THERE should have been three major music festivals being held in the Swindon area this summer - but only one is going ahead.

After organisers for both Live at Lydiard and Mfor Festival decided to postpone their events until 2023, the committee managing Highworth's Wrde Up confirmed it is still happening.

The event planned for July 8 and 9 has seen a surge in ticket sales in the last few weeks.

A spokesman said: "Seeing local music festivals having to postpone has broken our hearts. We knew going into this year it could be hit or miss and thankfully you’re all behind us.

"If you were planning on going and feeling disappointed then we can help - our thriving charitable festival is back with a bang.

"We’re blown away, with tickets sales up 42 per cent on previous years. Due to high demand, we’ve had to discuss limiting the number of ticket sales for the first time ever.

"We’re absolutely mindblown with how popular our event is becoming. Children’s tickets also have a limit and we’re getting super close to selling out with these too

"Please, if you’re adamant you're coming, do not miss out. We could easily hit capacity before the day and this means we would not have any on-the-day sales.

"Thank you from the bottom of our hearts and let's make this year bigger and better than ever."

The pandemic forced organisers to call off the planned 2020 and 2021 festivals but they have promised a top lineup of new and local bands and musicians performing on The Rec, off the A361 Swindon Road.

The festival will have a warm-up event for the first time on Friday July 8 from 7pm to 10pm. Tickets to this cost £5. There will be a fully-stocked bar and Vinyl DJ Robby's party bus will be playing disco, R&B and '90s hits.

The festival spokesman added: "This year we have decided to open the arena doors early for over 18s to get your boogy on before the big day!"

The main event will begin on Saturday at 2pm and last until 10.30pm, headlined by tribute acts DURAN and Lil Mix. Tickets cost £21, under-18s go free.

Guests can enjoy a funfair, plenty of stalls, a variety of food, a new and improved bar and beer tent, a silent disco, and childrens' entertainment.

For more information, visit wrdeup.org.uk