You may not know us, but perhaps you’ve heard us – and if you did, you might even have found yourself dancing.
Devon Drummers have played at all four of the Exeter Is For Everyone rallies and marches against the far right – including the latest on Saturday, April 4. If you were among the 400-odd people gathered there to show ‘what community looks like’, you’ll remember how a decision was made to simply ignore the small crowd of so-called ‘patriots’ at the back of Bedford Square, waving their Union Jacks and bawling anti-immigrant slogans through a poor-quality megaphone. During the rally we played a noisy, rousing, uplifting set of rhythms that simply drowned out the racist chants. This is what we do. We don’t confront far right activists, we don’t provoke them or react to their aggressive, attention-seeking tactics, but we know our drumming often changes the energy of a protest and de-escalates tensions between opposing groups.
Our band is part of XR Rhythms UK, a national network of samba-fusion bands that was set up in 2018 to support Extinction Rebellion’s climate protests. Some of our Devon members have been involved since that time – others have come on board through other routes, some with no links to the climate movement. Over the last few years our band has widened its scope, drumming at many other events and protests that resonate with us, such as the Surfers Against Sewage Paddle Out demonstrations in Exmouth and Plymouth against ocean and river pollution, and the high-profile Right to Roam demo on Dartmoor in 2023 against legal threats to wild camping. People began asking us to play at their events and referring to us as the Devon Drummers. So that’s what we call ourselves now, although we’re still very much a protest band, supporting non-violent actions for climate, nature and social justice.
None of us are formally trained musicians. In fact, many of our members have never played any other instrument (or perhaps, like me, they’ve tried learning a few in the past, but turned out not to be very good at any of them). We’ve got some really talented and brilliant players, who’ve become very expert over the years – but the great thing about drumming is that anyone can do it. Personally, I’d never played a percussion instrument in my life when I nervously attended my first rehearsal with the band in early 2022; I was given a drum to bang, took it home with me at the end of the session, and I’ve been a member ever since. Anyone can come along and have a go, just as I did. There are practice sessions every Sunday afternoon – outdoors in summer, indoors in the winter – and everyone learns at their own pace – no pressure! There’s no obligation to join any protests or perform at any events if you don’t want to – but you might be surprised to find that drumming becomes a big part of your life.
Last month some of the Devon Drummers took part in the huge anti-far-right demonstration in London on March 28. That was a chance to link up with other XR bands from all over the country, who all drummed together at the march – an exciting, exhausting and unforgettable experience.
If you think you might like to join the band – or just give it a try – check out the new Devon Drummers Facebook and Instagram accounts.
You’ll find videos of some of our practices and events, along with details of our next open practice session (venues vary, depending on weather and time of year).
We love welcoming new members, we’re a friendly group, and remember – if you can clap your hands to a rhythm, you can drum.
Written by Philippa Davies