Stormtroopers and Daleks were among the guests at a special art exhibition in Swindon town centre this weekend.

Swindon Open Studios hosted a family fun day filled with local artists, children’s activities and photo opportunities with iconic Sci-Fi characters on Saturday, September 21 to celebrate 20 years of free, community-based art events.

Kicking off the first exhibition of the year at the Carriage Works, organisers Mark and Anna Enright of Podpadstudios showcased their collection of handmade life-size film props, including Doctor Who’s K9 and the Batmobile.

Anna said: “It’s our third year, we used to do the event from our back garden in Swindon but we couldn’t get everything out. Mark makes them all and I help paint the dragons but really I’m the organiser behind the events. It’s his work and his dream.

“There were eight artists last year and we decided if we could have a bigger space we could have more artists, so we asked the council. They gave us Carriage Works to use for free and they’ve been awesome and have totally supported us.

“The idea of Open Studios is that it’s a conversation. For many artists it’s their first time at an exhibition and they come to us knowing we have some more experienced people who can help them and we all help each other.

“There’s been a good footfall and I’m pleased. Things were always made in this building from handmaking carriages to submarines and skill and craftmanship is in our blood as a working town.

"There’s heritage that we don’t make the most of and it feels like the space has creativity in its history and in its bones. It’s a nice thing to be a part of.”

Local author and illustrator Zozo Thomas also helped to organise the event, while speaking to parents about her children’s book series the Tales from Mulberry Garden and hosting a colouring competition.

(Image: Newsquest) She said: “All the artists are local, the furthest someone has travelled from is Calne. We have been planning it since March and Open Studios has been running events for 20 years. A lot of people in Swindon still don’t realise these types of events are even happening.

“Everyone has been impressed because they don’t expect such high quality from people in Swindon, but there is so much variety here, from oils, sculptures and photography.

“It’s really positive bringing artists together and celebrating local talent.”

The exhibition will also be running on September 28 and 29.