We are gearing up for Light Up Leicester to return to the city centre from 12 – 15 March 2025.
Did you know that during the festival there are a range of other activities and events taking place, that are free to get involved in.
With unique ways to enjoy the installations, as well as extra activities taking place through the week, here’s a run down of what you can expect.
NIGHT MARKET
Gallowtree Gate, 12-15 March, 6-10pm
Explore the vibrant Night Market, packed with local food, handmade crafts, and unique treats. It’s the perfect spot to grab a bite, shop for something special, and soak up the lively atmosphere under Leicester’s dazzling festival lights.
BILLY BATES & SONS FUNFAIR
Humberstone Gate, 12-15 March, keep an eye out for opening times
Get ready for thrills and laughter at Billy Bates & Sons Fun Fair on Humberstone Gate West! Open throughout the festival, it’s packed with exciting rides, classic fairground games, and treats for all ages. Come along for some family fun under the glowing festival lights.
ILLUMINATED BIKE PARADE
By Ride Leicester. The Bike Park, Town Hall Square. Thursday 13 March, 6:30-8:30pm
Illuminate your night at the Light Up Leicester Bike Parade! Join a dazzling procession of riders as they brighten up the city on a vibrant 1.5km route, featuring stunning art installations. This event invites people of all ages to come together to experience the city in a whole new light. Join in the fun by registering for the parade here! Adapted cycles (2, 3 or 4 wheels/electric-assisted/piloted) are also available for people who need extra help accessing the parade (or accessing the festival & wider city centre). Groups or individuals can book via [email protected].
ACCESSIBLE GUIDED RIDES
Wednesday 12 at 6:45pm & Friday 14 at 6:30pm
Guided Rides on Wednesday, Friday & Saturday will offer the same access to the festival for people who need additional mobility support with access. We have Ride Leaders & a fleet of rickshaws, cargo bikes and adapted cycles that can be pre-booked. To book, email [email protected].
RADIANT ROUTES: OPENING PARADE
By Nupur Arts. Starting at Leicester Cathedral. Wednesday 12 March, 6pm
On the opening night of Light Up Leicester, you are invited to witness Radiant Routes, a spectacular public dance parade presented by Nupur Arts. Featuring dancers in luminous, light-up costumes, this vibrant procession will move through the streets of Leicester. The procession culminates at the Leicester Cathedral with a grand performance from Nupur Arts, showcasing the beauty of South Asian dance. The procession ends with the first chance to experience the cathedral’s projection artwork, created by MBD.
THE ROOTS OF OUR TREE: YOUNG PEOPLE’S PARADE
By Inspirate. Wednesday 12 March, 11am
Join Inspirate for a large-scale community procession to open the festival! Bringing together over 300 young people, culminating in a majestic installation that will light up the Richard III Visitor Centre.
PHILHARMONIA ORCHESTRA VR EXPERIENCE
By Highcross Leicester
The Philharmonia Orchestra brings their exciting, immersive VR experience to Highcross Leicester. Put on a headset and find yourself onstage among the orchestra, experiencing every note and movement with ground-shaking clarity from the best seat in the house. Taking place on Friday 14th, 1pm – 7pm Saturday 15th, 12pm – 6pm (Photo by Jerry Layduhur)
IT’S LIT(ERATI)!
By Literati Arts. St. Martin’s Square. Friday 14 & Saturday 15 March, 7pm & 9pm.
Get ready for It’s Lit(erati)! – a vibrant poetry experience at St Martin’s Square as part of Light Up Leicester. Curated by Literati Arts, this pop-up performance stage will shine a spotlight on Leicester’s homegrown talent. Enjoy pop poetry performances Friday & Saturday night from Leicester poets Shareefa Energy and Ty’rone Haughton as they take over St Martin’s Square. It’s Lit(erati)! celebrates our city’s stories and cheers to new beginnings through powerful spoken word.
POP-UP PERFORMANCES
By various artists, roaming all over the city centre! Friday 14 & Saturday 15 March, from 7pm
Be enchanted by magical walkabout performers on Friday and Saturday evening. From dazzling LED performers like The Pixel Project and their glowing Globots, to the towering, illuminated Dry Bones skeletons, and underwater wonders of Aquanauts Adrift, these captivating roaming acts will light up the streets with colour, music, and storytelling.
THE HOLI EXPERIENCE
By Nupur Arts. Clocktower. Friday 14 March, 6:30pm & 7:30pm
Nupur Arts presents The Holi Experience, a joyful and colourful extravaganza inspired by the Hindu festival of Holi, the festival of colour. This event will immerse audiences in a whirlwind of high-energy dance, vivid hues, and an explosion of celebratory spirit. A festival that signifies the start of spring, new beginnings, and coming together as one, this is a chance for you all to throw some colour and celebrate Holi with us! Please note, powdered colour is used during the Holi Experience which is dispersed into the air. Nearby audiences may get coloured and clothing may get stained. Nupur Arts cannot be held liable for any staining on clothes or allergies. Please note, flashing lights may be used during the dance performances.
FESTIVAL FINALE: FIERS À CHEVAL
By Compagnie Des Quidams. From New Walk to The Circle, Saturday 15 March, 7pm
In the beginning, curious and eccentric characters arrive. They wander around, meet us, and suddenly our world is turned into one of wonder: they transform into imposing ivory horses, light and flamboyant. An unmissable and magical experience led by performers from Compagnie Des Quidams, as they journey from New Walk to The Circle, bringing the festival to a spectacular close.
For full information on the installations, offers and activities, visit the Light Up Leicester website.
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