Call for bands to perform at Soupstock

Dab hand on the drums? Genius on the guitar? In a local band and looking for some gigs over the summer? Knightshayes, on the outskirts of Tiverton, is looking for bands to join them for the second year of Soupstock, the summer celebration of great, locally-sourced music and food.

Soupstock began in 2013 as a way to help new audiences to discover Knightshayes. The aim was to promote local music alongside local food, much of which is sourced from Knightshayes’ very own kitchen garden and served in their cafe. Great soups are one of the dishes Knightshayes is best known for, hence the name.

Last year, an array of local bands performed on three Sundays in August. These ranged from jazz duos to rock bands, which played in slots throughout the day prior to the final tribute act. This year, the format is much the same with music between 12noon and 5pm on Sunday 3, 10, 17 and 24 August.

As a charity, the National Trust is unable to pay the bands for playing, but some petrol expenses can be given and the bands are well fed from the barbecue. As the event is free to the public, a lot of the bands see it as a great way to showcase their talent and promote themselves selling CDs and plugging future gigs. Friends and family are able to come along too – enjoying a great day out at a beautiful place as well as supporting other local bands. This year’s tribute acts include two that proved hugely popular last year, Dolly Parton and Abba. Alice Morgan-Brown, Visitor Experience Manager at Knightshayes, says: ‘I couldn’t believe how many people turned out for Abba last year – or how many people knew all the words! There was a great atmosphere for all the events and it was brilliant to have the chance to showcase some local talent.’

If you fancy coming along and supporting this popular fledging event, helping support the work the National Trust does to preserve special places like Knightshayes, then phone 01884 254665 or email Knightshayes@nationaltrust.org.uk.