03-04-2025
Why has an icon of British music turned its attention towards Swindon?
Music magazine NME has seemingly taken an interest in the future of the Oasis leisure centre thanks to an appeal from Ivo Graham.
The stand-up comedian and writer has spoken out on a number of issues close to the heart of Swindon residents in recent months, including by lending his voice to the protest against Swindon Town FC owner Clem Morfuni.
And now Ivo's most recent plea has captured the attention of one of the cornerstones of the British music industry.
On Wednesday, Ivo posted a video of himself wearing a bucket hat and a Swindon Town replica kit, telling viewers it was their "final day to voice objections to the permanent demise" of the Oasis leisure centre.
While Ivo urges the town's residents to make their voices heard, NME appears to have taken particular fascination with the comedian's moustache, stating: "Comedian Ivo Graham and his 'Nick Cave moustache' get into hot tub to fight to save Swindon leisure centre.'
Save the Oasis! @SaveOasis
— Ivo Graham (@IvoGraham) March 26, 2025
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Ivo explains to the audience that he is growing the moustache for a 'Nick Cave party.'
The second half of the video shows him in a hot tub wearing an orange swim cap, when he said: 'As a child, about as exciting as it got was spending my weekends at the Oasis Leisure Centre where I would shriek on the water slides,
'The long future of this place is being decided this week, and it is not looking good. These places are important for the community and sport.
'If you care about Swindon or water slides, or if the soul of where you grew up is being ripped up and sold to make flats, then check out Save Oasis Swindon.'
The leisure centre already has links to another icon of British music, having inspired Liam Gallagher to change his band's name from The Rain to Oasis.
Save Oasis Swindon released a statement also asking for residents to submit objections against the plans to demolish the sports hall and not replace it.
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They said: 'The Multi-Purpose Hall hosted a wide variety of sports, boxing matches, comedy acts, music and more over its nearly 50-year lifespan. Seven Capital intends to demolish it and not replace it.
"They have claimed viability but have never produced any evidence of their claims. They haven't even produced a feasibility study. Yet there is funding available from bodies like Sport England.
'The Oasis put Swindon on the map, please help to stop it becoming hemmed in by hundreds of flats and a shadow of its former self. The Oasis is a Swindon Institution and a famous site - to have an Oasis without a Hall is quite frankly unthinkable.'
