The event marked the start of this year’s Old Town Festival and drew a standing-room-only crowd, with every seat taken and people lining the back of the venue.
The talk was held at No.4 Studios, a recently opened private hire space above Los Gatos on Devizes Road in Swindon.
Attendees were guided through more than 6,500 years of Old Town’s past, from early settlements to well-known landmarks and notable local figures.
Topics included the origins of Old Town, stories behind the nickname ‘Pig Hill’, and an unexpected link between one of Swindon’s roughest former pubs and a globally recognised rock band and album.
Those present were also shown a historic photograph of King George V and Queen Mary visiting Victoria Hospital in 1924. Graham Carter said:
“I was genuinely overwhelmed by the turnout. To see more than 70 people give up their Monday evening to learn about the history of Old Town shows just how much pride people have in where they live.
“History isn’t just about dates and buildings, it’s about understanding the stories that shaped our community. Old Town has a remarkable past, and it was fantastic to see so many people eager to discover more about it.”
Kris Talikowski, Chair of the Old Town Business Association, said:
“This was a fantastic way to kick off this year’s Old Town Festival.
“One of the aims of the festival is to celebrate everything that makes this part of Swindon special, from its businesses and cultural venues to its history and heritage. Graham’s talk captured that perfectly.
“We’ve got plenty more to come throughout the week, culminating in the Wood Street Party on Sunday, which promises to bring thousands of people into Old Town for a day of live music, entertainment, food, drink and community celebration. If Monday night is anything to go by, this year’s festival is going to be one of the best yet.”
The Old Town Festival continues throughout the week, with a programme of arts, culture and community events planned ahead of Sunday’s Wood Street Party.
