May Bank Holiday 2018
Your full guide to making the most of the long weekend here in Swindon
Hey, hey! The second May Bank Holiday weekend is almost here!
As always, we know there may be a few of you out there who haven't yet decided how to spend that extra day off.
So, check out our guide below for a few ideas on what to do and where to go - plus our guide to half-term fun as well too the kids week off also starts on the bank holiday.
A couple of big family events to start....
Lechlade Festival
Riverside Park
Friday 25 - Sunday 27 May
Once again Lechlade-on-Thames plays host to its seventh 3-day family-friendly music festival over the late May bank holiday weekend.
From rock to reggae, folk to funk, pop to punk and everything in between, there’s something for everyone including free family activities, real ales, fabulous food and a burlesque revue. With over 100 bands on 3 stages, this is a fantastic weekend of live music for all ages. Featuring: - 100+ fantastic bands including headliners The Hoosiers - FREE workshops for all the family - Real Ales - Camping from Friday to Monday
Swindon's Famous Duck Race
Westcott Recreation Ground
Monday 28 May, 10.00am - 4.00pm
This fun family event is back once again and taking over Westcott Recreation Ground (opposite Arkell's pub The Runner).
Buy your duck, pop it in the water and keep those fingers crossed that it reaches the finish line first...
A great family day out featuring a Dog Show, stalls, sideshows, children’s fun fair, food outlets and, of course, the Duck Race itself, which takes place at around 3.30pm. You'd be quack-ers to miss it!
Sunflowers at Roves Farm
Saturday 26 May - Sunday 03 June
And jump on a tractor and see their sunflower patch! Learn all about seeds and watch their magic sunflowers grow - before planting a sunflower of your very own!
On all weekend & half-term week too.
Beers, Bands & a BBQ
The 3 Bs. You can't beat them on a Bank Holiday and for some an absolute essential for a perfect weekend!
Here's are Swindon events offering at least one - and some all three!
Real Ale and Cider Festival
Swindon & Cricklade Railway
Saturday 26 - Monday 28 May
3 days of brews, bands & BBQ at Blunsdon station.
The ideal day out for dads! Shuffle the kids off for a ride on a steam train while you pop off for a swift half!
Wanborough Beer Race
Monday 28 May, 12:30pm
Taking place throughout the village of Wanborough, the beer race sees competitors racing a 2.2 mile course and downing half a pint of bitter at each of the five local pubs.
Even if you're not taking part, it's a fantastic event for spectating - especially at the later pubs!
We would advise you to stay tuned to the Wanborough Beer Race Facebook page for all the latest updates.
Sunday Sessions
Caitlin Bowles
The Plough, Old Town
Sunday 27 May, 3.00pm
Now a Sunday ritual for many, the live music at The Plough, Old Town every Sunday afternoon is always extra special when there's a Monday off to look forward to!
Add in a brilliant range of craft ales, lagers, perriers & ciders, and you've got music, food and drink all sorted for the bank holiday.
Blind Lemons Blues Band
20 at The Kings
Old Town
Sunday 28 May, 8.30pm
Another great Old Town pub that has live music every Sunday - this time of the evening variety that's normally very upbeat!
This weekend it's the Blind Lemons Blues Band, fast becoming one of the bands to see in Swindon.
On at 8.30pm - disco until late afterwards!
Where to enjoy a splash in Swindon
Just as well we've got a guide for that too.
Good news for mums and dads is that the splash pool at Coate Water reopens in time for the Bank Holiday.
We reckon these look like great fun!
New for the summer season & available to hire from Swindon Watersports, who operate next door to the Riverside pub in Lechlade - ideal for refreshment afterwards!
Enjoy a Butterfly Bank Holiday at Studley Grange
Take in the Tropics!
So whether the sun's out or it's raining, it's always a place to explore and enjoy and get really up close with nature.
Or come and meet Bonnie & Clyde...
Or Get Creative!
Studley Grange Craft Village
It may be tipping down but the time will soon fly by if you're enjoying a fun day painting, candle decorating or card making at any one of the units at the Studley Grange Craft Village.
Everyone loves cup cakes - and no more than Marion who runs Cake Creations and Chocolate Comforts at Studley Grange.
Hit the shops
Come rain or shine there's always fantastic choice and value to be had when shopping in Swindon town centre.
With the Brunel and the biggest designer outlet centre in Europe right in the middle of town, it's no wonder both places are busy when it starts raining.
See their websites for full details.
Grab a movie!
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At The Theatre
Jay Foreman Disgusting Songs for Revolting Children
Arts Centre
Saturday 26 May, 2pm
Jay provides a devilishly cheeky hour of songs, poems and comedy for children of all ages in this family friendly show which regularly sells out its entire runs at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Swindon Speedway
Monday 28 May, 7.30pm
Cheer on the Swindon Robins this Bank Holiday as they take on Somerset at The Abbey Stadium on Monday at 7.30pm. > Swindon Robins - website
Racing at Castle Combe Want even more motorsport action? Then head to Castle Combe just down the road for their Combe Carnival on Bank holiday Monday.
Farmer's Market
Swindon Designer Outlet
Sunday 28 May
Doors: 10am - 4pm
Over 15 stalls, showcasing and selling some of the best produce - and street food - on offer from Wiltshire businesses and farmers.
Car boot?
You can beat grabbing an early bank holiday bargain!
Blunsdon & the nearby Dauntsey Car Boot (now at a new venue in Hilmarton) take place every Sunday.
Swindon Greyhounds
And finally, the bank holiday is often the only time we get to catch up with old friends and family.
So whether it's a big Sunday Lunch out in the country or a gentle walk in the park, we've got guides for both!
Ahhh, yes, of course!! Our guide to the best Swindon pub gardens, patios and terraces
And finally, as much as we LOVE in & around Swindon!....
Bank Holiday Day Trips
Get away with Barnes Travel May Bank Holiday trips this year include Weston Super Mare, Hampton Court Palace & Chelsea Flower Show!
All with convenient pick ups in and around Swindon.
For more information visit the website below.
And for more ideas this Bank Holiday!...
> > Things to do, places to go > What's On in Swindon |
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