Thousands set for Leamington’s Peace Festival weekend

his year’s line-up at the Pump Room Gardens sees a new involvement of young people who, in conjunction with Warwickshire County Council’s Targeted Youth Support group, are taking centre stage on both mornings to showcase their musical talents.

The weekend will also include original post-punk electro songs, lo-fi folk music and other diverse sounds, while there is a full programme of free workshops - such as belly and bhangra dancing and drum soccer.

Breathe the Beat, a dancing roadshow that forms part of the Cultural Olympiad in the West Midlands, is also visiting the fesitval tomorrow, bringing with it free dance workshops and performances by both professional dance companies - including leading street dancers Brooke and Roxy from the Plague Dance Crew - and dancers from around the Leamington area.

Those looking for a calmer experience can head to a stall being run by the Leamington Wellbeing Centre, which opened this year opposite the Pump Room Gardens. Julia Hart and Tracy Webb from the centre will offer Thai massage and Bowen technique massages for £10 and visitors will be able to pick up 50 per cent discount vouchers for their first treatment at the centre, which also offers osteopathy and reflexology.

The stand will be one of more than 150, providing people with the chance to eat, shop, be pampered and learn from a wide range of charity and ethically-minded groups and environmentally-friendly organisations.

There will also be a programme of peace talks, a campaigns area and discussions tent, while children can find entertainment at the kids’ tent.

To find out more, go online.