My Dad’s Bigger Than Your Dad: Swindon festival rocks through rain

Dave Young was the landlord of both The Victoria pub and 12 Bar but died in June 2021 at Prospect Hospice after a hard-fought battle with cancer.

The festival is in tribute to the landlord with profits going to help Prospect, which provides end-of-life care.

This year’s festival was held in the Town Gardens, Old Town, once again and I went along to catch some of the bands and speak to the organisers.

Crowds turned up to the event despite the weather. (Image: Newsquest)

I came dressed for the occasion, equipped with my trusty cagoule after the heavens had decided to open on the town.

Despite the wet weather, the live music brought the crowds out and the bands managed to rock away the rain as the afternoon went on.

In a list of great live music acts, I was able to catch most of The Real Cheesemakers’ set which was lively to say the least with a song even dedicated to the roundabouts of Swindon.

Away from the music there was lots of food and drink on offer with a particular interesting raspberry ripple cider on tap served in a special MDBTYD cup.

Aaron and Gemma Denley-Doswell help organise the festival each year. (Image: Newsquest)

Having seen the best in music and refreshments, I spoke with two of the festival’s organisers, Gemma and Aaron Denley-Doswell.

“It has been wetter than previous years but we’ve smashed it on ticket sales and we are still getting walk-ins,” she said.

“We are Swindon’s biggest music festival and it has been the best one yet this time and next year will be even better.”

Dave was Gemma’s former boss and she was happy that such a tribute could still be paid to him despite the rain.

“Despite the hectic replanning of things due to weather, it has gone really well and we are so chuffed with the help we have been given,” said the 36-year-old.

“They have still come in their droves and we couldn’t be more grateful with the turnout.”

The Real Cheesemakers rocked the crowds with a photograph of Dave Young on stage. (Image: Newsquest)

I also spoke to the chief executive of Prospect House, Jeremy Lune, who was delighted with how the festival was battling through the elements.

“It is a really special event as Dave Young completely reinvigorated the live music scene and there is a real energy of that,” said the 57-year-old.

“This event is a celebration of Dave, live music and the community of Swindon.

“People are coming along, having a great time and are helping raise awareness of Prospect too.”