OLD Town will come alive at the weekend as the annual festival returns to entertain crowds for another year.

The Old Town Festival kicks off on Saturday, July 8, with choral music in Town Gardens from 1pm before the evening is finished off with a '60s night, complete with prizes for the best' 60s outfit, and a hog roast.

And on Sunday, Wood Street will be closed from 10am for the Old Town Festival Family Fun Day.

Sunday’s activities begin with the Wood Street parade at 10.30am in which collections will be sought for Brighter Futures.

Josie Williams, chairman of the festival committee, said: “Throughout the week we have something for everyone, from concerts to a tour of the bell tower at Christ Church and drama from Swindon Fringe Festival.

“Thank you to all of the performers who have given their time to make this a truly community-based festival.”

Throughout the festival, which ends on Sunday, July 16, revellers will be treated to jazz evenings, pop and rock concerts, sword fighting demonstrations, fairground rides and much more.

Also, on Wednesday, July 12, The Castle pub will be hosting a quirky conspiracy theory question time in which people will contemplate such phenomena as the moon landings (did they or didn’t they?) and the theories of eccentric David Icke.

In a big thank you to those who have helped make it possible, Josie added: “Thank you to all our sponsors, without you it would be very difficult to find the finances to fund the festival. It promises to be a fantastic week of events for all the family.”

For more information, log on to www.oldtownfestival.org