‘Leamington Live’ proves to be a big hit with the crowds
Leamington Live, the exciting and hugely entertaining event celebrating style, arts and culture in Royal Leamington Spa, was deemed another fantastic success. The town was packed as people lined the streets, soaked up the sun and enjoyed a host of free activities around the town.
Organised by BID Leamington, the event kicked off with a live screening of the Royal Wedding on Friday 29 April followed by live Fashion Shows featuring morning television celebrity stylist Mark Heyes, a Pamper Zone, Style Workshops, Live Music & Entertainment and an Art and Family Trail on Saturday 30 April. Around a hundred local businesses participated in the popular annual event.
The live Fashion Show, hosted by Mark Heyes, was one of the event highlights. Gorgeous models paraded up and down the catwalk in Regent Court showcasing key trends from Leamington’s great range of independent and national retailers including Driftwood, Fabulous, House of Fraser, The Little Black Dress Shop, LK Bennett, Tiger, Noa Noa and Phase Eight. Summer Style Workshops demonstrating how to create instant wardrobe updates also proved very popular with the crowds.
Hundreds of visitors received complimentary treatments in The Pamper Zone in the Royal Priors Shopping Centre. Therapists from Clarins, Creative Heath, Neal’s Yard, Regis, Shuropody, The Body Shop and Vogue all provided treatments including alternative therapies, hair styling, hand massages and makeovers.
Local musicians from all genres entertained the crowds including ex Factor Boot Camp attendee ‘Lucy Marie Anderton’ and singer songwriter ‘Alex Warburton’, cute band ‘Battle Jam’, and the ‘Gary Lewis Jazz Band’. There was plenty to entertain children with a special Family Trail featuring a variety of activities including a bubble blowing competition at the Lantern Corner sweet shop.
The Art Trail also proved to be incredibly popular and showcased displays, exhibits, paintings, photographs and local art in various venues across town. Another crowd puller was the Art & Craft Fair at Regent Grove which showcased contemporary and creative arts & crafts.
Adam Talbot, Centre Manager for the Regent Court Shopping Centre said “I just wanted to congratulate BID Leamington on a superb event. Everyone I have spoken to has said how much they enjoyed the Fashion Show and as a result have been to shops they would never otherwise have visited”.
Vaughan Sprowell from Noa Noa also said “Just wanted to say a BIG thank you from us all at Noa Noa for the fantastic Fashion Show that was arranged for Leamington Live. The whole thing was very professional, gorgeous models and fantastic hosting by Mark Heyes. Keep up the good work for the BID - we appreciate it!”
Stephanie Kerr, the new Executive Director of BID Leamington, stated “Leamington Live was fantastic. It was a beautiful day full of music, fashion and fun for everyone. The feedback from retailers has been extremely positive, with many reporting excellent feedback from their customers. We’re now determined to build on this success with the third Leamington Live event next year”!
