MORE than 150 artists and designers rolled up to Jephson Gardens for a circus-themed Art in the Park celebration at the weekend.
The town’s legendary Victorian elephant trainer Sam Lockhart was the inspiration behind this year’s theme, where visitors also enjoyed juggling, plate-spinning and general clowning around.
Art-lovers got to browse the many works on show and for sale, see creatives in action and take part in workshops and demonstrations.
Motionhouse Youth and Leamington & Warwickshire Academy of Dance had a spring in their step dancing around the clock tower, while musicians provided a suitably circus-like soundtrack.
Art in the Park Festival is run by a not for profit Community Interest Company to help promote local artists and to bring cultural events to the wider community.
The festival is funded solely through stall revenues, sponsorship and grants.
Warwick-based technology company Telent were the main sponsors this year, with BID Leamington, Warwick District Council, the Leamington Studio Artists and a host of local businesses also supporting the festival.
Carole Sleight, festival director said: “This year’s festival was the largest yet, and the atmosphere felt exceptional.
“Everywhere you looked you could see people painting, making, playing, buying art, being creative, enjoying great food and drink. It had a great feeling of it also being a gathering of our local community and friends.”
