Plans for XhibitA, a permanent public tribute celebrating XTC, have been officially approved by South Swindon Parish Council, paving the way for the installation to be unveiled in Queens Park later this month.
The project, created by Swindon supporters Mike Smith and Graham Carter, will be unveiled on Saturday, 18th July, ahead of EXTC’s anniversary concert at the Town Gardens Bowl, marking 50 years since XTC performed there in 1976.
Announcing the breakthrough, Graham Carter described the decision as “a nice little birthday present”, saying months of work with the parish council had resulted in the perfect home for the tribute.
“We are delighted to announce that our plan to install a public tribute and thank-you to XTC in Swindon has been approved by South Swindon Parish Council,” he said.
“After supportive and enthusiastic meetings with members of the council and its CEO, a site has been agreed in Queens Park.”
Rather than being installed in Town Gardens, as originally proposed, the landmark will instead stand in Queens Park, the historic park opened by Princess Elizabeth, later Queen Elizabeth II, in 1950 on the site of a former brickworks.
The organisers believe the location is particularly appropriate because of the parish council’s recent investment in developing the park as a venue for cultural events and celebrating Swindon’s heritage.
“We believe the XTC tribute is therefore a fitting addition to the park,” Carter said.
The installation has been conceived as more than simply a piece of public art. The organisers hope it will become a destination for fans from around the world, giving them a permanent place to visit in the band’s hometown.
“We are delighted that the long quest has finally been realised to provide a focus for visits to Swindon by local, national and international fans of XTC, formally recognise the band’s contribution to the cultural landscape of the town, and recognise XTC’s considerable and lasting contribution to popular music.”
The announcement comes as Swindon prepares its bid to become UK City of Culture 2029, something Carter believes gives the project added significance.
“This is particularly significant, and we hope inspiring, in a year when Swindon is bidding to become the UK’s City of Culture 2029.”
The project has been entirely community funded.
Crowdfunding raised just under £6,000, with donations arriving not only from across the UK but also from fans in the United States, Japan, South Africa, Australia, Spain and France, highlighting XTC’s enduring international following.
Fundraising was boosted by a benefit concert at The Victoria featuring RockPaper Scissors and Mr Love & Justice, with both bands performing free of charge.
Carter paid tribute to the many organisations and individuals who helped bring the project to life, including South Swindon Parish Council, Booth & Son of Purton, which fabricated the installation, engineering specialists Torin Ltd, and numerous volunteers and supporters.
Once the final bills have been paid, organisers expect there to be a surplus from the fundraising campaign, which they intend to donate to a Swindon school supporting children with autism spectrum condition and social communication interaction difficulties, helping provide additional opportunities for pupils to experience music.
The public unveiling will take place on Saturday, 18th July, at Queens Park, ahead of EXTC’s anniversary concert in Town Gardens. This finally gives Swindon something many fans have argued the town has lacked for decades, a permanent public landmark celebrating one of its greatest musical success stories.
