Programmes

Music city

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We have identified music as being key to achieving the Culture Plan’s core objectives, and being vital in building the identity of people and place.

In recognition of this, we launched our Music Ambassador programme in 2022, appointing Jack Harman and Craig Roxburgh to begin the process of developing a Music City Action Plan and galvanizing the music sector. 

From 2024 to 2026, music ambassadors Jeremy Hibbard and Grace Lightman continued the work towards developing Plymouth into a gigging city.

The result of this work is the Music City Action Plan itself and Plymouth Music CIC.

Plymouth Music CIC

The work of the ambassadors has led to the establishment of Plymouth Music CIC and the appointment of a full board of directors in August 2025. The organisation is committed to facilitating a collective voice for music across the city. 

OMAR TAVERAS - Vice-Chair

  • Omar Taveras is an international independent artist. Renowned for his meticulous attention to detail and unparalleled expertise in sound engineering, he has become a respected figure in the music industry.

    Beyond his technical expertise, Omar is deeply passionate about building and nurturing creative communities. Whether collaborating with artists, mentoring emerging talent, or organising local music events, he believes in the power of music to connect people and foster creativity.

Smiling person holding microphone, wearing a blouse with puffy sleeves.

GRACE LIGHTMAN - Chair

  • Grace Lightman is a producer, song-writer, performer, mentor and facilitator. With experience in both the live music world and behind the scenes in studio settings, Grace is committed to encouraging music makers to create in an authentic way. After the release of her solo album, Grace relocated from London to Plymouth to be closer to those who have facilitated the same for her; sparking a desire to pass on these opportunities to artists who require mentoring and support. Grace is passionate about prioritising music as a cultural asset to Plymouth, and beyond.

A man sitting in a recording studio with professional audio equipment, wearing a black baseball cap backwards and a cream hoodie with the logo 'RealBeat'.
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RUTH BALLANTYNE - Director

  • Having spent over 20 years as a freelance flautist and Musicians’ Union member, Ruth started work for the MU as the Regional Officer for Wales and South West England in 2019. With a background in orchestral playing, freelance gigs and specialist teaching, she has also been proactive in creating accessible opportunities for musical development including the creation, set up and running of a charity as well as being part of creating and delivering a wide variety of projects and workshops that aimed to encourage and inspire.

    Ruth first got involved in the MU as a member in her union branch in 1998, where she became branch secretary. Since then, she has been a member of the Wales and South West Regional Committee, Chair of the Teachers (now Education) Section Committee, and has represented regional members on the MU’s Executive Committee.

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TONY DAVEY - Director

  • Tom is a proud Plymothian with a passion for people and music. He regularly attends a wide variety of music events in the city and beyond, and has been for nearly 40 years.  

    For the past 16 years he has been working as a Community Engagement Officer with Plymouth Arts & Heritage Service (The Box), devising, and delivering a wide range of projects with often under represented communities.  This has included Plymouth After Dark, which involved a deep dive into the musical history of the city, including the co-curation of a major exhibition ‘because the night belongs to us’ at The Box.

    His knowledge and skills, along with his passion for a wide range of music scenes in the city, will bring an interesting perspective to the board, from outside the industry but rooted in the community.

A woman singing into a microphone at a live music performance in a dimly lit venue, with a drummer visible in the background.

BEC CRISPIN - Director

  • Bec Crispin lives in Plymouth and has over 20 years experience working in Event production and as a Musician. She has worked in both a freelance capacity and for several well known brands and festivals but is currently working for Nudge Community Builders helping to breathe life into some of Plymouth’s iconic but until recently neglected buildings in Union Street. 

    She has performed throughout the UK and internationally with her band Malavita! and has written and recorded several EP’s worth of music as well as working with DJ’s and producers to release a variety of music. 

    Driven by a deep love for music, Bec is fiercely committed to protecting grassroots venues and nurturing Plymouth’s music culture and to help create exciting events that inspire and entertain. Her mission is to help local talent thrive and build careers in music without having to leave the South West. 

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MATT FLEMING - Director

  • Omar Taveras is an international independent artist. Renowned for his meticulous attention to detail and unparalleled expertise in sound engineering, he has become a respected figure in the music industry.

    Beyond his technical expertise, Omar is deeply passionate about building and nurturing creative communities. Whether collaborating with artists, mentoring emerging talent, or organising local music events, he believes in the power of music to connect people and foster creativity.

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RYAN JENKINS - Associate Director

  • Ryan Jenkins is a vocal coach, music educator, choral director, and former lead singer of Plymouth pop-rock band The Rising. With a background in performance, songwriting, and community engagement, he has worked extensively to make music education and choral singing more inclusive and impactful.

    Ryan is the co-founder of the male voice choir Blokes Who Sing and co-leads several choirs, including Plymouth’s North Prospect Community Choir, championing mental wellbeing and artistic growth.

    His work spans grassroots music advocacy, youth development, and coaching artists across the UK, US, and Europe.

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STEVE ROGERS - Associate Director

  • Steve Rogers is a dynamic manager and promoter of Sam Rogers and his talented band of artists, passionately supporting their creative journeys with a deep understanding of the music industry. Sam has already released two EPs and is set to unveil his debut album of original acoustic songs, with demos available here.

    With a distinguished background as a chief in the PT Branch of the Royal Navy, and a successful career as a businessman across various industries, Steve brings a wealth of experience to artist brand management. He skillfully balances nurturing creativity with the strategic risks needed to achieve remarkable outcomes for his artists.

    Steve is dedicated to collaborating with Plymouth Music CIC in its mission to elevate the city into a thriving music city, both nationally and globally, renowned for its musical excellence and vibrant venues that ignite creativity. By providing opportunities for musicians of all backgrounds—whether grassroots or seasoned, amateur or professional—he aims to enrich Plymouth's cultural scene and inspire a new generation of artists.

    Together, Steve believes that we will ensure that Plymouth is celebrated not only for its rich musical heritage but also as a beacon of innovation in the global music landscape.

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GEORGE SHELTON - Associate Director

  • George is a passionate music promoter, educator, artist, and CEO of Sound Factory, with over a decade of experience in the Music industry and Education. He's developed emerging artists, toured in original bands, and written music featured on TV, radio, and BBC sessions. His work with top UK producers and national touring has shaped his expertise in songwriting, recording, mentoring, and promotion.

    Through Sound Factory's Events and Educational sectors, he aims to build a sustainable music ecosystem in the South West, creating opportunities for young talent and supporting the wider creative community.

Action plan

This action plan is the culmination of months of research, conversations, consultations and testing. Using Sound Diplomacy – The Music Cities Manual as our guiding framework, the action plan seeks to set out our ambitions as a city and to identify the annual priorities that will help realise this ambition. 

Learn more
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A group of musicians performing on stage under a tent with colorful bunting. Two women and a man are singing into microphones, with a guitarist playing in the background. They are dressed in black, and the scene appears to be at an outdoor event or festival.
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Be part of it

The action plan is extensive and will need everyone pulling in the same direction to make change happen.

We have been hosting quarterly forum meetings with the music sector to share information, signpost to opportunities and discuss priorities. These forums are open to all so if you are a musician, promoter, technician or venue owner and would like to know more then join our mailing list and come along to our next forum, please contact: gracelightman@googlemail.com