2.   Worm Charming & Wacky Races!

It’s just a heartbeat away. The one regional music festival which consistently punches above its weight: the Dart Music Festival starting unofficially tonight in Dartmouth’s Guildhall, with the film The Full Monteverdi, and continuing over the weekend with a variety of performances, performers and enthusiastic fans.

Having attracted the likes of George Melley, Seth Lakeman, Maggie Reeday, Preston Reed and Matt Schofield the Dart Music Festival is proof of the power and appeal of regional music festivals.

The 2009 12th Annual Dart Music Festival, being held from 8-10 May, is exceptional. With a stellar line up of blues, jazz, rock, classical, soul, samba, big bands, organ recitals and folk/country the festival looks set to honour its promise of providing music for all.  With international talent from classical performers from Russia, rock guitarists from Canada and an abundance of UK talent the festival is set to really please all tastes. One of the star attractions will be that of red hot chilli peppers tribute band Funky Munks.  With Terence Bevis on vocals, Elliott Blackler on Bass and Dan Collings on drums the Funky Munks will play a free concert on Saturday night in Dartmouth’s Market Square. For artists who want to share their music beyond their nearest and dearest, music festivals are intrinsic to not only professional development, but also to widening the fan base and mastering the art of touring. Most importantly they’re fun for performers and audiences alike.

2.   Worm Charming & Wacky Races!

Steve Thomas reports: Kids racing in the morning. Adults after lunch. 10 carts competed in the adult races. Can't remember who the winner was (Was it "The Beast" followed by "Lightening MIckey" and "Flaming Hot Stuff" ?) . Best cart award went to "Snoopy versus the Red Baron" entered by Kingsbridge Hire Centre  Rumoured that its wingspan only had 2 inches clearance at one point on the course - no wonder it crashed ! Flexiguide - despite its high-tech bike technology and low slung design also broke up on its final run when it looked set to win.

Steve Thomas reports: 88 teams competed in this year's International Festival of Astro-Wormery at Blackawton. No idea who won but I seem to recall they had over 50 worms ! Emily's team came in with a very credible 17.

3.   The Full Monteverdi

Thursday 7th May , Dartmouth Film Society together with Dart Music Festival Proudly presents The Full Monteverdi A film by John La Bouchardiere

We are delighted that the Producer, Greg Browning, together with the Director, John La Bouchardiere, have
offered to make a guest appearance at The Guildhall to introduce their film and give an insight into the making of The Full Monteverdi  “A brilliant film, a searing dramatisation” The Times.  “Beautifully sung…almost unbearably moving” Gramophone.  “This brilliant film demands to be seen” Classic FM.

Tickets will be available on the night and from Baxters Gallery, Foss St.  DFS Members £5.50 Guests £6.50  Including pre film bubbly and canapes For more information please call on 01803 835849

4.   Monaco

Dartmouth artist Paul Barclay of Nautical Voyages delivers his latest commission to Monaco for the Russian-owned world's fastest super yacht "The World is not Enough".  It's a tough job Paul, but I suppose someone has to do it? Click here to see his website.

5.   Le Diamant visits

The four star cruise ship Le Diamant arrived in Dartmouth this morning. 124 metres long and with about 200 passengers, she is French owned and French flagged and we think she will be staying only until this afternoon. Despite a grey start to their visit, the weather is brightening up for the passengers' trip to Dartmouth.  American tourists were seen spending money in our local shops, and trying to work out why their French pay-per-go mobile phones didn't in fact go!

6.   Small News

• “Dartmouth Caring are pleased to announce their 2nd Annual Fashion Show, this year to be held at the Flavel on 21st May. There will be the latest spring and summer collections – available now from our favourite boutiques. It will be contributed to by several retailers namely Danelli, Eleven, Starburst and The Cove. On the night, Trish Thomas will also be showing her fabulous hand-made jewellery and any other retailer wishing to promote their accessories can still get in on the action by renting space. The ticket price includes the fabulous food prepared by Phillip Watts (local renowned chef), a bar is provided by the Flavel and there will be lots of auction prizes donated by Dartmouth folk. On the night, there is also 10% off all purchases. Tickets are £15 and that includes the buffet. The bar opens at 6.30pm and the show commences at 7.00pm. It will be a fun-filled evening for a great local cause. Tickets are available from the retailers mentioned here or at the Dartmouth Caring office (opposite the Doctors’ Surgery). All proceeds go to the Charity that supports the elderly and vulnerable within the locality. Dartmouth Caring is funded totally by donation and now more than ever there are greater needs within our community so come and join in the fun and meet new friends.”

Why not come and visit Dartmouth?

• Self catering accommodation click here
   
• Dartmouth B and B  click here
   
• Dartmouth Hotels click here
   
• A Tourist Guide to Dartmouth click here

Images copyright Dave Cawley, Steve Thomas & others.