The Steering Group

We are a strong, passionate and credible team, drawing on a wealth of knowledge and experience from Leamington’s business, creative and community sectors. BID Leamington, which promotes business and enterprise in the town centre, is leading the feasibility study and is supported by a wide variety of project partners

Stephanie Kerr is BID Leamington’s Chief Executive. She is a leader in advocating and modelling the social role of BIDs, receiving a MPA in Global Diversity Governance in 2020. Alongside business support, she has delivered collaborative, community placemaking and skills-sharing events, workshops and festivals for 14 years.

Sidney Syson supports inclusivity & relevance through her broad links to Leamington’s lower socio-economic, elderly, youth, ethnic and vulnerable communities. She is a Councillor, Leamington Night Shelter trustee, and member of the Leamington Society and Leamington History group.

Carole Sleight was formally Warwick District Council’s Arts Officer. She is deeply connected to the creative community supporting the professional development of artists through engagement, skills support & advocacy. From 2014-19 Carole grew the Art in the Park Festival to 250+ participating artists and 45,000 attendees.

David Clargo is an award-winning radio producer and brings extensive creative leadership experience. In his spare time he supports creative initiatives such as being event producer for Art in the Park and director for Leamington Sings. He works at the BBC.

Festival Delivery

Switched On Stories
All Saints Church, Leamington

Together, David Clargo and Carol Sleight founded Whittle Productions and are delivering Lights of Leamington: Switched On Stories. They have both supported the Lights of Leamington project from inception.

Spotlight Festival 2025
Jephson Gardens & Leamington Town Centre

Kate Livingston: Spotlight Festival Producer. Founder of Slate Events, Kate is an experienced events expert who has produced and delivered many large-scale and highly regarded outdoor events across Warwickshire. She is the director of Art in the Park Festival also delivered in Jephson Gardens.

Stephanie Kerr: Spotlight Festival Director. Stephanie is the Chief Executive of BID Leamington. BID Leamington is the delivery organisation for Spotlight 2025 and has supported the Lights of Leamington project from inception.