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LIVE MUSIC EVENTS IN 
NORTH DEVON

With a line-up spanning folk, blues, gypsy jazz and more, these gigs deliver something for all those with a passion for music. Wherever you’re from and whatever language you speak, music unites us. It’s food for the soul - and we’re saving you a seat.

Weaving together music, nature and community

MUSIC, NATURE AND COMMUNITY

LIVE MUSIC EVENTS

Born from Aaron’s lifelong love of grassroots music - especially blues, but anything that moves the soul - our brand new live music events will showcase some of the best musicians from around the country. Set against the waterside backdrop of our retreat, just outside Barnstaple, this is live music in North Devon - HARTA style: come and see what we mean!  One of the beauties of HARTA retreat is its rural, off-the-beaten-track location. We're easy to reach by car, but it seems Devon’s public transport hasn’t quite caught up yet (ha!). We offer a range of accommodation options—from our converted holiday barn and glamping tipis to campervan spots and camping—and you’re very welcome to stay. We do get busy, so please get in touch if you'd like to stay. And for parties over 4 we offer free soft drinks to the designated driver.

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Saturday night gigs will definitely take it up a notch with some big sounds, big names and some seriously good times! Bringing you some of the best blues, jazz, funk and soul artists from around the country these events run approximately once per month and are ticketed. Prices will vary depending on the band/artist but we make every effort to keep it affordable. Don't forget your dancing shoes!

Saturday sessions

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Science tells us that alongside time in nature, listening to music is one of the most relaxing things we can do - and The Sunday Sessions at HARTA retreat are centered around both. Whether it’s the laid-back strum of an acoustic guitar or the rich tones of a great vocalist, these live music sessions will move you; unhurried and intentional, creating a shared love of good music, good company and nature. All the Sunday Sessions will be free entry however audiences will be encouraged to donate to the artists. These donations are completely voluntary but bear in mind that without your generosity the adventure may be short lived!

Sunday sessions

ACOUSTIC SUNDAY SESSION

RAKES ADRIFT

11th May, 2025

Featuring fiddle, melodeon, banjo, guitar, whistle and bodhran, ‘Rakes Adrift’ combine traditional and contemporary music and song to create an exciting and varied sound.

ACOUSTIC SUNDAY SESSION

SAM DOWDEN

18th May, 2025

Sam is innately a very creative person who loves to write and make his own music and film.

 

He is a popular local North Devon performer, singer and song writer. He is also an accomplished loop pedal artist and plays an eclectic mix of acoustic covers. 

FREE ENTRY

THE TERRAPLANES BLUES BAND

24th May, 2025

The Terraplanes Blues Band , recently awarded the highly prestigious "EMERGING BLUES ACT OF THE YEAR" at the UK Blues Awards 2023, have been busy playing around the country at some of the best blues clubs and festivals, cementing their reputation as one of the UK's most exciting blues acts.

 

Hailing from Bristol UK, with a sound echoing the 1960's British R'n'B bands, The Terraplanes have been a breath of fresh air.  Nick Scrase's authentic guitar/vocal tones Eduardo Allen's hi energy harmonica skills and stage performance make for an electric live show. The band are ably supported by Andy Hutt (drums) and Craig Shaw (bass).

ACOUSTIC SUNDAY SESSION

ANDY GRANT

25th May, 2025

Incendiary guitar playing, bluesy vocals and funky grooves characterise the music of Andy Grant. Think classic blues with contemporary edge, add a stomp box and a live loop and you’re getting close to this rootsy blend of blues, soul and rock.

​'Great songs, soulful vocals and awesome guitar skills' Blues Matters

'Really Excellent Music!' Phil Jupitus, BBC TV's Never Mind the Buzzcocks

ACOUSTIC SUNDAY SESSIONS

JIM CRAWFORD

1st June, 13th July, 3rd August, 7th September 2025

Jim Crawford is an impressive multi-instrumentalist and expert blues player.  He has toured much of Europe and the States captivating audiences with his intimate folk/blues style.

He first came to the attention of a wider blues audience when invited to record a session for the BBC’s Paul Jones Show. He has played alongside other musicians including Sean Genockey, Kevin Brown, Ian Briggs, Steve Payne, Ben Andrews, Wizz Jones,& Mike Dowling.

ACOUSTIC SUNDAY SESSION

BIG JOE BONE

8th June, 2025

"Big Joe Bone" (A.K.A. Danny Wilson) plays what he calls "Blues-Grass" music.....a mix of Delta Blues, Bluegrass, Oldtime, Gospel and Hillbilly music utilizing his raspy vocals, hard driving harmonica rhythms, sublime bottleneck slide guitar playing (on steel bodied resonator guitars) and lightning finger-picking skills on 5 string banjos.....all held together by a very heavy stomping boot!

ACOUSTIC SUNDAY SESSION

HARRY WALLACE

15th June, 2025

The champion of the Battle of the Acoustics 2022, showcasing his exceptional piano and guitar skills. Bringing you a range of covers and blues originals, Harry is a multi-instrumentalist, and incredible vocalist and a brilliant song writer... one of Devon's finest !

DINO BAPTISTE

28th June, 2025

With over 30+ years experience, including live and studio performances accross the globe, Dino Baptiste is all about the Blues, Boogie-Woogie and FUNK! With influences including Ray Charles, Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis, Dino displays a unique on stage personality and rarely matched keyboard skills which captivate his audiences throughout the UK and beyond. Over the years Dino has performed with Mick Jagger, Lulu, Leo Sayer, Donald Fagan, Kiki Dee and Roger Taylor.

 

Normally a 5 piece band, at HARTA retreat Dino presents his trio for an equally lively and high energy showcase of fun, amazing dynamics and multi instrumental surprises not to be missed!!

GABBY YOUNG & THE OTHER ANIMALS

12th July, 2025

Gabby Young is a dynamic and soulful musician known for her captivating blend of pop, jazz, and indie influences. With a voice that's as powerful as it is unique, Gabby has established herself as a standout artist in the global music scene. Her performances are marked by an electrifying energy, and her songs often explore themes of love, self-discovery, and personal growth.

 

Taking things in a different direction from the blues, Gabby Young and the Other Animals will absolutely captivate you with their music, their musical talent and their stage show... this is a serious treat folks!

MAX & VERONICA

2nd August, 2025

Roots, blues, ragtime, gospel with an Italian flavour and often quite humorous!

An irresistible blend of blues, ragtime, vaudeville and hillbilly music, played using strictly acoustic instruments such as ukulele, washboard, kazoo, double bass and guitars. 

GRIZZLY & THE GRASSHOPPERS

9th August, 2025

Grizzly and The Grasshoppers, fronted by the big man Grizzly Rhys Morgan, bring original music, gritty vocals, blazing lapslide and soaring electric guitar work to the stage – supported by a solid backbone of energetic and dazzling keyboard, thumping drums, driving bass lines and seriously swampy harmonica.

A crowd favourite for Saturday night live music in North Devon, they never fail to bring the energy. Regulars at HARTA retreat - and one of our personal favourites!

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VENUE HIRE

Waterside tipi event space

Whether you are celebrating a birthday, anniversary or hosting a retreat or mini festival with your tribe, our Nordic tipis make an unforgettable event space.

 

Spacious and stylish, our tipis are constructed from custom-made material to suit all weather conditions. Under the honey-coloured canvas, there's space for a fully licensed and staffed bar, a band, a dance floor and a stunning dinner setting.  With fire pits, hay bales and your imagination, you can turn this into your dream event space.

STAY AT HARTA

Luxury glamping on the edge of Exmoor

Stay in one of our 4 boutique Devon glamping Tipis and soon you'll discover a more peaceful you. Each one has been beautifully handcrafted and luxuriously decorated to give you a welcome respite from the noise of modern life. Choose from the Distinguished Collection (our two-room tipis with ensuites) or from the Superior Collection (single-room tipis with outdoor showers).

AS SEEN IN

Holiday Homes in The Sun TV Show

Series 1, Episode 8

The Telegraph Newspaper

10 Best Winter Glampsites

WeekEnd Candy Review

Luxury Tipis for Hazy Mornings and Lost Afternoons

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