Soul superstar Jazzie B to close Royal William Yard Festival

Organisers of this year's Royal William Yard Festival in Plymouth are to deliver a proper soul-funk Sunday send off, at this year's event with the announcement that soul superstar Jazzie B, OBE, will be the final act at the festival.​

The UK music industry legend, one of this country's most influential funk & soul artists, will be closing the festival with a two hour DJ set in the Factory Cooperage, Sunday 28th May. A true music great, internationally respected, and a globally acclaimed sound pioneer, performer and producer.

One of the founding members of Soul II Soul, who won two Grammy awards and influenced a generation of music lovers, Jazzie B has been credited as the man who gave British black music it's own soul. He was awarded an OBE for services to music from Her Majesty the Queen. The same year saw him decorated with the Ivor Novello Award for Inspiration.

An incredible career that has now spanned nearly four decades, including running Motown records for a spell and presenting James Brown with a Diesel U Music Lifetime Achievement Award, an accolade James Brown would not accept unless Jazzie was there in person to present it.

Supporting Jazzie B and also playing across the festival that weekend will be one of the most prolific contributors to the world renowned Hed Kandi label and mix compilations, Richard Earnshaw. They join West Country folk singer Seth Lakeman who is to headline the first ever Royal William Yard Festival which promises to celebrate “peninsular living” and everything the beautiful West Country has to offer.

The festival will bring areas of the historic Grade 1 listed ex-Naval victualling yard to life with beautiful classic cars, motor bikes and boats providing the backdrop to six stages, dotted around the yard offering an array of musical styles.

Devon-born Folk star Seth Lakeman, who was nominated for a Mercury Award with his single, Kitty Jay, is celebrating the release of his eighth studio album The Ballads of the Broken Few. UK house music legends Full Intention will be closing the Factory Cooperage on the Saturday 27th. Closing The Harbour Stage will be Molotov Jukebox, whose lead singer is also Game of Thrones and Harry Potter star, Natalia Tena. Also appearing will be Meadowlark on their homecoming gig to Plymouth.

There will be a relaxed, Balearic-style sundowners bar and a main evening event in the Factory Cooperage with bands, DJs and a cabaret and cocktail bar. There will be a host of great, locally caught street food on offer, including tasty treats from the Bigbury-based Oyster Shack and wine from the award-winning Sharpham Estate near Totnes.   

It will all take place in the stunning surroundings of Grade 1 listed Royal William Yard, recently regenerated to huge acclaim by award-winning Manchester-based property developers Urban Splash.

Royal William Yard Events Manager Jim Pascoe said: “It's fantastic to confirm Jazzie B, along with Seth Lakeman and a wide range of local talent. Our new festival really will celebrate everything Devon and Cornwall has to offer. From wonderful waterside living to great food, wine and musical talent. The festival will represent the best of the West Country and will have something for everyone to enjoy.

“Royal William Yard has become one of the the best places to work, rest and play in the West Country,” said Urban Splash Director, Emily Handslip. “We are thrilled to announce the first ever Royal William Yard Festival and welcome Jazzie B and his fellow artists. We are really hoping to attract more people than ever before to The Yard to enjoy this unique event.”

Tickets and further information are available at the event website www.rwyfest.co.uk.