DAVE FRANKLIN looks ahead to a fantastic five-day festival

So, it’s that time of the year again. The biggest music event of the local calendar, The Swindon Shuffle, is back for its eighth year so let’s see what you have to look forward to over the long weekend between Wednesday, August 6 and Sunday, August 10.

As usual, the main thrust of the event is centred on the town’s regular music venues, but again there is a whole range of fringe events and smaller gigs thrown into the mix.

It all kicks off, as is becoming tradition, as The Shuffle hijacks Matt Chipperfield’s regular night at The Queens Tap for a mix of open mic slots and more established bands.

On Thursday things really get moving in earnest and it is all about Old Town.

Songs of Praise run their regular night at The Victoria with bands including The Dead Royalties and Super Squarecloud, while in the street behind at The Roaring Donkey a more cultured evening of acoustic music and poetry readings will be taking place.

Other smaller gigs in the area are due to be announced.

Friday sees The Castle get involved with a laid back and cinematic night featuring Familiars, Faye Rogers and the ever popular Wildest Dreams, while The Victoria opts for a heavier sound with the likes of The Racket, Nudybronque and British Harlem courtesy of those lovely people at The Ocelot Magazine.

Riffs Bar also comes on board with the dulcet tones of The Cadbury Sisters, The Black Feathers and an open mic slot to get the night under way.

A whole 12 hours of music can be found on Saturday from midday at The Rolleston, when the Academy of Music and Sound showcase the talents of their students before the stage moves into more regular gigging territory with the delicate sounds of Charlie Bath, the righteous neo-grunge, wall of sound that is Boss Cloth and everything in between.

Also during the day there are various smaller in-store shows taking place in Baila Coffee and Vinyl, Billabong, That’s Entertainment and The Central Library. By the evening you also have the option of an eclectic mix of music at The Beehive and the smoother program of The Castle.

The final day offers up a family fun day at Riffs Bar but if you are staying in town there is only one place to be, The Beehive, which is effectively running the wrap party with The Shudders, Splat The Rat and many more.

With a total of more than 50 acts, five days and 12 stages, there’s something for everyone. Check the website – swindonshuffle.org.uk – for more up to date information, have fun and see you on the other side.