Following the unfortunate cancellation of the Christmas light switch-on events on Warwick Road and High Street last month due to Storm Arwen, Warwick District Council and partners have been working together to bring some festive cheer to the town.

The Kenilworth Christmas market in Talisman Square, organised by Kenilworth Town Council, features an appearance from Santa, bike security marking and the Pop Voices Choir. The 4th Kenilworth (St Nicholas) Scouts will also have a presence in the Square with their Christmas card delivery service, delivering cards for residents of Kenilworth, Hill Wootton, Ashow and Stoneleigh for just 25p per card.

The event runs from 10am to 4pm and encourages people to shop locally and buy their presents in Kenilworth this Christmas, supporting the small, local businesses that are the heart of our town centres. Charity stalls, two children’s rides and music from brass bands will also be in Abbey End.

Councillor Peter Jones, Mayor of Kenilworth, said: “Let’s hope the weather is kind on Saturday! The hard work of the Town Centre Working Group on the Town Council deserves our support, and I am looking forward to judging the Shop Window Competition in the morning, followed by some nifty gift purchases in Talisman Square and nearby streets.”

Councillor John Cooke, Cabinet member for Place & Economy, added: “We’re very pleased to be supporting Kenilworth Town Council with their Christmas event. Though not on the usual scale or size of the traditional events, we will all still be able to support our local charities and businesses, at the same time shopping locally for that unique present whilst bringing festive cheer to our town.”

Residents are encouraged to visit on Saturday, with free parking in all Warwick District Council off-street car parks in the town. There’s further encouragement to travel sustainably to the event, with coffee vouchers available to those who cycle to Talisman Square, and the District Council reward active travel through their ‘Choose How You Move in Warwick District’ challenge.

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’, not attend if you have any symptoms of Covid-19, and to wear a mask when in crowded spaces, in shops and on public transport.