Swindon Shuffle kicks off next week

The cream of Swindon's musical talent are getting ready for this year's Swindon Shuffle.

There will be shows at venues across the town from Thursday 12 September to Sunday 15 September, although the Shuffle officially starts on Monday 9 September with a free Ink Talk by Prospect Hospice CEO Jeremy Lune at 7.30pm on Monday 9 September at The Hop Inn in Devizes Road.
The Ink is Swindon Link's sister publication, an online in-depth subscription news service
Swindon Shuffle, whose headline sponsor is Swindon-based UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), will again be raising money for Prospect Hospice.
All events are free, but music lovers are invited to donate.
Acts lined up include Chasing Dolls, Matt Owens & The DVP, Ellis Evason, Talk In Code, Reuben's Daughters, NervEndings, JB & The Mojo Makers, B-Sydes and Subject A.
Organiser Ed Dyer said: "We're into the 18th year of the Shuffle and the 17th running of it.
"What we're trying to do is really illustrate to everybody the breadth of musical talent in Swindon. It's all original acts - singer-songwriters, bands - their own music, and no genre is off limits."
Those genres range from heavy duty guitar bands to folk and all points in between.
Ed added: "We're highlighting the talents that are around in the town, but also another key part of keeping us motivated is to encourage trhe venues who support the venues."
The venues are TheBeehive, The Castle, The Hop Inn, The Tuppenny, The Victoria, Baristocrats, Eastcott Community Centre, Swindon Central Library and The Eternal Optimist.
"It's good to give something back to support the work they do all year round for Swindon," Ed said.
"And of course, it's raising money for Prospect Hospice."
Ed highlighted the work of the hospice, which must raise the overwhelming bulk of the funds it needs to help people both at its premises in Wroughton and in people's homes throughout the communities the charity serves.
Only a small fraction of that funding is provided by the Government.
There is also a poignant personal reason why so many of those involved with the local music scene are committed to suporting the hospice. The late Dave Young, a major figure in that scene who worked tirelessly to promote and offer spaces to local musicians, as well as being a gifted musician himself, died at the hospice in 2021.
Another major Swindon music event, the My Dad's Bigger Than Your Dad Festival, was established in his honour.
Full details of this year's Swindon Shuffle can be found at www.swindonshuffle.org.uk