The return of Swindon Paint Fest for the third consecutive year is almost upon us.

Founded by Artsite, Swindon Paint Fest has a range of inclusive activities planned for its return to the town including large-scale murals, live painting, exhibitions, family-friendly workshops, music and more!

Over 50 talented artists, local and from around the world, are bringing their creativity and energy to the town on Saturday, August 31 and Sunday, September 1. 

The line-up of events includes live painting all weekend in various locations, a Clothing & Tie Dye workshop, a Body Painting demo and a Spray Can Art workshop, all held on Saturday, August 31 at Artsite on Theatre Square.

On Sunday, September 1, the festival will be hosting a fun-filled family day at Rudi’s Bar. 

Visitors can also enjoy two exciting exhibitions by Bristol-based artist, Andi Burns Colwill, called “Sketches & Stuff”, held at Artsite from Friday, August 30 to Sunday September 8.

Over the festival weekend, a Street Art Exhibition titled “BRICKS, DOTS + BLOCKS 2” will be held at Oink Gallery, Old Town and an exhibition by Wiltshire-based artist, Charlotte Abraham, will be held at Gustoso Bistro and Bar, Old Town.

(Image: Pearl Lucia Barcoe) This year’s Swindon Paint Fest is supported by the Arts Council and local businesses and organisations.

The organisers have extended their thanks to the event sponsors; Rudi’s Bar, Tom Faulkner, GEL Studios, Pentel, Brewers Decorators Center, SAS Elite Scaffolding, Painting by Numbers, Zurich, U Be You Paint, Kobra, Gustoso, Swindon Borough Council and Central Swindon North Parish Council.

They said: “It's been really important to us to continue to build on Swindon’s rich mural heritage.  The amazingly talented local and international artists, travelling as far from Australia to be part of this year's event, will be creating unique artwork that taps into everyone’s imagination”.

Charlotte Abraham, local artist, said: “The 2023 Swindon Paint Fest was my first taste of murals and live painting. It was such a fantastic experience, and so much so that I'm coming back for more!”

Featured artists that can be seen across the weekend include Dayna Baxter and Paul Exton, Sophi Odling, Remy Uno, Jack Lack , Ricky Also, Mr Cenz, Leonidas Giannakopoulos, Emic and Liam Bononi

Find the official programme for the event here and you can follow the festival on its social media page here @swindonpaintfest.