Swindon to host events to mark 40th anniversary of Railway Works closure
The Railway Works closed On 26th March 1986
Last updated 24th Feb 2026
A series of events are to take place in Swindon next month to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the closure of it's Railway Works.
On 26th March 1986, the hooter, which was sounded at the start and end of each working day, rang out for one final time as the railway works closed for the very last time.
Swindon Borough Council said the commemorations will begin at the STEAM Museum on Tuesday, 24th March with a pop-up exhibition showcasing images and artefacts from the time.
It will feature displays from Swindon Heritage Preservation, Swindon Society, and other groups, will run until 29th March in Hawksworth Hall.
On Thursday, 26th March, Swindon Heritage Preservation will hold a ‘Breakfast for the Railway Workers’ at the Railway Village's Central Community Centre.
That same day, STEAM will officially open a new exhibition titled The Last Blast.
This exhibition will remain open until 1st March 2027, detailing the history and impact of the Swindon Works closure.
A replica of the original hooter will sound at 4.30pm outside the museum, marking exactly 40 year's since the Railway Works closed.
There will also be a screening of the film ‘Railway Town’ by Martin Parry at 7pm on Friday 27 March at STEAM.
Produced in 1986, the film charts the story of Swindon from its ‘Wild West’ beginnings to being the fastest growing town in Europe.
Finally, on Saturday, 28 March, a series of talks will take place from 11am to 4pm in Hawksworth Hall at STEAM.
Speakers include Tim Bryan, Andy Binks, and Richard Wintle who will talk about different aspects of Swindon’s railway history.
They will also be holding book signings along with other local authors.
Councillor Marina Strinkovsky, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Placemaking and Planning, said:
“The Railway Works was such an important part of Swindon’s history and its closure 40 years ago had a big impact on the town.
“Many Swindon residents will have relatives or friends who used to work at the Works and will have fond memories of their time there as well as the lifelong friends they will have made.
“I’m glad we’re going to be able to mark this anniversary with the sounding of the iconic hooter and the opening of a new exhibition at STEAM. We’ve also got the showing of Railway Town which, while produced in the 80s, still holds a lot of relevance to the Swindon of today, I watched it a few years back and was fascinated.
“It’s set to be a memorable week and I look forward to seeing it all come together next month.”