Colin Jackson set to appear at Castle Farm Leisure Centre’s official opening

Athletics legend Colin Jackson will be the star guest as Warwick District Council and Everyone Active host a free open day to celebrate the official opening of Castle Farm Leisure Centre in Kenilworth.

The event on Saturday 24 February will be an opportunity for the local community to look around or even try out the stunning new facilities.

The brand-new centre opened to the public in December 2023 following a £16million build completed over 20 months, a project which also saw the creation of a new headquarters for the Kenilworth Scouts and Guides in the adjacent building.

At the fun-filled event, taking place from 10am until 4pm, a range of free taster activities will be on offer including group exercise classes, football skills, basketball and pickleball – a racquet sport with elements of tennis, table tennis and badminton.

There will also be the opportunity to meet Olympic 110m hurdles silver medallist Colin Jackson and freestyle footballer and Guinness World Record holder Jamie Knight.

Colin will be taking part in a series of fitness challenges in the centre’s state-of-the-art gym as well as chatting to the public, while Jamie will be hosting live demonstrations and challenging attendees to try their hand at his impressive tricks.

Both special guests will be taking part in a ribbon cutting ceremony, together with His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Warwickshire Tim Cox and representatives from Warwick District Council and Everyone Active to mark the grand opening.

There will also be a question-and-answer session with Colin and Jamie, followed by the chance to get autographs and photos.

As well as free taster activities, there will be an opportunity to play table tennis against one of Everyone Active’s Sporting Champions. Aged 63 and a resident of Kenilworth, Boryana Nankova regularly uses Castle Farm to train for competitions – including last year’s World Transplant Games where she won the silver medal in the women’s doubles.

Parents will welcome the range of family-friendly activities on offer, including a bouncy castle and face painting.

Councillor Jim Sinnott, Warwick District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Communities said:

“It is an important part of the Council’s plans to encourage more people in our district to take part in regular sport and physical activity. This open day is a great opportunity for local people to see for themselves the impressive range of facilities and equipment available to them at Castle Farm and the inclusive fitness environment that has been created for all ages and abilities.”

Alex Fuoco-Lang, contract manager at Everyone Active, said:

“We cannot wait to welcome the people of Kenilworth and the wider district to Castle Farm’s upcoming open day.

“While Castle Farm has been open since December, this is a chance to celebrate the hard work that has gone into building the centre and to showcase the brilliant facilities and activities that are on offer.

“With sessions available for all ages, abilities and interests, we urge all corners of the community to attend the open day and try out something new.”

The event will also see the official opening of the new Kenilworth Scout and Guide Centre with the Lord Lieutenant of Warwickshire and representatives and members of the local Scout and Guide community.

To register your place, please contact Castle Farm Leisure Centre. Please note you will need to book a slot for certain sessions.