A celebration of Art, Culture & Community
This is the inaugural year of Kenilworth Fringe Festival. You can find details of all events here, along with links to buy tickets. For updates, or follow our Linked In, Facebook or Insta pages - Kenilworth Chamber of Trade.
Our Partners & Sponsors
This project has been brought to you with the support of so many people being generous with their time to get this off the ground, without whom this wouldn't be happening. Special thinks to:
Kenilworth Books, Talisman Theatre and Arts Centre, Let it be Sounds, Kenilworth Library, & The Tree House Bookshop. and Caterpillar Cross Stitch
Huge thanks too, to our sponsors, Caremark, Warwick, Leamington Spa & Kenilworth, Prune Software & Nomaad Accountancy.
Event Listings & Tickets
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A quick glance list of all events in brief follows
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Buy Tickets using links below.
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Detailed Listing of events can be at the bottom of the page
Click on the green to move to that section.
Quick Glance List
Buy Tickets
Detailed Listing
Monday 2nd February
Felting Class - £35 - Greens - 1:30 - 3:30 In this class, Kenilworth based Textile Artist, Jacqui Smithson will be teaching the technique of needle felting which is great fun to do and easy to learn. During the session you will create a small panel of felt with a simple image using pre-dyed Merino woollen tops, woollen batts and other interesting fibres. You may like to create a seasonal scene with a flock of sheep, a floral display, or a bird in a tree. The choice is yours on the day. I will have plenty of ideas and images that will hopefully inspire you. All materials will be provided which will include your felting sponge, wool, and fibres plus 3 needles. I will have extra needles for purchase on the day if needed. Suitable for beginners or those who have experience.
Art Drop in - Free - St Nicholas Church - 2 - 4 pm Art Drop in for young children. Come and have a go at some art and craft activities in the church hall.
Knit & Natter – Free - 2-4pm Kenilworth Library Come and learn how to kit or crochet, or just meet up with experienced knitters to practice and improve, share tips and natter.
Art Exhibition – Free - Holiday Inn opening in the early evening and remaining through the week. Kenilworth Art Society was established in 1976 to welcomes anyone who has an interest in pursuing art at any level. The society celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026, starting with an exhibition as part of the Kenilworth Fringe Festival
Mr Man Trail – Free - Around the town - All week A trail for children running throughout the town – prizes at Kenilworth Books
Tea Time Talk – Professor Shaun Breslin – Where is Asia? (Chinese Politics) - Free - The Treehouse Bookshop - 5 - 6 pm The first in a series of talks by local university professors exploring themes of place, Professor Breslin will be introducing current thinking around the way we frame Asia as a place. He is Professor of Politics and International Studies at the University of Warwick and is considered a leading academic expert on Chinese politics and economy, globalization, regionalism, governance and international political economy.[2] He is the author of China Risen: Studying Chinese Global Power (Bristol: Bristol University Press, 2021), China and the Global Political Economy (Basingstoke: Palgrave-Macmillan, 2007), Mao (Harlow: Longman, 2000, first edition 1998), and China in the 1980s: Centre-Province Relations in a Reforming Socialist State (Basingstoke: Macmillan and New York: St Martins, 1996). Breslin is also the co-author of four other academic books and numerous publications in his field. Breslin is co-editor of The Pacific Review, senior research fellow at the Wong MNC Center, and associate research fellow of ISPI[clarification needed] in Milan. He is also a fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences and is fluent in Chinese.
Mezzo-Alto Samantha Oxborourgh singing opera favourites and a few surprises at United Reform Church, Abbey Hill. 7-8 £10 Mezzo-Soprano Samantha Oxborough is a recent Royal Birmingham Conservatoire graduate with a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Studies with a First class Honours and a post graduate certificate. A talented and highly regarded performer, she has performed in a range of musicals and won a host of prizes and highly commended awards. She was a 2019/2020 National Opera Studio as a young artist. and sang the National Anthem at the 2020 Commonwealth Games opening ceremony
Tuesday 3rd February
Flower Arranging with the Flower Guild - £25 - Clarendon 11-4 pm Kenilworth Flower Guild are undertaking a demonstration on how to make a beautiful flower display and will then teach a masterclass after lunch. All materials are provided, and you can take your display home with you afterwards. Lunch must be purchased separately at the venue.
Tea time talk Dr Victoria Meir – Art History 5 pm The Treehouse Bookshop £0 Dr Victoria Mier, specialist in the art of the Northern Renaissance, will look at the undervalued art of Northern Europe in the 15th and 16th centuries, very different from Italian art but with its own beauty and revealing a wider understanding of the cultural and political impact of the Renaissance.
Jeremy Sampson & Quartet – £10 - St Nicholas Church - 7 pm We are delighted to be welcoming Kenilworth residents Jeremy Sampson and Barbera O’Reilly and their string quartet to give a candle lit performance in St Nicholas Church. The musicians have long played together in a wide variety of ensembles including the CBSO, Loughborough Opera, and the Royal Shakespear Company and as individuals have performed in many nationally and internationally renowned groups. Their programme will appeal to both those who are regular concert goers as well as those attending for the first time.
Wednesday 4th February
Rhyme time – FREE - Kenilworth Library – 10:30 -11:30 Come and Join Author Robert Alexander author of The Racoon from Rangoon and have fun and games Robert Alexander is an emerging children’s author and singer-songwriter, blending vintage jazz and swing with irresistible storytelling. His debut book, The Raccoon from Rangoon, comes alive in his brand-new audiobook, narrated by acclaimed actress Claudia Harrison and featuring the foot-tapping, jazzy hit song “I Am Raccoon”. Bursting with humour and rhythm, his work celebrates self-belief and perseverance in a way children instantly love.
Watercolour class with Kenilworth Arts Society – £30 - Holiday Inn - 1-4 pm Come along and learn how to paint a watercolour painting with Kenilworth Art Society. The ticket includes refreshments.
Cardmaking - FREE - Kenilworth Library - 2-4 pm An opportunity for adults to get arty designing and making cards with a lead artist.
Thursday 5th February
Tea time talk - Assoc. Prof. Tor Clarke (Political Journalism) - Free 4:30 – 5:15 – Greens Associate Professor at Leicester University, Tor Clark has over 30 years’ experience as a regional and national political journalist. He has edited a series of books on journalism and politics and is frequently invited to provide expert commentary around general elections and media controversies. The last five years have seen a profound change in the relationship between journalism and politics both in the UK and abroad. Journalists have failed to acknowledge changes in society but politicians have also come to denigrate the role journalism plays in society and democracy. Both these changes can be seen as worrying trends for the general public who rely on good journalism to navigate the politics they need to understand in order to participate in society. Tor explores these changes in his four most recent books, the latest Brexit, Boris and the Media was published March 2020 and he is currently working on a new book on COVID-19, politics and journalism, due for publication early 2021.
Political discussion – How to do good government – Discussion with Sir Jeremy Wright MP – FREE - 5:30 – 6:30 Greens Tor Clarke will interview Sir Jeremy on his thoughts and writings on how to make good government, and the challenges that make that difficult in the modern day.
Piano recital by Julian Hellaby – Thursday 7-8 - United Reform Church Abbey Hill - £10 Julian Hellaby PhD, MMus, BMus, LRAM, ARAM, studied piano with the distinguished pianist Denis Matthews and later at London’s Royal Academy of Music. He has performed as solo pianist, concerto soloist, accompanist and chamber musician in continental Europe, the Middle East, South Africa and throughout the UK, including recitals in the Wigmore Hall and Purcell Room. He has broadcast for overseas television and radio and also for the BBC. Additionally, two-piano work with pianist Peter Noke has included performances across the UK, as well as in Hong Kong and China. In 2021, Peter and Julian celebrated their twentieth anniversary as a duo with a concert in Steinway Hall, London. Julian is a former ABRSM examiner, moderator, trainer and public presenter, and was also a mentor for the ABRSM’s Certificate of Teaching course. He has taught academic music at Coventry University and London College of Music, and also has extensive experience of adjudicating and piano teaching, including in masterclass settings. He has released several CDs for the ASC and MSV labels, and his book Reading Musical Interpretation was published by Ashgate in 2009. His second book, The Mid-Twentieth-Century Concert Pianist: An English Experience, was published by Routledge in 2018 and, most recently (2023), he was editor and contributer to a multi-author compilation on the subject of topic theory and performance, also for Routledge.
The History of Kenilworth – FREE – Kenilworth Library - 7:30 Local historian Robert Leech, will give a talk about the history of Henry street and the area in Kenilworth
Talisman Fringe £TBC - 7:30 pm and 9 pm Holiday Inn Join the Talisman crew at one of their 2 sittings for their ever popular Fringe event. For further details please see their website www.talismantheatre.co.uk/whats-on/
Friday 6th February
Embroidery - £25 - Ardens - 1:30 - 3 pm Come and learn how to embroider with a highly qualified embroidery artist. Learn basic and advanced stitches to suit your skills to make a design of your choice. Materials provided and refreshments available at the cafe
Razzmatazz Dance Class – FREE - United Reform Church - 2 -3 pm Come and unleash your inner Sally Bowles as you learn how to dance in the style of musicals in this fun class aimed at adults of all ages and abilities (adults only). Please book a free ticket above so we can manage numbers
Latin Dance Class –FREE - URC 3:15 – 4:15 pm Come and explore the world of Strictly as you learn how to do steps and moves from the Latin dances, be a basic salsa to a sexy rumba - for all ages and abilities - adults only.
Tea time talk – FREE - Greens 4:30 – Economics Join Professor Abay Mulatu for an introduction to Economics and environmental behaviour. Prof. Mulatu is an applied economist who has worked on topics in the areas of international trade, firm location behaviour and environmental & development economics. Prof Mulatu did his doctorate at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Before joining Coventry University in 2016, he held research positions at the London School of Economics and the University of Cambridge, Lectureship at the University of Manchester and Senior Lectureship at London Metropolitan University
Political discussion – The rise of populism – Free - Holiday Inn 6 pm Populist politicians have come to dominate political debate at home and abroad. Reform UK is riding high in the polls and predicted to win the next UK General Election, making Nigel Farage Britain’s next Prime Minister. In May Kenilworth-based political journalist Tor Clark published Pandering to Populism? Journalism and Politics in a Post-Truth Age which took a deep dive into the issues raised by the rise of populist politics. At this event he will ask a panel of Kenilworth politicians why this has happened, how big a threat it might be to British political life and what people’s priorities really are.
Live Music - FREE - The Royal Oak – 6:30-8.45 We are delighted to welcome two musical acts this evening Amelia Oliver 6:30-7:30 Chris & Nick Johnson 7:45 – 8:45
Live Music – Essential 80’S supported by Replay – £10 - 8 – 11:30 - Holiday Inn Jump back to the 19 80's and 90's with one of the best bands to celebrate the era, Essential Eighties for a great night out dancing the night away to Soft Cell, Depeche Mode, Lionel Ritchie and more. Supported by Replay a brilliant live band exploring the 90s with numbers such as Groovers in the Hall.
Saturday 7th February
Writers In conversation – How to Write £10 - 10:30 – 5 – Holiday Inn Including Screenwriter Nick Walker, Publisher Nick Wells, Authors Amanda Smyth, Ben Pester & Harry Whitehead, and playwright & librettist Vanessa Oakes Hot buffet lunch available £15 & All day refreshments £7: Join us for a full day of talks and discussion with writers of all varieties. This series of conversations are themed around the subject “How to write”. We begin with discussions with authors including: Amanda Smyth, an Irish Trinidadian writer whose critically acclaimed works include Black Rock, A Kind of Eden, Fortune, and her latest novel, Look at You, published by Peepal Tree Press in April 2025. With roots that span Ireland and Trinidad, Amanda brings a unique perspective to her stories, exploring themes of identity, resilience, and the ties that bind us. Her books have been praised for their lyrical prose and vivid, economic storytelling. Amanda is a lecturer in creative writing at Coventry University Ben Pester who is a critically acclaimed author, whose latest book, "The Expansion Project", was selected as one of the best books of 2025 by The Telegraph and was shortlisted for the Goldsmiths Prize and the Nero Book Awards for Debut Fiction. Harry Whitehead who has authored two novel; “The cannibal spirit”, a work of literary historical fiction set among the First Peoples of Canada at the turn of the twentieth century, and his new book, The white road, which tells the story of an oil rig that explodes in the High Arctic just as winter is setting in. His work lives in Leicester, with his novelist wife, Anita Sivakumaran, and their children. When not writing fiction, he is associate professor of Creative Writing at the University of Leicester, where he is also director of the annual free literature festival. Before academia, he worked as a location manager in the film business and, before that, worked and lived for several years in the Far East. We follow with a pannel – How to write Chaired by Dr Victoria Meir and including our other guests and introducing: Vanessa Oakes who trained as a theatre designer and worked extensively in scenography, community arts and arts administration before becoming a full-time writer, designer and freelance producer. She writes plays and text for a wide variety of people and spaces, including opera libretto. Her words have been performed in theatres, art galleries and museums, community spaces, coal vaults, beneath a ring road, in an award-winning bungalow and at Latitude. Vanessa is a member of Royal Opera House’s Engender Network and of WGGB. We follow with a discussion with Publisher Nick Wells. Founder and Creative Director of Flame Tree Publishing, Nick Wells is a publisher, who consciously encourages cultural exchanges across many traditions. With offices in London & New York, Flame Tree was founded 30 years ago and publishes beautiful books with a particular focus on finding new writers through open submissions. With a notable interest in Fantasy, Mythology, Horror & Science Fiction, Flame Tree is the Independent Publisher of the year 2024 & 2025 (British Fantasy Society) and creates notebooks, journals, and art calendars with print makers, museums & galleries. Flame Tree’s current writer in residence is Shilpa Varma. Alongside publishing, Nick writes, paints, creates music and podcasts as Jake Jackson. He has published over 60 books on music learning, myths and legends, and creates a body of fiction in the dark fantasy and science fiction genres. We finish with Screen writer Nick Wallker. Nick is a local writer, producer and director. He created and wrote the BBC series Annika starring Nicola Walker (adapted from his Nordic Noir radio series, Annika Stranded) for Black Camel/Alibi and Masterpiece/PBS. It was first broadcast in 2021 and a second series was broadcast in 2023, with Series 1 also repeated on BBC One. He is currently working on a new show with Netflix. Nick’s other radio includes 3 series of the cult sci-fi show The First King of Mars starring Peter Capaldi. He is the author of two critically acclaimed novels: Blackbox (“his characters are brilliant, his dialogue sparkles and it’s hilarious” - The Guardian) and Helloland (“Walker deserves to be huge” - Time Out). Nick also writes for stage, including commissions for The Belgrade Theatre and Oxford Playhouse.
Arial Hoop with Zoe Deleate – £10 - Four 1 hour sessions 1pm-5pm – Methodist Church Hall Learn how to use an Arial Hoop like Zendaya in The Greatest Showman. Hour long classes are suitable for beginners and are conducted by a fully qualified instructor and trained assistant. There are four 1 hour sessions, starting at 1pm, 2pm, 3 pm, & 4pm. Must be 10 years old or over. Adults welcome! Please wear appropriate clothes, such as leggings.
Live Music - Three Spires Harmony FREE – 1-2 pm Holiday Inn Three Spires Harmony are a local male choir who sing a range of songs from different decades in 4-part acappella. If you would like to find out more about the group or join in, they rehearse on Tuesday evenings at: St James' on the Grange, Lonscale Drive, CV3 6QR
Caterpillar Cross Stitch – 2-3 pm £35 Founder of Caterpillar Cross stich, Sally Wilson, will be running this special workshop to introduce beginners to the world of cross stitch. You will be allowed to pick a Caterpillar cross stitch pack from the selection and then join the workshop to learn how to start. Full details of Caterpillar kits can be found at www.caterpillarcrossstitch.com The workshop is suitable for Adults and older children, who can work independently, (but must be accompanied by an adult).
Art & Craft Session for kids – £0 2:30 – 5 – Holiday Inn Drop in and have fun in our arts and crafts for kids session.
Live Music – FREE - Greens 4 - 7:45 Rockin Warren 4-5 Harry Penton 5.15 – 6.15 The Session 6:45 – 7:45
Live Music - £10 - Sports & Social 7:30 – 11 Rise Project 6 & Band 1 Supporting Come and enjoy the incredible local band, RISE, who are guaranteed to get the party started, They are supported by Project 6 and Band One, two bands made up of local talented young people and this is their debut. Get ready to be amazed and inspired! This event is suitable for kids and adults.
Sunday 8th February
Watercolour demonstration by Chris Sanderson - FREE - 10-12 Holiday Inn Local award winning Artist Chris Sanderson was bought up in South Africa and attended Johannesburg School of Art. He came to England in 1971 and worked in advertising before working as a freelance illustrator. He is a member of The Wildlife Art Society International and has won many awards for his wildlife paintings at their exhibitions. He also exhibits regularly with Kenilworth Artists. He works mainly in watercolour and acrylics.
History Talk – Guy of Warwick – (Age 8+) - FREE - 11-12 Holiday Inn Free Neville Armstrong, a local author who has written the ‘Guy of Warwick’ trilogy that brings the ancient legend back to life with an engaging delivery dressed as a knight and with life size props. Guy of Warwick is a legendary 10th Century hero who battles monsters and foes to become worthy of marrying Felice, the Earl of Warwick’s Daughter. The tale is an adventurous love story that has been told and retold throughout the Middle Ages and in its time, rivalled other British legends such as Robin Hood and King Arthur.
Thinkers & Writers In conversation – Eploring Culture £10 -10:30 – 6 – Holiday Inn Interviewees include Screenwriter Andrew Davies, Michales Mansfield KC, Artistic Director Corey Campbell, Arts Dynamo Anna Williams, Prof. Angie Hobbs, and Speechwriter Cliff Graham. Hot buffet lunch available £15 & All day refreshments £7: Join us for a full day of talks and discussion with creatives & thinkers of all varieties. This series of conversations are themed around the subject of Exploring Culture, how that shapes us and our responses. Events include in order of appearance: Why Plato Matters Now with Professor Angie Hobbs – Does Plato matter? An ancient philosopher whose work has inspired and informed countless thinkers and poets across the centuries, his ideas are no longer taught as widely as they once were. But, as Angie Hobbs argues in this clear-sighted book, that is a mistake. Professor Angie Hobbs will discuss her thesis, (which she proves in her persuasive and intelligent book, Why Plato Matters Now), that Plato is more relevant than ever, with Dr Victoria Meir The speeches of Winston Churchill – Cliff Grantham The speeches of Winston Churchill were so emotive and critical to the development of modern political oration, but why? This talk by Cliff Grantham will help us to understand why. Having trained as a journalist, Cliff went on to work in Government as a speech writer, and a Special Advisor, before going into senior leadership in the international corporate world. Interview with Andrew Davies – Screenwriter With extensive credits across television, theatre and film, Welsh-born Andrew Davies is internationally well known for his adaptations of classic English literature. His multi award-winning work includes PRIDE AND PREJUDICE; SENSE AND SENSIBILITY; VANITY FAIR; BLEAK HOUSE; MIDDLEMARCH; WAR AND PEACE; LES MISERABLES and A SUITABLE BOY. He adapted Michael Dobbs’ political thrillers for the series HOUSE OF CARDS for the BBC, which later became the US Netflix series. Andrew created the series’ GAME ON; A VERY PECULIAR PRACTICE; and MR SELFRIDGE. Andrew’s film credits include BRIDGET JONES’ DIARY; BRIDGET JONES: THE EDGE OF REASON; CIRCLE OF FRIENDS; and THE TAILOR OF PANAMA. Andrew has also had plays in the West End and on Broadway. Corey Campbell - Actor & Director Corey Campbell is Creative Director at The Belgrade Theatre. Campbell is also the Artistic Director of Strictly Arts Theatre Company, known for productions such as Green Leaves Fall and the critically acclaimed, Edinburgh sell-out show Freeman. His work is characterised by a collaborative, devising process that brings real stories to the stage, with a particular focus on African and Caribbean communities. He is recognised for his commitment to community engagement, diversity, and developing new talent, and has been instrumental in building long-lasting relationships with audiences through targeted outreach and workshop programmes. Campbell is an Honorary Member of the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and is regarded as an innovative leader in the UK theatre sector, dedicated to driving positive change and greater diversity in the arts. Anna Williams is Chair of Carboard Citizens, a theatre group working with Homeless people and Interim CEO at Aesop Arts and Society Ltd. Before that, she spent nearly 30 years at Birmingham Royal Ballet, most notably as Chief Operating Officer. Anna has a wealth of experience in the arts and social sectors, with a deep understanding of the importance of the arts to enrich, inspire, and create connection. Michael Mansfield KC was called to the Bar in 1967. He then established Tooks Chambers in 1984 and became Queen’s Counsel in 1989. Michael has represented defendants in criminal trials, appeals and inquiries in some of the most controversial legal cases the country has seen, particularly where issues of Civil Liberty have arisen. Prominent cases include, and representing Stephen Lawrences family, representing Mohamed Al-Fayed into the inquest into the death of his son and Pricess Diana’s inquest, and the Birmingham pub bombings, to name but a few. Besides his legal work, Michael is also a Trustee of the mental health Charity, SOS Silence of Suicide, which he founded in 2015 with his wife Yvette.
Poetry Readings with Jon Watson - FREE - Holiday Inn 1-2 pm Join John Watson for some poems over lunch. He will be reading a selection of poems and will be able to talk about his new book coming out soon.
Childrens Music Tasters - FREE – 2-4:30 - Holiday Inn - All ages Come and have a go on an instrument. A fun and utterly interactive session to allow anyone to have a go, with musician and music teacher
Live Music – FREE - The Royal Oak 3-7 pm Come and enjoy some Sunday afternoon acoustic – sets from: Ryan Sloan – 3-4 Lew “D” Chris 4:30 – 5:30 Diz N Rox 6 - 7