There is something reassuring about a community event that grows naturally from local support, and that is exactly what is happening with the return of the St Benedict Beer & Cider Festival this summer.
After a well-received debut in 2025, organisers are bringing the festival back with greater ambition across two days in July. Taking place on Friday 24th and Saturday 25th July 2026, the event will once again be held in the hall and churchyard of St Mark’s Church in Swindon.
Running from 4pm to 10pm on the Friday and from midday through to 10pm on the Saturday, the festival offers a relaxed setting where people can enjoy a range of beers, ciders, soft drinks and food, all while spending time in one of the town’s most historic surroundings.
St Mark’s Church itself plays a central role in the experience. The Grade II listed Victorian building, designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott, will be open during the event, giving visitors the chance to step inside and take in its architecture, including a striking stained glass window created by Thomas Kempe.
Behind the festival, however, sits a wider purpose. The event has been organised to help support the Parish of Swindon New Town, which looks after three churches serving the local community. Like many organisations, ongoing costs continue throughout the year, and events such as this provide vital support to keep services running and outreach work in place.
Those involved say the festival is as much about bringing people together as it is about fundraising. Last year’s event saw residents gather in good numbers, and there is a clear intention to build on that sense of connection in 2026.
Local businesses are also being invited to play a part through sponsorship. Packages are available from £40, offering an opportunity not only to support a community initiative but also to raise visibility and get involved in the event itself.
With plans to expand and a setting that blends heritage with a laid-back summer atmosphere, the St Benedict Beer & Cider Festival looks set to become a regular fixture on Swindon’s calendar.
For sponsorship enquiries, contact carol@psnt.uk
