Harry Potter joins forces with Exeter Cavern & Concrete Donkey for Exeter Pound

Exeter Pound has revealed its £E10 note will feature Exeter’s iconic Gandy Street, accompanied on the reverse by local band Concrete Donkey on stage at Exeter Cavern.

Daniel Hillier of Vision ICT captured the image of the band’s drummer Dave Parsons at a recent gig in the club.

For Daniel, he said “It is great to see this culturally important venue being represented on the £E10”.

The Cavern holds a prestige status in the city, as one of the longest running live music venues, which continues to be important for the young people of the city.

“You only have to look at the quality of the acts that have played there over the years; Coldplay, Muse, Biffy Clyro, La Roux, Shed 7, Catatonia and Mumford & Sons to see what a great venue it is.

“Not only that, but they do a lot to support local bands as they’re finding their way into the music scene”.

As one of these local bands, the same love for The Cavern is expressed by Concrete Donkey.

Chris Perkins, vocalist of the four-piece, said “many of our key home-town shows have been here at Exeter Cavern and it’s encouraging to have places such as The Globe and Sorry Head promoting live music night after night.”

The local talent of the city is amongst the many Exeter values that the launch of our local currency on September 1st can help to promote.

The band whose line-up also includes James Allen (guitar) and Daniel Turner (bass) state; “Concrete Donkey is excited to be involved with the Exeter Pound Project. It’s a great honour to be representing the local music scene considering there is so much talent out there”.

The Gandy Street illustration of artist Gareth Williams features on the reverse.

He adapted Daniel’s photograph to bring the magic of Harry Potter to the much loved street, which boasts several independent businesses.

Residents of Exeter often embrace the influence of the city on J.K. Rowling’s novels. However, it is unfortunate that even the Exeter Pound does not have the power to purchase goods from the ‘Wand Shop’.

The Exeter Pound team will be at Belmont Park on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th June, for Exeter Respect Festival. Concrete Donkey will also be playing the main stage on the Saturday at 12.40pm, ahead of the release of their second EP later in the year.