About the day

Music, madness and merriment - the 2nd Big Arts Day at Lydiard Park was a great success.

Up to 30,000 people throughout the day, from toddlers to pensioners, turned out to experience tales in a whale, a Queen on stilts, arts workshops, circus skills, comedy, a fun literature zone and lots more.

We hope you all had an enjoyable day and ask that you let us have any feedback about the event; you can take part in our online survey here. www.surveymonkey.com/s/bigartsday11

After Friday’s downpour, the sun broke through on Saturday, ensuring festival-goers had a fun, relaxing day out.

Along with Alice in Wonderland sessions - including the white rabbit and the Queen of Hearts - Sparky the Robot thrilled the children, while for those a little older, the MECA main music stage was a welcome way to while away an afternoon.

Organised by Swindon Borough Council in partnership with Swindon Does Arts, the event surpassed expectations – again - said Head of Culture Helen Miah. “Wow! We estimate between 20 – 30,000 people attended the festival, with up to 20,000 people on site at one time. It was an amazing day and the feedback is stunning. Seems like we met our aim of ‘something for everyone.”

Messages have included:

"I'm so proud of Swindon"
"I have discovered my 5 year old loves Dubstep"
"I felt safe and secure, everyone was so professional"
"A real festival atmosphere, why travel out of Swindon when this is right here on your door step". 

Helen added, "The Big Arts Day certainly shows what a huge groundswell of artistic and creative talent we have here in Swindon and it is a fabulous example of 'One Swindon' in action. The power of the arts to bring people together is unique and special and we owe an enormous thanks to the thousands of Swindon people who participated and contributed to making the day happen. This fantastic event has only been possible because of the generosity of a huge number of individuals and organisations. I want to say a massive thank you to everyone who has helped, sponsored and taken part. Swindon Does Arts? In bucket loads it does!"

Our increased alcohol awareness policy helped make the event the real family feel safe event we aimed for.

We are grateful to the people who generously donated on the day and there is still time now to show your support by making a small donation. Donate here.

Highlights included three music stages, a comedy tent, a showcase of local talent, a massive Punch and Judy, drumming workshops and a finale which included 200 young dancers flash mobbing on the lawn, a community choir and spectacular fireworks.