A SWINDON pub is transforming into a tropical island in the Caribbean for a family day of fun.

The New Inn at Stratton St Margaret is serving up Caribbean specialities on Saturday, with dishes from Jamaica, the Bahamas and Africa.

People on the ‘beach’ – the pub garden – will be swaying to the sounds of a steel band and various DJs, as they get in to the summer groove from noon, while the young ones get up to all sorts of mischief on the bouncy castle.

Swindon’s own sunshine reggae band, The Erin Bardwell Collective, will be playing live from 9pm, performing songs from their vast back catalogue, including their latest offering, Which Side Of The Bed? which is out now, helping to raise funds for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Joining Erin in the band are lead vocalist Sandra Bell, Pete Fitzsimmons on bass, Pete O’Driscoll on drums, and Eddie Frankis on guitar.

Erin, who plays organ, piano, and is the lead vocalist, set up the band to play the sort of music he loves, such as reggae, rocksteady, ska and Two-Tone.

Over the years the band has gained recognition from industry top guns such as singer Tom Robinson, comedian Phill Jupitus and radio presenter Steve Lamacq.

Erin’s parents, Rob Stredder and Jackie Bardwell, are entertainers themselves, and have always been staunch supporters of live music.

His mother bought him a Casio keyboard in 1987 and that was the kickstart to his own musical adventure.

On Saturday it will be Erin’s Caribbean Collective rounding off the tropical fun day. For more details call 01793 822081.