Music in Leicester
Leicester’s music scene is thriving, with some fantastic small and medium sized venues pubs and clubs, plus the big halls of the O2 Academy and De Montfort Hall. No matter the night of the week, there’s a great chance you could come across a touring band, great unsigned artists or local bands plying their trade across the city.
Leicester has produced some world famous names across the music scene, from the likes of Glastonbury headliners Kasabian to more modern artists like The Young Knives, Mahalia and Hardlife. Leicester is also home to the Unglamorous movement, a group of female punk bands who formed following the COVID lockdown and are now pushing forward the music scene in the city. Make sure you check out Boilers, Virginia’s Wolves, The Wonky Portraits and Venus Attax! If you’re seen the BBC drama Riot Women, then Unglamorous will sound familiar, and that’s because they took liberal ‘inspiration’ from the scene (and the songs!) in creating the show.
You could also catch the latest up and comer busking on the city streets as part of the Busk Leicester initiative! Take a look at our guide to music in Leicester!
Guide to Upcoming Gigs and Performances
Guide to Upcoming Gigs and Performances
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, the Soundhouse, and plenty more!
busk Leicester
This brand new initiative will allow local artists and creatives to book a spot to perform on the streets of Leicester at a place and time promoted by us and showcased as part of our vibrant creative scene! Whether you’ve got an acoustic set, want to showcase your band or choir group, do some spoken word or poetry slams, showcase your circus skills or street theatre, then get your name down!
Live Music Venues
Route Waypoints
1. Firebug
Firebug has been the beating heart of Leicester’s live music scene since 2004. This beloved independent venue serves up an eclectic mix of acts across genres, from emerging local talent to touring artists. Whether you’re a gig regular or a first-time visitor, Firebug is an unmissable stop on Leicester’s musical map.
2. Soundhouse Leicester
Nestled in the heart of St George’s Cultural Quarter, The Soundhouse is Leicester’s go-to destination for live music lovers. This independent venue has built a fierce reputation for showcasing both homegrown talent and exciting touring acts in an intimate atmosphere.
3. The International
The International delivers a world-class live music and entertainment experience right in the heart of Leicester. Their packed calendar of gigs span rock, pop, comedy and beyond, there’s always something exciting on their event calendar.
4. De Montfort Hall
A true Leicester landmark, De Montfort Hall has been welcoming music lovers through its doors for over a century. This stunning venue has hosted some of the biggest names in live music, offering an unforgettable concert experience in a setting steeped in history.
5. The Big Difference Venue
Sitting proudly in the heart of Leicester’s high street, The Big Difference Venue is a vibrant independent space where live music, comedy and the arts collide. With a lively programme of gigs and events, it champions the creativity and diversity that makes Leicester’s cultural scene so special.
6. 2Funky Complex
2Funky Complex brings an unmatched energy to Leicester’s live music scene, with a reputation for fantastic performances, pumping club nights and world-class DJs. This dynamic venue is the place to be for lovers of soul, funk, R&B and beyond.
7. The Y Theatre
Leicester’s oldest surviving theatre is far from stuck in the past — The Y Theatre offers a wonderfully eclectic programme of live music, comedy and performance that keeps audiences coming back time and again.
8. The Real Ale Classroom
Combine a passion for great live music with a love of craft beer at The Real Ale Classroom, one of Leicester’s most characterful and welcoming venues.
