Penhill came alive on the 13th of August 2023 as locals gathered for a day of excitement and fun at the much-anticipated Penhill Fun Day. Amidst the festivities and laughter, an unexpected sight added an extra layer of intrigue to the event – a genuine Batmobile, parked proudly at Seven Fields.
The Britannia Majorettes stole the spotlight with their dazzling performances, while tombolas and bouncy castles added an element of fun to the day whilst beloved characters such as Pikachu, Stitch, and the iconic Batman, complete with his legendary ride, brought smiles to faces of young and old.
A particular highlight of the event was the creative community art project guided by Gem Vero from The Trinity Collective. A vivid burst of colors united the attendees in crafting a unique piece of artwork that mirrored the lively spirit of the day.
The Batmobile, which stole the show, was the handiwork of local artist Mark Enright, the director behind Podpadstudios based in Rodbourne Cheney.
Podpadstudios, known for crafting props for film, TV, and exhibitions, boasts a portfolio of intricately crafted ‘house props’ available for event hire across the country. Mark Enright shared his motivation for showing the Batmobile in Swindon, stating, “We support a number of local charities during the year by taking one of our props to an event for free. This event had a great atmosphere and we were pleased to be able to help by bringing the Batmobile,”
Inspired by the iconic 1995 film “Batman Forever,” the Batmobile was fashioned from a Toyota MR2, resulting in a fully operational car that spans an impressive 9 and a half feet in width. Sporting a flame system and articulated fins, the vehicle embodies both form and function.
Built-in Swindon, the car took a staggering 16 weeks to construct, following planning and meticulous part sourcing.
For more information on the car and to watch a video on how it was made visit www.podpadstudios.com.
For those keen to delve further into the world of Podpad Studios and witness the Batmobile in all its glory, an exceptional opportunity awaits. Podpad Studios will be unveiled as part of the Mulberry Gathering’s Open Studios events, coinciding with Swindon Open Studios:
Dates: 16-17th and 23-24th September 2023
Time: 11am – 5pm
Location: 225 Whitworth Road, SN25 3BX
Admission: Free!
