Chippenham is a market town in Wiltshire, England, some 21 km (13 miles) east of Bath and (96 miles) west of London. In the 2001 census the population of the town was recorded as 28,065.

The town is 7 km (4 miles) south of the M4 motorway, giving easy access to Bristol, Swindon, South Wales and London.

The town was established on a crossing of the River Avon and is believed to have existed as some form of settlement since before Roman times. For a time Alfred the Great had a hunting lodge there. The town continued to grow when the Great Western Railway arrived in 1841, and while historically a market town the economy has changed to that of a commuter town.

Cultural festivals such as the Chippenham Folk Festival are hosted by the Chippenham Folk Festival Association & Organised by the Festival Team who are all volunteers.

The Chippenham Folk Festival takes place every year, usually from the 26th to the 30th of May. Although it has seen many changes since its beginnings in Lacock all those years ago, it still retains its 'village' atmosphere, providing three and a half days packed with song, dance, workshops and dance displays. Over 200 events take place within the town centre, turning the whole town into a giant party. The main ceilidh and concert events take place in the beautiful park alongside the river, while practically every pub and venue in the town is used for a vast range of sessions, workshops and smaller concerts and dances. There is also a full program of children's events, a large craft marquee, catering facilities and an open air arena in the park.