WITH the May Day bank holiday looming on the horizon it means that the coming long weekend packs even more live music options, and so, without further ado, let’s dive straight in.

Tonight, as is usual, tips the balance towards the original artist with stalwarts Hip Route to be found at The Tuppenny in Old Town.

For those unaware of the band (and I can’t imagine I am talking to many people), this three-piece are purveyors of funky-blues delivered via a killer rhythm section, some deft and dexterous slide guitar-work and a whiskey soaked vocal straight out of an East Nashville juke joint. A hip operation if ever there was one.

At The Victoria you will find something a bit more weird but no less wonderful.

All three acts - Dinner The Band, Ravetank and Spring-Heeled Lettuce - come from the musical fringes; one where wonky, lo-fi acoustica punk’s DIY ethic and a complete disregard for following fashion are the order of the day.

Blues is also to be found at The Beehive with the welcome return of Sons of The Delta and their musical stall of acoustic and electric blues and some items plucked from associated genres such as bluegrass, cajun and Tex Mex.

Think of them less as just another gig, more a playlist for a road trip through the sonic heart of America’s deep south.

Tomorrow, The Castle plays host to The Familiars, a band who have made a real name for themselves in Swindon over the last few years. Theirs is a cinematic sound, a widescreen affair brimming with sonorous piano and chiming guitars, music which wanders between dreamscaping and vibrant indie-rock anthems.

Felix and The Funk will be bringing their usual groovesome set of funk, soul, disco and dance classics from throughout the decades to The Groves Company Inn.

All you need to cut a retro themed rug and if you can’t make this show you will find them at The Coleview Community Centre on Saturday.

Toxic are out as a full band at The Windmill and like Emergency Banter at The Queen’s Tap they promise a night of all your favourite classic songs and half-forgotten gems, plus a side order of fun and frolics.

For a real blast of nostalgia then head to The Victoria as Oasish and Stereotonics bring the 90s Brit-Pop heyday back to life.

There’s plenty of rock to be had on Saturday and leading the charge is Stop Stop who can be found at The Waiting Room. This Barcelon-ingham trio play unashamedly retro-fuelled hair metal and sleaze rock 80s style.

If you missed the likes of Poison, Skid Row and Bang Tango playing live back in the day, these guys are the perfect substitute.

Falls on Deaf Ears, on the other hand, bring heavy rock bang up to date with driving bass lines and squalling guitar work with just a nod to the classic rock sound. They play The Castle where they are joined by Sunset Service who blend sleazy rock and alt-country into their own brand of British Americana.

More stadium sounding antics come courtesy of Bon Giovi at The Victoria and all the musical high jinks and anthemic sing alongs which the name implies.

The Moonrakers play host to No Man’s Land who play classic rock, indie and punk covers and Hail The King offer a similar rock and indie menu at The Queen’s Tap.

Normally found pursuing their own individual acoustic pop careers, Phil Cooper and Jamie R Hawkins can be found at The Brookhouse Farm in their alter-ego of Get Schwifty playing upbeat, popular and fun covers to suit all tastes.

Sunday sees the first anniversary of music promoters SaveSwindon and to celebrate they are hosting a party at the Victoria and you are all invited.

Punctual headline the show with their restrained mix of smooth summer vibes, deep house grooves and inherent soulfulness, with local lad Chaney and his unique take on dance music and resident DJ Ellessdee also on the bill.

Some of the town’s great and good can be found at The Beehive as Cartoon Heroes assemble for a night of swing and blues, Belladonna remind us of all the one-hit wonders from across era and genre at The Queen’s Tap and The Prefab Four relive the music of The Beatles at 20 At The Kings.