Swindon Shuffle and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) have announced a new two-year partnership ahead of this year’s festival later this month.
Swindon-based UKRI, the UK’s national research and innovation funder, has been a longstanding supporter of the Shuffle, which is the town’s longest-running music festival and a celebration of local grassroots music.
As part of the partnership, UKRI will remain headline sponsor for the next two years, providing the Shuffle and its winter offshoot, Swinterfest, with support for the future.
The festivals raise money for their chosen charity, Prospect Hospice, and UKRI recently presented a cheque to Prospect for £10,000 raised at the 2025 Shuffle and 2026 Swinterfest.
UKRI Chief Executive Professor Sir Ian Chapman said: "As a Swindon-based employer, UKRI is proud to support Swindon Shuffle and Swinterfest.
"These events showcase the talent and creativity that exist across the town, bring communities together, and help sustain the venues that are such an important part of Swindon’s cultural life.
"They also raise vital funds for Prospect Hospice, whose staff and volunteers provide invaluable support to hundreds of thousands of people and families across the local area."
Shuffle volunteer committee chair Ed Dyer said: “For UKRI to commit for the next 2 years is amazing.
"It means in our 20th year we will be able to help even more great, young Swindon artists get a chance to perform whilst keeping all our music events free and growing Swinterfest in the new year.”
This year’s Shuffle takes place from 7-13 September at nine venues across Swindon.
A wide range of acts ranging from Modern Evils to Concrete Prairie have been announced, including I See Orange.
Prospect Hospice CEO Jeremy Lune said: “It was great to be back at UKRI to receive the cheques from the fundraising for Prospect at the Shuffle and Swinterfest totalling over £10,000!
“It is wonderful news to hear that UKRI will be headline sponsor for another two years - it's a pleasure to know a major local employer cares.
“The support for Prospect Hospice is heartwarming. I am certain that pretty much everyone who attended the festivals has known somebody who was cared for by my amazing colleagues, so I would like to thank them all for their generous donations.
“Every penny and pound that you gave has helped us in being able to open three more beds on our inpatient unit this year, at a time when 60 percent of adult hospices are cutting services.”
More information about Swindon Shuffle can be found at www.swindonshuffle.org.uk
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