Vital funding has been secured to allow the return of Swindon’s most inclusive night out and organisers Reach Inclusive Arts are excited to show that Swindon really does have culture, and that people who have disabilities and additional needs are at the heart of it.
Thanks to funding from The Julia Rausing Trust and further support from Columbia Threadneedle, Swindon’s beloved Big Hat Cabaret returns to STEAM Museum on Friday 27 November with an eclectic mix of dancing, singing, poetry, drama, comedy and a highly anticipated film premier, all designed and performed by disabled artists and friends.
The event marks a particularly significant moment for Reach Inclusive Arts, with the cabaret returning for the first time since 2023 due to lack of funding, and at a time when Swindon commiserates its departure from the City of Culture bid, organisers are keen to lighten the mood and inspire the town with its joyous programme of events.
In addition to funding from The Julia Rausing Trust, financial support from Arts Council England has ensured that the long-standing Swindon charity have been able to secure their place in Swindon’s cultural community for a further 15 months, with organisers ecstatic to offer the Big Hat Cabaret as a midway celebration.
“The Big Hat Cabaret is a lovely, uplifting evening that celebrates what people can achieve when they have the opportunity, encouragement and support to express themselves creatively. We are thrilled to be bringing it back after such a long gap and are incredibly grateful to our funders and supporters for helping make it happen.” said CEO Jeni Burchell
“We want Swindon residents to come along, enjoy the performances, discover the incredible talent in their local community and support inclusive arts. Big Hat Cabaret is bigger than one night of entertainment, it’s a joyous reminder that we should all champion visibility and belonging and help make sure that people with disabilities and additional needs have the opportunity to tell their story.”
Running for over 40 years, Reach Inclusive Arts offers three different community groups: Partners Theatre Company, a weekly drama group for adults who devise original drama that they perform and tour; the Right Time for Art group for adults, which provides individual and collective visual art opportunities that is regularly exhibited and Neon Lights, a drama group for young people aged 16–25 to develop their stage craft and theatre skills. All groups are expertly led by arts professionals and participants thrive in an engaging, supportive and nurturing environment.
Reach are always welcoming new participants, no experience is necessary just a love of the arts and a willingness to take part.
As well as participation from Reach’s groups, audiences are also in for a treat from various friends of the charity, including: Crowdy’s Hill School Choir, Momentum Dance, Salto Adults, Centre Stage, The Big Sing Thing, Inspire Enrichment, solo artists, poetry from Rebecca Rocker and expert compering from comedian Georgia Scott. Even the caterers and technical crew showcase the skills of people with disabilities.
Accessibility is central to the event with a signed interpretation of the Partners Theatre production, lighting and sound kept at comfortable levels, there is a chill out space and full wheelchair access across the venue.
Whether you love live music, dance and theatre, or simply want to enjoy a feel-good evening while supporting a local organisation, the Big Hat Cabaret promises an inspiring night out and tickets are on sale now. Visit reachinclusivearts.org.uk
For anyone wishing to find out more about Reach’s community groups and how to take part, visit: reachinclusivearts.org.uk or @reachinclusivearts on Facebook and Instagram.
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