All events

Showing 1 to 5 of 8 events.

Un/Common People: Folk Culture in Wessex
- Date: 30th November 2024 - 8th March 2025
- Every day
- Location: Museum & Art Swindon
- Time: 10:30 - 16:30
- Cost: Free
Discover the stories that weave together Wessex folk culture.

Un/Common People is a major exhibition that celebrates the vibrant folk art and seasonal customs of Wessex, both past and present. It redefines the traditional meaning of the term ‘commoner’ by showcasing the extraordinary creativity of folk art, crafted by self-taught artists and makers. The exhibition features a remarkable collection of more than 100 objects from Wessex Museums, the Museum of British Folklore and private lenders. Highlights include a handcrafted Wiltshire sweetheart pin cushion made by a World War I veteran, a rare ship crafted entirely from straw linking to Poole’s maritime heritage, and a poignant portrait by a Nigerian artist created while seeking asylum in Swindon. Complementing the objects on display is a newly commissioned folk song and story map, films and photography that capture the Wessex folk calendar, from the Summer Solstice at Stonehenge to the May Day celebrations in Cerne Abbas. This exhibition showcases how Wessex’s folk traditions have been embraced, reimagined, and enriched over time, blending traditional crafts with modern customisations.
A Country House Christmas
- Date: 4th December 2024 - 22nd December 2024
- Every day
- Location: Lydiard House Museum
- Time: 11:00 - 16:00
- Cost: Admission to Lydiard House costs £6.30 for an adult and £3.45 for a child (under 3s go free). Family tickets are also available.
Step back in time and experience the decorated halls at Lydiard House Museum for the festive season.

The elegant State Rooms of the Grade I listed house will be adorned with traditional Christmas foliage, a beautiful Christmas tree decorated with handmade decorations and a traditional kissing ball. Decorations include foliage and incredible arrangements produced by the Royal Wootton Bassett Flower Club which add splendour and festivity to the mantle-pieces and doorways throughout the house. Families are invited to take part in festive craft activities on the weekends leading up to Christmas: Saturday, 7 December and Sunday, 8 December: Make a paper angel. Saturday, 14 December and Sunday, 15 December: Make a paper stained glass window decoration. Saturday, 21 December and Sunday, 22 December: Make a paper wreath. A Country House Christmas runs from Wednesday, 4 December to Sunday, 22 December. Lydiard House Museum is open on Wednesday to Sunday from 11.00am to 4.00pm (last admission 3.30pm). Admission to Lydiard House costs £6.30 for an adult and £3.45 for a child (under 3s go free). Family tickets are also available.
Festive guided tour of Lydiard House with cream tea
- Date: 4th December 2024 - 19th December 2024
- Every week
- Location: Lydiard House Museum Lydiard House and Park Lydiard Tregoz Swindon
- Time: 13:00 - 15:00
- Cost: £20 per person
Indulge in an afternoon of festive treats at Lydiard House Museum on selected Wednesdays and Thursday this December.
Discover the fascinating history of the St John family, with its colourful characters, scandals and tragedies. Traditional foliage, floral decorations and a real Christmas tree will deck the elegant staterooms to re-create the intimate atmosphere of a country house Christmas.

On the day, the guided tour will begin at 1pm – so please arrive at the entrance to Lydiard House Museum five minutes before.

After the tour, it’s a very short walk to the Lydiard Park Hotel, where you will enjoy a delicious cream tea. This includes scones, jam and Cornish clotted cream with tea and coffee.

Enjoy all of the above for £20 per person.

Seating will be open at this event, so you can choose your own seats with friends and family.

Spaces are limited and tickets must be booked in advance. Click on your preferred date to book online via the Lydiard Park website.

Dates include:
- Wednesday, 4 December 2024
- Thursday, 5 December 2024
- Wednesday, 11 December 2024
- Thursday, 12 December 2024
- Wednesday, 18 December 2024
- Thursday, 19 December 2024
Full payment online is required at the time of booking. Tickets will be available to purchase up until the Friday before the event, subject to availability.
Scrooge; the Mouse & a Victorian House: Festive Family Hunt
- Date: 14th December 2024
- Location: The Cricketers Arms, 14 Emlyn Square, Swindon, SN1 5BN
- Time: 15:00 - 18:00
- Cost: Child: £3.50 and Adult: £1.50
The Railway Village Museum is all set for Christmas, but what’s this? Twenty-one adorable mice are hiding throughout its charming rooms!

On the table, on the stair, these naughty mice are everywhere! The Railway Village Museum is all set for Christmas, but what’s this? Twenty-one adorable mice are hiding throughout its charming rooms! Join the fun this December, at 34 Faringdon Road for ‘Scrooge; the Mouse & a Victorian House’ Festive Family Hunt. Solve festive clues, spot the mice, and warn them that they only have one night before Scrooge the cat returns! Enjoy a magical candlelit tour of the Victorian cottage, set in 1900, and explore the enchanting exhibits while searching for the hidden mice. Create your own peg mouse or Angel to take home as a delightful keepsake; perfect for hanging on the tree. Warm yourself up with a hot chocolate, and indulge in a mince pie at the newly restored Cricketers. Details: Please allow up to 1.5 hours for your session. The mouse hunt and cottage tour will last up to 45 minutes, which will give up to 45 minutes to enjoy the crafts and refreshments in the Cricketers. Where is this happening? Meet us at the Cricketers Arms in Emlyn Square, from there a short walk to the Railway Village Museum at 34 Faringdon Road, and then return to the Cricketers for a delicious hot chocolate and a chance to make your very own angelic mouse. Who can book? Booking is strongly advised to secure your spot as space is very limited in the museum. This family-friendly event welcomes everyone—there’s no need to be a child to enjoy the fun! Tickets are £5 for children and 1 accompanying adult. Additionally, adults are £1.50 each so bring the whole family along for this festive mouse hunt adventure. Please note that all children must be accompanied by at least 1 responsible adult at all times. Facilities: Please note there are no toilet facilities on site, but toilets will be available at the nearby supporting site: Cricketers. Accessibility: Wheelchair ramps are available and the ground floor of the cottage is fully accessible for wheelchairs. Space in the cottage is limited and the stairs are steep so please take care. This is also why we ask that pushchairs are not brought inside the cottage. Transport and Parking: By public transport: Swindon Railway Village is easily reachable by train or bus, and we are only a short walking distance from the Central Bus Station. By car: There are a number of Car Parks conveniently located around the Railway Village, but we recommend using Bristol Street Car Park. Please book via the Mechanics Trust website.
Christmas Centrepiece Workshop
- Date: 21st December 2024
- Location: The Cricketers Arms, 14 Emlyn Square, Swindon, SN1 5BN
- Time: 10:30 - 15:30
- Cost: £15 per centrepiece
Join us for a Festive Christmas Centrepiece Workshop!

Get into the holiday spirit by creating your own stunning Christmas centrepiece! Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned crafter, this workshop is open to all. In this hands-on crafts session, you’ll learn tips and techniques to design a beautiful arrangement that will impress your guests and brighten your home. Time: 10.45am to 12.45pm or 1.30pm to 3.30pm.

All materials are provided (oasis, dish, battery operated tealight and holder), fresh foliage and decorative elements. For those travelling by car, parking is available at Bristol Street car park. However, we encourage you to use public transport to make your journey even easier.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned crafter, this workshop is perfect for anyone looking to add a personal touch to their Christmas décor. Bring your friends and enjoy an afternoon of creativity and fun! Spaces are limited, so be sure to register early to secure your place.

To find more information and to book, visit the Mechanics Trust website.