Ref. 30885-12ATHLETES kicked off this year's Cricklade Town Festival with a burst of energy.

About 50 people took part in a triathlon at the Leisure Centre, which was the first event of 24 to take place in the next fortnight.

They ran, swam and cycled their way to the finish in bright sunshine on Saturday afternoon as hundreds of people turned out to cheer them on.

Festival organiser Nigel Wynne said: "It was a fantastic day and a great start to the festival.

"There was a real family atmosphere, with children playing while the adults relaxed and chatted.

"There was a real mix of people, about six contestants competing seriously and the rest were doing it for fun."

The festival, launched four years ago, has gone from strength and the town will be buzzing with activity for the next two weeks. Nigel added: "There will be something for the entire family to enjoy.

"We want to make this the best festival yet."

The Bootleg Bee Gees will give people a chance to relive the '60s, '70s and '80s all in one night on Saturday, June 29 at the town hall.

At the other end of the musical spectrum, the Swindon Choral Society perform tonight at St Sampson's Church and the Collegium Brass Quintet is at St Mary's Church on Friday, June 18.

One of the highlights last year was local folk musicians performing at the Bell Inn, Purton. This year the Music Alive event takes place on Monday, June 21.

And a Barber Shop Quartet will wander Cricklade pubs on Wednesday.

There's also an international flavour to this year's festival with a Global Fair at the St Sampson's Parish Hall on June 19, featuring Caribbean and Bollywood dance Troupes.

There is also a chance to try Indian dancing at St Sampson's Junior School on June 18.

Other attractions include a Creepy Cricklade Tour, a duck race, art exhibitions, a beetle drive, a fete at St Sampson's Infant School and a children's mask parade.

Bhavani Vadde