Leicester hosts many amazing festivals and events with a wide variety of vibrant and entertaining celebrations, there is something on offer for visitors and residents alike.
With the broad array of opportunities, ranging from cultural festivals and community celebrations to seasons of comedy, music and history, we hope that this guide inspires you to visit and enjoy some of Leicester's and the East Midland’s major festivals and events.
Up and coming festivals in Leicester include...
January
Leicester Comedy Festival Preview Show | www.comedy-festival.co.uk
The longest running comedy festival in Europe! Enjoy the priview show to the main, week long event in February.
Chinese New Year Celebrations | www.leicester.gov.uk/festivals
With a theme of community participation and cultural exchange, celebrate the Year of the Dragon with lion dance and Chinese music performances, calligraphy workshops and origami. This years’ (2012) event takes place at Leicester Market – in Market Corner on Saturday 21st January, from 11am – 4pm.
February
Leicester Comedy Festival | www.comedy-festival.co.uk
The Leicester Comedy Festival started in 1994 with 40 events programmed into 23 venues over 7 days throughout Leicestershire. An ever growing event, the comedy festival is one of Leicester's major winter attractions now taking place over 17 days. The festival features a whole host of big name established acts and the hottest in new talent.
March
Holi Festival | www.leicester.gov.uk/festivals
Often held on Spinney Hill Park and Cossington Street Recreation Ground.
Holi, sometimes known as the festival of colour, marks the season of spring as the time of renewal, rebirth,
hope and the victory of good over evil. In the evening, bonfires are lit and people gather to offer prayers and
take part in a traditional game of smearing each other with coloured dye.
St. Patricks Celebrarion Parade | www.irishinleicester.org.uk
[Following details from 2011] From Leicester Cathedral – Humberstone Gate. After a non-denominational service at Leicester Cathedral, the parade will gather on Guildhall Lane and head off at 12 noon, finishing at
Humberstone Gate. This year, the parade will be led by the Birmingham Irish Pipe and Drum Band followed by three Irish Wolfhounds from Irish Wolfhound Association of the UK. This will be followed by various community and dance groups performing under the Big Screen.
T: (0116) 276 9186 W: www.irishinleicester.org.uk
April
Christ in the Centre | www.christinthecentre.co.uk
Every Good Friday thousands of people gather in the centre of Leicester to watch a dramatic
re-enactment of of Jesus' last days.
St. George's Festival | www.oneleicester.com/StGeorges
The Festival celebrates the old and the new with activites and events, a prade and more...
May
Spark Children's Arts Festival (May - June) | www.sparkfestival.org.uk
The Spark Children's Arts Festival is a 14 day feast of circus, theatre, dance, music, puppetry and sculpture for children and young people aged 0 - 13 years, specially created by a range of regional, national and international companies.
June
Leicester Riverside Festival | www.leicester.gov.uk/festivals
Family fun on and off the water. The event offers boat trips, live music, stalls, displays and an exciting choice of activities for children, making it a funpacked weekend. The Festival takes place during the first weekend of June each year.
Big Session Festival | www.bigsessionfestival.com
The Big Session Festival at De Montfort Hall and Gardens has carved out a cosy niche on the periphery of the folk music scene. The event provides family freindly festival-goers with the best of acoustic, folk and roots music. There's also a proper session bar, giving you the opportunity to take along your own instrumnets and join in! In 2008, the festival won the Greener Festival Award.
July
Leicester Belgrave Mela | www.leicester-mela.co.uk
The rich, colourful mix of this south Asian arts and culture festival includes live entertainment, celebrity guests, community performances and music and dance programme. The event also boasts the Mela Bazaar, featuring mouth-watering Indian food, clothing, jewellery and Asian arts stands plus much more!
August
Leicester Caribbean Carnival | www.leicestercarnival.com
The Leicester Caribbean Carnival is the biggest multi cultural event in the Midlands. It is celebrated each year on the first Saturday in August with a parade around the city of Leicester (usually taking in the city centre and the suburb of Highfields), culminating in an event on Victoria Park.
Summer Sundae Weekender | www.summersundae.com
An award winning, family freindly, three-day music festival at De Montfort Hall and Gardens showcasing over 100 acts. As well as fantastic live music from well known acts, there's also comedy, spoken word performances, silent discos, plus unique stalls selling cool crafts, funky clothes and lots of culinary delights.
Castle Park Heritage & Arts Festival | www.leicester.gov.uk/festivals
Castle Park Heritage and Arts Festival embraces Leicester's heritage with lively events, activities and performances for all ages helping to commemorate the past, present and future within the historic heart of the city.
September
Leicester International Music Festival | www.musicfestival.co.uk
World class artists bring the best of classical, jazz and world music to the city each year in September! The festival celebrates national and international recognition for high quality musical performances.
Navratri | www.leicester.gov.uk/festivals
Navratri is the Hindu festival of nine nights. Leicester is the number one city in UK to celebrate the festival.
Leicester Pride | www.leicestergaypride.co.uk
Promoting equality and diversity in relation to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (lgbt) people, in particular but not exclusively, those resident in Leicester.
October
Black History Season | www.leicester.gov.uk/festivals
Black History Season promotes the history and contribution that African and Caribbean communities have made to Leicester, helping to understand the present through our past.
Leicester Marathon | www.leicestermarathon.org.uk
Full marathon, half marathon, corporate relay and the Ted Toft Mile for young people (10 - 16 year olds).
In support of local charities LOROS Hospice and the Matt Hampson Foundation. Or, you can run for whichever charity you want. Starts & finishes on Victoria Park.
Diwali Celebrations | www.leicester.gov.uk/festivals
Leicester's Diwali celebrations are the largest in the world outside of India, and about 60,000 people attended the switch-on of the lights each year. Over 3,000 feet of lights adorn Belgrave Road. This is a cultural festival you do not want to miss on a visit to Leicester!
Dashera | www.leicester.gov.uk/festivals
Dashera is the culmination of the Hindu festival of Navratri, commemorating the story of the battle between Lord Rama and King Ravana and the victory of good over evil. Celebrations include the burning of a huge structure representing King Ravana, children’s funfair rides, a live stage programme and a spectacular firework display.
November
Abbey Park Bonfire & Firework Display | www.leicester.gov.uk/festivals
Abbey Park bonfire & firework display is a spectacular show and is Leicester’s Biggest Display. The event takes place each year on the first Saturday in November and celebrates the foiling of the Guy Fawkes Gunpowder Plot of the 5th November 1605.
Christmas Lights Switch On | www.oneleicester.com/Christmas
Leicester's Christmas light switch on ceremony takes place on the penultimate Sunday in November each year. The event takes place in Leicester's Town Hall Square and marks the start of the wonderful festive celebrations that take place throughout the city.
December
Hanukkah Light Switch On | www.leicester.gov.uk/festivals
Hanukkah is an annual Jewish festival which begins at sundown and is celebrated over eight successive days, with candles lit on each one. Hanukkah commemorates the relighting of the ‘menorah’, the light which signifies Gods presence in the temple.
Christmas in Leicester | www.oneleicester.com/Christmas
More up to date information | Leicester's What's On guide
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