THERE will be sweet music from Swindon next month, when bands line up to play at the Sugarhill Festival.

And Prospect Hospice will benefit from the fundraising efforts of local bands when they play the festival at Warren Farm, in Liddington.

It comes hot on the heels of the Swindon Shuffle, when 40 bands played over four days from July 19-22.

The organisers of the Sugarhill Festival on September 8 and 9 have given the Shuffle the chance to programme a local music stage, which will, unsurprisingly, be titled the Shuffle Stage.

While the bands play, collections will be taken for local charities, including the Prospect@ Home campaign.

Sugarhill organiser Dennis Ford said: "The Swindon Shuffle raised the profile of Swindon music.

"We are working with the people behind it to have a Shuffle Stage to showcase local music and give bands the opportunity to play to a bigger audience.

"It was a very easy decision for us and one that helps to make Sugarhill even better."

Local bands will be in distinguished company when they take to the stage.

During the festival the crowds will be able to see bands like Dr And The Medics, The Beat and Neville Staple, who was formerly with The Specials.

From Swindon on the Shuffle Stage expect to see the Knott, Charlie Bath, Arc, the Alfonz, Jurgen and the Wolfs, Playgroup, the entertaining Dr Joel, Black Eye Dog, Seven Years On and Captain Mandate.

In all there will be 28 bands, representing a cross-section of Swindon's music scene.

Paul Jellings, the organiser of the Swindon Shuffle Stage, said: "Organising the shuffle proved Swindon bands are fantastic, and to be able to play on a bigger stage at a festival is what many of these bands should be doing.

"We are simply helping them turn that in to a reality."

Ticket prices for the weekend range from £20 to £40, which includes free camping and parking.

For tickets visit www.sugarhillfestival.co.uk or call the Wyvern Theatre on 01793 524481.