The third annual Kenilworth Arts Festival kicks off this week, bringing ten days of intimate gigs, readings, talks, workshops and children’s activities to the town.

Now in its third year, the festival is the brain child of University of Warwick student Lewis Smith who is studying for a PhD in food history. Lewis is the festival director and he is pleased with the momentum it’s gaining.

He said: “This year is our biggest line up so far with over 30 events taking places over ten days.

“We set out to try and bring something different – something ‘extra-ordinary’ – to Kenilworth and Warwickshire more broadly. Our vision was to focus on bringing internationally acclaimed, prize-winning writers, musicians and visual artists to the town for one-off events in small, atmospheric venues. The festival also provides a platform for outstanding emerging talent, showcases local work and offers new arts experiences to people of all ages. Hopefully in doing so we can offer something new to people in the region and, perhaps just as importantly, attract people to the region.”

Included in this year’s line-up are a number of Warwick staff, students and alumni, including:

• Professor Rebecca Earle from Warwick’s Department of History is speaking in conversation with celebrated food writer Ruby Tandoh on Thursday 20 September.
• Critically acclaimed author Sarah Moss, who is a Professor in Warwick’s Department of English and Comparative Literature launches her new novel, Ghost Wall, at the Priory Theatre on 22 September:
• The Wardrobe Ensemble, a theatre company co-founded by Warwick graduate Jesse Meadows, is performing a family show at Kenilworth School on Sunday 23 September.
• Warwick graduate, Sophie Mackintosh talks about her debut novel The Water Cure, in conversation with Sarah Moss on 27 September
• Warwick students are displaying their artworks as part of a new exhibition, ‘Community’, which is being exhibited in the Library throughout the festival. The exhibition is curated by a Warwick student, Jessie Walker-Glanville.

Kenilworth Arts Festival runs from 20 until 29 September.

For more information, tickets and to see the full programme of events visit https://www.kenilworthartsfestival.co.uk

-ends-

Tuesday 18 September

For media enquiries:

Andrea Cullis

Media relations manager

E:a dot cullis at warwick dot ac dot uk

DD: 02476 528050

M: 07825 314874