Ref. 25717-06SHOPPERS were treated to an unusual musical cabaret as the Swindon Summer Festival burst onto the streets.

Starting a long weekend of song, dance and street theatre, travelling band Swervy World filled the Parade yesterday with the sounds of "genetically modified rocka- billy."

A chaotic mixture of country and western, classical punk and swing, the band entertained 40 people while they stood sheltering from the drizzle.

And the shoppers seemed to warm to it.

Gardener Alan Woodward, 39, from Rodbourne, said that he had been listening for half an hour.

"It's like cowboy music and it's not bad at all," he said. "It might bring more people into the town."

Pat Tucker, 46, of Penhill, was watching with her two-year-old grand-daughter, who enjoyed the music so much she started dancing along with it.

"It's different we don't usually get this kind of thing in Swindon," said Pat.

Ann Meeus, 38, from the Lawns, said: "It's difficult to get an audience in the afternoon but they're doing really well."

Swervy World was joined at the Parade by a miming gorilla called Mr Bright Sparks and visual comedians Natural Theatre.

The acts marked the opening of this year's Swindon Summer Festival, billed as a dazzling array of international street theatre, comedy and music, all free to the public.

Launching the festival, town Mayor Derek Benfield said it would be good for the town centre.

"Festivals make a difference to the culture of a place," he said.

"They are a wonderful experience for those who participate and I urge everyone to come along and witness this spectacular event."

The mayor was speaking after an encounter with Wiltshire's answer to Elvis who promised to make the festival rock and roll.

Accompanying Swindon's Elvis, a member of the Natur-al Theatre group, were other members of the group, security goons George and George, who blamed their oversized bellies on a fondness for Elvis's peanut butter sandwiches.

This year the festival has a new feature called a Luminarium, a strange temple-like inflatable maze in Faringdon Road Park.

On Saturday a carnival parade involving nearly 300 children and adults is set to march through the town.

And on Sunday Skate Naked will demonstrate their stunning acrobatics in G-strings.

It is hoped the streets will come to life throughout the weekend with a host of other acts and events.

For more information call Swindon 530328.