Devauden Festival 2025 – Saturday: Sunshine, Soul and Surprise Magic

26 May 2025 73

Photo on the Devauden Festival entrance 2025

Festival Vibes in Full Bloom

Set in the rolling hills of Monmouthshire at its new home, Humble by Nature Farm, Saturday at Devauden Festival 2025 brought together families, music lovers, and top local talent for a vibrant, community-driven celebration of live music.

With five stages, healing fields, kids’ entertainment, craft stalls, and street food, the event felt like a perfectly balanced mix of chilled-out charm and musical magic — all within walking distance.

For Luke, who was attending his first-ever festival:

“What a first festival it was! I feared the bigger site would lose the tight-knit feel — but I couldn’t have been more wrong. The vibe was incredible from the moment we walked in.”

Even Lamsie, 51 and attending his first weekend music festival, echoed the sentiment:

“This time, I wasn’t planning, hosting, or DJing. I was just a guest — and it was magic.”

Josh Hicks opened the Tangerine Trees Stage with confidence and soul. His stripped-back setup with two accompanying guitarists let his voice shine through tracks like Home Is Where the Heart Is and a powerful rendition of Amy Winehouse’s Back to Black.

Stephen: “Josh’s voice is extraordinary live, and the connection he has with the crowd continues to grow.”

Luke:

“He always impresses. The extra guitarist added even more depth to his soulful pop sound.”

Dani:

“The forest setting made his performance feel extra intimate.”

Lamsie:

“Seeing Josh with his parents in the crowd was something special. I’ve known his mum since school. Then Ernie Emmanuel popped by mid-set to show support. The community spirit really hit me.”

Otto Aday, Bryony Sier and Joe Kelly and the Royal Pharmacy

Otto Aday brought cinematic flair to the Big Top Stage with standout vocals and commanding presence. He even performed a new, never-before-heard song for the crowd.

Stephen: “His style and sound are both polished and powerful.”

Luke:

“Just right for a Saturday afternoon. Great set — and hearing that new track for the first time made it even more special.”

Dani described his musicianship as “awe-inspiring,” calling him “someone with a big future.”

Bryony’s performance on the Tangerine Trees Stage was deeply personal and emotionally resonant, mixing folk-pop originals with a bold mashup of well-known covers.

Stephen: “She balances vulnerability with strength, and the crowd absolutely loved her.”

Luke:

“She absolutely killed it! Her lyrics around mental health really resonated — you can tell she’s lived it and continues to overcome it. I can’t wait to see what’s next for her.”

Dani noted her “fantastically infectious” energy, while Lamsie added:

“Bryony’s been part of our team, and I’ve known her the longest of all the performers. Despite a tough year at uni, she delivered a grounded, quirky and honest set that truly shone.”

Joe Kelly and the band lit up the Big Top with a full-bodied, emotionally charged performance. Bryony rejoined for The Beast, followed by tracks from World on Fire and Cast Me Down, ending with Kingsroad and Doomscrolling.

Stephen: “Joe’s performance had the feel of a headliner.”

Luke agreed:

“One of the performances of the weekend. They kicked off with The Beast and finished with an absolute party. Living Daylights was my personal highlight.”

Dani:

“Doomscrolling moved me — and I don’t dance. But I nearly did.”

Lamsie beamed with pride:

“Joe was with us back in 2010, presenting The Rock and Roll Circus. He was solo then — now, he’s a commanding frontman with star quality. He totally deserved his Local Hero award last year.”

Ophelia's Beard and Mr Bewlay

Over on the Tangerine Trees Stage, Ophelia’s Beard brought a vibrant set full of toe-tapping folk-rock, including a standout cover of Dog Days Are Over.

Stephen: “They brought big energy and brilliant hooks.”

Dani:

“Raw, fast-paced, and folk-rock gold.”

Luke:

“A full-band performance that hit every note. I can’t wait for them to start releasing music.”

Mr Bewlay closed the evening with a sneak peek at his upcoming musical Miracle Drivel. Part performance art, part concert, it was an emotional and theatrical high note.

Stephen: “His unpredictability and emotional range make every show unique.”

Dani:

“He’s an all-round performer. Alys Hardy was a great addition.”

Luke:

“If this preview is anything to go by, the full show will be something special.”

Wyr – A Brief But Memorable Encounter
Though not everyone caught their full set, Wyr made an impression.

Dani:

“I missed most of it but I’m definitely looking them up now.”

Luke:

“I caught the end — and I’ll definitely be checking them out.”

Festival Food & Unexpected Joys
Luke:

“Salmon and cream cheese bagel — amazing. Rocky Road brownie — elite. Nacho Cheese fries — banging!”

Even the food became part of the experience — and part of the storytelling.

Saturday at Devauden Festival 2025 delivered everything you’d want from a community-driven music event — great performances, great people, and great memories.

Stephen’s reflection:

“Each act brought something to the festival’s heartbeat — whether it was vulnerability, showmanship, or sheer joy. What stood out for me was how well the festival scaled up while keeping that intimate, community-led feel. The stage settings, the artist-audience connection, the unexpected moments (like a magician mid-set!) — it all added to something special. Devauden didn’t just host music; it celebrated it.”

Lamsie:

“For once, I wasn’t a planner or a host — just a grateful guest.”

Dani:

“A festival done just right.”

Luke:

“My first-ever festival — and what a way to start! I can’t wait for Devauden 2026.”

If you were there, tag us @NewportCityRadio and share your favourite moments.
If you missed it, catch up on artist interviews and features now playing on Pure Local Extra.

Sunday coverage coming soon.

Lead writer: Stephen Howell

Written by: Ian.Lamsdale

Beyond Newport Local Music Love Live Music Music Review NCR Crew Songwriters