Swindon is set to host its first ever street art festival next - and it will be free to attend.

Swindon Paint Fest will be held on October 15-16 by Artsite in partnership with InSwindon BID.

The organisation says it hopes it will serve as a community art project with a strong ethos of access and social inclusion. 

Artsite is an artist-led self-funded charity, set up in 1999 to develop affordable studio space and act as a platform and support for artists in the visual and creative arts.

Situated in Theatre Square in Swindon Town Centre, it acts as a catalyst for change by creating an inclusive platform for nurturing a healthy, creative community. 

The agenda of Paint Fest includes large scale murals, various live paintings by 20+ artists around town centre, gallery exhibitions, workshops, pop-up shops set up to sell art merchandise and prints as well as artist sharing sessions to initiate conversations on the improvements that art can do for the town.

Swindon has a relationship with InSwindon BID, with the Borough Council having worked with them over the past two years on initiating the development of murals in the town centre as part of its regeneration

In order to host the event, the organisers hope to raise £1000 in funds.

The money will go towards the artists, supplies and expenses for the event. It will be free for attendees.