Have you made plans over the August bank holiday weekend? Here’s our guide to the best of what’s happening in Leicester.
Gigs, craft beer, food events, pop-ups and more. Let us know what you have planned over at @coolasleicester.
August Bank Holiday 2021 – Our pick of what’s On
LastFriday
Kick off your bank holiday weekend with a street food fix at LCB Depot at LastFriday returns. Same great vibe with epic traders, music, comedy, beers and more. Tickets cost just £2.
Summer Sessions all-dayer at The Soundhouse
Get down to The Soundhouse on Saturday from 1pm for their Summer Sessions all-dayer. It’s free entry all day with some great local talent performing on the outdoor stage, plus later on queue the playlist with all of your favourite requests. Food available, loads of seating available, chilled vibes.
Brew Beat
Leicester’s own craft beer festival launches this weekend as Brew Beat arrives in Green Dragon Square. Head down from Saturday – Monday to enjoy live music on the outdoor stage and over 100 craft beers from the UK’s best breweries. The event promises a jam-packed line up with handpicked emerging musical talent, great drinks and you can even order your choice of food to your table via Dine in the Square. Entry is free all weekend. (Don’t miss the Brew Beat trail across venues in town too with special guest beers and offers).
Desford Scarecrow Festival and Beer Festival
The Desford Scarecrow Festival returns this weekend and The Blue Bell will be running a beer festival alongside it all weekend. Visit them from Saturday – Monday and enjoy real ales, craft beers, ciders, BBQ outside, and fairground rides. Perfect for after you’ve been across the village spotting the scarecrow creations.
James’ Cafe Anniversary Party
James’ Cafe Bistro on East Bond Street celebrates their 10th birthday on Saturday with a free party from 3pm. Enjoy live music with open mic from 3pm – 6pm, then a DJ playing eclectic tunes until late. What’s more, they’ll also be launching their brand new handmade pizza menu. Head down, drink, dance and eat pizza to help them celebrate.
Ibiza Brunch at Revolution
Did somebody call for an Ibiza takeover ALL Bank Holiday weekend? Revolution will be hosting their Ibiza brunch on both Saturday and Sunday with your favourite Ibiza hits plus Pina Coladas added into the bottomless brunch offering. Get your mates together and book your table for brunch feasting and 90 minutes of bottomless drinks. Book online.
Man’s Best Friend at The Cow & Plough
Leicestershire dog lovers and art lovers, there’s an exhibition popping up at The Cow & Plough this weekend you might enjoy! Renowned artist, Mueen Saheed, will be opening his new exhibition, Man’s Best Friend, at The Cow & Plough on Friday 27 August and it will run through to Sunday 30 August. Mueen has created abstract paintings of over 100 dogs, which you’ll be able to view before grabbing a drink or bite to eat at The Cow & Plough. Of course, being one of Leicestershire’s most dog friendly pubs, all 4-legged friends are welcome. The exhibition launches at 5pm on Friday 27 August with a drinks reception for guests. Find out more.
Live music at The Swan in Kibworth
The Swan mark their return to live music in the courtyard with The Unruly playing live from 8.30pm – late on Friday 27 August. Pre-book a table to make sure you can get in! Over the weekend they’ve also got a range of special offers on including 2 for 1 cocktails on Saturday from 5pm – late and 20% off all draught items on Sunday.
Pillings Boat House, Quorn
Enjoy a little waterside partying on Bank Holiday Sunday as Pilling Boat House host an all day party. Grab a table at this gorgeous outdoor spot for food from 4pm and enjoy the outdoor live music. There’ll be live music from 4pm-7pm and then a DJ into the evening.
All-dayer at Firebug
Kicking off at midday on Sunday, Firebug are hosting an all day live music event. Entry is free with acts including GoldWater and The Whiskey Rebellion leading a great local lineup of talent. Food available, drinks a plenty, and fnish the evening with the return of PLUG silent disco.
PLUG Silent Disco
Don’t miss the long awaited return of our silent disco club night at Firebug on Sunday. Enjoy three channels of hits from 10pm. Reserve your headphones in advance (deposit required. Headphones held until midnight latest).
LOADED at The Donkey
Enjoy all of your indie and Britpop favourites as LOADED returns to The Donkey. Tickets cost £5 and the event runs from 4-7pm. Grab a taste of The Donkey’s new street food menu whilst you’re there.
Memories of the Musicals at Kilworth House
The wonderful outdoor theatre at Kilworth House is back in action and you can catch Memories of the Musicals until Sunday. The full-length show features all-time musical theatre classics such as My Fair Lady, West Side Story, Oklahoma, The Sound of Music, Me and My Girl, Singin’ In The Rain, Guys & Dolls, Top Hat and South Pacific as well as more recent work such as Little Shop of Horrors, Legally Blonde, Joseph and Cats. Book tickets online.
Leicestershire County Cricket Club Fun Day
The hugely popular Family Fun Day makes a return to the Uptonsteel County Ground on Monday 30 August as Leicestershire CCC face Kent CCC on Day 1 of County Championship action. An array of family entertainment will be available throughout the day for everyone to enjoy as well as the chance to watch the Running Foxes in action.
To make the day even better, entry is completely free for all visitors. The Foxes Den will be open throughout the day with plenty of family fun and the club’s professional coaching staff will be running different activities for children to try out and learn new cricket skills. Plus bouncy castle, treasure hunt, crafts and… FREE ENTRY.
Get Crafted at Firebug
Head over to Firebug on bank holiday Monday for this brilliant line-up of local businesses. Clothing, crafts, gifts and so much more, all by talent local start-ups. There’ll also be some brilliant live acoustic performances from acts including Cool As favourites, Nile Barrow and Humble He. Open 12pm – 5.30pm, free entry.
Bawdon Lodge Fun Day
You can enjoy a whole host of family fun at Bawdon Lodge on Monday. Book now for the morning or afternoon activity sessions with mini golf, animal interactions, woodland trail, crafts, face painting and more. Of course you’ll also be able to enjoy tasty food and drinks and pop into The Lifestyle Barn for some shopping. Lovely day out. Book online.