Festival of Tomorrow Booking Open at www.festivaloftomorrow.com – Prepare to explore Our Future Earth as the Festival of Tomorrow announces unmissable 2025 programme.
Get ready to experience the Earth from a new perspective! Swindon’s popular Festival of Tomorrow returns with more venues, events and activities than ever before from the 12 to 23 February.
The festival, which takes place each February, will bring together artists, performers, researchers, universities, charities and organisations from across the UK. Between them they’ll explore the theme Our Future Earth. And they’ll do it through a programme of spectacular performances, thought-provoking discussions, immersive art, hands-on workshops and FREE drop-in activities for all ages.
Festival of Tomorrow Booking Opens 10 Feb – Luke Jerram – Gaia
Luke Jerram and Gaia
Bristol-based artist’s Luke Jerram’s giant touring Earth artwork, Gaia, will be presented at Steam Museum during the half-term week. It’s at the heart of a curated programme of:
Events
FREE family activities
Workshops
Performances and exhibits inviting festivalgoers to re-imagine the Earth of the future
Measuring six metres in diameter, Gaia features 120dpi detailed NASA imagery of the Earth’s surface. The artwork provides a unique opportunity to see our planet on this scale, floating in three-dimensions.
Shoppers at the Designer Outlet will journey into the heart of our blue planet. They’ll do it with a fin-tastic sea creature superpowers family trail and immersive activities from Incredible Oceans. All including the opportunity to get up close and personal with fascinating items like an orca skull, shark jaws and dolphin leg bones.
Meanwhile, Swindon-based Neon Dance will present a fascinating sound installation activated by the moving body. That’s including wearable sound sculptures which bring together music, dance, art and technology. Plus look out for a team of young guerrilla street theatre scientists who will be enlisting your help in their experiments.
Festival favourites
Festival favourites Air Giants will return to Swindon with HotHouse. Look forward to an interactive garden of 2.5 metre tall other-worldly plant sculptures, brought to life with movement, light, air and Air Giant’s pioneering robotic technology. The installation will form the focal point of nature-inspired creative activities at the historic Carriageworks. Including the Festival of Tomorrow’s first ever Open Art Exhibition featuring submissions from talented local artists of all ages and experience. Visitors will also be able to register to take part in a series of free workshops with Artist-in-Residence, Jo Beal and other creatives.
The programme also includes evening entertainment for adults and teens. There’ll be a fun alternative to your standard Valentines’ date night in the form of FoxDog Studio’s RoboBingo. That’s an interactive, smartphone powered comedy act like no other. Storyteller Carl Gough blends myth, personal narrative and vivid true-life stories in his unique one-man storytelling show, Nexus – organised by local voluntary organisation, Forging Fantastical. Also featured will be a special Sofa Screening of the compelling documentary, Cyborg. It explores self-design and humanity’s technological future-to-be. All followed by Q&A and discussion with director Carey Born and a panel of expert speakers.
Discovery, innovation and creativity
The excitement culminates in two action-packed days of discovery, innovation and creativity for all ages at the festival finale. It’s hosted once again by the Deanery CE Academy on Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd February. Visitors can look forward to exploring four FREE interactive Discovery Zones packed with:
Amazing demos
Intriguing exhibits
Hands-on activities and …
… challenges and free workshops from organisations including:
The James Dyson Foundation
Catalent
The University of Bath
Swindon Paint Festival
The European Space Agency
Kings College London
the Woodland Trust and United Kingdom Research and Innovation (UKRI).
Festivalgoers of all ages will be able to journey to the stars with a free planetarium show. They can also:
Imagine the technologies of the future through a space-inspired art workshop
Delve into how the body works
Meet the organisations working to protect our planet
Or meet T-1-FNY. That’s the only domesticated battlefield robot, in a special display from Swindon-based creative manufacturing company Podpadstudios exploring how AI and machine learning are changing the world.
And if that’s not enough excitement, the line-up of inspiring talks and spectacular family shows are sure to get you fired up!
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Chief Executive, Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser, said: ‘The Festival of Tomorrow is an important part of Swindon’s cultural calendar. I have so enjoyed the festival over the last four years. There’s always a great range of exhibits and activities, taking a hands-on approach to telling the stories of research and innovation. I’m delighted that UKRI is supporting the festival. It brings together researchers and innovators and a wide range of people to learn from each other. Further it brings to life the programmes and projects that we fund across the UK.’
Book early! …
… the immortal words of Fred Pontin on his TV ad from a million years ago are worth heeding. Indeed organisers are urging festivalgoers to book early at www.festivaloftomorrow.com to secure their spots on ticketed events and workshops, after many shows soon booked up last year.
Tickets for under 18s are free for almost all events. An adult ticketholder must accompany under-16s.
Some of this year’s must-see highlights include:
Top ticket picks for families
Marine Monsters
An exciting show from marine biologist and presenter, Dr Elizabeth Mills. Learn how your favourite UK sea creatures move, feed and protect themselves. Then decide as an audience which of those are your favourite ways to create a Marine Monster to life at the end of the show. Expect props, costumes, fun facts, experiments, audience participation and lots of laughter!
Fuel the Future
Discover the science behind generating, transferring, and storing electricity. And the technology used to make society more sustainable through a medley of mind-blowing demonstrations from the Royal Institution.
Bass in Your Face
Noisy Toys promise to:
Fill the theatre with with booming bass vibrations
Send lentils flying
Make crazy sounds from some unexpected objects
Expose some fake magic and wake up some dancing Oobleck monsters with their interactive show packed with demonstrations.
Bass in your face noisy toys show
Bakineering – The Voyage
Join aerospace engineer, creator and judge of Netflix’s Baking Impossible, Andrew Smyth, on an edible exploration of the engineering that helps us travel around the planet in safety. From the secrets of edible boats to a survivable crash test, expect to have your curiosity whisked up!
The Science of Jurassic World
Join author and science presenter, Jon Chase, for an entertaining exploration of the science behind the much-loved movie franchise that helped to change the way we see dinosaurs. Features roarsome raps and bundles of dinosaur facts; fun for all the family!
I’m a Scientist – Get Me Out of Here
Time for the audience to take charge. Five working scientists subject themselves to interrogation by the audience, with trials of Science Fact vs Fiction. Hosted by literal and professional nanochemist, Dr Suze Kundu, in this show the scientists will compete to get your votes by giving truthful answers to your questions and trash-talking the others. Suitable for ages 8 – 80.
No bugs get harmed in the production of this event.
For adults and teens
What if you could see music?
Award-winning composer, pianist, and a developer of the app Shazam, Charlie Hooper-Williams invites you to find out, in a unique performance experience where sound and visuals come together in real time. Playing alongside Otto—a custom-built live projections system he coded—his music takes on another dimension, with visuals that respond to every note and gesture. This is a performance that’s both stunning and human. It’s intricate, virtuosic piano playing paired with imagery that amplifies its emotional core.
Building a green future
Festival Director, Dr Roderick Hebden quizzes Prof Dame Ottoline Leyser, CEO of UK Research and Innovation on the UK’s plans to build a green future. That’s one of the key themes of UKRI Strategy 2022-2027. What does it mean in practice? How will we get there and what difference can the UK make to tackle such a huge global challenge?
Satellites and Climate Action: Monitoring Greenhouse Gases from Space
Join us for a panel discussion with leading climate scientists and satellite engineers to explore how state-of-the art sensors and space-based information is reshaping and accelerating the fight against climate change and the urgent shift towards a sustainable, low-carbon future.
Mysteries of the Antarctic seas
A live ship-to-shore conversation with researchers on the ice breaker Polarstern scouring the depths off Antarctica for amazing creatures. Thus giving the Festival of Tomorrow an exclusive live insight into science at the world’s most remote and vulnerable environment. Expect a guided tour of the ship, too!
Inside the Hawking Building: Behind-the-scenes with the Science Museum Group
Television presenter Dallas Campbell joins the festival via live link from behind the scenes in the brand-new Hawking Building at the Science Museum Group’s Science and Innovation Park in Swindon.
Home to over 300,000 items – from a towering tramcar to an x-ray telescope – the Hawking Building is transforming public access to our shared scientific heritage. Joining Dallas will be Jessica Bradford, the Science Museum’s Head of Collections and Principal Curator. She’ll take you on a tour through some of the most remarkable stories under this one gigantic roof.
The Science Museum’s Science director and author, Roger Highfield will be live in the room to introduce the session and answer questions.
Bristol-based artist’s Luke Jerram’s giant touring Earth artwork, Gaia, will be presented at Steam Museum during the half-term week. It’s at the heart of a curated programme of:
Ready to thrill you with fun and naughty moments, Richard O’Brien’s legendary rock ‘n’ roll musical, The RHS returns to Swindon soon. It comes as part of a new world tour, featuring Holby City star and Strictly Come Dancing winner Joe Mcfadden as the narrator.
The Rocky Horror Show| Wyvern Theatre| Mon 24 February 2025 – Sat 1 March 2025
Over 35 million theatregoers have seen the Rocky Horror Show – the tale of two squeaky clean college kids – Brad and his fiancée Janet.
When by a twist of fate, their car breaks down outside a creepy mansion whilst on their way to visit their former college professor, they meet the charismatic Dr Frank-n-Furter. Cue an adventure they’ll never forget, filled with fun, frolics, frocks and frivolity.
Directed by Christopher Luscombe, The Rocky Horror show is the biggest party. It features timeless classics, including Sweet Transvestite, Dammit Janet, and of course, the pelvic thrusting showstopping Time Warp.
Reviews
★★★★★ The Telegraph
‘FIERCE AND FABULOUS FUN!’ Daily Express
‘STILL THE SEXIEST & FUNNIEST SHOW IN TOWN’ Evening Standard
‘The Rocky Horror Show is a musical with music, lyrics and book by Richard O’Brien. A humorous tribute to various B movies associated with the science fiction and horror genres from the 1930s to the early 1960s, the musical tells the story of a newly engaged couple getting caught in a storm and coming to the home of a mad transvestite scientist, Dr Frank-N-Furter, unveiling his new creation, Rocky, a sort of Frankenstein-style monster in the form of an artificially made, fully grown, physically perfect muscle man complete “with blond hair and a tan”.
1000 downloads for podcast that tells the unvarnished truth about the world of social care. Hosted by Wiltshire social care specialist Janet Shreeve, the podcast explores the world of a system which is struggling to cope.
Janet’s podcast ‘You Care, I Care’ launched in late 2023. It features advice and tips to anyone working in the field of care. Further it explores all the varied individuals working in the sector as well as those in need of care. And what social care looks like today.
‘I’m thrilled so many people have engaged with the podcast at such an early stage. I’d like to thank all my guests who’ve taken part to date,’ Janet said.
‘During 2025, I’ll be sharing more stories for those trying to access care, for whatever reason, those who have received great care and those who have not. I’ll also be sharing the stories of many people within the social care sectors from business owners, through to specialists, staff and carers themselves.’
1000 Downloads for Podcast – Janet Shreeve
Podcasts to date
To date, Janet’s top podcasts are:
1. Carer David ‘Budge’ Price, from Swindon and his social care nightmare around caring for his wife Gina.
2. Yourwaybristol – with Josh Doherty. Josh shares his story of how he entered the world of social care and the organisation he now runs in Bristol.
3. Yusuf Abubaker sharing his inspiring tale of working within the care industry in the Gloucestershire, Bristol, Swindon and Bath area.
4. From the SAS of the NHS to CQC Compliance with Joey Williams-Pears. Joey shares her journey into social care and why she’s concerned and frustrated around red tape.
5. How divorce led to a different way to care with qualified divorce and relationship coach Vanessa White who lives in the Cotswolds.
2025 plans
You Care, I Care will continue into 2025 releasing two episodes a month. The interviews are, in the main, recorded at the studios of Swindon 105.5 in Liden, Swindon. Coming up in the early part of the year are:
Vicki Head talking about the challenges of securing care for a child – and then adult child – with needs.
· An update from Swindon carer Budge Price on his continued search for support for his wife Gina.
· Dan Burner from Dan Burner Coaching sharing his story about working in care.
I’ve got some amazing episodes to come as I talk to more interesting people about all aspects of care generally and social care in particular. I will also be updating some stories where progress has been made – or not. I have a strong belief that many people learn from the experiences of others so I’m planning to continue this podcast.
You can find ‘You Care, I Care’ on the usual podcast platforms. And also on the website of Shreeve Care Services here – https://shreevecareservices.co.uk/
Transforming the Bothy Gardens. When Jules Gilleland and Mark Wheeler stumbled across a forgotten Georgian walled garden in Wiltshire during the height of the pandemic in December 2020, they were looking at more than a property. They’d discovered a wild, overgrown dream.
‘Think jungle-level brambles, crumbling walls and a greenhouse from a post-apocalyptic movie,’ Jules said. ‘For most, it would’ve been a hard pass. For us it was love at first sight.’
Transforming the Bothy Gardens – Jules Gilleland and Mark Wheeler in the Bothy Gardens on the Burderop Estate, Chiseldon, near Swindon. Picture taken by Barbara Leatham.
A special milestone
This December marks a special milestone for the pair behind Bothy Gardens. The reason being that they celebrate the fourth anniversary of discovering the site on the Burderop estate. Their journey of restoring the forgotten Georgian walled garden and Grade II-listed Bothy into a vibrant haven of creativity, nature and heritage has been ambitious.
‘When we first walked into the space, we thought, ‘How hard can it be?’ Jules laughs. ‘Spoiler: it has been very hard. But it’s also been the most rewarding adventure we could imagine.’
Restoring Bothy Gardens hasn’t been without its twists and turns. And the odd encounter with bats – both literal and figurative.
Planning approval alone, at first estimated at eight weeks, stretched to an eye-watering twenty-one months. That was due to sensitive conservation requirements. Meanwhile, their first contractor left behind a trail of leaky roofs, missing plumbing and unburied water lines. All that forced Jules and Mark to rebuild their team of trades people and much of the work.
Despite these setbacks, the duo retained their vision and sense of humour. This October, they celebrated a major milestone: installing all the windows and doors in the Bothy.
‘It felt,’ Mark said, ‘like the house was finally exhaling after holding its breath for decades. Every day we love it a little more.’
Wrought iron gateThe BothyBothy gardens greenhouse restoration
No ordinary project
Bothy Gardens is no ordinary restoration project. The vision is grand. A rare plant wholesale nursery, a gleaming Victorian greenhouse, a garden library and a creative studio for workshops and educational programmes.
But it’s not all about the big ideas. Jules and Mark have spent the past four years refurbishing the smallest details. For instance, saving all original stones, bricks, and metal guttering. And rejuvenating the soil in the walled garden that hadn’t been touched in decades.
Mark, also known as ‘The Plant Hunter’ for his expertise in rare horticulture, explains: ‘It’s a place that feels alive again. And as much as history, it’s also about the future. It’s about teaching people to grow, connect, and find inspiration in the natural world.’
Later in the year, horticulture, design, and creative thinking courses will welcome people from all walks of life to learn, create, and grow in this extraordinary space.
‘Bothy Gardens is more than a project—it’s a passion,’ Jules says. “We’ve learned so much over these four years. From the importance of choosing the right tradespeople to the joy of celebrating small victories like the day our greenhouse finally stood proud after its facelift.’
While the restoration is far from complete, Jules and Mark embrace the quirks and surprises of reviving this historic gem. Mark adds: ‘If there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that gardens and old buildings have a mind of their own. You’re not only restoring them—you’re building a relationship.’
Earlier this year I had the joy of visiting the Bothy and the garden and meeting Jules and Mark who are both delightful people. I decided to include the bothy in my Swindon in 50 More buildings series because of its history as part of the Burderop Manor estate and … well because it’s something a bit different. Find that post here:
Wiltshire Author Celebrates Third Novel. Lis McDermott, a Royal Wootton Bassett-based author and poet, has released her third novel, The Identity Enigma.
Following the success of her debut novel, He is Not Worthy (2022), and her second novel, Echoes of Drowning, earlier this year, Lis hasn’t sat on her laurels. Indeed she continues to delight audiences with her powerful storytelling. While each of her novels stands alone, readers will enjoy the subtle crossovers of characters and settings, creating a unique thread that connects her works.
Wiltshire Author Celebrates Third Novel
The themes
The Identity Enigma explores themes of self-discovery, family secrets, and the search for truth. With its vivid settings and human characters, the story examines how the echoes of the past can shape the present, sometimes in unexpected ways.
The book has already been well received by readers. The novel has garnered multiple 5-star reviews on Amazon following its promotion through a recent book blog tour. Lis said ‘I’m thrilled by the positive response to The Identity Enigma. Seeing readers connect with the story and share their thoughts has been incredible. The 5-star reviews mean so much to me as a writer. I’m grateful to everyone that’s supported the book so far.’
Lis has built a reputation for her ability to blend emotional depth with gripping narratives. And The Identity Enigma continues to showcase her talent for crafting stories that resonate on a deep level with readers.
Speaking about the inspiration for the novel, Lis said ‘I’m fascinated by the themes of identity. And how the secrets we hold – whether our own or those of others – can define who we are.’
‘Writing The Identity Enigma allowed me to unravel these complexities, and it thrills me to share this journey with readers.’
Lis also revealed exciting news about her next project during the launch. ‘I’ve made a start on the next book, with over 18,000 words already written. It’s going to be part of a series, which I’m currently referring to as a ‘forest, family saga.’
Lis’ repertoire
As a prolific writer, Lis’s literary repertoire includes three novels, four poetry collections, and two non-fictio books. Beyond her own work, she mentors aspiring authors, guiding them through the publishing process.
