BEFORE I get into the task of talking about gigs taking place in the usual haunts, I’ll instead start by reminding you that we are heading into that annual cultural collective and arty antics which goes by the name of Old Town Festival.

There is far too much taking place to include it all in this column but I do suggest that you check out their full itinerary via social media.

Between July 8 and 15 there will be everything from a succulent hog roast to spirited dancing, live bands to medieval martial arts, all manner of food to colourful parades, choirs and dog shows, insightful talks and dramatic theatre and much more beside, all taking place around and about that part of town.

Right, now to the usual business of highlighting what the live gig circuit has to offer.

Two fantastic and original options present themselves tonight, the biggest splash being made at The Victoria as The Academy of Music and Sound host a Young Musicians Night. Anybody There? headline with their wonderful blend of angular indie, scuzzy rock and driven alt-pop hooks whilst Opiate seems imbued with a stateside, college rock vibe. Opening the evening is man of the moment Bradley Cowtan and his frantic and fragrant acoustic pop.

And if acoustic pop is your bag then please note that the second option can be found at The Groves Company Inn in the shape of George Wilding.

Imbued with wit and wisdom, bohemian lyrical poise and dexterous musical deliveries, he effortlessly blends raw street mythology with joyous acoustica whilst looking like Nick Drake’s drug dealer! What’s not to like?

On Friday, fans of Beehive favourites The Model Folk might be intrigued to check out their drummers other musical vehicle, The Forgetting Curve. Forget the frantic folk you might have expected and prepare for wonky post-rock, stoner vibes and power-pop surf grooves. Support comes from fellow Model Folker Jerry Turner in solo mode.

Rockabilly Rumble at The Victoria may trade in authentic retro rockabilly vibes but their choice of material stands them apart from a lot of the competition. The idea of a jive take on The Bunnymen’s Killing Moon may seem like sacrilege in some quarters but I have to tell you it is fantastic, and McCullough and his cohorts are virtually a religion in my house!

Other retro-referencing vibes can be found at The Queens Tap as The Dylegans, a sound merger of the coffee shop acoustica of his Bobness… Mr Zimmerman to you... and the skiffling antics of Lonnie Donegan, lay out a stall of DIY folk and ragged hillbilly country.

More regular musical serving suggestions come in the form of Ladsladslads playing anything and everything from the radio friendly, end of the musical spectrum at The Rolleston and El Toro’s array of classic rock, blues and funk at The Groves Company Inn.

On Saturday, The Victoria hosts another collection of younger rising stars with Yves leading the charge. Having cornered the market in rock infused, infectiously hooky, widescreen indie over the last year or so, Yves are well positioned to start moving up the industry ladder. Check out their latest track You Wanna Know and tell me I’m wrong! Joining them is The Sulks, formerly Street Spirit, who blend a neo-psychedelic thread through cutting edge indie and Getrz get the night under way.

The Strays breathe new life into the vintage rockabilly sound at The Rolleston and Built For Comfort explore the meandering back roads that form the history of American rhythm and blues at The Queens Tap.

I have been lucky enough to see Iron Maiden a few times in smaller clubs back in the day, (its an age thing,) but obviously today’s shows take place on stages which probably have their own postcode, in halls the size of Berkshire. If, however, you want to experience a slice of those earlier, more intimate, up close and personal days, then I do recommend Hi-On Maiden at The Victoria.

And finally, it is here. The Swindon Shuffle’s 11th annual showcase of local original music finally hoves into view. Next week’s column will give you all the details, but the first event, the legendary music quiz, just creeps into this week’s brief, being on Wednesday at The Beehive, the perfect way to get into the right frame of mind for the tsunami of music and madness to follow.