REVELLERS shook off the rain and soaked in the atmosphere for the final night of the Old Town Festival.

Hundreds flocked to the Old Town Bowl for the day-long pop concert, which marks the traditional end to the week’s festivities.

Swindon favourites like Lads, Lads, Lads, Penfold and the Pre-Fab Four, kept the crowds entertained.

Wendy Clifton, 53, from Liden, was at the festival for the first time: “I’m impressed. The rest of my family came last year. They said it was good and that’s why we came back. I came to see Penfold, but I love Lads, Lads, Lads.”

Debbie White, 51, from Old Town had also come for the music: “It’s local, I live round the corner. It’s got a nice atmosphere and it’s free.”

Supporting her son, a drummer with the Candy Chocolate Band, was Lesley Basu, 69, from Old Town. She said: “I think it’s a great family event. I love the atmosphere. I’ve been many times. I think it’s one of the highlights of Swindon, everyone comes together.”

There were some pointed comments about the weather. But the downpours failed to dampen people’s spirits.

Mum-of-two Jude Morriss, 48, of Old Town, joked: “We’re enjoying the picnic in the sometimes rain.”

Gurpreet Kaur, 33, from Wanborough, added: “People are just getting on with it. It was pouring 10 minutes ago, but everyone’s enjoying themselves. They’re not bothered.”

Old Town man Nick Jago, 47, said: “Most years we’re pretty lucky with the weather. We’ve got a little micro-climate here.” Pointing to the tall trees that fringe the Old Town Bowl, he said they’d managed to keep off most of the wind and rain.

Sarah Church, chairman of the Old Town Festival committee, said: “The bands are amazing. Everyone’s loving it. I was speaking to our patron, Sheila Harrod, and there was a lady who came up to thank us both for putting it on.”

She praised the work of the festival volunteers: “They have been amazing and given up so much of their time and made something happen for free.”

But Sarah thought the committee would need even more for next year’s event: “It’s a lot of work and we need more people on the committee. People are welcome to come along and be part of it.”

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