LAPFORD’S own music festival, Lapstock, kicked off this year’s summer break, with the warmth of a friendly festival nestled under the big oak tree of Lapford Mill House.

Within this beautiful setting a truly appreciative audience experienced the sounds of the finest mixes of music that Devon has to offer - supporting 25 performances over two days.

Easing from freshly cut bales of hay, it was just a short stroll to good food, fine refreshments, a host of amusements, entertainment, workshops, goods and trinkets. Lapstock has become the festival for families, friends, a picnic and a great weekend. It is the festival where musicians are assured of a warm welcome, an appreciative audience, great sound production and all in a beautiful setting.

Strictly non-profit making, the ethos is to promote “Live” music and to keep ticket prices affordable to all.

Friday night introduced a variety of young performers, all aspiring to develop and nurture their vocal and musical talent and achieve their creative goals.

Saturday’s 12-hour programme started with the “Hatherleigh Ukulele Bashers” and finished at midnight with the cool sophisticated dance rhythms of the “Blue Room Baboons”. Across the day the non-stop sounds on two stages would have suited all tastes: Country, Blues, Jazz, Latin, Heavy Metal, Ska and Funk.

With a huge pool of voluntary helpers, Lapstock is able to keep ticket costs down, and with just enough surplus funds to cover next years start-up costs plus just a little put away for a rainy day - always a risk in a British summer.

Over the Lapstock weekend 70 volunteers work with an arrivals team on car parking and the gate, teams of volunteers work on food preparation and the bar, supporting musicians, security and first aid. More information about the festival is available from the Lapstock website or through our growing number of followers on Facebook or Twitter.

Work has already started on preparing for the July 2016 10th Lapstock music festival. Why not help the organising committee for this special year festival and join the fun?