We already know the summer is packed with big events but there’s still loads happening outside those! Here’s our highlights for July.
Museums
The top floor of Leicester Museum has been transformed with an exhibition dedication to these slithery reptiles. All summer long see taxidermied examples and learn all about the amazing world of Snakes!
While at the Museum, pop downstairs to see one of the world’s most famous paintings, on loan from the National Gallery as part of their 200th anniversary, experience the beauty of Renoir’s masterpiece Umbrellas.
Extended to the end of the summer, the Popping To The Shops exhibition at Newarke Houses Museum celebrates the history and culture of Leicester’s Narborough Road and the shops that made it (and make it) such a vibrant place.
At Harborough Museum a recent update has put their Hallaton Treasure exhibit front and centre, with a fantastic recreation of a Roman Helmet and a world famous haul of more than 5,000 Roman coins.
At the Two Queens Gallery in Leicester’s Cultural Quarter a new members show features work by 56 artists, drawn from the gallery’s associate membership and artist studioholders. Running until the 13 July.
Theatre
The theatre doesn’t stop this summer as Curve welcomes the hit show A Chorus Line to their stage. From 29 June-13 July this Broadway spectacular will be hitting the boards. Slightly more sedate is a wonderfully warm hearted adaptation of the HR Bates classic The Darling Buds of May at the Little Theatre. Featuring all your favourites from the TV show, it’s running from 1-6 July.
The Curve has more fantastic shows coming throughout July, with the smash hit West End musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie running from 15-20 July. Then Steps’ Faye Tozer stars as the evil Cruella de Vil in 101 Dalmations, a wacky musical for the whole family based on the classic Disney film.
Then it’s a different sort of canine as Fantastic Foxes tells the story of our very own Leicester City Football Club in this community-led play running from 26 July-3 August. And finally, Alfred Hitchcock’s classic spy thriller The 39 Steps has been reimagined as a smash-hit Olivier and Tony Award-Winning Comedy and will be playing from 31 July – 3 August.
Live music
Right in the heart of the National Forest, the Timber Festival returns from 5-7 July. It’s an incredible weekend of celebration, debate, music, performance and reflection in the National Forest. Timber invites you to stand up and be counted as we rethink our relationship with trees and forests.
On Saturday the 6 July Leicester will be rocking as Kasabian return to Victoria Park for their Summer Solstice II concert. With support from Kaiser Chiefs, this is sure to be a raucous affair, with 50,000 expected for the biggest singalong of the summer.
On Saturday 27 July at Leicestershire County Cricket Club, there’s a celebration of the region’s finest produce and talent as Homegrown, a brand new festival, comes to town. Running in partnership with our very own Taste the Place campaign, there will be handmade artisan crafters alongside an array of local food and drink stall holders, all soundtracked by the very best local bands and artists. The line-up is curated by Dean Jackson from BBC Introducing and there will be live coverage on local BBC radio.
Bring on the beer
Back in the city after a long COVID-enforced break, the Leicester Beer Festival is the biggest and best celebration of real ale in our region. Coming this year to a brand new location, the Abbey Pumping Station, this is your chance to try the very best ale and cider (plus some great food. Running from Thursday 4 – Saturday 6 July.
Great beer combined with steam trains, it’s the enthusiast’s dream as the Market Bosworth Rail Ale Festival comes to the Battlefield Line from 26-28 July. Expect a fantastic selection of ales available, with entertainment outside each day, with steam traction engines (both full size and miniature) demonstrating the road transport of yesteryear
The great outdoors
Take part in a Wonderful Wildlife Hunt at the historic 1620s House this July. Running from 11-28 July discover more about the area’s diverse wildlife and see how many animals, insects and birds you can find.
The Cosby Yarn Bomb is one of our highlights of the summer and this year they’re getting in the Olympic spirit with a theme of 'Fun and Games, Mischief and Mayhem'! Come and experience the amazing knitted creations which take over this small Leicestershire village from 10-31 July.
It’s the perfect time for some outdoor theatre, and at the beautiful Botanic Gardens on 20 & 21 July, Join Errol and his sister Tia as they transform their neglected rooftop into a beautiful community garden in this interactive musical. On the 13 July, the Handlebards come to Oadby’s Stoughton Grange Farm for a hilarious, high-octane production of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Kilworth House hosts one of the best outdoor theatres in the region and their 2024 Summer show is the classic Singing In The Rain (though for obviously reasons we hope you won’t be!) The final outdoor show on our calendar is The Adventures of Dr Dolittle at the 1620s House, on the 26 July. This funny, exciting family musical is performed with flair and wit in the great outdoors.
Returning for summer 2024 is the amazing Wistow Maze. A giant 8-acre Maize Maze with a fun Quiz Trail hidden amongst three miles of pathways, with high-level bridges and viewing towers giving stunning panoramic views of the maze and the beautiful surrounding countryside. They open on 22 July.
History
Bosworth Battlefield hosts the Roman Around Living History festival on 6 & 7 July. Long before the Battle of Bosworth, the site housed an important Roman Temple. The Batavi re-enactment group will be camped on site all weekend, covering loads of everyday Roman life experiences.
At Belvoir Castle on 20 & 21 July, embark on a treasure-filled journey at the "Belvoir Treasures: Antiques Fair with Paul Martin." Bring along your cherished antiques for expert valuation, immerse in insightful talks from Paul Martin, offering a deep dive into the fascinating world of collectibles.
Running from the 29 June to 31 July, there’s a whole month of fantastic historic activities happening at the Festival of Archaeology. Hundreds of small events, tours, talks, bike rides, performances and open days allow you to uncover the history of Leicester and Leicestershire. Take a look at their website for a full run-down of all the events running throughout the month.
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For live music fans, the Timber Festival and Kasabian's concert at Victoria Park promise unforgettable experiences but it will cost you a lot of money so you better use https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/7-best-100-loan-apps-you-need-know-solve-your-cash-crunch-flowers-ddbxe . The Homegrown festival at Leicestershire County Cricket Club is perfect for those wanting to enjoy local talent and delicious food. Beer aficionados can look forward to the Leicester Beer Festival and the Market Bosworth Rail Ale Festival, both offering fantastic brews in unique settings.
Outdoor enthusiasts and families will enjoy the Wonderful Wildlife Hunt, the Cosby Yarn Bomb, and the Wistow Maze. The various historical events, including the Roman Around Living History festival and the Festival of Archaeology, provide opportunities to delve into the rich history of the area.
Leicester in July is truly brimming with diverse and vibrant events. Make sure to mark your calendars and enjoy all that the city has to offer!