Sunny Skies and Community Spirit Shine at Haydon Wick Parish Council Summer Extravaganza
(Scroll down for a gallery of images)
Residents flocked to the Parish’s annual Summer Event on Saturday, enjoying an afternoon packed with entertainment, community activities, music, food, and fundraising, all under glorious sunshine.
Families, friends and neighbours turned out in fantastic numbers, setting up their chairs and picnic blankets for an afternoon filled with fun, laughter and community spirit. From live music and community demonstrations to charity fundraising, children’s activities and a bustling mini market, there was something for everyone to enjoy.
A highlight of the afternoon was a visit from everyone’s favourite Toy Story characters, who delighted children and adults alike. Adding extra fun to the atmosphere, a towering cowboy stilt walker entertained the crowds, while line dancing demonstrations and gun-slinging water pistol antics sprinkled a few cheerful “yeehaw” moments throughout the day.
The event also marked the exciting debut of Wicky, the Parish Mascot, who made several appearances on stage and around the event site. Wicky quickly became a firm favourite with children, posing for photos, greeting visitors and even showing off some impressive dance moves.
Haydon Wick Parish Council would like to extend sincere thanks to event sponsors Cross Street Garage and Specsavers for their valued support and contributions, and to Coles Scaffolding for providing the stage, creating a fantastic focal point and ensuring performers could be seen and enjoyed by all.
Special thanks also go to Shirley Ludford and Swindon 105.5 Radio for expertly compering throughout the day, recording the event and conducting engaging interviews that helped capture the spirit of the community and include residents in the celebrations.
The entertainment programme showcased an impressive range of local talent. The event opened with the uplifting sounds of brass music from the sidelines before audiences enjoyed the wonderful voices of the Haydon Wick Good Afternoon Choir. Performances continued throughout the day with the powerful vocals of Nicki and Tony M, while acoustic duo Tonnau provided relaxed early-evening vibes. Bringing the event to a memorable close, Ron’s Country delivered a foot-tapping finale that had the audience singing along and enjoying every moment.
Popular attractions returned this year, including Farms2Ewe Mini Petting Farm, which proved a huge hit with children and adults alike, and Scarrott’s Funfair, where visitors tested their aim at the ever-popular shooting gallery.
Community partners also played an important role in the day’s activities. Visitors were treated to engaging demonstrations from St John Ambulance, who provided an introduction to CPR, while Wiltshire Police demonstrated just how powerful a police vehicle siren can be. Swindon Martial Arts and Fitness impressed spectators with energetic martial arts displays featuring high kicks and expert techniques.
Meanwhile, Abe’s Brick Corner and Swindon Story Shed kept younger visitors entertained with LEGO activities, crafts and storytelling sessions.
The event also provided a valuable platform for local stallholders, community organisations and independent businesses. Haydon Wick Parish Council would like to thank every stallholder who attended and helped create such a vibrant event. The mini market showcased a wonderful mix of young entrepreneurs launching new ventures, local charities raising awareness and funds, and established business owners promoting their products and services. Their enthusiasm, creativity and community spirit helped make the event a true celebration of local talent and enterprise.
Visitors were also able to enjoy a fantastic selection of food and refreshments, from delicious cakes, pastries and handmade treats to Thai noodles, burgers and hot dogs. Refreshments from The Travelling Tavern and The Shield and Dagger Pub proved popular throughout the day, while Mario’s Ice Creams helped everyone stay cool in the summer sunshine.
This year’s event also supported the Parish Council’s chosen charity, CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably). Thanks to the generosity of the community, more than £900 was raised through a range of fun fundraising activities. Councillors were particularly proud of the Parish Council’s contributions to the day, including the ever-popular Councillor Stocks, where brave councillors took their place ready to be pelted with wet sponges for a good cause. The fundraising area also featured inflatable games, the much-loved Leisure Garden Stall with its fresh produce and entertaining human fruit machine, alongside a giant tombola, beautiful raffle hampers and temporary tattoos. These activities proved hugely popular with visitors of all ages and played a significant role in helping to raise vital funds for CALM. Haydon Wick Parish Council would like to thank everyone who donated, took part and supported the fundraising efforts throughout the day.
The Parish Council would like to thank everyone who attended, volunteered, performed, traded, sponsored and supported the event.
The day was a wonderful celebration of everything that makes Haydon Wick special. The fantastic turnout, generous fundraising efforts, outstanding local talent and strong community spirit ensured this year’s Summer Event was one of the most successful and enjoyable yet.
Swindon24 Interview Cllr Vinay Manro, Chairman for the Parish Council.
A few magic moments from the Summer Extravaganza ’26
