Lighting the way to Christmas

Leamington’s ever popular Christmas lights switch on will see a packed programme of family entertainment fill the Parade from 1pm on Sunday November 20, with the lights display beginning at 5.30pm.

Carol singing, accompanied by the Royal Spa Brass Band and the switch on of the tree of lights, will also entertain crowds during the afternoon, while special guests on the Mercia stage will include characters from the Spa Centre’s pantomime Sleeping Beauty.

Meanwhile, plenty of gifts and Christmassy culinary delights can be picked up at the town’s Yuletide fayres, which fill the Parade every Sunday from November 20 until December 18 from 10am to 5pm.

On the last Sunday of the fayre, stallholders will be joined by the farmers’ market, which will offer speciality produce and seasonal fruit and vegetables, suitable for Christmas dinners and parties.

Anyone wishing to book a stall in Leamington, Warwick or Kenilworth markets should call 01789 267000 or visit www.sketts.co.uk

In Warwick, the magical Victorian Evening heralds in the town’s lights switch on, which takes place on Thursday November 24 from 5pm to 9pm, with the big moment taking place just after 7pm.

A parade from St Mary’s church will provide a colourful run-up to the switch-on, while craft, charity and festive stalls will fill Market Place and wind through other streets in the town centre.

Kenilworth as usual treats its residents to two switch-on events - in the Warwick Road and Talisman Square area on Friday November 25 and in the High Street area on Friday December 2. With a host of charity stalls, children’s fairground rides, street entertainment and that all important appearance by Father Christmas, there will also be a Mercia stage showcasing performing talents from around the district.

In Whitnash, the Plough and Harrow pub is inviting families to join staff on Sunday December 4 from 4pm for an afternoon and evening of live music, dancers and other performers, with the lights switch-on taking place at 6pm.

Even after Christmas Day there is the annual duck race to look forward to on Monday December 26 at Abbey Fields in Kenilworth.

And throughout the season, from November 24, shops in Leamington will be open late on Thursday evenings.

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