TOWN centre shoppers will witness an explosion of colourful entertainment as the Swindon Summer Festival kicks off tomorrow (Wednesday).

There will be around 30 different acts, providing around 80 performances during the festival, with performances every weekday lunchtime between noon and 2pm, before a big weekend of entertainment.

Organised by Swindon Council's Artscape, this year's festival programme includes a wide range of acts from the hilarious street theatre of Stickle-back Plasticus and the Elvis-style cleaning company Mischief la Bas, to the music and dance of Nachda Sansaar and the Dhol-busters and the Rio Carnival street party music of the Real Macaws.

There will also be stunning Tanzanian acrobats, the Black Eagles, a fab four Beatlesque band on stilts called Pearshape, a Wish Tree created by Swindon artists Gordon Dickinson.

In addition to the spectacular street routines, an unusual inflatable structure will appear in Faring-don Park.

Called the Luminarium, the structure, which measures around 40 metres in length and around 10 metres in height is an artistic sculpture of domes, tunnels and mazes each radiating different colours.

There will also be an impressive carnival parade to celebrate the festival on Saturday, setting off at 10.30am from the Town Hall. It will involve 13 schools and community groups based on a Back to the Future theme.

Toby Rathbone, Perform-ing Arts Officer for the Council, said: "We are really excited about this year's festival as we have some fantastic acts lined up.

"This is an excellent opportunity to experience quality street theatre. The great thing is that it is on our doorstep and it is free for everyone to enjoy."

The Swindon Summer Festival if free except the Luminarium which costs £2.50 for adults and £2 for children.

And you could be in with a chance of winning £100 in a photo competition. Judges will be looking for the best pictures which sum up the energy and colour of the festival. There are two categories. To get an entry form ring Barbara Dixon on 01793 466520.