Ref. 25665-08Mayor Derek Benfield joined a group of young musicians as they rehearsed for a Shakespeare in the Park event.

The Swindon Young Musicians are providing a lively repertoire of music at the event before the main showpieces of Shakespeare's comedies, the Merry Wives of Windsor and a Midsummer Night's Dream, begin at 7.30pm on Saturday and Sunday at Lydiard Park.

Ursula Edmunds, marketing officer for Swindon's libraries and heritage, said: "The preparations are nearly in place for the Shakespeare in the Park events which should be really fun and extremely entertaining.

"The youngsters have been working extremely hard to get ready for the show, and they will be there to entertain the crowds on both nights."

A Midsummer Night's Dream can be seen on Saturday and the Merry Wives of Windsor on Sunday.

Tickets are priced £9 for adults and £5 for children.

They are available from the Link Centre, Whitehill Way, Westlea. For more information call Swindon 445566.