May

The Royal Road

Open Now Until 31 December

To celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, this exhibition explores the Great Western Railway's royal connections. Displays include unique material from Queen Victoria's reign, right up to the present day of Queen Elizabeth II.

For added adventure, follow the Royal Road Children's Activity Trail. The trail can be downloaded free as a PDF document from the link below. Alternatively, a glossy colour version can be purchased at STEAM's ticket desk for £0.75.

The Royal Road Activity Trail (526KB)

The Royal Road Activity Trail ANSWERS (135KB)

Commemorating 100 Years of the Titanic

On now until 24 June

Discover some fascinating documents that reveal the Titanic's GWR connections in this small display about the ill-fated ship.

June

Diamond Jubilee Weekend and

Whitsun Half-Term Activities

From decorating Diamond Jubilee cupcakes and following the Royal Road Activity trail, to climbing aboard famous locomotives and changing the signals in the interactive Signal Box, there’s something for all ages to enjoy.

2 June

10.00 am - 4.00 pm

Meet the Railway Workers

Climb aboard and step into the fascinating world of steam! STEAM volunteers who once worked for the Great Western Railway – in Swindon Works and as drivers, firemen and signalmen - will invite you to 'have a go' at the controls and learn all about how these great machines worked as the story of the railways is brought to life. This amazing experience is included in the standard admission price.

4 June

10.30 am - 5.00 pm

Jubilee Fun Crafts

Children of all ages will have endless fun making Jubilee hats and crowns and 'Great Britain' flags as they get ready for the royal celebration!

5 June

10.00 am - 4.30 pm

Jubilee Cupcake Celebration

Enjoy our special Diamond Jubilee treat as you sit down with friends or family to decorate some yummy cakes to take home! Experts from the Cupcake Passion company will be at hand to help you decorate your cake with a choice of delicious sugar toppings and decorations. Cakes are limited to one per person please! The workshops are free with standard admission.

6 June and 7 June

9.30 am - 1.00 pm

Smiley Cats Kidz Club

Characters from the Madagascar movie will be the main theme for these mornings of crafts and creative games. Suitable for children aged 5 – 11, sessions include a supervised tour of the Museum and healthy mid-morning snacks. Cost: £12.00 or £9.50 with a Swindoncard. Drop off at 9.30 am and collect by 1.00 pm. Spaces need to be booked in advance by calling Smiley Cats on 01793 700221 or 07802 537876 or visit: www.smileycats.co.uk

July

Track and Field - An Olympic look at GWR Sporting Life

11 July - 31 December

In the celebratory year of 2012, this exhibition looks at the sporting achievements of the Great Western Railway. From fencing to rugby, and from fishing to athletics, the employees of the GWR took part in many successful sporting activities. The exhibiton showcases sporting artifacts and memorabilia from the many clubs and individual sportsmen and women.

Swindon the Opera

7- 8 July, 2.30pm and 7.30pm

A musical journey telling an entertaining and informative human story of Swindon and its people over the past 60 years. The people of Swindon will perform this lottery funded opera to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. Matinee tickets £10 and £5 for under 12s. Evening performances £10. Please click on the link for more information. www.swindontheopera.co.uk

August

Summer Holiday Fun

Plenty to entertain all members of the family, including arts and crafts sessions and the Smiley Cats Kidz Club.

September

Wiltshire Baby Show

8 September

Specialist advice, photography, gifts, nursery furnishings and more for families expecting a baby.

Swindon Railway Festival

15 and 16 September

Families and railway enthusiasts will love this celebration of steam and model railways!

October

Great Western LEGO Show

6 and 7 October

Discover LEGO heaven, with amazing displays and a unique LEGO Shop.

Swindon CAMRA Beer Festival

26, 27 and 28 October

25th annual festival for Swindon CAMRA. Info: www.swindoncamra.org.uk

November

Remembrance Sunday Service

11 November

December

Christmas at STEAM

1 and 2 December

Luxury goods and fayre, plus magical live entertainment for all ages.

Please note that some events have a special admission charge and the STEAM events programme is subject to change. Please check this website again before you embark on a long journey or call us on 01793 466646 or 466637 to check details.

Weddings and private events - all year round

Please phone Ian Surtees on 01793 466619 or see Conferencing and Events for details.

Corporate Events - all year round