Show of Hands feature in a series of three concerts exploring the story of Wyvern Barracks and its soldiers from 1918 to the present day. 

The military base in Topsham Road is staging the events to show people what’s behind the ‘big red-brick wall’ and engage with the community. 

Thousands of people walk or drive past the Barracks every day. Yet the vast majority of the local community have never been inside the base and have little or no awareness of its work, or its important role in today’s military service. 

Steve has a particular connection with the 6 Rifles battalion who are based at the Barracks – his grandfather Thomas Knightley had been in the Devonshire regiment, one of the Rifles’ forerunners, during the First World War. 

“My grandfather served with the Devonshires in WW1 and my stepbrother was a sergeant in the Royal Greenjackets. So, growing up in East Devon, I have always felt a great connection to both the Wyvern Barracks and the Rifles, and we were delighted to be asked to perform at such a prestigious occasion.” 

Steve has composed a song specially for the event called ‘Swift and Bold’ – which is the motto of the Rifles Regiment. 

Events take place on 5th, 6th and 7th July.