CASE STUDIES AND REVIEWS - The RainBo Music Trust in Action
Joe Hutchings
"Bideford music day was my second public performance (my first was also ran by the RainBo music trust) and was a great opportunity for me to grow my confidence on stage.
Bideford Music Day is an excellent opportunity for all young and older performers to start on their journey to becoming very confident and impressive performers.
Not only this, but events like this help to build strength in stage presence for up and coming performers.
It was very efficiently organised and ensured that performers were able to get onto stage stress free and embrace their performance.
Thankyou to Lucy Lowe and the whole RainBo Music Trust for this fantastic opportunity!"
Baz Bix talks about Bideford Music Day Youth Stage
"Since 2021 Bideford Music Day has hosted a Youth Stage, offering young people a chance to perform at the event with their own dedicated stage, sound system, equipment and support team.
There is a great need for spaces and opportunities for young people to perform and showcase their passions and talents. Many young people in rural areas struggle to connect with other young musicians and forge the necessary connections to drive their musical skills forward, and one of the main reasons is a lack of performance opportunities.
Bideford Music Day in partnership with Daisi (Devon Arts In Schools Initiative), Bideford ‘Space’ (Bideford Youth Centre), and Holsworthy Youth Club addressed this local performance need in 2021 with the inclusion of the Youth Stage and it has been a resounding success for these past 4 years, offering dozens of young people the rare opportunity to perform.
The benefits of performance opportunities are numerous. Firstly having a focused event as a goal encourages young musicians/performers to step up their practice and creativity and confront the nerves and challenges that accompany a performance; getting lyrics and clothes and equipment prepared and choosing songs and compositions from their developing repertoires that they want to showcase. The ‘buzz’ that accompanies a performance and the amazing sense of accomplishment and pride that performers feel afterwards, helps consolidate and reinforce their motivation to continue their musical journey.
Not everyone will use their experiences of performing at Bideford Music Day Youth Stage to further their musical education or career, but the boost to confidence, self-esteem, and motivation is priceless and enriches young peoples’ lives across all domains."
Patrick Woodrow - DJ - first played Bideford Music Day aged 11 years old
"Review of Bideford Music Day and Its Impact on My DJing**
Performing at Bideford Music Day has been an incredible experience that has significantly helped me grow as a DJ, especially when it comes to playing for large crowds. Here’s how it has benefited me:
1. *Building Confidence*: Playing at such a well-organized and well-attended event gave me the opportunity to perform in front of a diverse and enthusiastic audience. The energy of the crowd was electric, and it pushed me to step up my game. This experience has made me much more confident when handling big crowds, as I now know how to read the room and keep the energy high.
2. *Improving Crowd Interaction*: Bideford Music Day taught me the importance of engaging with the audience. I learned how to read their reactions, adjust my set on the fly, and create moments that really connected with people. This skill has been invaluable when playing at larger events, where keeping the crowd engaged is key to a successful performance.
3. *Networking Opportunities*: The event brought together so many talented musicians and industry professionals. Being part of it allowed me to build connections that have since led to more opportunities to perform at bigger events. These experiences have further honed my ability to adapt to different crowds and venues.
4. *Showcasing Versatility*: The diverse audience at Bideford Music Day encouraged me to experiment with my sets and incorporate a wider range of music. This versatility has been a huge asset when playing to big crowds, as it allows me to cater to different tastes and keep the energy flowing throughout my performance.
5. *Community Impact*: Seeing how music brought the community together at Bideford Music Day was truly inspiring. It reminded me of the power of music to connect people, and this has influenced how I approach my sets. I now focus on creating a shared experience that resonates with everyone in the crowd, no matter how big it is.
Overall, performing at Bideford Music Day has been a transformative experience for me as a DJ. It has not only helped me grow my skills and confidence but also reinforced my love for bringing people together through music. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity and look forward to supporting and performing at future events!"
Liz B - Musician
"I have been really honoured to have had the opportunity to perform at the Bideford Music Day .
I am always so impressed by Lucy and the team’s organisation and efforts to make the event run smoothly .
These music days really bring the community together and really showcases local talent young and not so young !
It is such an important weekend for the town not just economically but also culturally .
It’s such a pleasure to perform on stages with great sound and PA . It really has boosted my confidence to play to large crowds"
Liz -B
Bone Idols
"Thank you Bideford Music Day we had a blast!
What a lovely event and for such a good cause! We appreciate everyone who came and saw us perform. We also got to enjoy other fabulous acts, including lots of younger performers!!
What a great turn out, considering the day changed due to the weather, it was lovely that we were still able to continue on the Sunday and be blessed with sunshine.
Thanks to Kev Beano Green and everyone involved in organising such a great event and asking us to play!"
CASE STUDIES AND REVIEWS - The RainBo Music Trust in Action
SPACE (Bideford Youth Club)
In 2021 The RainBo Music Trust donated a drum kit to the local Youth Club (Space), pictured above.
Reclamation - an upcoming alt rock band from Torrington/Bideford
"We are proud to have supported such an incredible charity and to be apart of this festival twice so far.
Bideford music day has helped us boost our recognition and publicity which has benefited us at other gigs of us with crowds increasing, and lots more plays/views on our EP on platforms such as YouTube, YouTube music, Spotify and more.
We love performing on a big stage to the town of Bideford, the Bideford music scene is strong and still till this day thrives. Bideford music day is a chance for local artists to come together to benefit themselves, bring a wide range of entertainment to the people of North Devon and also to raise money for this incredible charity.
There is a wide range of age ranges for this event, from youngsters up to 60+, within the audiences it brings and even the musicians. There is also genres and taste for everyone from folk, rock, choirs, acoustic acts, young musicians, djs, metal and much more.
Bideford music day/s is a chance for musicians and music lovers to get together and be a family, raising money, having fun and enjoying quality local music also supporting local upcoming artists.
Bideford music day/s plays a crucial role to the meaning of music unity and family. Which is why this event deserves to keep on thriving through. Thank you the the team of BMD for having us on the smaller stage up to the main, and we look forward to returning bringing the people of Bideford an energy burst party like never seen before in local talent."
Great Torrington Town Hall
"The Great Torrington Town and Community Hall has worked with Lucy Lowe and her Team in a number of events for the community over the past 3 years.
This includes a very established Christmas Fayre, Food and Drink Fair, Wedding Fairs and Nourish - a health and well being event for the Community. These have been promoted and run with a great deal of care and professionalism.
We were particularly pleased she used the Town Hall for the RainBo Music Trust to hold a music day in Torrington in 2023. We had facilities to use 3 different rooms and disabled facilities for various workshops open to everyone, culminating in a concert at the end of the day.
The Hall has wonderful acoustics which only added to the whole day.
The Town Hall Trustees would love to see more Music days for young people and we know financial constraints can hamper families due to limited budgets and the cost of instruments.
It is imperative we make musical education accessible to all children so we can experience a more inclusive and enriched community.
There are many social and emotional benefits from participating in music activities to help youngsters build their self esteem and confidence.
The Trustees of Great Torrington Town Hall welcome the opportunity to work with the Rainbo Trust to master new skills and gained confidence to perform in front of others."
Rob Watson of Waggle Event - Stage Manager
"We've been involved with (Bideford) Music Day for 5 years and have witnessed first hand its positive impact on the local music scene.
It's been incredibly rewarding to see artists who have supported the charity progress from the introducing stage, take part in Open Mic sessions, perform on the second stage and now be part of the headlining the main stage.
This event provides unique and invaluable opportunities for local talent that they might not otherwise receive".
Kev Beano Green - Musician and Organiser on Bideford Music Day
" I have been very fortunate in having played at Bideford Music Day over the last few years. I have also volunteered to help out over the last two or three years and it’s an event that just gets better and better.
As a musician I know how important it is to support young people in giving them access to performing music that, otherwise, they might not be able to do.
The organisers do an amazing job and I’m very pleased to have been able to play a small part in supporting The RainBo Music Trust so that they can continue their support for young musicians. "
Joe Phillips - North Atlantic Drum Academy
"A Vital Force for Music in the Community
At North Atlantic Drum Academy, we’ve had the privilege of working alongside The RainBo Music Trust, most recently at Bideford Music Day, where we provided free 20-minute drum lessons to anyone attending the event. Our experience reinforced just how essential this trust is to the local music scene.
The RainBo Music Trust doesn’t just support musicians—it empowers them. Their generosity has directly benefited our students, providing everything from snare drums and cymbals to full drum kits. For many aspiring drummers, these donations make the difference between having a dream and actually being able to pursue it.
Beyond the equipment, their work nurtures the spirit of music in the community. Access to instruments can be a major barrier, but Rainbo Music Trust breaks down these walls, ensuring that music remains an open door rather than a closed one. Their dedication helps shape the next generation of musicians, fostering creativity, confidence, and a sense of belonging.
We are incredibly grateful for their ongoing support and cannot overstate the importance of their work. Music changes lives, and The Rainbo Music Trust is making sure that change is happening for the better.
— North Atlantic Drum Academy"
CASE STUDIES AND REVIEWS - The RainBo Music Trust in Action
Mark (On behalf of W.E.I.R.D.)
"Firstly, I’d like to thank you and the entire team that work tirelessly in the background to make these event happen and would strongly encourage anyone to help you in any way they can.
My son, Will and his friends Eliza and Zach are part of a youth band called W.E.I.R.D (Instagram https://www.instagram.com/weirdband2025/created and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566362773027&sk=about) establish when they were just 10/11 from the Holsworthy Youth Club & DAISI in December of 2022.
Eliza on vocals, Will on Guitar/Bass and Zach now on Drums; they have managed to establish themselves a good reputation for performing with a high degree of quality and professionalism. They have a high-work ethic, rehearsing at least once, if not twice per week.
However, having natural skill, and learned talent means nothing, unless they can put on performances. Those opportunities within the wider area must continue to exist, or live music as we know and love it today will suffer. In 2023 and 2024 they were very lucky to gain a spot at Bideford Music Days which gave them a massive boost in confidence “just at the right time” and opened opportunities for other charity events to perform. Thank you again for the past encouragement of them, and they hope to be able to partake going forwards, including helping other young people with their performances.
Today, music is such an important part in many adults and for many, just like Will, Eliza and Zach in W.E.I.R.D. that all starts when they are young, and being positively supported, encouraged, and given these life-chances, that helps them develop into better people and members of society. Statistically, children & young people partaking in music typically perform better in other school studies.
I have no real idea of how many people visited, watched, took part in the side-show/demo/training sessions, but I do know in both years, the crowds have been good and 2024 was blessed with great weather that I think boosted numbers. Maybe future events should consider charging for entry, W.E.I.R.D. recently performed at an event in Bude for youth bands, which sold out where entry was £8; so I think a market does exist for that.
I truly hope that 2025 and future events can continue. I know funding is tight in every area these days, so finding cash to invest in such an event can be daunting, but without such support the future opportunities for young and upcoming performers is very, very limited.
I am sure like many others, I would love to help more but am not sure what/how I could do that, but please consider reaching out if you need anything.
Kind Regards
Mark (On behalf of W.E.I.R.D.)"
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