SWINDON’S music scene is taking great strides in the right direction with chart topper Tinchy Stryder set to appear at the MECA.

Tinchy, who has collaborated with some of the biggest names in the business and is currently riding high in the singles chart with Let it Rain, will be part of an impressive line up of stars to grace the stage at the venue, in Regent Circus, on Sunday, April 10.

The event, presented by SJM and entitled AKA & Starz Easter Party, will see music channel AKA’s biggest acts performing, including Devlin, Lethal Bizzle, Jodie Connor, Code Red, Griminal and Kayne.

Tinchy released his debut album Star In The Hood in 2007 and will be in Swindon for the second time.

He performed at Lydiard Park during Radio 1’s Big Weekend, was 2009’s biggest selling male solo artist in the UK and will headline the Easter show.

In the past 18 months the singer has scored two number one singles and a number two album in addition to embarking on two nationwide sell-out headline tours, opening the Pyramid stage at Glastonbury 2010 and supporting both Akon and Rihanna on the UK legs of their recent Arena tours.

He released his third album, Third Strike, late last year.

Tickets are selling fast for the gig, which will also see recent chart sensation Devlin performing hit single Runaway as well as other tunes from his new album Bud, Sweat & Beers.

MECA was transformed at the end of last year by GVS Consortium, led by Steve Causer.

The building was formerly the Mecca bingo hall, with the new name – standing for Music, Entertainment, Cultural Arena – paying homage to its past.

It opened in December with a boxing night, but has only hosted two music acts so far – drum and bass DJs Chase and Status and chart sensation Example.

And DJs Chase and Status just can’t stay away from the town having confirmed yesterday that they will be playing at the Oasis on Saturday, October 15.

Tickets are £17.50 plus booking fee, and will be on sale at 9am on Friday, February 18, from the Oasis box office 01793 445401 or visit www.swindon.gov.uk/ oasisevents.

The AKA & Starz Easter Party, which is open to over 14s, takes place on April 10 from 7pm until 11pm.

Tickets cost £22 and are available from www.swindontickets.co.uk.

Over 18s will need ID to buy alcohol at the venue.