KNEES UP: Totnes muso revives the dying art of the pub singalong

“There’s nothing finer than a roomful of people singing at the top of their lungs,” reckons Totnes pianist Andy Hill.

The former host of a traditional pub singalong back in his hometown of London, Andy Hill now lives in Devon, and he’s on a mission to revive the lost art of the ‘knees up’ at his new piano singalong event at Things Happen Here, Dartington this Saturday night (November 18).

The event, called ‘Now That’s What I Call A Pub Singalong’, will see Andy playing the piano and leading a roomful of people in glorious chorus. “I’m going to play popular songs. Bangers. The classic old school cockney pianists had a keen ear for whatever the big tunes of their day were. 

It’s going to be a super fun, super friendly and most importantly a hilarious night out

“Only difference is, instead of Vera Lynn, I’ll be doing tunes everybody knows and loves in the 21st century – everything from The Beatles to Billie Eilish, Cole Porter to KC and the Sunshine Band.”

Punters will be encouraged to submit requests – “literally I will play whatever people want, that’s half the fun” – and lyrics will be displayed on the wall via projector, operated by a shadowy yet undeniably glamorous assistant known only as ‘The Intern’.

“It’s going to be a super fun, super friendly and most importantly a hilarious night out,” says Andy

The name – Now That’s Why I Call A Pub Singalong – was selected by Andy to explicitly emphasise popular chart songs. “Just like the classic Now That’s What I Call Music compilation albums that dominated charts back in the 80s and 90s, I’m all about the hits, baby.”

“I’m also at home with indie, and show tunes. Whatever floats people’s boats.”

The event will kick off at 6pm this Saturday, November 18 and is free entry. Get there early to grab a good seat!

THINGS HAPPEN HERE, Meadowbrook Community Centre, Shinner’s Bridge, Dartington, Totnes TQ9 6JD