Summer of free family fun coming to Wharf Green

In August, activities including an outdoor cinema and planetarium, will occupy the square thanks to funding from Swindon Borough Council and support from local businesses and organisations.

Each weekend in August will see a different theme with a marquee activity taking place. Food vendors will also be in attendance as well as a number of other free activities related to the theme.

Every Wednesday will also see activities taking place such as art and circus workshops.

The pop-up park will remain throughout the month and be available for people to use even when no events are taking place.

The schedule for the month is:

• Creative Arts Weekend with Signal Festival and the South Asian Performing Arts Centre – Saturday, 2 and Sunday, 3 August
• Circus School with the Swindon Circus and Outdoor Arts Project – Wednesday. 6 August
• Sports Weekend with ATB Skateshop – Saturday, 9 and Sunday, 10 August
• Wheelie Wednesday with British Cycling – Wednesday, 13 August
• Outdoor Cinema with Create Studios – Saturday, 16 and Sunday, 17 August
• Art Workshop and Garden Party with Artsite – Wednesday, 20 August
• Planetarium with Immersive Experiences – Saturday, 23 and Sunday, 24 August
• Live music finale with Swindon 105.5– Monday, 25 August

All events and activities are free but are subject to availability and weather on the day.

Councillor Marina Strinkovsky, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Placemaking and Planning, said: “I’m hoping Wharf Green will be really busy this August, with lots of families coming to enjoy the events and activities. It’s a brilliant open space and I feel that we don’t make enough of it sometimes.

“We know the town centre isn’t where people want it to be at the moment, so we’re leading the way in making it a more appealing and attractive place. Experiences and events are gradually taking over from shopping as the main draw for town centres all over the country, and I’m hopeful that Summer at the Green will show the way for landowners and businesses to offer more of those.

“If you’re looking for something to do over the summer, and let’s be honest, what parent isn’t – then why not stop by? It’s all free and we want as many people to enjoy it as possible.”

Supporting the month are a variety of local organisations and businesses including Ministry of Samba, ATB Shop, British Cycling, Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, Artsite, National Trust, English Heritage, New Elements and Swindon Dance.

Diana Kirk, Owner of ATBShop, said: “We’re so excited to be taking part in Summer at the Green.

“Being included in these events really helps ATBShop as a small independent business to showcase what we are about. We also know how important it is that the town centre becomes great again.

“I, for one, feel very lucky to live in a town where so many nice things are available free for children and families to enjoy.

“ATBShop believes Swindon town centre is on a strong path to becoming one of the best town centres in the UK. We can't wait to watch the town centre develop over the next 12 months and we feel excited to be part of these events and this transformation.”