THERE will be an added local theme as this weekend’s Vintage & Retro Festival takes place in the town centre.

One of the event’s attractions is called Made in Swindon.

It will feature a dozen displays mounted by various local history groups and individuals, including items associated with Swindon turntable manufacturer Garrard, rare drawings from the town’s Railway Works and Castrol memorabilia.

Adver columnist Graham Carter, who is helping to co-ordinate the displays, said: “The organisers of the festival said they wanted to have a local angle, and have provided the former Internacionale shop in the Brunel Centre as an exhibition space.

“It’s a large space, but we are expecting to fill it because the owners of several important collections have kindly agreed to come along on both days.

“We should be easy to find because the shop is, appropriately, not far from Brunel’s statue, and we are open from 10am.

“The main theme is Made in Swindon, but really it’s a celebration of all things Swindon, so we even plan to play music by the town’s various recording stars.”

Exhibitors include the Swindon Society, Swindon Heritage, Highworth Historical Society, Rodbourne Community History Group, Swindon Civic Voice and the Swindon branch of the Wiltshire Family History Society.

“Hopefully, some former employees of the likes of Garrard and British Railways will come along,” said Graham, “but it will be of interest to anybody who likes local history, including people who were ‘made in Swindon’ themselves!”