The inaugural East Devon Soul festival was a rip-roaring success, converting the sleepy seaside town of Seaton into a beautiful resonating mass. It was really exciting to see music lovers from near and far across all age groups converge, enjoying perfect weather and transforming Seaton into a playground, a relaxing, dancing, cultural experience.
The festival opened with the wonderful Rumble-O’s rocking out the stage at the Old Picture House whilst the Vault kept slightly younger ravers happy. For its first year the festival organisers concentrated on a fully booked Saturday programme, commencing with Sunshine Samba by the beach. You could then wander over to the Jurassic Soul Stage, a wonderful amphitheater full of chilled latin, jazz and electronica, from the South African sounds of Blow my Own trumpet to the electronica duo Vacant Shores. Suncream and sunhats needed.
Over at the Gateway Theatre, Seaton’s Town Hall, an expectant audience met the incredible sounds of David Kayode and his band. The musicianship on display was world class, burgeoning from the Tomorrow’s Warriors jazz stable. Next up were ska legends The Guns of Navarone who enlivened the venue, bouncing across the largest stage in Devon before Dr Meaker brought the party home with an incredible dnb set. They were electric.
At the same time, The Seaton Tramway was transformed into a cool jazz club, where festival revelers heard incredible music from Betty Accorsi, Klara Devlin and Ankora. An almost totally female line up of young jazz artists, showing incredible talent and delighting the audience. Over the road, the Old Picture House was warming up to the wonderful electronic beats and visuals of Kayla Painter before festival favourites The Egg brought a warm blanket of electronic dance music to the party. It was getting hot and sweaty now. Finishing off the night was the incredible Kaya Fyah, rushing over from Love Supreme in Brighton to close out the band-based element of the festival with some super original soulful jungle. More brass in action.
But this is only half the story. All day, sound systems were starting to crank up in their beachside locations, from Ibiza chillout to full on rave, where streams of people headed to the far end of the beach and The Hideaway’s Cliff Corner Daybreak Audio Soundsystem. It was like being on holiday, abroad, at a beachside festival, seeing the old and young mixing with delight on their faces. This really summarised the point of the festival, a community coming together over music. A community enjoying the incredible opportunities the town provided. Lots of beaming faces and moving bodies.
The story of the festival will emerge more fully over time, featuring work from our resident audio and visual storytellers, but this was an amazing start to what is hoped will be a long-term journey. Running festivals is never easy as can be seen by the number of ones which close, go bust, lose money. But they are such life affirming experiences. There wasn’t a lot of traditional soul music but by God, the music had soul.
Let’s leave it up to the people who attended to provide their feelings for the first East Devon Soul Festival, which will return from the 2nd to 4th July 2027. We’re already excited!!
“Real positives of seeing something for everyone and very importantly something for the younger generation who seemed to come out in force, brilliant to see”
“Wow the festival was another level! Please another, I’m sure it will grow!
Well done to all involved!”
“Such a great weekend! The atmosphere at Seaton last night was amazing. Thanks to you and all involved making it happen.”
“Wow. What can we say about this.. Has Seaton just become the new hotspot? A stunning display of local crews, sound systems & DJs turning The Hideaway Seaton into the most rocking dance/rave venue since The Grove. The most idyllic spot by the sea. Great music & a wonderful friendly crowd. Thank you to James at The Hideaway & his great staff who worked tirelessly with the busy queues.
“Most importantly thank you to the East Devon Soul crew, for organising a very special town festival which was long overdue. Let’s all get behind this and make sure it happens again because I think we speak for everyone when we say this is an overwhelmingly positive thing for the town and all businesses involved.
Thank you East Devon Soul.
See you in 2027
If you would like to donate to support the continuation of the festival, please follow this link. Thank you 😍
