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Live music in Leicester!

January 4th 2026

Leicester has a vibrant and exciting music scene, with events taking place almost every night of the week. Rock and pop, classical, touring artists and local up and comers all share stages across the city.

Venues range from the 2,000 seat De Montfort Hall, the 100-year old theatre setting of the Y through to pubs and bars like Duffys, Firebug and the Soundhouse. There’s also The International, which has taken on the mantle from the much missed Musician of showcasing exciting unsigned and touring bands from across the world.

Take a look at our list and let us know if we’ve missed anything!

16 January

New Purple Celebration a tribute to Prince at the O2 Academy. TICKETS

17 January

Gigs for Gaza at The International, featuring Roo Stafford & The Innits, Misskicks, Not My Good Arm, Kick in The Bits, Sonar/Radar, Cyclopes’ One, Michael Vickers & The Bad Thing, Ohnemus, Brazilian Babbers, Speakers. TICKETS

The Clarendons, The Steptoos and Kian McGonigle at Duffys. TICKETS

The Mel One Show featuring Expressionless, Curfew, Nelson St, Break Them and Dumbo at The Big Difference. £5 on the door

18 January

Rebecca French Single Release Party, with Joe Doyle, Ben L, Shallowdrown at Firebug. DONATIONS TO MUSIC MINDS MATTER

Funk Against Racism show at The International. TICKETS

21 January

The Feminem Show, Musical comedy rap/pop mash-up. TICKETS

22 January

Mahan Esfahani (Harpsichord) at Hansom Hall. TICKETS

23 January

The Lucky Rats (70s/80s tribute band) at Firebug.

Sound of the Sirens at The International. TICKETS

LESTA ZOO featuring Virgina’s Wolves, Blackhorse Hotel + Lune Del Tigre at The Big Difference. TICKETS

24 January

K-Pop Superstars the ultimate K-Pop tribute show at the O2 Academy. TICKETS

Young Musician Concert 2026 at Holy Trinity Church. TICKETS

Castle Baroque Players and Chorus perform ‘Magnificat’ by J.S. Bach at St Mary de Castro Church. TICKETS

The Strange Doors (The Doors tribute) at The International. TICKETS

Cyclops One supported by Dum Language + Frieda at The Big Difference. TICKETS

25 January

The Mercians at The International. TICKETS

29 January

A Sky Full of Stars – A Tribute to Coldplay at De Montfort Hall. TICKETS

Niall MacNamee at Duffys. TICKETS  

Leicester Jazz House Presents: Nigel Price Organ Trio at Phoenix Cinema. TICKETS

30 January

Wrong Jovi a tribute to Bon Jovi at 2Funky Music Café. TICKETS

Riskee and the Ridicule at Firebug. TICKETS

Beastwang – The Next Chapter at 2Funky Music Café. TICKETS

Duran UK (Duran Duran tribute) at The International. TICKETS

Dusker plus support from Hex Poseur & shallowdrown at The Soundhouse. TICKETS

31 January

Candlelight: Hans Zimmer’s Best Works at the Guildhall. TICKETS

Amelia Coburn at Firebug. TICKETS

Candlelight: Coldplay vs Ed Sheeran at The Guildhall (7.30pm). TICKETS

Candlelight: The Best of Bollywood and Tollywood on Strings at The Guildhall (9.30pm). TICKETS

Bootleg Boss (Bruce Springsteen tribute) at The International. TICKETS

open mics and guest spots

Every Saturday afternoon, Soundhouse Winter Sessions

First Thursday of the month Clarendon Park Open Mic at Bar Dos Hermanos

Tuesday nights at the Soundhouse, Songwriters Open Mic

Last Thursday of the month at the Real Ale Classroom

Last Friday of the month at James Café Bistro

Third Thursday of the month at Baton Rouge

Open mic Irish Sessions at Duffys. 2nd Wednesday and last Friday of the month.

Music venues in Leicester

Keep exploring