Page 24 - link magazine

Everybody’s shuffling in our town! Exhibition looks back at local
performing arts from 1955 to 1985

All Ears Avow who will be appearing at this year’s Swindon Shuffle
from 14 July to 19 July at venues across the town

For anyone who appreciates new Squarecloud, Sahara Heights and Tanwood Knaves in 1968, in one of Miss Molly’s famous shows
and original local music, the Cursor Major.
Swindon Shuffle is the must-see The Castle line-up is headed by A fascinating trip into living memory church or political groups, many of
event of the year. The Hamsters from Hell, as well as is launched on 15 July at Swindon which continue to this day.
It takes place from Tuesday 14 July Coasters, SN Dubstation, Yves and Museum & Art Gallery, Bath Road “There was strong community
to Sunday 19 July. Plummie Racket. when an exhibition called Entertain- spirit, civic pride and a focus on
The venues will be stalwarts of the The Beehive line-up has been ing Swindon focuses on performance betterment where amateurs and
original music scene, The Victoria fairly under wraps so far but there arts in the town from 1955 to 1985. professionals mucked in together.
and The Beehive as well as The will be The Shudders and Mr Love It celebrates thirty years of people “By the 70s, people were happy to
Castle, Baila Coffee & Vinyl, The and Justice amongst others. involved in shows, starting from be entertained by TV, but arts in the
Roaring Donkey and The Central All the venues will be free entry the closure of the now demolished town flourished aided by a healthy
Library. with donations given to Goldenhar Empire Theatre in 1955 to the open- budget and visionary leaders.
Not all the line-up has been family support, The Shuffle’s chosen ing of the arts suite at Link Centre “We’ve excluded much fêted
confirmed yet but you will be able charity. - exactly thirty years ago. famous exports like Diana Dors
to catch the high octane Foo’s- This year’s event is run in partner- Curator Kate Parsons said: “Life and XTC in favour of showcasing
esque rock of A Way With Words ship with the Academy of Music in Swindon (and Britain) was very ordinary Swindonians performing
on the Thursday night at The Vic and Sound which will see young different in 1955. Few homes had for Swindonians.”
as well as 2 Sick Monkeys, All Ears musicians and technicians taking a TV and many more people made Entertaining Swindon will certainly
Avow and The Harlers. part. their own entertainment. draw in people across the genera-
Friday at The Vic will see Colour To keep up to date with the line- “There were lots of performing arts tions. It will be open from Wednes-
The Atlas, Theo Altieri, Super up visit swindonshuffle.org.uk groups based around the workplace, day to Saturday, 11am to 3pm

24 swindonlink.com n July 2015