Discover the best of STEAM at the Golden Age Festival

STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway hosts its Golden Age Festival on Saturday, 26 September, celebrating the style, music and spirit of the 1930s, 40s and 50s.

The special one-day event will bring together the very best of what STEAM has to offer under one roof, with visitors also benefiting from 20 per cent off standard admission prices.

Throughout the day, guests can enjoy live entertainment from The Mary Lou Revue, Midwest Big Band and other vintage performers, creating a vibrant atmosphere inspired by the golden age of rail travel and wartime Britain.

Families will be able to take part in a packed programme of activities, including Second World War object handling, giant floor games, marble games, footplate visits and hands-on scientific experiments inspired by the former Swindon Works laboratory.

One of the festival’s highlights will be the opportunity to visit STEAM’s reconstructed Air Raid Shelter, which is not usually open to the public. Led by the museum’s Air Raid Warden, visitors will hear a genuine air raid siren before being ushered into the authentic, darkened shelter, where they can discover how people kept up their morale during the Blitz, while immersive sound effects recreate the atmosphere of wartime Britain. Spaces are limited and advance booking is recommended.

Visitors will also have the chance to explore STEAM’s permanent Great Western Railway collections and be among the first to experience the museum’s new Go Great Western gallery. This permanent redisplay tells the story of how the Great Western Railway developed into the country’s holiday line, helping to open up the South West to visitors and contributing to the growth of the modern tourism industry. The exhibition also highlights the wider transport network operated by GWR, including buses, boats and air services.

Councillor Matthew Vallender, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Planning and Regeneration, said: “The Golden Age Festival is a wonderful celebration of the rich heritage that makes STEAM such an important attraction for Swindon.

“The event brings the museum to life, giving visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the sights, sounds and stories around the Second World War period. It’s a great opportunity for people of all ages to discover Swindon’s railway history, explore our latest displays and enjoy a memorable day out at a reduced admission price.”

With plenty more to see and do throughout the day, the Golden Age Festival offers a unique opportunity to explore Swindon’s railway heritage and enjoy a full day of entertainment, history and discovery.