Swindon town centre is set to transform into a festive wonderland this November as a brand-new one-day event, Winter Fest, makes its debut.
Taking place on Saturday 22 November, the family-friendly celebration will bring art, culture, and creativity into the heart of the town. The event will include free workshops, live experiences, and an interactive festive trail that runs until Christmas Eve.
The centrepiece of the day will be The Whilers – giant, glowing, part-sloth, part-dragon creatures created by creative tech studio Air Giants. Standing at three metres tall, the robotic installations will interact with the public, offering a unique, dreamlike experience.
Local artists will also be creating a lantern forest inside a vacant shop unit. Children and families will be invited to make their own lanterns during the event, contributing to the evolving display.
Visitors can also take part in the Muddles’ Gingerbread Man Trail, where decorated characters inspired by pantomime will be hidden in shop windows across the centre. The trail has been organised by Artsite.
Crafts themed around Sleeping Beauty – this year’s pantomime at the Wyvern Theatre – will be available as part of the day’s free activities.
The festival will also support sustainable shopping through a campaign titled ‘Once Upon a Thriftmas’, encouraging visitors to explore Swindon’s thrift and charity shops for unique, eco-friendly Christmas gifts.
In addition, the town centre will be decorated with festive lights and a Christmas tree in The Parade.
Winter Fest is part of a new initiative funded by Arts Council England’s National Lottery Place Partnership Fund. It marks the beginning of a two-year programme aimed at raising the profile of Swindon’s cultural and creative sector.
Dr Rod Hebden, Director of Swindon Culture Collective CIC, said:
“It’s been a really joyful experience working with so many local people and organisations to create something truly magical this year, and something very different from the standard approach where there’s a divide between performers and the public.
“This year, families can get involved and help create the magic with together and make wonderful memories.”
Councillor Marina Strinkovsky, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Placemaking and Planning, said:
“I’m so pleased that we can bring Christmas activities to the town centre again, and that we’re doing it in collaboration with our partners at the Swindon Culture Collective.
“Swindon Winter Fest is going to be full of creative activities and opportunities for sustainable Christmas shopping.
“The town centre has lots of thrift and charity shops that offer pre-loved gifts looking for a new home, and it’s a great opportunity to support local organisations in an environmentally friendly and affordable way.
“Obviously the experience won’t be complete without a Christmas tree in the Parade and Christmas lights to cheer up the darker season. Really looking forward to it!”
Winter Fest is being delivered by a partnership including Swindon Culture Collective, Swindon Borough Council, Wyvern Theatre, Artsite, Gel Studios and local artists.
