XTC tribute XhibitA approved for Queens Park, Swindon

Swindon24 reported on Monday 13 July 2026 that South Swindon Parish Council had approved a permanent public tribute to XTC, the band whose hometown is Swindon. The piece, called XhibitA, was to be unveiled in Queens Park on Saturday 18 July 2026.

The tribute is the work of Swindon supporters Mike Smith and Graham Carter. It was first proposed for Town Gardens and moved to Queens Park once the parish council agreed a site there. Booth & Son of Purton made it, with engineering by Torin Ltd.

Mr Carter called the approval "a nice little birthday present".

Who paid for it?

The tribute was funded entirely by the community:

• Crowdfunding raised just under £6,000.
• Donations came from the UK, the United States, Japan, South Africa, Australia, Spain and France.
• A benefit concert at The Victoria, with RockPaper Scissors and Mr Love & Justice playing for free, added to the total.

Organisers expected a surplus once the bills were paid. They intended to give it to a Swindon school that supports pupils with autism spectrum condition and social communication difficulties, to pay for music opportunities.

Why then?

The unveiling was timed to come ahead of an anniversary concert by EXTC at the Town Gardens Bowl, marking 50 years since XTC played there in 1976.

Queens Park was opened in 1950 by Princess Elizabeth on the site of a former brickworks. Mr Carter said: "We believe the XTC tribute is therefore a fitting addition to the park".

Source: Swindon24.

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