Leicester Events, Things to Do and Festivals 2014 / 2015

(Leicester, Leicestershire, England, UK)

Leicestershire provides a comprehensive list of cultural festivals and annual events, which are held all through the years and are often completely free of charge. Things to do in Leicester really do come alive during the summer months, when the sound of live music and entertainment fills the air.

If you are in the city during February, then try to join in the laughter at the Leicester Comedy Festival, which has grown to become one of the biggest comedy events that England now has to offer and always draws big names and celebrities.


Each August, the Leicester Caribbean Carnival is nothing short of an extravaganza and this multicultural event has been gaining momentum ever since it was first held in 1985. Also at this time of the year are the Summer Sundae Weekender concerts, which in the past have attracted groups and artists such as Sophie Ellis-Bextor, St. Etienne, The Magic Numbers, The Streets and The Zutons, amongst other popular performers.

Leicester Calendar of Festivals and Events 2014 / 2015: General Information

• Leicester Comedy Festival - early to mid-February, at central venues such as De Montfort Hall
• Easter Treasure Hunt Walks - late March / early April, at the Great Central Railway, Leicester / Loughborough
• Hallaton Bottle Kicking and Hare Pie Scramble - mid-April, at Hallaton and Medbourne
• Continental Market - early May, at Gallowtree Gate
• Kites Day - mid-May, at Rockingham Castle
• National Forest Walking Festival - mid-May, in the surrounding north-west Leicestershire countryside
• Glastonbudget Music Festival - late May, at Turnpost Farm, Wymeswold
• Spark Children's Arts Festival - late May to early June, at various venues in central Leicester
• Bands on Parks Season - June to September, brass band concerts at parks throughout Leicester
• Riverside Festival - early June, at Bede Park, with live music, entertainment and parades
• Download Donington - mid-June, a rock music festival at Donington Park in Castle Donington
• Stapleford Steam Show - mid-June, at the Stapleford Country Park near to Melton Mowbray
• Big Session Festival - mid-June, folk music at De Montfort Hall and Gardens
• Melton by the Sea - late July, at Melton Mowbray
• CLA Game Fair - late July, a huge countryside event at Belvoir Castle in Grantham
• MotoGP - late July, at Donington Park in Castle Donington
• Leicester Caribbean Carnival - early August, an exotic spectacle at Victoria Park
• Summer Sundae Weekender - mid-August, live music at De Montfort Hall and Gardens
• Family Fun Weekend - late August, at Belvoir Castle in Grantham
• Castle Park Heritage and Arts Festival - late August, at Castle Park
• Sky Ride Leicester - late August, cycling event through the streets of the city centre
• National Forest Wood Fair - late August, at Beacon Hill
• Leicester Gay Pride - early September, at central venues
• Leicester International Music Festival - mid-September, at the New Walk Museum and Art Gallery
• Leicestershire Walking Week - late September, activities throughout Leicestershire
• East Midlands Food and Drink Festival - early October, at Melton Mowbray, with some 200 exhibitors
• Diwali Festival - mid-October, based around Belgrave Road, attracting over 35,000 people
• Abbey Park Bonfire and Fireworks Display - early November, at Abbey Park
• Christmas at Rockingham Castle - late November, near Market Harborough
• Christmas Lights Switch-on - late December, at the Town Hall Square in Leicester city centre