Magical Debut Swindon Winter Fest. Wet weather did not deter thousands of visitors from turning out for Swindon Winter Fest on Saturday 22nd November. The positive feedback on the inaugural event has overwhelmed the organisers, amongst widespread calls for the new festival to return next week.
Magical Debut Swindon Winter Fest – small boy smiling with pink umbrella
A range of creative activities
Families particularly enjoyed the range of free creative activities on offer. They ranged from festive gingerbread decorating, to learning poi performance, to contributing lines to a collaborative poem.
Another highlight was the transformation of a vacant former Argos store at 19 Canal Walk. It became a dazzling display of soft, glowing lanterns, all handmade by local people.
Involved in creating the enchanting collaborative display were:
Local artists
Swindon school children
Care home residents
Community groups and families
They all got busy making lanterns in the form of toadstools, pine trees and stars. All of which transformed the vacant unit at the Brunel on Canal Walk into magical lantern event.
Hundreds of visitors crafted their own paper-bag luminaries. They then added them to the display, helping the lantern forest shine brighter throughout the day.
By popular request, organisers have announced that the Magical Lantern Forest will also open to visitors on:
‘It’s been wonderful to see local artists and the people of Swindon come together to make something so special. It’s such a joyful antidote to the pressures that people can feel at this time of year. We’ve learned a lot from the event. We’re looking forward to working with the community to build on its successes for next year. In the meantime, we can’t wait to welcome more people this weekend for a last chance to see the Magical Lantern Forest!’
Councillor Marina Strinkovsky, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Placemaking and Planning, added: ‘The town centre buzzed with people and activities last weekend. It was a pleasure to see people respond to the magical lantern trail and the beautiful creations of local artists.
A massive thanks to the Swindon Culture Collective and our other partners for putting on this wonderful event. I can’t wait to see what other brilliant stuff happens in 2026.
‘There are still plenty of things happening across Swindon in December so be sure to keep an eye out on social media to see what’s coming up.’
Families can also continue to join in with the panto-inspired Muddles’ gingerbread trail. Collect a free trail map from Swindon Hub before the 22 December and hunt out decorated characters hidden in local business windows.
Supported by Art’s Council England’s National Lottery Place Partnership fund, Winter Fest is a partnership between:
Swindon Culture Collective
Swindon Borough Council
Wyvern Theatre
Artsite
Gel Studios, and Prime Theatre, along with artists drawn from across the town.
Community Spirit Shines Bright at South Swindon’s Christmas light switch-on events. It makes South Swindon Parish Council happy to announce the success of its 2025 Christmas tree light switch on events. Held across the Parish from 18th-20th November they’ve been a super success. Hundreds of residents attended the celebrations. They brought festive cheer and a strong sense of community to:
Broadgreen
Cavendish Square and …
… Badbury Park.
Community Spirit Shines Bright – Christmas tree and crowd of people
Across the three evenings, each location underwent a transformation. There were bustling festive stalls, live performances from local groups, and family-friendly activities. Local traders kept everyone well fed with tasty treats. And the lively atmosphere offered plenty to enjoy for all ages.
The much-anticipated light switch ons of the community Christmas trees were the highlight of each night. Crowds awaited the countdown full of excitement. And the trees shone across the sites.
Special appearances
Special appearances from Santa delighted younger visitors. All adding an extra touch of magic to the celebrations. The Mayor of Swindon, Cllr Fay Howard, along with several parish councillors, joined the celebrations at each event. It was a joy to see families and neighbours coming together to celebrate the special occasion.
SSPC extends its thanks to all residents for their continued support. Also to Corinium Event First Aid and Platinum Security. They helped ensure each event remained safe, well-managed, and welcoming for all. The Parish Council also wishes to thank the many staff, performers, and traders whose contributions helped make the events such a memorable start to the festive period.
Cllr John Firmin, Vice-Chair of Leisure, Environment & Amenities, said:
All three Christmas lights switch ons received great support from residents. Each reflects the character and spirit of its local community. It was great to see even more activities for children to take part in this year. All along with the growing links with community groups whose contributions help make these events truly special.’
The parish council will share more images from the events on their social media channels in the coming weeks. The Christmas trees will remain in place until early January. That way residents can enjoy them throughout the yuletide.
This update on the ongoing work on Milton Road baths, AKA, the health hydro, comes via the Friends of the Health Hydro and Swindon Borough Council.
The Turkish Baths, in the Health Hydro in Milton Road, are the oldest Victorian Turkish Baths still operating. They’ll be closed for a while longer when the building is reopened, because of the work being carried out on the roof.
Ceramic brick work inside the Turkish baths in the health hydro in SwindonThe Turkish baths inside the the health hydro Swindon – Turkish Baths Roof Emergency Work
Investment
Thanks to investment from Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Capital Fund, specialist conservation teams are beginning work to improve the roof of the Turkish Baths Relaxation Room. This essential phase will safeguard the structure. It’ll prevent further water ingress. Thus ensuring the restoration and upgrade of the interior in a future stage of works.
Phase one works to transform the main entrance, gym, changing rooms and plant areas are nearing completion. Meanwhile, the improvements to restore the Turkish Baths will take longer. That means the baths will not reopen along with the fitness area, changing rooms and main pool in early 2026.
Councillor Marina Strinkovsky, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Placemaking and Planning, said: ‘The Turkish Baths are so iconic. That’s why it’s important we take the time to do this refurbishment as it should be done. Ensuring the roof is weatherproof and secure will be key to making improvements to the interior possible.
‘I’m sad that the baths won’t be reopening along with the gym and the pool. But we’re working hard on funding and refurbishment plans to reopen them as soon as possible.’
Swindon Borough Council has now received planning permission for a second phase of works. This will focus on the main pool and include improvements to the ventilation, accessibility and environmental performance of the main swimming area. All alongside further conservation and restoration work.
The council is working hard to find and secure funding for it.
Barnaby Rich, Swindon Partnership Manager at GLL, the charitable social enterprise that operates the Health Hydro added: “We’re supportive of SBC’s efforts to restore and revitalise the Health Hydro. And the phased approach to what are complex renovations.
‘Restoring the roof of the Turkish Baths relaxation room is an important first step. One which will then enable interior works to take place in due course.’
With the phase one works finishing soon, the Health Hydro will reopen to the public early in 2026. The council and GLL will share more details soon.
Town Gardens Free Christmas Event. This December, South Swindon Parish Council is proud to present a brand-new winter attraction. It’s right in the heart of Swindon’s Old Town, inside the beautiful Town Gardens. And it’s completely free to join in the fun!
The Town Gardens will come to life with a range of free-to-access activities, suitable for all ages. They’ll happen between 12pm and 4pm on 13th, 14th, 20th and 21st December 2025.
Town Gardens Free Christmas Event
What’s occurring?
Visitors can expect a wonderland of Christmas entertainment that celebrates the best of Swindon’s local businesses and artistic talent. Drop in to Santa’s Craft Corner, near the Town Gardens Café. There the whole family will be guided through engaging festive craft projects, perfect for everyone. Stop by a festive food stall and grab yourself and your loved ones a festive tipple from Fandangos’ licensed bar. All while experiencing the diversity of Swindon’s live music offering on the Town Gardens Bandstand. With a range of performances from:
Swindon Hindu Centre
Rhythmix Goa
The Commonweal School
Swindon Brass and many more, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
To complete a visit to the Town Gardens this December, make sure to marvel at a whimsical garden of giant interactive plants. They’re brought to you by the award-winning Air Giants. All before following Swindon Culture Collective’s Magical Lantern Forest deep into the gardens.
Take advantage of free face-painting and glitter art available throughout the day. And visits from beloved Christmas characters throughout each day – including the big man, Santa, himself. All complemented by a choice of drop-in workshops and performances from:
Stilt Walkers UK
Swindon Circus and Outdoor Arts Project
The Bubble Master and …
… Swindon Story Shed.
Tickets not needed
There’s no need to book tickets. All you have to do is turn up between 12pm and 4pm on 13th, 14th, 20th and 21st December 2025 at the Town Gardens, Old Town, SN1 4EX. Parking is available at The Commonweal School for attendees of Christmas in the Town Gardens.
To keep up to date with what’s going on, be sure to follow @SouthSwindonParish on Facebook and Instagram.
Cllr Rebecca Banwell-Moore, Vice-Chair of South Swindon Parish Council, said:
‘We know how much families have enjoyed the Enchanted Gardens Light Trail. But with rising costs, we wanted to offer something everyone can come along and enjoy – without it breaking the bank! We’re delighted to be bringing festive family fun to the Town Gardens this December. With live music, a great community atmosphere, and food and drink stalls with all the treats and flavours of Christmas.’
Swindon Tattoo Artist Finds Apprentice. Award-winning Swindon tattoo artist Tarren Malham had long struggled to find a committed apprentice. She needed someone dedicated to mastering the craft. Someone who’d be a stickler for high standards, but the right candidate remained elusive. Until she realised the perfect person was right under her nose!
And now Tarren (known as Taz), who runs Ruby Lou’s Tattoo Studio, is celebrating as her best friend Liz Dowdell – who she first met 20 years ago – is about to qualify.
Eighteen years’ experience
Taz has been a tattoo artist for 18 years. First as an apprentice herself and then founding Ruby Lou’s in 2011. She’s gone on to win a national award for her tattooing at an industry convention, and is also a published book illustrator.
Keen to bring others into the industry and passionate about maintaining the highest levels of skill and hygiene, Taz was delighted when Liz applied for an apprenticeship.
Now, two years on, Liz is about to become qualified, and will team up with Taz at her studio in the Orbit Centre in Ashcroft Road.
‘I’ve always been artistic. I’ve got a degree in children’s book illustration, so I was lucky enough to get an apprenticeship in Swindon. And that led to a full-time job,’ said Taz.
Swindon Tattoo Artist Finds Apprentice- Liz Dowdell (left) and Taz Malham of Ruby Lous tattoo studio
Entrepreneurial spirit
‘I wanted to set up my own business and particularly wanted to run a female-led tattoo studio, in what was then a male-dominated industry. I trialled one or two apprentices, but they weren’t what I was looking for. When Liz said she wanted to train, I was over the moon!’
Liz is now looking forward to embarking on her career as a qualified tattoo artist.
Liz said: ‘We’ve been best friends since the day we met. I’ve sort of lived Taz’s tattoo apprenticeship journey with her. When my children were a bit older, the time was right for me to join as an apprentice, and I haven’t looked back.’
As well as creating exceptional designs on skin, Ruby Lou’s also specialises in brow and scalp micropigmentation, to give the appearance of hair. And Taz is often recommended by a local surgeon to create areola tattoos for women who’ve undergone breast cancer surgery.
While the tattooing industry remains unregulated, Taz believes it’s too easy for people to take a short course, often online, and set up their studios.
She said: ‘The way to becoming a qualified tattoo artist is to take an apprenticeship in a reputable tattoo studio. That’s one with an experienced practitioner. Then, learn everything there is to know about tattooing and,most important, high standards of hygiene.’
Taz and Liz are now looking forward to growing the business. As both have ADHD, they particularly welcome neurodiverse people among their clients, providing a safe space and calming atmosphere.
