Leicestershire Festivals
Many festivals and events take place across Leicester and Leicestershire throughout the year. Below are some of the highlights.
MAY/JUNE Spark Childrens Art Festival
0116 261 6893
The Spark Children's Arts Festival brings you 14 days of top quality theatre, dance, music and visual arts for children aged 0-13 years. Taking place all over Leicester city, in Loughborough and in the county, The Spark brings a range of traditional tales, urban dance, storytelling, international theatre, dance theatre and music by artists from all over the UK and beyond.
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MAY/JUNE Leicester Early Music Festival
0116 270 9984
A celebration of music written between 1200 and 1750, aimed at people of all ages, particularly families. Concerts, workshops, guided walks and exhibitions take place around the city centre.
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JUNE/JULY Leicester Pride Festival
0116 254 1747
A flamboyant celebration of gay culture and lifestyles. The colourful Pride Parade meets in Town Hall Square before marching through city centre streets up to Victoria Park. Entertainment here includes music, comedy and cabaret, with a children’s activity area, fun fair, bars and food & drink stalls.
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AUGUST Summer Sundae
0116 2333 111
This growing festival is a relaxed celebration of top class music in the grounds of Leicester's De Montfort Hall. Performances take place over a weekend both in the hall itself and outside in the attractive gardens. Past acts have included Lamb, Morcheeba and Beth Orton.
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AUGUST Battle of Bosworth Re-enactment
01455 290 429
Knights in armour representing the armies of King Richard III and Henry Tudor clash in an exciting portrayal of one of histories most dramatic battles. The event is held at the battlefield near Market Bosworth and includes other medieval attractions, with people dressed in period costume.
AUGUST Castle Park Festival
0116 299 5980
Bringing history to life, this ten day festival explores Leicester’s cultural heritage through music, theatre, guided walks, children’s activities and storytelling. Events are based around the Castle Park area of the city, which is Leicester’s Old Town.
SEPTEMBER Shackerstone Steam & Canal Festival
01827 880 903
A festival in the village of Shackerstone near Market Bosworth, which is home to the Battlefield Line steam railway and close to the Ashby Canal. Includes steam train rides, boat trips, vintage vehicles, country displays and fun for all the family!
SEPTEMBER Leicester International Music Festival
0116 225 4916
A must for all jazz and classical music enthusiasts. Leicester's annual International Music Festival attracts musicians of the highest international calibre. Concerts, talks, masterclasses and events take place at New Walk Museum and other venues around the city.
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OCTOBER/NOVEMBER Diwali
0116 266 8266
Diwali (pronounced Div-ar-lee) is the Hindu festival of Light and also marks the start of the Hindu New Year. Diwali celebrations in Leicester are the largest in the country and are based around the Belgrave Road at the heart of the city’s Asian community. There are two celebrations – the switching on of the lights and Diwali Day itself. Both celebrations involve traditional dancing, music and fireworks.