Welcome to Switched on Stories

Stories, memories and reflection of the Lights of Leamington Festival in Jephson Gardens

1951 - 1961

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Illuminating
The Past

Switched On Stories is an oral history project dedicated to uncovering and preserving memories of the original Lights of Leamington Festival, held in Jephson Gardens from 1951 to 1961. By capturing personal stories, photographs, and artifacts from the community, the project is creating a rich narrative archive that will find a permanent home at the Warwickshire County Record Office. In addition to the archive, Switched On Stories will bring history to life through an outdoor and indoor exhibition, a film, podcasts, a dedicated website, and an informative pamphlet. This project has been made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players.

Project

Shared Stories

Switched On Stories is a collection of shared oral history recollections from people who were at the original Lights of Leamington Festival. This fascinating project has captured a wide range of memories and mementoes from this iconic event that ran from 1951 - 1961.

Community Engagement

Engaging with the community has been a crucial part of the project. So many of the local community got involved with sharing their stories and experiences.

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Sharing Stories

Preserving the oral history of the Lights of Leamington has been at the heart of the project. Switched On Stories ensures that these valuable stories are safeguarded for future generations.

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Exhibition

Switched On Stories have created an exhibition of stories, memorabilia and community findings around the original Lights of Leamington Festival

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The Lights of Leamington Festival

Photos from the original events 1951 - 1961

Photo credits: Leamington Art Gallery & Museum (WDC) | Maurice Mead Photography

You'd turn a corner and you're in wonderland. You didn't have to go to Disney. It's all there in front of you.

Pam Cowper

We were just out of the dark days of the Second World War, and people came from all over, we were looking for something to brighten up life.

Reg Boucher

They were extremely imaginative. Whoever came up with the idea and managed to execute the installation of them did a very fine job... they really were something else.