Kevin Murphy of Murphy's Bar, New Chapters founder Yvonne Mckinnon and Darren Butler of House of Halloween will switch on Leamington's lights on 15 November.
Three people, not one, will switch on Leamington’s Christmas lights this year. Publican Kevin Murphy, addiction recovery charity founder Yvonne Mckinnon and Darren Butler, the man behind the “House of Halloween”, will join the Mayor on the stage outside the Town Hall at 5.30pm on Sunday 15 November 2026.
Warwick District Council and Royal Leamington Spa Town Council announced the choice on 23 October. The councils had asked residents to nominate a person or group who had made a positive impact on the town over the past year. They had planned to pick one. Instead, the councils say, three nominees “stood out for the difference they make to local people”, each with “overwhelming backing from residents”, so the councils, working with BID Leamington, chose all three.
Kevin Murphy
Kevin Murphy was put forward for what the councils call his long-standing commitment to Leamington. His nominators praised his support for local events, charities and community groups, his business Murphy’s Bar, and “the generosity and kindness he shows to people across the town”.
“I am overwhelmed to have been nominated,” Kevin said. “It will be an honour and a privilege to assist in switching the Christmas lights on.”
Yvonne Mckinnon
Yvonne Mckinnon was nominated for setting up and leading New Chapters, an addiction recovery charity. The councils say it creates opportunities for people facing social isolation, mental health challenges and difficult circumstances “to connect, take part and thrive”.
“I feel incredibly honoured and humbled to have been nominated by members of our community to take part in switching on Leamington’s Christmas lights,” she said. “This recognition means a great deal to me, but it also belongs to everyone who has supported New Chapters and believed in what we are trying to achieve.
“New Chapters has always been about more than recovery from addiction. It is about giving people hope, helping them find their purpose and showing them that their past does not have to define their future. To be recognised by the town I care so much about is truly special.”
Darren Butler
Darren Butler was chosen for his work in the community and the money he raises for charities with his “now famous” House of Halloween, the councils say, as well as the community events, classes and day trips he runs.
“I am completely honoured and humbled to be nominated to turn on the Christmas Lights in Leamington,” he said. “Thank you to everyone who nominated me, it makes everything I do worthwhile. I cannot wait to light up the town for Christmas for our wonderful community and look forward to seeing you all there!”
The Mayor
Councillor Sarah Boad, the Mayor of Royal Leamington Spa, will switch the lights on with them.
“It was fantastic to see so many nominations come forward,” she said. “They really highlighted the range of talent and generosity we have in the town. Each of them has made a real difference to our community in their own way, and this is a wonderful opportunity to recognise and celebrate their contributions.
“I’m delighted to welcome Kevin, Yvonne and Darren to join me in lighting up Leamington.”
What it means for you
The Big Lights Switch On is on Sunday 15 November 2026:
- 10am: Christmas market opens
- 3pm: music starts on the stage outside the Town Hall
- 5.30pm: the lights go on
Road closures, parking and the rest of the day are in our Leamington Christmas lights switch-on guide, and the market dates through December are in our Leamington Christmas markets listing.
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