On the back of one of the hottest weeks of recorded southwest time, heading to Powderham Castle for an outside gig was layered with all types of excitement and anticipation. But, as we arrived early evening, the heat settled down with a cool breeze drifting in off the Exe, followed by the opening bass drum booms of Skunk Anansie kicking off their set, with Skin on top form as ever – with Pale Waves and The Big Moon opening the event earlier in the afternoon. Then, after a brief recess, we collectively indulged into an absolutely stellar Alanis Morissette gig, who looked vibrant and loving her time out there, as she whipped up the crowd with a setlist that certainly emphasised the 30, and then some, years of success with Jagged Little Pill, and it readily resonated throughout the packed crowds.

There’s been a few TK Maxx sessions in recent years in Devon but this, TK Maxx presents Live At Powderham, was one of the most impressive in organisation that I’ve seen for a long while – and it also just goes to show that the need for a proper music venue in the South West could definitely pull in the crowds. Offering up multiple arrival options, with pre-booked park and ride, as well as coach shuttles in various spots in Exeter, you even had an option for the train – followed by a brief 15 minute walk up from Starcross – not forgetting cycling if you fancied it, as the Exe Estuary Trail runs right past the back of Powderham.

Arriving from the shuttle side, there was a secondary stage (which I believe had some other acts on to welcome people when the gates opened) but also an excellent smaller section of food stalls, a bar, the must-have loos and also a shop for things you might have forgotten, which was a fun touch. With the heat dissipating, there’s still any excuse for an ice cream and so a 99 was swiftly purchased as we explored the early insights of the festival site itself. This entrance was probably not seen by everyone, but if you’re visiting and think you have to pick up food there, keep going because just around the corner is even more food stands and bars, with plenty of staff on hand in a proper ‘pints-ready-to-serve’ setup.

Once you pop round that corner, you’re also into the huge festival site where droves of people were suncream’d up (I hope!) and the main stage to your left. In some festivals here, they’ve put this with the estuary as the backdrop but to the side makes a lot more sense, as it widens out the arena, rather than pocketing everyone in a smaller space. After a little wander around, and the purchase up of an ice-cold pint (just above normal local prices at £7.70. but thankfully not at the £9 of places like Wembley – we are Devon after all), we slipped into The Garden, which is sold as the VIP section of the arena.

Now, I’ve used a few of these upgrades, often called The Garden, and sometimes they’re not quite as good as they appear but, I can say with absolute truth, this was one of the best bonus sections we’ve encountered in the southwest. Big enough to accommodate a large amount of people, but smart enough to offer a big bar, alongside hugely welcomed sheltered tents to protect you from the elements, with soft seating and other perch-able seats, a couple of smaller snack options and a ‘VIP’ food arena, which genuinely did some fine 5 bean chili and potatoes dishes, alongside salads, and a mix of offers for all palettes – and premium toilets! As feedback, the main site needs more shelter as it’s a vast wide space, especially if excessively hot summers are likely to be an unfortunate part of our future.

But then, an important part, you get access to an exclusive viewing area to the right-hand side of the main stage, which meant you could relax and then within a few minutes but right up close to your favourite artists – and tonight that was the aforementioned Skunk Anansie and then our headliner: Alanis Morissette! Kicking off with a super-cut of her career on the back screen, I’ve been fan from 1995 with the iconic Jagged Little Pill soundtracking my teenage years, right onto Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie (1998) and Under Rug Swept (2002) being particular favourites. Her whole set leans heavily into Jagged but, judging by the crowd and I include myself in this, it was exceedingly embraced. Kicking off with the duo of Hand in My Pocket and Right Through You, the setting and atmosphere was set, and it was pure elation out there.

Reasons I Drink slipped us into something newer, and it’s a great song, before the smart insight of Hands Clean, which is about an abusive relationship she suffered when she was14-years-old in the music industry. This is another example of her using her creative powers to highlight the problems we faced then, and sadly still do. Alanis has always had a hand in discussing the lack of gender equality and systemic issues with men in power in the industry, and while the years have changed since it was released in 2002, it’s insane we still have to collectively fight for such things not to occur. As a society, I hope we’re getting somewhere better.

That track then segued into a hit of Can’t Not, another excellent track from Junkie, and while we only heard parts of songs from that album, including Would Not Come, Are You Still Mad?, and Sympathetic Character, I would assume it’s done for catharsis but also to keep a festival crowd engaged with the Jagged nostalgia, and you can appreciate why. We also adored Head Over Feet, You Learn, All I Really Want, Ironic and then two gorgeous acoustic versions of Perfect and Mary Jane – the latter forever a favourite, and it echoed out ethereally across the grounds.

Of course, she then closed with the timeless, legendary You Oughta Know to get everyone screaming every-single-line, before a brief encore of the epic Uninvited – a track I’ve known from the MTV Unplugged album as well as its ties to City of Angels – before finishing with the reflective, shiver-inducing Thank U, a track that works for any individual embracing a journey, it’s soaked in compassion and a spiritual awakening, and it’s even a respectful nod to the awe-inspired audience who’ve certainly revelled in the sheer joy of the evening.

Alanis Morissette Live at Powderham was beautiful to behold, her voice remains exceptional and you could feel her natural joy shining through to a positive crowd experience. Her band was super tight throughout, with drummer Victor Indrizzo absolutely killing it and embracing the Alanis-played harmonica interludes to a celebratory crowd. It was a fine evening by the Exe Estuary, and a beautiful memory for many made forever more.

TK Maxx Live at Powderham runs through to 28 June

All the details: liveatpowderham.com – Fancy picking up any missing Alanis? Head here: https://amzn.to/4f5WErT