People with tickets to the Swindon 105.5 anniversary party will be able to have their picture taken with a specially-built Batmobile.
Tomorrow evening's event at the DoubleTree Hilton will celebrate the community radio station's 16th year in style.
The Liden-based station is run for the community by volunteers and provides a truly local, inclusive and accessible broadcasting and training service. The event will be used as a fund-raiser for the Not For Profit community broadcasting organisation.
On arrival partygoers will be greeted by the Batmobile on the red carpet, with all its LED lights glittering in the twilight and ready for photos.
The Batmobile was made by local artist Mark Enright, director at Podpadstudios, based in Rodbourne Cheney.
Podpadstudios make animatronic props for film, TV, and Exhibitions and also has a portfolio of handmade ‘house props,’ which they hire out to events nationally.
Mark said: “We support a number of local charities during the year by taking one of our props to an event for free. Radio 105.5 is a favourite in our studio, we listen to it regularly, and we love the way they are involved in the local community.
"We were happy to be able to help at this worthy fund-raiser.” said Mark.
The Batmobile recreation was inspired by the 1995 Batman Forever film, and the donor vehicle was a Toyota MR2. The driveable car is 9ft6ins feet wide and has a flame system and fully articulated fins.
The visuals also include inspiration from the artist HR Giger, best known for creature design in the Aliens frachise. It has a sinuous biomechanical look, hand-made aluminium body panels and features a steampunk interior complete with an old-fashioned batphone.
It was made in Swindon and took 16 weeks to build after months spent planning and sourcing the parts.
On Monday 18 March at 7.30pm, broadcaster and Swindon 105.5 station manager Shirley Ludford will deliver The Ink's next free public talk upstairs at The Hop Inn in Devizes Road.
She will talk about the station and the value of community radio, and all are welcome to attend.
Further information about Swindon 105.5 can be found at https://www.swindon1055.co.uk/ and about Podpadstudios at www.podpadstudios.com
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