NEW OPPORTUNITY FOR GRASSROOTS MUSICIANS IN SWINDON’S BELOVED CONCERT VENUE

With the longer days upon us and a glimpse of summer in the sky, it’s not long until Town Gardens welcomes visitors back for their famous free Sunday Bandstand Concerts.

The 2025 season kicks off on April 6th, with JGMusic on the Bandstand from 3pm till 4:30pm. The Bandstand concerts will take place every week until the end of September.

Last year, South Swindon Parish Council extended the afternoon of music by introducing an additional performance at 12pm.  This year, the Parish Council is hoping to expand the reach of these performances by offering grassroots and young performers from the local area.

Young musicians are being encouraged to come and develop their skills, test out new ideas and approaches, and prepare to engage with audiences.

Ellis Evason, 25, Hip Hop artist, who participated in the Signal Festival in 2024, and performed on the Town Gardens Bandstand, said – “Performing in the Town Gardens was a great experience.  It’s important more young artists get opportunities like this to connect with their own community.”

Mark Powell, Artistic Director of Prime Theatre, said – “Working in partnership with South Swindon Parish Council to showcase youth music talent was a key part of 2024’s Signal Youth Arts Festival.  This platforming of musicians was a highlight for the artist and audiences alike.  I can’t wait to see more young people take part in the season on the Bandstand this year.”

Loreli Huntley, South Swindon Parish Council’s Youth Worker, said – “Having the opportunity to perform in front of the audience is great for young people’s confidence and motivation.  This is an amazing opportunity for young people to be able to showcase and develop their talents and I am excited to see how the participants use this platform to find and explore their passions further.”

Free music concerts will take place as below, all at 3pm:

• 6 April – JGMusic – Town Gardens Bandstand
• 13 April – North Swindon Big Band – Town Gardens Bandstand
• 20 April – JGMusic – Queen’s Park
• 27 April – Swindon Brass – Blossom Circle, GWR Park
• 4 May – Ukey Dukes – Town Gardens Bandstand
• 11 May – The Cricklade Band – Town Gardens Bandstand
• 18 May – Swindon Concert Band – Queen’s Park
• 25 May – Saxophonics – Town Gardens Bandstand
• 1 June – Swindon Brass – Queen’s Park
• 8 June – Cirencester Band – Town Gardens Bandstand
• 15 June – Emma Doupé – Town Gardens Bandstand
• 22 June – Salvation Army – Town Gardens Bandstand
• 29 June – Kennet Accordion Orchestra – Town Gardens Bandstand
• 6 July – Malmesbury Concert Band – Town Gardens Bandstand
• 13 July – Ramsbury Silver Band – Queen’s Park
• 20 July – What The Pluck – Town Gardens Bandstand
• 27 July – The Swing Bird – Town Gardens Bandstand
• 3 August – Big Brunch Band – Town Gardens
• 10 August – Wantage Concert Band – Queen’s Park
• 17 August – Chippenham Band – Town Gardens Bandstand
• 24 August – TBC – Town Gardens Bandstand
• 31 August – Ellendune Entertainers – Town Gardens Bandstand
• 7 September – JGMusic – Queen’s Park
• 14 September – Ramsbury Silver Band – Town Gardens Bandstand
• 21 September – The Lost Hills – Town Gardens Bandstand
• 28 September – Mid West Big Band – Town Gardens Bandstand