Spark: Scratch Night 2026
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Warwick District Council’s Spark Presents programme returns with the second edition of Scratch Night, an evening dedicated to new ideas, works in progress and creative experimentation.
Scratch Night provides artists, creatives and makers with the opportunity to test ideas, share developing work, and connect with audiences in a supportive environment. The event forms part of Warwick District Council’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the region’s creative ecology, sparking fresh ideas and ensuring arts and culture remain at the heart of the district.
Last year’s event featured a diverse mix of work including live music, theatre and performance art, film, spoken word and experimental performance. We are once again welcoming expressions of interest from creatives working across different disciplines.
The Detail
Date: Tuesday 10 November 2026, 6:30pm - 9:00pm
Location: Royal Pump Rooms, Assembly Room, Leamington Spa
Tickets: FREE to attend but advance registration required [Booking link to follow June 2026]
How it Works
Never been to a Scratch Night before? Don’t worry we’ll walk you through it!
The evening features a programme of work (tbc) from a mix of local artists. After each sharing, there’ll be a chance for the audience to chat with the artists about what they’ve seen. Offering feedback, thoughts, or just curiosity about the creative process.
Prefer to simply watch and soak it all in? That’s absolutely fine too! There’s no pressure to take part in discussions you can just sit back and enjoy.
Some artists may also have a few questions for the audience to think about before or after their piece. This evening is about conversation, networking, and seeing ideas develop!
Call for Expressions of Interest
We are currently seeking proposals for four short performances or presentations to feature as part of the evening.
- New work
- Early-stage ideas
- Recently developed projects
- Experimental or cross-disciplinary approaches
Selected pieces should be approximately 10 - 15 minutes in length.
Whether you are looking to test a concept, gain audience feedback, share a work-in-progress or try something new, Scratch Night aims to provide a platform to explore ideas in front of a live audience.
We recognise that developing new work takes time, energy and resources. Successful applicants will receive a fee of £150.
What we will provide
Warwick District Council will provide:
- A venue and audience
- Event marketing and promotion
- Technical support where practical and agreed in advance
- A fee of £150 per selected artist or group
Successful applicants will be required to:
- Provide marketing assets and information in advance, including biographies and images
- Work with the team on any agreed technical requirements ahead of the event
Please note that technical support is subject to discussion and venue practicalities.
How to apply
- Applications are now open via our online Expression of Interest form.
- A selection panel will review submissions in late September / early October, with applicants notified of outcomes in early October 2026.
- The event will then open for audience bookings. Attendance will be free, but ticketed.
- If you have an idea you would like to test, develop or share, we would love to hear from you.
Complete Expression of Interest Form
Further Information
For further information, please contact Johnathan Branson, Projects and Development Manager (Arts) on johnathan.branson@warwickdc.gov.uk