Christ Church celebrates local heritage and working lives with successful flower festival and heritage open day.
Over 100 visitors enjoyed a celebration of flowers, local history and community at Christ Church, Old Town Swindon. Christ Church, Old Town Swindon, welcomed more than 100 visitors on Saturday 19th September for Working Lives in Bloom, a special Flower Festival and Heritage Open Day celebrating the people, crafts, routines and occupations that have shaped the local community through the ages.
Held from 1pm to 4pm, the event combined 18 beautiful floral displays throughout the church with heritage activities, church, site and bell tower tours, craft stalls and opportunities to explore local and family history. Inspired by the 2026 National Heritage Open Days theme of working lives, the event brought together people of all ages to celebrate the stories, skills and contributions that connect generations.
A particular highlight was the attendance of Dave Logan, a Falklands War veteran, who shared fascinating memorabilia belonging to his father, a Second World War veteran, and grandfather, who served in the First World War.
The Swindon branch of the Wiltshire Family History Society also attended, helping visitors explore their family connections and local history. The Flower Festival proved a popular attraction, with visitors invited to vote for their favourite displays. Swindon Growers represented by Josie Slade took first place, Little Fishes came second, and third place was awarded to a display celebrating 30 years of service by Christ Church’s sexton.
The Friends of Christ Church supported the event with a stall and raffle, alongside a range of craft stalls showcasing locally made items. Refreshment donations raised money for Save the Children. The event was a wonderful opportunity to bring together Christ Church’s rich heritage and the creativity of its community, while celebrating the everyday working lives that have helped shape Swindon.
Christ Church would like to thank everyone who attended, created floral displays, volunteered,
contributed to the stalls and raffle, or supported the event. Their generosity and enthusiasm
helped make Working Lives in Bloom a memorable celebration of local heritage and community
spirit.
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