Swindon's first town-wide History Festival was launched with a well-attended "meet the authors" event at Swindon Central Library, The Ink reported on Wednesday 9 September 2026. The launch took place the weekend before, and the festival was running throughout September.
What is in the festival?
- Talks, tours, discussions and question-and-answer sessions
- Quizzes, competitions and drop-in events for all ages
- History boards in public buildings and other places around the town
- A weekly broadcast on Swindon 105.5, Tuesdays at 11am
It is organised by local historian and author Dr Rosa Matheson with a team of historians and enthusiasts. She said: "We are connecting people, sharing stories, exploring history and making discoveries."
Who was at the launch?
The authors featured included Dr Matheson, Angela Atkinson, Tim Bryan, Graham Carter, John Chandler, Hannah Dosanjh and John Stooke. The Mayor of Swindon, Councillor Neil Hopkins, and council leader Councillor Gary Sumner attended, along with Town Crier Rob Hardy in livery.
The Mayor said: "History can teach us to learn better ways of doing things."
Councillor Sumner said archaeological digs had led to sample boxes, including Roman pottery, being taken into local schools for pupils to handle.
The Ink's report gives no ticket prices or booking details and links to a page with further information about festival events.
Source: The Ink.