AN exciting new West Devon music and arts initiative is going to be ‘much more ambitious’ in its second year, bringing a number of talented performers to Bratton Clovelly in 2017.

The idea to make Bratton Clovelly a centre for high quality music and art was first conceived in January 2016 by a small group of enthusiasts.

They immediately set to work organising fundraising events, drawing on local talent and generosity to produce a series of entertainment shows.

By the second half of the year, the organisation set up by the group — Bratton Clovelly Festival (BCF) — was drawing on performers from across the South West.

BCF has had charitable status less than a year but is already attracting funds from other organisations which recognise the project’s value to the Bratton Clovelly community.

The BCF has been nominated for a West Devon Mayoral Award, partly for its efforts to bring music and the arts to the parish, but also for attempts to bring together other community groups, including the WI, PCC and parish hall management committee.

Joanna Wallwork, chair of BCF, said: ‘I’m so touched by this recognition. It’s been hard work and relies completely on the efforts of talented, generous volunteers so this is just brilliant.

‘I feel we’ve come a long way in a short time, working on a very thin shoe string. In its second year, the programme is much more ambitious with high-profile performers from across the country, yet still having an emphasis on the considerable talent here in the South West.

‘The programme is very diverse and aims to provide something for all tastes. With the sad news that Villages in Action is having to close its operation, such small local art charities may become more important than ever.’

The programme begins with the Balagan Café Band, who perform a fiery fusion of world, jazz and folk music. The show on March 31 at Bratton Clovelly Parish Hall will be their only show in Devon this year.

Other events include art historian David Tovey showcasing his private collection in Broadwoodwidger, an evening in June with Semi-Toned, winners of BBC 2 series The Choir: Gareth’s Best in Britain and concerts by the K’antu Ensemble, Hartland Chamber Orchestra and Exeter Cathedral Choir.

For more information and the full programme, visit www.brattonclovellyfestival.com or email [email protected]