Campaign launched for a permanent XTC tribute in Swindon's Town Gardens

A grassroots campaign for a permanent tribute to the band XTC in their home town was reported on 16 April 2026, with Town Gardens named as the preferred location.

The project, called XhibitA, was launched by Wiltshire-based supporters Mike Smith and Graham Carter, Swindon24 reported. They argued that the band's international reputation made the lack of official recognition in Swindon hard to justify.

Their campaign material said: "Swindon needs a beacon, a meeting place for XTC's worldwide fans when they come to the town."

What was planned?

Organisers said it would not be a traditional memorial or statue, but a simple public feature that visitors could interpret in their own way. The design was said to draw on artwork from the album Drums and Wires and on stylised XTC lettering.

The project was privately funded, with costs estimated at up to £4,500. The organisers said they were underwriting it themselves and had opened a worldwide crowdfunding appeal. Donors were to be recorded in a commemorative archive held at Swindon Central Library, and any surplus was to support music opportunities for children with Autism Spectrum Condition at a local school.

The Town Gardens site was subject to agreement and needed approval from the local authorities.

What was due to happen next?

The design was being kept under wraps until 29 May 2026, when it was due to be unveiled at The Victoria in Old Town during a tribute gig.

Supporters linked the idea to Swindon's bid for UK City of Culture 2029 and to the 50th anniversary, in 2026, of XTC performing in Swindon.

Source: Swindon24.

More from Swindo: XTC: Swindon's Most Famous Band.