Swindon’s Scintillating Summer of Art. The art scene in Swindon goes from strength to strength each year. And 2025 looks like being even better. Regular art followers will already know about Swindon Open Studios. This is where artists across Swindon open their studio doors and invite the public to see what goes on behind the scenes in September. This year they’ve broken out of their studios, spare rooms and sheds a little earlier. All to take part in Swindon Arts Fringe (SWAF) with a curated exhibition entitled ‘I SOS.’
Artists, both past and present, have been invited to display a piece of work they’ve exhibited over the past 20+ years to celebrate the history of SOS. Showcasing 31 artists, the exhibition tells the fascinating story of this popular community art event over the years.
On display will be a variety of work. It’ll range from artists taking part in their first Open Studios exhibition this September, to a mosaic sculpture by Lynette Thomas. It featured on the cover of a brochure for an open studios event over 20 years ago.
Mixed media artist Sue Ash is a regular participant of SOS. When asked why she was taking part, she said, ‘As a visitor, I love SOS as it allows me to discover a wide spectrum of artists working across many different media. As a participant, I love the community it has created, filled with mutual respect and support.’
Swindon’s Scintillating Summer of Art – SOS Leaflet cover 2003
Poetry Swindon
Poetry Swindonhave teamed up with Swindon Open Studios to run a writing competition with a £50 prize voucher. The theme is to write about Art in Swindon. Sophie Boyce, who runs Poetry Swindon, said, ‘Entry to the competition is free. And we’re hoping to attract a wide range of writers by having prose, poetry and under 15s sections. Poetry Swindon is a friendly group, which meets on the first Wednesday of the month at Lower Shaw Farm.’
Some of the entries will go on display in the exhibition. There’ll be an announcement of the winner at an event at the Bakers Cafe at 2pm on Saturday, 28th June 2025. You’ll find full details of the competition on the Poetry Swindon website.
11 The Carriage Works London Street, SN1 5DG, from 11 am to 5:30 pm daily from Monday, 16th to Sunday, 29th of June 2025, inclusive.
There are four other exhibitions at the venue, covering a variety of topics from Fungi to Broken Britain. It’s free to enter and offers an insight into some of the inspiring visual arts that one can see in and around Swindon this summer.
Kat Morgan – Orange tree in a terracotta potLynette Thomas mosaicSteven LIght SLART_Lost Connection Sue Ash – Elemental
Mind Your Step – and there’s an intentional pun there. Because Barbara Leatham, founder of Barbara Leatham Photography and ‘The Business Lens’, has launched a monthly photography walking event. It’s aim, networking aside, to raise money for Wiltshire Mind.
Barbara came up with the idea of a monthly walking activity for businesses and business owners across Wiltshire to support mental wellbeing. And also to form a ‘visual’ eye to develop photography skills using their smartphones, tablets or cameras.
“’Steps With Purpose’ is my way to support people one mindful step at a time,” said Barbara who lives in Tilshead near Devizes.
It”ll get business people out of their workspace. Then they’ll get time outside, be with like-minded people, and, I trust, learn something new. I want them to start to see the visual potential in the everyday environment. Whether that’s a full vista or a small detail, everything has the possibility to tell a story.’
Mind Your Step – One of Barbara Leatham’s group walks
Opportunity knocks
Being business owners, it’s also an excellent opportunity to do a little networking. And find support from people who are on a similar journey.’
Barbara is encouraging participants to bring a camera or smartphone to join Barbara on her Steps with Purpose event.
‘When taking part, I’ll advise how to take photographs for people’s businesses. It’ll produce a personal gallery of images that they can use for their work, social media, marketing or blogging. It’s invaluable.
This project will raise money for Wiltshire Mind. That’s a local mental health charity which supports people experiencing distress, anxiety and other mental health issues throughout Wiltshire. It provides one-to-one counselling to anyone aged over eleven years old.
Wiltshire Mind
Paul Mills, Chief Executive Officer of Wiltshire Mind, commented on Barbara’s new project.
‘Wiltshire Mind is an independent mental health and wellbeing charity, offering support across our county. We rely on our fantastic community to raise funds for us, enabling us to provide counselling and support groups to adults and young people. Connecting with nature is a key step to improved wellbeing. And Barbara’s ‘Steps with Purpose’ project will not only provide important wellbeing support but also a crucial fundraising stream. Thus ensuring more people can benefit from mental health and wellbeing support.’
These monthly events will be happening across Wiltshire. They’ll take place on Tuesdays and alternate between morning and afternoon excursions.
‘I love teaching, so helping another person and helping raise money for a local charity is brilliant,’ commented Barbara. ‘It won’t matter if I have one person come or twenty, if I can help someone as well as do what I love and pay it forward, it will be soup for the soul for me.’
The first is Tuesday 17th June from 10am to 12-noon at Coate Water Country Park, Swindon.
To partake in the event, Barbara encourages each participant to bring a £10 donation every event for Wiltshire Minds.
Further dates
Tuesday 15th July, 1pm to 3pm in Devizes, Wiltshire.
Tuesday 16th September, 10am to 12-noon at Savernake Forest.
Music for Miniatures returns to the Town Gardens bowl with a brand-new show. This is so lovely for pre-school children. It looks delightful.
Following the success of their previous two performances at the venue, the outstanding Music for Miniatures is returning to the Town Gardens Bowl this Sunday, 8th June. The show forms part of the Old Town Arts Festival’s Fringe Week, with their brand-new show – Under The Sea.
Dive into a magical underwater adventure at Old Town’s iconic outdoor venue. There’s space for the little ones to explore and enjoy the live music in a relaxed atmosphere. Music for Miniatures is the perfect joyful introduction to live music for pre-schoolers. And their grown-ups – to enjoy together this summer.
Music for Miniatures Returns to town gardens this summer
Featuring clarinet, oboe, and the piano, the performance will bring the sea to life. There’ll be music all about:
big fish
little fish
rolling waves
bobbing boats
jolly sailors
tasty ice cream and classic fish and chips.
We guarentee everyone will be splashing along.
The performance begins at 11am on Sunday 8th June 2025. The gates open from 10am to buy tickets, drinks and snacks for the whole family on site.
PINK FLOYD’S LEGACY RETURNSTO SWINDON WITH AN HISTORIC TRIBUTE SHOW AT THE TOWN GARDENS BOWL THIS AUGUST. Saturday the 30th to be precise.
There’s little mention of The New Yorker Discotheque in Swindon. Converted from the original justice court and cells it stood at the top of Milton Road. It became the main music venue for Swindon Mods in the early 60s. They’d congregate there to catch most of the top London Soul/R and B groups of the early sixties.
The New Yorker disco in Swindon – image courtesy of Swindon local studies
A bit list of famous names
The list of acts performing there is pretty comprehensive:
Georgie Fame and the Blue Flames
Geno Washington and the Ram Jam Band – one of the earliest appearances outside London of Cream
and, most significantly, Pink Floyd, performing there on March 25, 1967.
This early gig occurred during the band’s formative years. Before the release of their debut album, The Piper at the Gates of Dawn, in August 1967.
PINK FLOYD’S LEGACY RETURNS – Pink Floyd in 1967
As there was no licenced bar (the Council refused one) the ‘back bar’ of the Rolleston Arms, straight across the road, was where everyone headed during the break.
PINK FLOYD’S LEGACY RETURNS – the Rolleston arms Swindon
A familiar sound
The sounds of Pink Floyd are not unfamiliar in Swindon. But the upcoming ‘Echoes of Floyd’ show at the Town Gardens Bowl will be a landmark event for venue. As far as we know, it’s not hosted a Pink Floyd tribute band before.
‘The Bowl is a perfect setting, outdoors, atmospheric and steeped in local heritage,’ says Nigel Dawson, Manager and drummer of On Thin Ice.
We’re doing more than playing the songs. We’re recreating the Pink Floyd experience with full-scale lighting, lasers, immersive visuals, and note-perfect renditions of classics from:
Meddle
The Dark Side of the Moon
The Wall
Wish You Were Here
Division Bell and many more.’
On Thin Ice have been performing Pink Floyd’s iconic catalogue for over a decade. They’ve earned acclaim for their attention to sonic detail and stagecraft. Their Echoes of Floyd show takes fans on a chronological journey through Floyd’s musical evolution, making it a must-see for die-hard fans and newcomers alike.
With a growing buzz on social media and strong early ticket sales, this could become an epic live music event in Swindon’s 2025 calendar. Organisers are urging fans to book early to avoid disappointment.
Swindon Hub Celebrates Volunteers. Swindon Hub, the town centre’s welcoming, accessible space run by the community, for the community, is marking Volunteers’ Week (2nd–8th June). They’re celebrating the incredible efforts of its 30+ strong volunteer team.
Now in its 41st year, Volunteers’ Week is a UK-wide campaign. It recognises the powerful impact volunteers have across the country. All while encouraging more people to get involved in their communities.
Swindon Hub
Set up in 2021 and run exclusively by volunteers for its first two years, Swindon Hub has grown into a vibrant, inclusive space that’s powered by passion. From its café and bookshop to creative workshops and community support events, the dedication of volunteers shapes every corner of the Hub.
Now operating with one full time staff member and recruiting for a second, the Hub continues to put heavy reliance on its volunteers. They cover two shifts a day, five days a week. Shift leads, event organisers, baristas, IT helpers to bookshop managers. Every role plays a vital part in making Swindon Hub the community cornerstone it’s become.
For long-time volunteer and trustee Jol Rose, the spirit of the Hub lies in connection:
‘Swindon Hub is run by the community, for the community. Our team of volunteers, myself included, love coming here and connecting. We help people feel better connected – and that’s at the heart of why we do it.’
Jaclyn Randle, who is celebrating a year of volunteering, said the Hub offers her a sense of belonging:
‘I step through the doors and it feels like a second home. I have MS and ADHD, and the space here is so inclusive. I’ve never felt like I didn’t fit in. My favourite part? The kids’ play area. I love seeing them having fun, and I even like tidying up after them!’
For many volunteers, giving back has become more than a mere something to do. It’s become a way of life.
Kelly Moss, a key organiser behind the popular Tea & Chat sessions, said:
‘Even when I’m not on shift, I’m here. It’s inclusive, it’s welcoming, and every session caters for different abilities and needs. I’ve helped train other volunteers and supported events, sometimes while I’m having my lunch!’
For Zoe Grimwood, who joined after finishing a 34-year career, the impact is clear:
‘We had a woman come in one night after fleeing an abusive situation. She didn’t even know we existed until she needed us. We gave her a safe place to sit, listened, made her a cup of tea. She came back the next day to say she was safe. That meant everything. More rewarding than any paid job I’ve had.’
Younger volunteers like Freya Miles are also discovering how meaningful community work can be.
I started volunteering after my mum brought me along when I was unemployed. It’s helped my social skills and given me purpose. I help run the IT support sessions and I love it. It feels amazing to be helpful – but I’ve realised it’s actually more effective l than I thought. What we’re doing matters.’
On the lookout
Swindon Hub is always looking for new volunteers to join its growing team. Whether it’s lending a hand behind the café counter, helping to organise events, or offering a warm welcome to visitors. All volunteers receive a supportive onboarding process. That includes:
first aid training
safeguarding awareness
and basic communication skills training to help them feel confident and prepared in their role.
