Swindon’s Festival of Tomorrow Celebrates a successful funding bid from Arts Council England for its eighth annual festival this coming February.
The much-loved festival, that brings creative arts and science activities to families and young people receives praise from the funder for the impact it has on people and communities. As well as its potential to bring national attention to Swindon. In each of the last two years, the festival has reached over 40,000 participants. It’s brought in over a quarter of a million pounds to the local economy each year. All whilst supporting dozens of local organisations and providing free educational programmes to over 30 local schools.
Programme for 2027
The 2027 festival programme will start with two weeks of schools’ programmes. It all begins on the 1st February. That’s before the 8-day public About Town programme across multiple venues. They include STEAM Museum and the Swindon Designer Outlet. The event will culminate with its signature Festival Finale. At that, thousands of people will enjoy jaw-dropping shows and brilliant workshops and exhibitors for all ages. They’re held at the Deanery Academy, in Wichelstowe.Â
Organisers are also planning to build on the success of the new hybrid events held up at the Science Museum’s site in Wroughton. There curious minds can join studio audiences for live online events. They will connect live behind-the-scenes to fascinating sites in the UK and across the World.
Dr Roderick Hebden, Festival Director, said:
We’re so proud to have such great feedback from the Arts Council at a time when funding is so competitive. To be able to use this grant to deliver this festival which gets such a warm and positive response from everyone who visits makes all the late nights worth it!’
One of our funders had to withdraw this year. So, we’re having to be even smarter about how we plan this time around. But, we’re always open to more companies who’d like to join us to put something back into the community by getting involved. And I’d like to thank the fantastic support we continue to have from UK Research and Innovation. They’re the backbone of research in this country. All as well as such partners as Catalent, Gel Studios and The James Dyson Foundation who have supported us year after year.’
