High praise for our town (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

High praise for our town

June Webb in costume Refs: 78081-10SWINDON...AND PROUD OF IT: POPULAR author Jasper Fforde gave Swindon glowing praise during the opening of this year's Old Town Festival.

The author, who has written four books set in Swindon, helped start the eight-day event on Saturday.

And, during his speech, he blasted critics who have picked on the town.

"I owe Swindon a debt for welcoming myself and my books," he said. "In return I was glad to offer Swindon some form of literary recognition.

"I recently heard that tourists had been visiting Swindon after reading my books and, although they may be confused by the lack of a church dedicated to the Blessed Lady of the Lobster, an efficient airship service to London or a 40,000-seater croquet stadium, at least they can take solace in knowing that the Magic Roundabout was real. I'd like to mention the unfair and negative press that Swindon receives in particular from books like the '50 worst.'

He went on to suggest that towns such as Swindon, Slough and Ipswich should club together to publish a book about the 50 worst travel authors.

During the first day of the festival, which had a Victorian theme, a farmers' market and a host of other stalls were set up in Godwin Court and in Wood Street there was Punch and Judy, face painting, Irish dancing and fun rides.

A concert by Swindon pop bands got the party rolling in The Town Gardens' Bowl on Saturday night and on Sunday there was a guided walk and jazz day.

Today there is a quiz at 7.30pm in the Masonic Hall, and a jazz night at Pizza Express. One of the highlights will be a medieval supper on Lawns on July 1.

Festival chairman Brian Mattock, 52, said: "We wanted to do something different to make sure this festival is bigger and better than previous years.

"Events like this help put Old Town on the map."

Tickets are available from a festival shop in Wood Street or for more information phone Mr Mattock on 01793 522540.

More photographs appear in today's Evening Advertiser

Ben Payne