Swindon is always a rewarding town to visit if you love live music with a thriving network of venues and bars offering something for every taste from urban and disco to rock ‘n’ roll and jazz.

But when it comes to being spoilt for choice, summer is Swindon’s real live music bonanza with a host of festivals in some great settings.

Early out of the blocks is the second Swindon Jazz and Soul Festival which takes place on Saturday 9^th April at Christ Church in Old Town.

Topping the bill are international swing kings Ray Gelato and The Giants who have taken their special brand of swing, jazz and rhythm & blues to music fans all over the world including sold out shows at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club as well as performances at Montreal Jazz Festival and the BBC Proms.

Overall, the event features more than 70 performers, mainly jazz in the church while in The Soul Room acts will showcase Motown, funk, 60s to 90s RnB, plus headliners Bristol funk and soul band The Soul Strutters.

July is the month where the volume really gets turned up.

On Friday 8^th and Saturday 9^th July, the WRDE Up Music Festival is back after a two-year break and brings the pop sparkle for all the family to Highworth Rec.

The headline act is Duran, the UK’s number one Duran Duran tribute band, supported by another tribute act A Touch of Little Mix. Other acts include The Leon Daye Band, Jolie Soul, PinkMac, Post 12, and Borrowed and Blue.

Also back after a pandemic-enforced break is the Legends Festival 2022 at Lydiard Park on Friday 8^th and Saturday 9^th July.

Eleven of the world’s biggest arena tribute acts will play on the massive outdoor stage over two days. The Legends Festival enshrines each star’s legacy allowing fans a chance, once again, to enjoy the majesty of their world-renowned performances. Among the bands being celebrated are Queen, Take That, Abba, The Beatles, Elton John and The Rolling Stones.

Topping off a real magical music July is the MFOR Festival at Lydiard Park on Saturday 30^th July.

Steps and James Arthur have been announced for the third MFOR Festival. More names to be announced in the coming days and weeks. This year will be even more exciting, more exhilarating and much more entertaining!

MFOR prides itself on being unique, including the majority of entertainment for both adults & children FREE within the ticket price.

August also has a date to mark in the diary with the Live at Lydiard Festival, dubbed a revolutionary music festival for the South West, taking over Lydiard Tregoze in Swindon for one day only on Saturday 20^th August.

Live At Lydiard brings together some of the world's biggest names in music from the realms of pop, R&B, and hip-hop acts spread out over our five stages. Boogie all day long in the huge dance tent!

So there you have it, come the summer Swindon will definitely be the place to get down Boogie Oogie Oogie or shoot the Summer Breeze!

For full details of all these great live festivals go to our What’s On page visitswindon.org.uk/events.