Swindon's First Ever Day of the Dead Festival Comes to Old Town

Swindon will host its first-ever Day of the Dead Festival this autumn, bringing colour, culture and community spirit to the heart of Old Town. The celebrations will take over Wood Street on Sunday 2 November, from 2pm to 7pm, offering a lively afternoon and evening of music, food, art and family friendly fun.

The event is being organised by the Old Town Business Association, which has a strong track record of creating much loved community festivals in Swindon. Following the success of the summer Sunday Socials, and ahead of the popular Christmas Festival, this new event is set to add something unique to Swindon’s cultural calendar.

What to Expect at Swindon’s Day of the Dead Festival

Inspired by the traditional Mexican Día de los Muertos, the festival promises to fill Old Town with vibrant sights, sounds and flavours. Visitors can look forward to:

• Live music and street performances throughout the afternoon
• Authentic Latin American food alongside Old Town’s favourite eateries
• Traditional crafts, art installations and workshops
• Family activities including face painting and craft sessions for children
• A spectacular street parade with candles, colour and music to round off the day

Festival goers are invited to take part by dressing in smart attire with skull inspired face paint, bringing along a battery powered candle to help light the evening parade, and even contributing a photo of a loved one to add to the shared community ofrenda (altar).

Celebrating Culture in the Heart of Swindon

The Old Town Business Association is working closely with cultural partners to ensure the event reflects the heritage of Día de los Muertos while also making it meaningful for the Swindon community. Organisers say the aim is to bring people together, celebrate life, and create a truly memorable occasion for the town.

This new festival underlines Old Town’s growing reputation as Swindon’s cultural hub, offering residents and visitors alike the chance to enjoy something both entertaining and educational. The event also comes as good news for local businesses, with the roadworks along Devizes Road due to be completed by early October, well before the celebrations begin.

Tickets and Donations

Entry to the Day of the Dead Festival is by a suggested £1.50 donation per person, which will help cover the running costs of this brand-new event. Tickets can be pre-booked online at www.thisisoldtown.com