Sea Change festival – held in the Devonshire town of Totnes by local record store DRIFT Records – is returning from the ashes of the pandemic this spring, on May 27-29.

It really is a festival like no other. Firstly, because it’s in a beautiful market town, with the lineup spread between a church, an inn, a 17th century house, a ballroom and and cinema. But also because the capacity is so small, especially when you consider the artists it attracts.

With a weekend crowd of just 600, you wouldn’t expect to find Chilly Gonzales launching this year’s festival at Dartington Hall, followed by weekend performances by Porridge Radio, Gwenno, Kathryn Joseph, Katy J Pearson, caroline, Andrew Wasylyk, Soccer96, Quinquis, The Lounge Society, Sinead O’Brien, MELTS, Lucy Gooch, Tara Clerkin Trio (pictured), Silverbacks, Charlotte Spiral, Pale Blue Eyes, Michael Price, HighSchool, Fran Lobo and DITZ. But you will.

More acts will be announced in February, along with the festival’s film and literature programme in association with Rough Trade Books, White Rabbit and Faber & Faber.

Tickets are sure to fly. Get yours at seachangepresents.co.uk.

Sea Change founder, Rupert Morrison has said: “Though we say it ourselves, this is a hugely impressive first announcement, and all the more dazzling when you consider that the weekend capacity is just 600 people. Few events are as intimate and even fewer provide such an extraordinary set of artistic riches. There have been so many ups and downs over the last two years; postponing events, going online, struggling to stay afloat, receiving ACE funding, constant date changes, doubt, postponements, anxiety and church concerts. We brought people back to Totnes town in August 2021 and it was surreal and hugely exciting. We’ve been working hard for months and, today, being able to start talking about our amazing guests is a pretty euphoric moment. May 2022 is going to feel celebratory, safe and totally invigorating. After so many stops and starts, finally bringing the likes of Katy J Pearson and Porridge Radio to town feels big. The May 2022 roster (with a lot more still to be announced) is one of which we’re extremely proud and we can’t wait for each and every show.”