Leicestershire Festivals
Many festivals and events take place across Leicester and Leicestershire throughout the year. Below are some of the highlights.
MAY - OCTOBER One Rhythm Dance Festival0116 238 5084
One Rhythm Dance Festival's heady mix of cultures and tradition promises to take you to all four corners of the globe, as the city comes alive with a colourful, diverse programme of themed events and performances, toe tapping sounds from across the globe and activities the whole family can get involved in, all for free!
Visit website
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.
Visit website
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER Celebrate 2008
0116 2547412
A week of events celebrating our lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.
Celebrate 2008 will be a week of grass-roots events bringing together the LGBT community of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. With events as diverse as a Queer Cabaret, a Big Gay Fete, a Coffee Afternoon for older LGBT people and a discussion of Christianity and Homosexuality, Celebrate 2008 will be as varied and interesting as the LGBT community itself.
Visit website
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.