MUSICAL students at Petroc now have access to a new performance and learning facility which will give them "industry experience in the heart of North Devon".

The Factory, based in the old Brannam Pottery building on Roundswell in Barnstaple, houses all levels of music technology, production and performance courses.

The spacious facility boasts two large computer teaching rooms with the latest Apple Mac computers, four isolated rehearsal booths, a state-of-the-art recording studio (the college's second), a canteen serving hot food and an expansive performance hall.

Some students have been based at the site, officially known as Petroc Brannams, since September but the 500-capacity live music venue, which used to house three large blast kilns in the pottery days, officially launches later this month.

The

Journal

was given an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the £600,000 facility by subject leader for music and music technology, Tom Nordon.

Tom said: "The students will run everything here — the sound desk, the lights, stage management — the lot.

"As well as providing a badly needed live music venue for North Devon, we'll be able to offer our students real industry experience which will be a great boost for their CVs."

Tom explained that since plans for the college's relocation were shelved last year, Petroc has been placing a greater emphasis on satellite campuses such as the Factory.

The Brannams site is the college's second attempt at opening a dedicated music facility.

In 2008 the original Factory was founded at the South West Metals building, just a stones throw away on Roundswell Business Park.

Tom said: "We were only in there for about a year before the company decided they wanted to use it again. I was devastated because it was working so well.

"We had attracted some big name bands and the students loved working there.

"It took a while to find a new venue which was appropriate but, with the college backing us 100%, we have now found a premises which will see us into the long term future."

Several acts have already been booked to play at the Factory over the next few months, including Brian Blessed, Toots and the Maytals and Cuban jazz band Asere.

Tom added: "We've got big plans for this venue. I want the Factory to be a big name in the North Devon music and entertainment game.

"It's also very humbling to take over a building which has played such a prominent part in Barnstaple's history.

"It's a very exciting time and there's a lot of good vibes here."

The Factory venue will officially open with a performance from Bhangra band Achanak on Thursday, March 25 as part of Petroc's 'Culture Shock' month.

Tickets cost £3. For more information call 01271 852335.

500 — The capacity of the live music Factory venue.

75 — Pupils that will be based at the campus each year.

40 — The number of music sequencing computers at the campus.

4 — Isolated rehearsal booths.

2 — 6m sq video screens either side of the stage.