March has arrived. Who can believe that we’re almost a quarter of the way through 2019 already? This time last year we were all caught in the grip of the “Beast from The East”, and who can forget all the heavy snow, closed roads and brutal winds.

We couldn’t be any further from that now, with record temperatures, blue skies, and golden evenings. Since the good weather is set to carry on over the next few weeks – we’re sure you’ll want to spend as little time indoors as possible before our luck runs out!


Always & Always Facing Toward the Light

The month kicks off with a bang and a flash – well, less of a flash, more of a spectacular video projection with the ‘Always and Always Facing Toward the Light’ event on New Market Square. This cutting-edge 3D display will showcase the remarkable story of Leicester suffragette Alice Hawkins, alongside a live performance and 40-strong choir ensemble.

If you’re not quite sure what 3D video mapping is, make sure you check out this show reel from the team behind the event – Shared Space & Light, who have produced video art for the Grand Canal in Venice and even a desert in the United Arab Emirates:

Sounds great doesn’t it? Well, to top it off, several retailers are offering special discounts to wristband holders, including food, fashion, and free tickets to the King Richard III visitor centre! Find the offers on the event page here.

But we haven’t even mentioned the best part about this event; it’s TOTALLY FREE!

Now that you’ve convinced yourself, make sure you pick up a wristband before the show from either the Visit Leicester Information Centre on Gallowtree Gate, Highcross Customer Service Desk, or New Walk Museum.  


National Pie Week

Leicestershire and Pies go hand in hand – which is why it’s the best place to enjoy National Pie Week, a whole week dedicated to the delicious filled pastry creations from the 4th to the 10th! Some of you may already know that the famed Melton Mowbray Pork Pie is officially protected under designation of origin laws in the same way as Champagne, Prosciutto and Feta cheese – not bad company to be in!

If you fancy the pinnacle of pork pies, then look no further than Dickinson & Morris Ye Olde Pork Pie Shoppe in Melton Mowbray. Operating from the same building for over 150 years, this institution keeps the classic blend of flavours alive and well. If you live in Leicester, you must try this piece of local history at least once!

If you’re looking to get your pie fix in the city centre, then be sure to head to The Cookie. Although renowned for their wide variety of acts, from headline comedians to some extremely talented musicians, they also offer a selection of high-quality Pieminister pies. The range includes the classic steak & ale, luscious chicken & smoked bacon, and even a vegan friendly ‘chicken’ pie with smoked garlic and sherry.

Speaking of vegan, if you’re considering eating less meat and using less animal products, why not check out the huge selection available at the Vegan Festival on March 23rd. There’s a full range of products at over 80 stalls, including food, beauty, clothes and jewellery. Who knows, it might open your eyes to the alternatives that are out there!


Leicester Holi

This traditional Hindu celebration returns once again to Abbey Park. Renowned as one of the city’s most exciting and colourful events, it’s sure to be a day packed full of culture, history and entertainment! Building on the success of last year’s festival, this year will be complete with stage performances, yoga, face-painting, and of course the ever-popular paint throwing.

This event is totally free to enter, and no registration is required beforehand. You can purchase the wonderful colour packets on the day – and although the coloured powder that Leicester Holi use is less staining than most, it’s still a good idea to avoid your favourite clothes!

March also brings us another traditional celebration; St Patrick’s Day. This Irish ritual has become a favourite across the globe, as millions gather to celebrate and honour St Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. In Leicester, all are welcome to join the parade celebrations, with Irish community groups, clubs and friends all gathering together.


March Madness

For those of you who like to enjoy a little tipple (or two), March is set to be an enjoyable month! From the 13th to the 16th, beer aficionados can attend the CAMRA Leicester Beer Festival. Heralded as one of the best events for those interested in real ale, the festival will be showcasing hundreds of beers, as well as a selection of ciders, perries, and even a gin bar and mead stall. All of that is sure to work up your appetite, so you’ll be pleased to know that there will be plenty of food stalls, including some incredible local curries!

If you’re serious about your gin, look no further than the National Space Centre’s GINtergalactic evening on 23rd March. Complete with a Gin Market, live music, competitions, food, and plenty of talks, workshops and masterclasses to get involved with. You can learn what food to pair with your gin, how to infuse your own botanical flavours, and how to select the best tonic for your drink of choice. And don’t worry, there’ll be plenty of opportunities to sample along the way!

Looking for something in between a gin festival and beer festival? Well guess what – there’s a Gin AND Beer festival on the 16th of march! This fantastic festival is raising funds for the Blue Cross, meaning you can drink away with a guilt-free mind, knowing that you’re doing your part!

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This event is now cancelled. Please see the statement below regarding Holi Festival 2020:

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