A lively show from a 15-piece African band has kept the Swindon Summer Festival sizzling - despite the rain.

Siyaya, an a capella group from Zimbabwe, delighted shoppers in The Parade by singing and dancing to a mixture of traditional and contemporary music.

The band, which is well known in its home country, comes to Europe every summer to tour the festivals. A capella is a form of singing in harmony. This is Siyaya's third appearance in Swindon and the group's exuberant singing drew a large crowd of shoppers.

Even the drizzle couldn't dampen Siyaya's two-hour set, and both the band and the crowd were determined to enjoy themselves.

Inquisitive members of the audience approached the group to find out where they were from, and perhaps to apologise for the weather.

"We're lucky to have Siyaya in Swindon," said Artscape officer Toby Rathbone, who organised the event. "Bringing free entertainment onto the streets is what the festival is all about."

The Swindon Summer Festival continues over the weekend and tomorrow lunchtime The Parade is to stage an acclaimed international comedy act.

Paul Morocco's Ole promises flamenco dancing and guitar juggling.