Swindon Fringe Festival sets off with a bang this weekend with a mix of dramatic happenings at various venues, along with a mini music festival.

On Saturday there is one for the youngsters called Alf The Highwayman, from 10.30am, in the Shoebox Theatre, Theatre Square. The story is based around Alf who has an eye for other people's possessions. Especially belongings of sentimental value. He snatches and grabs without a thought for other people’s feelings. In this show he learns that there are better ways to play! Roll up, set a sail and join Alf as he gallops through the blustery wood, along the seashore and revels in wonder as the circus comes to town... Full of imaginative play, original songs and vibrant characters - Alf the Highwayman is a show for all the family. Tickets are £5.50 from www.shoeboxtheatare.org.uk/#!m.

At high noon children can enjoy a Clown Workshop at the Shoebox, activities for children to learn and create through clown techniques and play. It will be in a safe environment where each child will discover their clown within. Tickets are £5.50. www.shoeboxtheatare.org.uk/#!m.

Still at the Shoebox Theatre it's comedy all the way on Saturday night with April Foolz & Gatecrash Tasty Improv Comedy Feast, from 7,30pm. April Foolz Welcome to The Empty Space is a spontaneous, weird, raw and random cabaret, featuring three separate performances. Each fool will step off the cliff, but... will they fall or will they fly? Gatecrash Theatre is returning with its Improvised Comedy Feast. £10.50 from www.shoeboxtheatare.org.uk/#!m.

Saturday afternoon a double header take centre stage from 2.30pm, at the Bohemian Balcony, The Palladium, Jennings Street. Enter The Church of Phil Recruitment introductory enrolment seminar where you sign a non-negotiable, life-long contract to become a member of: “one of the world's most progressive spiritual movements.” The drama is followed by A Visit From Miss Prothero, Alan Bennett's ironic and compassionately observed play that draws parallels between the technological revolutions of the Seventies and modern day business. Tickets are £10.50 On Sunday the Fringe turns musical with a BluesSpoons Workshop, from 12pm, at Shoebox Theatre. Learn to play the spoons with Jo May on metal, wooden and plastic spoons. The session will be accompanied by Against the Grain’s guitarist Matt Sullivan. All ages welcome, no experience necessary. Tickets are £5.50. www.shoeboxtheatare.org.uk/#!m.

Swindon Fringe Festival Music, gets underway from 4.30pm on Sunday at The Victoria, Old Town, featuring: Sweet Nightingale, Spunking Octochoke, Flame&Co, Against The Grain, Ella Jazz tribute, Plucking Different, People Like Us, Terra 45, Reel Time and Damon T & Mark Cole. 01793 535713.