The Fete is Swindon’s oldest summer event, dating back to 1866. Organised by the Mechanics’ Institution, it ran until 1939 with the outbreak of the Second World War. The tradition was revived by the Mechanics’ Institution Trust in 2003 and has run since. The most popular tradition was the cutting of the cake, a tradition which the Trust still maintains by providing a free piece of cake to all children on the day. The event has become a popular and recognisable part of Swindon’s calendar once again.