A rainy local street scene with umbrellas, warm lights, and cosy indoor plans

Top Picks

Rainy Day Picks This Weekend

11–12 July Near Even Swindon

Not every listing gets a golden ticket

We check the usual frankly silly number of local websites, then look for events that feel rainy-day friendly: cinemas, theatres, talks, workshops, galleries, concerts, cosy venues, and anything less likely to involve standing in a muddy field making brave weather noises.

Happening Saturday 11 July to Sunday 12 July.
Picked for Even Swindon, not somewhere halfway across the county.
Only Local Gems and Curated venues make the cut, because standards are still a thing.
Listings with proper descriptions get bumped up the list. Three words and a shrug will not do.

Our 10 picks near Even Swindon

RPA - Golden Ticket1

RPA - Golden Ticket

at Tanwood Youth Theatre

This show is ideal for those young people who want to really shine and have their own moment on stage and also for those young people who would love to perform but just feel really nervous and anxious. We perform in an informal, gentle, nurturing and supportive environment with our usual rule, you don’t have to perform if you don’t want to. Some of our previous performers' parents said, "Mila has had a go at the golden ticket show twice and she really enjoyed it. It was a great first experience on the stage, super supportive and encouraging. No one was forced to do anything they didn’t want to, and it was a really nice informal with no pressure. The perfect size stage too". "Clara absolutely loves doing the golden ticket show. She’s done it twice and each time she’s had such a confidence boost after performing in a supportive and non pressured environment. Since the last one she hasn’t stopped talking about what song she wants to sing next time (it changes every time she hears a song she likes )"

0.8 milesSun 12 Jul
Local gemSee the details→
Community
RPA - Golden Ticket2

RPA - Golden Ticket

at Wyvern Theatre

This show is ideal for those young people who want to really shine and have their own moment on stage and also for those young people who would love to perform but just feel really nervous and anxious. We perform in an informal, gentle, nurturing and supportive environment with our usual rule, you don’t have to perform if you don’t want to. Some of our previous performers' parents said, "Mila has had a go at the golden ticket show twice and she really enjoyed it. It was a great first experience on the stage, super supportive and encouraging. No one was forced to do anything they didn’t want to, and it was a really nice informal with no pressure. The perfect size stage too". "Clara absolutely loves doing the golden ticket show. She’s done it twice and each time she’s had such a confidence boost after performing in a supportive and non pressured environment. Since the last one she hasn’t stopped talking about what song she wants to sing next time (it changes every time she hears a song she likes )"

0.8 milesSun 12 Jul
Local gemSee the details→
Community

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RPA - Golden Ticket3

RPA - Golden Ticket

at Swindon Arts Centre

This show is ideal for those young people who want to really shine and have their own moment on stage and also for those young people who would love to perform but just feel really nervous and anxious. We perform in an informal, gentle, nurturing and supportive environment with our usual rule, you don’t have to perform if you don’t want to. Some of our previous performers' parents said, "Mila has had a go at the golden ticket show twice and she really enjoyed it. It was a great first experience on the stage, super supportive and encouraging. No one was forced to do anything they didn’t want to, and it was a really nice informal with no pressure. The perfect size stage too". "Clara absolutely loves doing the golden ticket show. She’s done it twice and each time she’s had such a confidence boost after performing in a supportive and non pressured environment. Since the last one she hasn’t stopped talking about what song she wants to sing next time (it changes every time she hears a song she likes )"

1.3 milesSun 12 Jul
Local gemSee the details→
Community
Pointing: Theory & Practice – Two-Day Course4

Pointing: Theory & Practice – Two-Day Course

at Wheelwright's Bookshop

A two day course, covering all elements of lime pointing, ideal for anyone looking to learn about the use of lime; whether you’re a listed building owner, an architect, surveyor, or a builder who has not worked with lime previously. Course information: · You’ll learn the history and tradition of this craft, balancing theory and practical examples with demonstrations. · Uncover an in-depth knowledge of the lime cycle; from calcining to matured lime putty, manufacturing, conservation ethics and principles – plus on site practical examples. · We’ll address all aspects of proper lime pointing/repointing practice, from correct raking out & preparation, mortar choices and applications, to after care and finishing techniques. · You’ll also get the chance to do conservation repointing on a listed structure/building. On the second day of the course, we’ll produce a “Hot Lime” mortar used on site. Other useful information: · Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided free of charge · Lunch will pm. · An option to purchase tool bundle will be offered booking *The tool bundle is not compulsory you’re welcome to bring your own tools and PPE .However, you will need these items to effectively participate in this course. Tool bundle includes: · A stone pick (for raking out) · A plastic hawk and selection of pointing tools · Waterproof site gloves · Safety glasses · Sturdy site bucket · Sponge · Simple spray bottle · All other materials are included in course price

8 milesSat 11 Jul10:00
Local gemSee the details→
Workshops & Classes
Ebru for Beginners Workshop (Turkish Marbling)10Free! (worth double-checking)

Ebru for Beginners Workshop (Turkish Marbling)

at Cornerstone Arts Centre

Join our Ebru for Beginners Workshop (Turkish Marbling) class at Cornerstone Arts Didcot! Credit to Melek Ali Oglou for the images. Minimum age: suitable for children, but all children must be accompanied by an adult at all times Free to attend, but booking encouraged as spaces are limited Ebru, or Marbling Art, is a traditional Turkish art form that involves creating colourful patterns on water, which are then transferred onto paper. These patterns often include flowers, lattice designs, and symbolic motifs such as crescents and moons. Join this interactive workshop to create your own beautiful, marbled patterns using this traditional technique. Once dry, you can take your artwork home.

24.3 milesSat 11 Jul
Local gemSee the details→
Workshops & Classes

More Top Picks

Keep the good ideas rolling

If this page has done the trick, there is more where that came from.

Round-upFamilies This WeekendTen family-friendly picks with proper details, decent venues, and no mystery listings that leave you guessing.Round-upFree Things This WeekendA smarter list of local free picks for the weekend, chosen for quality, clarity, and the sort of detail that saves a wasted journey.All PicksBack to Top PicksSee all our curated round-ups in one place.