Swindon will host its first-ever TEDx event next week, as TEDx Railway Village arrives at Town Hall Studios on 19 June 2026.
With just days to go, a limited number of tickets remain for what will be a full-day programme of talks, ideas and conversation. The event brings together speakers from across the UK and internationally, offering fresh perspectives and the chance to connect with others shaping Swindon’s next chapter.
Tickets start from £35 (+ fees), with options available for individuals, teams and businesses.
An event built on connection
Set within Town Hall Studios in the Railway Village, the event sits at the heart of Swindon’s industrial heritage while reflecting its evolving cultural identity. As the town continues to build momentum towards a future City of Culture bid, TEDx Railway Village marks a significant new addition to its programme of cultural events.
Part of the globally recognised TEDx series, the event is independently organised to give local voices a platform through ideas worth sharing. This year’s theme, Lines of Connection, explores how people, disciplines and communities intersect – from technology and humanity to art, science and society.
Featured speakers
The inaugural line-up brings together a mix of authors, entrepreneurs, artists and community leaders, including:
- Amanda Klapish – Author, advocate, and co-director of Sounds Like Women.
- Andrei Malaev-Babel – Director, actor, Professor of Theatre at Florida State University, and leading expert on the Demidov School of Acting.
- Bob Wright – Chair of Swindon Heritage Preservation.
- Diane Curley – Founder of Celebrating Women LLC.
- Fiona Scott – Media consultant, PR expert, and founder of Scott Media.
- James Phipps – Swindon philanthropist and entrepreneur.
- Jeremy Holt – Founder of the UK’s first specialist computer museum.
- Malcolm Martin – Teacher at the Ordinary Mind Zen School.
- Marcus Weston – Globally recognised speaker and advisor on conscious leadership and ego-mastery.
- Nyasha Gwatidzo – Award-winning social entrepreneur, investor, philanthropist, and author.
- Pearl Jordan – Author of Dancing to the Rhythm of Your Life.
- Dr Roderick Hebden – CEO of Swindon Culture Collective and founder of the Festival of Tomorrow.
- Sonal Shah – Award-winning author and financial services vice president.
- Soumik Datta – Aga Khan Award-winning musician, TV presenter, and Artistic Director of the Soumik Datta Arts Charity.
A moment for Swindon
Co-founders Robert Jandy and Debbie Bryan created TEDx Railway Village to establish a long-term platform for ideas and collaboration in Swindon.
They said:
“With the event now just a week away, our focus is on bringing everything together for a memorable day of ideas and conversation. We’re looking forward to welcoming people from across Swindon and beyond.
There are still a small number of tickets available, and we encourage anyone interested to book now and be part of the first TEDx event in the town.”
