ON SUNDAY the sports hall of the Oasis Leisure Centre will be taken over by Scalextric collectors for Swindon’s annual Swapmeet.

The event will feature 60 swap-meet tables for collectors and enthusiasts to buy, sell and swap their collectible toys, in addition to four Scalextric circuits for visitors to use.

The event was set up in 2003 by Robert Learmouth and his brother, when they decided to make a more inclusive swapmeet event.

Robert, who has been a collector for 25 years, said: “This event is for both enthusiasts and the average person who uses the cars as toys. It’s not just for collectors.

“Since we set this event up, we’ve noticed that other events organisers have been trying to be more inclusive. We were the first to try to go outside of the collector community and make it a more inclusive event.”

Swapmeet events are one of the few ways that enthusiasts can meet people with the same interests, and grow their collections.

“Now that we have the internet, there are lots of ways to get in touch with other people, but a lot of people don’t want to interact only through the internet. They want to get out and meet people, and see in person what they’re buying,” said Robert.

Stalls for this year’s event sold out quickly, which has prompted Robert to think about expanding.

Robert said: “This year’s the most popular we’ve ever been. We want to remain at the Oasis, but we’re hoping to expand into a slightly larger area of the hall.”

The Swapmeet will run this Sunday, January 10, between 10.30am and 3.30pm.

Tickets are available on the door at £2.50 for adults and £1 for children.