The festival is running until Saturday 25th July at Unit 19, Canal Walk, next to McDonald’s, where the space has been transformed into a hub for textile art under this year’s theme, ‘Threads of Empowerment’.
Organised by Artsite, Swindon Stitch Social and the Big Knit, the event brings together textile artists from across the region while offering visitors of all ages the chance to take part in workshops, talks and hands-on activities.
A spokesperson for The Brunel Swindon said: “We are absolutely delighted to host the Threads Textile Festival this year and to provide a space where local creativity can truly flourish. The Brunel sits at the heart of our community, so it’s fitting to welcome an event that is all about weaving people together through art and shared experiences.
“The ‘Threads of Empowerment’ theme is incredibly powerful, and we can’t wait to see our unit in Canal Walk transformed into a vibrant hub of inspiration, workshops, and incredible local talent.”
One of the main attractions is the ‘I Am Woman’ Project by textile artist Holly Searle, also known as The Subversive Stitcher.
The life-sized patchwork artwork will remain on display throughout the festival, exploring identity, empowerment and storytelling through textiles.
Visitors can also take part in an empowerment-themed patchwork workshop, designed to show how textile art can be used to share personal stories and celebrate individual experiences.
The festival comes to an end on Saturday 25th July with a makers’ market featuring local textile groups and independent artists selling hand-spun yarns, handmade gifts and crafts.
The Brunel’s regular Monthly Makers Market will also take place on the same day near Boots, giving shoppers even more opportunities to support local makers.
The event follows the recent Swindon Arts Fringe Festival and continues The Brunel’s programme of hosting arts, culture and community events in the town centre.
