Leamington Spa and Warwick town centres are set to blossom into a sea of pink from 11 to 19 October as volunteers from Cancer Research UK launch the first-ever 'Turn the Town Pink' campaign.

The vibrant nine-day celebration will bring together local businesses, residents, and visitors in a shared mission to raise life-saving funds, honour those affected by cancer, and shine a light on hope and progress in cancer research.

Similar events across the UK have already raised more than £20,000 this year, and with over 80 Warwickshire retailers signed up, this promises to be one of the biggest yet.

From pink shopfronts to themed events, Turn Leamington Pink! and Turn Warwick Pink! are transforming the towns into living ribbons of support.

Deborah Barleggs, Chair of the Leamington & Warwick Cancer Research UK Local Volunteer Committee commented: "I've been fundraising for Cancer Research UK for over 20 years, inspired by the charity's invaluable work, by survivors I'm lucky to know, and in memory of loved ones.

"The enthusiasm from local businesses has been incredible — creative, generous, and ready to say 'yes'. It's going to be a fun, inspiring week."

From pink shopfronts to themed events, Turn Leamington Pink! and Turn Warwick Pink! are transforming the towns into living ribbons of support (image supplied)

Participating retailers are decking out their windows, staff, and displays in pink, offering exclusive promotions, giveaways, and raffles — with many donating a percentage of sales directly to Cancer Research UK.

Collection boxes and pink posters will be placed across the town with the message: "You donate. We discover."

Organisers said: :So wear your brightest pink, snap and share your photos, and be part of the transformation — because together, we are beating cancer.

There will be plenty to enjoy in both towns throughout the week, from pink shopfronts and themed displays to special offers, raffles, and community events including

• Craft Fair: 11–12 and 18–19 October at Upper Mall, Royal Priors Shopping Centre
• Bake Sale: 15 October, 2–4pm at Bedford Street Studios
• NVHer Pink Party 15 October, 5-8pm in store Warwick
• The Pink Diner: 20 October at Hart & Co (tickets via campaign team)
• The Pink Whisper Speakeasy: secret 1920s-themed experience below The Terrace (tickets via campaign team)

Be sure to check out the Paint Leamington Pink Trail on the Love Leam App, which highlights more than 50 town centre businesses proudly taking part. Each one has added their own creative touch to the pink transformation.

There is still time to get involved …

• Businesses can sign up by emailing: [email protected]
• Follow & share using hashtags #TurnLeamingtonPink and #TurnWarwickPink
• Public: wear pink, visit participating stores, donate via QR codes or collection boxes, and join the Paint Leamington Pink Trial via the Love Leam App
• Share your photos on social media to keep the pink energy flowing!

Stay connected for updates, follow @crukleamandwarwick on Instagram and CRUK Leamington on Facebook, or visit the fundraising page here.

To learn more about Cancer Research UK's vital work, visit here.