UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) will remain headline sponsor of the Swindon Shuffle and its winter event, Swinterfest, under the new agreement.
The announcement comes ahead of this year’s Swindon Shuffle, which runs from Monday 7th September until Sunday 13th September at nine venues across the town.
UKRI, the UK’s national research and innovation funder, is based in Swindon and has supported the grassroots music festival for a number of years.
Organisers say the latest commitment will help them keep Shuffle events free while providing opportunities for more young and emerging musicians from Swindon.
Shuffle volunteer committee chair Ed Dyer said:
“For UKRI to commit for the next 2 years is amazing.
“It means in our 20th year we will be able to help even more great, young Swindon artists get a chance to perform whilst keeping all our music events free and growing Swinterfest in the new year.”
Modern Evils, Concrete Prairie and I See Orange are among the acts due to perform at this year’s festival.
Alongside showcasing grassroots music and supporting local venues, the Shuffle and Swinterfest raise money for Prospect Hospice.
UKRI recently presented the charity with a cheque for £10,000 following fundraising connected with the 2025 Swindon Shuffle and 2026 Swinterfest.
Prospect Hospice CEO Jeremy Lune said: “It was great to be back at UKRI to receive the cheques from the fundraising for Prospect at the Shuffle and Swinterfest totalling over £10,000!
“It is wonderful news to hear that UKRI will be headline sponsor for another two years – it’s a pleasure to know a major, local employer cares.
“The support for Prospect Hospice is heartwarming. I am certain that pretty much everyone who attended the festivals has known somebody who was cared for by my amazing colleagues, so I would like to thank them all for their generous donations.
“Every penny and pound that you gave has helped us in being able to open 3 more beds on our inpatient unit this year, at a time when 60% of adult hospices are cutting services.”
UKRI Chief Executive Professor Sir Ian Chapman said:
“As a Swindon-based employer, UKRI is proud to support Swindon Shuffle and Swinterfest.
“These events showcase the talent and creativity that exist across the town, bring communities together, and help sustain the venues that are such an important part of Swindon’s cultural life.
“They also raise vital funds for Prospect Hospice, whose staff and volunteers provide invaluable support to hundreds of thousands of people and families across the local area.”
UKRI has also worked to increase awareness of its activities in Swindon, including through a campaign in 2025 using posters and billboards around the town to highlight research and innovation projects it supports.
The 2026 Swindon Shuffle takes place across nine venues from Monday 7th September until Sunday 13th September.
