This weekend (Saturday 20 August) sees An Indian Summer festival return to Leicester with a day of performances, activities, food and drink on Orton Square.
Bringing the sights and sounds of South Asia to Leicester City Centre, An Indian Summer is a fantastic part of the cultural events programme that Leicester has to offer. From outdoor bars and top local street food to fantastic music performances and family fun, it’s a wonderful event to visit.
An Indian Summer is curated by Leicester’s Inspirate, and we caught up with Director, Jiten, and his team to find out more.
If you’re heading to An Indian Summer this weekend, why not try getting around with Santander Cycles? BID Leicester have provided some AIS festival £5 E-Bike credits. Simple use code AIS22 through the Ride On UK app to apply your discount.
What’s the inspiration behind An Indian Summer?
To share a contemporary experience of South Asia, exploring the sights, sounds and wonders of the rich subcontinent. We wanted to create a festival that was accessible to people from all walks of life, not only people that are from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and so forth. An Indian Summer has always been about making arts and culture accessible to inspire collective community cohesion.
What are the highlights of this year’s festival programme?
Out on Orton Square, the famous Holi performance from Nupur Arts is definitely one you don’t want to miss! The Rajasthan Heritage Brass Band (who some people might have seen at Glastonbury and Bestival this year) and the Dhol Players & Band Baja team will energise and get everyone in the festival mood! And then there’s the food from Kayal, Herb and Desi Street Food!
Inside Curve definitely check out the henna artist and the expert who will give you a chance to dress up in a sari. If you want something more educational and a chance to connect with like minded people, Forward Culture will be hosting BrownGirl via East Africa with some fantastic speakers.
Lastly, Talvin Singh is ending the day with a must-see performance. He’s a critically acclaimed Mercury Prize winner and raised the calibre of British South Asian music in the 90s. He is still going strong pioneering incredible music and this is a one-off performance by a world-class artist.
For anyone who isn’t familiar with An Indian Summer, what can they expect from the day?
An exciting, inspiring and rich cultural experience. Amazing street food from some of Leicester favourite spots, epic live performances from local, national and international musicians and dancers, activities for everyone to get involved in and fascinating talks. Basically a day filled with colour, music, food, culture and feel good, summer vibes!
Tell us a little about the performances at Curve?
Talvin Singh is ending the day with a must-see performance. He’s a critically acclaimed Mercury Prize winner and raised the calibre of British South Asian music in the 90s. He is still going strong pioneering incredible music and this is a one-off performance by a world-class artist. This is the only performance that you need a ticket for: https://www.curveonline.co.uk/whats-on/shows/talvin-singh-friends/
We also have dance performances as part of On The Hour: Dance Kahanyan celebrating an exciting international project that brings together two world-renowned choreographers and dancers.
You also have some great street food, what can we expect from the menus?
Expect South Indian cuisine at its finest, coupled with mouth-watering Mumbai street food. Our team is ridiculously excited to have Kayal, Herb and Desi Street Food joining us out on Orton Square. Think vada pav, masala dosa, pani puri, curries, samosas and much, much more!
Tell us a little about the background of An Indian Summer?
An Indian Summer started in 2011 and has become a staple in Leicester’s festival calendar. The concept has grown from a weekend festival extravaganza to a year-round programme of events in Leicester and beyond that explore contemporary British South Asian culture.
Where can people find out more and how can they get involved?
Check out indiansummer.org.uk and visit @AISFestival on social media to find out more!
An Indian Summer Community Day takes place in Orton Square on Saturday 20 August.
