Swindon’s Big Hat Cabaret is making a welcome return later this month, bringing an evening of music, dance, theatre, comedy and poetry to STEAM Museum on Friday 27 November 2026.
Organised by local charity Reach Inclusive Arts, the event will put disabled performers and people with additional needs centre stage, celebrating the creative talent that exists across Swindon.
It will be the first Big Hat Cabaret since 2023, with funding difficulties having prevented the charity from staging the event in recent years.
Now, thanks to financial backing from The Julia Rausing Trust and support from Columbia Threadneedle, organisers are preparing to welcome audiences back for what promises to be a lively and entertaining evening.
The return comes at an interesting time for Swindon’s arts community, following the town’s unsuccessful City of Culture bid. While that particular ambition may have come to an end, Reach Inclusive Arts is determined to demonstrate that Swindon already has a thriving creative community, including talented people whose work does not always receive the recognition it deserves.
A celebration three years in the making
The Big Hat Cabaret has long been an opportunity for performers of different ages and abilities to share their talents with a wider audience.
This year’s programme will feature singing, dancing, original drama, comedy, poetry and a film premiere, with performances created and delivered by disabled artists alongside friends and supporters of the charity.
Reach Inclusive Arts CEO Jeni Burchell said: “The Big Hat Cabaret is a lovely, uplifting evening that celebrates what people can achieve when they have the opportunity, encouragement and support to express themselves creatively. We are thrilled to be bringing it back after such a long gap and are incredibly grateful to our funders and supporters for helping make it happen.”
She added: “We want Swindon residents to come along, enjoy the performances, discover the incredible talent in their local community and support inclusive arts. Big Hat Cabaret is bigger than one night of entertainment, it’s a joyous reminder that we should all champion visibility and belonging and help make sure that people with disabilities and additional needs have the opportunity to tell their story.”
Local performers take centre stage
The evening will bring together performers from Reach’s own community groups alongside a number of familiar organisations from across Swindon.
Among those taking part are Crowdys Hill School Choir, Momentum Dance, Salto Adults, Centre Stage, The Big Sing Thing and Inspire Enrichment.
Audiences can also look forward to solo performances, poetry from Rebecca Rocker and comedian Georgia Scott taking on hosting duties.
The charity has made sure that inclusion extends beyond the performers themselves, with disabled people also contributing their skills to the catering and technical production.
More than 40 years of supporting Swindon’s creative community
Reach Inclusive Arts has been part of Swindon’s arts scene for more than four decades, helping people with disabilities and additional needs explore their creativity, develop confidence and build friendships.
Its work currently includes three established community groups.
Partners Theatre Company meets weekly, giving adults the opportunity to devise, rehearse and perform original productions, including taking their work on tour.
Right Time for Art provides adults with opportunities to explore visual art, both individually and as part of a group, with their creations regularly displayed in exhibitions.
Neon Lights supports young people aged 16 to 25 who want to develop their acting, theatre and stagecraft skills.
Each group is led by experienced arts professionals, with sessions designed to offer a welcoming environment where participants can develop at their own pace.
New members are always welcome, and previous experience is not required.
The charity has also received funding from Arts Council England, securing support for its wider work over the next 15 months. The return of Big Hat Cabaret will provide an opportunity to celebrate what that continued investment means for the people involved.
An evening designed to welcome everyone
Accessibility has been considered throughout the planning of this year’s event.
The Partners Theatre production will include signed interpretation, while lighting and sound levels will be kept comfortable for those who may be sensitive to them.
A separate quiet space will be available for anyone needing time away from the performances, and the venue offers wheelchair access throughout.
How to get tickets
Big Hat Cabaret takes place at STEAM Museum in Swindon on Friday 27 November 2026, with tickets now available.
For those who enjoy live entertainment, it offers the chance to discover local performers, support a long-established Swindon charity and experience an evening that celebrates what people can achieve when given the opportunity.
Further information about the event, tickets and Reach Inclusive Arts’ community groups can be found at:
Reach Inclusive Arts can also be found on Facebook and Instagram at @reachinclusivearts.
