Swindon Carnival 2026 draws thousands to the Polo Grounds

Swindon Carnival returned for its second year on Saturday 4 July 2026 at the Polo Grounds in Swindon. Swindon24, which published a report and photo gallery the next day, said the event attracted thousands of visitors through the afternoon.

What is Swindon Carnival?

The event is organised by UK Visionary Events and follows a tradition from Goa, where Carnival is usually celebrated in February or March. The organisers hold it in summer because that is the cold season in Swindon, so that the Goan community and other communities can come.

Canute Fernandes of UK Visionary Events said: "Carnival is one of the most important festivals in Goa."

What was there?

• Live music and performances, including Mark Revlon and his full band
• Goan and Indian food, with SV Caterers serving curries, seafood and barbecue
• Market stalls and local business stands
• Face painting and activities for all ages

Organiser Imtiyaz Shaikh said: "Swindon Carnival is an event that is bringing a music festival back to Swindon that we've been waiting for a long time."

Local business owner Pearl Fernandes was among the people who spoke to Swindon24 at the event. The report said the carnival continues to grow as a community event; no date for a 2027 carnival was given.

Source: Swindon24.