Our Vision
Atherstone, for generations, has been a place where people meet, work and share ideas, and that spirit still defines us today. Sitting at the heart of North Warwickshire, our town has always been a crossroads. Not just roads and waterways, but communities, cultures and everyday lives. Our historic high street, market square, canal, and countryside continue to set the rhythm of how we live and support each other.
Atherstone was known far beyond Warwickshire for one thing in particular: hats. Made here and worn across the country and sent around the world, each one carrying a little piece of Atherstone with it. Workshops and factories once stood along our streets, filled with the sound of machinery and conversation. The hatters shaped more than materials; they created a community built on skill, pride and resilience.
Working spirit can be seen in our independent shops, market, and local traders who open their doors each morning knowing their customers by name. You can feel it in the way people support one another. Through long-standing community groups, local charities, events when the town comes together.
Through an online survey, local residents have shared their opinions of Atherstone. Community was mentioned throughout, with local, friendly and heritage.
Traditions like our Shrove Tuesday ‘Ball Game’ which has been played for over 800 years, set the scene for the identity of the town. On that day, Atherstone becomes a shared space of energy, laughter and fierce local pride, connecting past and present in a way only Atherstone can. There is a real sense of belonging here, where people look out for one another.
Its about celebrating Atherstone as it is now, while creating space to imagine what it can become. Through creative activities, exhibitions, workshops, performances, sporting events, learning and development opportunities and outdoor events, we want to highlight local talent and support our traders and independent businesses, local school children and community groups. It is an incredible opportunity to celebrate those that make such a difference.
Atherstone is unique because our story is shaped by workers, makers, traders and volunteers, by traditions that endure and new ideas that continue to grow. By celebrating our culture from our hatting heritage to the creativity of our community today, we want to keep that story alive whilst mapping out the future. A story of pride, connection and resilience that continues to be written by the people of Atherstone.