Learning at the heart of Tech Fest day at Central Library

The Tech Fest, which will take place between 10.30am and 2.30pm in the Regent Circus library, has been organised by Swindon Libraries in partnership with the Swindon: Learning Town project.

The Learning Town initiative is part of UNESCO’s global network of towns and cities who work together to share ideas and solutions. A Learning Town is defined as a place which uses its resources to promote inclusive, lifelong learning in education, families, communities and the workplace.

Saturday’s event will highlight some of the diverse STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) activities and opportunities within Swindon.

This will include a range of organisations showcasing current and future technologies as well as sharing learning opportunities in the Borough.

Councillor Mary Martin, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and School Attainment, said: “This is a great opportunity for our residents to engage with technologies of the future, while exploring their own possible learning pathways.

“We are fortunate in Swindon to have a thriving technological sector and I am pleased so many local firms have agreed to take part and get behind our Learning Town initiative.”

Among the firms taking part at the Tech Fest include Swindon Makerspace, which uses various creative technologies including 3D printers. Digisheds work with individuals and companies on digital skills and will also be present on the day having recently set up offices in the Swindon Borough Council-owned Workshed at the Carriage Works.

Render Media, who specialise in virtual reality, and home-grown digital arts company Create Studios are other firms making an appearance.

Anish Harrison, Swindon: Learning Town Project Lead, said: “Tech Fest has been growing as an event for the past year or so. The Central Library has organised technology days before, so we wanted to harness this enthusiasm and make this an annual event.

“Swindon has a fantastic technological heritage and the Borough’s present and future is in STEM and the arts. The Swindon Learning Town initiative wants to showcase all these wonderful learning opportunities, through celebration and exploration.”

The Tech Fest is a free event for anyone to attend. For further information contact either Anish Harrison, 01793 463798 aharrison@swindon.gov.uk or Leon Flower, lflower@swindon.gov.uk

For more information about Swindon: Learning Town visit: www.swindonlearningtown.com