A rare fireworks display was launched above the Grade II listed dome of Swindon Oasis Leisure Centre, lighting up the sky at 7pm on Wednesday 1 January.
The display was timed to coincide with the moment the centre first welcomed swimmers in 1976.
The anniversary marked five decades since the Oasis opened as a flagship leisure facility for the town. At the time, it was described as futuristic and quickly gained international recognition.
In 1977, the American Swimming Pool Association named it the best swimming complex in the world. The building went on to host sports, concerts and community events for generations of residents.
The centre was officially opened by then mayor John Stevens. Speaking in 2021, he said he had “never thought that I would see the day it could be closed”, calling it “a very sad day indeed”.
He urged future generations not to lose what had been achieved for the people of Swindon.
Video credit: Derek Tory Wilson
The anniversary event was organised by Neil Robinson, founder of the Save Swindon Oasis campaign. The group was formed as opposition grew to proposals that could see the building demolished rather than reused.
Addressing the crowd before the fireworks, Robinson described the venue as “our time capsule of memories”.
“The Oasis isn’t just a building at the heart of Swindon,” he said. “Tonight, we make it even more iconic.”
He said planning the display took months, including securing permission to launch fireworks above a listed structure. Around £6,000 was raised locally via crowdfunding and sponsorship.
Former centre manager Chic Carvell, who ran the Oasis during its early years, also spoke at the event.
“This was built for you as a community leisure centre,” he said. “And that’s one thing the council and developers must not forget. It should go back to the community.”
He recalled long queues on opening day and the wide range of activities hosted at the site. He said the building still had the potential to serve future generations.
Comedian Ivo Graham attended the event and joined the countdown.
Reflecting on growing up visiting the Oasis, he spoke about the importance of shared community spaces.
“Standing in a cold car park on New Year’s Day to celebrate a closed leisure centre tells you everything about how much this place means,” he said.
The Oasis is also linked to pop culture history. It is widely believed the building inspired the name of the band Oasis after Liam Gallagher spotted it on a tour poster in the early 1990s, although this has never been formally confirmed.
The site is owned by Seven Capital, with Swindon Borough Council holding a key stake in its future.
As the final fireworks faded above the white dome, supporters said the message was clear. Fifty years on, the Oasis still holds a powerful place in Swindon’s identity.
