THIS year's Old Town Festival will be bigger and better than ever before, promise organisers.

They are laying on a programme of events and entertainment for all ages from June 25 to July 3 and they want everyone in Swindon to get involved.

Brian Mattock is chairman of the Old Town Festival Committee.

He said: "There is going to be a superb atmosphere at the festival this year.

"We want to make it bigger and better than ever and we really want to bring life into Old Town.

"Last year's festival attracted around 10,000 visitors and we're hoping there will be even more this year."

On the first day of the festival the whole of Wood Street and Godwin Court car park will be closed off.

There will be a farmer's market, children's rides and entertainment from a jazz band in Godwin Court and a bandstand outside the King's Arms in Wood Street.

During the day a procession will pass through Wood Street, which this year will have a Victorian theme.

A celebrity guest, who has not yet been named, will officially open the festival at 11.30am.

And in the evening from 5.30pm there will be a family party in the bowl in Old Town Gardens, featuring music from local pop acts, which will be free of charge.

Throughout the week there will be various events in the pubs and other venues in Old Town.

And on Friday July 1 there will be an event with a difference.

Brian said: "We are having a medieval supper in the Lawns there will be a marquee which will hold up to 250 people and people will come in medieval costume and there be court jesters.

"There will also be a group called the Hounds of Morrigan who will do a medieval re-enactment."

Brian wants the people of Old Town and the rest of Swindon to help out by setting up stalls at the Town Gardens or the Lawns.

"We need volunteers who would like to help out with the events especially on July 2 and 3.

"We are also encouraging people to set up stalls and the stalls are a giveaway at just £15.

"Lastly we need volunteers to sell tickets for the various events."

But even for those who don't get involved in the festival he predicts that everyone will enjoy themselves.

"This is a real opportunity to bring the community together as well as providing free entertainment.

"There will be plenty of time for people to come and enjoy themselves and to come and mix with people they don't have the chance to see during the rest of the year."

Anyone who would like more information about booking a stall or helping out at the festival should contact Paul Corengia on 01793 531 597.

Diana Milne