Could English Riviera become hub for live music?

There’s nothing like live music – feeling the bass through your fingertips, the emotion of the singer(s) as they belt out their lyrics, the sense of community, the joy and shared love for songs, genres or artists. Entertainment much needed and heavily missed back in the lockdown days.  
It seems like Torbay is slowly becoming a hub for live music. From DJ sets and mini concerts at the Foundry, and Electric Bay bringing the ravers to Torre Meadows, to a number of local eateries and bars hosting live acts regularly – Molly’s saxophonist and Mamma Mia nights, Cantina, The Blagdon, Elton’s Piano bar, the Still House, and the Apple and Parrot are just a few that come to mind.  
But could we welcome more well-established artists to our beautiful Bay too? Absolutely. It could also help draw more tourism to the resort. Especially in the winter season when footfall is lower. We would need to find a space to create a dedicated music venue of a decent size, like Cardiff’s Utilita Arena. I know the English Riviera International Centre has been used in the past. I am not sure it is fully suitable for purpose or scale yet. Could investment make this more possible? Or maybe Torquay United – earlier this year we saw Argyle host Muse. 
With local acts supporting the bigger artists, it could make for excellent exposure for our local talent which could help them make that next step to be national or even international players on the music scene.  
Bar some concerts in Plymouth and Exeter, as well as  the Radio One concerts many years ago, it is frustrating that many of us have to travel to Cardiff, London, Glastonbury or other locations to see our favourite, bigger acts perform. Travel and accommodation are not cheap nowadays.It would be nice to be able to spare an evening or afternoon to see an act we adore, rather than having to take a few days annual leave – as many gigs take place during the week. 
Perhaps we could have extensions of Electric Bay – something like 'Rock Bay' 'RnB on the coast' or something. Have a few of them dotted throughout the Spring and Summer, to accommodate different people’s tastes.  
Could you see Torbay becoming a hub for live music?  
If, like me you love music, why not join Torbay Hospital Radio. Our charity full of wonderful, dedicated volunteer radio presenters provide an eclectic mix of music, chat and quiz fun to entertain and provide comfort to the patients and staff at Torbay Hospital Radio. Find out more at www.torbayhospitalradio.com
Plus, if you’re a local band or artist, we’d love to play your music and interview you, and do our bit to help get your name out there. Just head to our website above and contact us.