The week-long event kicks off on the Saturday at 1pm at the Town Gardens Bowl with a free choir festival and an evening of fun at the Commonweal Performing Arts Marquee on the Lawns where a 60s night and hog roast will be held. There will also be a prize for the best 60s outfit. Tickets for the event cost £10.
On Sunday, a festival parade - showcasing a wide range of different groups - will wind its way from the Lawns through Wood Street on to Devizes Road and back along Newport Street. The parade will set off at 10.30am. Taking part will be fairy tale princesses, street theatre by Commonweal School pupils and a demonstration of Ceroc jive dancing.
This will be followed by a host of different activities taking place on the Lawn including community acts, a dog show, re-enactments by the Colleage of Chivalry and the Wessex School of Arms as well as a wealth of stalls and food outlets.
The day’s activities will draw to a close with a choral evensong at Christ Church.
On Tuesday, the Baker Street Pub will host an evening of music by the Jazz Defenders starting at 8pm and on Wednesday at 8pm the Castle Pub will host a light-hearted Conspiracy Theory Question Time debate. Visitors will also have the chance to visit Christ Church to take a tour of the bell tower and have a go at playing the organ.
On Thursday, pianist Paul Turner will hold a recital (tickets £5) from 1pm - 2pm and on Friday three highlights from this year’s fringe festival will be performing in the Commonweal C6 auditorium - tickets cost £15 for all three of the shows.
The Old Town Bowl will host a range of bands performing from midday on Saturday and there will also be a number of singers showcasing their talents at the bandstand in the town gardens. The Plough Ale and Cider House in Devizes Road will also be hosting a free jazz performance by the Chris Jones Guitar Trio.
Tickets for the event, sponsored in part by Positive Media Group, can be purchased from Ray’s Ice Cream in Devizes Road or from Heather on 07799 068898.
