The Festival on The Close 2023 has been launched and what a fantastic reception it has already had – just 24 hours on!

With the likes of BBC Concert Orchestra, radio legend Ken Bruce, Comedian Seann Walsh, a host of West End stars, Tom Seals, Horrible Histories Live, Flabbergast Theatre Company and many, many more, this 5-day star-studded event is proving to be mighty popular in the town of Rugby.

Together with the Rugby School, the Festival is the Macready Theatre’s flagship celebration of culture and creativity in all its forms. And in June, we will once again transform the school into a buzzing hub of practical science, creative technology and ambitious arts; flinging wide the school gates to invite local schools and public to share our celebration of creativity in all its forms alongside an amazing programme of professional and student performances. By day, students from Warwickshire (and beyond) will make, play and learn shoulder-to-shoulder with artists, writers, scientists, academics and intellectuals through our extensive workshop and performance programme.

By night, the Festival plays host to world-class entertainment for all of Rugby and surrounding areas to enjoy. Providing a huge boost to our region with pride, the Festival supports local economy and tourism industries as part of its vision.

The Festival on The Close is proud to raise vital funds to support Cancer Research UK again this year.

The Festival will also support the Bicentenary celebrations, with the subtitle and theme, a fine disregard. The workshops include a re-enactment of the Suffragettes on trial, with thanks to National Justice Museum. We have dance companies exploring fine disregard of rules through movement and contact work.

Explore our full line-up of entertainment here.

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