In addition to main Festival in the town centre, businesses on Smith Street are busily preparing for their own party, which over the last ten years has become a popular celebration. 

And as an added extra 27 July also marks the district’s ‘3 years to go’ countdown to the 2022 Commonwealth Games, which is being celebrated with a family fun event at St John’s Museum and St Nicholas Park.

This year’s Party on Smith Street will once again see independent shops, restaurants, pubs and cafes outside showcasing their businesses alongside entertainers, craft stalls, street food and a programme of live music from local artists and musicians throughout the evening.  These include food and drink from the Roebuck, Pickled Crab, Maya’s Indian Brasserie, Robbie’s, Piccolinos, Happy Puccia and Bread & Co to Concept Beauty who will have a salon on the street and a range of gifts from Carter’s Antiques, the Golden Monkey, Number 30 and the Smithery.

The Commonwealth Games Countdown event is the first of a trio of celebrations to mark the anniversary of the start of the Games (27 July 2022) in each of the district’s towns (Warwick, Kenilworth, Whitnash and Leamington). From 10am to 4pm there will be New Age Bowls and a bike challenge at St John’s House, free ‘Come & Try’ activities at St Nicholas Park Leisure Centre and a Commonwealth themed Treasure Trail in and around St Nicholas Park.

Warwick District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Business and Environment, Councillor Alan Rhead commented;

“We have a fantastic day of entertainment lined up on 27 July, I very much hope that those visiting the Festival and local people will come along and join the party and help to support our local businesses.”

Warwick District Council’s Project Manager and Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist, Christina Boxer added;

“As we count down to hosting the Commonwealth Games Lawn Bowls and Para Bowls in our district in 2022 we want to share the excitement, with a day of fun and lots of different activities in Warwick for the whole family to enjoy.”