OLD Town Festival returns this weekend with the ever-popular parade.
A samba band and rainbow-liveried fire engine will take to the streets for the annual extravaganza. It will also feature dancers, musicians, a vintage open-topped car and members of the emergency services.
The normal festival parade will have its ranked swelled by members of Swindon and Wiltshire Pride after organisers were forced to cancel the popular event celebrating LGBT communities.
Sarah Church, chairman of the Old Town Festival committee, said: “It’s going to be really exciting. The fact Swindon Pride has got a samba band is amazing. It will add such a festival atmosphere to the parade.”
The parade will start shortly before 11am on Sunday with Swindon mayor Junab Ali opening the event, then processing through the streets in an open-topped vintage car. He will be followed by school children, dancers and others - while the samba band and LGBT groups from Wiltshire Police and Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service pick up the back of the parade.
The popular Lawns fun day will offer entertainment through the afternoon. Sarah said: “There’s a fun fair, dog show with SNDogs, two stages with loads of local dancing groups and choirs. Then in the evening in our marquee we have got local bands.”
The festival chairman said she was particularly proud to be stocking beers by the Old Town Brewery: “The festival really just showcases the business and the community spirit in the area.” There was a strong link between the festival and the Old Town Business Association, Old Town Rotary, South Swindon Parish Council and Christ Church.
“The idea is just to show off Old Town as one of many highlights in Swindon,” Sarah added.
When is the parade and where can I park?
Entertainment will start on Wood Street from 10.15am on Sunday, with the parade starting at 11am on High Street.
The programme of entertainment starts at 12.30pm in Lawn Woods.
Limited blue badge parking will be available on Sunday in Lawn Woods, accessible from The Planks. However, people are asked to either walk to the event or use existing Old Town car parks. There will be no parking on Wood Street from 8am on Sunday.
What is happening in the rest of the week?
Friday, June 8, 6.30pm
TALK: Ken White
Christ Church, Cricklade Street
Swindon artist Ken White will be in discussion with Andy Binks. Bar open. Tickets: £5
Monday, June 11, 7pm
QUIZ: Pub quiz and live music
The Tuppenny, Devizes Road
A night of craft ale and questions. Quiz starts at 7pm, free to enter.
Tuesday, June 12, 6pm-8pm
TALK: Juicing secrets
The Core Juicery, Devizes Road
Owner of The Core Kris Tallikowski will run through his favourite juice and smoothie recipes. Tickets £10-£15 and can be booked here.
Wednesday, June 13
RUN: Lethbridge 10k
Croft Sports Centre
Lace up your trainers for the annual Lethbridge fun run. Starts from Croft Sports Centre: 7.30pm. For more: www.lethbridge10k.org.uk.
Wednesday, June 13
TOUR: Christ Church bell tower
Christ Church, Cricklade Street
See the Christ Church bells in action. Tours of the tower at 6.30pm, 7.30pm and 8.30pm.
Thursday, June 19, 1pm
CONCERT: Paul Turner plays piano
Christ Church, Cricklade Street
Pianist Paul Turner will play a broad programme. Refreshments from 12pm. Tickets: £5.
Friday, June 15 to Saturday, June 16, 11am-3pm
EXHIBITION: Swindon's history in photographs
Swindon Museum and Art Gallery, Bath Road
The Swindon Society has a display of images in and around Swindon including photographs from the William Hooper Collection, and the Museum will have photographs of Old Town and a selection of Swindon postcards to look through.
Friday, June 15, 8.30pm
MUSIC: Jazz and punk at The Castle
The Castle, Prospect Place
Band Sex Jazz will play their blend of "squalid rock and jazz defibrillation" at The Castle, 8.30pm-11pm. Free entry.
Saturday, June 16, 12pm-10pm
MUSIC: The Bowl Concert
Old Town Bowl, Town Gardens
A huge range of bands will play the Town Bowl in this free concert.
Sunday, June 17
Great Western Cycling Sportive
The epic 100 mile bike ride through the Wiltshire countryside will raise cash for Brighter Futures. It sets off from Nationwide HQ from 8.30am.
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