Tor-VYBZ is Torbay’s first youth-led grassroots music festival, created and delivered by young people with the support of Torbay’s Sound Communities CIC. The event takes place at The Banjo on Torquay sea front on Saturday 18 July, and will bring contemporary youth culture into a historic setting to connect the Bay’s heritage with the next generation of local creativity.

More than a one-day festival, Tor-VYBZ is designed as a place shaping cultural initiative by building opportunities for young people and strengthening Torbay’s creative economy. 40 young people are involved in Tor-VYBZ Festival pre-production, and 25 will run the festival on the day itself. These range from young, first-time stage technicians to sound engineers, artists, event liaison, live stream teams, promotions, campaigns and media. 27 young grassroots musicians from Torbay and the South-West will perform on the day.

We’re proud that the event is contributing to the Bay’s identity as a vibrant place to live, work and visit.

Event Creator, Jarvis Rohr said:

“I’ve had the idea of Tor-VYBZ for a long while. I received seed funding last year and was interviewed about it the very same day my dad passed away, so this festival is intensely personal for me. I love knowing that so many other young people will get the chance to build their creative careers in a festival run by us and for our community.”

“We had over 50 applications from young musicians wishing to perform across Torbay and the South-West. 27 of them will appear across two sound stages throughout the day. Tor-VYBZ is a big opportunity to perform on a stage in front of thousands of people, to showcase their own music, and get back the recognition they deserve.”

“Many of these young people have also had tough life circumstances and face many barriers to get into this industry in this area. This ambitious one-day free festival aims to spark an understanding that young people can form the heart of a creative economy.”

Councillor Jackie Thomas, Cabinet Member for Tourism, Culture and Events, said:

“I am delighted that our young people are getting the opportunity to showcase their talents at what will be a great day out for all who attend.

“The council is keen to support all our communities to use our public spaces and be part of the local economy, helping to promote Torbay as a creative and inclusive place to live, work and visit.”

You can find out more about the Tor-VYBZ festival, and Sound Communities, through their event page on Facebook: Tor-VYBZ event