Awards Finals for Unlocking Warwick

Unlocking Warwick has been shortlisted as a finalist in the History and Heritage category of the Coventry and Warwickshire Tourism and Culture Awards 2016.

These prestigious awards have fifteen categories, including best visitor attraction, restaurant, pub, hotel, and tourism event, and Unlocking Warwick is the only non-profit volunteer group selected in any category.

We are also the only finalist representing Warwick Town centre; (the Castle and Racecourse are nominated in other categories). 

The other finalists in ‘History and Heritage’ are the British Motor Museum at Gaydon, Escape Arts at the Old Slaughterhouse in Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare’s Tavern at the Birthplace Trust in Stratford, and Shipston Wool Festival.

So we feel honoured to be included in such company!

Clearly the judges must have liked the range of activities of the Unlocking Warwick volunteer group, bringing people together in the heart of Warwick at the restored Jury Street Court House, meeting and greeting visitors, and conducting free ‘Court House Tours’ which introduce visitors to the rich history of the county town.

The volunteers have also been researching old documents to unlock Warwick’s past, finding local stories for displays, staging dramatic reconstructions of past court cases, and organising events such as period concerts and the Christmas Regency Ball. 

The aim is to find creative and entertaining ways of celebrating Warwick’s rich heritage, while making the Court House at the central crossroads a hub of community activity as it was in Georgian and Victorian times. The ballroom on the first floor is a splendid venue for performances, dances, dinners and community events, and is also available for private functions.

The awards are organised by the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Trade with the local radio group, Quidem. They are supported by Warwickshire County Council, Coventry City Council, the Coventry & Warwickshire Local Enterprise Council, and Shakespeare’s England, among others.  

The winners will be announced at a gala dinner at the Coventry Ricoh Arena on 22nd September.