Plein Air events at Kenilworth Castle

July 2025 marks the 450th Anniversary of the visit of Elizabeth1 to Robert Dudley at Kenilworth Castle, and a host of events are being planned by Kenilworth Council and English Heritage to commemorate the event.

As part of the celebrations there will be 2 Plein Air events at the Castle, giving a fantastic opportunity for artists to be creative (in their own medium), in the grounds of one of the most important historic buildings in Warwickshire.

The Plein Airs will both take place on the weekend of 14th/15th June, followed by an exhibition at the Talisman Theatre Kenilworth, on the weekend of 23rd/24th August.

Get Creative – Children’s Art Day at the Castle – Saturday 14 June

Young artists of all ages and abilities, accompanied by an adult if under 16, will be getting creative in the castle grounds in their own Plein Air art event. The Castle will be open to young artists from 10am until 4pm.

Artists are needed to work alongside and engage with young visitors either all day, 10-1 or 1-4pm. You do not need to be a teacher, just be willing to do your own work alongside any young people who may choose to sit down beside you and be creative themselves.

Plein Air at the Castle – Sunday 15 June, 10am - 4pm

This non-selective art event is open to local artists who are invited to produce a creative piece in any 2D or 3D artform, drawing inspiration from the glorious castle surroundings.

Applications are invited from local artists.

All participants from the Plein Air days will be eligible to have their work displayed in a pop-up exhibition at the Talisman Theatre 23 and 24 August. Visitors will be able to view and purchase pieces produced during the Sunday event. The exhibition will also include work from the children’s day on Saturday.

There is no fee for artists for either of the Plein Air days, but you will need your own PLI.

We particularly welcome applications from artists who are willing to take part in the Children’s day on Saturday.

Please note: if you wish to book both Saturday and Sunday, you will need to complete the booking form twice; first for Saturday, then for Sunday. If you are able to do both morning and afternoon sessions on Saturday, you will also need to fill in the form twice.