VENUS LOVING THE BEACH

MUSIC FESTIVAL A HUGE HIT

The sky was blue, the water looked crystal clear and the beach was rocking.  Set against the most idyllic setting imaginable, The Venus Company's first ever Loving the Beach Music Festival on Saturday was an unprecedented success.  Blackpool Sands was buzzing with families enjoying a first-rate day out.

The afternoon got off to a lively start when 'Mafia 4' took to the stage.  Another local band 'Three Bags Full' followed, getting many to their feet dancing on the shingles in the wonderful afternoon heat.  Then, whilst VIP ticket holders enjoyed a delicious three course meal in the café and families lined the beach on blankets and chairs, 'Saloon Star' started their first act. From gypsy jazz to blues, reggae, pop and rock, everyone was catered for.  An irresistible combination, packed with old favourites, keeping the mood high and the beach swinging.

This ticket only event was made even more magical with the backdrop of a yacht race which added the final touch to this idyllic scene.  With almost no wind, the line of boats sat gracefully on the horizon, creating a sense of tranquil and calm.

Michael Smith, co-owner of The Venus Company comments: “We were obviously nervous when we were planning our first ever music festival but we had a fantastic line up and a stunning location. We needn't have worried. The sun shone, the bands played and the crowds came. It was a resounding success and we are already thinking about a second festival next year.”

The whole event was very much a family affair with children entertained by Punch and Judy shows and artistic face painting by Lisa Wood and her colleague Rachel on site.   Fun activities for all the family were also laid on by Beach Schools South West, Devon Wildlife Trust, The Samaritans and South Devon AONB. Many of these activities were based around an environmental theme with the aim to get all the festival goers thinking about how they could do their bit to look after our beaches and oceans.  The RNLI were also present on the beach.

Of course, as the festival was hosted by The Venus Company there was plenty of great food and drink available from the takeaway and café.  The Bays Brewery tent also proved very popular. Whilst a lucky few with VIP tickets enjoyed a fabulous three course meal of locally sourced produce with premium views from the VIP area.

Michael Smith comments: “We were so thrilled to see our plans come to fruition and to see so many people enjoying our new festival. Clearly we are not the only ones who think that Blackpool Sands is the perfect venue for a family music festival. We are delighted that our Loving the Beach Festival looks set to be a highlight of the summer season.”

#LovingtheBeachFest

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Notes to the Editor:

1.    The Venus Company began life at Blackpool Sands in Devon and has kept beachgoers fed and watered with delicious food and drink for 22 years. 

2.    Blackpool Sands was recently featured in The Sunday Times' Best British Beaches list.

3.    They have six sites across the West Country including Blackpool Sands, East Portlemouth, Bigbury on Sea, Tolcarne, Watergate Bay and their only inland café at The Shops at Dartington.

4.    The Venus Company's philosophy is best summed up by the phrase 'Loving the Beach'. 

5.      They have twice won the Queen's Award for Sustainable Development (in 2010 and 2005).  One of only ten companies throughout the UK to have been awarded a sustainability honour in 2010 and one of only eight companies to have achieved the award in 2005.