The Sleep Out 2026 event will take place at Lawn Manor Academy on Friday 20 February 2026, with participants sleeping outdoors to raise money for local housing charity Threshold.
Individuals, families and teams from local businesses will spend the night outside in a show of solidarity with people in Swindon who are sleeping rough or living without a secure home.
The event will run from 6pm on Friday through to 7am on Saturday, with participants sleeping within the school’s secured grounds.
Those taking part will be asked to bring their own warm clothing, sleeping bags and basic bedding to reflect, in a small way, the conditions experienced by many people facing homelessness.
Organisers say the evening will focus on the personal stories behind homelessness in the town.
Students will share artwork and poetry exploring what homelessness means to them, while people with lived experience will speak about their journeys.
Live music will be provided by Swindon mental health and wellbeing charity Ipsum, helping to create a sense of community during the night.
Food and refreshments will be supported by local organisations, with Village Hotel Swindon providing hot jacket potatoes in the evening.
Watch Threshold’s video:
Breakfast will be served the following morning by Rapid Relief Team UK, with refreshments available throughout the night.
All costs associated with the event are being covered by housing provider Places for People.
This means all money raised through ticket sales and fundraising will go directly towards Threshold’s work supporting people facing homelessness and housing crisis in Swindon.
Sleep Out 2026 is a family-friendly and alcohol-free event, open to anyone aged eleven and over.
Participants are also encouraged to raise additional funds through sponsorship to maximise the impact of taking part.
To join this event, visit the booking page.
