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Swindon news, April 2026: day by day

66 stories from April 2026, under the day each one is about. Stories marked Looking back were written later from the published source and show the date Swindo published them.

Thursday 30 April 2026

  1. Looking backThe Incredible Comic Shop marks 15 years in Swindon town centre

    Looking back, 30 April 2026: The Incredible Comic Shop in the Brunel Centre, described as Swindon's only independent comic book store, was preparing to celebrate 15 years since it opened in the covered market in June 2011.

    Shopping · Source: Swindon24 · Published on Swindo

Wednesday 29 April 2026

  1. Looking backGLL signs agreement to run a restored Oasis Leisure Centre in Swindon

    Looking back, 29 April 2026: Developer SevenCapital signed an agreement with GLL to operate a restored Oasis Leisure Centre in Swindon, although planning and funding questions over the linked housing scheme remained unresolved.

    Things to do · Source: Swindon24 · Published on Swindo

Tuesday 28 April 2026

  1. Looking backSwindon North MP Will Stone launches defence supply chain group

    Looking back, 28 April 2026: Swindon North MP Will Stone launched a cross-party parliamentary group on the UK defence supply chain, which he chairs, with Make UK as its secretariat.

    Business and economy · Source: Swindon24 · Published on Swindo

Monday 27 April 2026

  1. Looking backComedian Ivo Graham signs up for Swindon's Longevity Games

    Looking back, 27 April 2026: Comedian and Swindon Town supporter Ivo Graham was announced as a participant in the Longevity Games at the Swindon Harriers athletics track on Sunday 10 May 2026.

    Sport and fitness · Source: Swindon24 · Published on Swindo

Sunday 26 April 2026

  1. Looking backHeadbanger Circus announces first full show at The Deanery CE Academy, Swindon

    Looking back, 26 April 2026: Headbanger Circus, founded by Swindon-raised performer Jordan Berwick, announced its first full-length aerial show, The Adventure of Taking Flight, for 8 and 9 May 2026 at The Deanery CE Academy.

    Arts and culture · Source: Swindon24 · Published on Swindo

  2. Looking backSwindon Town Women win league title with 2-1 victory over Moneyfields

    Looking back, 26 April 2026: Swindon Town Women were confirmed as league champions, with promotion, after beating their closest challengers Moneyfields 2-1 away from home.

    Sport and fitness · Source: Swindon24 · Published on Swindo

Saturday 25 April 2026

  1. Looking backWest End Bowls Club in Swindon celebrates 100 years

    Looking back, 25 April 2026: West End Bowls Club on Bassett Road, founded by railway workers in 1926, marked its centenary with a dinner attended by the Mayor of Swindon.

    Sport and fitness · Source: Swindon24 · Published on Swindo

Friday 24 April 2026

  1. Looking backSwindon defence networking event at STEAM sells out

    Looking back, 24 April 2026: Companies from sole traders to large defence contractors attended a sold-out Swindon Defence Networking and Insights event at STEAM, with uncrewed systems and advanced manufacturing the main theme.

    Business and economy · Source: Swindon24 · Published on Swindo

  2. Looking backSwindon council opens Crisis and Resilience Fund for households in hardship

    Looking back, 24 April 2026: Swindon Borough Council opened applications to its Crisis and Resilience Fund, backed by £8.3 million of Government money over three years, replacing the Household Support Fund.

    Council and services · Source: Swindon Borough Council · Published on Swindo

Thursday 23 April 2026

  1. Looking backSofa Screenings sells out as independent cinema returns to Swindon

    Looking back, 23 April 2026: Sofa Screenings, the independent film programme based at Create Studios in Swindon, was reported to be selling out screenings and had added National Theatre Live to its line-up.

    Arts and culture · Source: Swindon24 · Published on Swindo

  2. Looking backBMW marks 25 years of the modern MINI and the Swindon plant's part in it

    Looking back, 23 April 2026: BMW Group marked 25 years of modern MINI production in the UK, with its Swindon plant having supplied body panels for more than 4.6 million cars built at Oxford since 2001.

    Business and economy · Source: Swindon24 · Published on Swindo

Wednesday 22 April 2026

  1. Looking backBig Bark dog festival announced for Lydiard Park, Swindon

    Looking back, 22 April 2026: Swindon Borough Council announced that The Big Bark, a two-day dog festival with shows, agility and stalls, would come to Lydiard Park on 9 and 10 May 2026.

    Things to do · Source: Swindon Borough Council · Published on Swindo

Tuesday 21 April 2026

  1. Looking backSwindon given 3-1 odds to win UK City of Culture 2029

    Looking back, 21 April 2026: Early betting odds put Swindon at 3-1 to win UK City of Culture 2029, behind favourite Wrexham, weeks after the town made the longlist of nine.

    Arts and culture · Source: Swindon24 · Published on Swindo

  2. Looking backAaron Drinan and Connor Ripley win Swindon Town supporters' awards

    Looking back, 21 April 2026: Aaron Drinan and Connor Ripley shared the player of the year prizes at the Swindon Town Official Supporters Club presentation evening at the County Ground, where manager Ian Holloway urged fans to stick together.

    Sport and fitness · Source: Swindon24 · Published on Swindo

Monday 20 April 2026

  1. Looking backSwindon Family Contact Centre appeals for volunteers to keep sessions running

    Looking back, 20 April 2026: Swindon Family Contact Centre, a volunteer-run service where children can spend time with a parent they do not live with, appealed for more volunteers to keep its Saturday sessions going.

    Community · Source: Swindon24 · Published on Swindo

  2. Looking backMore than 240 gymnasts compete at Swindon School of Gymnastics two-day event

    Looking back, 20 April 2026: More than 240 gymnasts from across the South West competed in floor, vault and trampette at a two-day competition hosted by Swindon School of Gymnastics.

    Sport and fitness · Source: Swindon24 · Published on Swindo

Saturday 18 April 2026

  1. Looking backHundreds join first men's walk for Prospect Hospice, from Wroughton to the County Ground

    Looking back, 18 April 2026: Hundreds of walkers set out on an eight-mile route from Prospect Hospice in Wroughton to the County Ground in Swindon in the charity's first men's walk.

    Community · Source: Swindon24 · Published on Swindo

  2. Looking backSwindon Town held 2-2 by Accrington Stanley after added-time equaliser

    Looking back, 18 April 2026: Swindon Town drew 2-2 with Accrington Stanley at the County Ground after conceding deep into added time, a result that dented their automatic promotion hopes.

    Sport and fitness · Source: Swindon24 · Published on Swindo

Friday 17 April 2026

  1. Looking backSwindon Green Party launches 'Choose Hope' local election manifesto

    Looking back, 17 April 2026: Swindon Green Party launched its 2026 local election manifesto, Choose Hope, proposing a council-owned bus service, more social housing and bringing outsourced council services back in house.

    Council and services · Source: Swindon24 · Published on Swindo

Thursday 16 April 2026

  1. Looking backCampaign launched for a permanent XTC tribute in Swindon's Town Gardens

    Looking back, 16 April 2026: Two XTC supporters launched a campaign called XhibitA for a permanent public tribute to the Swindon band, with Town Gardens as the preferred site and a cost of up to £4,500.

    Arts and culture · Source: Swindon24 · Published on Swindo

  2. Looking backWest Swindon chosen for a new NHS community diagnostic centre

    Looking back, 16 April 2026: West Swindon was named as one of the locations for a new NHS Community Diagnostic Centre with MRI, CT and ultrasound scanners, part of a £237 million national programme.

    Healthcare · Source: Swindon24 · Published on Swindo

  3. Anger at controversial 19-home development and construction traffic

    The prospect of large construction vehicles driving through narrow residential streets and past a children’s play park has delayed any movement on a new housing development in Swindon.

    About Swindon · Source: Swindon Advertiser

  4. Decision on massive gas facility in tourism hotspot coming after three years

    Plans to build an anaerobic digestion facility in the middle of the Cotswold Water Park tourism hotspot could finally be decided after three years next week.

    About Swindon · Source: Swindon Advertiser

Wednesday 15 April 2026

  1. Udder madness: Outrage as actual cow given waste carrier's license

    To prove how easy it is for nefarious people to get a waste carrier's license from the Government, one group has managed to get one for their Chippenham cow.

    About Swindon · Source: Swindon Advertiser

  2. Looking backAppeal launched to protect the birds of Braydon Forest near Swindon

    Looking back, 15 April 2026: Wiltshire Wildlife Trust was preparing a week-long appeal, with donations doubled from 22 to 29 April, to protect farmland birds in Braydon Forest, about six miles north-west of Swindon.

    Parks and nature · Source: The Ink · Published on Swindo

  3. Why we must call time on legal bullies and their SLAPPs

    Today media outlets across the country are joining a Day of Action to call for the UK Government to include anti-SLAPP protections in the forthcoming King’s Speech.

    About Swindon · Source: Swindon Advertiser

  4. Beavers end Chippenham's near ten-year National League South stay

    Chippenham Town secured a 1-1 draw on the road at Hampton and Richmond Borough, but this was not enough to prevent their relegation from National League South

    Sport and fitness · Source: Swindon Advertiser

  5. 'Disgust' as fly-tipped donations pile up outside shops and supermarkets

    The amount of rubbish being dumped outside Swindon charity shops and supermarkets has gotten so extreme that shopkeepers can't get inside their stores.

    About Swindon · Source: Swindon Advertiser

  6. Full list of places you can cast your vote for Swindon local election 2026

    Community centres, schools, a few churches and pubs, a library and even a bowls club will play their part in ensuring democracy in Swindon next month.

    About Swindon · Source: Swindon Advertiser

Tuesday 14 April 2026

  1. Looking backSwindon Conservatives question £20m government grant for new theatre

    Looking back, 14 April 2026: Conservative opposition leaders on Swindon Borough Council wrote to the Chancellor and the National Audit Office asking for proof of a £20 million government grant announced for a proposed £45 million theatre.

    Council and services · Source: Swindon24 · Published on Swindo

  2. Warning issued to drivers about motorway fines due to this common mistake

    More than 53,000 incidents of the mistake have been recorded in recent years, with thousands of UK drivers risking a £100 fine and three penalty points

    Transport · Source: Swindon Advertiser

  3. Experience Tulip Mania at National Trust property within 30 miles of Swindon

    Experience Tulip Mania at Dyrham Park near Bath, with 15,000 tulips, art exhibitions, guided walks, plant fayre and Delftware displays from 13 April–4 May.

    About Swindon · Source: Swindon Advertiser

  4. Numbers seeking support for debts in Wiltshire revealed

    Official figures have revealed that 585 people in Wiltshire turned to the government’s Breathing Space scheme in 2025, seeking relief from mounting debts

    Business and economy · Source: Swindon Advertiser

Monday 13 April 2026

  1. Landlord 'should paint over controversial flag' say officials

    A councillor and publican should paint over a controversial St George's Cross on the outside of his 17th-century inn, insist planning officers from his own council.

    Housing and living · Source: Swindon Advertiser

  2. Police hunt trio accused of scamming car owner during ‘test drive’

    Police are appealing for help to identify men suspected of scamming a car-owner during a 'test drive' near Malmesbury in what officers believe was an attempt to sabotage the vehicle to force down its sale price.

    Community · Source: Swindon Advertiser

  3. Looking backSwindon defence firm SDO Associates grows from one person to a team of 10

    Looking back, 13 April 2026: Stu Olden, founder of Swindon defence sector firm SDO Associates, described how he took a government-backed management course at the University of Bath as the business grew from one person in 2022 to a team of 10.

    Business and economy · Source: Swindon24 · Published on Swindo

Sunday 12 April 2026

  1. Looking backSwindon Explorer Scout raising £4,000 for the 2027 World Scout Jamboree in Poland

    Looking back, 12 April 2026: A teenage Explorer Scout from Swindon had raised about £1,500 of the £4,000 she needed to attend the 2027 World Scout Jamboree in Poland, largely through market stalls in Swindon and Cricklade.

    Community · Source: Swindon24 · Published on Swindo

  2. Drivers warned they face £100 fines when driving on motorways due to common mistake

    More than 53,000 incidents of the mistake have been recorded in recent years, with thousands of UK drivers risking a £100 fine and three penalty points

    Transport · Source: Swindon Advertiser

  3. Important update on food caddy rollout in Swindon under new bin scheme

    People living in flats, especially recently-built ones, in communal blocks in Swindon who might be still expecting food waste caddies to be delivered should contact the council to request one.

    Council and services · Source: Swindon Advertiser

Saturday 11 April 2026

  1. Looking backThe Cricketers in Emlyn Square, Railway Village reopens after restoration

    Looking back, 11 April 2026: The Cricketers pub in Emlyn Square, in Swindon's Railway Village, reopened after more than two years of restoration led by Swindon Heritage Preservation, with the ground floor finished and the upper floors still to do.

    History · Source: Swindon24 · Published on Swindo

  2. Hospital to run 'normal services' despite ongoing doctors' strike

    The Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has said that they will continue to run normal services despite the ongoing resident doctor's strike.

    Healthcare · Source: Swindon Advertiser

  3. Round up of Swindon planning applications

    Swindon Borough Council has received a number of planning applications in recent days, covering a range of residential, commercial, and environmental developments.

    Housing and living · Source: Swindon Advertiser

Friday 10 April 2026

  1. Looking backLos Gatos tapas bar in Old Town, Swindon marks 20 years

    Looking back, 10 April 2026: Los Gatos, the tapas bar on Devizes Road in Swindon's Old Town, marked 20 years since it first opened on Wood Street in 2006.

    Food and drink · Source: Swindon24 · Published on Swindo

  2. Council looks set to demolish care home and replace it with 19 homes

    More affordable and accessible houses are set for central Swindon as the borough council’s own plans to knock down a care home and use the site for 19 houses and flats will be decided on next week.

    Housing and living · Source: Swindon Advertiser

  3. Four-bedroom HMO in Swindon central area officially approved

    The owner of a house of multiple occupation in central Swindon has escaped the possible fate of having to reconvert the property back into a single flat and storage.

    Housing and living · Source: Swindon Advertiser

Thursday 9 April 2026

  1. Looking backStratton St Margaret felled tree carved into animal benches for three parks

    Looking back, 9 April 2026: Stratton St Margaret Parish Council had a felled tree turned into carved benches by local artist Ryan Branco, installed in Neptune Park, Merton Fields and Kingsdown Park.

    Parks and nature · Source: Swindon24 · Published on Swindo

  2. What Holloway's post-Walsall team talk shows about top three chances

    Ian Holloway’s post-match team talk after the 2-1 win over Walsall demonstrates the importance he has placed on the mentality of his Swindon Town squad

    Sport and fitness · Source: Swindon Advertiser

  3. TV coverage confirmed for crucial Swindon away trip

    Swindon Town fans will be able to watch their crucial clash with Colchester United on Sky Sports+, although the game was not initially selected for TV

    Sport and fitness · Source: Swindon Advertiser

  4. TV star banned from driving after speeding on M4 motorway

    GLADIATORS presenter Barney Walsh has been banned from driving for six months after he was caught breaking a temporary 50mph speed limit on a motorway in South Gloucestershire.

    Community · Source: Swindon Advertiser

Wednesday 8 April 2026

  1. LIVE: Passengers warned to expect disruption as trains cancelled

    Rail passengers have been warned to expect disruption between Reading and London Paddington, which is affecting services passing through Swindon. Several trains have been cancelled this afternoon.

    Transport · Source: Swindon Advertiser

  2. Looking backSwindon plumber Sally King wins South West title at first Plumber Awards

    Looking back, 8 April 2026: Sally King, who runs Sally's Pipe Dream in Swindon, was named South West winner at the 2026 Plumber Awards and went forward to the national final.

    Business and economy · Source: Swindon24 · Published on Swindo

  3. Ensemble cast in Bath score a smash hit with ever popular musical

    There’s something irresistibly joyful about Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and the latest production at the Theatre Royal Bath leans wholeheartedly into that spirit.

    Things to do · Source: Swindon Advertiser

  4. New plans to build 19 houses on Swindon farmland spark anger

    A farmer’s field in Blunsdon surrounded by recently-built estates could soon see more houses, if members of Swindon Borough Council’s planning committee go along with their officers’ recommendation.

    Housing and living · Source: Swindon Advertiser

Tuesday 7 April 2026

  1. Looking backSwindon North MP Will Stone urges Ofwat to reject Thames Water fines deal

    Looking back, 7 April 2026: Swindon North MP Will Stone signed an open letter asking Ofwat and the Environment Secretary to reject a proposed deal that would shield Thames Water from regulatory fines, and called for the company to be put into special administration.

    Community · Source: Swindon24 · Published on Swindo

Monday 6 April 2026

  1. Looking backSwindon Festival of Literature 2026 programme launched with Mishal Husain and Natalie Haynes

    Looking back, 6 April 2026: The 33rd Swindon Festival of Literature was launched with more than 30 events planned for 4 to 10 May, and guests including Mishal Husain, Paul Sinton-Hewitt, Daisy Fancourt and Natalie Haynes.

    Arts and culture · Source: Swindon24 · Published on Swindo

  2. Looking backSwindon Town 2-1 Walsall: Drinan's stoppage-time winner on Easter Monday

    Looking back, 6 April 2026: Swindon Town came from behind to beat Walsall 2-1 at the County Ground on Easter Monday, with Fletcher Holman equalising and Aaron Drinan scoring the winner in stoppage time.

    Sport and fitness · Source: Swindon Link · Published on Swindo

  3. Sainsbury’s shoppers could unlock bonus cash deals in new NatWest partnership

    Millions of shoppers at Sainsbury’s could soon see their money go further, after a new deal with NatWest promises better savings rates, tailored loans and bonus Nectar rewards.

    Business and economy · Source: Swindon Advertiser

Sunday 5 April 2026

  1. Titanic cushion with 'tragic link' to victim set to fetch thousands at auction

    Artefacts from one of the Titanic’s lifeboats that has a tragic link to one of the victims is expected to fetch up to £180,000 at auction in Wiltshire.

    History · Source: Swindon Advertiser

Saturday 4 April 2026

  1. Loft conversions, signage plans and more in Swindon planning applications

    Swindon Borough Council has received a range of new planning applications over the past week, including a mix of tree works in conservation areas, household extensions, changes of use, and marketing proposals for development sites.

    Housing and living · Source: Swindon Advertiser

Friday 3 April 2026

  1. How important was McGregor's goal in Swindon's promotion chances?

    Joel McGregor slotted the ball precisely into the corner in the last minute to keep Swindon Town in touching distance of the top three; how important was that point?

    About Swindon · Source: Swindon Advertiser

  2. Looking backGood Friday procession through Swindon town centre joined by the Mayor

    Looking back, 3 April 2026: Churches in Swindon held their Good Friday walk of reflection from Kings Church down Victoria Hill to Discovery Church on Lagos Street, with the Mayor, Fay Howard, among those taking part.

    Community · Source: Swindon24 · Published on Swindo

Thursday 2 April 2026

  1. Looking backSwindon Amazon staff back Comic Relief with visit to Seven Fields Primary School

    Looking back, 2 April 2026: Staff at Amazon's fulfilment centre in Swindon spent a week fundraising for Comic Relief's Red Nose Day and visited Seven Fields Primary School, where pupils designed their own red noses.

    Business and economy · Source: Swindon24 · Published on Swindo

  2. Looking backProspect Hospice Men's Walk to Support: eight miles from Wroughton to the County Ground

    Looking back, 2 April 2026: Prospect Hospice urged men and boys in Swindon to sign up for its Men's Walk to Support, an eight-mile walk from the hospice in Wroughton to the County Ground on Saturday 18 April.

    Community · Source: Swindon24 · Published on Swindo

  3. Swindon comedian who started in wrestling has show premiered on Amazon Video

    A comedian and professional wrestler from Swindon whose new show has been picked up by Prime Video claims you don’t need to be in London to make it big.

    Sport and fitness · Source: Swindon Advertiser

Wednesday 1 April 2026

  1. Looking backSwindon's first TEDx event announced for the Town Hall in June

    Looking back, 1 April 2026: Swindon's first independently organised TEDx event, TEDx Railway Village, was announced for Friday 19 June at the Town Hall, with 100 in-person tickets from £35.

    Arts and culture · Source: Swindon24 · Published on Swindo

  2. Plight of refugees offers compelling and highly emotional theatre

    There are some plays that entertain and others that stay with you long after the curtain falls. The Beekeeper of Aleppo firmly belongs in the latter category.

    Things to do · Source: Swindon Advertiser