THE team behind next month’s Live at Lydiard festival are giving away 1,000 tickets to the event to Great Western Hospital workers.

Organisers are putting the final touches in place to the August 21 festival.

And to say thank-you to the hardworking healthcare heroes who have been vital to tackling the pandemic over the past 18 months, they’re giving the 1,000 tickets to health workers.

Director Jack Summers said:“It’s an honour for us to be able to give something back to the NHS, which has made huge sacrifices in the last 16 months.

"We are beyond grateful for everything they do.

“NHS employees as well as their friends and family will be welcomed to Live at Lydiard with a huge smile and open arms from every member of our staff and I personally guarantee that we will do everything we can to make this day as special as we can for them.”

GWH chief executive Kevin McNamara said: “Thank you to the directors and organisers of Live at Lydiard for this kind offer.

"Our staff have worked incredibly hard over the last 18 months and it’s great that they will be recognised in this way.”

The main stage lineup includes headliner Anne-Marie along with Dizzee Rascal and Clean Bandit.

A dance tent will see Head and Heart hitmaker Joel Corry perform, plus DJ sets from legendary music masters Pete Tong and MistaJam.

Homegrown Swindon talent will be showcased in stage takeovers by Play Time and Baila Coffee & Vinyl.

Jack added: “It’s been really positive.

"Everything is in place and we are really excited.

“It’s looking like a sell-out event, with more than 8,000 of 10,000 tickets sold so far, and we saw massive spikes two weeks ago and earlier this week, when the government mentioned easing restrictions on July 19.

“We’re taking each day as it comes because things could change but at the moment, we’re grateful to be able to go ahead at full capacity.

“It’s been tough for us and the events industry as a whole due to a lack of guidance on how to prepare for this but the Euros has shown people are keen for a massive celebration.

“They want to see their friends, enjoy some live entertainment and have fun after such a difficult time.”

The music line-up features 35 performers across four stages – including supporting acts CHANEY, SN Dubstation, Fabien Darcy, Mellowmatic, and Paul Caroll.