A Paralympic gold medallist is the latest speaker coming to join Kenilworth Chamber of Trade this summer.

Just over a year after starting as chair, Rebecca Warwick has led Kenilworth Chamber of Trade in a slightly different direction from its traditional approach of business-to-business events, to hold more community engagement projects.

It is quite a departure from the Chamber's traditional approach, but Rebecca thinks it is an important one.

As a result, this year the chamber extended its event schedule, with top-level runner Danny Crates the next on the billing.

As well as providing regular events aimed at supporting businesses to gain new skills, knowledge, and meet new contacts, the chamber is building its broader program to build community and bring like-minded individuals together.

Examples of this are The Kenilworth Fringe Festival that premiered in February hosting over 50 arts and culture events across the week at venues around the town.

It was "hugely successful" and brought over 1,000 people together to explore art and culture in the broadest sense, from art to politics, and writers to aerial hoop classes.

For Rebecca the importance was the community building and footfall for venues.

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She said: "Over 80% of our events were free and the ones that were paid covered their own costs or those of other free events around the town.

"The feedback from audiences and venues was wonderful and we brought people together on a rainy week in winter; we look for doing something bigger next year."

The chamber is continuing to dip their toe into community events, with two exciting events planned in June.

On 6 June the chamber is welcoming multi-gold medal winning runner Danny Crates to the Rugby Club, where he will give a talk over a buffet lunch.

Danny won his medals representing Great Britain at the 800m and is now a BBC anchor and High-Performance Coach.

Rebecca said. "Danny's funny and engaging style is so inspirational I defy people leave and not feel ready for their next challenge!.

"Danny will be bringing his medals, so if you haven't held an Olympic Gold Medal before, now is your chance!"

Following on from that event The Fringe Festival is presenting a Classical Music Concert at Kenilworth Castle.

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This will feature international musicians and some song, in what promises to be a wonderful evening. Refreshments will be available and all proceeds go to supporting next February's Fringe Festival, to keep the festival accessible to as many as possible.

Rebecca said: "Unlike larger towns in Warwickshire, Kenilworth doesn't have a Business Improvement District, rather it is part of the wider council economic support and Shakespeare's England. Whilst these organisations provide great support across Warwickshire, we really feel there is a gap in Kenilworth.

"There are an increasing number of events happening, thanks to groups such as Kenfest, The Old Highstreet team, Let it Be, The Lions and many others, but we feel there is space for so much more. We think the Chamber is well placed to support the community from that perspective and many of our members wish to be actively involved and support in their local community."

She went on "These events couldn't be put on without the support of businesses and the community. We thank Halo Physio, Kenilworth Footcare, and Laura Parkinson Bowen Therapy for sponsoring the Danny Crates Lunch, and English Heritage, The Abbey Quartet and Let it Be for supporting the Classical Music at the Castle.

"Most of all though we need guests, so if you would like a ticket to either event, please go to the chamber website to book. We would love to see you there!"

If you would like further information or to book either event, or find out more about the Chamber, give feedback on events, or join and to support its voluntary work, go to the website where you can find out everything.