Featured Events in Swindon in June, 2025 (May Updated)

Join us for an informal evening of discovery and discussion, with Alan Winfield , Professor of Robot Ethics at the University of the West of England (UWE). A number of influential writers have written of the ‘existential threat' of advanced Artificial Intelligence. Their argument revolves around what they call ’the singularity’: the moment that AI exceeds human intelligence and decides that humans are redundant. Alan Wingfield thinks that argument is deeply flawed, but - at the same time - he believes that the new generation of generative AI and Large Language Models poses significant dangers. Join the discussion he outlines the threats including physical and psychological harms to individuals; societal threats, and environmental threats. The latter because of the huge energy and water costs of the most powerful AIs. Alan Winfield is Professor of Robot Ethics at the University of the West of England (UWE), Bristol, UK, Visiting Professor at the University of York, and Associate Fellow of the Cambridge Centre for the Future of Intelligence. Alan co-founded the Bristol Robotics Laboratory where his research is focussed on the science, engineering and ethics of cognitive robotics. Alan is an advocate for robot ethics; he chairs the advisory board of the Responsible Technology Institute at the University of Oxford and has co-drafted new standards on ethical risk assessment and transparency. SWINDON SCIENCE CAFE Science Cafes are an informal opportunity to explore the latest ideas in science and technology. Rather than a long lecture, you can expect a lively, two-way conversation with a researcher - over a drink or two! Everyone is welcome to come and express their views or just enjoy a drink and listen. No scientific knowledge is needed to take part - just bring your curiosity, and maybe your own bottle of choice. WHEN : The first Tuesday of each month from 7pm - 9pm. WHERE : Innovation Centre for Applied Sustainable Technologies (iCAST) Creative Hub located in the iconic Carriage Works. 10 Carriage Works, Unit 7B, London Street, Swindon, SN1 5FBEnter the following three words into the What Three Words app to find the exact location: Front entrance: ///friday.index.solo Rear entrance: ///cups.shell.face REFRESHMENTS: A selection of light refreshments will be available in return for a donation, or you are welcome to bring your own drinks and snacks with you. Please bring cash with you for donations to cover the costs of drinks on the night. Swindon Science Cafe is organised by: The Festival of Tomorrow The Royal Agriculture University Swindon and Wiltshire Institute of Technology The University of Bath Innovation Centre for Applied Sustainable Technologies (iCAST) Please note that filming/photography will take place at this event for promotional purposes. The photographs made may appear on the organising committee websites, on social media or in press releases relating to the event. If you would prefer not to be photographed please let the organisers know. Information Source: Festival of Tomorrow 2025 | eventbrite

Imagine meetings where every voice is heard, every idea matters, and every person feels they truly belong. In this session, you’ll discover how practising active allyship in everyday meetings can maximise collaboration, bring your commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (ED&I) to life, and build thriving, high-performing teams. Small actions create big change. Sophie Waller from RWK Goodman will also be on hand to support on the legal implications / legal questions that arise from the above / points below. Practical learning points: Understanding equality, diversity, and inclusion (E, D, & I) : We'll briefly explore what Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion mean, and why they are essential for creating a thriving and supportive workplace. Practising allyship: We'll look at practical ways to actively support and advocate for others, building a more inclusive culture through everyday actions. Fostering inclusive meetings: Using positive meeting behaviours as an example, we'll identify what makes a meeting genuinely inclusive, and learn how to embed inclusivity before, during, and after every meeting. Speakers Bio: Claire Farrow is a passionate culture and inclusion specialist with a background in strategic talent acquisition, spanning financial services, engineering, and defence. She has led inclusive recruitment strategies, launched company-wide engagement initiatives, and built trusted partnerships at all levels. Known for her pragmatic, evidence-based approach, Claire helps organisations transform bold ambitions into lasting, real-world impact. Branch annual meeting: You are welcome to stay after this event as we hold our local branch annual meeting. This is an opportunity for you to understand the activities over the past twelve months, the changes in the committee and vote on new committee members. This is open for all CIPD members and should take no longer than thirty minutes. Please note: Reminder emails will be sent to you the day before, with a further reminder on the day of the event. Photography and video production may be taking place at the event, and these images may be used in the CIPD newsletters. By attending the event, you are giving your consent for your image to be used on any CIPD promotional materials. As we are supplying refreshments, if you can no longer attend, please cancel your place either on Eventbrite, responding to this email. This event may include an external speaker who has prepared their own presentation. Any views or opinions expressed by the speaker are their own and do not reflect those of the CIPD. Please note that refunds for CIPD Non-Member tickets will only be available until 7 days prior to the event, any cancelled tickets after this will not receive a refund. If you require any reasonable adjustments to enhance your experience, please get in contact with us by responding to this email and we will do our best to accommodate. Information Source: The CIPD Branch in Swindon and North Wiltshire | eventbrite

Join us for a special Sofa Screening of the critically acclaimed film Captain Fantastic as part of Swindon Old Town Festival. Taking place on Thursday 5 June at 7:00 pm , this special evening invites you to enjoy cinema in a cosy, community setting. Captain Fantastic is a thought-provoking and heartwarming film that follows a father raising his six children off the grid, blending humour and emotion with powerful performances. Date: Thursday 5 June 2025 Time: 7:00 pm Location: Create Studios, Swindon Cost: £5 Presented by: Create Studios, 10 Carriage Works, London st. SN1 5 FB Perfect for film lovers looking for something a little different – comfortable, community-focused and cinematic. Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1kH4OMIOMc Information Source: Create Studios | eventbrite

This course is essential for anyone considering their first self build, home improvement, loft conversion or renovation project. Covering everything from budgeting, insurance and site management through to health & safety, snagging and VAT reclaim. This one-day event is delivered by experienced Project Manager, Charlie Laing. Charlie has presented NSBRC courses for several years and is Director at CLPM Ltd, a specialist project management business. Charlie is a building project management expert and heads up our project management team. As a member of the Laing family construction dynasty, you could quite literally say building is in Charlie’s blood. With over 25 years in the industry, Charlie has project managed everything from major commercial projects overseas to more modest residential new builds and renovations in the UK. What will the course cover? Project Management Basics Sequencing your Build Project Management Options Build Routes Programme Management Budgeting - Setting and Establishing a Budget Controlling Expenditure Insurances and Warranties VAT Reclaim Trades and Materials Sourcing and Managing Trades Getting a Price Contract Options Sourcing Materials Quality Control Site Preparation and Set up Site Management Avoiding the Pitfalls Health and Safety Completion delivered in such an understandable, no nonsense way “A tremendous thank you for the invaluable advice and information which was delivered in such an understandable, no nonsense way. It has enabled me to narrow down the best route for me to take for my forever home.” exceeded my expectations Thank you so much for the Project Management Course. I found it so valuable, so well organised - it exceeded my expectations invaluable “You did a wonderful job of putting this course together [...] I really appreciated being able to participate online and learnt so much that will prove invaluable when we come to build our new home. Thank you everyone, it was fab!” Refund Policy - The Project Management Course Cost of one-day courses held at the Centre per person: £165.00 gbp (VAT inclusive). Cost of one-day virtual courses per device: £85 gbp (VAT inclusive). We offer course places on a first come first serve basis. If you are unable to attend the course after booking, we can transfer your place to another course date if you notify us at least a week before the event (subject to availability). Please notify us as soon as possible. Please note that we will issue a full refund if you notify us up to 7 days prior to the event start date, if you notify us after this time your payment will be non-refundable. Information Source: The National Self Build & Renovation Centre | eventbrite

Join us in the cozy comfort of our sofas for an unforgettable cinematic journey, and mark your calendars for our screening of ‘Good One’ on Thursday 12th June. 17 year old Sam is spending the weekend hiking with her dad and his oldest friend, Matt, in the Catskills in New York State. It should be a weekend of familial bonding while basking in New York’s regional beauty. But an unexpected interaction between Sam and Matt causes Sam to clash with her father, and reconsider what their relationship means to her. A directorial debut from India Donaldson, Good One revels in its quieter moments as a coming of age story that feels all too familiar in its exploration of the struggle to speak out. Details: Date: Thursday 12th June Time: 7PM Venue: Create Studios, Swindon Runtime: 1hr 30m Limited availability – book now to secure your place! Information Source: Create Studios | eventbrite

Join us in the cozy comfort of our sofas for an unforgettable cinematic journey, and mark your calendars for our screening of ‘Do the Right Thing’ on Saturday 14th June. During a sweltering summer day in a Brooklyn neighbourhood, the community’s cultural mixing pot reaches boiling point. Mookie, a pizza delivery boy, navigates the untimely confrontation between his neighborhood and the pizza parlour he works for that becomes more and more volatile as the day goes on. Crowned as one of the best American films ever made, Spike Lee offers an electrifying and vibrant slice of Brooklyn life, bringing with it the reality of America into the forefront of audiences across the globe as it explores police brutality and the clashing of culture. Details: Date: Saturday 14th June Time: 7PM Venue: Create Studios, Swindon Runtime: 2hrs Limited availability – book now to secure your place! Information Source: Create Studios | eventbrite

One of the many reasons to self build is that you can claim back your VAT. Under VAT Notice 431, any new dwellings are entitled to Zero VAT on materials and labour. You can reclaim VAT on most building elements and materials – but there are some exceptions and various rules to understand and follow. There are different things to understand depending on who is undertaking the work and this can be the cause of some confusion and unnecessary stress. That is why, working with a genuine, experienced expert, we’ve designed this brand new half-day course. Andrew Jones – AKA, The VATman Andrew is a specialist in processing VAT Reclaims all over the UK, with over 14 years’ experience and has processed more than 13,000 claims to date ( with a total value of claims over £35 million ). Who Should Attend? This course has been produced by Andrew, and the team at the NSBRC, for private individuals creating a new dwelling for themselves or a direct family member, and not for someone doing a HMO or a developer building to sell. Here are some project types which this course would cover: New build / Self Build Demolition and rebuild Replacement dwellings Completing someone else’s new build An old house empty for 10 years or more Converting a building not previously lived in Commercial to residential Barn Conversions Disused places of worship Please note this list doesn’t cover all relevant projects types and is used by way of example. The course is not suitable for someone constructing a HMO or a developer building to sell. If you’re unsure if this is the right course for you, please get in touch at courses@nsbrc.co.uk and we can discuss this with you. What will the course cover? If you’re doing a self build or a conversion (new build, knock-down and re-build, converting a church, chapel, barn) - creating any new dwelling which is for yourself or a family member - this course will help you understand VAT claims by covering: When you should pay VAT and when you should not and at what VAT rate How you achieve zero VAT on your project Time frame to submit a VAT reclaim Techniques for purchasing materials at the best rates What can and cannot be reclaimed Potential problems to avoid Details of HMRC’s procedure in relation to your reclaim Purchases that carry other challenges and difficulties The purchases HMRC will scrutinise the closest The items where your most likely to make a mistake & how to avoid this Plus - lots of other insider tips to increase your VAT saving We are confident that, in making the small investment to take this course, you will maximise your VAT claim, potentially saving hundreds if not thousands of pounds on your final budget. Refund Policy - The VAT Claims Course Cost of course per person at the Centre: £95 gbp (VAT inclusive). If you are unable to attend the course after booking, we can transfer your place to another course date if you notify us at least a week before the event (subject to availability). Please notify us as soon as possible. Please note that we will issue a full refund if you notify us up to 7 days prior to the event start date, if you notify us after this time your payment will be non-refundable. Information Source: The National Self Build & Renovation Centre | eventbrite

The Renovation Course, led by NSBRC Helpdesk Expert Rob Bohm, focuses on sustainable building and energy efficiency. Rob, an expert in building fabrics and heating systems, offers valuable insights for anyone thinking of undertaking a renovation, conversion or extension project. NSBRC Guide to Renovation Projects The classroom-based course covers project management, processes, recommended trades, and includes a tour of the NSBRC's own Renovation House for practical application, so you can watch the theory come to life. Our Training Courses aim to enhance your understanding and confidence in making informed decisions throughout your project. What will the course cover? Part one - super structure: Building Systems & Fabrics Building Regulations & Legislation Damp-proofing, cracking & subsidence Part two - first and second fix: Re-design and re-configuring Plumbing & Services Kitchens & Bathrooms Can I do it? What’s the disruption? What’s the cost? What’s the time frame? Building Regulations & Legislation Planning (when is it needed) and Permitted Development Rights Party Wall Act Budgeting & VAT Damp Proofing Dealing with Dampness, Condensation & Mould in Properties Symptoms & Causes Repairing & Rectifying Cracking, Subsidence & Structural Repairs Characteristics of different building materials Identifying causes of cracking and masonry failures and subsidence replacing doors & windows Building Systems & Fabrics Insulation: thermal & acoustic Building materials Extensions, Loft & Basement Conversions Services Heating & Water Energy Efficiency Airtightness & Ventilation helping me make decisions on the way forward and where to focus the budget "the three courses I attended "Project Management", "Renovation projects " and "Managing your Energy Efficient Home" are helping me make decisions on the way forward and where to focus the budget. Thanks to all for an excellent series of courses.” a great presenter and communicator “It's a sign of how good this course is that we have no house to renovate but still found it hugely beneficial, full of information and know-how that we can now apply to the wider task of house-building [...] A wonderful course, thank you!” Refund Policy - The Renovation Course Cost of one-day courses held at the Centre per person: £165.00 gbp (VAT inclusive). We offer course places on a first come first serve basis. If you are unable to attend the course after booking, we can transfer your place to another course date if you notify us at least a week before the event (subject to availability). Please notify us as soon as possible. Please note that we will issue a full refund if you notify us up to 7 days prior to the event start date, if you notify us after this time your payment will be non-refundable. Information Source: The National Self Build & Renovation Centre | eventbrite

The Swindon Old Town Comedy Club Returns to the Christ Church Community Centre on Friday June 27 for another packed-out night of laughter headlined by ABI CLARKE! As seen on COMEDY CENTRAL LIVE (Comedy Central COMIC RELIEF, THE EMILY ATTACK SHOW (ITV) BEYOND PARADISE (BBC ONE) THE APPRENTICE: YOU'RE FIRED! (BBC Two) and as heard on the infamous WAGATHA CHRISTIE PODCAST (BBC SOUNDS) Abi Clarke is a stand-up comedian, actor and presenter who has achieved remarkable success across her social media platforms, amassing two million followers across Instagram, TikTok and YouTube for her hilarious sketches and instantly relatable content. One of the top comedy stars of the internet - The Independent Support Acts TBA... MC & Host: Sam Michael - A local comedian who's been Support Act for the likes of Al Murray, Dom Joly and Fiona Allen. Please Note: We do not accept large parties of stag dos or hen parties, apologies.You must be 18+ to attend or 16+ with an adultYou must have a valid ticket to attend this eventWe do not allow people to record any footage of the event on personal cameras or phonesSome acts may be recording their own performances, however this will not include a front-facing recording of the crowd.Any behaviour we deem untoward or too disruptive to the show will return in being asked to leave.You are welcome to take photos, we will be taking some on the night for social media purposes.This event will have on-door staff/security for your own protection. Information Source: Wessex Comedy | eventbrite

Without a formal consent, your project will be something of a non-starter. In our brand-new course, we take a deep-dive into the planning system, explain how you can best prepare a successful application, be aware of common mistakes and avoid costly pit-falls. The session will be full of real-life studies and examples curated over many years in Practice. Planning Permission course Topics covered: Types of planning permission Creating a successful application Research Design & Drawings The Appeals Process Reports Forming your team of expert advisors Legislation and Regulation Conservation Areas & geographic variations Expert Presenter: Our course has been designed specifically for self-builders at early stages and is produced and delivered by independent planning expert Mark Doodes MRTPI. The course covers the key topics and features a Q&A session – so you can get your specific planning queries answered! Mark is a qualified, chartered and insured Town Planner with 22+ years’ experience in preparing and assessing planning applications including a decade as a planning officer. His practice is part of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) consultants register and their role is to give you impartial advice throughout the process. Without planning permission your project hasn’t really started, and this course is designed to ensure you are not wasting time, effort and capital on sites or strategies that are unlikely to be fruitful. The planning system is a complex and growing area with new Ecology requirements which came into effect in February. Use this course to get expert advice upfront with our great value half-day course. Limited to just 30 delegates. Only £95 Per Person (Inc. VAT) Half-Day session delivered in classroom style at the NSBRC Exclusive course materials on a USB to access at your convenience Opportunity to arrange a follow-up session with MDP at discounted rate* *MDP are Chartered by the Royal Town Planning Institute and are on the National Planning Consultants Directory and on the Planning Portal. MDP take on projects all over England and are Insured up-to £1M in Professional Indemnity and Public Liability for site visits and meetings. Refund Policy - The Planning Permission Course Cost of course per person at the Centre: £95 gbp (VAT inclusive). If you are unable to attend the course after booking, we can transfer your place to another course date if you notify us at least a week before the event (subject to availability). Please notify us as soon as possible. Please note that we will issue a full refund if you notify us up to 7 days prior to the event start date, if you notify us after this time your payment will be non-refundable. Information Source: The National Self Build & Renovation Centre | eventbrite

Join us in the cozy comfort of our sofas for an unforgettable cinematic journey, and mark your calendars for our screening of ‘Little Miss Sunshine’ on Saturday 28th June. Olive, a young girl from New Mexico, dreams to be the next Little Miss Sunshine at a pageant in California. Her parents reluctantly oblige and decide to take a road trip across the US so she can compete. This trip faces its own challenges however, as the family face many obstacles along the way. A modern classic that tackles family dysfunction and tragedy, the warmth and charm shines through as the family all strive to make Olive’s dreams come true. This film was chosen by our Young Person’s Programming group, Reel25! Details: Date: Saturday 28th June Time: 7PM Venue: Create Studios, Swindon Runtime: 1hr 41m Limited availability – book now to secure your place! Information Source: Create Studios | eventbrite