Check Us Out In The Paper!

We got in the Herald few weeks back! Heres the article for ya....

(We would have the photo but Aly's thrown away the paper haha)

Full article after the jump!

Herald Express Article

A BOARDED-UP pub could soon help put Torbay back on the music scene.

The Devon Music Collective is hoping to turn the Lighthouse pub on Paignton seafront into a vibrant, alcohol-free music venue where both concerts and tuition can be organised.

The Collective, which is currently leasing the pub from a brewery for an undisclosed sum, is hoping to create a new venue which will rival the Phoenix in Exeter or the Hippo in Plymouth.

Mark Wilkins, chairman of the Collective, said: "The main problem for youngsters in the Bay is boredom. A lot is being done for tourists, but there aren't many music-related activities young people can be involved in within a safe environment.

"Music is a defining force in many people's lives, especially young people."

Mr Wilkins said the idea behind the new music hub was to offer a space for creative people in the Bay to develop their own music talent, learn an instrument without having to go to someone else's home and enjoy bands.

He added: "We want to have a place in Torbay where the drink culture has no place. Somewhere safe the 14 to 25-year-olds can call their own. We want to open a space where people can explore their own creativity, enjoy music and be inspired to do their own.

"What we want is to put Torbay back on the music map. We want to rival the Phoenix and the Hippo."

The Lighthouse has been closed for the past 18 months.

Mr Wilkins, who was involved in the Bit On The Side youth venture which ended two years ago, said the new Collective project had been two years in the making.

He added: "In the end we decided we wanted to stay in the Bay and do something for the community around music because that's what we love. We've worked very hard to get this project off the ground."

Now planning and licence applications have been put through to Torbay Council so the Lighthouse can reduce its opening hours and ditch its booze licence.

If all goes well, the Lighthouse could re-open in September.

Mr Wilkins added: "Music is used to attract people into pubs so they buy beer. With our project, the music is the reason to come.

"The licensing people were quite shocked when we told them we didn't want a drinks licence. It must be the first time someone has asked to reduce the hours and not involve alcohol."

If approved by Torbay Council, the Lighthouse would be revamped inside and outside, while a cafe and diner would be created inside.

The Collective has also applied for a grant from the £95,000 Community Cash Back scheme run by the Government.