Swindon is preparing to host its first-ever TEDx event next week, with organisers saying only a limited number of tickets remain available.
TEDx Railway Village will take place at Town Hall Studios on 19 June, bringing together speakers from across the UK and overseas for a day of talks, discussion and networking.
The event marks a significant addition to Swindon’s growing cultural calendar and comes as the town continues to develop its ambitions around arts, creativity and a future City of Culture bid.
Part of the internationally recognised TEDx programme, the event has been independently organised to provide a platform for local and national speakers to share ideas and experiences. This year’s theme, “Lines of Connection”, will explore how people, communities and disciplines intersect in areas ranging from technology and leadership to culture, wellbeing and innovation.
Held in the heart of the historic Railway Village, the event aims to combine Swindon’s industrial heritage with its modern cultural ambitions.
The inaugural speaker line-up includes authors, entrepreneurs, academics, performers and community leaders from a wide range of backgrounds.
Among those taking part will be Amanda Klapish, theatre director and academic Andrei Malaev-Babel, and Bob Wright.
Other speakers include media consultant and Fiona Scott, entrepreneur and philanthropist James Phipps, and technology pioneer Jeremy Holt.
The programme will also feature contributions from leadership expert Marcus Weston, social entrepreneur Nyasha Gwatidzo, author Pearl Jordan and cultural leader Dr Roderick Hebden.
Award-winning author Sonal Shah and internationally acclaimed musician Soumik Datta are also among those scheduled to appear.
Organisers say the event has been designed not only as a series of talks but also as an opportunity for people to meet, exchange ideas and build new connections across sectors and communities.
TEDx Railway Village was founded by Robert Jandy and Debbie Bryan, who hope it will become a long-term fixture in Swindon’s cultural landscape.
Speaking ahead of the event, the pair said they were looking forward to welcoming attendees from across the town and beyond.
They said: “With the event now just a week away, our focus is on bringing everything together for a memorable day of ideas and conversation.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming people from across Swindon and beyond.”
The organisers have encouraged anyone interested in attending to book soon, with only a small number of tickets remaining before the event reaches capacity.
