A rock musician who lost his fight against cancer is being remembered with a pop extravaganza in the Town Gardens this month.

Brent Page, a former Evening Advertiser sales representative, played in a band for more than 23 years.

He died in January 2002, aged 55, at the Prospect Hospice, just a month after playing his last gig.

Since Brent's death, his brother Ross, and Andy Avenell who both played with him in the Swindon band Busker, have got together with other musicians to form MLC, to raise funds for Prospect.

And on Sunday, June 20, pop and rock fans can bring their picnics and drinks and enjoy the Prospect's Poptastic Picnic in the Park, an afternoon of music featuring MLC, 4 Carat Gold, Celebration and the Phoenix 2000 Roadshow.

Ross, a 46-year-old undertaker, said: "All the bands have been working hard to raise the necessary money to cover the costs of the event so all of the donations will go towards this very worthy charity.

"We have already raised £1,000 through donations without even playing a note so it's looking very good.

"The bowl is a great venue and we're looking forward to the day."

Brent was born in Swindon and attended schools in Rodbourne Cheney and Ferndale Road. He started working life in the railways where he completed an apprenticeship before pursuing a career as a salesman.

Brent, who lived in Penhill, married his wife Chris in 1966 and they moved to Wroughton to start a family. They had two daughters Maria, 32, and Michelle, 36, and three grandchildren.

He joined the Evening Advertiser in 1976.

As well as being a devoted father, husband and employee, Brent had another love his guitar.

He joined several bands, including Skiffle, The Skylarks, The Elements, Bobby J and the Disco Set, The New York Set and the Beat Traders.

In 1978 Brent and his brother formed Busker.

The Prospect Hospice has to find two thirds of its running costs from voluntary sources. It costs around £8,000 a day to run the hospice, which cares for and supports patients with life-threatening illnesses.

To party in the park, call into any of the Prospect Hospice shops in Havelock Street and Victoria Road in Swindon, High Street in Marlborough or Market Place in Pewsey, where tickets are available for a minimum donation of £10 each.

Doors will open at noon, and the show will run from 2pm to 6pm.

For more information on tickets, ring Ross Page on 01793 726709 or 07718 227021.

Alex Emery