That's how the 9th North Devon Festival has been described by event organisers, artists and audiences alike as the area's diverse cultural life shone through June despite damp weather. Official figures just released confirm that in excess of 125,000 people joined in the fun making the 2007 event the best attended … ever.
Over 200 major events in 80 towns and villages throughout the region were financially supported by North Devon District Council and the business community. The Festival included an international concert series at the Queen's and Landmark Theatres, with performances from the legendary Kiri Te Kanawa, the iconic Preservation Hall Jazz Band from New Orleans, the contemporary master of blues Eric Bibb, festival regulars the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and world music superstar Baaba Maal.
There are many reasons why international artists of this calibre are attracted to the region. The Festival's Artistic Director Alan Giddings explained, "Artists love working with us in North Devon. They can see that, through our efficient organisation and creative approach, they are given the opportunity to perform at their very best without having to worry about peripheral things. This brings out the best in them, North Devon audiences respond enthusiastically, and the reputation of the NDF spreads further afield. We made Dame Kiri and her professional advisers aware of our approach in this beautiful part of the world and she readily agreed to be part of the Festival. We were absolutely delighted that her stunning performance brought the whole Festival to a such a perfect close."
Dame Kiri Te Kanawa – "It was a pleasure"
An edgy strand of the North Devon Festival, the Barnstaple Fringe celebrated the town's party spirit by working with pubs, bars, cafés and restaurants. Many of the performers loved the informality of these venues and really appreciated the close interaction with Barnstaple audiences.
The Chris Jagger Acoustic Band - "There was such a warm welcome. The audience was brilliant - clearly interested in the music. It was an atmosphere that we haven't experienced for a long time"
Not only does the Festival provide a platform for high class arts and entertainment but also features many events that celebrate the beauty and natural diversity of North Devon. Locals and visitors in their thousands flocked to the indie-rich Lynton and Lynmouth Music Festival, the Appledore Visual Arts Festival, the famous week-long Ilfracombe Victorian Celebration and to the biggest single event of the Festival, the GoldCoast Oceanfest.
Community events that celebrate the people and the place battled against the elements to ensure the 'show went on' and were thrilled to be 'part of it'. Over 14,500 hours of volunteer time was invested in Festival events in 2007 illustrating the huge level of community activity and commitment of local people to the Festival.
Gus Savy (North Devon College) – "The North Devon Festival is really a great thing, and something we can all feel a part of, and proud of. I'm sure it will continue to get better each year, and one day people will travel from all over the world to come and see it. South by Southwest better watch out"
The North Devon Festival not only highlights the diverse cultural life the area has to offer with its wealth of art, music, theatre, heritage and sport set against our stunning natural environment, it also brings huge economic benefits to the area. This year's event contributed nearly £10,000,000 to the North Devon economy and raised over £54,000 for charity.
The North Devon Festival co-ordinator Alan Dodd summed up this year's festival: "Wow, what an amazing 30 days with so many highlights! The worst June weather in a generation didn't dampen the Festival spirit and once again all the North Devon Festival event organisers, artists, venues, sponsors, advertisers and communities proved that the willingness to work together, careful planning, creative ideas and an abundance of enthusiasm and talent were the perfect ingredients to produce the best Festival yet!" -- www.northdevontheatres.org.uk
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