Old Town 'Gasworks Sunday Socials' launched to support businesses during road closure
Friends of Old Town (the public face of the Old Town Business Association) is proud to launch a bold new series of events for August 2025: Old Town Gasworks Sunday Socials. These three large-scale Sunday events on Devizes Road and Wood Street aim to support local businesses through a disruptive summer of gas works, by bringing colour, culture and community spirit back to the streets.
The works begin 30 June at the Royal Oak roundabout, with Devizes Road closing fully from 21 July for up to three months. The closure has raised serious concerns from businesses about access, footfall and long-term impact, especially with the loss of through traffic and parking. In response, the Old Town Business Association has secured free pavement licences through Swindon Borough Council for affected traders and developed a plan to activate the street on Sundays with outdoor dining, live music, and lots of new activity.
The Sunday Socials will take place on 3rd, 17th and 31st August, featuring:
A Family Fun Day with a traditional funfair, crafts, chalk art, and acoustic music
A Beer & Country Festival with live Americana and folk bands, craft beer bars, and garden games
A Street Foods Festival expanded to Devizes Road for the first time, with global street food, bars, artisan stalls and live music
Thanks to headline sponsorship from Wales & West Utilities, these events will now go ahead.
“When we learned that Devizes Road would close for the whole of August, we knew we had to do more than complain,” said Kris Talikowski, Chair of the Old Town Business Association. “These events are our way of taking the disruption and turning it into something positive, for families, for traders, and for the whole of Swindon. We’re immensely grateful to Wales & West for stepping up with vital support to make this happen.”
Ross Gregory, External Affairs Manager for Wales & West Utilities added: “We understand the pressure roadworks put on local high streets. That’s why we’re proud to support this community response, helping to keep Devizes Road buzzing throughout the summer, while our team delivers essential gas infrastructure upgrades.”
A full FAQ has been published at www.thisisoldtown.com/devizes-road-gas-works to help residents and businesses understand the works and traffic diversions. The Sunday Socials programme is part of a broader mitigation strategy, developed by the OTBA in consultation with traders, South Swindon Parish Council, and Swindon Borough Council’s licensing and Streetworks team.
Full programme details:
www.thisisoldtown.com/sundaysocials