The organisers of Leamington’s annual Art in the Park Festival said they have had their most successful year to date, as record crowds flocked to Jephson Gardens and Mill Gardens for a weekend packed with creativity, live music, and community spirit.The team behind the event said that while many returning attendees commented that this year’s festival felt “noticeably bigger than ever”, they said that the physical footprint remained the same size as previous years.The organisers said they had record number at the festival this year.Thousands of visitors attended the event , with some discovering and exploring Mill Gardens for the very first time.A spokesperson from the Art in the Park team said: “This surge in footfall is a true testament to how the event has evolved into a centrepiece of the Leamington town calendar over the past few years, loved and cherished by residents of all ages.”The annual festival welcomed thousands of visitors.The festival kicked off with a Friday evening opening night, bringing together councillors and artists to mark the launch of the weekend.From there, visitors were treated to a line-up of talent across three dedicated music stages, alongside stalls showcasing the work of 250 local artists.Interactive workshops, which were hosted by arts organisations, gave people of all ages a chance to get creative, while food and drink vendors provided refreshments.A highlight of the weekend was the much-loved annual parade, which this year featured a larger-than-life dragon winding through the park.The free-to-attend event took place in Jephson Gardens and Mill Gardens.Attendees were also able to enjoy a new addition to the festival line-up at the Glasshouse, featuring an immersive theatre workshop, Sunset Salsa sessions and an outdoor barbecue hosted by Grace & Vine.Throughout the weekend, the festival team worked tirelessly behind the scenes, led by festival director Kate Livingston, who works year-round to secure critical funding and keep the gates open to all.As a non-profit Community Interest Company (CIC), Art in the Park relies entirely on ongoing public and corporate backing.To keep the festival free to enter and preserve the scale that the town has grown to love, the festival team is calling on the community to show its support by helping through sponsorships, donations, and feedback.At the festival, hundreds of artists showcased and sold their crafts, jewellery, mixed media, paintings and drawings, photography, sculptures, digital prints and more.The spokesperson said: “We value, respect, and appreciate everyone’s continued support – it is what makes this festival such a success.“In order to keep the festival the size it is and keep it free, we need support from the community.”They added: “We also like to extend a special final thank you to commercial sponsor Bayfields Opticians, who truly integrated themselves into the heart of the event, making valuable, meaningful connections with the local community throughout the weekend.”The free-to-attend event took place in Jephson Gardens and Mill Gardens.Details regarding individual donations, business sponsorships, and partnership opportunities can be found on the official website at: www.artinthepark.co.ukThe following photos of the festival were provided by Katarena Joy.Continue Reading
Leamington’s Art in the Park Festival marks record numbers – and organisers call on community for future support
