Canley to celebrate world peace and community togetherness at annual parade and big lunch

The University of Warwick, in collaboration with Warwick Arts Centre and the Canley community, is pleased to announce the return of the annual Canley Parade and Big Lunch on Saturday 7 June 2025.

This year’s theme is World Peace, inviting local residents, schools, and community groups to explore ideas of identity, culture, diversity, place, climate, feelings, beliefs, unity and friendship – and bring them to life in joyful, creative ways.

The parade will run from 11am to 12.30pm, starting on Glebe Close and winding its way through Canley before arriving at Prior Deram Park, where the Big Lunch will take place from 12 noon until 4pm. The event is free and open to all.

Along the route, expect colourful banners, handmade costumes, music and dance – including a special performance by the Canley Samba Band, who meet every Monday during term time at Canley Community Centre.

Organised by Playing Out Canley, the parade and Big Lunch are part of a wider community-led programme to celebrate children’s right to play and encourage connection across the neighbourhood. The project is supported by The University of Warwick as part of its ongoing commitment to working in partnership with its local communities.

Gemma Wright, Head of Creative Learning at Warwick Arts Centre said: “We’re really looking forward to this year’s Canley Parade and Big Lunch, it’s always a special day that brings people together. It’s been a joy supporting local residents, schools and community groups in the lead-up to the event, and we can’t wait to see how the theme of World Peace is brought to life on the streets of Canley.”

Dotti Sallis, Canley Creative and Resident added: “The Big Lunch and parade are a wonderful way to bring Canley’s diverse community together. With support from Go Canley, Warwick Arts Centre and Warwick Volunteers, the event remains free and open to all. The Playing Out in Canley Steering Group made up of residents and community leaders have worked closely to make this celebration inclusive and memorable.”

Road Closures

To ensure everyone’s safety during the parade, several roads along the route will be temporarily closed for approximately 15 minutes each as the parade passes through. These include Glebe Close, Thomas Sharp Street, the bottom part of Mitchell Avenue (by Charter Primary), Wendiburgh Street, Walsall Street, a short section of John Rous Avenue, Mayors Croft, Henry Boteler Road, and Sheriff Avenue, before the parade ends in Prior Deram Park around 12.30pm.

Residents living on these roads will receive a letter in advance with details about the closures. A friendly team of stewards will be on hand throughout the day to manage the road closures and keep everyone informed. Organisers kindly ask for your patience and understanding during these brief interruptions, and we hope you’ll come out to cheer the parade as it moves through the neighbourhood.

For more information or to ask any questions, find out more on Facebook @playingoutcanley or email playingoutcanley@gmail.com.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

For more information, please contact:

Stevie Connoll – Media & Communications Officer

stevie.connoll@warwick.ac.uk / +44 (0)7824 540791