Claymazing! The Wonder of Clay
Get your hands dirty with us, as we dig up clay and turn it into pots or cups, or mini works of art. All ages and skills.
Discover the most incredible resource right under our feet, as we take our buckets and spades and dig up beautiful, lush, orange clay on the museum grounds. Clay has been the biggest thing in human history for hundreds of thousands of years - we drink out of it, we eat our dinner off it, and we even make our houses out of it - the amazing clay! In this workshop, we might not have time to build a house, but we will learn how to turn this versatile natural material into whatever we want it to be, from coil and slab pots, to small animals and figures, or your very own sculptural masterpiece.
Tickets FREE | Ages 11+
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Nature Words and Pictures
Explore the theme of nature in words and pictures. In this hands-on workshop we'll use collage papers and drawing techniques to create original artworks inspired by poems about nature.
The workshop will be led by Jo Beal, a Swindon-based visual artist, illustrator and workshop leader who loves to draw!
Tickets £2 | Age 11-25
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Where the Wild Feels Like Home
A playful poetry workshop exploring nature and home, inspired by Richard Jefferies. Create, share, and connect with the wild through words. No experience needed!
What does home feel like — the scent of rain, the rustle of leaves, a sunset that stirs something deep inside? In this creative poetry workshop, we’ll explore how nature can be more than just a backdrop — it can be a memory, a comfort, even a home.
Inspired by the nature writing of Richard Jefferies, we’ll use playful prompts, group activities, and free-writing time to tap into the wild around. Whether you’re drawn to the sound of waves, or the magic of fireflies at night — this is your space to turn it into poetry.
No experience needed — just curiosity, imagination, and a willingness to get a little wild with your words. You don’t need to be a budding poet... just come ready to grow your own verse!
Tickets £2 | Ages 13-20
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Readings and Music from the Cart
Sign up for an Open Mic slot and read or perform from the cart!
With Readings and Music from the Car, Signal Festival is continuing a tradition that dates back to Richard Jefferies' time!
Back then the idea was that people got up into the cart and read something from Jefferies' writings, but with Signal, we're excited for music, poetry, monologues or spoken word, so register your interest now!
Writing Competition
Inspired by Swindon's very own original nature writer (a Victorian called Richard Jefferies), we are looking for writing on the theme of the natural world.
You can submit a piece of writing which can be in almost any form: a descriptive piece, short story, personal reflections, letter, poetry, journalism, diary or academic article.
Winners will be announced at Signal Festival's Art and Nature day at the Richard Jefferies Museum on Wednesday 30th July.
Richard Jefferies Inspired Nature Painting
Work with Swindon artist Billy Beaumont to paint a large scale mural inspired by the Mulberry tree that Richard Jefferies used to sit under to write. No experience of painting necessary as the art piece will be similar to a colouring book, on a large canvas rather than paper. Inspired by Richard Jefferies life and works using paint and brushes with guidance in a relaxed space at the museum itself.
Drop In I Ages 11+