A North Devon music venue that has spent years bringing touring acts and emerging performers to the area is urging people to support the local live music scene as it continues to grow.
Ben, who has run the Palladium Club in Bideford for nearly a decade, said the venue has become an important platform for both established artists and musicians taking their first steps onto a stage.
Speaking on The Voice programme alongside singing teacher Lizzie, Ben said attracting touring bands to North Devon can be challenging because many acts are reluctant to travel beyond Bristol.
He said: “Trying to get people south of Bristol is tough. They almost feel like the world ends at Bristol.”
As a result, the venue often works with other promoters and venues to encourage larger acts to perform in the region.
The Palladium Club also works with students at Petroc College, giving them experience of organising live events. Ben explained that students have been involved in booking support acts, promoting shows and arranging venues as part of their coursework.
He said there are limited opportunities in North Devon for people to see touring bands without travelling to larger cities such as Plymouth or Bristol.
Ben said: “It is quite a vital thing, I think, the Palladium for this area.”
Alongside hosting touring artists, the venue supports local musicians through initiatives including Battle of the Bands competitions and weekly jam nights.
Ben said the Tuesday evening sessions allow people to move from practising at home to performing in front of an audience.
He added: “It is surprising how many bands have formed because of it.”
Lizzie, who runs Bold Note Vocal Coaching and hosts the venue’s jam nights, said the club plays a significant role in supporting local performers.
She said: “Being in a local band, just having that venue there, the sound in the Palladium Club is great. You would not experience that in a pub or any other venue round here.
“It is just an amazing platform for all of us.”
She added that the venue also hosts activities beyond live music, including drum tuition through North Atlantic Drum School, workshops and work with local music charity Rainbow Trust.
According to Ben, the club has undergone significant changes since he took over, including upgrades to the sound system, alterations to the bar area and expansion of the stage.
He said: “We have completely transformed the place from when I took over. It is almost unrecognisable.”
The venue operates a model in which ticket income typically goes directly to performers, while the club relies on bar sales to help cover its costs.
Ben said: “If you are paying £10 to come in, that £10 is going to the band.”
Upcoming events include a performance by North Devon punk veterans The Cult Maniax, who are due to play one of only two announced shows this year, as well as tribute acts celebrating Amy Winehouse and Eminem.
Ben said while tribute acts remain popular, original music remains at the heart of the venue’s programme.
For those wanting to find out more, he said the club’s Facebook page provides the most up-to-date information about forthcoming events.
Lizzie encouraged people to get involved and support grassroots music.
She said: “Support the scene. Make the scene as well. Really important.”
