Autumn Winter Events Guide 2023

What’s on in Warwick District

AUTUMN/WINTER 2023 WARWICK, KENILWORTH, WHITNASH & ROYAL LEAMINGTON SPA

What’s on in Warwick District

AUTUMN/WINTER 2023

Darker days won’t spoil the fun, so fill your calendar with an enticing programme of seasonal festivals, concerts, events, music and theatre all taking place right on your doorstep.

Lots of these are free to attend....all marked with a STAR

October Friday 20 October

The Big Local Night Out

Bridge House Theatre, Warwick, 7pm Bringing together local talent, alongside guest artists from the top of the UK’s performing arts scene. Hosted by Comedy Magician Tom Elliott. bridgehousetheatre.co.uk

Friday 20 & Saturday 21 October

Warwick Runaway Mop Fair

Market Place, Warwick Friday 5pm to 10pm, Saturday 12 noon to 10pm warwickmopfair.co.uk

Sunday 22 & 29 October

Autumn Markets

Leamington Spa, 10am to 5pm Whether searching for one-of-a-kind gifts, local produce, or simply a fun-filled day out, the Leamington Autumn Markets are the place to be. cjseventswarwickshire.co.uk

Saturday 21 & Sunday 22 October

Ikigai Japan Festival 2023

Assemby Rooms, Leamington Spa, 9.30am to 8pm Ikigai is proud to present a Japanese-inspired weekend with a variety of Japanese-inspired arts, crafts stalls, imported goods, Japanese cuisine, workshops and performances, such as our Japanese variety performance on Saturday evening featuring KAMUI & Testsuro Shimaguchi martial arts choreographer for the films like KILL BILL. www.ikigailiving.co.uk

Saturday 21 October to Sunday 5 November

Haunted Castle

Warwick Castle, Warwick The castle’s spookiest residents invite you to join them for haunting half-term fun! Frightful delights are in store for the whole family as over a thousand years of haunted history comes to life. warwick-castle.com

Saturday 21 to Tuesday 31 October

Castle After Dark

Warwick Castle, Warwick Brace yourself for an evening of spine-chilling scares. The castle courtyard transforms into a frightful festival of entertainment as you prepare for an evening you’ll never forget. warwick-castle.com

Friday 27 October to Friday 3 November

Kenilworth Castle and Halloween Half-term

Kenilworth, 10am to 5pm Gather your little monsters for a ghoulishly good day out at Kenilworth Castle this half term.

Follow the trail to solve creepy clues and gather round to listen to spooky stories. english-heritage.com

Hill Close Gardens Events 2023 Saturday 28 October, 11am to 4pm Chrysanthemum Day - In aid of National Gardens Scheme and Plant Heritage.

Saturday 28 to Tuesday 31 October

St John’s Haunted House

St John’s House, Warwick Get spooked at St John’s for a Haunted House experience, suitable for children and their grown-ups, plus enjoy crafts and activities.

Tickets are £12 children, £6 adults. Children under 2 are free. Spaces are limited so book soon.

Heritage.Warwickshire.gov.uk/events

Thursday 2 November, 10am to 1pm Children’s Hedgehog Day - A spectacularly ‘snuffling and spikey’ event (£4 per child).

Saturday 11 November, 10am to 12pm Volunteers and Members get together.

Thursday 7 December, 3.30pm to 6pm Festive Family Christmas Workshop (£4 per child).

Entrance fees: Adults £5 Children 5-17yrs £1.

Under 5s, HCG and RHS Members free.

T. 01926 493339 E. centremanager@hcgt.org.uk hillclosegardens.com

Sunday 29 October

Diwali Light Switch-On

Town Hall, Leamington Spa 6.30pm Diwali, the festival of lights is a time for celebration and togetherness. The switching on of the lights will underscore the unity and diversity that makes our community so special. leamingtonspatowncouncil.gov.uk

November Thursday 2 November

Reflections for All Souls

Collegiate Church of St Mary, Warwick, 8pm Take a short time to reflect and remember with the help of music and words. dacapochoir.org.uk

Saturday 4 November

Kenilworth Roundtable Fireworks at the Castle Friday 3 & Saturday 4 November

Fireworks Evening

Hatton Country World Family-friendly evening of fireworks, entertainment, thrills and delicious food. hattonworld.com

Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Gardens, 5.30pm to 8.30pm Ticket only available online The Kenilworth Fireworks Gala is the largest in the Midlands. kenilworthroundtable.com

Saturday 4 November

Warwick Town Bonfire

Warwick Racecourse, Gates open 5pm Ticket only event Two fireworks displays (a small one around 6pm), followed by the main display around 6.40pm. Free Parking, Bars open and variety of hot food stalls and entertainment. warwicktownbonfire.org.uk

Sunday 5 November

Nagar Kirtan – Guru Nanak Celebration

Gurdwara Leamington & Warwick, Tachbrook Park Drive, Warwick 11am to 2pm Gurdwara Sahib will be celebrating the 555th birth anniversary of the founder of the Sikh faith, Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Nagar Kirtan with a colourful procession led by five saffron-robed Sikhs called Panj Pyare or beloved ones followed by the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy Sikh scripture, which is placed on the float with others playing musical instruments and singing hymns.

Sunday 12 November

Remembrance Sunday LEAMINGTON SPA

War Memorial, Euston Place, Leamington Spa, 10.50am This year’s Remembrance Sunday Service, will take place at the War Memorial, Euston Place at 10:50am. A parade of local organisations will proceed to the war memorial in advance of the Remembrance Service. leamingtonspatowncouncil.gov.uk

WARWICK

Sunday 5, 19 & 26 November, 3, 10, 17 December

Christmas Markets

Royal Leamington Spa, 10am to 5pm A delightful celebration with over 80 stalls filled with arts, crafts, and local produce, this is the ultimate destination for finding those perfect Christmas gifts. Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere and indulge in the magic of the festive season. cjseventswarwickshire.co.uk

War Memorial, Church Street, Warwick, 10.50am This year’s Remembrance Sunday Service, will take place at Warwick’s War Memorial at 10.50am. The event will include a short service and wreath laying, followed by a March Past of local Units and Organisations. warwicktowncouncil.gov.uk

KENILWORTH

War Memorial, Abbey Hill, Kenilworth, 10.30am to 12 noon The Royal British Legion and Kenilworth Town Council invite you to their service. kenilworthweb.co.uk

Sunday 19 November

Royal Leamington Spa’s Big Lights Switch On

Parade, Royal Leamington Spa 2pm to 6pm, Light switch on 5.30pm Celebrate Diwali, Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Gurpurab and start the countdown to Christmas, with a packed programme of entertainment for all the family! Yuletide market, fairground rides, live performances on stage. warwickdc.gov.uk/events

Thursday 23 November to Sunday 3 December

Christmas Tree Festival

St Mary’s Church, Warwick, Open daily 10am to 4pm (12pm to 4pm Sunday) About 50 local organisations, schools and businesses provide themed trees that will decorate the nave and the Beauchamp Chapel.

Thursday 23 November

Warwick Victorian Evening

Warwick Market Place and Town Centre 3pm to 9pm, Light switch on 7pm Step back in time to visit the Victorian market with themed rides and fun in and around the Market Square from 3pm. warwickdc.gov.uk/events

Friday 24 November

Kenilworth Christmas Light switch-on

High Street, Kenilworth 5pm to 8pm, Light switch on 6pm A traditional lights switch on with entertainment, food and drink from local businesses on High Street in Kenilworth.

Saturday 25 November to Monday 1 January 2024

Christmas at the Castle

Warwick Castle Visit the Castle during daytime and discover twinkling trees, dazzling decorations, and festive flourishes at every turn. Ice Skating, Stories with Santa and Light Trail. warwick-castle.com

Sunday 26 November

Kenilworth Christmas Light switch-on Warwick Road Kenilworth 1pm to 7pm, Light switch on 6pm Christmas begins in Kenilworth. Plenty of family fun with market stalls, funfair rides and entertainment on the stage.

December Sunday 3 December

Whitnash Christmas Light switch-on Whitnash, 4pm to 6pm Whitnash will be lit up with fairground rides, local choir, live bands and dance plus a special visit from Santa. www.whitnashtowncouncil.gov.uk

Sunday 3 Decemeber 2023

Cubbington Village Christmas Fair & Lights switch-on

Cubbington Village Square, 5pm to 7pm An afternoon of festive fun. Procession with Santa and his camel, from the village hall to the village centre. Hot food, chestnuts, bar and the lighting of the Christmas tree and Cubbington lights.

Sunday 10 December

Myton Hospices Santa Dash

Sunday 3 December

Lantern Parade

Victoria Park, Leamington Spa The community is invited to pull on a Santa suit and walk, jog or run 5k around Victoria Park and Leamington Spa for some fun and festive fundraising to support the local hospice. www.mytonhospice.org

Pump Room Gardens, Leamington, 4.15pm to 6pm Every year around 1,000 lanterns parade through the town, whatever the weather.

Entertainment starts at the Pump Room Gardens Bandstand approximately 30 minutes before the parade sets off. The route winds its way around the Pump Room Gardens, up Bedford Street to Warwick Street and then along to the Parade before heading back down to the Town Hall. The Royal Spa Brass Band then join in for Christmas carols on the Town Hall steps. warwickdc.gov.uk/events

Saturday 16 December

Kenilworth Christmas Market

Saturday 9 December to Sunday 7 January

Pantomime - Jack and the Beanstalk Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa Performances 1pm and 5pm Oh yes it is a GIANT of a panto with Jack and the Beanstalk! warwickdc.ticketsolve.com

Talisman Shopping Centre, Kenilworth 10am to 4pm Soak up the Christmas market atmosphere whilst browsing around 30 stalls offering a wide range of Christmas gifts and decorations – a sure way to find a perfect present for loved ones.

Saturday 16 December

Carols at Warwick Castle

Warwick Castle, Courtyard, Gates open 6.30pm The popular annual event raises money for local charities. Tickets £8 adults and £3 children. carolswarwick.com

Tuesday 26 December

Kenilworth Lions Duck Race

Saturday 16 December

Abbey Fields, 11.30am-12.30pm The Kenilworth Lions Duck Race is back! An unusual ritual takes place starting at the Ford in Kenilworth; With 1500 ducklings launched into the Finham Brook. After a bracing swim of 200 metres the ducks cross the finishing line in the Town’s Abbey Fields.

Castle Green, Kenilworth, 5pm to 7pm English Heritage are opening their doors once more for the annual Kenilworth Lions event with the Coventry Salvation Army band. Mulled wine and hot drinks available.

Tickets £5 per adult children free. Pay on gate.

Tuesday 26 December

Kenilworth Lions Carols at the Castle

kenilworthweb.co.uk/events

Tuesday 19 December

Sleigh Ride

Collegiate Church of St Mary, Warwick, 7.30pm Christmas starts here! Join us for festive music and food. See website to book tickets. www.dacapochoir.org.uk

Kenilworth Cyclo Cross

Kenilworth Common, from 12noon The 69th Boxing Day cyclo-cross! The main event is for senior and junior men and women (about 80-100 riders expected). Prior to this there will be two smaller, fun events for under 10’s and under 12’s wmccl.co.uk/boxing-day-cyclo-cross

Theatre Friday 27 October

Manford’s Comedy Club

MYJO - Midland Youth Jazz Orchestra

Priory Theatre, Kenilworth, 7.30pm The Priory is delighted to be joining Manford’s nationwide network of comedy venues with it’s very own launch night this Autumn.

Featuring the hottest new talent, comedy circuit favourites and household legends, all personally chosen by Jason Manford.

playboxtheatre.com

playboxtheatre.com

Tuesday 24 October

Priory Theatre, Kenilworth, 7.30pm The Midland Youth Jazz Orchestra is now widely acclaimed as one of the U.K.’s top big bands.

Monday 6 to Saturday 11 November

Murder by Misadventure

Talisman Theatre, Kenilworth, 7.30pm A classic murder mystery that will keep you guessing to the end. talismantheatre.co.uk

Saturday 16 December, 3pm & 7pm Sunday 17 December, 3pm Thursday 21 December, 7pm Friday 22 December, 7pm Saturday 23 December, 3pm & 7pm Sunday 24 December, 11am Thursday 28 December, 3pm Friday 29 December, 3pm Saturday 30 December, 3pm & 7pm

Cinderella – The Ash Girl

Playbox Theatre, Warwick This Winter, we are delighted to bring a brandnew telling of this beautiful, harrowing and heartfelt tale to the stage. playboxtheatre.com

Thursday 9 to Saturday 11 November

Chimes at Midnight

Playbox Theatre, Warwick, 7pm To celebrate the publication of Shakespeare’s Folio, Folio 2023, Playbox Theatre brings the year long project to a close with this production inspired by the film Chimes at Midnight – the end of England. playboxtheatre.com

Saturday 16 to Saturday 30 December

Beauty & The Beast Talisman Theatre, Kenilworth Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 7.30pm Saturday & Sunday, 1pm & 5pm Saturday 30 December 2.30pm & 7.30pm The story of how Beauty comes to be held captive in the castle, and how she eventually tames the Beast, is told in this traditional Talisman Pantomime with all the larger than life characters, comedy, music and spectacle. talismantheatre.co.uk

Wednesday 20 December to Sunday 7 January 2024 Relaxed Performance Thursday 4 January

Dick Whittington

Priory Theatre, Kenilworth, 7.30pm Pack up your hanky and join daring Dick Whittington and his trusty cat on their quest for fame and fortune. Their magical rags to riches tale takes us on a journey to London where the streets are (apparently) paved with gold. playboxtheatre.com

2 20 02 23 3

FIXTURES FIXTURES Monday 25 September Monday 25 September

Season Opener Season Opener

Thursday 5 October Thursday 5 October

Autumn Meeting Autumn Meeting

Tuesday 7 November Tuesday 7 November

Warwick Winter Festival Day 1 ft. Stan Mellor Chase Warwick Winter Festival Day 1 ft. Stan Mellor Chase

Wednesday 8 November Wednesday 8 November

Warwick Winter Festival Day 2 Warwick Winter Festival Day 2

Wednesday 22 November Wednesday 22 November

Highflyer Chase Day Highflyer Chase Day

Thursday 14 December Thursday 14 December

Eventmasters Christmas at the Races Eventmasters Christmas at the Races

Sunday 31 December Sunday 31 December

New Year’s Eve Raceday New Year’s Eve Raceday

BOOK TICKETS NOW | THEJOCKEYCLUB.CO.UK/WARWICK BOOK TICKETS NOW | THEJOCKEYCLUB.CO.UK/WARWICK *All fixtures & sponsors correct at the time of printing *All fixtures & sponsors correct at the time of printing

All information correct at the time of going to press and may be subject to change.

Warwick District Council cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions in this guide.

For further information, tickets and updates visit warwick.gov.uk/events or the organiser websites listed.

www.warwickdc.gov.uk