LONDON
The Goan Swindon Association (GSA) celebrated the 25th Goan Summer Festival on July 11 at Stratton Junior Football Club, Swindon.
The festival brought together the Goan community and friends from across the UK for a day filled with faith, music, entertainment, delicious food and family fun.
The day commenced at 12 noon with a Holy Mass celebrated by Fr Mark Furtado SFX, setting a spiritual tone for the celebrations. The Mass was accompanied by the Rhytmix Choir, whose uplifting hymns created a prayerful and joyful atmosphere.
Following the Mass, the festivities officially began with a welcome address from the Goan Swindon Association committee, followed by a welcome song by Veena Pegado.
Throughout the afternoon, talented local artists from across the UK entertained the audience with an exciting mix of solo performances, live music and cultural entertainment.
One of the standout performances of the day came from Rhytmix – the largest international Goan children's choir, under the direction and training of Maestro Vance Machado. The talented children captivated the audience with an energetic performance featuring a combination of singing and choreographed dance routines to some of the latest popular songs.
The audience was also treated to an enthralling performance by Nova Vista Musica Group, led by Veena Pegado, whose talented young performers delighted everyone with their musical presentation.
The entertainment continued throughout the day with performances by talented UK-based singers and musicians, keeping the audience engaged before the international acts took to the stage.
As the evening progressed, the excitement reached another level with spectacular performances by Shine On, who had the crowd singing and dancing with their energetic live set.
They were followed by Goa's popular band ‘Black Sapphire’, delivering an unforgettable performance that had everyone on their feet.
The grand finale belonged to internationally renowned DJ Skeletron, who travelled from Goa to headline the event. With his high-energy electronic music, crowd-favourite remixes and electrifying stage presence, he brought the festival to a spectacular close, ensuring the dance floor remained packed until the very end.
Throughout the afternoon, comedian and entertainer Queter Xavier, famous for his role in Avoii Mashean, kept the audience laughing with his trademark humour and engaging performances, adding a unique Goan flavour to the celebrations.
Visitors also enjoyed a selection of Goan food stalls, serving authentic Goan delicacies throughout the day. Families and children had plenty to enjoy with attractions including a Bouncy Castle, Miami Trip Fairground Ride, Football Target Challenge, Fishing Duck Game, Boxing & Punching Machine, and many more fun activities. An ice cream truck proved especially popular with the younger visitors.
The event also featured raffles and housie games, giving attendees the opportunity to win fantastic prizes while supporting the Association's fundraising efforts.
“As Goan Swindon Association celebrated 25 years of bringing the community together, the Goan Summer Festival 2026 proved to be one of our most successful events yet. With a blend of faith, culture, music, food and entertainment, the festival once again strengthened community bonds and celebrated the vibrant Goan heritage in the United Kingdom,” said Rosendo Pereira, chairman of GSA.
“The Goan Swindon Association extends its heartfelt gratitude to all performers, volunteers, sponsors, stall holders and everyone who attended and contributed to making this silver jubilee celebration such a tremendous success. We look forward to welcoming everyone again next year for another unforgettable Goan Summer Festival.”
