ACROBATS, stilt walkers, giant caterpillars and wasp tamers will be thronging the streets of Swindon next month.

All of these acts and more will be performing at the Swindon Summer Festival, which cartwheels into town on June 12.

The three-day event brings together nationally and internationally famous acts in an extravaganza through the streets that is absolutely free.

A website with a full list of acts performing at this year's festival was launched yesterday.

Giving his official seal of approval to the event was new mayor Steve Wakefield, who said he felt sure it would be a success.

He said: "I'm really pleased to welcome some national and international names to Swindon. I hope the people who come here will see that this is a great town and that they enjoy being here."

The programme of events includes street performances, DJ sets, live music, comedy and circus skills.

A highlight will be a showcase of the zany hairdressing skills of The Salon, for which council leader Rod Bluh, deputy leader Fionuala Foley and head of culture Helen Miah have bravely volunteered.

On the evening of Saturday, June 14 the festival will round off in Faringdon Road Park with a set from local DJ Luke Skywalker, a tribute to the Blues Brothers and a circus spectacular from Nofitstate circus troupe.

The Swindon Summer Festival is a partnership between Swindon Council, Swindon Cultural Partnership, inSwindon and the Marriott Hotel.

For more information and a full programme of events go to www.swindonsummerfestival.org.