Old Town Festival 2026 Fringe Week
Friday 29th May
Rock Paper Scissors - A celebration of XTC
A night celebrating the legacy of XTC.
Rock Paper Scissors bring a full-throttle tribute to one of the UK’s most influential bands, diving deep into the sound, energy and artistry that made XTC iconic.
All profits from the night will go towards a crowdfunded sculpture celebrating the music and legacy of XTC right here in Swindon. So every ticket helps bring that vision to life.
The Vic, 88 Victoria Road, Swindon, Time TBC, Cost TBC
Sunday 31st May
Saxophonics
Town Gardens, 3pm-4:30pm, Free
Comedy at the Bowl
Headlined by comedy superstar Sara Pascoe (Taskmaster, Live at the Apollo, Amazon's Last One Laughing), this open-air show at the Old Town Bowl promises a night to remember! Joining her is multi award-winning Michael Akadiri (Comedy Central Live, ITV Stand Up Sketch Show), with support from Jessie Nixon (Leicester Mercury Award nominee) and rising star Nick Byard. All hosted by Sam Michael, who’s supported the likes of Al Murray, Fiona Allen and Matt Richardson on tour.
, Bowl at Town Gardens, Time TBC,
South Swindon Parish Council, tickets can be bought here
Tuesday 2ndJune
Graham Carter OT ‘Through the Years
History of Old Town through the centuries
No4 Studios, Devizes Road, Swindon, 7:30pm Cost TBC
Jazz Knights
When four of the UK’s most accomplished jazz musicians come together, something special happens.
On saxophone, Derek Nash brings explosive energy and virtuosity, known for his work with the Jools Holland Rhythm & Blues Orchestra and his award-winning performances across the global jazz scene.
Pianist David Newton, a master of swing and lyrical improvisation, has long been celebrated as one of Britain’s finest jazz pianists, with a career spanning decades and collaborations with some of the genre’s biggest names.
Joining them is legendary double bassist Dave Green, whose remarkable career includes iconic collaborations with Stan Tracey and Humphrey Lyttelton, making him a cornerstone of British jazz history.
On Drums is Sebastiaan de Krom, a powerhouse drummer renowned for his time with Jamie Cullum and his dynamic presence on stages worldwide.
Together, these four musicians create a vibrant, world-class jazz experience—rich in tradition, spontaneity, and undeniable chemistry.
The Royal Oak, 24 Devizes Rd, Swindon SN1 4BQ
8:00 pm, Free
Wednesday 3rd June
Art with Deepti
Sunflower Acrylic painting workshop with Deepti Arora
Central Library, Regent Circus, Swindon 10:30 am -12:30 pm,
email to book deepti_arora27@outlook.com
Ferbache and Fry
We are excited to be able to again bring the uber-talented frontman of British Blues legends The Achievers, Steve Ferbrache, back to Swindon once again with his pals (it will be a bit of a squeeze!)
Steve Ferbrache (guitar & vocals) and Rufus Fry (Harmonica) are founding members of the award winning Blues/Roots band The Achievers, together at last doing a ‘bit on the side’. Gritty Blues, Swinging Roots, Country, Gospel. Americana, Bluegrass and plenty more Folksy Gubbins. They’ll be joined on double bass by Jack Thomas.
Saved from a route to ruin in his teens by the folk clubs of North Wales and later taken around the world by his award winning Americana/Roots band The Achievers, Steve Ferbrache has some stories to tell.
Poetically articulate songwriting and highly-accomplished, unobtrusive finger-style guitar Seve draws influences from both traditional British folk music and American roots & old-time styles. His songs are driven by message and melody and are often disarmingly open. Steve Ferbrache is committed to leaving audiences better than he found them – even after they’ve explored some of the toughest aspects of life together.
“An incredible songwriter, and one hell of a voice!” – Seasick Steve
“Definitely a class above – his easy charm and twinkling humour would win over the most battle weary” – Music Riot
“A very fine guitar picker, reminds me of early Paul Simon” – Wizz Jones
Pulpit, 7 Devizes road, Swindon, Time TBC, Cost TBC
Thursday 4th June
Arts & Crafts
Creative session for little ones by Hazel Paine
Central Library, Regents Circus, Swindon, time TBC
Sonny's Quiz
Test Your Knowledge in Old Town
Gather your team and get ready for a night of fun, facts, and friendly competition at Sonny’s Quiz Night. Taking place on Thursday 2nd June at 7:00 pm at Sonny’s Bar, this popular local quiz offers a great evening out with a relaxed vibe and a chance to win some prizes.
It’s just a £2 donation to enter, with all proceeds supporting local causes. Whether you're a trivia whiz or just in it for the laughs, everyone’s welcome.
Sonnys, 93 Victoria Road, Swindon, 7pm
Email to book sonnysbar.oldtown@gmail.com
St Fian Live at the Castle
We are pleased to welcome the incredible South West based folk duo St Fian to Swindon following their amazing show at The Pulpit earlier in the year.
The pair play a raw, resonant brand of original folk music with a gritty, traditional edge. Exquisitely crafted and hauntingly beautiful songs that weave folklore, history, and the deepest corners of the human experience into a powerful tapestry of sound.
Their music doesn’t just entertain, it stirs the soul. With tales that unearth forgotten truths, explore shadowy pasts, and celebrate life’s stark realities, St. Fian invites you on a journey through laughter, reflection, rhythm, and tears.
Music from 8.30pm. Entry free but do bring a little cash for the hat to show your appreciation and support live music
Music from 8.30pm. Entry free but do bring a little cash for the hat to show your appreciation and support live music
The Castle, 28 Prospect place, Swindon
Friday 5th June
Mumford & Son’s Story
The Mumford & Sons Story recreates the epic rise of the foot-stomping folk-rock giants who took the world by storm.
Four powerhouse musicians, decked out in waistcoats, skinny jeans, and some glorious beards, deliver a folk-rock celebration of Mumford & Sons’ unmistakable sound and unstoppable journey to global fame.
Town Gardens, Time TBC, Cost TBC
Sunday 7th June
Music For Miniatures: Up in the air
Join us Sunday 7th June at Swindon's Town Gardens Bowl for Up In The Air, a joyful baby-friendly concert featuring flute, oboe and piano. This playful musical adventure celebrates everything you might see when you look up: birds, bees, sunshine, clouds, rainbows, larks and kites.
Designed especially for babies, toddlers and their grown-ups, the concert takes place in a relaxed and welcoming environment where little ones are free to crawl, cuddle, dance or even nap while the music plays.
It’s a wonderful introduction to live music and a chance for families to slow down, listen together and enjoy a magical musical journey through the sky.
Town Gardens Bowl, Time TBC
Book via towngardens-swindon.co.uk
South Swindon Parish Council
Town Gardens Heritage Tour
Join our local historian for a 45 minute tour exploring the history of the Town Gardens through little-known secrets and stories that will bring this beautiful park to life.
Meet at the Westlecot Road gates at least 5 minutes before the tour time.
Time TBC, Cost TBC, Book here
Swindon Brass
Performance by SWindon Brass as part of Sunday afternoon concernts
Town Gardens Bandstand, 3 pm
Free
South Swindon Parish Council
Park Yoga
Details TBC
Location TBC, 9:30am-10:30am , Free
Art with Deepti
Wine Glass painting workshop with Deepti Arora. 10.30-12.30pm,
No4 Studios, 10.30-12.30pm,
email to book deepti_arora27@outlook.com