All invited to next open studio event

The next open studios event takes place on Friday 26 June 2026 at Podpadstudios, Mulberry Gardens from 2-7pm.

The event explores the way artists and writers use words for inspiration. Various activities are included in this free entry event, including a writing workshop and an open mic from 6-7pm. Refreshments are available and art will be for sale.

A spokesperson said: “After the success of the last event in May, the team have booked the same lovely weather so everyone can enjoy chatting with artists and writers in the beautiful gardens.”

Artists Helen Savin and Komic will display their poetry-inspired work. Incorporating their own haiku verses into handmade and hand-altered books. They are exploring different methods in their art practices to make the books a mix of words and images.

They will be joined in the potting shed by Zozo Thomas, author and illustrator, offering a chance to have a go at calligraphy or try illuminating some letters.

Podpadstudios will be showing their animatronic coach and dragons and telling the fearsome origin story of the ‘baby’ (5’ long) dragons Stardust and Steel. Come along to find out how the wicked witch, Fortuna, stole them as eggs, and has been manipulating them ever since; maybe you can finish their story, as there will be a dragon-based story writing activity…

Author Judith Cranswick will also be joining the event.  Judith writes cosy travel mysteries which all take place during a holiday. Her books will take you on a vicarious journey to foreign parts. She will be running 2 workshops, at 2:30pm she will be talking about her writing life, from writing short stories to travel mysteries, how she became a published novelist. At 3:30pm, Judith will be running a writing workshop – Everyone Can Write so why not come along and have a go!

At the end of the evening there will be an open mic run By Peter Pod Poet, from 6-7pm. Anyone can take part, reading prose or poems, of up to 3 minutes long, either their own work or something by another writer. Slots will be allocated on a first come first served basis, see details below. Please bring your own picnic chair or rug to watch the open mic.

The event is from 2-7pm on Friday, 26 June 2026, at 225 Whitworth Road Swindon SN25 3BX.

Entrance to the open studios is free but donations towards the upkeep of the garden will be gratefully accepted. Booking is recommended so that the organisers can get an idea of numbers.

There is limited disabled only parking on site so visitors are encouraged to walk, come by public transport or park considerately locally and walk to the venue.

To book see https://thomzodesigns.co.uk/openstudios2026 or email [email protected]

If you would like to appear on the open mic, slots will be booked on a first come first served basis, to register: email [email protected] or Whats App 07754 194670.