Culture and entertainment

Leicestershire’s cultural diversity and rich heritage has given rise to a range of wonderful experiences and top class entertainment from vibrant festivals, West End hit musicals and contemporary theatre to top class sport and extraordinary rural traditions - there’s always something going on in Leicestershire. Highlights include:

West End shows, classical and pop concerts at De Montfort Hall in Leicester

Drama and musicals at the Haymarket Theatre, and the Phoenix Theatre in Leicester

Leicester Comedy Festival – the longest running comedy festival in the UK

One of the most colourful Caribbean Carnivals in the UK is held every year in Leicester

Leicester Pride

The largest Diwali celebrations outside India are held in Leicester

A thriving local theatre scene in Loughborough, Coalville’s unique Century Theatre and in market towns such as Melton Mowbray, Market Harborough, Ashby-de-la-Zouch

Jousting festivals at Belvoir Castle

and the bizarre Bottle Kicking in Hallaton !

Given Leicestershire’s central location, it is also perfectly possible to spend an evening at the theatre in London or Birmingham and still be home at a reasonable hour!

A new £48 million Performing Arts Centre will open in Leicester City Centre in 2008 - described by the Arts Council as “one of the most significant theatre developments taking place in the UK today”. It will form the centrepiece of Leicester ’s new cultural quarter, which will also include a new film and media centre, a regional film theatre, and a contemporary visual arts centre.