Swindon is set to experience something a little different when world champion beatboxers, vocal artists, TV performers and local musicians descend on MECA for a free day of music later this month.
UKBC Summer Jam, presented by the UK Beatbox Championships and Festival of Vocal Arts, takes place on Wednesday, 19 August, bringing together some of the biggest names in beatboxing and vocal arts for a day of workshops, collaborations, open mic performances and live music.
And the best bit? It is completely free.
The day begins at midday with a one-hour workshop for children and families led by world beatbox champions The Beatbox Collective. The group, which has helped teach more than a million people across the UK to beatbox, will introduce participants of all ages and abilities to the basics of creating rhythms and sounds using nothing more than their voices.
No musical experience is required – just a voice and a bit of imagination.
From 5pm, The Beatbox Collective will return for a second workshop aimed at choirs and singers. Participants will discover how beatboxing can be incorporated into existing songs and choral arrangements, adding a rhythmic edge and potentially turning familiar material into something altogether more anthemic.
Then comes the chance to get involved for real.
The open mic session, running from 6pm until 7.30pm, will invite singers and musicians to bring along their talents and collaborate live with a group of beatboxers. Musicians can perform with one instrument at a time, while the beatboxers provide what organisers describe as a mini vocal orchestra, helping to rework and remix performances on the spot.
The evening programme, from 7.30pm until 9pm, will showcase some of the country’s leading beatbox and vocal artists.
Among those taking to the stage will be The PeteBox, who appeared on ITV’s The Voice, alongside world champions The Beatbox Collective. There will also be special guests, including Swindon-based UK Champion Beatboxer Frosty.
The event is being presented as an opportunity not simply to watch some exceptional performers, but to get involved, meet other musicians and discover a form of music-making that requires remarkably little in the way of equipment.
Rupert Oldridge, CEO of UKBC, World Champion Beatboxer and Music Educator, said the reaction from newcomers was often the most rewarding part of the experience.
“My favourite feedback is always from people who have never been to an event like this. Every performer and collaboration absolutely blows your mind.
“It’s all about enjoying the experience, creating outstanding music and memories, there’s something for everyone, all human created and no AI!”
Project Leader and Co-Organiser Gina Akers of BLENDID Artists said the organisers wanted to create something genuinely open to everyone.
“We wanted to create an event for everyone who’s involved in and interested in music. Beatboxing and beatbox related vocal-arts are the most accessible and inclusive form of music making.
“We want to give people opportunities to collab and create content too in a welcoming environment, plus experience some awesome performances from incredible world level music artists. We’re excited to bring this to Swindon as a free event to help make music open to everyone.”
The event is funded by Arts Council England and the UK Government, with support from Youth Music.
Under-18s are welcome, although they must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian aged over 21. A maximum of four under-18s can attend with each parent or guardian, who will need to provide valid identification.
UKBC Summer Jam takes place at MECA, Swindon, on Wednesday, 19 August 2026. Entry is free, although visitors are encouraged to register in advance.
