A popular street party is set to return to one of Warwick's historic streets this month, showcasing local talent and community businesses in a day of family-friendly fun. 

The Smith Street Party returns on Saturday, 27 July, offering live entertainment and performances all day long, along with local businesses selling arts, crafts and local produce. 

The event comes on the same weekend as Warwick's world-famous Folk Festival, providing added entertainment in the town centre itself, and showcasing the often-overlooked Smith Street and the range of independent businesses it is home to.  

Paul Brown, founder of Smith Street-based café bar The Craftsman, who has helped organise the event, said: "In recent years the Smith Street Party has been intermittent, but it's back with a bang for 2024 with plenty to do for all the family, from live music and entertainment to shopping and food and drink.  

"The streets will be buzzing with energy as the community comes together to celebrate vibrant local talent with a line-up of live performers that promises to keep the party going all day long.

"Alongside this, there will be something to delight every palate and interest, from handcrafted jewellery and pottery to fresh baked goods - and of course the chance to visit all the businesses on Smith Street. 

"The Folk Festival brings thousands of people to Warwick over the weekend, but it's not in the town centre - so the Smith Street Party adds to the excitement and provides a festival feel in the heart of one of Warwick's most historic locations, showcasing not only the businesses on Smith Street itself, but benefiting others across Warwick as people spill into other parts of the town. 

"So don't miss your chance to immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere, support your neighbourhood businesses, and discover new favourite products and artists. The Smith Street Party is the perfect way to spend a day celebrating the best of what Warwick has to offer so we can't wait to see everyone there." 

The Smith Street Party takes place from 10am to 6pm, with the road itself set to be closed to traffic so families, locals and visitors to Warwick can enjoy the festivities.  

The event coincides with the Warwick Folk Festival, which takes place from 25 to 28 July in the fields surrounding Warwick Castle, featuring live music from local, national and international folk performers, along with activities and other entertainment.  

Festival director Dick Dixon said: "Many of the people who come to the Folk Festival aren't from the local area, so it's great to have such a fabulous town to invite them to, and events they can join in with if they wish during the festival weekend.

"It's also great to see our folk friends coming to Warwick for a weekend visit later in the year as they do not have time to see it all over the festival weekend."