Thousands of music fans poured into the Powderham Castle estate last night as TK Maxx presents Live At Powderham roared into life for its 2026 edition, with Teddy Swims delivering a powerhouse headline set that set the bar sky‑high for the weekend ahead.
The Georgia-born vocalist, backed by his band Freak Freely, tore into a 90‑minute masterclass of soul, pop, and stadium-sized emotion under clear Devon skies. From the moment he stepped out to The Door, Hammer To The Heart and Are You Even Real, the crowd were locked in, a sea of voices, hands, and sunlit smiles.
By the time he closed with his global smash Lose Control, the Powderham crowd didn’t just sing along — they took over, turning the castle grounds into a mass choir. It was the kind of communal moment that reminds you why live music matters.
Before Swims took the stage, the main arena played host to two artists who’ve carved out huge international followings in their own right.
Jordan Rakei, the New Zealand–Australian multi-instrumentalist, brought his signature blend of soul, jazz and electronic textures — a warm, immersive set that eased the crowd into the evening.
Lauren Spencer Smith, one of the breakout vocalists of the last few years, delivered a heartfelt performance packed with emotional punch and radio-ready hooks.
Over on the Castle Green Stage, local favourites The Sons Of Guns kicked off the day, while The Luke Combs Experience closed out the night as festivalgoers drifted back toward the exits, still buzzing from the main-stage spectacle.
If last night was anything to go by, Powderham is in for a monumental run.
Tonight sees Alanis Morissette take the headline slot, her first Devon appearance and one of only seven UK shows this year, before the weekend builds toward a double-header from Lewis Capaldi, whose return to the stage has already sparked huge excitement.
With world-class artists, a stunning setting, and a crowd clearly ready to make up for lost summers, TK Maxx presents Live At Powderham is shaping up to be one of the standout live music moments of the year.
All images are © Cuffe and Taylor
