Life in Leam

There's rather more to the Rage Rooms than you might first think, as I discovered when I met founder Lucy Bee and her operations manager Fi. Yes of course you can book-in for a smash-and-go session, a team-build, birthday (or even divorce) party. But there is also a serious therapeutic method behind the madness. Lucy explains that as a trained therapist specialising in anger and conflict, she wanted to create a safe space to help people process and gain release from their rage. So whether you're just looking for a bit of a stress-buster, a party with a difference, or have some heavier things to deal with, the Rage Rooms might have the perfect answer for you. https://ragerooms-leamingtonspa.co.uk/

The Leamington Food & Drink Festival is back for 2026, running on 12th and 13th September in Pump Room Gardens. And no-one knows this landmark event in Leamington’s calendar like Alison Shaw, who has been its organiser for the last 16 years! Who better then to explain the cuisines, the drinks, the activities, the music and how to get the very best out of this delicious weekend without busting a gut! Like only a true master-chef can, she condenses the best of the entire weekend into this mouthwatering 10 minute reduction. Lick your lips and have a listen! https://leamingtonfoodfestival.co.uk/information/

Fancy sampling some of Leamington’s brilliant independent restaurants while raising money for two great causes? A Taste of Leamington is a one-night dine-around experience that takes you on a culinary tour of the town, with proceeds supporting Parkinson’s UK and Warwickshire Search and Rescue. In this episode, Linda John from Leamington Rotary Club explains how the evening works, how to book, and gives us a tantalising hint of some of the restaurants taking part. We also meet Tom and Tess from Warwickshire Search and Rescue, who reveal what goes on behind the scenes of this volunteer-led organisation, how they help people across Warwickshire, and why fundraising like this makes such a difference. 📅 Tuesday 15 September 2026 🎟️ Ticket sales close at 4pm on 10 September Leamington Rotary: https://leamingtonrotary.co.uk/ Warwickshire Search & Rescue: https://warksar.org.uk/ Parkinson’s UK: https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/ Ticket Booking Link: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/royalleamingtonsparotaryclub/2213203 Photo: Aubrey Allen

The area goes by several names: Victoria Business Centre, Neilston St, or just “under the arches”. But what everyone agrees is that this collection of bars, breweries, music stages, eateries and the space that they share is one of the most interesting and enjoyable parts of Leamington for an evening out, or to while-away a lazy weekend. And from time to time, this adored collection of local micro-businesses pool their efforts to host a street party second to none, which boasts food, drink, music and atmosphere and that south-town magic that draws both the regulars and a host of newcomers to this unique and vibrant part of town. “Off the Rails” is scheduled once again for this Sunday 30th August, 1pm-10pm and to give us their personal heads-up on what’s occurring, four of the arch-entrepreneurs behind it share their plans for this 11th incarnation of this Leamington institution. Settle down and tune into Carl from Southbound Café-Bar, Ben from Windmill Hill Brewery, James from Lucky Shiba Sake Bar and Nathan from Brubl as they give us their personal tour. Also participating but beyond the reach of the Life in Leam mic are Cam’s Kitchen, Ginger Elephant, Hive and Warwickshire Gin Co. OtR11 will be a day to remember. Enjoy (responsibly)!

With a parade down the Parade (of course), and an all-day event in Pump Room Gardens, this Saturday 22nd August Leamington once again hosts the Warwickshire Pride Festival. Dan Browne, Chair of Warwickshire Pride shares the plans for this party with a purpose - with stalls, food, drink, music and events for all the family (including its canine members). https://warwickshirepride.co.uk/

If you enjoy a potter in the garden and also a bit of friendly company - or know someone who does - then meet Rachel Goldsmith who recently discovered her love of gardening and now leads the Warwickshire Social Gardening Project. It's a free community initiative that benefits those who take part and also improves life for us all with its beautiful planted spaces in and around town. With regular meet-ups - whether you’re a gardener or just a spirited natterer, you’ll find an opportunity to get involved. https://www.socialgardeningproject.org.uk/

How do you start a new chapter for one of Leamington's most respected and successful choirs? Since becoming Musical Director in 2024, Jim Bate has been doing exactly that. Fresh from university, he's already introducing exciting new programming, fresh collaborations and ambitious performances, including this October's much-anticipated presentation of Nathaniel Dett's powerful yet rarely performed oratorio, The Ordering of Moses. In this episode of Life in Leam, I sat down with Jim and choir member Sahra Evans to discover what makes the Royal Leamington Spa Bach Choir such a rewarding community to be part of, what it's really like to sing under Jim's direction, and why their September Open Rehearsals are the perfect opportunity to come along, give it a try and see if the choir is for you. Whether you're an experienced singer or simply curious about joining a choir, this conversation offers a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes of one of Leamington's renowned musical organisations. https://www.rlsbc.org/

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/