August Bank Holiday
Your complete guide to what's on in and around Swindon this weekend
And there's loads to do here in the most northern part of Wiltshire - live music, country shows, big stage productions, sport, and - our favourite - great country pubs.
So check out our guide below for a few ideas on what to venture out for and where to go. And then check out full listings via the quick-guide on the front-page of SwindonEvent.
Saturday 25 August
For the 10th year running Swindon will be hosting the prize-winning Swindon Mela – the southwest’s biggest free festival, celebrating the sights, sounds and tastes of the best that the Indian sub-continent has to offer.
There's a jam-packed programme of professional performers, activities, crafts, stalls plus a series of headline acts on the Old Town Bowl stage.
A multi-cultural experience not to be missed, and it's right here on your doorstep!
Switch It On Festival
Friday 24 August 2012
MECA
One of the biggest family summer festivals is here, with everything from live music, street dance, comedy from headliners such as Angel, Paul Carrol and many more.
This top event will be bringing some of the UK's award winning artist onto one stage, right here in Swindon!
Beer Festival & Family Day
Saturday 25 August 2012
Celebrate the Great British Summer in style!
Head to Old Town on the August bank holiday for your chance to enjoy a whole host of local and regional Real Ales & Ciders at Hotel20 & Longs Bar.
Castle Combe
Cycling Festival
Sunday 26 August 2012
Castle Combe Circuit is set to turn from petrol power to pedal power for one-day only with the Castle Combe Cycling Festival on Sunday 26 August 2012.
There's everything from Stunt Bike displays to the 56 mile and 100 mile Severn Bridge Sportive, Have-A-Go Sessions including a Stunt Team Skills Participation Area, Have-A-Go Cyclo Cross, Have-A-Go 'Go Ride' (from toddlers upwards), Vintage Bike displays, Fancy Dress Parade, Circuit Challenge, Trade Area and so much more!
Whatever your age & whatever your cycling ability, just bring your family and bikes along to celebrate all things bicycle.
Asylum Sessions
The Jefferson Brick + Alan Wass + The Canary Club
Saturday 25 August 2012  The Asylum Sessions present The Jefferson Brick, one of the most exciting bands around at the moment who are already getting magazine interviews and celebrity followers without having even released a track!
Joining them will be a very special guest in the form of Mr Alan Wass, who after a couple of European tours supporting Peter Doherty and a period of extensive song writing, has decided to come back to doing live shows to showcase his new material.
Bon Giovi @ The Vic> Riffs Bar - website Sunday 25 August
Bon Giovi are the UKs premier look-alike and sound-alike tribute to the New Jersey rockers Bon Jovi, with over ten years touring experience as a band. They're fronted by the UKs leading Jon Bon Jovi impersonator Adrian Marx – who has graced the stage with rock legends such as Bruce Springsteen, Johnny Rzeznik (Goo Goo Dolls) and Jesse Malin! Doors: 8.00pm - Admission: £7 (Adv. & doors) > Bon Giovi - website
Interlight - Top Covers Band
Sunday 26 August 2012
A proper Bank Holiday bash, followed by a DJ to 2pm!
Doors: 8.00pm - Admission: FREE
> The Vic - website
The Mangarrs at Woodlands Edge
Saturday 25 August 2012
Up-and-coming Swindon cover band, playing hits from the likes of Feeder, U2, The Offspring, Jet, Pixie Lott, Lenny Kravitz & the Kaiser Chiefs.
Some Smooth Jazz?
Sunday Jazz Day
The Trout Inn, Lechlade
Sunday 26 August
If you need to sit back and relax at the end of a busy weekend, then there's no better place than The Trout Inn at Lechlade.
Situated on the edge of the River Thames, their Jazz Days are the perfect way to unwind - and you don't even have to worry about getting up for work in the morning!
Empowerment
Bank Holiday Monday 27 August
Why not enjoy this creative experience featuring art, music & poetry - perfect if you feel like expanding those grey cells.
An exhibition on 'female empowerment' by local artists, musicians & poets, including live music & poetry readings.
All hosted at the PostModern Gallery.
Open 11am-4pm
Uffington White Horse Show
Sunday 26 & Bank Holiday Monday 27 August
Can you think of anything more country that the White Horse? We can't.
This year the show is celebrating it's 41st Anniversary! So, topping the bill on Monday will be the spectacular Red Arrows (pending confirmation, of course).
There will also be a 'Chariots Of Fire' performance alongside classics such as Punch & Judy and the Wantage Silver Band,
Add to Jason Smyth's Adrenaline Tour, falconry, ferret racing and fireworks and you've got yourself two whole days of fantastic family fun!
Cricklade Show
Bank Holiday Monday 27 August
Corr. Crikey. More country fun! And what a choice?
We think Uffington on the Sunday, then Cricklade on the Monday.
And this show promises to definitely put the horty into horticulture!
 The Horticultural Show has over 50 class competitions, ranging from fruit and vegetables to pot plants and cut flowers, plus children’s classes, floral art and photography sections. For those who like their animals, there's the Horse Show which includes dressage and show jumping competitions, carriage driving, and a companion & family dog show. And, oh, yes.... a beer tent! Lovely!
Shrivenham Village Fete
Saturday 25 August
The 2012 Shrivenham Village Fete will be held on Saturday 25 August from 1pm - 5.30pm on the Recreation Ground. Plus...the whole afternoon is free to all!
Art In Action Day
Bank Holiday Monday 27 August
As part of the Highworth Festival 2012, organisers of the event will be holding a whole range of classes/groups/activities for anyone interested in getting arty!
All materials will be provided and free of charge, and this event will be held at the Highworth Community Centre in Northview.
Some activities will be specifically for very young children and others will appeal to older children and adults, so all are welcome!
Spend the weekend on two wheels
We're really plugging this great outside malarkey, aren't we?....
And so we should!
Take advantage while you can, that's what we say.
Just think of what'll it be like in dark and damp November.
And if you have been cooped up all weekend - and possibly hungover - what better way than blowing away the cobwebs that some good old fresh air.
They say a walk around Coate Water or Stanton Park at this time of year is most refreshing. Or.... why not hire a bike at Lydiard park and have a pedal round what has to be Swindon's best country park?
Stand-Up Paddle Boarding
Cotswold Country Park & Beach
The great thing about Swindon is that there's tonnes of things to do nearby.
And we think Stand-Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) looks like seriously good fun. It's available at the Cotswold Country Park & Beach just down the A419.
Getting started costs £30 for an introductory lesson, then £10 for board hire each time after that. It's only available to over 18s at the moment, though.
Get around for less!
Thamesdown Transport are currently running a 'Family for a Fiver' bus ticket, which lets 2 adults and up to 3 children to travel
all day for just £5!
For more details please visit their website.
Saturday 25 August, KO @ 3pm
Having just started the N-Power League 1 2012/13 season, this game at home against Milton Keynes Dons should help get the Robins on their way to the top!
Swindon Robins v Lakeside Hammers
Bank Holiday Monday 27 August 2012
Swindon Robins bosses are urging fans to pack the Abbey Stadium for their televisedclash with Lakeside on Bank Holiday Monday, August 27.
All admission prices for the meeting have been slashed in a bid to create agreat atmosphere for the Sky Sports cameras.
All adults and concessions will be admitted for £10. Juniors will be admittedfree and as usual youngsters are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.
What better reason to get down there any enjoy a race?
If you've got kids, why not make the most of some of Swindon's top family attractions?
Chick this out!
Roves Farm
Bank holiday weekend falls bang in the middle of Roves Farm's Sunflower season! With free tractor rides throughout the day, craft sessions, animal feeding and handling and lots of indoor and outdoor play areas.  Situated in Sevenhampton, this working farm is the perfect spot for some family fun, come rain or shine. Opening hours: 10.30am - 5.00pm Meerkat Mayhem! 
There's no shortage of top wildlife to see in and around Swindon. And seeing that there are now otters AND meerkats at Studley Grange - we reckon a trip to check them out sounds 'simples' enough!
Or perhaps something
larger?!...
Take the kids to see their giraffes, rhinos, monkeys - or even the penguins? P-p-p-perfect!
Summer Youth Project at The Wyvern
Thursday 23 - Sunday 26 August  Tickets: £11.50 - £13.50
Greyhound Racing
Fancy a flutter on the six dog? There's greyhound racing on Friday and Saturday night at the Abbey.
New Extension Now Open
Saturday 25, Sunday 26 &
Bank Holiday Monday 27 August
 Visit Swindon and Cricklade Railway and join in with the bank holiday fun on their newly extended railway line, which now runs for a round-trip of 4.5miles!GWR Steam Engines will be operating on all three days, so you've got no excuse to miss this fantastic opportunity!
The cafe and gift shop will also be open. Free parking is available. > Swindon Cricklade Railway - website
Meet the Railway Workers
Saturday 25 August
 Take a step back in time and meet the engine drivers, firemen and railway workers who worked on the locomotives and in Swindon Works. Normal admission applies.
Narrowboat Trips on The Dragonfly Sunday 26 August  Hop on board the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust's newest addition, The Dragonfly!Take a leisurely hour-long trip from Kingshill and enjoy the peace and quiet on the restored waterway. Only £5.00 for adults and kids go FREE > Wilts & Berks Canal Trust - website
Fancy some car booty?
Whether it be the home baking and preserves at Swindon Country Market on Friday, or a car boot sale at the Abbey Stadium on Saturday - there are all kinds of produce and items on offer this weekend.
Don't Bank on Sunshine!
 There's always a chance - a pretty good one, actually - that it'll chuck it down over the weekend. So be prepared! Luckily, we've got plenty of ideas to help you get through this bank holiday if it rains.
Club Nights and DJs
It's what the weekend was made for!
Normally, going out on a Sunday is a big no-no! But that's the beauty of Bank Holiday Monday. Make the most of an extra day off - don your party shoes, and dance the night away at one of Swindon's top nightspots! > Club nights and DJs - full listings
New Nightclub Grand Opening!
Thursday 23 - Monday 27 August 2012
Tiger Bills hope to provide a brand new clubbing experience for party-goers in Swindon, and you can find out more on their opening events & general information via the link below.
Nightlife Guide
And if you need any more inspiration, guys, check out our Liz's Nightlife Guide...
A Weekend to DIY for
And if our tantalisng guide hasn't tempted you enough to get out there and enjoy yourself, perhaps it's good old DIY for you....
Ask the experts!
Eco Workshop
Saturday 25 August 2012
Get the answers that the salesmen might not tell you on everything from heat pumps to solar panels at the National Self Build & Renovation Centre this Saturday.
They'll be covering what’s new, what works and what are the practical issues that need to be considered when installing such renewable technologies, including who does what and how it all connects together.
..... and then BBQ!
And we've just the guide to make sure it's a sizzler!
Have a great bank holiday! Christmas coming up next!
|
 |
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
|
|||||||
|
||||||||
|
|
|||||||
|
||||||||
|
|
|||||||
|
