IT began in the backyard of one of Swindon’s oldest pubs after an idea to bring a splash of homegrown Rasta-flavoured roots rock to the town and is now an eagerly awaited summer soiree billed as “the South West’s most exciting outdoor reggae event.”

Saturday, September 12 sees the return of The Reggae Garden at the town’s answer to the Hollywood Bowl.

Perfectly located within the tree-lined surroundings of the Town Gardens, a string of leading British reggae artists will take the stage at the art deco Old Town Bowl during the afternoon and evening.

As one of the organisers, AJ Mayhew, said: “The venue is perfect for The Reggae Garden and a wonderful place to welcome an array of reggae artist and performers.”

The Reggae Garden is now entering its fifth consecutive year.

“The event started at The Bell and after being such a success we moved to the wonderful setting of the Old Town Bowl,”

said AJ.

“Over the years we have had some of the UK’s top reggae acts such as Tippa Irie, Macka B, Earl Sixteen, Solo Banton and Saxon Sound perform at the festival.”

They were extremely excited this year to have confirmed the globe-trotting Channel One Sound System, which is about to celebrate 30 consecutive years at the Notting Hill Carnival.

AJ said: “Our ethos is to bring reggae culture to a new audience, stirring up a potent mix of positive beats, top live acts and delicious soul food.”

He is keen to stress that The Reggae Garden is a family-orientated event with a host of activities for children.“This year we have our very own ‘Reggae Rangers’ who will be providing entertainment for the younger generation as well as a bouncy castle and face painting.”

The 2 Step Dance Academy will once again be performing.

“They have over 50 dancers and it’s a great opportunity for them to showcase their talent to the people of Swindon,”

said AJ.

A previous attendee, Brian Travers of UB40, said his experience of The Reggae Garden was that it was “a beautiful day spent with beautiful people listening to beautiful music – we had a ball.”

The 2015 line–up also features Horseman – whose music was featured on TV’s phenomenal Breaking Bad – backed by the Upper Cut Band.

Roots ambassadors are a Birmingham-based 10 piece specialising in “nu wave roots music.”

Dubwiser have supported some of reggae’s true greats including Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, The Wailers and Mad Professor while The Tribe have been lauded as the UK’s freshest new Hip HopReggae collective.

n See www.thereggaegarden.com or contact 07401477765 Barry Leighton leightonbarry@ymail.com Place your orders for one of town’s major music events Reggae will bowl us over n The crowds turned out in force for the Reggae Garden family festival at the Old Town Bowl last year.