Crowdfunding campaign to light up Swindon’s Oasis dome for 50th anniversary
Fireworks display planned to celebrate iconic leisure centre’s milestone
Swindon’s Oasis Leisure Centre, an iconic Grade II listed building, is set to mark its 50th anniversary with a fireworks display and illuminated dome. Despite being closed for several years, the leisure centre remains an important landmark for the community.
The event is scheduled for 1st January 2026, the exact date the Oasis first opened its doors back in 1976. Organised by the Save Oasis Swindon campaign, the evening will feature fireworks launched above the dome, which will be lit up exclusively for the occasion.
“We thought it would be sad if nothing was done to mark this event,” Neil Robinson, a Save Oasis Swindon campaigner, said. “Even while it’s closed, the Oasis remains iconic, and people have so many memories of going there. It’s important to celebrate this milestone.”
The campaign is crowdfunding to cover the costs of the display, which total around £6,000. So far, they have raised half the funds needed.
The increased costs include additional insurance requirements for the Grade II listed site, fees for the drone filming, and payment for the fireworks display itself.
Robinson encouraged Swindon residents and former Oasis users to contribute what they can: “We understand it’s a tight time of year, but this is an opportunity for the people of Swindon to come together on New Year’s Day. If you feel strongly about the Oasis, miss it, and want to make a statement asking for its reopening, please donate.”
To support the event, people can visit the Save Oasis Swindon Facebook page or search for ‘Swindon Oasis 50th fireworks’ to find the campaign’s GoFundMe link. Donations of any amount are welcome, and local charities will also be invited to collect money during the evening.
The campaign emphasises the importance of maintaining focus on reopening the leisure centre, which has been closed for five years.
Robinson said: “January is a time when people think about getting fit and healthy, but without places like the Oasis, it’s harder to make that happen. The Oasis was a major hub for swimming, sports, concerts, and meeting friends. It’s sad it’s been closed for so long, and we need to show that Swindon misses it.”
The event is designed not only to celebrate the leisure centre’s 50th birthday but also to demonstrate local support for its future reopening.
“It’s a chance to make a statement, keep the issue visible, and remind everyone how important the Oasis is to the community,” Robinson added.