ONE of Swindon’s most popular summer events is set to return for a fifth year this July.

The Stratton Festival will take place on Saturday, July 22 from midday to 10.30pm at Grange Leisure’s spacious grounds in Stratton St Margaret.

The festival, which grown has popularity year on year, will be free to attend for all.

With live music, dance performances, craft stalls, a beer and cider tent and Zumba sessions it is certainly not to be missed.

Throughout the day there will be a troop of quality circus performers, balloon modelling, face painting, football tournaments and much more.

Joe Tray, chairman of the Stratton St Margaret Parish Council, said: “The festival is a fantastic annual event that is always very well supported by the people of Stratton and Swindon as a whole.

“It’s good to be able to come together and raise some money for charity. It will be a cracking day out and it’s something we will all be looking forward to – there will be something for everybody.”

The parish council has described the festival’s main objective as bringing the community together to celebrate all that’s great about living in Stratton.

Each year, more than 5,000 people take part in the festivities and help to raise money and awareness for local community groups and charities.

Last year’s event was held over two days, but councillors this year decided to limit it to the single day to reduce expenditure and to make sure as much money as possible can go to charity.

If any charities, musicians, community groups, volunteers or local businesses would like to get involved with the event, please email Jo or Emily on events@strattonstmargaret.gov.uk.

For more information visit the council’s website at www.strattonstmargaret.gov.uk.