THE Stratton Festival is back next month and this year features a project delving into the parish’s rich and extensive history.

At the event's 125th year, visitors will be able to talk to local historians, trace their family tree, and view maps and photographs that show how Stratton has changed through the ages.

And they can bring their own items and pictures to be buried in a time capsule.

Stratton St Margaret parish councillor Joe Tray said: “Every councillor is really excited about it.

"Our annual festival is the highlight of the year for us and it’s well supported by Stratton residents and institutions, it gives the community a chance to get together.

“People from all over Swindon come along so it should be a good, fun day.”

Main stage headliners Kova Me Badd will perform live music on a bill that features Echo, Ukey D’Ukes, Sister Sister, Joli Soul, Pulse, Young Vintage, Missin Rosie, the Farrell School of Irish Dance, and Bobbi.

Animal lovers will be in their element with attractions, including the return of the Drove Vets Dog Show. Young pups and old hounds can enter to compete in eight classes.

Goats, rabbits, llamas and pigs will be amongst the adorable animals available to see at the petting zoo between noon and 5pm.

And a miniature Shetland, known as Roxy the Unicorn, will be making her festival debut.

JET Falconry will show off owl and hawk displays throughout the day, and the charity raffle will be back.

Youngsters aged five to 10 can take part in an hour-long Chitty Chitty Bang Bang-themed drama workshop with Prime Theatre, which will explore the characters and story of that classic film while creating their own theatrical inventions, playing games and making friends.

The Wyvern Theatre stall will be running a crafts session based on the film.

Other hour-long children’s activities include beanbag throwing from midday, archery from 1pm, a timed obstacle course from 2pm, a cross-bar challenge and penalty shootout from 3pm, a space-themed storyteller at 3pm, and hockey from 4pm.

Foodies can fill up on Bandido’s Burritos, Mario’s Ice Cream, Food By Sophie, and a barbecue by family butchers T.H Burroughs.

The team from Stratton Fire Station’s Green Watch will be on hand to talk to residents about fire safety.

The festival is on Saturday, July 6, from noon to 10.30pm at Grange Leisure.