Festivals & Music

Home to Kasabian and the Leicester Symphony Orchestra, Leicester’s got all musical bases covered. With the O2 Academy and De Montfort Hall attracting top names, and venues like The Soundhouse and Firebug showcasing up-and-coming local talent, Leicester’s live music scene has never been more vibrant. Don’t miss the celebration of independent music at Handmade Festival or the family-friendly summer festival with live music stage, Riverside Festival.

If that doesn’t float your boat, look out for live music in the medieval Guildhall, reggae and soca at the Caribbean Carnival, and the soothing sounds of classical music at the Leicester International Music Festival.

And if it’s festival fun you’re after, you’ve come to the right place. From our famous Comedy Festival to the biggest Diwali party outside India, Leicester’s festival programme has got something for everyone.

Featured Accommodation

Leicester Comedy Festival

Touted as "one of the best comedy festivals in the world" by The Guardian, Leicester Comedy festival has a long tradition of bringing some of the country’s biggest TV names along with the most innovative emerging comedy talent to Leicester.
1. 5 Feb 202023 Feb 2020
2. 1 Jan 000131 Dec 9999
Light Up Leicester

Leicester city centre will be lit up with some extraordinary illuminated artworks in March as part of a brand new international festival.
1. 5 Mar 20208 Mar 2020
Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience

Thanks to cutting edge virtual projection you will become a part of the spectacular, incomparable universe of Vincent Van Gogh.
1. 7 Feb 20203 May 2020
Chinese New Year

Cosmopolitan Arts brings Chinese New Year to the city for the 4th year, with a dazzling array of dance, music, art, workshops & food to welcome the year of the rat.
1. 26 Jan 20208 Feb 2020
New Year's Resolutions!
Start 2020 the right way! With healthy food, exercise and a new look.

30 Dec 2019
Events Calendar