Ref. 25605-21TOWN Crier, Fred Ferris was in the town centre yesterday to launch Swindon's Summer Festival, which begins next week.

Fred was joined by Toby Rathbone, performing arts officer at Swindon Council and organiser of the festival, who enthused: "We are really excited about this year's festival as we have some fantastic acts lined up from the lunchtime performances right through to the Sunday.

"This is an excellent opportunity to experience quality street theatre and listen to some of the best internationally renowned festival musicians. The great thing is, it's on our doorstep and it is free for everyone to enjoy."

He encouraged people to experience the Luminarium at Faringdon Road Park. The Luminarium is an inflatable structure of towers and domes which measures 10 metres high and 30 metres long.

"It is really quite extraordinary an interactive sculpture that will appeal to both children and adults, " said Mr Rathbone.

The festival begins next Wednesday, July 16, when there will be more than 30 professional acts coming to the town giving more than 80 performances during the festival. There will be lunchtime performances between July 16 and 18 and a big weekend of entertainment on July 19 and 20.