LIVELY music helped soundtrack the family fun of the Little Big Festival that took place at the Town Gardens.

The event was held on Sunday and it attracted people of all ages who enjoyed the performances by pupils from The Commonweal School who wowed the crowds around the bandstand.

There were art displays and workshops as well as children’s games.

“The level of expertise and dedication from the visual artists keen to share their skills by running workshops, exhibiting and demonstrating techniques was immense. The organisers were thrilled that so many visual artists signed up for today’s special birthday celebrations and many are booked in for the following weekends until the end of September,” said Caroline Day the festival’s arts co-ordinator.

“The level of support from the community, friends and family for the visual artists has been extremely encouraging. Not everyone is in the position of being able to afford unique, original pieces of work, so quite often sales for the artists in the gardens is quite low, however the comments and encouragement from the community is often priceless.

“We are keen for visual artists to continue to exhibit on a weekly basis within the gardens and hope that people continue to visit, support and purchase the art work for themselves or as incredibly unique gifts. The children who took part in the art workshops had a wonderful time, further developing their creativity and imagination with the practising artists.”

The idea for the festival came from Commonweal’s head teacher Keith Defter who was inspired by similar events taking place in Bryant Park, when he visited New York.

Robert Buckland, South Swindon MP, attended the festival and was delighted by its high quality.

He said: “I was delighted to be at Old Town Gardens for the start of this year’s Little Big Festival, which is fast becoming an important part of our cultural calendar.”

For more information about community events organised by the school email josie@commonweal.co.uk