The Leamington Unity and Peace Festival is coming to the town this June. 

The free festival will take place on Friday 20 June from 3pm to 7pm and Saturday 21 June from 10am until 6pm at the  Pump Room Gardens.

Organisers said: "Come and watch the main stage hosting a range of music, entertainment and panel discussions as well as on the Saturday a wide range of traders, food and drink, community groups and more."

Leamington Festival of International Understanding & Peace started back in 1978, the festival aimed to promote mutual understanding between people of different countries, demonstrate the positive quality of peace in a joyful celebration of humanity, to promote an understanding of different cultures, a programme of entertainment and demonstrations by groups of various nationalities. 

"We wish to promote those who are working with dedication in our locality to bring a better quality of life to all people without distinction of race, religion or culture."

Now, 47 years later after the many occurrences and life challenges faced over the last 5 years of absence, the festival is returning as the Unity & Peace Festival to continue on the above aims. 

Organiserd by volunteers the festival aims to highlight the importance of: "taking care of the environment, exploring sustainable living and how to look after your wellbeing & create happiness for yourself and others around you, support small local talented businesses that are handcrafted, sustainable or reducing our planets waste by re-purposing, raise awareness of local & world issues by sharing to all communities to embrace and be part of our changing world needs today, live a life of giving love, compassion and understanding and not hate, and create a life of paying it forward."

The Unity & Peace Festival is set to bring an eclectic mix of music, talks, and poetry to the community, with a diverse line-up celebrating creativity, activism, and artistic expression.

Opening the festival on Friday at 3pm is Banoffee, a young indie-folk band blending rich harmonies with influences ranging from Beabadoobee to Joni Mitchell. 

The lineup also includes Five Foot Under, a four-piece indie rock band from Kenilworth, who will be performing their energetic original music, fresh off recording their latest single, Polaroid, set for release in late June. 

The Bowlerhat Farmer will bring activism to the forefront with his Fork the System Tour. 

Visitors can expect a bold, "no-nonsense talk" on the future of British farming, food production, and sustainability, offering radical ideas and fresh perspectives.

The Man Made Moon Band, formed in 2015, brings a genre-spanning sound that draws from indie, folk, rock and pop. With multiple singles, two EPs, and performances alongside members of Ocean Colour Scene and The Bluetones, they promise a seasoned and captivating set.

Also, local poet Matt Dolezal, born and raised in Leamington, will offer readings from his latest anthology, The Birds Were the Only Ones Singing. 

Drawing inspiration from nature and everyday life, Matt's poetry is playful, thoughtful, and deeply rooted in the local spirit

Any local businesses who would like to put on taster sessions for wellness activities like Tai-Chi, Bollywood dancing, pilates, and gardening should email: [email protected].

Tradestand enquiries can also be sent to the above email, "please understand your business needs to embrace the aims of the festival in as many ways as possible on your application email, with pictures of what you are offering to bring to the event, the Saturday will be the only day for the tradestand."

Organisers said: "Looking forward to seeing you supporting and welcoming back the festival."