SWINDON’S music scene is in mourning today after the announcement that local hip hop outfit Beatbullyz are to split after seven years.

In an emotional statement to fans, the band, who supported JLS in an arena tour in 2010, said they were going their separate ways to work on other projects.

The lads exploded on to the Swindon music scene in 2004 and have remained a regular fixture at gigs and festivals ever since.

Their joint statement read: “We have the very sad news that after seven years of the most exciting and amazing experiences, we have decided to say farewell as Beatbullyz.

“We feel as a band the time has come to move on to new projects to keep feeling inspired and creative in life.

“This is a decision we have all made together and we are still the very best of friends.

“We want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has been involved with us on our journey, from promoters, media, sound teams (Amber Audio and the Bear!), agents, record label, our managers and most of all a massive heart filled thank you to the most important people throughout this journey, our beautiful fans.

“Without you none of our dreams would have been made possible and we owe all of our success to you, so a big Beatbullyz thank you to all of you.”

The group – Daniel Dubose aka Bozo, Andrew Bullimore aka Bully, Stuart Anderson aka Disco, Phil Murphy aka Philonius Funk and Alex Yeoman aka YoYo – announced that their final gig would be held in Swindon at the MECA on Saturday, March 10.

The five-piece said: “For one of the biggest events of the year, please join us at what will be our very last show to say farewell, which will be held at the MECA in Swindon on Saturday, March 10.

“Its going to be an epic night with amazing support acts and it’s going to be very, very emotional.”

Band member Bully will now focus on expanding the group’s record label, Big Weekend Records.

The label will also be looking for talented artists to develop and produce - anyone interested should go to www.facebook.com/pages/Big-Weekend-Records/312225405490417 As a thank you to their fans, the band are giving away free new Beatbullyz tracks if you join the Big Weekend Records email list on http://tinyurl.com/bwrsignup.

For more information and tickets for the MECA gig, go to http://swindontickets.co.uk/ product_info.php?products_id=490.