Autumn Uncovered in Leicestershire

The leaves are turning and the smell of pumpkin spice is in the air, which means it must be autumn! The events and activities don’t slow down around Leicester and Leicestershire, from Black History Month to Restaurant Week, then into Halloween, Diwali and Fireworks night, it’s packed full of great fun for the whole family. Take a look at our run-down of the best events.

There are events running throughout the month, from a classical concert using only black composers, a rare show from the iconic Lenny Henry, live music, film screenings, a Windrush Exhibition at Leicester Museum and lots more! Serendipity have put together a guide to all the best events (and are running a few themselves). Check it out in our blog.

A massive touring exhibition exploring artefacts from one of the most famous disasters of all time are going on display at Leicester Racecourse this autumn. The Titanic in 101 Objects will be at The Kube at the racecourse from 8-18 October. Come and see authentic pieces from the doomed ship and discover the real human stories behind this tragic event. Tickets on sale now!

Spooky Season comes to Leicestershire with some amazing events. Halloween Farm at Cattows is the largest family friendly Halloween event in the country with pumpkin picking, circus, family entertainment and loads more. Xtreme Scream Park at Twinlakes is a multiple award-winning scare fest with the most terrifying actors making you scream through 7 horrifying mazes. This is the most terrifying experience you can find in the region.

Over at Twycross Zoo, fans of Julia Donaldson can explore theRoom On A Broom corn maze throughout October! In the city the Leicester Monsters are back, with a FREE trail of fun inflatable critters adorning some of the city’s most famous and well-loved buildings. Follow the trail around Leicester from the 22-31 October and log your finds in the MyLeicester app.

Running for TWO weeks from 19 October to 1 November, people in Leicester can find a wide range of amazing deals on food with Leicester Restaurant Week. Running alongside the Leicester Monster Trail, diners can get money off meals in city restaurants, cafes and pubs with deals from £5 to £30 at venues as diverse as the Grand Hotel, YO! Sushi, Dough What pizza house and Indian favourite My Delhi.

Always a highlight of the calendar, this year the Diwali stage is back in Cossington Park. The lights will be up from mid-October, alongside the Wheel of Light, then the celebrations all happen on 8 November, Diwali Day. The return of cultural activities to Cossington Park will include a full stage programme, laser show, Diwali village, fun fair and there will also be amazing rangoli artworks on display in Belgrave Neighbourhood Centre. Get all the up to date info on our dedicated Diwali page.

At Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre, celebrate Diwali By The Water on Saturday 31 October, 5.30 to 8pm. Enjoy stunning light displays, a live DJ, toasted marshmallows around the fire pit, and warm drinks. At the Peepul Centre on 1 November come and experience an amazing homegrown show performed by local kids. The Magical Diwali Tree weaves the epic stories of Rama, Sita, and Hanuman together with Guru Hargobind Rai’s historic release of 52 Rajas.

Over in Loughborough they’ll also be celebrating Diwali with a lights switch on event at the Town Hall on 13 October. This will be followed by a special Festival of Lights show on the main stage. Tickets are available here.

Leicestershire’s skies light up for the annual bonfire night celebrations! The biggest and best value firework display can be found at the Abbey Park Bonfire and Firework Display on 7 November with a huge bonfire, kids firework show and massive spectacular main show, plus the main stage and funfair as well!

Leicester Racecourse’s Firework display is another local favourite, this year in aid of Voluntary Action Leicester and featuring a live DJ set from 80s legend Pat Sharp! Tickets available here. Further afield there will be loads of amazing displays, withsome of the highlights including fireworks over the water at Stoney Cove diving centre, Bonfire and Fireworks at Mallory Park race track near Hinckley, and a two-night Family Fireworks spectacular at Conkers in the National Forest.

November also offers us a time for reflection as the nation stops to remember the fallen and celebrate our military and uniformed heroes. Remembrance Sunday is on 8 November, and the main Leicester event will be held at the Victoria Park war memorial with parade, speeches and cannon salute. Loughborough’s Carillion monument will be the site for their commemorations, with a parade winding its way through the town on its way to Queen’s Park. And finally if you pop to Cosby, then the yarn bombers will be creating their own knitted tributes to our heroes.