Afternoon, Swindon! Halloween is nearly here, and there are plenty of spooky goings-on around town this week.
Short on time? My pick of the week is Ghost Tales at Lydiard House - perfect for anyone who loves a good local ghost story. And if you'd rather experience your scares on the move, the Halloween Ghost Train combines spooky surprises with a slice of Swindon's railway history. 👻🚂
Also in this today’s newsletter: five more things to do, the latest on Swindon’s City of Culture campaign, and some brilliant food and drink deals to snap up!
📅 5 things to do this week
Halloween Train Credit: Sandra Seitamaa via Pexels
🚂 Halloween Ghost Train at Swindon & Cricklade Railway £12
Ride the Ghost Train and meet ghosts, witches and skeletons brought to life by costumed actors! The café will also be open serving food.
When: Friday 30 and Saturday 31 October · Where: Blunsdon Station, SN25 2DA
Visit their website
🧪 Swindon Imaginarium at The Brunel · FREE
Looking for something to keep the kids entertained this half-term? The Swindon Imaginarium is bringing hands-on science experiments and halloween inspired creative workshops to the town centre.
When: Until Saturday 31 October · Where: Brunel Shopping Centre, SN1 1LF
Find out more
🎤 The Spice Girls – The Theatre Show · £36
Want to relive the 90s? Enjoy the music of one of Britain's biggest girl groups with a night of nostalgic pop hits at the theatre.
When: Thursday 29 October · Where: Wyvern Theatre, SN1 1QN
Book the theatre
Maddie’s Pick:
👻Ghost Tales of Lydiard House £12
Fancy something spooky? Discover the ghost stories and reported hauntings of historic Lydiard House
When: Friday 30 October · Where: Lydiard House, SN5 3PA
Book tickets here
🎨 renARTgades Festival of Makers at STEAM £8.80
Discover an eclectic mix of local artists and independent makers at this weekend market, with creative workshops and unique handmade finds to browse.
When: Saturday 31 October - Sunday 1 November· Where: STEAM Museum, SN2 2EY
Check it out
3 things to know
Swindon prepares to mark Remembrance Sunday. Residents are invited to gather at the Cenotaph on Regent Circus on Sunday 8 November for a community service, including a two-minute silence and the laying of wreaths. Find out more
Swindon Wildcats are back on home ice. The Wildcats face Basingstoke Bison at the Link Centre this week. Fancy a different kind of night out? Catch the action from the stands. Book tickets here
Swindon determined to build on City of Culture campaign. Although Swindon missed out on the final shortlist for UK City of Culture, the council has described reaching the longlist as a significant achievement and is keen to build on the momentum. The campaign has put Swindon on the map, with ambitions to keep showcasing what the town has to offer. Read more here
Discounts & Offers
Get 50% off hot drinks at Bert’s Books. Grab a coffee or tea at this cosy Old Town bookshop for half price, Monday to Wednesday! Visit their website
Get November FREE at Anytime Fitness Swindon! Join for just £1 and get your first month free with a 12-month membership when you sign up online before 31 October. Plus, try the gym with a free 3-day pass! Grab the offer here
Get 20% off at Kenzo 72. Fancy a steak night? Enjoy juicy gyoza, sizzling steaks, smoky ribs and more, with 20% off online orders over £20 using discount code KZ72. Order online and save
Get 6 cupcakes for £8 at GlamoRose Cakes. Treat yourself to a box of six cupcakes for just £8 from this Swindon cake specialist. Get the full details
Save 20% on Friday nights at The Bank. Heading out for drinks? Enjoy 20% off during peak going-out hours, from 6pm to 11pm every Friday! Check it out
Things we love
All-you-can-eat steak for just £30pp 🥩
I recently visited Kenzo 72 in Old Town to try their all-you-can-eat steak experience, and it was so good!
If you're a steak lover, this one's definitely worth adding to your Swindon food list.
That's it from me this week. If you spot me at Open Studios, come and say hello.
One question for you: what’s your favourite Halloween activity? Hit reply and tell me. I read every one, and the best answers make next week's email.
Keep it local,
Maddie x
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