Entertainment

Swindon's very own answer to the Hollywood Bowl is once again the setting for a series of summer concerts this year.

Since it opened in 1936, the Bowl in the Town Gardens in Swindon's Old Town has played host to many outdoor musical events over the years, and a full calendar of gigs is all set to kick off this summer.

Described by Mojo Magazine as possessing 'seriously funky grooves', Afro Beat/Dub Reggae act Soothsayers from South London are to appear on Saturday 13th June.

Grupo Lokito

Featuring legendary reggae vocalist Earl 16 from Dreadzone among their ranks, the band are famous for deep Dub grooves, pulsating Afro Beat rhythms and mighty horn arrangements.

On Saturday 4th July, Grupo Lokito from London will be bringing their Latin Salsa meets Congolese Rumba sound to the Bowl.

The band is a partnership between UK salsa piano queen Sara McGuiness and promises melodious vocals and spectacular dance moves.

The massively popular Swindon Mela festival returns to the Bowl once again on Saturday 25th July, and following the day's festivities, UK Bhangra star Sukshinder Shinda will be performing onstage.

Sukshinder Shinda

Sukshinder won both the 'Best Live Act' and 'Best Album' accolades at the UK Asian Music Awards in 2008.

Jazzy Rhythm and Blues sextet King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys are to perform on the Bowl stage on Saturday 8th August.

The band are one of the most popular around in their field, and dance tutors will be on hand to help any willing crowd members get fully into the spirit of the night.

Finally, rounding a summer of outdoor events off at the Bowl is the return of Swindon Invincible. The hugely successful dance event is back for a second year running.

On the decks this year are DJ Yoda and Adam Freeland. Also get set for a DJ showdown - Electrophonik v Kandifunk.