Music film celebrating Torbay's history is also supporting the next generation of musicians
The screening takes place on Friday at Brixham Theatre
Last updated 25th Mar 2026
A film celebrating 50 years of live music in Torbay is being screened this week - raising money for the next generation of performers.
Created by local film-Maker John Tomkins, the film features more than 100 interviewees, aged 13 to 90, telling the 50 year story across Torquay, Paignton and Brixham of live music between 1975 and 2025.
The film at Brixham Theatre on Friday March 27th will include a performance by The Music Factory CIC - with proceeds from the event helping to fund its work to support future music workshops and live performance opportunities for all ages.
Called 'Torbay's Music Legacy - 5 Decades of Sound', the film’s director John Tomkins will also speak at the event alongside legendary Torbay music promoter Lionel Digby.
Mr Tomkins said: "It's been great touring venues from the past like Piazza where famously Muse played there or Paignton Festival Hall where - I didn't realise this until I made the film - that Johnny Cash played there."
He added: "Everyone's been so generous with their time, bringing archive materials forward to support their interviews as well photos, music videos, tickets, posters from across 50 years. It's been awesome."
The event will also reflect on the future of the local music scene. Sam Swann, from Torquay-based band The Kiazens, said: "In my day job I work for a school in Torquay and we did a project to try and help Torquay grow again and I took the music side of it.
"We looked at ways to improve the venues and get young people there - even if it's just practice spaces, something that young people can go into and make music of all genres."
Tom Crump from Music Factory CIC, based in Brixham, said: "Brixham Theatre are very kindly donating all of the ticket sales money straight back into our CIC.
"Buying a ticket and supporting local indie film making, seeing some live music and getting out into the town of Brixham is a wonderful way of directly contributing to our community music project."
The Music Factory CIC aims to deliver a program of workshops, gigs, festivals, volunteering opportunities and community partnerships designed to meet the needs of our community and develop a legacy in the area - building on the former 'MusicAtTheEdge' project which was part of YES Brixham before it closed in March 2025.
Mr Tomkins added: "The film also celebrates local legends who are no longer with us and how families have helped shape the legacy of music in the bay."