Swindon’s Central Library is set to become a hub of creativity this weekend with the much-anticipated Paint Fest Family Fun Day.
Taking place on Saturday, 31 August, from 11am to 4pm, the library will transform into a vibrant carnival of artistic activities for children.
The day promises a wealth of free activities for children aged three to eleven. Young artists will have the opportunity to create mandala patterns, mythical creatures, and monsters, as well as magic watercolour bookmarks, pavement art, and custom-designed bags and pencil cases. Various techniques, including foam, fabric, stencils, sponges, straws, chalk, and traditional brushes, will be on offer.
Central Library will provide white tote bags and pencil cases for the children to decorate. However, children are also welcome to bring their own small, clean cotton items, such as t-shirts, to personalise. In addition to the painting activities, families can participate in a Paint Fest treasure hunt and enjoy giant games like skittles, Connect 4, and Jenga. Giant board games, which families will help paint, will be available for future play.
The event will also feature a professional face painter, story times, word games, and a selection of books for both children and adults to take home.
This family fun day is part of Swindon Paint Fest, which will see local, national, and international artists creating street art across the town on Saturday and Sunday. From Monday, 2 September to Saturday, 28 September, Central Library will host the Paint Fest Exhibition, showcasing some of the large mural boards painted during the festival.
Councillor Marina Strinkovsky, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning and Placemaking, shared her enthusiasm: “I’m thrilled that Central Library is participating in this year’s Paint Fest. The family fun day and exhibition offer a fantastic opportunity for families to engage in creative activities for free. We are proud to support Paint Fest, which not only enhances our town but also involves the community in incredible artwork. There are many exciting activities happening this weekend, and I encourage everyone to join in.”
Caryn Koh, one of the Paint Fest organisers, added: “We’re delighted to have the library as a partner in Paint Fest. The activities they’ve planned perfectly complement the rest of the programme. This event provides an accessible way for families to engage in creativity, whether they’re seasoned artists or just looking to try something new. The exhibition is also a great option for those who can’t make it to the street-based painting or workshops.”
For more information on other Paint Fest activities across Swindon, visit the Paint Fest website. Additionally, Paint Fest ties in with the ‘Marvellous Makers’ theme of this year’s Summer Reading Challenge. Children can collect a free pack at the Family Fun Day or any Swindon Library until 8 September.
