REGGAE beats kept the spirit of Jamaica alive at a party to mark the island’s 50th year of independence.

Children enjoyed face painting, juggling demonstrations, and outdoor play areas, and tried out a giant sound system.

West Indian food including rice and peas, jerk chicken and curried goat also helped provide a true experience of the West Indies at Saturday’s bash.

Swindon Supermarine Sports and Social Club in South Marston was decked out with balloons in the colours of the country’s flag and hosted stalls.

The event, entitled Jamaica Calling, was the only one of its kind on the calendar after the annual West Indian carnival failed to attract funding for another year.

Though the turnout was affected by the weather and Swindon Town’s clash with Port Vale, many who attended said they hoped it would become a regular community event.

Enjoying the reggae beats were Trevor Goodchild, 58, from Blunsdon, his daughter Sarah, 24, and her son Trae, three, Trevor, a ceramics tiler, said: “Everybody I know is at the Swindon game but I’d rather be here. We’ve been to Jamaica nine times and I love the food and the music.”

The family fun day, organised by Swindon’s West Indian Community Association, was followed by an evening party.

Acting secretary Colin Cole said: “After a series of setbacks for community events that have been part of town’s calendar for many years, it’s been a very encouraging start.

“We hope we can build on this and give the whole of Swindon a regular event to experience the best of the Caribbean.”

Though Jamaica declared independence on August 6, 1962, the event was held because of a planned visit by reggae legend Jack Scorpio to Swindon. Though he was unable to make the trip, the association decided to go ahead anyway.

Organiser Sharon Fearon said: “It’s a very important year for Jamaica and with the carnival gone we wanted to do something for families to experience the best of Jamaica.”