Bideford gets set for a packed weekend of colour and live music this August

A double header of family fun and entertainment returns this August with the two-day Bideford Music Day and the popular RainBo Fun Run coming back to Victoria Park.

Both events are organised by the RainBo Music Trust, with Bideford Music Day kicking off on Saturday, August 16 to showcase a full day of live performances from local performers, plus free music workshops, market stalls, attractions and a licensed bar.

READ MORE: Pictures: Bideford Music Days hosts ‘fantastic’ weekend

Sunday, August 16 sees the music festival continue, together with the RainBo Fun Run as participants of all ages are invited to run, walk or crawl the colourful course, getting showered in bright powders as they go.

On the stage, music lovers can enjoy performances from a diverse line-up of local acts including Beckon the Wyrd, Dogleg, Back in the Room, Clashnikovs, The Jukes and Malachite.

The event also shines a spotlight on up-and-coming young performers, with acts such as Reclamation, Pinstripe and Space Youth Club taking the stage. A drum showcase by the North Atlantic Drum Academy promises to be one of Saturday’s highlights.

Workshops will run throughout the day, offering something for all ages and abilities. These include interactive sessions with the North Atlantic Drum Academy, Djembe Drum Workshops, Root Notes and Daisy Dave’s Musical Mayhem.

Above: The stage showcases a range of local musical talent. Credit: Graham Hobbs

The music, stalls and festivities continue on the Sunday, with the RainBo Fun Run raising money for the RainBo Music Trust, which has also been nominated as Bideford Mayor Peter Lawrence’s chosen charity of the year.

The trust uses profits from events including Music Day to provide instruments, tuition and support for schools, music groups and individuals in the area.

As part of the partnership with Peter, the trust is working closely with three local primary schools – Westcroft, St Mary’s and East-the-Water – to identify specific needs within their music departments.

Peter said: “Music has been part of my life from the 1960s and 70s when the charts were the soundtrack to my youth. This has continued through my adult life and for the last 20 years or so I have presented music shows on hospital and local internet radio, along with being involved with many outdoor events.

“I would like to help pass that love of music onto another generation so they can enjoy the pleasure music has given to me both at happy moments and sad.”

Above: You can make a direct donation to the RainBo Music Trust by scanning the QR code to take you to Bideford Mayor’s charity fundraising page. Credit: Graham Hobbs

The RainBo Music Trust was founded in 2015 by Safi Newmarch-Grant in memory of her father, Bowen Grant — affectionately known as ‘Bo’. A much-loved figure in the local music scene, Bo ran the grassroots venue The Palladium Club, which has launched many local bands and continues to support emerging talent today.

Bo had a passion for both music and rainbows. One of his earlier businesses was called Rainbow Freight, inspiring the name Rain Bo Music Trust — a tribute to both his love of rainbows, music and community.

Deeply committed to bringing live music to Bideford and beyond, Bo helped organise the original Bideford Music Day events alongside a team of dedicated volunteers.

After a 10-year gap, the RainBo Music Trust revived Bideford Music Day in 2015, with a mission to bring the community together through music.

For the full Bideford Music Day line-up, visit the RainBo Music Trust Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RainBoMusicTrust

Tickets for the RainBo Fu Run and more information about the charity are available via https://rainbomusictrust.co.uk