Programme

This programme is your ultimate guide to the festivities, featuring a curated lineup of live performances, family-friendly workshops, and spectacular river displays across Bede Park and Western Boulevard.

This year brings an exciting change, with the Main Stage moving into Bede Park, allowing the site to stay open later so you can enjoy the music, funfair and atmosphere for longer. Enjoy a packed programme of music and Dance performances throughout the weekend with Studio 79, CYC Dance, Leicester College and Nupur Arts.

Explore a wide range of street food stalls, traders and seating areas, or bring a blanket or fold-out chair and relax as you enjoy the day. A main bar and family funfair will also be on site, adding to the festival experience.

Saturday: 12noon – 8pm
Sunday: 12noon – 7pm

A vibrant mix of art, performance, and community engagement, offering something for everyone and a perfect spot to explore, learn, and have fun.

Join award-winning storyteller Tim Ralphs and Leicester Libraries for free family craft and storytelling workshops. As part of the National Year of Reading, you’ll create props and help shape interactive performances—plus, every family gets a free book! Catch these sessions at Westcotes Library (Mondays 11 & 18 May, 4pm–6pm) or Central Library (Tuesdays 12 & 19 May, 4pm–6pm). Don’t miss Literati Arts’ pop-up poetry and MBD’s Virtual Reality experiences popping up across the site.

Refresh your style at the Repair and Upcycling Drop-In on Saturday (12pm–1:30pm, 2pm–3:30pm, 4pm–5:30pm) with Fashion-Enter Ltd. You can even customize T-shirts with DMU Fashion & Textiles students and get a professional snap of your creation. Afterward, head to The Leicester Gallery (Sat/Sun, 12pm–5pm) for the Residue… what remains exhibition. On Saturday, you can even become the art by participating in Frans van Lent’s “Concept Bank.”

Follow the trail to the Live Well Zone for smoothie bikes, sports tasters, and expert health advice. Nearby, the Leicester Communities Together area helps you connect with local support and services. The outdoor stage keeps the energy high with Smoking Apples’ nature workshops, Highly Strung’s sensory-rich, BSL-inclusive show Grow, and daily Hula Hoop workshops that guarantee fun for all ages.

Flowing through the heart of the festival, the River Soar is alive with action and adventure for all ages

Make a splash on the water with kayaking from Paddle Plus, a relaxing boat trip with Sileby Mill, or a tour on Mosaic’s fully accessible Sunbeam II. If you prefer the towpath, enjoy live Sea Cadet demonstrations or head to Castle Gardens Bridge on Sunday for the return of Dragon Boat Racing. This high-energy, no-experience-needed challenge raises vital funds for PROSTaid; if your team of ten is ready to compete for the title of Dragon Master, email rob@prostaid.co.uk to enter!

Over the festival weekend, Western Boulevard transforms into a vibrant hub of creativity, flavours, and fun.

Explore the vibrant open-air gallery along the riverside to discover unique paintings, prints, and handcrafted treasures from talented local makers. While you browse, don’t miss the live demonstrations from the Leicester Fire and Rescue Service or the various artisan stalls – and remember, you can keep your ride secure at our free bike park while you explore.

When hunger strikes, dive into a global feast at the street food stalls, offering everything from quick bites to gourmet meals. With plenty of vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and healthy options available, there is something to satisfy every palate. Come for the art, stay for the food, and soak up the best of the riverside!

This area is the perfect spot to refuel and plan your next move. Grab some street food and head to the designated seating area to eat, chat, and soak up the festival atmosphere in a relaxed setting. While you recharge, keep an eye out for roaming walkabout performers, interactive fun, and fun festival activities like face painting and hair braiding.

Castle Gardens comes alive with a variety of stalls, street food, and a bar. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, grab a bite, and soak up the festival spirit.

Join BrightSparks Arts for a family-friendly mix of free performances, exhibitions, and drop-in workshops celebrating art and wellbeing. Throughout the weekend, the Bloom Stage hosts a vibrant variety of poetry, comedy, and crafts, offering something inspiring for every age.

Share your talent at the Maypole area with Busk Leicester, where acoustic acts and street performers can book slots or drop in. Meanwhile, keep an eye out for The Beatbox Jukebox roaming the site – choose a genre and watch local artist Mr Shay create live drum & bass, hip-hop, or techno loops using only his voice.

Discover creativity, heritage and hands-on exploration at The Newarke.

Watch bold, colourful public art come to life all weekend with live graffiti demonstrations by Graffwerk. For those who love local engineering, explore the Vintage Vehicle display from the LMTA or step aboard beautifully restored buses with the Leicester Transport Heritage Trust. Plus, Leicester Wheels For All offers accessible bike options for all abilities and a handy bike taxi service to help you navigate the festivities.

Step back in time at the DMU Heritage Sites (Sat & Sun, 11am–4pm) to discover the Great Hall, Trinity Chapel, and the DMU Museum – bookable tours start at 10am. On Saturday, visit Newarke Houses Museum & Gardens (11am–4:30pm) to explore Tudor history, a WWI trench, and a 1950s street scene. It’s the perfect way to experience the city’s rich past while enjoying the festival atmosphere.

Printed timetables, including full stage listings, will be displayed on A-boards and large-print signs at all event sites. You’ll also find QR codes around the site for quick and easy downloads straight to your phone.