaked in sun and sound.
The Girl In The Window 