RESIDENTS could have been fooled for thinking Radio 1’s Big Weekend had made a welcome return to Swindon at the weekend.

Normally a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of the town centre on a summer’s weekend, Old Town Gardens were transformed into a hive of activity for music fans.

Braving the dark rain clouds, thousands of people, both young and old and dressed in full-on festival gear, descended on the Old Town Bowl on Saturday afternoon to see top music acts take to the stage for Swindon’s Invincible.

And the band on everyone’s lips as the gardens began to fill with partygoers were Beatbullyz.

The local band, who have gone from strength to strength after recording a session for Huw Stephens’ BBC Introducing at the Big Weekend last May, have had a hectic year, with highlights including touring with Example and N Dubz and being invited back to Radio 1’s Big Weekend to headline the Introducing stage.

They took to the stage at 5pm and from the minute they appeared, the rap stars had whipped the crowd in to a frenzy, with a chorus of “When we say Beat, you say Bullyz” before performing some of their popular material, both old and new.

For the last six months the band have knuckled down in the studio to record their debut album with the help of Jim Eliot, who has worked with both Kylie Minogue and Ladyhawke, and Chris Baker, one half of Mint Royale.

Jayne Backley, 45, and partner Dave Hibberd, 47, watched the acts from the grass bank.

Jayne said: “This is such a brilliant event for Swindon, there are lots of young people here, and a few people our age, but it is great fun sitting back and enjoying some good music.

“Beatbullyz were great, it’s so good to see some local talent so well supported in their hometown. There is such a great atmosphere – everyone is out to have a good time.”

Dan Goddard, 25, added: “A group of us have all come down to see Zane Lowe but all the acts have been brilliant, especially the Beatbullyz, they’ve worked the crowd really well. It’s just one big party.”

Around 15 bands, DJs and individual acts performed over the course of the weekend, with top DJ Zane Lowe headlining on Saturday night.