Lydiard Park gears up for packed summer of events

As the season unfolds, the country park will host an outdoor cinema, a thrilling falconry experience, outdoor theatre, delicious foodie events, an incredible hot air balloon festival and more.

The programme begins this Saturday (21 June), when nature lovers can enjoy a breath-taking Birds of Prey Experience, held within the park’s enchanting 18th Century Walled Garden.

Armed Forces Day takes place on Saturday, 28 June and offers a chance for the community to come together in support and appreciation of our military communities and commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. The next day (Sunday, 29 June), visitors are invited to take a step into the elegance of the past with Regency Dancing workshops, a graceful tribute to Lydiard’s Georgian heritage.

July gets off to a flying start with the Swindon Balloon Festival on Friday, 4 and Saturday, 5 - the two-day event will fill the skies above Swindon with vibrant colours. On Saturday, 12 July, visitors to the park can settle in for an evening of outdoor cinema with a screening of beloved classic Sense and Sensibility to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen.

August serves up a feast of flavour and fun with the return of the Great British Food Festival on Saturday, 2 and Sunday, 3, featuring street food, artisan treats and live cooking demonstrations. That same weekend (Sunday, 3 August) families will be delighted by an atmospheric outdoor theatre performance of The Wind in the Willows.

Celebrate culture and community at the Bollywood Mini Mela Outdoor Cinema on Saturday, 9 August, blending film, music, and dance in a joyful outdoor setting. And those looking to do their bit for charity can take part in Run the Rainbow on Saturday, 16 August – where participants can walk, run or dance their way around Lydiard Park to help raise funds for Prospect Hospice.

To round off the season, on Thursday, 21 August, Mad4Animals bring their big top to Lydiard Park for a unique show where animals, entertainment and education collide. Meet creatures from all over the world, including snakes, spiders and birds, as you learn fascinating facts about them.

Councillor Marina Strinkovsky, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Placemaking and Planning, said: “It’s another jam-packed summer of events at Lydiard Park – it just keeps improving every year.

“The park is beloved by everyone who knows it, and if you don’t know it yet then there’s guaranteed to be something for you this summer. 

“Whether you are a Swindonian or coming from further afield (and why wouldn’t you, when there’s so much to enjoy), I’d encourage you to book tickets for anything that takes your fancy as soon as possible to avoid missing out.”

For more information on each event, including ticket prices and how to book, visit the Lydiard Park website.