Warwick District Council is once again backing the national campaign on Saturday 6 December by offering free parking in all district council operated car parks in Kenilworth, Leamington Spa and Warwick, helping residents and visitors make the most of the festive shopping season.

As well as free parking in all WDC car parks, the council is supporting Warwick and Kenilworth Town Councils and BID Leamington who are putting on a number of special ‘small business Saturday’ events and promotions to encourage more footfall into the towns.

In Warwick Market Square Santa, the Grinch and the naughty Elf will be setting up their grottos to bring a Christmas theme to the regular market. At the same time there will be a Christmas Fun Day at the Court House with craft stalls, children’s games, tombola, face painting and refreshments, with both events organised by Warwick Town Council and proceeds split equally between The Myton Hospice and Warwick’s Christmas Lights.

As a special treat there will be the opportunity to travel between the two venues in style with a horse drawn carriage providing trips throughout the day in return for a donation to the two charities.

Visitors can then take a short stroll to Smith Street where businesses have come together with CJs Events to host the first ever Smith Street Christmas Market with a range of stalls from small independent traders along with the fantastic shops, cafés, and bars all sharing a Christmassy vibe.

Not to be outdone, in Kenilworth there will be a festive market at Abbey End with activities and entertainment for the whole family, with stalls full of Christmas gifts and with community activities including games, competitions, filled jam-jar and chocolate tombolas, with tickets to the Boxing Day Duck Race on sale.

There will be live music from Warwick University brass band and both Priorsfield School and the Pop Voices choirs, with the chance to have a photo taken with Santa and his Elf in the Grotto. The local shops will be looking at their very best in for the best Christmas Shop Window Competition, judged by the mayor.

In addition to the shining lights of the Parade and surrounding streets, Christmas shoppers to Leamington can take a trip to the Royal Pump Rooms for a festive Indie and Flea market with food, drink, sweets, craft, vintage and indie traders and live music.

Lucky visitors to the town centre can also grab themselves a Love Leam goodie bag filled with offers and promotions from local businesses courtesy of BID Leamington.

Councillor Ella Billiald, Portfolio Holder for Arts, Culture & Economy commented:

“Independent businesses are the heart and soul of our towns bringing character, creativity, and vitality to our high streets as well as creating jobs for local people. These business owners rightly deserve our backing especially as we enter this important time of year.

"We very much hope that local people will take up our offer of free parking on 6 December to do some Christmas shopping and enjoy the wealth of hospitality available in our town centres.”  

Please note that on-street car parking (operated by Warwickshire County Council) will still incur the normal charges.