Riverside Festival

Leicester's annual Riverside Festival will not take place this year, as the coronavirus outbreak looks set to continue beyond the spring.  With uncertainty over how long the country will be in lockdown, and with major summer events such as Wimbledon, the Edinburgh Festival and the Olympics already cancelled, the city council has taken the decision to cancel this year's event.  

All being well, the Riverside Festival will be back in 2021, with next year's festival due to take place on Saturday 5 June and Sunday 6 June.

Leicester Riverside Festival, now in its 23rd year, returns on the first weekend in June. Spread over four areas this free two-day festival features fun on and off the water.

Bede Park will  feature family activities including a fun fair, food stalls, arts & crafts, beer tent, acoustic music stage and lots of join in activities, whilst on the Piazza area our large music stage will feature great live bands and music for all ages.

Western Boulevard sees the return of the hugely popular street market with arts, crafts, tasty street food plus the Ride Leicester cycling area. River Soar & Mile Straight hosts the colourful narrow boat rally, boat trips, canoes, boat rides, demonstrations and the opportunity to view and buy work from local artists at Art on The River. 

Castle Gardens includes children's activities with an eco and environmental focus and after last year’s success the return of the Broken Records Swing Festival. 

It's sure to be one of the best waterside festivals in the country and a fun-packed weekend not to be missed!

Parking around the area is limited, so we recommend parking in the city centre which is a short walk from the festival - simply follow signs for De Montfort University. Further information on parking in the city.