MANDELA STAGE LINE UP 2026
SATURDAY 6 JUNE
SPEECHES 11:40
BIG NOISE CHOIR 12:00
RAMEAGLE 13:10
THE EXETER MUSICAL THEATER CHOIR 14:15
THE VELVET CHORDS 15:20
THE PAPERS 16:25
THE BOLLYGALS 17:30
SOUTH KERALA INDIAN DANCE 17:50
AVTAR DANCE 18:30
Big Noise Choir
A community of singers with a focus on community, harmony, vocal technique and showtunes! They have supported Gareth Malone on his 2022-2025 UK Tours and look forward to joining BGT winner Tom Ball on his 2025 tour!
Rameagle
Devon-based neo-psychedelic rock band Rameagle blends ethereal flute, swirling synths, languid vocals, hypnotic guitars, breakbeat drums, and driving fuzz bass.
The Exeter Musical Theatre Choir
A community of singers with a focus on community, harmony, vocal technique and showtunes! They have supported Gareth Malone on his 2022-2025 UK Tours and look forward to joining BGT winner Tom Ball on his 2025 tour!
The Velvet Chords
Exeter’s Velvet Chords are an experienced four-piece featuring Ish (vocals), Phil (guitar/vocals), Nick (bass), and Chris (drums/cajon). Performing mostly original songs focused on women’s daily lives and challenges, they blend jazz and blues vocals with 1970s punk guitar. Their danceable rhythms make them a fun choice for any event.
The Papers
The Papers – Playing rock reggae since 1979 the band have recently released their 21st Single, White Cliffs. Trending on You Tube, it has made 150000 streams so far and is still climbing. Lead singer John Fitzsimons will be at the festival with drummer Norman Marsh and guest musicians Ned Carty and Nigel Bush, playing a selection of songs from their catalogue and influences from artist Bob Marley, The Blues Band and Bob Dylan.
The Bollygals
This Devon/Somerset-based dance troupe demonstrates the vibrancy, fun and emotion of some of the Bollywood movie industry’s best-loved musical numbers. Their dances encapsulate the drama, humour and high energy that Bollywood is renowned for. The Bollygals have been sharing their passion for Indian dancing for over ten years through performances and workshops at festivals and private events throughout the South West.
South Kerala Indian Dance
Exeter’s Kerala Community Association performs traditional Indian dance from the region of South Kerala, bringing vibrant colourful dance to Exeter.
Avtar Dance
Avtar will be bringing a piece of his Punjabi culture to Exeter Respect by leading an audience dance-a-long. You can expect some Bhangra Folk Dance – an uplifting fusion of folk dance and music which originates from Northern India (with a splash of Bollywood).
Get ready to be transported to the villages of the Punjab – dancing to the rhythm of the dhol drum, and the streets of Mumbai dancing to the authentic beats of iconic Bollywood Hindi films. Plus some East meets West fusion music.
Bring your dancing feet and embrace Indian culture. Fun, easy dance steps to follow along. All ages welcome.
SUNDAY 7 JUNE
KIRTAN YOGA BY MEGHA & GROUP 11:00
MACHINERIES OF JOY BAND 12:15
EXETER COMMUNITY FOLK ORCHESTRA 13:25
SOUL OF THE CITY GOSPEL CHOIR 14:35
CRINA 15:30
JAMIE YOST 16:20
SHUMBA ARTS 17:25
Kirtan Yoga by Megha & Group
Expect live devotional mantra music by a variety of musicians and instruments, immersive guided meditations, call and response form of chanting and a friendly atmosphere.
Machineries of Joy
Machineries of Joy are a high-energy indie/psych rock band from Exeter, UK. Known for their dynamic and musically tight performances, they blend elements of The Doors, Fontaines D.C. and IDLES into a unique sonic experience that is equal parts introspective and explosive.
Exeter Community Folk Orchestra
Exeter Community Folk Orchestra will be playing toe tapping and beautiful melodies from the UK and beyond. They like to get together to make music, make friends and have some fun!
Impossible Gospel Mission Choir (formerly, Soul of the City)
BBC Gospel Choir of the Year Finalists, they have a reputation for breath-taking harmonies and unforgettable, joyful performances. Inspiring audiences at major events, festivals, and special occasions throughout the UK. Come and experience the power of gospel music for yourself!
Crina
Crina brings high-energy rhythms, infectious melodies, and a vibrant fusion of sounds from Romania to this year’s Exeter Respect Festival. This dynamic band celebrates cultural diversity through music that gets everyone moving and brings people together. With a lively stage presence and feel-good spirit, Crina embodies the festival’s “All Different, All Equal” message, creating an atmosphere of joy, connection, and celebration. Blending global influences with a fresh, modern edge, they create a sound that’s both uplifting and unforgettable—perfect for dancing, celebrating, and sharing the moment together. Get ready for a performance full of rhythm, colour, and irresistible energy!
Jamie Yost
Jamie Yost is a Devon singer-songwriter blending Folk and Alt-Pop. He has played festivals like Cambridge Folk and Boardmasters, supported John Smith, and been featured on ‘Mahogany’. His dynamic EP ‘This Is Home’ features the single ‘All Inside My Head,’ and as a Help Musicians-supported artist, Jamie plans to release new music early next year.
Rosalie Dance With Me
Shumba Arts is a community arts organisation delivering high-quality workshops and creative opportunities that support well-being and community cohesion.