Strike up the band!

THE band stand in the Town Gardens in Swindon will go back to the future this Sunday, as a brass band strikes up for an afternoon concert. Many years ago the band concerts in Old Town were a regular feature of the Swindon music scene.

The Royal Wootton Bassett Brass Band got together in 1980 as an enthusiastic group of amateurs. Since that time, and currently under the leadership of musical director Clive Compson and chairman Calvin Walton, the band have gone from strength to strength, gaining in musical abilities and in its wide ranging repertoire. Today sees the band perform anything from pure pop to intricate classical pieces and powerful religious compositions.

The band are no strangers to playing in the open air, notching up gigs in park and fetes as well as church services and party concerts. They are also a familiar and colourful sight on the streets of Royal Wootton Bassett during the annual carnival parade.

The band are always on the look out for new members, rehearsing every Wednesday from 8pm in the United Reform Church Hall in Wood Street, Royal Wootton Bassett. The band provide both uniforms and the instruments.

They take to the stand from 3pm on Sunday at the Town Gardens in Quarry Road, Swindon. The concert is free. For more details or to join the band call 01627 511483.

Daleks invade Steam in second Comic-con

TV and film stars from Red Dwarf, Doctor Who, Star Wars and Primeval are all descending on the town this weekend for the second Swindon Film and Comic-Con at STEAM Museum.

Tomorrow and Sunday, fans will have a chance to meet and greet their comic book heroes, collect autographs, and dress up for the Cosplay.

The convention is the brainchild of Skywalkers’ owner Luke Kaye. He said: “It’s a mind-blowing, incredible event, there’s something for everyone and it’s a nice family day out.”

More than 60 celebrities will be at the convention, including Chris Barrie and Robert Llewellyn from Red Dwarf with the show’s creator Doug Naylor, Doctor Who star Sylvester McCoy, Richard Gibson and Kim Hartman from ‘Allo ‘Allo, Game of Thrones’ Sean Blowers, and Christopher Biggins and Martin Roberts from I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here and stars from ‘Allo ‘Allo, George and Mildred, EastEnders, Gladiators, and The Chase.

There will also be four wrestling superstars from the WWF.

Visitors can get their picture taken with hundreds of props from film and TV, including Daleks, Star Wars droids, the lightcycle from TRON, The Simpsons’ sofa, and a 35-foot tall marshmallow man from Ghostbusters. There’ll also be several comic book artists, talks and stalls.

For tickets or more details visit www.swindoncomiccon.com

Country matters take centre stage

THE third Lechlade Annual Vintage Rally & Country Show gets underway this weekend.

Rough Grounds Farm, on the A361, throws open its gates tomorrow and Sunday from 10am to showcase classic cars, classic motor cycles, commercial vehicles, collections, miniature steam, tractors, model tent, classic caravans, crafts for the children, a fun fair, bouncy castle, face painting, West Oxfordshire Animal Sanctuary and much more.

There is also a boot sale, trade stands, auto jumble, craft, food and refreshments, a raffle and tombola on both days.

This year’s ring events include a parade of vehicles, the Blue Cross fun dog show, a display by the Britannia Majorettes, belly dancing, Morris dancing and the Great Western Youth Band.

Admission is £4 for adults, and £2 for concessions, with under 16s going free when they attend with paying adult. Car parking is free.

Visit www.northleach.gov.uk/event/lechlade-annual-vintage-rally-country-show-2017/ for further details.