IT was a busy weekend for Swindon's scouts and guides as they prepare to take to the stage at the Wyvern Theatre in ten days' time.

Their ever-popular 'gang show' will return on Thursday, April 6, and will run for four shows over the course of the following three days.

This year, the scout and guides are celebrating 80 years of gang shows which means the performance will have to be extra-impressive.

But with the young cast and all the adult volunteers putting in the hours over the last 16 weeks to learn routines, practice group songs and really get into character, that shouldn't be a problem.

Overseeing the show will be Ian Selwood, Assistant Cub Scout Leader at 1st Rodbourne Cheney Scouts.

This will be the third time Ian has produced a gang show, having first stepped on stage in one himself back in 1982 when he was just 10 years old.

But for Ian, all the hard work will be worth it when the curtain comes down on opening night.

"The cast are fantastic," he said. "They all want to do this and the enthusiasm and energy is there - they're working really hard.

"It's about seeing a child who comes to you in November, seeing what they're like, then comparing that with after a show at the Wyvern.

"It's the experience it gives them, the elation and how much they learn."

For the kids who are taking part, it's about more than just what happens on stage.

The phrase 'gang show family' gets used to describe the close bonds and friendships that form between participants every year.

Best friends Isobel King and Izzy Kitchen, both 14, met four years ago at a gang show dress rehearsal and have been inseparable ever since.

"Last summer we spent every single day together," said Isobel.

"Most people here don't go to the same schools, so gang shows let us make so many new friends."

While the theatre will be full of friends and family excited to see their youngsters in the show, there is also space for other people too.

With great sketches and impressive choreographed musical numbers, the show has something for everyone.

From the youngest at just seven, to the more senior members of the cast, Swindon's scouts and guides will ‘do their best’ to make the evening great fun for everyone.

Tickets cost £10 and are available from the Wyvern Theatre website.