THERE may have been grey clouds and rain for much of Saturday but the weather has not dampened spirits on the final weekend of the Old Town Festival.

Throughout the day yesterday, local bands played a variety of their own songs and covers of well-known tunes at the Town Gardens.

While the rain kept a few people away early on, many still turned up to the free event and enjoyed the entertainment.

Families arrived with picnics once the gates opened and more people came and went throughout the day.

Festival organiser Josie Williams said: “It is a shame we haven’t had great weather today but it’s still good to see so people coming along.

“You can’t let the British weather get the better of you or you would never get out of bed.

“The concert is a great event a real showcase of all the talent we have in the area which is why I think it is so popular.”

The event was free, although donations were being collected for Brighter Futures, the Great Western Hospital radiotherapy appeal.

Among those braving the weather was Karen Newell, 38, of Old Town, who was there with her three-year-old son Harvey.

She said: “We came along last year and had a really good time. We’re not going to let the weather bother us so we’ve bought our picnic and are having a great time.

“It’s absolutely fantastic that we have these community events that are for everyone and free. It’s one of the great things about Swindon.”

The Old Town Festival has been running for the last week and concludes today with an Open Gardens event, which saw a number of private gardens opened to the public, as well as a Foods of the World trail in association with the Old Town Business Association.

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“I really think this year has been the biggest yet,” said Josie.

“Last weekend we had fantastic weather for the Family day which went really well. We moved it to the Sunday and have had some really good feedback about that.

“The Old Town festival really is about bringing everyone together. It is not money-led but about bringing the community together.

“We couldn’t do it without all the help we get, especially from the volunteers who give their time. I may be the festival chair but it really all down to these guys.”