Festive season set to begin in Warwick District
A winter of festive celebrations is set to begin in Warwick District, as communities come together over the next few months for a variety of light switch-on events.
Taking place from 29 October to 3 December, Kenilworth, Leamington, Warwick, Whitnash and surrounding villages will each host their light switch-on events with a fantastic selection of entertainment, music, food, and seasonal stalls.
A celebration of Diwali, the festival of lights, will be held outside the Town Hall in Leamington on Sunday 29 October at 6.30pm as we come together to switch on the ‘Happy Diwali’ light and unite together as a District to celebrate this special occasion for the Indian community.
Leamington will be illuminated on Sunday 19 November for the Big Lights Switch On, with the festivities forming part of the Diwali and Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Gurpurab celebrations in the town. The fun starts with a Christmas market from 10am. The stage outside the Town Hall will feature live music, a Kirtan and a reading for Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Gurpurab.
The Chair of the District Council, Councillor Sidney Syson, will light the Myton Hospice Tree of Light outside the Town Hall at 4pm, with the main lights being switched on at 5.30pm by the Mayor of Royal Leamington Spa Councillor Alan Boad, and special guest Moosa Mostafa, local actor and star of Netflix’s Addams Family series, Wednesday.
Parking will be free in all Warwick District Council off-street car parks in Leamington and in the Royal Priors on Sunday 19 November to support the event. On-street parking charges will still apply.
Warwick’s popular Victorian Evening returns on Thursday 23 November, offering you the chance to step back in time and experience the sights, sounds and smells of a Victorian Christmas. Starting from 3pm with a Victorian market in the Square and rides and entertainment around the town centre, the performances get underway on the stage at 5pm, with the lights being switched on at 7pm by the Mayor of Warwick, Councillor Oliver Jacques.
Parking will be free in all Warwick District Council off-street car parks in Warwick from 3pm on Thursday 23 November to support the event. On-street parking charges will still apply.
Kenilworth will be spreading its celebrations across two days, with the High Street in Kenilworth switching theirs on first on Friday 24 November. The traditional event will have entertainment, food, and drink, and the lights will be switched on at 6pm by Mayor of Kenilworth, Councillor Alix Dearing.
The celebrations continue on Sunday 26 November on Warwick Road in Kenilworth, with market stalls, food, drink and fairground rides starting at 1pm. The music will start on the stage at 4pm, with the lights being switched on at 6pm by the Mayor of Kenilworth, Councillor Alix Dearing.
Residents of Whitnash will be celebrating the start of Christmas on Sunday 4 December. The event is held outside The Plough & Harrow pub in the town and starts at 4pm with stalls, food, entertainment, and an appearance by Father Christmas. The lights will be switched on at 6pm by Mayor of Whitnash, Councillor Simon Button.
The District’s many villages will also be holding their own carols, services, and lights events throughout the festive season, including Cubbington where a celebration will take place on Queen Street and High Street from 5pm to 7pm on Sunday 3 December. The event will feature craft stalls, music, food and drink.
Councillor Ella Billiald, Portfolio Holder for Arts and Economy said: “We’re delighted to be once again hosting these events, where friends and families come together to celebrate and mark the start of the festive season.
“Not only do these events provide a sense of community, but they are also a great support for our local businesses. We look forward to welcoming you to our town centres for a special celebration."
You can keep up to date with the latest information about the events at www.warwickdc.gov.uk/events
