Dissent, a history of childhood in Leamington and all that jazz - history festival is on its way

For the two weeks surrounding the Queen’s Jubilee weekend, people will be able to take part in almost 50 events celebrating the town’s heritage.

With Tony Benn and Roy Bailey secured to headline the festival at the Spa Centre on May 27, the two weeks will also include a jazz dance, vintage, arts and crafts fairs, nostalgic picnics, tours, trails, film screenings, talks and creative sessions.

Festival organiser, Leamington local history group Heritage Matters, has so far attracted 30 volunteers, as well as free support from website design company Vital and students at Warwick University.

The group is now hoping that firms in the area will sponsor the festival so they can offer free programmes to every resident in Warwick district.

Jenny St John, of the group, said: “It’s been fantastic how so many people have come forward. We are very pleased with how things are progressing.”

The Pump Room gallery is hosting a number of events, including an ‘arty tots’ session at which toddlers will learn about the history of elephants in Leamington and talks by Archie Pitts of the Leamington Society on the restorations of the Linden Arches and Leamington station.

At the Sydni Centre in Sydenham, local historian Allan Jennings will give schoolchildren an insight into the lives of youngsters in Leamington through its history.

Not to forget the evening with Tony Benn and Roy Bailey, which will go through more than 1,000 years of grassroots campaigns through a mixture of words and song.

Fiona Henderson, also of Heritage Matters, said: “Leamington really is an interesting place and the festival will show all of that. Our aim is to make history accessible.”

To find out more, book tickets or speak to organisers about sponsoring the festival, visit www.leamingtonlooksback.co.uk