Signal 2026 Programme Announced engaging more young people in more places than ever before engaging more young people in more places than ever before.
Signal Festival, Swindon’s dedicated youth arts festival, is now accepting bookings for its full 2026 programme. There’s over 50 events taking place across the town. And a wider age range of 9 to 25-year-olds able to take part for the first time.
Organised by Prime Theatre and delivered in partnership with more than 40 partner organisations and artists, Signal Festival will run from Friday 24 July to Saturday 1 August 2026. It’s bringing performances, workshops and exhibitions to venues across Swindon. This year’s programme places a strong emphasis on whole-day events at key community venues including:
- Town Gardens
- Richard Jefferies Museum and …
- … The Platform. All helping to open up the festival to even more people across the town.
Having before welcomed young people aged 11 to 25, Signal Festival 2026 broadens its reach to include children from the age of nine. Thus reflecting the festival’s ambition to engage more young people in more places than ever before.
Over fifty events
With over fifty events spanning music, dance, theatre, spoken word, digital and visual arts, this year’s programme offers something for every young creative in Swindon. Whether they’re picking up a paintbrush, microphone or camera for the first time, or showcasing skills they’ve been developing for years.
Councillor Matthew Vallender, Cabinet Member for Culture, Planning and Regeneration, Swindon Borough Council, said:
‘Signal Festival is a fantastic celebration of Swindon’s young creative talent. And it’s inspiring to see so many young people shaping the festival themselves. It’s exciting to hear more about the planned workshops and to speak with everyone involved.’
Louise Aust, Signal Festival Young Producer, said:
‘We’ve loved putting together this year’s programme. Expanding our age range and working with more venues has helped us create a diverse and exciting programme of events that celebrates Swindon’s creativity.’
The full programme, including information on how to book events, is available now at signalfestival.co.uk. Many events are free, while others cost a mere £3. Organisers are encouraging families, schools and young people across Swindon to explore the line-up and find something that inspires them.
Signal Festival 2026 will run from Friday 24 July to Saturday 1 August. Events will take place at venues across Swindon.
To find out more, visit signalfestival.co.uk. Or follow @signalfestivalswindon on Facebook, Instagram and other social media platforms.
