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Poltimore Music & Arts Festival, undeterred by the recent blaze that ravaged the historic house, remains steadfast in its commitment to entertain and inspire.
Despite the fire last week, the festival will boldly emerge from the ashes, with its scheduled dates of Saturday, May 25th, and Sunday, May 26th, firmly in place. However, due to safety precautions, the festival's venue has shifted to the picturesque grounds of Poltimore House, as a 10-meter exclusion zone surrounds the building.
The fire, suspected to be an act of arson, inflicted extensive damage, wiping away decades of restoration efforts and leaving behind a trail of devastation. Nevertheless, amidst the charred ruins, the resilient framework of Poltimore House endures. United in their resolve, the Poltimore House Trust, the local community, and dedicated supporters, including the festival organisers, are determined more than ever to revive the house for public enjoyment.
The Music in Devon Initiative (MIDI), the creative force behind the festival, has been overwhelmed by an outpouring of support and offers of assistance to ensure the event's success. Originally conceived as a fundraiser to support ongoing restoration work at Poltimore House, the festival will now serve as a beacon of resilience and community spirit. The main music stage will find its home nestled within the verdant grounds behind the house, while the acoustic stage, initially slated for indoor performance, will take its place atop Lime Tree Avenue.
To ensure that festival-goers do not miss a beat, performances on the main stage will run concurrently with those on the second stage, promising an uninterrupted flow of music and entertainment. Beyond the stages, attendees can immerse themselves in an array of experiences, from outdoor cinema screenings to vibrant bars and diverse culinary offerings. Wellness and Healing areas, craft vendors, slam poetry sessions, and African drumming performances will further enrich the festival's eclectic tapestry, promising an unforgettable weekend of culture and community celebration.