A major Swindon music festival returns this weekend with the promise of being "bigger and better than ever".

Gemma and Aaron Denley-Doswell from Walcot have organised the My Dad’s Bigger Than Your Dad Festival for the last two years.

The event in Town Gardens is held as a tribute to Gemma’s late former boss Dave Young, who was the landlord of The Victoria pub and 12 Bar.

Dave died in June 2021 at Prospect Hospice after a hard-fought battle with cancer, with all festival proceeds going to the charity.

Swindon Advertiser:

Heading into their third year of hosting this weekend, Gemma is relishing the challenge that lies ahead of her.

“The first year was special as it was like a wake for Dave but it has been getting bigger and better each year with more acts,” she said.

“The reaction to it has definitely grown each year and last year we had a brilliant turnout and we have already outstripped our pre-sales by over 100 tickets.

“I am as prepared as I ever will be and we all feel far more organised this year if truth be told.”

Swindon Advertiser: Gemma and Aaron were in Swindon's Tesco last week promoting the festival.Gemma and Aaron were in Swindon's Tesco last week promoting the festival. (Image: Gemma Denley-Doswell)

The 36-year-old has announced that there will be one extra music act this year alongside local food and drink.

“We have an extra band this year which means that we have ten in total on the main stage,” said Gemma.

“There has been such a good reaction from the local music scene and people have come to us rather than us have to seek them out.

“We have Jamie and Linda from the Tuppeny from Devizes Road doing the bar again as they were good friends with Dave.

“The usual lager, fruity ciders and cans of mixer so that different drinks can be made along with soft drinks.”

Swindon Advertiser: Gemma with co-organiser and Dave Young's widow, Anna Sprawson.Gemma with co-organiser and Dave Young's widow, Anna Sprawson. (Image: Gemma Denley-Doswell)

Streets of India, Jovie Grill and Gurt Wings will all be serving food at the festival with an additional hog roast on offer in the evening.

Gemma will be undertaking a new role alongside Aaron this year.

“I usually volunteer behind the bar with my husband but we will be supervising this year and running around solving any problems,” she said.

“We are already thinking about it next year and as long as it goes well on Saturday it’s definitely going to be an annual thing for as long as new can keep raising money for Prospect.”

The 2023 edition of the will take place on Saturday, July 22 at Town Gardens in Old Town.