As the days grow longer and the first signs of summer begin to emerge, Swindon’s much-loved Town Gardens is preparing to welcome visitors back for its ever-popular free Sunday Bandstand Concerts.
The 2025 season kicks off on Sunday 6th April with JGMusic performing from 3pm to 4:30pm, marking the start of a musical programme running every week until the end of September.
South Swindon Parish Council has been steadily expanding these performances, introducing an earlier midday slot last year. For 2025, they are aiming to give grassroots musicians and young performers a chance to showcase their talent and gain invaluable experience performing in front of live audiences.
This initiative is set to provide a platform for emerging artists to develop their skills, experiment with new styles, and engage with the local community.
One musician who knows first-hand how valuable such opportunities can be is hip-hop artist Ellis Evason, who performed at the Town Gardens Bandstand as part of the Signal Festival in 2024. Reflecting on his experience, he 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, echoed this sentiment: “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 artists and audiences alike. I can’t wait to see more young people take part in the season on the Bandstand this year.”
South Swindon Parish Council’s Youth Worker, Loreli Huntley, added: “Having the opportunity to perform in front of an 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 explore their passions further.”
If you or someone you know is a grassroots musician looking for a place to perform, South Swindon Parish Council is inviting performers to get in touch. Interested artists can contact the Council directly at eventsofficer@southswindon-pc.gov.uk to secure a slot in this season’s lineup of free Bandstand Concerts.
For the latest updates on music and events in Town Gardens, follow South Swindon Parish Council on Facebook and Instagram. More details can also be found on their website at www.southswindon-pc.gov.uk.
Full 2025 Free Concert Programme (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 Birds – Town Gardens Bandstand
- 3 August – Big Brunch Band – Town Gardens Bandstand
- 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
