Old Town Arts Festival returns: Here's all the events you shouldn't miss

Yahoo

4 days ago

One of Swindon's biggest festivals, which made its comeback last year, is preparing to hit the streets again with over 30 events.
The Old Town Arts Festival had been a key event on Swindon's calendar for more than 24 years, but it was put on hold in 2020 when the world entered a global pandemic.
After making a successful comeback in 2024, the festival is now preparing to return to town from Saturday, June 1, 2025, for a whole week of free or cheap family events.
The festival will kick off at the start of June with a family fun day in Town Gardens offering food, drink, live music, workshops, market stalls and more.
Celebrations will then continue throughout the week with a variety of fringe events, all centred around the arts, before concluding on June 8 with a street party for all on Wood Street.
Wood Street celebrations were a hit with locals in 2024 (Image: Newsquest) "In 2025, we would like the festival to be a wider platform for local talent, artists, organisations and provide a bigger opportunity for the community to be engaged in the festival through workshops, events, and sessions," said a spokesperson for the Old Town association.
"A variety of locations and activities will be on offer, whilst honouring the spirit and essence of what the festival was all about - bringing Old Town together."
Here's the full schedule and location of the 2025 festival events, which you won't want to miss.
The festival has something for all ages (Image: Dave Cox)
Saturday, June 1
Family Fun Day - 12pm to 5pm in Town Gardens. Expect food and drink, live music, workshops and makers markets.
Swindon Brass Band concert - 3pm in Queens Park. Free to enter.
Old Railway Path Guided Walk - 3pm to 5.30pm, leaving from The Wheatsheaf. This is a 3.4 mile walk, costing £2 which will be donated to Prospect Hospice.
Comedy at the Bowl - 7pm at Town Gardens Bowl. Tickets cost £11.
Sunday, June 2
The Fender Stratocaster Music Talk by Jamie Stapleton - 8pm at The Tuppenny pub. Free to attend.
Monday, June 3
Make and Cake - 7-9pm at Artsite on Theatre Square. Tickets are £15 on the door.
Jazz Night - 8pm at the Royal Oak in Old Town. The session will be led by award winning musician Dennis Rollins MBE and is free to attend.
Tuesday, June 4
Brush and Bloom - 11.30am to 1.30pm in Old Town Library. This is guided acrylic painting session which is free to attend, but you must book online.
Organ Recital - 1pm at Christ Church. Free to attend.
Steamrollers 5k social run - A free running event leaving at 6.15pm from Tap & Brew pub.
Sarah McQuaid - Live music at Swindon Arts Centre, starting at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £16.
Wednesday, June 5
Upcycled Arts and Crafts - A free drop-in creative session of little ones at Old Town Library from 11am to 1pm.
Online Safety Talk - 3pm at The Kings Arms. Free to attend.
Sofa Screening of 'Captain Fantastic' - 7pm at Create Studios. Tickets cost £5.
Sonny's Quiz - 7pm at Sonny's. A £2 donation is encouraged.
Thursday, June 6
Story and Rhyme Time - A stay and play session for babies and toddlers, being held from 11am to 12pm at Old Town Library. Free to attend.
Embroidery Club (Jane Austin edition) - 1pm to 3pm at Old Town Library. Tickets cost £5 and include materials and refreshments.
Meet the authors at Bert's Books - 4pm at Bert's Books with author Alexandra Strick and illustrator Steve Antony. Free to attend.
Harry Apps in Concert - Swindon-born West End star Harry Apps will return home for one night only for an evening of musical theatre favourites. 7.30pm at Swindon Arts Centre. Tickets cost between £16.50 - £19.50.
Friday, June 7
Story Explorers with Kate Claxton - A free storytime and crafts event. 10am to 12pm at Old Town Library.
Christ Churst Eco Fair - 12pm to 4pm at Christ Church. A free family friendly event showcasing local environment-focused groups.
Art workshops with Let's Create - Workshops at several times across Friday and Saturday, starting from £3.
Anytime Fitness open weekend - A free drop in event from 1pm to 4pm on Friday and Saturday. Guided gym tours, free passes and a chance to win spin-the-wheel prize games.
Honeybee and Flower Art Workshop - A guided acrylic workshop from 2pm to 4pm at The King's Arms. Tickets cost £12 and the age limit is 12+.
Family Fun Dance - 3pm at Equippers in Swindon. No experience necessary, just easy-to-follow routines and upbeat music.
Photography Exhibition Preview - 7pm to 9.30pm at Oink Gallery on Victoria Road. The exhibition will run until June 14.
Roxy Magic - Live music at Swindon Arts Centre from 7.30pm. Tickets cost £23.
Saturday, June 8
Park Yoga - A free outdoor yoga session in Town Gardens (note: not the usual Queens Park location) from 9.30am to 10.30am.
Brush and Bloom - A free guided acrylic session for adults. 11am to 1pm at No 4 Studios.
Music For Miniatures - Under-the-sea themed music session for pre-schoolers. 11am at Town Gardens Bowl.
Town Gardens Heritage Tours - 45 minute tours leaving at 1pm and 6pm from Town Gardens. £2 for adults, under 16s go free.
Cirencester Band Live in the Park - 3pm at the Town Gardens Bandstand. Free to attend.
Pete Allen Jazz Night - Live music at the Swindon Arts Centre from 7.30pm. Tickets cost £21.50.
Wood Street Party - Live music, stalls, art sessions and more on Wood Street. Free to attend.