Violist cycles 215 miles across Devon to support Ashburton Music Festival

American violist David Yang has completed a 215-mile cycle ride around Devon to raise funds for the Ashburton Chamber Music Festival, which he co-founded in 2019.

David, who travelled from New York for the challenge, set off from Ashburton on Wednesday 14 May, cycling through Lyme Regis, Minehead, Barnstaple, Tavistock and back to Ashburton over five days.

His aim was to raise £3,000 to support the festival’s future. So far, he has raised over £1,000 through online and in-person donations, with fundraising ongoing.

“Since founding the Festival in 2019, with Andy Williamson of Ashburton Arts Centre, it has run on a very tight budget, with many artists giving their time for free and local volunteers hosting the performances,” said David. “In a time of increasing costs we want to ensure we support the artists and that the Festival continues to thrive for the next six years!”

The Ashburton Chamber Music Festival (ACMF), now in its sixth year, runs from 18 to 27 July, bringing world-class musicians to the heart of South Devon for a mix of free and ticketed concerts, open rehearsals, and community events.

Performances take place in Ashburton and neighbouring villages.

David added: “We host the musicians within private homes and involve local volunteers in planning, which creates a far more personal experience — where audience members connect with the performers and the process of music-making. It is a cultural exchange that only a close-knit community can offer and fosters lasting connections between artists and community members.”

This year’s festival includes:

• A world premiere by local composer Gabrielle Mills

• Chamber music concerts in private homes

• A free family concert

• Open rehearsals, panel discussions and pre-concert talks

• A new “Night music” concert performed in the dark in a Dartmoor location

David first visited Devon from the US in 2018 and says he fell in love with the region, its nature and its people.

His cycle ride was not only a fundraiser but a chance to explore new areas and connect with local communities.

The festival is run in partnership with Ashburton Arts Centre, a not-for-profit venue described by The Guardian as “one of the best small live music venues in the UK”.

The Centre is managed by volunteers and continues to welcome donations and sponsorships to support its programming.