The much-loved Kenilworth Advent Calendar is back for another festive season, bringing "excitement, community spirit", and over £6,500 worth of prizes to residents. 

Just like a traditional Advent Calendar, it features 24 numbered doors for each day from 1 to 24 December.

But instead of chocolates or pictures, behind each door is a list of five fantastic prizes - all generously donated by local businesses.

Run by Kenilworth Rotary Club, this year's prizes include free meals and drinks, haircuts, cash prizes, family passes to Warwick Castle and The Wave water park, jewellery, household items, and even a ride in a De Lorean sports car.

That is a total of 120 prizes, all supporting and celebrating Kenilworth's vibrant business community, with all calendar proceeds going towards local charities.

Each calendar has a unique number and, on each day from December 1, reveals five prizes.

Winning numbers will be published daily online at www.kenilworthadventcalendar.co.uk and on social media.

Winners will also receive details on how to collect their prizes at that time.

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The website also gives the option to buy a virtual calendar.

Calendars are on sale from 10am until 4pm daily until 29 November, with the first winning numbers announced on 1 December.

The project was started by the late Malcolm Matthews, who ran it in 2022 and 2023 before handing over to Steve Krikler last year.

Steve said: "We have managed to recruit several volunteers to supplement the club members in manning the sales stalls, in Talisman Square and outside Robert Dyas. We also go round various groups, pubs etc. in the evenings and we visit other local Rotary Clubs with a view to selling some more calendars.

"It does require a huge effort, building up all year to a crescendo of sales in November, then gradually calming down as the prizes are claimed through December and on into the New Year.

"We do ask people to submit their claims by the end of February, and we always have a few prizes left unclaimed. In January, we hold a thank-you party to which the prize donors and sales volunteers are invited and we present awards to the businesses who sponsor the calendar and to the charities who are the recipients of our pledged donations.

"It is hard work, but all in a good cause so we feel it is worth the effort."

The front cover was designed by Aimi Monk, as selected as the winning entry from A-level graphic design students at Kenilworth School. The proceeds will allow donations of £2,000 to each of six local charities – Myton Hospice, Waverley Centre, Kenilworth Centre, Compassionate Kenilworth, Talisman Theatre Youth Group and Priory Theatre Youth Initiative. The Rotary Club hopes to top last year's 3,500 calendars sold, raising over £17,000.

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