PREPARATIONS are underway to hold Swindon's first Jazz and Real Ale Festival this year.

The three-day event will take place this August, and is being hosted by the Milton Club, at 25 Milton Road. It aims to bring both jazz lovers and real ale drinkers together under one roof.

It is hoped that the festival will attract some of the area's top local jazz talent and guest ales from across the country.

Ted Ludford, of the Milford Club, said: "Jazz and real ale go hand in hand but to my know-ledge nobody has ever organised a festival which combines the two in Swindon. The Milton Club is ideally located in the town centre to host the event and it is hoped that the festival will become an annual event."

Confirmation of the festival's dates, acts and guest ales will be announced later in the year.