Make a Camera Obscura
2021-08-18 10:30 - 12:30 (Europe/London) | Chippenham Museum, 9-10 Market Pl, Chippenham, SN15 3HF, United Kingdom
See the world turned upside down! Join Chippenham Museum to learn about the science of photography and create your own camera obscura to take home.

Working with Lacock Abbey, the birthplace of photography, this workshop celebrates Chippenham’s connection to Victorian inventor William Henry Fox Talbot. Once resident at the abbey and MP for Chippenham, Fox Talbot created the world’s first photographic negative.
£6, booking essential. Ages 6+ (under 8s accompanied).
10.30am book here , 1.30pm book here

Rakes to Riches: The Tale of The Wiltshire Heiress
2021-08-18 19:00 - 20:00 | Chippenham Museum, 9-10 Market Pl, Chippenham, SN15 3HF, United Kingdom
Delving deeper into one of Kilvert’s diary entries, this talk reveals the lesser known tale of Catherine Tylney Long of Draycot House, also known as the Wiltshire Heiress. This talk is taking place in the museum’s education room at a reduced capacity.
Free, book here

Try Climbing - fun days
2021-08-21 09:30 - 2021-08-22 16:00 | Westmead Playing Field, Chippenham, SN15 3HZ, Westmead Lane, Chippenham, SN15 3HZ
Our Try Climbing fun day is a perfect opportunity to have a go at rock climbing, play games, find out about climbing and meet the team behind Chippenham’s new activity centre.
Event details

9.30am – 4.00pm on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd August 2021* at Westmead Playing Field, off Westmead Lane, Chippenham, SN15 3HZ
Meet staff from The Climbing Academy who will be running The Arc. They will be on hand to provide information about climbing and their other centres, share special offers and to play games with attendees.
Staff and trustees from Chippenham Borough Lands Charity will be able to provide you with further information about the Westmead Activity Centre, the ‘Borough Lands’ and our grant giving to Chippenham residents.
Get a taste of this exhilarating lifetime sport on a mobile self-belaying climbing wall provided by Wiltshire Outdoor Learning Team (WOLT).
Open to over 5-year olds and suitable for all ages (please note to fit the harnesses you need to be under 18 stone).
£1 to climb each wall with 4 walls to climb in total.
The walls can have 4 people climbing at any one time and use automatic belays. The auto belay system ensures each climber descends steadily and safely at all times.
There are different climbing challenges across the 4 climbing routes making it perfect for complete beginners to experienced climbers. The WOLT team will be available to provide support and assistance to every climber.
No pre-booking required.
While climbing the Mobile Climbing Wall we recommend wearing casual clothes and sensible shoes.
Light refreshments will be on offer from Just on the Hoof, including barista coffee, milkshakes and homemade cake.

*Please note – If it looks like there will be heavy rain or strong winds over the few days from the 20th-22nd August the event will be postponed. Please check back to this website or to the Chippenham Borough Lands Charity’s Facebook page for the latest information.

Victorian Day
2021-08-21 10:00 - 16:00 | Chippenham Museum, 9-10 Market Pl, Chippenham, SN15 3HF, United Kingdom
Join us for a day of all things Victorian. From croquet to lacemaking and how to dance a quadrille discover the genteel pastimes of Kilvert’s World. Enjoy a day of events with costumed Victorian re-enactors suitable for all the family.
Free entry, no need to book

Simple Scrapbooking
2021-08-25 10:00 - 11:00 | Chippenham Museum, 9-10 Market Pl, Chippenham, SN15 3HF, United Kingdom
In this one hour workshop create your own simple mini scrap book inspired by our latest exhibition. Use words, photos and your own drawings to explore this popular Victorian pastime.
Wednesday 25 August, 10am / 11.30am / 1pm / 2.30pm
£4, booking essential. Ages 6+ (under 8s accompanied)
10am book here, 11.30am book here, 1pm book here, 2.30pm book here

Unlock - reset Festival
2021-08-27
join with our wonderful community for an exciting, varied, inspired and creative Bank Holiday Weekend. Show appreciation for all those who helped us all through the pandemic. We’re all looking forward!

Visit the Kandu Arts Facebook page for the latest information.

Kilvert Inspired Creative Writing
2021-09-01 19:00 - 21:00 | Chippenham Museum, 9-10 Market Pl, Chippenham, SN15 3HF, United Kingdom
Join writer, facilitator, and performer Ruth Hill for a series of six creative writing sessions inspired by the museum’s exhibition Kilvert’s World. The exhibition focusses on local Victorian diarist Rev. Francis Kilvert with two of his three remaining diaries on display, on loan from the National Library of Wales.
Using the exhibition for inspiration, Ruth will guide you to create your own writing. Each week will have a different focus, with writing exercises, explorations of language, structure and form, and peer discussion, you will have the opportunity to write in a style which suits you. The sessions will culminate in a performance on Saturday 9 October where actors will give voice to your writing.
Suitable for all levels of writer.
Wednesday 1 September for 6 weeks (8, 15, 22 & 29 September)
7pm – 9pm
£45, book here

Drawing the Face - Art Summer School 16+
2021-09-04 10:00 - 2021-09-05 16:30 | Cause Arts Centre, 42 The Causeway, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 3DD, United Kingdom
This course will encourage experimentation using many different processes to produce quick studies, culminating in a day long portrait painting session. A luxurious way to spend 2 summer days with like minded people, expertly guided by Charlie Graham-May, a Chippenham based artist and graphic designer who has 25 years experience teaching drawing and painting.

Evening Art Walk in Monkton Park
2021-09-07 18:00 - 20:00
Take a walk in Monkton Park with a bit of a difference. Join local artist Kirsty Jones with Chippenham Museum to explore the park’s riverside paths, open spaces and architectural views. Experiment with different drawing exercises and mediums to capture your evening stroll.
This workshop is inspired by the museum’s exhibition, as local Victorian diarist Rev. Francis Kilvert was a frequent visitor to Monkton House.
At this session you will receive a pack with pencils, charcoal and plenty of paper. Meet at the town bridge entrance to Monkton Park.
6pm – 8pm
£15, book here

Allsorts Community Choir
2021-09-07 19:30 - 21:30 | The Beacon Centre at Sheldon Road Methodist Church, Audley Road, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN14 0DU, United Kingdom
We’re a fun Community Choir who meet on Tuesday’s, 7.30pm, at Sheldon Road Methodist Church, Chippenham.
First two sessions FREE, £3 per session once joined. Auditions, music reading, & experience NOT necessary! Enthusiasm, commitment, & a good sense of fun essential!
All sorts of styles from swing to gospel, to folk and pop with a generous helping of everything in between. All sorts of age and gender welcome.
Quote from one of our choir members: “I love coming to choir on a Tuesday evening, it is always very joyful and friendly and we sing some great songs, being led by the wonderful Marius.”

Kilvert’s Langley Burrell - a free trail
2021-09-10 - 2021-09-19
From 10 to 19 September, the free trail ‘Kilvert’s Langley Burrell’ encourages you to explore this scenic village on the outskirts of Chippenham through the eyes of Victorian diarist Rev. Francis Kilvert. Through Kilvert’s diary entries, step back to the 1870s as you retrace his steps.
Information boards will guide you through the village, with an audio guide available to download from the museum’s website featuring excerpts from the diary read by Chair of the Kilvert Society Alan Brimson. As internet signal cannot be guaranteed, its recommended todownload the audio guide before visiting.
Langley Burrell is a pleasant walk or cycle ride from the centre of Chippenham. Please be considerate of residents and other road users if parking in the village or nearby.
Exhibition Kilvert’s World is open at Chippenham Museum until Saturday 9 October with free entry. The museum is open Monday to Saturday 10am – 4pm, with a special late opening until 7pm on Thursday 9 September and 7 October.

Peacock Arts Trail
2021-09-11 - 2021-09-19
North-West Wiltshire’s Peacock Arts Trail flies again, from 11-19 September, and over 70 fabulous artists and craftspeople from Corsham, Chippenham and Melksham are taking part.

The free-to-visit event will see artists welcoming people into their studios, organising ‘real life’ workshops or (new for 2021) posting live virtual demos on the Peacock Arts Trail website.
There are also group events at venues including Corsham’s Almshouses and Pound Arts Centre; Chippenham’s Yelde Hall and King Alfred’s Hall, and Melksham’s Town Hall, amongst others. Look out for displays of work in windows lining Corsham and Chippenham’s town centres.
Chippenham High Street
Map of some of the Art in shop windows & free exhibitions in Chippenham (please also see the Peacock Arts Trail website for more details)
1 Gaynor Leverett-Jacques – Mailboxes, The Bridge (24/7)
2 Penny Richman & Greg Tull – Grounded Café, Bath Road (Every day 9am-10pm)
3 Knitting Ninja – High Street bollards (24/7)
4 Kathy Hutton – Refashion My Town, Borough Parade (24/7)
5 Mrs. Mosley’s Posies – Paprika, Borough Parade (24/7)
6 Yarn Peacock – Helen Osbourne-Swan, Town Hall, High Street (Mon-Fri 9am-4pm, Sat 9.30-3pm)
7 Lucia Lovett, Julie Bolton, Galit Litvak-Watson and Cheryl Cork – Kandu Arts, Emery Gate
(Mon-Fri 9am-5.30pm, Sunday 10am-4pm)
8 Deirdre Elphick – Coiffure, Market Place (24/7)
9 Meryl Kelsey-Masters – Sarah-Jaynes Cafe, Market Place, Window 24/7 (Cafe closed Sun/Mon)
10 Skydog Glass – Stitch Express, Market Place (24/7)
11 Barking Hen Jewellery – Chippenham Museum, Market Place (Mon to Sat 10am-4pm)
12 Lucia Lovett – The Sweet Shop – Market Place (24/7)
13 Efergies Exhibition – An exhibition of new works (Supported by Chippenham Borough Lands Charity, Chippenham Museum, Chippenham ACE & Rag and Bone Arts CIC) featuring Dominic Clare, Charlie Graham-May, Sam Heath, Helen Osbourne-Swan, Glyn Overton, Sam Perry, Clifton Powell, Bob Rudd, Jennifer Rudd at the Yelde Hall – Market Place/Shambles (10am-4pm, 11-12 & 15-19 September)
14 Crazy Crotchet & Nutty Knitting – Boston Burger (10.30am-2.30pm & 4.30pm-10pm, 13-19 September (Closed Sundays))
15 Helen Swan – Da’s Barbershop, Market Place (24/7)
16 Mrs. Moseley’s Posies – Nature’s Solutions, Market Place (24/7)
17 Independent Artist Group – King Alfred Hall – next to St. Andrew’s Church (10am-3pm on 11 & 12 September)
18 Mary Quarmby – Hand of Glory, Market Place (24/7)
19 Karen Gilgar – Scrawlrbox (next door to Jubilee Building), 31 The Causeway (24/7)
20 Greg Tull – 53 The Causeway (next door to Edward & Alan) (24/7)
21 Bloeman & Blue, Libby Mornement, Edwards & Alan – 52 The Causeway (24/7)
22 Jennifer Rudd – Chippenham Library window (24/7)

Look out for paper copies of the map in town – you can download a pdf version of the below information here – Peacock Arts Trail Chippenham artists

For more information about the whole Peacock Arts Trail, including details about the individual artists involved visit – www.peacockartstrail.co.uk

Follow #PeacockArtsTrail21 on social media via –
Instagram: @peacockartstrail
Facebook: @peacockartstrail
Twitter: @peacocktrail

Effigies Exhibition
2021-09-11 10:00 - 16:00
An exhibition of new works at The Yelde, showcasing ten of Chippenham’s brilliant local artists. Part of the 10 day Peacock Arts Exhibition, celebrating and showcasing the breadth of skill and artistic talent in North Wiltshire.

The artists include –Dominic Clare, Charlie Graham-May, Sam Heath, Helen Osbourne-Swan, Glyn Overton, Sam Perry, Clifton Powell, Bob Rudd and Jennifer Rudd at the Yelde Hall – Market Place/Shambles (10am-4pm, 11-12 & 15-19 September)

Some of the work will be for sale, and the artists will be present in shifts, for you to meet.

Kindly supported by Chippenham Borough Lands Charity, Chippenham Town Council’s Museum, the Arts and Cultural Events Group (Chippenham ACE) and Rag and Bone Arts CIC.

Walk of Life
2021-09-18 07:30 - 18:00
Walk a marathon your way for patients, families & staff at RUH Bath.
The last year and a half has highlighted just how amazing our NHS is. Our incredible staff at RUH Bath have been working tirelessly every day to support patients, families, and each other throughout.
They have never stopped going the extra mile for us, and now it’s our turn.
Join our canal walk with family and friends on Saturday 18th September and challenge yourself to the full marathon or 10 mile route. You’ll be guaranteed beautiful countryside views!
Walk of Life Canal Walk registration – https://register.enthuse.com/ps/event/WalkofLifeCanalWalk
If you’d prefer to go at your own pace, take part in the virtual marathon and walk 26.2 miles throughout the month of September.
Virtual Walk of Life registration – https://register.enthuse.com/ps/event/WalkofLife2021
Sign up today and make every step matter for your local NHS hospital. Entry includes a t-shirt, a finishers medal, resources and much more.

Kilvert’s World Curator Tours
2021-09-18 10:30 - 11:30 | Chippenham Museum, 9-10 Market Pl, Chippenham, SN15 3HF, United Kingdom
On Saturday 18 September, join one of four special free Curator’s Tours of exhibition Kilvert’s World at Chippenham Museum for Heritage Open Days.
Join a member of the Curation team to find out more about how the exhibition was brought together and some of the stories behind its key objects, including two of Kilvert’s original diaries on loan from the National Library of Wales. Please note the exhibition deals with some adult themes. Booking is essential for these free tours at 10.30am, 12pm, 1.30pm and 3pm either online or by calling 01249 705020.
Heritage Open Days is England’s largest festival of history and culture.
Exhibition Kilvert’s World is open at Chippenham Museum until Saturday 9 October with free entry. The museum is open Monday to Saturday 10am – 4pm, with a special late opening until 7pm on Thursday 9 September and 7 October.

JACK DEFROST | Outdoor Pop-Up Show
2021-09-18 14:00 - 14:30
Traceworks Dance presents JACK DEFROST | Outdoor Pop-Up Show
JACK DEFROST is bringing live theatre magic to care home gardens, parks and the town centre of Chippenham. An enchanting dance performance, exploring seasonal change & new environments.
“JACK DEFROST was mesmerising and held us all with a beautifully choreographed performance”
Directed & Performed by Julian Lewis & James Aiden Kay
Creative Producer | Jessica Haener
Costume Designer | Yann Seabra
Make-Up Designed & Painted by ROUGEDMILK
CHIPPENHAM COMMUNITY TOUR | 16-19 SEPTEMBER 2021
FREE PUBLIC SHOWS (15 minutes):
SAT 18 SEP | 2PM | MARKET PLACE
SAT 18 SEP | 3PM | ISLAND PARK (near Town Bridge)
SUN 19 SEP | 2:30PM | JOHN COLES PARK
FOR MORE INFO VISIT traceworks.co.uk/jackdefrost
BEHIND-THE-SCENES – FOLLOW @TRACEWORKSDANCE ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Supported by Chippenham Borough Lands Charity, Chippenham Arts and Cultural Events, One Chippenham, Chippenham Town Council & Arts Council England
Photo | Jessica Haener

Music Cafe
2021-09-24 19:00 - 21:00
Relaxed and fun evening with live music and full bar, wide range of songs from jazz to pop to folk.

Outdoor Cinema Night - The Greatest Showman
2021-09-25 19:00 - 21:30 | Chippenham RFC, Allington Field, Chippenham, SN14OYZ
Chippenham Rugby Club are running an Outdoor Cinema Night showing The Greatest Showman on the 25th September. This is a fundraising event for the U11s team at Chippenham Rugby Club.
Key Information

Gates open 5.30pm with the film starting at 7.00pm
Burgers, hot dogs, popcorn and hot drinks
Club bar open
Please bring your own rugs / camping chairs

Advance ticket prices:

Family Ticket £25 + booking fee (2 adults & 2 children)
Adult ticket £10 + booking fee
Child Ticket £5 + booking fee
Tickets available from – www.Jumblebee.co.uk/crfcoutdoorcinemanight or the clubhouse bar.

On the night ticket prices:

Family ticket £35 (2 adults & 2 children)
Adult ticket £15
Child ticket £7.50
Under 3’s free

Subject to government guidelines. Card payments subject to £10 minimum.
Chippenham Rugby Club would like to thank Allington Farm Shop for the sausages and Reel Cinema for the Popcorn boxes. Thank you for your support!

St Andrew's Church Autumn Fayre
2021-10-02 10:00 - 14:00
The St Andrew’s Church Autumn Fayre will be opened by the Mayor of Chippenham, Cllr. John Scragg at 10am on Saturday 2nd October 2021. Admission Free with proceeds to Church Funds.
Stalls include: Cakes, books, handicrafts, gifts, white elephant, plants, jams & pickles, sweets, flower baskets, greeting cards, games, tombola, traidcraft etc.
GRAND DRAW (winners announced at 1.30pm)
Refreshments & lunches in Church.

Make a Silver & Copper Autumn Leaf Necklace
2021-10-02 10:00 - 15:00 | Chippenham Museum, 9-10 Market Pl, Chippenham, SN15 3HF, United Kingdom
Master traditional silver smithing techniques to make your own autumn leaf necklace with Chippenham based designer-maker Barking Hen Jewellery. Inspired by nature, you will make a copper leaf and silver leaf to hang from a silver chain provided. You will be taught how to design, saw, file and shape, silver solder and texture or polish your pendant.
This workshop is designed for beginners and is taught in a small group. All materials, tools and equipment are provided including a silver chain. Refreshments will be available throughout the day; please do bring a packed lunch.

Barking Hen Jewellery is a Chippenham based business developed by jewellery designer Tamara. With over 25 years of experience, Tamara uses traditional silver smith techniques partnered with a flair for the unusual to create designs inspired by the British countryside. A number of Barking Hen pieces are available in the shop at Chippenham Museum.
10am – 3pm
£70, book here

Come and See Sunday - St Andrews Church
2021-10-10 10:30 - 11:30
Come and See Sunday is a special Harvest Service designed for anybody who isn’t familiar with Church!
It will be our normal Family Communion service but we’ll try to explain what we do and why we do it as we go along. They’ll be some cracking hymns, and there will be no strings attached – no one will corner you, or pressurise you to come again if you don’t want to.
So why not give it a try? We’re a friendly church and there are services to suit all sorts, from traditional choral music, to children’s worship; from reflective chants from the Taizé Community to Family Praise with a band and choruses. So, if you’ve ever thought you’d like to give church a try…come and see!

Regular Sunday Services
9am Said Eucharist
10.30am Sung Eucharist
2nd Sunday of the month:
4pm Andy’s@4 for young families
6.30pm Evening Service

Chippenham & District Artists Exhibition
2021-10-18 10:00 - 16:00 | Chippenham Museum, 9-10 Market Pl, Chippenham, SN15 3HF, United Kingdom
Chippenham Museum’s annual season dedicated to local art and artists – @ARTSPACE at Chippenham Museum – returns with a series of new displays.
The first event in the season is the Chippenham & District Artists: 18 – 30 October. The local group’s annual selling show is perfect for some early Christmas shopping.
Visit between 10am to 4pm Monday to Saturday – please note the exhibition finishes at 2.30pm on Saturday 30th October.

JD Wetherspoon Real Ale Festival
2021-10-20 - 2021-10-31 | The Bridge House – JD Wetherspoon, Borough Parade, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 3WL, United Kingdom
Festival Pint £1.99
Featuring:
– Vegan & vegetarian beers
– Gluten free beers
– Award winning beers from the UK & Ireland
– Sixteen beers new to Wetherspoon.

Chippenham Station 180 Exhibition
2021-10-22 10:30 - 15:30 | The Yelde Hall
An exhibition celebrating the heritage of Chippenham Station, 180 years on from the station’s opening in 1841.
Enjoy a journey through the station’s history from Victorian times to the present day. Taking place in the medieval timber framed Yelde Hall, the exhibition is also a good opportunity to step inside one of Chippenham’s most historic buildings.
This exhibition has been created in partnership between the Friends of Chippenham Station and Chippenham Museum.
The Friends of Chippenham Station are a voluntary group seeking to promote and improve the experience of everyone using the station whether they be commuters, shoppers or visitors. The group officially adopted Chippenham Station in 2019 through the Association of Community Rail Partnerships.

Quiz Night in aid of Wilts & Berks Canal Trust
2021-10-22 19:00 - 22:30 | Neeld Community & Arts Centre, The Neeld, High Street, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 3ER, United Kingdom
General Knowledge Quiz in aid of the restoration of the Wilts & Berks Canal.
Friday 22nd October 7:00 pm for 7:30pm start
Entry £15 per team (up to 4)
Tea, Coffee, Cake available. Licensed Bar.
To enter email Quiz@wbct.org.uk (preferably by 1st October but late entrants will be accepted if space available)

Chippenham Folk Festival - John Kirkpatrick Concert
2021-10-22 19:30 - 22:30 | Cause Arts Centre, 42 The Causeway, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 3DD, United Kingdom
A special concert featuring the Patron of Chippenham Folk Festival – John Kirkpatrick.
John has been patron of the Chippenham Folk Festival since 2019 and is a distinguished folk musician and morris dancer. Apart from being a brilliant Musician and a great teacher he is a thoroughly nice bloke. John has contributed music, song, and dance to a great number of plays in the theatre, and to a lesser extent radio, television, and film. As a virtuoso session player, his squeezeboxes can be heard on hundreds of recordings and as a creator of new work in all these fields he has established an enviable reputation. But on his own live gigs you’re more likely to see him in his natural habitat pursuing his first love – traditional English music and song.
No stranger to success he has quite a few accolades to his name. In 2002 John was made an honorary lifetime member of the International Concertina Association. A year later he was awarded the @EFDSS Gold Badge for his outstanding contribution to English Folk Music. In 2010 he was named Musician of the Year at the @BBCR2 Folk Awards. Most recently John was appointed an MBE in the 2021 New Year’s Honours List.

Museum Photoclub Half Term Takeover!
2021-10-23 10:00 - 16:00 | Chippenham Museum, 9-10 Market Pl, Chippenham, SN15 3HF, United Kingdom
This half term join Chippenham Museum’s Photoclub for some free photo fun.
Exhibition ‘Our Photo Journey’
The club’s autumn photographic exhibition and first display together as a group.
Museum Trail
Take part in the club’s photographic challenge to see if you can find their favorite objects around the museum.
Free Photography Workshops
Wednesday 27 October, ages 11 – 17, booking essential. Two sessions giving tips and techniques for taking great photos on whatever camera you have, including a mobile phone, with Photoclub leader Kez.
Around the Museum: 10.30am – 12pm book here
Take part in a photography challenge hunting around the museum for the best objects to photograph.

Museum Objects: 1.30pm – 3.30pm book here
Join us as we handle and photograph a collection of museum objects. Learn about their history and how to photograph the object in a professional setting.

The museum’s afterschool Photoclub for ages 11 – 17 meets on Wednesdays in term-time 4.30 – 5.30, £6 per session. The club aims to improve self-expression and motivation, focusing on activities to help mental health and wellbeing while capturing great images and having fun. Contact the museum to join a free trial session.
Chippenham Museum is a Chippenham Town Council facility, open Monday – Saturday 10am – 4pm with free entry.

Chippenham Folk Festival - English Country Dance Workshop
2021-10-23 12:00 - 15:00 | Chippenham Town Hall, High Street, Chippenham, Afghanistan
A high quality dance workshop by Colin Hume, one of the leading dance callers in the country, with glorious music provided by Boldwood.

Chippenham Folk Festival - Children's Special Concert
2021-10-23 14:30 - 16:30 | Cause Arts Centre, 42 The Causeway, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 3DD, United Kingdom
Jess and Richard Arrowsmith together with John Kirkpatrick will share children’s songs and nursery rhymes. Plenty of joining in, actions and animal noises for all! Suitable for babies, toddlers, and big kids of all ages (even grown up ones). Children free with an accompanying adult.

Chippenham Folk Festival - Balfolk Workshop
2021-10-23 15:30 - 18:30 | Chippenham Town Hall, High Street, Chippenham, Afghanistan
Jenny Norris from BalFolk Bristol will introduce you to (or remind you of) the basics of some of the most common Bal folk dances so you’re ready to throw yourself into the Bal. With beautiful music from Confluence Duo, Jos Style (also from BalFolkBristol) will be teaching the workshop with Jenny.
