THE Big Weekend beat will reverberate all over Swindon for a whole week, thanks to the BBC’s Fringe festival.

Sixteen unsigned bands will perform in the week leading up to the main May 9 and 10 Lydiard Park event at four venues across the town.

Many of the bands, including The Alfonz, The Shebeats, The Volt and Sleeping with Giants are from the town, and are keen to make a name for themselves.

The Beatbullyz, who are also billed for the BBC Introducing Stage, were interviewed on Radio 1 yesterday.

Singer and writer Andrew Bullimore – known as Bully – said: “We are buzzing about it. It is a really good platform and a brilliant opportunity.”

The band’s manager Danny Yeates said: “This is such an exciting time for us. We have worked very hard. For this to happen in the band’s home town as well is an added bonus.”

The bands are appearing at The Vic, The Furnace, The 12 Bar and Rehab from Monday, May 4 until Thursday, May 7.

They have been handpicked by a panel headed up by Radio 1 DJ Huw Stephens and includes BBC Wiltshire presenter Daniel Garrett and Steve Causer – who runs Swindon Music Forum.

Pop band Alfonz singer and drummer Charlie Rowe is delighted with the chance to impress and reach a wider crowd.

He said: “We are really pleased. There is a great line-up as we have played with every one of these bands before.”

Indie band Sleeping with Giants have just finished recording their debut album and say the festival could not have come at a better time.

Lead singer and guitarist Rob Richings said: “When we got the call, the timing was perfect. We are so excited and looking forward to it.

“We have not been doing a lot of gigs recently because we have been working on the album. Massive Attack guitarist Angelo Bruschini has been helping us work on it.”

Radio 1’s Stephens said: “The Fringe gives Radio 1 a unique opportunity to celebrate new and unsigned bands and also to explore the local music scene – from guitar bands through to dance acts. I’m really looking forward to being there for it.”

Coun Phil Young of Swindon Council, added: “The Fringe events just add to the Big Weekend experience and allows us to reach out to even more local people and get them involved in the thriving arts and music scene in Swindon.”