Swindon Borough Council's Summer in Swindon campaign, reported by Swindon24 on Saturday 18 July 2026, pulled together events, cheap days out and help with costs for families across the borough during the school holidays.
What was on offer?
- Free bus travel: children aged five to 15 could ride buses for free throughout August.
- Kids for a Quid: children could visit Lydiard House Museum and STEAM Museum for £1 each.
- Coate Water Splash Park: free to use.
- Lydiard Park: outdoor cinema screenings, theatre performances, the Garden Party and Mad4Animals.
- Signal Festival: more than 40 arts and cultural events celebrating young people's creativity, from 24 July to 1 August.
- Libraries: the Summer Reading Challenge.
What help was there with costs?
The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme again funded holiday clubs, activities and meals for eligible children who receive benefits-related free school meals. Affordable food was available from Haven Pantry, Parks Pantry and Penhill Pantry, and the Gorse Hill Baptist Church Community Fridge offered free surplus food with no referral needed. Advice was available at the council's Community Hubs and Welcome Spaces, including the hub at Park Library and facilities at Central Library.
Councillor Matt Hinton, the council's Cabinet Member for Community Engagement, Safety and Services, said: "Summer should be a time for children and families to enjoy spending time together."
Source: Swindon24.