Appledore Music Festival

Pre-Festival at the Champ
2025-05-22 19:00 - 2025-05-25 22:30 (Europe/Paris) | The Champ, 5 Meeting St, Appledore, EX39 1RJ, United Kingdom
The Champ is hosting a series of concerts the weekend before the Appledore Music Festival, as a pre-festival warmup.
First off on Thursday 22 May at 7pm are Applecorers. This local sea shanty singing group will be singing and holding a food drive for a local food bank between 7 and 8pm. Followed by Richard Malfait’s Acoustic Session
On Friday 23 May at 9pm is Peter Bruntnell. He is a well known Devon-based musician who plays rootsy originals with his band. Visit his web site to learn more.
On Sunday 25 May Domingo Caramelo play their classy jazz covers between 4pm and 6pm, followed by Richard Malfait’s “lightly mic’d” session till 8pm and Jim Crawford‘s unbeatable blues guitar at 8:30pm.
All gigs are completely free!

This event has been booked by The Champ who have kindly agreed to include it in the Appledore Music Festival programme.

Lauren Calcourt with Russell Bave
2025-05-29 13:00 - 14:30 | Appledore Gallery, 31 Market Street, Appledore, Devon, EX39 1PP, United Kingdom
Lauren Calcourt is playing a selection of folk tunes on flute, accompanied by Russell Bave on guitar.
This is a special Appledore Music Festival performance at the Appledore Gallery on the corner of Market Street and Bude Street. It’s a free walk-in event. Listen to some tunes while viewing the amazing range of local art.

Song Box Buskers
2025-05-29 13:00 - 2025-06-01 18:30 | Seagate Hotel, The Quay, Appledore, Devon, EX39 1QS, United Kingdom
The Seagate is putting on something extra-special for the Appledore Music Festival. An area at the front of the hotel, opposite Appledore Quay, will become a busker’s heaven. Between 1pm and 6:30pm every day from Thursday 29 May to Sunday 1 June there will be a series of local musicians busking for their dinner. Please give generously!
The full schedule is listed below. A fabulous mix of musicians and musical styles. In case the weather becomes lousy, the Song Box will move indoors.
Look out for the 4pm slot on the Friday… there’s a surprise appearance…
Thursday 29 May

Start Time
Performer

1pm
Tia Meraki

2:30pm
Malachite

4pm
Roger Colomé

5:30pm
Russell Bave

Friday 30 May

Start Time
Performer

1pm
Ian Gracie

2:30pm
Mandy Woods

4pm
Marsh & Some Reluctant Friends

5:30pm
Elizabeth Boucher

Saturday 31 May

Start Time
Performer

1pm
David Shepherd

2:30pm
Sophie Smiles

4pm
Songbird Anna

5:30pm
Steve “Sax” Ellison

Sunday 1 June

Start Time
Performer

1pm
Kevin Green

2:30pm
Sophie Smiles

4pm
Richard Hannington & Cath Dare

5:30pm
Alice Bidwell

dogleg
2025-05-29 18:00 - 19:30 | Coffee Cabin, 22 The Quay, Appledore, Devon, EX39 1QS, United Kingdom
dogleg are Tracy on vocals, guitar and fiddle, and Steve on vocals and guitar. They have been thrilling audiences in Devon and beyond for many years. For the Appledore Music Festival they are playing at Appledore’s funkiest little café, the Coffee Cabin right on the quay.
This is a rare acoustic set from dogleg. And, for the second time ever, the music will be accompanied by pudding and crumble freshly prepared by the fine folk at the Coffee Cabin.

Wild Man of Folk
2025-05-29 19:00 - 20:00 | Seagate Hotel, The Quay, Appledore, Devon, EX39 1QS, United Kingdom
Steve Ruffé is performing a solo set at the Seagate under his moniker “The Wild Man of Folk”. It is an appropriate handle. Rarely will you hear folk played with such passion and feeling.
Steve is a regular on the Appledore Music scene, playing frequently at all the local venues. We at the Appledore Music Festival appreciate him standing in at very short notice for the Cabin Girls, who cancelled due to illness.

This event has been booked by the Seagate Hotel who have kindly agreed to include it in the Appledore Music Festival programme.

Vidris Coda
2025-05-29 20:30 - 22:30 | Seagate Hotel, The Quay, Appledore, Devon, EX39 1QS, United Kingdom
Vidris Coda are a three piece band specialising in vocal harmonies and covering songs you know well but may not hear very often. The band is almost wholly acoustic (apart from the bass) and consists of Chris Lansdell-Snell – djembe, percussion and vocals, David Shepherd, bass, mandola, whistles and vocals and David C Snell, guitars, harmonicas and vocals.
Cover music includes:
The Rolling Stones
The Mamas and the Papas
Rod Stewart
McGuinness Flint
Blackmore’s Night
The Beautiful South
Aztec Camera

Bushpig
2025-05-29 20:30 - 23:00 | The Champ, 5 Meeting St, Appledore, EX39 1RJ, United Kingdom
Bushpig are, in their own words, five gracefully maturing chaps in caps and whiskers playing an eclectic mix of soulful and bluesy grooves. What’s more, they do a mean skiffle, blues, reggae and pop. They consist of Richard Malfait, Jim Crawford and Dayle Helsby on strings and songs, Beats Blofeld on sticks and Jaggs on the ‘bone. Bluesy shuffles, soulful grooves, caps and whiskers. If you want to know more, come along to the Champ and let your ears enjoy the groove.

This event has been booked by The Champ who have kindly agreed to include it in the Appledore Music Festival programme.

Lara Conley - "Songs in the Round" Singing Workshop
2025-05-30 14:00 - 15:00 | St Mary’s Hall, Churchfield Road, Appledore, Devon, EX39 1RL, United Kingdom
Lara Conley is a local folk/blues/medicine singer songwriter and singing leader who has recorded and played extensively both as a solo artist and with fellow musicians throughout UK and internationally.
For the Appledore Music Festival this year, Lara will be leading a Round Singing workshop on Friday 30 May in St Mary’s Church Hall. The workshop is an hour long and starts at 2pm. The festival is putting on a drumming workshop after the singing workshop. No drumming experience needed.
Lara loves sharing singing with people and teaching how to explore your natural voice in a friendly and welcoming environment. The focus of the workshop this year will be singing songs in rounds. All welcome, No experience necessary, no music reading skills required, yourselves and your beautiful voices are very welcome.
Lara runs a monthly “Singing Circle and Sound Journey” in Appledore please check her Facebook page Singing Circle Devon and Instagram Lara Conley Music for updates. To listen to/buy music by Lara Conley please visit laraconley.bandcamp.com
This event is ticketed and tickets must be purchased in advance. If the workshop is full, and you would like to be added to the waiting list, please send a request via the Contact Us form.
The ticket price is £6 per person including all fees. To reserve your place, purchase your ticket.

To learn more about this fabulous musician, please visit Lara Conley Music on Facebook.

Russell Bave – Drumming Workshop
2025-05-30 15:30 - 16:30 | St Mary’s Hall, Churchfield Road, Appledore, Devon, EX39 1RL, United Kingdom
Russell Bave is a popular local folk musician who plays frequently in and around Appledore, including running the weekly folk session at the Champ.
Russell has given numerous drumming workshops at all levels. For the Appledore Music Festival, Russell will be giving an introductory workshop on Friday 30 May in St Mary’s Church Hall.
The drumming workshop will explore standard drumming rhythms and teach techniques for getting the most out of percussion. Playing as a group, enjoy drumming with others as you learn from Russell’s easy-going and effective teachings. The festival is also putting on a singing workshop with Lara Conley before the drumming workshop. Why not try both?
For this workshop please bring your own instrument. This can be a drum, djembe, bongo, tambourine, bodhrán or almost anything you can hit to make a noise.
This event is ticketed and tickets must be purchased in advance. There is a limit of 15 people per class.
The ticket price is £6 per person including all fees. To reserve your place, purchase your ticket.

To learn more about this remarkable folkie, please visit Russell A Bave on Facebook.

Mary And The Medics
2025-05-30 20:30 - 22:30 | Seagate Hotel, The Quay, Appledore, Devon, EX39 1QS, United Kingdom
Mary and the Medics play the Seagate as part of the Appledore Music Festival. If you like sophisticated smoky vocals, fabulous saxophone, flute and guitar don’t miss them. Mary and the Medics play a wholesome and joyful mix of jazz, blues and folk.

This event has been booked by the Seagate Hotel who have kindly agreed to include it in the Appledore Music Festival programme.

The Jukes
2025-05-30 20:30 - 23:00 | The Royal Hotel, 2A Bude Street, Appledore, Devon, EX39 1PS, United Kingdom
The Royal Hotel is a traditional pub in the heart of Appledore. For the Appledore Music Festival it is hosting The Jukes for one night only. The Jukes are a four piece band playing authentic good time rock and roll roots, rhythm and blues, and rockabilly, with a dash of jump jive for good measure. The set list includes classics from Slim Harpo and T Bone Walker to Carl Perkins, Big Joe Turner and Bill Haley, to name but a few. More on their Facebook page.

This event has been booked by The Royal Hotel who have kindly agreed to include it in the Appledore Music Festival programme.

Neil Sadler Band
2025-05-30 20:30 - 23:00 | The Champ, 5 Meeting St, Appledore, EX39 1RJ, United Kingdom
The Neil Sadler Band is fronted by Neil Sadler himself, a successful blues/rock guitarist based in Barnstaple. Originally with Sleeping Lions, he now tours with his own band. He recently released his first solo album, Past to Present, which has been selected as album of the month by the UK Independent Blues Broadcasters Association.

This event has been booked by The Champ who have kindly agreed to include it in the Appledore Music Festival programme.

Mishmash Band
2025-05-30 21:00 - 23:00 | The Beaver, Irsha Street, Appledore, Devon, EX39 1RY, United Kingdom
The MishMash Band is formed from the core musicians who play every Sunday at the Marmalade Club sessions at the Beaver. These are excellent and accomplished musicians. The band are coming together once more for the 2025 Appledore Music Festival.
The band plays rock classics plus a healthy dose of ska and reggae. The MishMash Band consists of Mark Welbourn on vocals, Baz Bix on guitar and bass, Dave Daccore on guitar and vocals and Steve Ellison on sax. Plus the great Mick Pledge on guitar and bass.

This event has been booked by The Beaver Inn who have kindly agreed to include it in the Appledore Music Festival programme.

Champ Music Day
2025-05-31 13:00 - 19:00 | The Champ, 5 Meeting St, Appledore, EX39 1RJ, United Kingdom
Seven hours of live music at the Champ from 12 noon to 7pm on Saturday 25 May. The musicians listed below will be playing in one hour slots, starting on the hour.
Lara Conley – 2pm
Dave Dacorre – 3pm
Cole Crawford – 4pm
Richard Malfait and friends – 5pm
Jim Crawford – 6pm
This event is free. There will be a tip jar if you would like to contribute something to these hard-working people.
This is not the only music at the Champ on the day. From 8:30 Meeting Street will be alive with the sounds of the Champs’s house band, Clear Waters Deep.

Tunes In The Temple
2025-05-31 19:00 - 20:30 | Sandy Brown’s Studio, The Old Glove Factory, New Quay Street, Appledore, Devon, EX39 1LU, United Kingdom
Come to hear the amazing Rebecca Balzani Barrow perform inside an actual temple made of ceramic tiles. “Tunes in the Temple” was inaugurated at 2024’s Appledore Music Festival. It takes place inside Sandy Brown’s temple. This amazing building is constructed from ceramic tiles and stands 6 metres tall. Inside is an intimate space that can comfortably seat 20 people with room for the performers.
Rebecca Balzani Barrow is a violinist and music teacher based in North Devon. She often performs for weddings and events, and regularly plays alongside musicians such as Small town Jones, David Smale and James Spencer.
Rebecca loves to do requests so if there’s something you’d love to be played then please send Rebecca an email.
More about Rebecca can be found at her Instagram and Facebook pages.
The temple is located upstairs in Sandy Brown’s studio in Appledore’s New Quay Street EX39 1LU. The studio building is unmissable with its brightly painted exterior and enormous windows. You will be sitting on the ceramic floor of the temple so it is recommended to bring a cushion or blanket for comfort. And bring your own refreshments too. There are four ceramic stools available to sit on for people who have difficulty sitting on the floor. You can reserve the stools by purchasing the seated tickets.
Tickets are £6 in advance. Book now as spaces are strictly limited.

Calypso Jack
2025-05-31 20:30 - 22:30 | Seagate Hotel, The Quay, Appledore, Devon, EX39 1QS, United Kingdom
Calypso Jack are Ian on bodhran, bones, cajon and Mark on ukulele, harmonicas and melodeon. A better band with which to celebrate Appledore Music Festival cannot be found. Enjoy them in the comfort of the Seagate which has one of the best-stocked bars in Appledore and a wonderful homely atmosphere.

This event has been booked by the Seagate Hotel who have kindly agreed to include it in the Appledore Music Festival programme.

Far From The Delta
2025-05-31 20:30 - 22:30 | The Royal Hotel, 2A Bude Street, Appledore, Devon, EX39 1PS, United Kingdom
Far from the Delta are a Bristol/Devon based band and they’re coming to the Appledore Music Festival.
They’re a blues trio with a rock edge. They take delta blues, Chicago blues, the British blues explosion and make the songs their own. Not content with just covering other people’s songs, they have recorded an album of original material which they also perform called ‘Broken Blues’ .
Bacck to the Delta play Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, The Doors, Cream, Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, John Lee Hooker, Son House, Robert Johnson and other great artists.
Check out Far from the Delta’s website to learn more.

This event has been booked by The Royal Hotel who have kindly agreed to include it in the Appledore Music Festival programme.

Clear Waters Deep
2025-05-31 20:30 - 23:00 | The Champ, 5 Meeting St, Appledore, EX39 1RJ, United Kingdom
The Champ’s very own house band, Clear Waters Deep, make a welcome return as part of the Appledore Music Festival. Join them for an evening of covers ranging from jazz and blues to modern pop ballads. Their playing is virtuoso and a good time is guaranteed. In fact some of the most raucous fun-filled nights at the Champ have been when Clear Waters Deep have played. Then again, they have seen the old year out and the new year in at the Champ several years running.

This event has been booked by The Champ who have kindly agreed to include it in the Appledore Music Festival programme.

The Liquidators
2025-05-31 20:30 - 23:00 | St Mary’s Hall, Churchfield Road, Appledore, Devon, EX39 1RL, United Kingdom
The Liquidators are bringing a evening of the finest ska and 2-Tone to the Appledore Music Festival. They’re a local band with great musicians and they’re coming to St Mary’s Church Hall on 31 May. Expect a high-octane live band experience that takes audiences dancing on an unforgettable ride through the ska sound that shaped generations.
This event is promoted by Free of Tigers Events, who have kindly agreed to include it in the festival programme. Tickets cost £5 plus booking fee. To purchase them, click here.

Sam Dowden
2025-05-31 21:00 - 23:00 | The Beaver, Irsha Street, Appledore, Devon, EX39 1RY, United Kingdom
Sam Dowden is a much loved local musician. He’s famous for his loop pedal skills which may be why Ed Sheeran is one of the many artists he covers while playing guitar (and loop pedal). He’s a regular at the Beaver and pulls in a friendly crowd.
To find out more about Sam including videos of songs he’s recorded, check out his Facebook page.

This event has been booked by The Beaver Inn who have kindly agreed to include it in the Appledore Music Festival programme.

Introducing Stage
2025-06-01 13:00 - 17:00 | The Champ, 5 Meeting St, Appledore, EX39 1RJ, United Kingdom
The Champ is hosting the finest young talent in Devon on Sunday 1 June. Between 1 and 5pm a succession of new bands and musicians will take to the stage.
This is a great opportunity to hear what up and coming musicians have to offer in the comfort of the best little pub in Devon. If not the entire South West.

1pm Clueless
2pm Silver Monday
3pm Phoebe Bridges
4pm Kitty Crush + Bernie

This event has been booked by The Champ who have kindly agreed to include it in the Appledore Music Festival programme.

Richard Malfait Lightly Mic’d Session
2025-06-01 17:00 - 19:45 | The Champ, 5 Meeting St, Appledore, EX39 1RJ, United Kingdom
Richard Malfait hosts an open music session most Sunday evenings at the Champ, and the Appledore Music Festival is lucky to have him hosting another one. Richard is a wonderful host and welcomes any musical style. It’s open to newcomers though you’ll also find some of the best musicians in the area taking part. Come along to the Champ and check it out.

This event has been booked by The Champ who have kindly agreed to include it in the Appledore Music Festival programme.

Appledore Brass Band
2025-06-01 19:00 - 21:00 | Appledore Quay, The Quay, Appledore, Devon, EX39 1QS, United Kingdom
The Appledore Music Festival is delighted to include a performance by the Appledore Brass Band. The band are famed for their performances on Appledore quay, right near the Hockings ice cream van. Which will be open for sales of ice creams and other frozen confections.
More about this fine band can be found at the Appledore Band website.

Festival Ceilidh with the Appledore Ceilidh Band
2025-06-01 19:30 - 21:30 | St Mary’s Hall, Churchfield Road, Appledore, Devon, EX39 1RL, United Kingdom
The Appledore Music Festival has a special treat in store for all the festive participants. The Appledore Festival Ceilidh Band will be performing in St Mary’s Church Hall on Sunday 1 June. Tickets can be purchased in advance for a very reasonable £8.
The Appledore Ceilidh Band formed specially for the 2024 Appledore Music Festival. They were the highlight of the festival, with an unforgettable shindig at St Mary’s Church Hall. Since then they have gone from strength to strength. The festival is honoured to have them back for 2025.
The band will lead you step-by-step through a fun and frenetic evening of family-friendly dancing and frivolity. The caller, Sophie Randles-Dunkley, is a popular local musician who has organised many a ceilidh. A talented celtic band will be providing the jigs and reels. All are welcome.
No experience or innate dancing ability is required. The evening is guaranteed to be a hoot. For the ceilidh virgins amongst us, a ceilidh involves the caller explaining a sequence of dance moves to a group of people who then dance along to the live music. Wonderful stuff!

Festival Music Quiz
2025-06-01 19:30 - 21:30 | Seagate Hotel, The Quay, Appledore, Devon, EX39 1QS, United Kingdom
Every Sunday the Seagate holds a quiz hosted by Jamie. On Sunday 1 June it will be a special festival music quiz. You will need your wits about you and some music knowledge to have a chance of winning. No prior knowledge of the Appledore Music Festival is required. It’s fun for everyone. £2 per person to enter. Maximum team size is 6 people. The winning team takes the pot. Book a table via the Seagate web site or just come along, there is room for all.

This event has been booked by the Seagate Hotel who have kindly agreed to include it in the Appledore Music Festival programme.

Baz's Marmalade Session
2025-06-01 20:00 - 22:30 | The Beaver, Irsha Street, Appledore, Devon, EX39 1RY, United Kingdom
Local legend Baz Bix is hosting a special Appledore Music Festival Marmalade Club jam session. The Marmalade club is the most welcoming open mic night and the most fun too.
Musicians and singers of all levels are welcome to showcase their talent. Whether you’re an accomplished instrumentalist or simply love to sing, come and join this fun-filled evening of laughter and local talent.

This event has been booked by The Beaver Inn who have kindly agreed to include it in the Appledore Music Festival programme.

Gypfunk
2025-06-01 20:30 - 23:00 | The Champ, 5 Meeting St, Appledore, EX39 1RJ, United Kingdom
Gypfunk will bring a rare touch of class and sophistication to the Appledore Music Festival when they perform at the Champ on June 1. Gypfunk are a four piece who play Parisian café culture tunes, with a soupçon of influence from further east. Think Jacques Brel tinged with klezmer.
Feast your ears for an evening of the finest French-influenced chansons. With Richard Malfait on guitar, Dayle “Moustache” Helsby on double bass, Jim Blofeld on drums and Mario on accordion. Meeting Street will become Montmartre and St Mary’s Church will transform into the Sacré-Cœur. Ooh la la!
Find more information about Gypfunk at the Appledore Music web site or on the band’s own website, including authentic moustache styles for your delectation.

This event has been booked by The Champ pub who have kindly agreed to include it in the Appledore Music Festival programme.

What We Play is Life featuring Sophie Smiles
2025-06-02 20:30 - 22:30 | The Beaver, Irsha Street, Appledore, Devon, EX39 1RY, United Kingdom
Sophie Smiles is a multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and band leader who has worked as a touring bass player and pianist. Hailing from London and a lifetime lover of New Orleans piano masters, Sophie plays rhythm and blues and Mississippi grooves. Her band “What We Play is Life” is an evolving line up of fantastic and spirited players, playing an eclectic and one off set.
At the Appledore Music Festival this year Sophie is joined by James Millman on guitar, Dayle Helsby on bass, Emmanuel Segun on sax and Mike Mckenzie on drums.
The band’s name, “What We Play is life”, comes from a quote by Louis Armstrong, a New Orleans native.
This concert is presented by the North Devon Jazz Club. Thank you NDJC. There is no entrance fee, however a collection is taken for the musicians. For a meal booking please phone The Beaver on 01237 474822 or book via their website.

This event has been booked by The Beaver Inn and NDJC who have kindly agreed to include it in the Appledore Music Festival programme.

Steve Ruffé Acoustic Session
2025-06-02 20:30 - 23:00 | The Royal Hotel, 2A Bude Street, Appledore, Devon, EX39 1PS, United Kingdom
Every Monday, Steve Ruffé holds an acoustic session at the Royal Hotel. Any musicians are welcome to join in. Come along and play or just listen and soak up the vibe.

This event has been booked by The Royal Hotel who have kindly agreed to include it in the Appledore Music Festival programme.

Acoustic Folk Session
2025-06-03 20:00 - 22:30 | The Champ, 5 Meeting St, Appledore, EX39 1RJ, United Kingdom
Russell Bave is running an acoustic folk session as part of the Appledore Music Festival. Russell is one of the organisers of the festival and he will make this a night to remember. All welcome to join in or just listen and enjoy the Champ’s fine beer and other tipples.

This event has been booked by The Champ who have kindly agreed to include it in the Appledore Music Festival programme.
