Warwick District Council and partners are inviting you to join them for ‘Leamington’s Big Lights Switch On’ on Sunday 7 November 2021.

The fun begins with a yuletide market taking place in the town from 10am, with stalls and food vendors lining the Parade and Warwick Street. The lights event officially kicks off from 1pm with fun fairground rides for children and a packed programme of entertainment and music on the stage, with the lights being switched on at 5.15pm.

Kirtan (spiritual music) will be performed on the stage at 2.20pm, by Gurdwara Sahib Leamington & Warwick, in honour of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Gurpurab, which celebrates the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of the Sikh faith.

Local dance company Thirak will be entertaining visitors on the stage by performing Bollywood and Indian folk-dance routines on behalf of the Shri Krishna Temple in Leamington Spa, in celebration of Diwali.

Cast members from the Royal Spa Centre’s panto ‘Aladdin’ will be up on stage just before Santa switches the lights on, with entertainment from Enchanted Tea Rooms closing the event.

The Rotary Tree of Light will once again be illuminated outside the Town Hall, with each light dedicated to the memory of a family member or friend, allowing them to be remembered at Christmas.

Parking will be FREE all day in all of Warwick District Council’s off-street car parks in Leamington and at the Royal Priors on Sunday 7 November to support the event.

John Cooke, Cabinet member for Place & Economy, said: “It’s wonderful to once again be able to welcome people back to our town centres to start celebrating the many festivals and holidays that take place at this time of year.

“These events demonstrate the sense of community that’s prevalent in Warwick district, as we come together to share in each other’s cultures and celebrations.

“They are also a real boost to our town centre businesses, so make sure that when you’re in the town you visit the many independent shops and buy local this Christmas to support your local high street.”

The Mayor of Royal Leamington Spa, Cllr Susan Rasmussen said: "I'm so pleased that this year we are able to join together in person and have a real Leamington celebration to mark the start of the festive season."

Jamie John Walker, Director CJ’s Events Warwickshire Limited, added: “The pandemic has shown us the importance of shopping locally, and what better way to than by attending this year’s Yuletide Market alongside Leamington’s Big Light Switch on.

“Christmas is an important time of year for many businesses, so please keep it local and support your independent businesses. We’ll have over 60 unique traders selling special gifts for your loved ones, alongside a wide range of street food.”

The Council will continue to implement the current public health guidance in place at the time, advising anyone attending to ‘lateral flow before you go’ and to not attend if you have any symptoms of Covid-19.

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