Relighting the Past: The Lights of Leamington Festival
For a decade, from 1951 to 1961, the Lights of Leamington Festival illuminated Jephson Gardens, bringing joy, colour, and community spirit to a town emerging from post-war austerity.
Often compared to the Blackpool Illuminations, this cherished festival drew crowds from across the West Midlands, filling the town with dazzling light displays, fireworks, and live entertainment.
Now, the magic is being rekindled through the Switched On Stories project, leading up to the launch of the Exhibition in February 2025.
Keeping the Legacy Alive
Thanks to National Heritage Lottery Funding, Whittle Productions has embarked on an ambitious journey to preserve the festival’s history through community stories, memorabilia, and creative workshops. This initiative has resulted in an exhibition, film, podcast series, and print materials, ensuring the Lights of Leamington legacy continues to shine for future generations.
Switched on Stories
Switched On Stories is a community-driven heritage project dedicated to preserving and celebrating the legacy of the Lights of Leamington Festival. As part of this initiative, it hosted a series of interactive workshops, inviting individuals with firsthand memories of the festival to share their stories and contribute to a growing historical archive.
Voices of the Festival: Podcast
Step back in time with the Switched On Stories podcast, presented by Whittle Productions and hosted by David Clargo. Through heartfelt interviews and vivid storytelling, this series unpacks the festival’s rich history, from its post-war origins to its cultural impact.
🎧 Featured Episodes:
🔹 Ep 1: Introducing the Lights of Leamington – The festival’s origins and impact on the local community.
🔹 Ep 2: Through the Eyes of a Child – Recalling the wonder of seeing the festival for the first time.
🔹 Ep 3: Post-War Leamington – How the festival reflected the town’s social and cultural changes.
🔹 Ep 4: Stories of Migration and Community – Personal accounts from families drawn to Leamington in the 1950s.
🔹 Ep 5: Reimagining the Magic – Walking through Jephson Gardens and rediscovering the festival’s highlights.
Step Into the Exhibition – A Celebration of Light and Memory
📅 8 – 23 February 2025
📍 All Saints’ Church, Leamington Spa, CV31 1AA
🎟 Free Admission
This immersive exhibition revives the magic of the original festival, featuring stories from those who experienced it first-hand. Expect:
● Rare archival photos capturing the glow of rainbow-lit trees, firework displays, and vibrant community celebrations.
● Personal recollections of childhood wonder, family outings, and tales of sneaking into the gardens for a glimpse of the spectacle.
● Audio descriptions and interactive elements ensuring accessibility for all visitors.
A New Chapter: The Spotlight Festival
In February 2025, a brand-new Spotlight Festival will launch, inspired by the original Lights of Leamington. This community-driven event will feature:
– Creative workshops for all ages, celebrating light and artistic expression.
– Live performances and storytelling, bringing the festival’s history to life.
– Spectacular light displays to honour the past while embracing modern creativity.
Join the Celebration
The Lights of Leamington Festival may have ended in 1961, but its spirit lives on. Whether through the Switched On Stories podcast, the exhibition, or the upcoming Spotlight Festival, there are endless ways to be part of this journey.
