STRATTON Festival returns for its fifth year this Saturday when everything that’s great about Stratton is celebrated and money is raised for local groups and charities.

The free event, which runs from noon to 10.30pm on the back field behind Grange Leisure on Grange Drive in Stratton St Margaret will include lots of fun and games for little ones, plus beer and cider tents, stalls, and a packed line-up of live music.

Balloon lady Twistina, storyteller Michael O’Leary, a dog show and a circus skills workshop will keep kids happy, and the Dakota Flypast will make an appearance at 2.10pm.

The long list of live acts performing from 3pm includes lighthearted musician Missin’ Rosie, professional singer Little Miss Dynamite, quirky ukelele band Ukey D’Ukes, retro synth-pop covers band Bleep Machines, rock cover band Down and Dirty, blues group Sloe Train and parody covers band Kova Me Badd who were once described as ‘the best or worst band you will ever see’.

Mario’s Ice Cream, He Say She Waffles, Rays Ice Cream, Coffee Bike, fudge and nougat from S Days Catering, and burgers, sausages, wraps and curry from JMF Catering will provide a feast of food to fill the stomachs of every attendee.

Visitors are encouraged to walk, cycle, or get public transport to the festival, but if they must come by car they can park considerately on driveways on Grange Drive - but only the ones with permission posters displayed in the front window, as these posters signify that the resident is happy for their driveway to be used for festival parking.

Various charities will be among the stallholders that will be present at the event, which was organised by Stratton St Margaret Parish Council with the help of a small army of volunteers. Charities including the Swindon Alzheimer’s Society, Swindon Stroke Support Group, Guide Dogs, the RNLI and the NSPCC will be among the stallholders at the festival, surrounded by stalls selling arts and crafts, collectables, photos, and vintage knick-knacks.

Stratton St Margaret Parish Council organised the festival with the help of a small army of volunteers and more are always welcome.

The festival is sponsored by Arkell’s Brewery, Drove Vets, Heineken, The Woodland Trust, Storm Facilities, Big Lotto, Scarrots, Stratone Financial and Harman Electrical.