Leicester Monsters return in full for five more days until Halloween after stormy weekend
All eight giant illuminated monsters are set to return to Leicester city centre from Tuesday 27 October, giving families five full days to enjoy one of the UK's largest free Halloween events of its kind, right through to Halloween on Saturday 31 October.
Following a stormy opening weekend, which saw the giant installations temporarily removed due to strong winds, the full cast of colourful characters is expected to be back out causing mischief across rooftops, windows and unexpected corners of the city centre.
Organised by BID Leicester, with support from Leicester City Council and Leicester Cathedral, The Return of Leicester Monsters follows the event's hugely popular debut in 2023, which attracted more than 80,000 visitors.
Created by internationally renowned artists Filthy Luker & Pedro Estrellas, the eight larger-than-life characters each have their own peculiar personality, from Chomper, a giant orange monster with an appetite for bricks and mortar, to aspiring rockstar Sick Jagger and the overly affectionate Tentacle Terry.
With the full line-up returning, visitors will have five more days to hunt down all eight monsters, pick up a free Monster Map and explore Leicester city centre, with the installations illuminated after dark for an extra special Halloween experience.
Simon Jenner, Director of BID Leicester, said:
"We're really excited to welcome all eight monsters back out of hiding, just in time for five fantastic days of monster hunting across Leicester city centre!
"With Halloween falling on Saturday, there's still plenty of time for families to come and enjoy the monsters, whether that's during the day or after dark when they're all lit up. We've had such a brilliant response to their return, and we're looking forward to seeing even more people out exploring the city over the coming days.
"There's so much happening alongside the monsters too, from Leicester Restaurant Week to special Halloween activities, so it's a great opportunity to make a day of it and enjoy everything the city centre has to offer."
Assistant city mayor Cllr Vi Dempster said:
"We're thrilled that Monsters will be returning to Leicester this October and are very proud to support this event. These giant, colourful creatures were a huge hit when they first appeared three years ago, putting a smile on people's faces and bringing fun - and surprises - to the city centre.
"This free event is a fantastic way for families to enjoy the October half-term, and with Restaurant Week taking place at the same time, there'll be even more reason to visit the city centre and enjoy a monster day out."
Make a monster-sized day of it with Leicester Restaurant Week
The Return of Leicester Monsters coincides with Leicester Restaurant Week, running from 20 October to 2 November, with over 40 restaurants, cafes and eateries across the city centre offering special menus, exclusive deals and fantastic savings.
From breakfast and brunch to lunch, dinner and sweet treats, visitors can take advantage of offers while exploring the monster installations, making it even easier to turn a monster hunt into a full day out in Leicester.
And with one particularly hungry monster known for munching on bricks, mortar and the occasional chimney, visitors might even be able to convince Chomper to try something from the Restaurant Week menu instead!
All participating venues and offers can be found at leicesterrestaurantweek.co.uk.
More Halloween fun across the city centre
The final days of Leicester Monsters will also feature a special Halloween Run Rave on Friday 30 October.
Organised by Run Rave Leicester, the free 5K Halloween Spooktacular will see runners take to the city centre streets in their best Halloween costumes, with music, lights and a live course DJ playing Halloween anthems along the route.
Participants will meet at Orton Square, outside Curve, at 6.30pm, with the run starting at 7pm. The group run is designed to be a fun, sociable experience, with regroup points along the route. Fancy dress is encouraged and advance booking is required.
Families can also enjoy free monster-themed crafts and storytelling at Leicester Central Library throughout half term, with activities taking place during library opening hours.
Find all eight monsters and win!
Visitors can download a free Monster Map from bidleicester.co.uk/leicestermonsters, or pick up a printed copy from locations including Leicester Cathedral, Highcross and the Visit Leicester Information Centre.
Families are also encouraged to check in at each monster location using the My Leicester App. Anyone who completes all eight check-ins will automatically be entered into a prize draw to win a Leicester prize bundle worth over £300, including:
A £100 voucher to spend at Bill's
Four tickets to Curve's family Christmas show, Daisy and the Trouble with Christmas
A £100 Leicester Gift Card
The Return of Leicester Monsters runs until Saturday 31 October 2026, including Halloween evening, and is completely free to enjoy.
For the Monster Map, latest updates and further information, visit bidleicester.co.uk/leicestermonsters.
Pictures by Trevor Sewell for Leicester Media Online
