EVENT MOVED TO SUNDAY 1ST DECEMBER DUE TO ADVERSE WEATHER ON SUNDAY 24TH NOVEMBER.

EVERYTHING WILL STAY THE SAME EXCEPT THE DATE.

Old Town has booked The Voice finalists and 'Swindon Eye' for Christmas Festival

The Old Town Christmas Festival returns on Sunday 24th November with an afternoon of live performances, local food and drink stalls, a fun fair on Wood Street and including a new ferris wheel. Running from 12pm to 6pm the event will once again be a major focal point of Swindon's Christmas festivities and will feature the switching on of the Old Town Christmas lights, including the new carpet of LED’s above Victoria Road.

The Festival has expanded in recent years to encompass, not only a road closure on Wood Street, but also at the top of Victoria Road to make way for the bigger stage, capacity and extra stalls. This year marks a milestone for the festival as it welcomes a ferris wheel for the first time. Joining the Old Town skyline the big wheel promises to offer visitors a one-of-a-kind view of the event.

The highlight of the day will be the performances on the festival’s main stage with headliners Billy & Louie, finalists on ITV's The Voice. The twins are set to bring their powerful vocals, which were supported by Tom Jones’ team on the reality TV show, to the heart of the Old Town. 

Entertainment manager Evie Em-Jay said ' We are proud to showcase some of the town's best talent to the main stage including party hits duo Backbeat, singer songwriter Drew Bryant and some of our talented performing arts groups Pauline Quirke Academy, Raising Aspirations Academy plus a spectacular headline performance from Wilkes Academy. After the lights go on crowds will also be celebrating the Oasis Live '25 Tour with 'Liam' and 'Noel' from UK’s number one Oasis tribute act “Oasish”. They are the only tribute endorsed by Liam Gallagher and will be bringing a set of Oasis' greatest hits. 

"At the heart of the Old Town Christmas Festival is the ethos of community, family, and celebration", said Kris Talikowski, Chairman of the Old Town Business Association. "Local businesses and residents come together for an amazing festive experience that has become a cornerstone of Swindon’s Christmas season. This year’s event is also raising funds for the Prospect Hospice as we did at the Old Town Festival revival.”

In a bid to make the festival accessible while covering its costs, organisers are asking for a small ticket donation of £1.25 per person. These donations will help support the event and ensure its continued success in future years. The festival is sponsored by local businesses including Los Gatos, Deacons, Dominos Old Town, Charles Harding, and Sinewave, and is in partnership with South Swindon Parish Council.

Sponsors

BUY TICKETS

Entertainment line up:

1.20pm - Rising Aspirations Academy 

1.40pm - Backbeat 

2.25pm - Pauline Quirke Academy 

2.45pm - Drew Bryant 

3.30pm - Ministry of Samba 

4.05pm - Wilkes Academy

4.25pm - Billy & Louie 

5.10pm - Oasish 

Photos from last year’s event

Swindon Welcomes Ukraine proudly presents Spirit of Resistance - a theatrical charity event dedicated to supporting Ukraine.

This event is a powerful tribute to Ukraine's enduring spirit of resistance, deeply rooted in rich cultural traditions and beautifully embodied in the Vyshyvanka - traditional embroidered garments, and Ukraine’s symbol of identity, strength, and survival.

Event Highlights Include:

-A catwalk showcasing traditional, modern, and designer Vyshyvankas – a true visual spectacle!

-Live a Capella singing from Kozachky ensemble - Ukrainian choir formed in 2022 in Bristol

-A moving blend of live performances, theatre, and storytelling, celebrating Ukrainian`s spirit and hope.

-An exhibition and auction of contemporary art giving you the opportunity to take home an original piece of Ukrainian craftsmanship.

-Drinks and homemade Ukrainian treats available for donations during the interval.

19th October, 5–8 pm (doors open at 4:30 pm)

Christ Church, 26 Cricklade Road, Old Town, Swindon, SN1 3HG

Tickets - suggested donation of £10 – available for booking on Swindon Welcomes Ukraine website. Booking in advance is recommmended, though limited tickets may be available at the door.

Why It Matters

100% of the proceeds will support Hospitallers, a Ukrainian charity delivering life-saving supplies to paramedics on the front lines, and The First Voluntary Mobile Hospital (PDMSh), Ukraine's largest non-governmental initiative that deploys civilian medical personnel to conflict zones where healthcare systems have collapsed, to ensure soldiers and civilians receive the urgent attention they need.

Your attendance will make a real impact and directly contribute to their vital efforts.

Stand with Ukraine and experience its rich history, woven into every stitch and performance.

For tickets and more details, visit: www.ukraineswindon.com/events/spirit-of-resistance.

Join us for a fantastic day of golf and support a great cause at our annual Old Town Golf Day, benefiting the Old Town Business Association.

Over the years, the Golf Day has grown in popularity, and this year's event promises to be the biggest and most successful yet, thanks to the incredible support from local businesses.

You'll have the opportunity to be a part of one of the 20 teams of 4 players, teeing off at Broome Manor Golf Course. After the game, we'll gather for a lunch, followed by an exciting auction and raffle in the elegant Guest Suite at the club.

Whether you're a seasoned pro or a casual player, this golf day is all about having fun and enjoying the game.

Running order for the day 

7.30am – Registration with Breakfast and Tea/Coffee

8.30am – Shotgun Start

12.30pm – Longest Putt Competition                                    

1.30pm – Food served in the Fairways Restaurant            

2.30pm – Auction, Raffle Prizes and Prize Presentation

Old Town has a strong sense of community, and many shops, bars, restaurants, salons, and services have generously contributed to the auction and raffle prizes. Their contributions play a significant role in helping us reach and exceed our fundraising target.

All the funds raised during the event will be dedicated to organising the Old Town Christmas Festival. This beloved outdoor celebration honours Old Town's businesses, achievements, and local heroes. The highlight of the festival is the enchanting light switch-on street party, featuring Food and Drink Stalls, Santa's Grotto, captivating live stage shows, and engaging children's activities.

Register your team below and be a part of this wonderful initiative.

Victorian Old Town tour: in the footsteps of Richard Jefferies

This Heritage Open Days event, organised by the Richard Jefferies Museum, is an early-evening guided urban tour exploring Victorian Swindon Old Town. The group will explore the area around the Lawn, old Market Square and a circuit of nearby streets, visiting some of the places associated with, or familiar to the nature-writer Richard Jefferies when he lived in this area.

Walk distance - approximately 2 miles/4 km, mostly on public pavements/footpaths with hard surface. Not suitable for dogs.

This is a free event, however, places are limited. To secure a place, please book via email walks@richardjefferies.org. Please indicate “HODs, Old Town” or similar in header.

Swindon’s Annual Street Food Festival & Paint Fest Returns to Old Town!

The outdoor Food and Drink Festival is taking place on September 1st, 2024, from 12:00 to 5:00 pm on Wood Street, Old Town. This year’s festival will once again collaborate with Paint Fest (31 August and 1 September), offering a weekend filled with local food, live music, and captivating street art.

Lineup for the day:

12.30 - JOL ROSE

13.30 -  DREW BRYANT

14.30 - TILDY

15.15 RHYS HUMPHREYS

16.15 - MINISTRY OF SAMBA  

A wide variety of delicious food and drinks from local vendors will be available from Soleluna Pizza, Roots Plant Kitchen, Chef Aziz, Leyvan Spice, Balulas, C&C Caterers, Howies, Blue Goose Mobile Bar and Hop Kettle. For those craving something sweet, Glamorose Cupcakes, Mama’s Sweets, Sugar Shack, Churros España will have all sorts of treats on offer, as well as  ice cream from Diego and Glamorose .

Organised by the Old Town Business Association, the Street Food Festival & Paint Fest has been created to bring people together and celebrate Swindon’s vibrant community. The event encourages locals and visitors to get to know and support local businesses, experience Swindon’s amazing food, music and live painting demonstrations taking place throughout the day. 

Join our Light up a Life celebration and support vital hospice care in your community.
Our annual remembrance service, Light up a Life, brings together hundreds of people from across our community who have been touched by loss. It is a time for us to collectively reflect on the year and think about our loved ones who are no longer with us. Join us as we gather to celebrate their lives and support each other.
We are delighted to be able to again hold the Light up a Life service at the beautiful and atmospheric Christ Church in Old Town, Swindon. We will be holding two services on Sunday 3 December at 2.30pm and 4pm. You can choose which time you would prefer to attend. Please confirm attendance here www.prospect-hospice.net/lightupalife

The Community Centre is turning 10 years old this year. Why not come along to our fun anniversary quiz night in partnership with the Old Town Residents Association on Friday 1st December 2023. Doors open at 7pm, games begin at 7.30pm. There will be some questions specific to Old Town and Christ Church plus some other fun rounds. Teams of 2-6 people. Only £6 each. Food included (half a pizza per person) as part of your ticket price. Pay bar available. What are you waiting for? Book now before it's too late.

This is a paid event, book tickets here

Old Town Christmas Festival is back

We are back for another year of our new format Christmas Festival. Taking over 2 streets (Wood Street and the top of Victoria Road) the event will host up to 10,000 over 5 hours on Sunday 26th November 2023 from 12-5.30pm.

A huge stage on Victoria Road will host lots of performers and artists. as well as a giant Fun Fair and 20 food and drink stalls on Wood Street selling all sorts of food and drink.

The event is made possible due to our amazing sponsors South Swindon Parish Council, Deacons, Los Gatos and Dominos Old Town.

We are asking for a £1.25 donation per person attending the event to help cover the costs. You can buy your tickets here.

Line up:

12pm - Event opens for food, drink and the fun fair
1pm - Pauline Quirk Academy
1.20pm - Farrell’s School of Irish Dance
1.40pm - Steven Tilley
2.10pm - Ella Rae
2.40pm - Blank Canvas
3.05pm - Emma Doupe
3.35pm - Dance Roots Africa
3.55pm - Steve Mitchell as George Michael
4.30pm - Wilkes Academy
4.45pm - 5pm - Switch on
5.05pm - Let it Shine - A Tribute to Take That

Get your ticket now

Watch the video from last year’s event

Map of the event

Off the back of their regular monthly sell out shows at The Hop Inn, Swindon Old Town Comedy Club presents its first ever Winter Showcase, taking place on Saturday Nov 25th at the Christ Church Community Centre (Cricklade Road, Old Town)

This event is a Saturday night pro comedy show featuring the UK's best Stand Up Comedian's headlining the evening, supported by the hottest up and coming talent from across the circuit! All hosted by Swindon's own Sam Michael ("Hilarious" - BBC Wiltshire)

The headliner for the evening is UK comedy circuit legend Matt Price!

Matt Price is known for having some of the most extraordinary and outrageous stories drawn from the wilder side of life. Hailing from Cornwall; he brings true warmth and heart to the stage whilst finding some audacious laughs in the most unexpected places.

Matt’s charm and talent have made him a favourite on the UK and International circuit and whether he is compering or performing a set, he has the expertise to win over even the toughest of audiences.

"Price is a terrific comedian and wonderful storyteller" - The Scotsman

​"A guy spinning some yarns, extraordinary in their telling" - Steve Bennett, Chortle

Supported by Michael Kohlweg (As seen on ITV, BBC and Sky) along with rising stars Natalie Prescott and Ollie Young)

Buy tickets

The Mayor opens the event at 11am along with Father Christmas. Lots of local charities and organisations have stalls. There will be a chance to visit the Ringing Room in the Bell Tower (timed entries), Christ Church choir will sing and the Hand Bell Ringers will perform during the event

Ukrainian family in Swindon announce pop-up restaurant night in Old Town called ‘UkraineFeast’

The Patsora family, who fled the war in Ukraine for the UK, have partnered with Old Town restaurant ‘Pick Up Point’ and are launching their first pop-up restaurant night on 23rd October. The aim is to bring the flavours of Ukraine to an English audience served over 5 courses. The event will also raise funds for Swindon Welcomes Ukraine and Ukrainian aid charities.

The Patsora family have a history of cooking and baking with mother Iryna specialising in pastries and cakes and father Viktor in traditional Ukrainian cooking including baking of sourdough bread. The restaurant night is the first of its kind for Swindon bringing together authentic tastes from Ukraine but adapted in a modern way.

Tanya Tymofeienko, who is leading on the project said, “The food the family make is delicious and should really showcase the best of Ukrainian dishes and tastes. We are really excited to be bringing this to Swindon”.

The night is focussed on five courses of traditionally inspired food, but also with live music from Ukrainian musicians, and an auction of Ukrainian items. The profit from the food, and the auction funds will be split with 50% going towards the work of Swindon Welcomes Ukraine and 50% to Ukrainian Aid Charities they support.

Daughter Yulia added, “we aspire to open our own small bakery or cafe in the future sharing the richness of Ukrainian cuisine with this welcoming town that has become our second home, a place where we've encountered unwavering support. If you join us for our Ukrainian evening, you'll be the first to try our food and support our family in starting our business.”

Providing the venue and working with the family is Josh West, a top chef who has been running his own restaurant in Swindon for the last 2 years, having worked in London and the Cotswolds for five star restaurants. Josh is donating his time, expertise and his restaurant to support the Patsora’s in the first Ukrainian restaurant night.

Kris Talikowski, Vice-chair of Swindon Welcomes Ukraine added, “First we had UkraineFest, a one day festival celebrating Ukrainian culture, music and food in the Town Gardens, and now we are so excited to bring an authentic and frankly amazing menu of delicious Ukrainian food with UkraineFeast. I’ve tried the food and it’s incredible and I think Swindon is going to love it too”.

To book your tickets go to https://www.ukraineswindon.com/store/p/ticket-for-ukrainian-pop-up-restaurant-night or book below.

Sourdough Studio Instagram

Folky music session in the prow of the Beehive. Tunes and songs from England/Ireland/Scotland/Wales and further afield.
Playing together rather than an open-mic type event.
This group welcomes beginners.

This session takers place every fortnight or so.

Come join fellow electronic and experimental music geeks in an open mic like no other. All welcome.

Step out of your home studio and into the light of a listening and appreciative audience. Bring Laptops, synths, drum machines, loop stations, groove boxes, sequencers, samplers, iPads, modular devices, keyboards, decks, effects pedals, bring analogue and digital devices of all kinds!

Everyone is welcome, whether you're a participant or an audience member.

Join us for a fantastic day of golf and support a great cause at our annual Old Town Golf Day, benefiting the Old Town Business Association.

Over the years, the Golf Day has grown in popularity, and this year's event promises to be the biggest and most successful yet, thanks to the incredible support from local businesses.

You'll have the opportunity to be a part of one of the 20 teams of 4 players, teeing off at Broome Manor Golf Course. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a casual player, this golf day is all about having fun and enjoying the game. After the game, we'll gather for a lunch, followed by an exciting auction and raffle in the elegant Guest Suite at the club.

Old Town has a strong sense of community, and many shops, bars, restaurants, salons, and services have generously contributed to the auction and raffle prizes. Their contributions play a significant role in helping us reach and exceed our fundraising target.

If you would like to donate a prize, please contact Emma Barratt (emma@andersonwm.co.uk or 07970 646983).

All the funds raised during the event will be dedicated to organising the Old Town Christmas Festival. This beloved outdoor celebration honours Old Town's businesses, achievements, and local heroes. The highlight of the festival is the enchanting light switch-on street party, featuring Food and Drink Stalls, Santa's Grotto, captivating live stage shows, and engaging children's activities.

Register your team below and be a part of this wonderful initiative.

Friends of Old town have rebranded the sausage & ale festival into the more inclusive Street Foods Festival for 2023

The outdoor food and drink Festival that takes over Wood Street for the first Sunday in September is back and this time acknowledging the diversity of their food vendors, are changing the name. Yes there will still be sausages and ales, but also a host of foods from across the world as well as live music throughout the day, and lots of fun for all the family.

The Street Foods Festival is also the same weekend as Swindon Paint Fest so the 2 events are collaborating, so live street art will also be going on on the day too.

Old Town hosts Swindon’s biggest Street party and a Sovereign Trail for the King’s Coronation

Wood Street in Old Town will come alive on Sunday 7th May as the community comes together to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III. Alongside the large street party, is Old Town’s first Sovereign trail, where someone will win a £500 King’s Sovereign coin from Deacons Jewellers. 

The Friends of Old Town hold three big street events each year attracting thousands to the area.  In May last year, they held a Jubilee celebration for Queen Elizabeth II, and this year they will celebrate the King’s Coronation with a big street food market, featuring live local entertainment and drinks from Old Town favourites, The Tuppenny and Hop Kettle.

Organisers are expecting 6000 people over the afternoon as it’s set to be Swindon's main street event for the King’s Coronation. The event will take place from 12pm to 5pm and visitors will have the chance to try traditional British fare from the likes of The Kings Arms, as well as international cuisine from around the world.

The highlight of the event will undoubtedly be the live music performances, featuring talented local musicians, including Jordan Marvel, a popular local singer/songwriter and guitarist, playing classic and modern hits from artists such as Ed Sheeran, George Ezra, and the Stereophonics. Also featured are are choir The Grace Notes, formed by Swindon’s very own Billy and Louie. Also joining is another harmony group BLou Notes, who won an award at the Swindon music festival, and new girl band Melodix, who will be performing live for the first time. 

Launched alongside the street party, and set to run till the end of May, is a King’s Coronation Sovereign Trail, where people can download a map of the clue locations, and wander around Old Town to find them.  People who answer all the clues correctly will be in with a chance to win a King’s Coronation Sovereign coin, and a hamper of goodies from Old Town businesses.

“We are thrilled to be hosting not only a huge street party in honour of King Charles’ Coronation, but also a fun clue-based trail for all of May," said Vice-Chair of the Old Town Business Association, Kris Talikowski. "It's a great opportunity for local businesses to show what they can do, and for the community to come together and celebrate. We've worked hard to make this a fun and safe event for everyone, and we can't wait to see everyone there."

The street party is free to attend and open to all. Visitors are encouraged to come early as there will be plenty of entertainment throughout the day. 

Download the Sovereign trail map here

Old Town to host Swindon’s biggest Christmas event this year

A fun fair on Wood Street, the pedestrianisation of Victoria Hill and a huge headline act are set to make the first Christmas Festival in Old town since 2019, the biggest and best in its history.  

The Old Town Business Association, branded publicly as Friends of Old Town, are back with a bang in 2022 after 2 years of restrictions due to Covid. The group have already had a busy year organising two huge events on Wood Street over the summer; a Queen’s Jubilee event and the 8th Sausage & Ale Trail.

The Christmas Festival, which will include the formal switch on of the Christmas Lights, is now a larger event running from 12pm-6pm. Visitors can expect a huge lineup of live music, and Wood Street, the area which usually hosts this event, will become a large fun fair full of family-friendly rides and stalls.

This years headliner, which is set to be announced on Friday 28th October, is rumoured to be a well-known popstar and actor who was born in Wiltshire. The currently unnamed headliner will be performing three famous tracks as well as joining Santa in switching on the lights.

Other entertainment on the day includes Swindon favourite Phoebe Maddison who got to the battle rounds of The Voice Kids, young acts like the Lawn Manor School of Dance and a Robbie Williams tribute act Marc Hopkins.

After a successful road closure application, the main stage and food and drink zone will be taking place on Victoria Hill this year, whilst Wood Street will be the home of the giant fun fair provided by Steven Hill.

"Over 50 years ago Wood Street was used as a street fair for these type of events, “said events manager Tasha Millican-Lee, “so we felt it right with the increased area, to give attendees a very special and unique fun fair experience as part of our new look Christmas Festival”.  

The Christmas Festival is the first of a three-year upgrade plan for Old Town’s most popular event. It is a result of the Old Town Business Association building a strong partnership with South Swindon Parish Council, who have kindly taken on the job of repairing and managing the lights themselves.

"In this first year they have been repaired and replaced after a lot of damage in storage,” said Neil Hopkins local Parish Councillor, "Next year we are looking at the possibility of securing new lights to cover Victoria Hill in a carpet of LED’s, if this new format is proven a success."

This years event is also possible thanks to the successful launch of the Friends of Old Town Card in January. 

The Friends of Old Town card scheme is designed to give Old Town users discounts at over 80 Old Town businesses. The card scheme has raised over £10,000 through £10 donations from the public as they sign up to get a card. 

“This investment in the card scheme has enabled us to expand our event onto Victoria Hill and invest in its future with a regular source of income from the card scheme” said Kris Talikowski, Vice-Chair of the Business Association.  “As the card scheme continues to grow, we can continue to invest in marketing Old Town to ensure it’s long term success as a business district and support businesses with greater footfall and promotion”. 

The event will be a public event but visitors are being asked for a £1 donation per person to help with the increased costs this year and to allow investment into new lights next year.  Even with the increase in energy costs, the power for the lights is kindly beng provided by Charles Harding Estate Agents.  

The peak event attendance is capped at 5000, and visitors are recommended to book a e-ticket via a donation on eventbrite to ensure entry.  

The road closure will be in place from 6am on Sunday 27th November until 9pm and will be effective from outside The Victoria pub up to the mini roundabout where Bath Road becomes Joiner Lane.  Diversions will be in place for that day and the public are encouraged to walk to the Christmas Festival if possible. 

Entry points into the event include the old Museum and Art Gallery (Apsley House) on Bath Road, St Michaels Way, the pedestrian walkway from the Britannia Place car park to Wood Street, next to McColls on Victoria Hill, and also where High Street turns into the entrance to Wood Street. 

The association has turned to some key sponsors to help with the costs and TalkTalk, Deacons Jewellers, Future Planning (a financial planner on Devizes Road), Los Gatos tapas bar and Dominos Pizza have all ensured the event can run in this larger, and more exciting format. 

You can get your e-tickets here:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/old-town-christmas-festival-2022-tickets-445086825677

Meet the sponsors - these businesses help make it all possible.

Gold sponsors

Want one of the last stalls for the event?

Submit a team and enjoy a great day with our annual Old Town Golf Day that raises funds for the Old Town Business Association.

The Golf Day has been gaining momentum in recent years and this year is expected to be bigger and more successful than ever as the support from local business has been amazing.

On the day join 20 teams of 4 playing on Broome Manor Golf Course, followed by lunch, an auction and a raffle in the Guest Suite at the club.

Whether you’re a pro or just like to play, this golf day is time to come and play and have some fun.

With the help of local businesses and Friends of Old Town (who represent over 300 business in the old town area and with their recently launched Friends of Old Town discount card) there are posters promoting the Golf Day in lots of the business windows. 

Old town has a great community spirit, and kindly lots of shops, bars restaurants, salons and services have contributed to the auction and raffle prizes which will pay a big part in helping us hit and hopefully smash our target.

All funds raised from the event are put towards the Old Town Christmas lights/light switch on which will take place on Sunday 27th November 2022 in Wood Street from 12pm-5pm. Its a free outdoor event celebrating Old Town businesses, achievements and local heroes. The light switch on street party includes Food and Drink Stalls, Santa's Grotto, a live stage shows and Children's activities!

The Christmas lights and light switch on event provides an exciting and festive atmosphere in the Old Town area for the whole community to enjoy, in turn helping the business that have supported the event with extra footfall over the festive period.

Anyone is welcome to join the Old Town Golf Day to help raise funds for the Christmas light/switch on event, please register a team below.

The 7th Sausage & Ale Trail is Sunday 4th September 2022!

The outdoor food and drink Festival will once again be packed with local traders selling BBQ based local and international delicacies, as well as several stalls for the sweeter tooth, activities for the kids and live music.
For the adults, there will be multiple Ales on tap, Gin, Prosecco and Cocktails!

Current confirmed stalls

more to be announced soon

Gallery