by Stephanie Kerr | May 1, 2025 | Blogs
Delancey Partners With The Zen Project, Bringing the Zen Bus to Royal Priors
A bright yellow American school bus once used to ferry children to school across the U.S. is finding a new lease of life—this time as a mobile sanctuary for mental health. In a unique partnership for Mental Health Awareness Week 2025, leading real estate investment and development advisor Delancey has teamed up with wellness organisation The Zen Project to fund and bring the Zen Bus to neighbourhoods across the UK. Including to Royal Priors, on Thursday 15th May, between 1pm – 4pm.
With free drop-in guided meditations, resilience workshops, practical wellness sessions and soundbaths, the initiative is designed to make wellbeing resources and experiences accessible to communities that often go without. For many people boarding the bus it may well be the first time they’ve paused all week, and in a world in which we are sadly still seeing a trend for a general decline in mental health, the bus and its sessions are needed more than ever. For full details of the activities available visit the link: The Zen Bus visit to Royal Priors
Mental Health: A Pressing Public Issue
The Zen Project’s work is grounded in stark statistics. According to the Office for National Statistics, over 67% of UK residents report ongoing concern about the impacts of COVID-19. Meanwhile, more than 76% of people say they have personal experience of mental health struggles—whether directly or through someone close to them. Anxiety, in particular, has surged since the pandemic, with over 65% of British workers expressing concern about returning to office life. Mental ill health is also now said to be the most common cause of work-limiting conditions among those aged 44 years and younger.
“These numbers tell us something important,” says Kaye Smith, co-founder of The Zen Project. “People are not just stressed—they’re overwhelmed. And many don’t know where to turn. That’s why we bring support straight to the street, to workplaces, to schools. The Zen Project is about showing people that wellbeing tools can be simple, practical, and part of everyday life.”
For Delancey Real Estate, the partnership reflects a broader mission to invest in communities—not just through bricks and mortar, but through meaningful social impact.
Jamie Ritblat, Founder and Executive Chairman of Delancey, explains why supporting this roadtrip is so important: “Supporting mental health is part of our commitment to the long-term success of the neighbourhoods where we operate. The Zen Bus will be visiting locations where we’re actively involved—places like Royal Priors, because we want to support people in these communities. This partnership is a reminder that property isn’t just about buildings — it’s also about helping build healthier, more connected societies.”
Over the course of the week, the Zen Bus will visit a number of other sites including Earls Court, Elephant & Castle Town Centre, Here East, Stratford, Christ Church, Southwark and Jean Stokes Community Centre in Islington. As well as a number of dedicated sessions for local schools and NHS key workers.
From School Run to Mindful Retreat
The Zen Bus’s transformation is as remarkable as its mission. Once a working school bus in the United States—making over 100,000 school runs—it now features a warm, wood-panelled interior, created using 140 pieces of reclaimed timber and countless hours of volunteer labour. The bus took 49 days to ship from New York to the UK and required the removal of 34 original seats to make way for calm zones and community seating areas.
In the lead-up to the tour, volunteers reportedly consumed over 1,000 cups of Yogi Tea—and clocked up thousands of hours in meditation to ensure the experience reflects the grounding principles of mindfulness and stillness.
In cities that never slow down, the Zen Project offers a rare opportunity: to stop, breathe, and take a moment. And sometimes, that’s exactly what people need most.
by Stephanie Kerr | Mar 24, 2025 | News
Families are invited to hop around Leamington town centre as part of a fun-filled Easter egg hunt with a difference – with a host of prizes up for grabs.
The Great Easter Egg Hunt will see participants search for Easter eggs hidden in the windows of shops, cafes and restaurants across the town centre between April 12 – 27 inclusive.
The egg-citing event organised by BID Leamington will feature three trails, and people are asked to have a cracking time finding Easter eggs with letters on and gathering the clues to discover the Easter Bunny’s three favourite things to do.
This year 75 businesses are taking part in the event, and those who correctly gather all of the clues will be entered into a prize draw to be in with a chance of winning a £100 voucher to spend in the town plus there is a host of other prizes kindly donated by participating businesses.
Entry forms are available from participating shops, Leamington’s Visitor Information Centre and the upper mall of Royal Priors Shopping Centre or you can download the form here!
Completed entries can be posted at the Easter post box located at Cenu Cacao, 114 Regent Street or the BID Leamington office, in Park Court.
Alison Shaw, Project Manager at BID Leamington, said: “We’re very excited to invite people to take part in our Great Easter Egg Hunt.
“It will be a great opportunity to have fun while visiting some of our excellent businesses across the town centre.
“The event has been very well supported and we have some incredible prizes on offer, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone to the town centre this Easter.
by Stephanie Kerr | Feb 13, 2025 | News
Spectacular Hearts Arrive in Leamington Town Centre this Valentine’s!
Royal Leamington Spa is set to be filled with love this February 14 with the launch of ‘The Power of Love’ trail. A trail of five spectacular giant, artist-decorated hearts can be found in key locations across the town centre. Each heart celebrates a unique aspect of Leamington’s vibrant culture and community while carrying inspiring messages of love and connection.
Running from 14 February – 02 March, The Power of Love trail offers residents and visitors a creative and interactive experience, making it the perfect way to celebrate the season of love while exploring everything the town has to offer. The trail forms part of the wider Spotlight Festival, an exciting celebration featuring dazzling light installations and a packed programme of events throughout the February half-term school holiday.
Each heart is beautifully designed by artists and inspired by different themes that showcase the heart and soul of life in the town centre. The ‘Love Nights Out’ disco heart also offers a special surprise, as this will be a feature of the Silent Disco in Jephson Gardens on the 21 and 22 of February as part of Spotlight 2025.
Stephanie Kerr, Executive Director of BID Leamington, said: “We are thrilled to bring The Power of Love Trail to Leamington as part of the Spotlight Festival and our Love Leam month. These beautiful hearts celebrate everything that makes our town so special—our community, our businesses, and our vibrant culture. We hope everyone can take some time to explore the trail, enjoy the festivities, and share the love this February”.
The trail, organised by BID Leamington, is the creation of Tilley Bancroft from Making Trails and also benefits from the support of various local organisations. We wish to extend thanks to Royal Leamington Spa Town Council for their support, and to local venues who have offered locations, including Regent Court Shopping Centre, Royal Priors Shopping Centre, All Saints Church Leamington and Warwick District Council.
Nicola Cormell, Royal Priors Centre Manager said: “We’re very pleased to have Royal Priors included on the Power of Love Trail. These amazing hearts are a wonderful way to reflect the town centre’s culture while connecting the community. The artists have done a wonderful job. The Love Local, Shop Local theme of the heart here at Royal Priors celebrates the unique charm of Leamington town centre, and with each of the five hearts carrying a unique design we’re sure they will prove very popular with visitors as they explore the trail.”
Visitors can follow the trail using the Love Leam App, or maps which are available online and in visitor locations around town. Adding to the fun, visitors can also take part in a competition to win £100 to spend in the town centre! To enter, simply share a photo of your favourite hearts on social media using #LoveLeamHeartTrail and tag @LightsofLeamington (or an account listed below).
Whether you’re adding some fun to Valentine’s Day, or simply looking to enjoy a creative and uplifting experience ‘The Power of Love’ trail is not to be missed!
Download the trail map (PDF – Click here) (JPG – Click here).
Details of the Power of Love trail locations and competition are below.
Details of Spotlight Festival, the trail, the competition and tickets (via Eventbrite) for the Silent are available at www.lightsofleamington.com.
Find us:
- Instagram @Love Leamington and @LightsofLeamington
- Facebook @RoyalLeamingtonSpaTownCentre and @LightsofLeamington
- TikTok @Love Leamington
#LoveLeamHeartTrail #PowerofLoveLeamington
NOTES:
Creation and Design
Brought to you by BID Leamington, the trail is the creation of Tilley Bancroft from Making Trails, who also designed the ‘Love Community’ and ‘Love Nature’ hearts. ‘Love Local’ and ‘Love Yourself’ was designed by Lynne Hollingsworth and Fran Vid created ‘Love Nights Out’.
Locations, themes and supporters:
Love Nights Out – Let Your Hair Down
Celebrate your unique sparkle and enjoy fun-filled nights out!
Proudly supported by BID Leamington, Slate Events, & WDC Events
Location: Clock Tower, Jephson Gardens
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Google – Clock Tower – Click Here
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Love Yourself – Take Some ‘Me Time’
Indulge in relaxation, take time for self-care or enjoy a treat!
Proudly supported by BID Leamington
Location: Regent Court Shopping Centre
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Google – Click here
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Love Community – Share the Love, Volunteer, Offer Thanks
Reflect on the power of community and the joy of giving back.
Proudly supported by All Saints Parish Church
Location: All Saints Church
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Google – Click Here
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Love Local – Shop Local: Visit Your Favourite Places!
Support local businesses and celebrate the unique charm of Leamington town centre.
Proudly supported by Royal Leamington Spa Town Council
Location: Royal Priors, Waterstones
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Google – click here.
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Love Nature – Breathe In Our Beautiful Green Spaces
Celebrate the tranquillity and beauty of Leamington’s gorgeous green spaces.
Proudly supported by Warwick District Council Green Spaces
Location: Christchurch Gardens
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Google – Click here.
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Power of Love Snap & Win Competition Details:
- To enter, simply share a photo of your favourite hearts on social media using #LoveLeamHeartTrail and tag one of the accounts below:
- Instagram @Love Leamington and @LightsofLeamington
- Facebook @RoyalLeamingtonSpaTownCentre and @LightsofLeamington
- TikTok @Love Leamington
- The prize, is to a maximum value of £100.00
- The competition will run from 14th February 2025 until 5pm on Sunday 2nd March 2025.
- The Entries will be comprised of people who have taken a photo of one of the five ‘Power of Love Trail’ giant hearts and posted this image publicly, including #LoveLeamHeartTrail with relevant tags, on their own social media account in the timeframe of the promotion.
- Up to five entries per social media account featuring each of the five different hearts in each location, will qualify to enter the completion.
- The account holder must also tag one of the accounts below and use hashtag #LoveLeamPowerofLove.
- The Winner will be randomly selected from identified qualifying posts on Tuesday 4th March 2025 and notified via their social media account shortly after.
- The Promoter will offer The Winner the choice of redeeming vouchers totalling the maximum value of the Prize Draw from businesses who have the ability to offer vouchers in the period of the competition and are listed on the royal-leamington-spa.co.uk/ website in the business directory.
For full Terms and Conditions please click here (PDF download).
by Stephanie Kerr | Nov 16, 2024 | News
A much-loved home and giftware store opened again in the heart of Leamington Spa this Christmas on Friday 15th November, ready to spread festive cheers as the town gears up for the festive season.
Previously, Magical Story has been a huge favourite in Leamington Spa town centre, offering seasonal cheer and unique giftware.
The exciting return has been much anticipated by fans of the store online, and to the delight of many, they are now open with a huge array of festive magic on offer.
The store will host a wide range of special offers and deals over the upcoming weeks, a fantastic way to welcome customers back to the store both old and new!
Whatever your Christmas style, Magical Story has something in store for everybody! From fluffy pink Christmas collections to traditional Christmas pieces including Santa’s, nutcrackers and gonks galore! Stunning glass designs and beautiful Christmas baubles make this store explode with Christmas magic and bring a smile to anybody who walks through the door!
Andy Jones, General Manager said “We are very excited to be returning to Leamington Spa. I love this vibrant, historical location and cannot wait to welcome everyone back to our store. We have a fantastic team assembled, a combination of some returning faces and plenty of new, who will be in store to welcome shoppers from this weekend.”
Find Magical Story at 94-96 Parade, Leamington, CV32 4AQ.
by Stephanie Kerr | Oct 21, 2024 | News
Whittle Productions is hosting two workshops to share the unique Lights of Leamington Story and explore the role light has for our communities and faiths in Leamington. Information gathered from these events will feature in a new
Switched on Stories exhibition which will take part in February 2025 as part of a new and re-invented community lights festival. Lights of Leamington: Switched on Stories is made possible thanks to National Lottery players through The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The project will preserve the stories and memorabilia from the iconic Lights of Leamington festival which took place in Jephson Gardens from 1951 to 1961.
David Clargo and Carole Sleight from Whittle Productions with Cllr Mini Kaur Mangat are hosting the first event at Whitnash Civic centre on Saturday 26 October from 3-4.30pm. They will share the history and stories of the Lights of Leamington festival and explore the broader meaning and significance of light.
Cllr Mini Kaur Mangat,
“I am delighted to be part of the “Switched on Stories” oral history project. Across different cultures, light represents hope, celebration, and connection, and this project beautifully highlights how it serves as a symbol of unity and shared traditions within Leamington’s rich tapestry of communities.”
The second Switched on Stories event is a free diya lamp making workshop on Tuesday 29th October at The Sydni Centre. Families and carers with children aged 6+ can drop in from 10am to 12noon and design and paint a diya lamp. which will feature in the “Switched on Stories” exhibition next year.
If you would like to volunteer or find out more information, head to www.whittleproductions.co.uk/switched-on, email switchedonleam@gmail.com or call Carole Sleight on 07768 617081.
by Stephanie Kerr | Oct 14, 2024 | News
A brand-new Diwali light will illuminate the top of the Parade in Leamington later this month, as the community comes together to celebrate the Festival of Light.
The Diwali light switch on event will take place on Sunday 27 October, from 5.30pm to 7.30pm. Members of the Indian community will come together with people of all faiths in a harmonious celebration of unity and cultural diversity, to mark the start of the Diwali festivities.
Diwali symbolises the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance, and is observed all over the world by the Indian diaspora.
The event will feature a celebration of Indian heritage and culture, with an energetic Dhol Tasha performance and Bollywood songs and dance. The lights will be switched on by the Chairman of Warwick District Council, Councillor Rob Margrave, Vice-Chairman Councillor Naveen Tangri, and other community representatives at 7pm.
Councillor Ella Billiald, Portfolio Holder for Arts & Economy, said: “I am so pleased that a new, bright and colourful Diwali light will now welcome and delight visitors to Royal Leamington Spa, celebrating the multicultural diversity of our town. Colours hold deep significance for many cultures and particularly for Diwali, and I would like to thank the local Faith Leaders, BID Leamington and Royal Leamington Spa Town Council for working with us on this. I’m very much looking forward to joining the community in switching on this light and marking the start of Diwali together.”
Councillor Naveen Tangri added: “Last year’s event was such a great success, with hundreds coming together to show that Warwick District is united in its acceptance and celebration of other cultures. I look forward to welcoming everyone to the event for a diverse celebration of Indian heritage and culture.”
by Stephanie Kerr | Sep 19, 2024 | News
Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum Celebrates 25 years with New Exhibition:
25 years | 25 Objects | 25 Artists
4 October 2024 – 12 January 2025
Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum is proud to announce a special exhibition celebrating its 25th anniversary at the Royal Pump Rooms. Opening this Autumn, the exhibition marks a quarter century of the gallery’s role in reflecting the town’s rich history and vibrant artistic culture since it first welcomed visitors in the summer of 1999.
The exhibition will be divided into three distinct sections, exploring the key themes of Leamington’s heritage and artistic growth. Visitors will also have the chance to view a curated selection of 25 objects from the gallery’s extensive collection of nearly 2,800 items, amassed over the past 25 years. Highlights include a sculpture by Sir Terry Frost, Randolph Turpin’s training gloves, a painting by renowned camouflage artist Dorothy Anan, and memorabilia from the 2022 Commonwealth Games. This display will raise questions around the nature of collections, examining what is collected, why, and who is represented.
Curator Victoria Slade commented:
“We’re excited to mark this significant milestone with an exhibition that both celebrates the diversity of our collection and reflects on its evolution over the past 25 years. Each item on display tells a unique story about Leamington’s rich artistic and cultural heritage, and we hope to inspire our visitors to think more deeply about the role of art and objects in shaping local history.”
In addition to the collection display, the gallery has invited 25 artists, including recent winners of the OPEN 2024 exhibition, to display and sell their work in a dedicated pop-up shop within the exhibition space. The OPEN exhibitions, which have supported local artists since the 1930s, continue to showcase emerging talent from the region. This year’s exhibition will also feature a special display by Mark Elsmore, winner of the OPEN 2022.
The exhibition will run from Friday 4th October, and visitors are encouraged to explore the range of artworks and historical objects that celebrate the vibrant legacy of Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum.
For more information and image requests on all upcoming exhibitions and events, please email spa.marketing@warwickdc.gov.uk
**About Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum**
Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum, located in the historic Royal Pump Rooms, is home to an impressive collection of fine and decorative arts, as well as exhibits that tell the story of Leamington’s fascinating past. The gallery also hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions, events, and activities for all ages, supporting the region’s cultural and artistic community.
by Stephanie Kerr | Sep 10, 2024 | Blogs
This past weekend, thousands flocked to the Pump Rooms Gardens for the Leamington Food and Drink Festival, a two-day culinary extravaganza that showcased the region’s finest food and beverages.
Organised by BID Leamington, the festival marked its 17th year and delighted visitors and traders, who were also buoyed by the welcome sunshine on Sunday.
With over 100 exhibitors in attendance, the festival catered to all tastes and included everything from gourmet burgers and authentic jerk chicken to freshly made pizzas, gyros, loaded hotdogs, prize winning wings, burgers and international curries.
The diverse menu was complemented by wide array of drinks including locally brewed beverages, cocktails and smoothies alongside an assortment of dessert treats, cakes, gelato, doughnuts, churros, cannoli, and more.
Local produce and businesses were also on show, and featured everything from jams, chutneys, cheeses, pies to eco products and food purchasing options from businesses like Zero Leamington, making the event a foodie paradise.
A diverse programme of entertainment made for a fun, family atmosphere and kept people entertained throughout the weekend.
The Live Cookery Theatre was a major draw, compared by Kirsty Leahy, with demonstrations by renowned chefs including George, Russell and Simon from Aubrey Allen, Sophie Hyam from Culinary Bites, and Prashant and Sergio from Giggling Squid.
Festival-goers were also treated to international flavours with demonstrations by Nedal Calouha and Karol Klecz from The Polish Centre, Bia Rodrigues-Perry of Bia’s Kitchen Show and Caribbean expert chef Collin Brown from Turtle Bay.
For younger visitors, the Kid’s Cookery School, hosted by Anne Marie Lambert of Get Cooking, provided an engaging hands-on experience to around 400 children.
The bandstand also came alive with music as a variety of acts took to the stage adding to the vibrant atmosphere and creating the perfect backdrop for the festival.
Local businesses were once again at the heart of the festival reinventing their classics, showcasing award winning flavours, and introducing themselves to new customers.
Sam Cornwall-Jones, owner of The Drawing Board and co-owner of The Magic Wingdom, praised the festival, stating, “As ever the Leamington Food Festival is hands down the greatest event in the Warwickshire calendar. It is slick, fun, well attended and valuable to our business.”
Matt Crowther, owner of the Royal Pug, Taverna Meraki, Katoi and the Micro Pug, in the town centre, said “We are thrilled with the festival’s success and look forward to making our offer even bigger and better next year. Thank you to BID Leamington, volunteers, and attendees who made this festival possible.”
Alison Shaw, BID Leamington Project Manager and festival organizer, expressed her gratitude to all involved in making the event a success.
“The Leamington Food and Drink Festival continues to deliver a fabulous free weekend of food, drink, and entertainment to enjoy, and we were all relieved that the weather was largely dry.
The community spirit was also palpable, and it was wonderful to see people of all ages have fun as we celebrate the best of our local food scene.
I’d like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our exhibitors, volunteers, and team members who helped make our 17th annual festival so enjoyable.”
As the sun sets on another successful town centre event, it is clear that the Leamington Food and Drink Festival has cemented itself as one of the region’s most beloved annual events, so plans are underway for it to return on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th September 2025.
For information please see: www.leamingtonfoodfestival.co.uk
by Stephanie Kerr | Sep 3, 2024 | News
Food lovers are in for a treat as the much-anticipated Leamington Food and Drink Festival returns to the Pump Room Gardens for its 17th year. The festival will take place from 10 am to 6 pm on Saturday, September 7, and Sunday, September 8.
Visitors can look forward to a culinary extravaganza, with exhibitors serving up the best local and regional food, complemented by a wide variety of drinks. This free-to-attend event, organized by BID Leamington, will showcase more than 115 exhibitors, including over 40 businesses from the town centre.
New additions to the festival from the Town Centre include Zero Store, Grace & Vine, Turtle Bay, Bodega Cantina, Tavola, No 75, and The Terrace, all of whom will be offering their unique dishes.
In addition to the mouth-watering food and drinks, the festival will feature a range of entertainment. Highlights include cookery demonstrations at the Live Cookery Theatre by Bia’s Kitchen, Sophie Hyam of Culinary Bites, Russell Allen of Aubrey Allen, and Jess Mooney of Bread for Life.
The Kid’s Cookery School, hosted by Anne Marie Lambert of Get Cooking, will also make a return, inspiring young chefs to get creative in the kitchen.
Music lovers will be entertained throughout the weekend, with performances on the Bandstand from acts including Nicole Wilson, Two Piece Blues, and the ever-popular Room 17 on Saturday. On Sunday, Nora Bart, Eva Gadd, Monday Nights and The Folly Brothers will take to the stage.
Alison Shaw, BID Leamington Project Manager, said: “The Leamington Food and Drink Festival is a highlight in the town’s event calendar, and we are thrilled to see it return this year. Our plans are coming together beautifully, and we’ve received fantastic support from both local businesses and those from further afield.
“There truly is something for everyone, from live cookery demonstrations and children’s entertainment to a diverse range of high-quality food and drink. We’re excited to welcome back festival favourites as well as introduce some new businesses to the event. We look forward to welcoming visitors in September.”
For more information about the event, visit leamingtonfoodfestival.co.uk/.
by Stephanie Kerr | Sep 3, 2024 | News
Leamington’s Whittle Productions CIC are delighted to announce they have been awarded a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for a new oral history project called ‘Switched on Stories’. This will record and preserve the stories and memorabilia from the iconic Lights of Leamington Festival which took place in Jephson Gardens from 1951 to 1961. The grant has been made possible thanks to National Lottery players.
To achieve this, Whittle Productions invite everyone who remembers this festival to participate in two community open days to gather, share and save this heritage by gathering their stories and memorabilia from the original Lights of Leamington.
The open days will take place on Saturday, September 7, at Dormer Conference Centre, and Saturday, September 14, at All Saints’ Parish Church as part of the Leamington History Group’s Heritage Open Day. Both events are free to drop into from 10am to 4pm and in
accessible venues.
Material selected from these events will create a story archive which will have a permanent home in the Warwickshire County Records Office, an outdoor and indoor exhibition, film, website, podcasts and community information pamphlet.
Carole Sleight and David Clargo of Whittle Productions said “We are delighted to receive support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery Players as it’s a unique opportunity to unearth and document the stories and souvenirs surrounding this much cherished festival and create a legacy for Leamington Spa.”
Whittle Productions hope people will speak to their families and friends, look through old boxes of photos and films and reflect on a festival that was said to have rivalled the Blackpool Illuminations. It featured trees illuminated in a rainbow of colours, magical animal installations, fairy tale characters, music, dancing, and spectacular firework displays that attracted crowds from across the West Midlands.
Without funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, these precious stories and cultural heritage might have been lost. Now, thanks to this Heritage Grant, and the support we have received from UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund, Royal Leamington Spa Town Council and many others, the details of this local creative and cultural festival can be collated and shared with future generations.
This will all be presented in February 2025 alongside a new Lights of Leamington inspired community-focused lights festival currently in development. So please join in shining a light on this significant festival and help create a lasting legacy for the future.
More information about the open days and the history of this project is at www.lightsofleamington.co.uk. To have an informal discussion or volunteer at the
workshops please email: switchedonleam@gmail.com, or call Carole Sleight on 07768 617081.
