Swindon Samba Band celebrates its first birthday this September. It’s had a very successful first year, with membership now at 20 participants.

Swindon Samba was set up with help from Swindon Does Arts, Swindon Borough Council Grassroots funding and Isambard Community School’s community fund.

The band have developed into a solid percussion group, adding to their repertoire all the time. They meet every Wednesday from 7.30pm-9pm at Isambard Community School in Redhouse.

Swindon and District Samaritans have kindly sponsored the band’s banners which are proudly carried at every performance.

This year they have played six gigs in and around Swindon, including opening The Big Arts Day on 10th July at Lydiard Park and will be playing at The Wyvern Theatre on 13th November.

If you’d like to get involved and find out more about Swindon Samba, log on to www.swindon-samba.co.uk or join their Facebook group.