A BOLLYWOOD party is being organised to launch the programme for this year’s Old Town Festival.

The Commonweal School, in The Mall, will be unveiling the line up for this year’s festivities at an event taking place at 7pm on Friday, May 8.

The Bollywood evening is being arranged by two members of the festival’s committee, Jennifer Stevenson, the music co-ordinator and Heather Matthews, the vice-chairman.

Heather said: “All are welcome to join us for an evening of fun which includes performances of Bollywood dance, a henna painter, quiz, raffle, disco dancing and a licensed bar.

“We are very lucky to have the curries donated by the Taj Majhal, from Shaw.”

The Old Town Festival will take place between Saturday, June 6, and Sunday, June 14, with a full programme of family fun on the cards.

“The idea for the Bollywood night came from when Heather and I were having a meal at the Jewel in the Crown restaurant and we asked owner Mr Ali’s son-in-law if they would like to be involved in this year’s Old Town Festival,” said Jenny.

“He then told us about a very worthwhile charity the Swindon radiology appeal which would mean that the town’s Swindon people would not have to travel to Oxford for treatment.

“Heather liked the idea of this charity and it won the committee vote when we were looking at a charity to support this year.

“I have been involved with the music business all my life and was asked to joined the committee six years ago.

“It’s good fun and nice to put on entertainment for the people of Swindon.

“Heather is a friend of mine and had helped out in previous years.

"She decided to join our committee last year, and was voted in as vice-chairman.”

The appeal, running through the Brighter Futures charity, aims to raise £3 million to buy specialist equipment for Great Western Hospital.

This year’s programme brochure is being printed by the festival’s business partner Screaming Media.

Tickets for the Bollywood event, which include a curry, cost £10 a person.

Places can be booked by calling 0844 822 1737, visiting swindontickets.co.uk or by popping into the shop Creative Kabin, in Morley Street.

For more information visit the website which can be found at oldtownfestival.co.uk