Review: The Swindon Summer Bowl

Around 50 local people gathered at the Old Town Bowl, Town Gardens last night for the launch of six weekends of entertainment under a large Big Top whilst keeping a safe social distancing.

Swindon Summer Bowl is the brain child of Tom Falding, whose concept is to bring a safe event to the town, for friends and family to come together, whilst supporting local independent businesses in providing food and drink.

Greeted by a juggler, acrobats and a stilt walker on arrival, guests were shown to their tables or brightly colour deck chairs by a number of friendly hosts guiding them around the Bowl using a one-way system.

Background music set the mood, as those attending were able chat in the shadow of the 84 year art deco structure. Guests were able to use an App on their phone to order drinks, which were then brought to their seats, although there were a few teething technical issues to start the evening which were quickly address by the organisers. Followed by a delicious platter of meats and cheeses for those that ordered it. In other future events, pizzas and vegan specialities will be the order of the day.

Addressing those in the warm summer sunshine, Tom Falding said “I had this mad idea which I took to South Swindon Parish Council and didn’t think they would listen but they did. (Which means) hopefully there are a lot of good things to come. This space (the Bowl) is normally full of other events and people so my events this year are probably a one off, but I hope you enjoy it.”

Neil Hopkins from the Parish Council “When you have such a wonderful space as the Town Garden Bowl, which allows for lots of social distancing we know we had to permit it to be used. It will hopefully encourage more people to come out and support our local businesses to help them to recover after Covid19 in a safe way.”

Speaking to a number of those who came along they said it was nice to get out and enjoy the Town Gardens and were impressed how the event was planned with social distancing in mind. For details of the rest of the summer events visit www.swindonsummerbowl.co.uk