Summer festivals and gigs in Abbey Park

This summer we have some MASSIVE shows and festivals taking place over two weekends in one of the city’s most beautiful open spaces, Abbey Park. First in June we have household name music events and some of the top stars of stand-up comedy, then in August there’s a celebration of food and drink plus 90s R&B legends. There really is something for everything as we celebrate Summer in the City!

Aitch is one of the top stars of UK Rap, blowing up with “Straight Rhymez” at 18 years old before appearing on the cover of The Face Magazine. He’s had six top 10 smashes, collabs with Stormzy and Ed Sheeran, plus a Brit nomination, MOBO Award, Global Award, and countless other accolades.

Expect a huge live performance with state of the art stage production, a full supporting line-up (TBA soon), fairground rides from Billy Bates, street food village with local traders and of course fully stocked bars.

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Get ready for an unforgettable night of ska-pop with Brit legends Madness. Expect classics like “Our House”, “Baggy Trousers”, and “It Must Be Love” delivered with an unmistakable blend of humor, heart, and high-octane performance.

Support comes from Gentleman’s Dub Club, Neville Staple (From The Specials) and Beatles Dub Club Live. There will be a VIP section with bar and garden plus a variety of food and drinks vendors.

Tickets on sale now!

Leicester Comedy Festival bring the funny to Leicester every February and now they’re bringing their biggest ever outdoor summer show to Abbey Park. Starring the amazing Lou Sanders (Last One Laughing), Phil Ellis (Taskmaster), Tom Rosenthal (Friday Night Dinner), Kiri Pritchard-McLean (Live at the Apollo) and Nabil Abdulrashid (8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown)!

It’s going to be a proper festival atmosphere with street food, bars, and a huge main stage – plus, you’ll be helping raise money for Big Difference Company, the charity behind Leicester Comedy Festival.

Get your tickets here

UK garage pioneer DJ Spoony brings his acclaimed garage & R&B classical show to Abbey Park. This huge open-air concert alongside Katie Chatburn and the Ignition Orchestra reimagines the biggest garage and R&B anthems with full live instrumentation.

The night will also feature performances from Heartless Crew, Alongside Romeo & Lisa Maffia, Shoma Ama, Kele Le Roc, Nay Nay, Liifford, Maxwell D (Pay As You Go), Monsta Boy, Mc Dt, Sharky P, Thomas Jules, Mc Ranking, Richie Dan – with support from DJ Pied Piper, DJ Silk, Domin8 and Juvie.

Tickets here!

Leicester Weekender presents Summer Jams 2026, the City’s premier R&B day to night party. They are bringing legends of R&B and UK Garage to the park in the summer sun. From the soulful harmonies of Eternal and Damage to the high-octane energy of Ms. Dynamite and special guest Lethal Bizzle.

With a massive DJ lineup from RNB Day Party including Esco-Bar, DJ Dre, Alex Miles, and Glamour – hosted by the legendary Terence ‘Mr Bigs’ Edwards – Abbey Park will be transformed into the ultimate open air dance floor. Level up by grabbing limited VIP tickets which includes entrance queue jump plus exclusive access to the VIP Bar and toilets.

Tickets are selling fast

One of the top family friendly events of the summer, the Leicester Food and Music Festival is a celebration of the tastes of Leicester and Leicestershire, with incredible street food, delicious drinks and cocktails, top tribute bands and loads of fun activities.

Confirmed tribute artists are The Oasis Experience, Take That tribute Rule The World and the UB40 Experience, and more to be confirmed. There will also be a makers market with 80+ stalls, balloon and silent discos, circus school, Kids DJ and graffiti art workshops, climbing wall, Punch and Judy show, sand skills and funfair to name but a few!

Tickets are on sale here

Make a weekend of it in the city, with a huge range of fantastic places to stay in Leicester. From reasonably price hotel rooms to luxury spots, quirky self-catering places and home-from-home apartment hotels, there’s something to suit every taste and budget.

Check out our accommodation page here