Young talent shines at Dartmoor’s Mini Music Day

Dartmoor’s much-loved youth music festival, Mini Music Day, returned with a bang on Sunday 4 May 2025, bringing a full day of outstanding live music to the heart of Moretonhampstead.

Now an established fixture on the local cultural calendar, the event—designed exclusively for performers aged 18 and under—saw around 50 young musicians take to the stage at The Horse pub, delivering over nine hours of non-stop live music to a packed and enthusiastic audience.

Young artists came from across south and mid-Devon, with performers travelling in from Ashburton, Bovey Tracey, Chagford, Okehampton, Kingsbridge, Exeter and other Dartmoor towns and villages. The line-up featured a rich variety of bands, duos, and solo acts, spanning a range of genres from acoustic folk to indie rock and original songwriting.

Platform for Future Stars

The event is the brainchild of local organisers Chris and Catherine Back, who created Mini Music Day to give young musicians a professional performance platform and encourage artistic development in a supportive, community setting.

“With so much talent on show, who knows which future stars were seen at Mini Music Day 2025,” said Chris and Catherine. “It’s always incredible to see the confidence and creativity these young people bring to the stage.”

Mini Music Day is more than just a showcase—it’s also a key moment for community fundraising. This year’s event was co-organised with Friends of Moreton School, raising funds to support local education projects and school enrichment activities.

Supported by Local Community

The organisers expressed gratitude to the Chagford Show, which generously covered event expenses, and to the many local businesses and attractions that donated prizes to the fundraising raffle. Their support helps ensure the festival remains free to attend and accessible to all.

The Horse pub, known for its commitment to local music and youth engagement, once again provided the perfect setting—offering both stage space and hospitality for performers and guests.

A Growing Legacy

Mini Music Day has grown steadily since its inception, becoming an important launchpad for young talent across Devon. For many performers, it's their first experience playing to a public audience, building vital confidence and skills that will support future careers in the arts.

With grassroots music increasingly recognised as vital to rural culture and youth wellbeing, events like Mini Music Day demonstrate the power of community-driven arts to inspire the next generation.

Mini Music Day will return in 2026, and organisers are already inviting young performers and supporters to get involved.

For more information or to support the festival, follow Mini Music Day updates via local community listings and Moretonhampstead networks.

All photos © Catherine Back