Local dancers who trained at Swindon Dance are taking centre stage. This as the pioneering dance company, BalletBoyz, brings their latest production, Still Pointless, to Wyvern Theatre this June.
Marking 25 years since Michael Nunn and William Trevitt’s critically-acclaimed debut performance Pointless at the Roundhouse. Still Pointless celebrates a quarter-century of daring commissioning and producing. And also performing dance across stage and screen. Among the 10 world-class performers are local dancers Dan Baines and Dylan Jones. Both of them began their professional journeys through Swindon Dance.
Local Dancers Taking Centre Stage – Ballet Boyz
Dan Baines
Growing up in the Wiltshire countryside, Dan attended Swindon Dance’s Centre for Advanced Training. He later became a member of the National Youth Dance Company. During his training, he joined BalletBoyz as an apprentice dancer before touring with the company in 2022 in Deluxe.
Dan Baines in dancing action
Since graduating, Dan has worked with leading choreographers and creatives including:
Tim Burton
Damien Jalet
Christopher Bruce
Akram Khan
Matthew Bourne
Maxine Doyle
Corey Baker
Paul Roberts
Tom Dale
Tom Jackson Greaves
Arlene Phillips and James Cousins.
Alongside performing, Dan often leads workshops for the next generation of dancers at various institutions. They include Pineapple Dance Studios and Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance.
Dylan Jones
Dylan Jones also developed his dance training through Swindon Dance’s Centre for Advanced Training programme. This after first beginning his movement journey in Parkour. From the southwest of England, Dylan joined the National Youth Dance Company at 18. He then continued his studies at Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance.
Since graduating, Dylan has performed nationally and internationally with:
Avant Garde Dance
Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures and Sadler’s Wells’ Quadrophenia.
Also, performing, choreographing and teaching. Dylan is also an accomplished musician and composer for dance theatre.
Dylan Jones in dancing action
The production
The production itself opens with an excerpt from Russell Maliphant’s seminal work Critical Mass. This was first performed as part of the original 2001 Roundhouse show. The programme also features the world premiere of a new commission by choreographer Seirian Griffiths. That’s alongside excerpts from works by:
Christopher Wheeldon
Maxine Doyle
Liam Scarlett
Xie Xin and Javier de Frutos
With music by composers including Cassie Kinoshi, Keaton Henson and Max Richter.
As I’ve said elsewhere, I have a tendency to think of Old Shaw Lane as a little bit of Swindon’s yesteryear. But of course, it’s not. Because it wasn’t Swindon at all – Swindon as we know it now, didn’t exist over that side of town at all. But it’s a survivor of the 1980s western expansion development all around it and that’s one good reason for featuring it here.
And thanks to its being by-passed, the lane maintains an air of times-gone-by.
Before that, a visit to the Nine Elms pub, in the hamlet of *Nine Elms, comprised a sedate stroll into the countryside for the residents of nearby Swindon – thus providing the landlord with a flow of passing trade as steady as the beer from the pumps.
The Nine Elms pub on Old Shaw LaneSection of 1886 Ordnance Survey map showing Old Shaw Lane West Swindon – note Nine Elms at one end and Shaw House towards the other endOld Shaw Lane from the Nine Elms end looking towards the Spectrum building – squint and you can see the David Murray John Tower way in the distance! Photo credit Jason Spickett Swindon from the AirOld Shaw Lane from the Cartwright Drive end – photo credit Jason Spickett – zoom in and you’ll see the green-roofed Mediterranean-style villa mentioned below
An ancient thoroughfare
Running between the former Lydiard Millicent parish boundary and the tributary of the River Ray, this lane dates back to the Middle Ages. According to the writings of Frances Bevan, building was slow along the thoroughfare known, in 1668, as Shaw Street. Indeed, 200 years later, there were a mere two farmhouses beside the lane.
Shaw Farm, once the property of Viscount Bolingbroke, stood at the south east end and Lower Shaw Farm near the west end. A further thirteen cottages and houses straddled the verges.
Today an eclectic mix of old and new housing rub shoulders along the length of Old Shaw Lane, from the stone-built Shaw House (See Swindon in 50 More Buildings) dating back to the later 17th century to Bradshaw House with its distinctive green roof and Mediterranean vibe.
The 2001 census recorded a population of 9,608 in Shaw and Nine Elms yet, as indicated above, a walk down Old Shaw Lane does still manage to feel like a stroll in the countryside.
Lower Shaw Farm
Worthy of some particular mention, while we take a pleasurable perambulation down Old Shaw Lane, is the aforementioned Lower Shaw Farm; it being the crucible of Swindon’s festival of literature, a renowned cultural happening of some thirty-odd years standing.
Lower Shaw Farm on Old Shaw Lane Photo credit Ben Cavanna
Grade II listed in 1989, owned by Swindon Borough Council, this 18th century farmhouse sits in grounds that once were part of a much larger dairy farm. Now firmly part of Swindon, this farm once sat in the North Wiltshire countryside – a fact illustrated on the front cover of the flyer you see below.
Since 1980, Matt Holland has been tenant at Lower Shaw Farm. Together with his wife, Andrea Hirsch, Matt has built a centre of small-scale farming, arts and literature – and turned the farm into a valuable resource of both national and international standing.
Lower Shaw Farm flyer
*The Nine Elms hamlet
Frances Bevan conjectured, in the Swindon Advertiser back in 2008, about whether the hamlet took its name from a group of elm trees at a junction in the Swindon to Lydiard Millicent road. But that’s an unconfirmed theory. Be that as it may, the end of the 19th century saw land at Nine Elms, owned by William Breadmore, former farm bailiff at Brook Farm, sold to Henry Carter. Carter built various properties in the hamlet, including a bakery where he later set up business and the Nine Elms public house.
Families looking for free, fun activities this half-term can pop down to a pop-up space for creativity and curiosity at The Brunel Swindon.
Once again, the innovative team behind the Festival of Tomorrow will be staging a week of activities. They’re transforming one of the units at The Brunel Swindon into a centre of imagination.
The ‘Swindon Imaginarium’ will be downstairs, at 13 Plaza next door to High Score Arcades and Blue Banana. It promises fun-filled arts, crafts, activities, experiments and much more. It runs from Monday May 25 to Saturday May 30, between 10am and 4pm, and is completely free.
Free half-term fun – Swindon Imaginarium – October half term 2025
Drop-in sessions
Families can drop in to:
play
make
explore
build
create and discover together, and try something new, in a relaxed, friendly environment.
Louise Halliday, Head of Programming and Outreach for Festival of Tomorrow, said: ‘Swindon Imaginarium will transform a space in The Brunel Swindon. It’ll be one where science and the arts collide. There’ll be free hands-on activities and workshops designed to spark creativity, curiosity and conversation around the ideas and innovations shaping our future.’
Making the project possible is a grant from the Sustainable Futures Programme, funded by the Community Benefit Fund created through the Science Museum Group Wroughton Solar Park. And managed by Wiltshire and Swindon Community Foundation.
Swindon Imaginarium will build on the previous events run at The Brunel Swindon. They’ve attracted hundreds of families and children from across the town.
From Monday to Friday during half-term week, there’ll also be free facepainting (donations encouraged for charity).
A spokesperson for The Brunel Swindon said: ‘We’re thrilled to once again be hosting the team from Festival of Tomorrow. Their events are a big hit with our shoppers and visitors. We’re excited to see what Swindon Imaginarium will bring.’
Swindon invited to Dream in Public. This month, Swindon’s UK City of Culture team are inviting people across Swindon to dare to dream of possible ambitious futures for the town and the country.
As they collect ideas from communities across the town. Bidding teams have a deadline of 10 August to submit their full applications for the next stage of the UK City of Culture competition. It gives winners a £10m grant for a year of celebration in 2029. The selection panel praised the vision and ideas which secured Swindon’s place on the longlist. And now the bidding team will spend the next month gathering ideas from the people of Swindon to build on that vision.
Swindon invited to Dream in Public
Dr Roderick Hebden, of Swindon Culture Collective, who are leading the bid in partnership with Swindon Borough Council, explained:
As we said in the first stage of our bid, Swindon is the hidden engine of modern British life. It’s where things get made, tested, proven and delivered. Our deeper story is one of constant, people-led reinvention. For two centuries, the people who’ve chosen Swindon have pioneered the systems and ideas that build the nation.
The Great Western Rail workforce built locomotives and created civic institutions ahead of their time. Such as the Health Hydro, a radical blueprint for the NHS; the Mechanics’ Institute, home to the UK’s first lending library. Swindon consistently outperforms major cities in productivity. It does it with innovation and waves of new arrivals creating an open, diverse and culturally active town. Swindon’s UK City of Culture plans will support this reset of ambition. And reclaim our history of imagination, invention and quiet national leadership with a bold vision: A Town That Dreams in Public!’
Talking to Swindonians
Swindon Culture Collective will be reaching out to Swindonians across the whole borough to capture their dreams for the future the town and for the UK.
At events across the town, there’ll be fun and creative opportunities to get involved. Both in the town centre, and in local communities and surrounding villages. There’ll also be simple #WeDreamInPublic ‘postcards’ and boxes in libraries and other public places for people to share their ideas and dreams.
People have already started taking part. Including hundreds of Swindon Town Football club supporters joining in at their final home game and audiences at Swindon’s famous Festival of Literature earlier this month.
Whilst the bidding team are still confirming local groups and participating events, and calling for more organisations and events to join the #WeDreamInPublic efforts, these public events are already confirmed for people to take part.
Camerados Public Living Rooms – as part of A Million Acts of Hope:
Weds 13th May at Manor Road Community Garden: 10.30 – 1.00
Weds 13th May at Walcot Skate Park: 3.30 – 6.00
Saturday 16th May at Queens Park: 11.00 – 1.00
Tuesday 19th May in The Brunel Swindon: 10.00 – 1.00
Swindon Imaginarium, The Brunel Swindon – Weds 27th – Saturday 30th May, 11.00 – 3.00
Pick, Plant and Pizza Community Day, John Moulton Hall, Penhill – Friday 29th May:
Swindon Filipino Association Pinoy Food Festival, – Saturday 30th May 1.00 – 5.00, Ellendune Community Centre, Wroughton
Swindon Wordsmiths, The Well, Abbeymeads, Saturday 30th May
Louise Halliday, Swindon Culture Collective, added:
‘For Swindon’s bid, public dreaming is the idea that people shape the future. #Swindon2029 will be a project to imagine new futures together. It will give us an opportunity to explore ideas, test decisions and strengthen opportunity across every area of the borough.
Five challenges will guide our year. All linked to Swindon’s innovative can-do spirit:
democratic futures
young people leading change
humans and technology
climate imagination and collective storytelling and identity.
We’ll create big ‘engine’ moments to showcase Swindon in a bold way. All alongside hyperlocal activity that meets residents where they are, strengthening the bonds between neighbourhoods and the town centre.’
A UK connector
Swindon’s UK City of Culture bid describes the town as a UK connector, pointing out that it stands out in the country as home to national institutions such as:
National Trust
Science Museum Group
Historic England’s Archive
UK Research and Innovation that have national and global reach.
Just as Swindon has long tested the country’s future – from rail to Mondex, chip and PIN and 5G – it’s microcosm of the challenges and opportunities facing UK towns. So Swindon’s UK City of Culture plans can become a national exchange of ideas and collaboration.
Culture makes the ordinary extraordinary
Kate Wyatt, Head of Culture at Swindon Borough Council, said: ‘We know that culture has the power to make familiar places feel extraordinary.
Festivals that transform parks and streets
performances that illuminate industrial heritage
creative trails along green/blue corridors, and community-led events that bring neighbourhoods together.
These moments allow residents to see their town, and their place within it, differently. That shift in imagination is the foundation for long term change. City of Culture 2029 can supercharge what’s already happening in Swindon – using culture to drive economic growth, regeneration, investment, skills and employment. To re-energise our town and ensure every ward of our borough is part of shaping Swindon’s next chapter. Other places have shown that gaining City of Culture status can be transformational. We invite people in every ward of our borough to take part across May to shape ideas for Swindon’s next chapter.’
For those who can’t make it to a public event, Swindonians can get involved on a dedicated UK City of Culture page on the Swindon Culture Collective website:
Businesswise Open Networking Evening with AUTHOR & THRILL SEEKER JAMES GWINNETT.
Business professionals from across Swindon are invited to:
Connect
Collaborate and …
… gain inspiration at the 2026 BusinessWise open networking event. It’s taking place on Thursday 11th June in the town.
Keynote speaker
The Keynote speaker for the evening will be entrepreneur and former Who Dare’s Wins recruit, James Gwinnett, who authored personal development book ‘Ready, Set, Life’. In his book James explores what success looks like and how to unlock infinite potential.
Businesswise Open Networking Evening – James Gwinett
The networking evening will bring together:
Entrepreneurs
Business owners and …
… professionals from a wide range of sectors.
All offering an opportunity to build meaningful connections in a relaxed and supportive environment.
Open to both regular members and newcomers, the event aims to foster collaboration and encourage knowledge sharing among the local business community.
Louise Muir-Sage who chairs the BusinessWise community, said:
We try to hold an open networking event every year to welcome anyone as we’re a single seat group and we’re often at capacity when it comes to membership. Yet we want to give back to the community of Swindon which supports us all. We’re thrilled to welcome James to share his story and offer inspiration.
‘We’ll also be holding a charity raffle on the night to raise funds for our charitable member Dawn Prosser. Dawn represents both Swindon Night Shelter and RENEW – both support vulnerable and lonely people in Swindon.’
James’ book
James’ self-help book explores the mindset and practical strategies needed to create meaningful progress in life and business. Drawing on his own experiences as an entrepreneur and coach, the book encourages readers to
Reflect on their goals
Overcome self-imposed limitations and take deliberate action towards a more fulfilling future.
‘I’m so looking forward to joining the BusinessWise networking evening and meeting people from across the local business community,’ said James. ‘My work focuses on helping people step back, gain clarity and take purposeful action. It’s my hope to share ideas that encourage people to think about what they want from both their work and their lives.’
The aim of the BusinessWise open networking evening is to be welcoming and accessible for those who may be new to networking as well as experienced professionals. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet other business leaders, exchange ideas and hear practical insights from the guest speaker.
