SWINDON flocked to the oldest part of town today to take part in the annual Old Town festival, which celebrated its 10th year.

The day kicked off with the grand opening ceremony at 10.45am followed by a colourful parade down Wood Street, with trophies and prizes handed out by local dignitaries, including Kelly Morgan, Swindon commonwealth bronze javelin champion.

Robert Buckland, MP for South Swindon, gave a speech after judging the colourful costumes as the parade wound through Old Town.

He said: “It was a delight once again to take part in the opening ceremony with Sheila Harrod and the Mayor.

“For me, Old Town Festival signals the start of summer, showcasing our young people and their musical, dance and theatrical talent. I loved this year’s colourful parade and it gave us judges a tough task when choosing a winner.”

Members of the Swindon Pride team took part in the parade, after this year’s Pride event was cancelled. Kaylieh Johnson, dressed up in full rainbow colours, was among them.

She said: “It was really good. It was nice to be part of something.

“I was with all my friends and I think we definitely made an impression!

“I was quite sad when the original event was cancelled because we all go to that normally.”

After a cloudy start the sunshine came out to bless the crowds, who started to fill out the Lawns by the afternoon.

Daniel Pitt, marshal coordinator, enjoying a refreshing pint after a well-executed parade, said: “It’s absolutely fabulous.

“I’d go so far to say it’s perfect weather conditions. A little bit of cloud, sunshine and warmth. You can’t do anything about the weather but it’s just great so far.”

One of the star attractions for youngsters was the rainbow-themed fire truck parked in the Lawns and manned members of Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue.

Rex Webb, the equality, diversity and inclusion adviser for the fire service, said: “As soon as we arrived we were mobbed. The kids love it, they want their photographs taken on it.

“The reason we’re here with this particular truck is because of the Pride element. The rainbow colours are about diversity in its widest form, so it’s about everybody and we just wanted to show that.

“It’s a really good tool for community engagement. It’s not just about recruitment but it’s also about sending that safety message as well.”

Dog-lovers made their way to the far side of the Lawns for a dog show hosted by Swindon-based dog re-homing charity SN Dogs.

Organiser Clare Fantini-Stephens said: “We’ve got most of our dogs looking for homes out and about, and we’ve had lots of interest in all the dogs which has been great.”

Clare Clarke, who has fostered 49 dogs with the charity, said: “We house train them and teach them about things like not jumping on sofas, not taking food from the table, and find out whether they get on with cats.

“I’ve had my current dog for nine weeks and I’m getting attached. It is hard when they go. But it’s worth it, because you know they’re going to a happy home and you can rescue another dog who it’s quite so fortunate.”

Swindon’s new Mayor Junab Ali also judged the parade and spoke about the importance of holding the festival. “As a mayor this is fantastic,” he said.

“This is what we need to do - celebrate the people and the town and appreciate all the talented people here.

“We need more throughout the year because we don’t promote Swindon enough.”