Life in Leam

Growing organic fruit and veg for nearly 20 years, Canalside Community Food is a thriving Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) scheme sitting just on the edge of town, near Radford Semele. Scheme members enjoy a weekly share of the harvest as well as social and volunteering opportunities throughout the year. I visited the farm to chat with general administrator Ali Jeffery about how it all works, what produce they grow, her personal favourites and what openings there are for new people to join and enjoy the benefits of the scheme. https://www.canalsidecommunityfood.org.uk/

The fabulous Art in the Park festival returns to Leamington Spa on 1st and 2nd August 2026. With over 250 artists in attendance, 35 workshops, 3 music stages, 20+ food and drink vendors, live performances and a parade, this promises to be another spectacular weekend and a highlight of the Warwickshire calendar. Who better to give an insider's guide to this year's festival than the Festival Director herself, Kate Livingston, so I stole her away from the preparations for a few minutes to give us her take on what's planned, how to make the best of it, and how to volunteer to be part of this extraordinary event. https://www.artinpark.co.uk/

Iyengar Yoga is renowned as being one of the most accessible forms of yoga. It uses a range of props such as blocks, ropes, chairs and bolsters to support the participant and so complete novices and even people with stiffness or injury can experience the benefits without risking strain. Leamington now has its own Iyengar studio on Clemens Street and the bottom of town. A Community Interest Company (CIC) started by two trained instructors Di Harris and Lynne Myall, this custom facility provides a calm and tranquil space equipped with all the necessary props to enable pretty much anyone to participate. Their classes run every day of the week, both daytimes and evenings. https://warwickshireiyengaryoga.co.uk/

If you’re curious to explore Leamington Spa and learn about some of the people and events that shaped the modern town, then the free guided walks offered by the Leamington History Group are exactly what you need. Each year, new walks are added, including some specifically for children this year! Paula Fletcher leads the overall walks programme and shares some of the facts she finds most fascinating, and how you sign-up for one of the many walks on offer. https://leamingtonhistory.co.uk/events/

What lies behind the white columns and portico of the beautiful building on Spencer Street opposite Leamington Assembly? It turns out what originally was a church has been remodelled in to a beautiful co-working and event space as part of the cultural and creative quarter development. I crept into the crypt and met Simon Reeve, The Fold's Managing Director to learn about what goes on there, both for Fold members and us public. https://www.thefoldleamington.co.uk/

Just 10 mins drive from Leamington is a scene of such serenity, fragrance and beauty that you'll think you're in a dream. Ian and Pippa Jamie first planted lavender here in 2019, and for a few weeks each summer it transforms the landscape visually, aromatically, and audibly as the myriad of bees, butterflies and other insects feast on its fragrant nectar. During this magical time, they open the farm to the public so that we too can share in the joys of lavender and embrace the unique sensory experience it offers. I sat with Ian in their Lavender Café and he told me the remarkable story of how they came to grow lavender, the various events, talks and visits they host during the summer, and their high hopes for a first grape harvest! https://www.warwickshirelavender.com/

If you’re a classic car fan, then Pump Room Gardens in Leamington hosts a must-see event every summer, Cars at the Spa. Now in its 7th year, it showcases around 300 cars from the early 20th century right up to modern day classics. Free to attend, and also featuring live music, food and drink, it’s a perfect day out. It also raises money for good causes. Simon Evans and Linda John of organisers Royal Leamington Spa Rotary Club cruised-by to explain how this popular event started, what to expect, and even how to display your own classic car. This year’s outing is on Sunday 21st June - a father’s day treat, 10.30am - 4pm. https://carsatthespa.co.uk/

13-14th June 2026 sees the full return of the legendary Leamington Peace Festival. A feature of Leamington summers since 1978, until sadly interrupted by the pandemic. It's back in its full glory thanks to an organising team guided by original founder members and powered by a new generation of volunteer enthusiasts. I met with two of this super-team, Jennie Devine and Leila Clare to get the insiders' guide to what the Peace Festival is all about, the packed line-up of stalls, speakers, performers and activities, the unique "peace talks" at the core of the programme and opportunities to volunteer at this extraordinary event. https://leamingtonpeacefestival.org/

Comedy improv is alive and well in Leamington the shape of Leamprov, a group that performs monthly in town (also at the Edinburgh Fringe) and hosts weekly improv workshops for the curious. I went to one of their shows, and then sat down with Jet and Kate from the troupe to understand why they do it, how they do it, why people watch it and how you can get involved. https://www.meetup.com/leamprov/ https://www.facebook.com/LeamingtonSpaImprov/

The folk music scene in Leamington has just taken a leap forward with the revival of the Heart of England Folk Club and its free “Foak at the Oak” performances which run every fourth Tuesday evening at Oak House on Upper Holly Walk. Organisers Campbell Perry and Ruth Noble (who together perform as folk duo Harper’s Dove) tell how they were inspired to restart the club after some decades’ hiatus and the diversity of music that they’re keen to incorporate. https://www.facebook.com/NewHoEFolk newhoefolk@gmail.com

Once a month, 40-50 people gather at Temperance to share views on a topic that they choose at the start of the meeting. Attendance is free and is open to all, and the emphasis is on learning through hearing diverse views. Chaired by Paolo Turrini, the Temperance Philosophy Club is celebrating over 20 meetings now. Many people just go to listen, some expect to just listen but soon feel able to speak too. What's certain is that views from a broad mix of people - aged 19-90 will be heard with respect and curiosity. https://www.temperance.bar/music-events/

Once again, Pump Room Gardens will be awash with music, sequins, flags and fans as this year’s Eurovision Festival lands this Saturday 16th May. A day-long extravaganza of kitsch starting at 11am. Aaron Probert-Walker from CJ’s Events shares all the fabulous details and his hopes for a record-breaking attendance this year. https://www.cjseventswarwickshire.co.uk/events/eurovision-festival-16th-may-2026 https://www.eurovision-leam.co.uk/

Two of Leamington’s most loved live-music venues, Temperance and Southbound Café Bar are joining forces to host Leamington’s first ever South Town Blues Festival which runs 8-10 May. Showcasing a mix of local and national talent, the festival will feature over 25 acts, with some performances ticketed and some free to walk in. Southbound founder Carl Harris, and Temperance’s new co-owner Emma Colburn share the story of this long-anticipated event, the line-up and how you can join in the fun! https://southboundcafebar.uk/whats-on/ https://www.temperance.bar/

Leamington-based community choir Sing it Loud was co-founded by Seb Farrall and Rosie Sayers in 2014. The devastating news of Seb’s death in a cycling accident on 30th March 2025 - his 32nd birthday - stunned the members of Sing it Loud where he was Musical Director, as it did the many other choirs, orchestras and music groups that he had established and nurtured in the Coventry and Warwickshire area. Seb had devoted himself to spreading the joy of community music-making with an unshakeable belief in the musical potential of everyone. A year on, the choir is joining forces with Seb’s other orchestras, choirs and ensembles for a very special one-off concert on 3rd May 2026 at Warwick Arts Centre, to celebrate Seb and to raise money for The Music Man Project - an award-winning charity which provides music education for people with learning disabilities. I went to a rehearsal and met Rosie, Fran Farrall (Seb’s wife), and event producer Jo Thomas to learn about the choir, Seb himself, and what the concert means to them and the many people touched by Seb’s talent, love and enthusiasm. Tickets are still available to take part in this extraordinary occasion. https://www.warwickartscentre.co.uk/whats-on/qGT-seb-farrall-a-celebration/ https://www.singitloud.co.uk/ https://themusicmanproject.com/

Co-located in Bedford Street with the Library of Things, The Leamington Eco Hub is a brilliant resource if you’re interested in local environmental or ecology projects - and it also offers facilities such as meeting spaces if you have a project of your own! I met Directors Sam and Judith to find out what’s going on locally (a lot it turns out) and how you can get plugged-in. https://leamington-eco-hub.co.uk/ Email: leamecohub@posteo.uk

Whether you’re an established musician, just starting out and wanting to try your first instrument or just love listening to live or recorded music, chances are Presto Music has something for you. I met Nichola Robey who started managing their Leamington store in 2025. She’s passionate about helping customers find their best vibe, and has a talented musical team to draw on. Offering live recitals, instrument rental and repair, class and practice rooms and a world-class streaming and download service, if you have an ounce of music in your soul, then this episode is for you. https://www.prestomusic.com/

Many of the best conversations and connections happen over good food. That simple truth combined with a passion for fresh food cooked from first principles inspired Raj Darji to quit the corporate life and start Scratch Cook Social in 2023. Based in Leamington, he now provides restaurant-quality food for private and public gatherings, either through the venues’ own kitchens or from his own food truck. His goal is to surprise, delight and foster connection. I encountered Raj’s brilliant cooking at the first Mazon Interiors dinner party - his inventive dishes inspired by his North Indian heritage exactly achieved those goals. And so I was fascinated to talk with him about his life, his food, and how you can get a taste of Scratch Cook for yourself. Website: http://www.scratchcook.social/ Mazon Dinner Parties: https://www.mazoninteriors.co.uk/scratch-cook-dinner-party/

Wander around Leamington and there’s a good chance that you’ll encounter one of the extraordinary murals that adorn many of our buildings. Together they are curated as the Leamington Mural Festival, a year-round celebration of this vibrant street art. I met festival curator Tim Robottom - who is also a professional street artist himself - and wasted no time in tapping his expertise on the process of creating street art, his recommendations on the best art to explore, how to get involved in this urban cultural phenomenon and, of course, his take on Banksy. Tim also leads walking tours of the festival collection on the first Sunday of every month from April to October. Tour tickets: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/leamington-history-group-walks-brink-street-art-walk-of-leamington-tickets-1983948627752/ Info: https://merciamurals.org/leamingtonmuralfestival/

If you need special tools for a DIY project, are planning an event and need some extra catering equipment, are looking for some new hobbies to try out or are just keen to avoid buying and storing things that you only need occasionally – then the Library of Things is worth a look. Founded by Maurice Herson, the library which is co-located with the Eco Hub in Bedford Street has a growing and diverse inventory of items for hire, and also has potential opportunities for volunteers who would like to get involved. Website: https://leamlot.myturn.com/library/ Email: libraryofthings@makeleamington.co.uk

Anyone with a taste for quality artisanal chocolate will probably know Cenu Cacao in Regent Street; the passion project of Rosemary Ndukuba, who turned her own love of chocolate into a Leamington treasure. In this episode she explains how she got started, which movie is a constant source of inspiration for her, her own favourite chocolates and how her recently opened café in Lillington is heralding a new chapter of parties, workshops and wellbeing. https://cenucacao.co.uk/