Devon’s emerging rock band, 3 Days of Wonder, is turning their passion for music into a platform for activism with a charity concert aimed at supporting struggling grassroots music venues across the UK. The young band, hailing from Newton Abbot and distinguished by recent accolades such as Devon’s Best New Act and Exeter’s Wildcard Battle of the Bands winner, will host a special fundraising event at The Barrel House Ballroom in Totnes on Saturday, 26 April.
The band’s initiative responds to the growing concern over the closure of local and national live music venues, which serve as vital cultural hubs and launchpads for emerging artists. Partnering with venue manager Tracie Gillies, 3 Days of Wonder is raising funds for the Music Venue Trust, an organisation dedicated to preserving smaller live performance spaces like Exeter’s Cavern, Plymouth’s Junction, and The Palladium Club in Bideford.
Lead singer Luke Notman emphasised the significance of these venues, stating, “We believe that grassroots music venues are an essential part of our cultural backdrop. We need to be shouting out about these venues and for us that means giving our time and energy to put on a fundraiser.” The band’s efforts align with the Music Venue Trust’s campaign, which includes advocating for a ticket levy on major concert sales—taking inspiration from FIFA’s grassroots investment model—to provide financial support for smaller venues struggling to survive.
In 2023 alone, the Music Venue Trust supported around 200 venues, accounting for a quarter of the grassroots sector nationwide. These venues attract over 19 million visitors annually and employ approximately 31,000 people. Beyond hosting live music, many venues serve as community centres facilitating educational and social activities, underlining their broader societal value.
The upcoming Totnes concert will feature headline performances by local band Die Twic, alongside 3 Days of Wonder, Leonard and the Zombies, and Poppyshow. Notably, The Barrel House Ballroom itself has benefited from the Music Venue Trust’s funding, making it a particularly appropriate venue for this campaign-focused evening.
Guitarist Finn Arnold called on the community to support the event, saying, “Grassroots music venues inspire the next generation of musicians to make their way in the industry, so we’re asking you to join us for one of the best parties we can give – live original music performed at one of the best grassroots music venues in the country.”
Tickets for the concert are available through the 3 Days of Wonder website, where fans can also access information on future gigs and live performances. The band maintains an active presence on social media platforms including Instagram, Facebook, Threads, and TikTok under the handle @3daysofwonder.
Source: Noah Wire Services