‘From Titanic to Diwali’ Visit Leicester unveils a blockbuster autumn of events
Leicester and Leicestershire are gearing up for a blockbuster autumn of events, with major exhibitions, spectacular cultural celebrations, fright-filled Halloween attractions, fantastic food and dazzling firework displays giving visitors plenty of reasons to get out and explore the city and county over the coming weeks.
Black History Month events
There are events running throughout the month, from a classical concert using only black composers, a rare show from the iconic Lenny Henry, live music, film screenings, a Windrush Exhibition at Leicester Museum and lots more! Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage have put together a guide to all the best events (and are running a few themselves). Check it out in our blog.
A Titanic event
A massive touring exhibition exploring artefacts from one of the most famous disasters of all time are going on display at Leicester Racecourse this autumn.
The Titanic in 101 Objects will be at The Kube at the racecourse from 8-18 October. Come and see authentic pieces from the doomed ship and discover the real human stories behind this tragic event.
Leicestershire goes spooky for Halloween
Spooky Season comes to Leicestershire with some amazing events. Halloween Farm at Cattows is the largest family friendly Halloween event in the country with pumpkin picking, circus, family entertainment and loads more.
Xtreme Scream Park at Twinlakes is a multiple award-winning scare fest with the most terrifying actors making you scream through seven horrifying mazes. This is the most terrifying experience you can find in the region.
Over at Twycross Zoo, fans of Julia Donaldson can explore the Room On A Broom corn maze throughout October! In the city the Leicester Monsters are back, with a FREE trail of fun inflatable critters adorning some of the city’s most famous and well-loved buildings. Follow the trail around Leicester from the 22-31 October and log your finds in the MyLeicester app.
Get fed for less with Restaurant Week
Running for TWO weeks from 19 October to 1 November, people in Leicester can find a wide range of amazing deals on food with Leicester Restaurant Week.
Running alongside the Leicester Monster Trail, diners can get money off meals in city restaurants, cafes and pubs with deals from £5 to £30 at venues as diverse as the Grand Hotel, YO! Sushi, Dough What pizza house and Indian favourite My Delhi.
Light up for Diwali
Always a highlight of the calendar, this year the Diwali stage is back in Cossington Park. The lights will be up from mid-October, alongside the Wheel of Light, then the celebrations all happen on 8 November, Diwali Day.
The return of cultural activities to Cossington Park will include a full stage programme, laser show, Diwali village, fun fair and there will also be amazing rangoli artworks on display in Belgrave Neighbourhood Centre. Get all the up to date info on our dedicated Diwali page.
At Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre, celebrate Diwali By The Water on Saturday 31 October, 5.30 to 8pm. Enjoy stunning light displays, a live DJ, toasted marshmallows around the fire pit, and warm drinks.
At the Peepul Centre on 1 November come and experience an amazing homegrown show performed by local kids. The Magical Diwali Tree weaves the epic stories of Rama, Sita, and Hanuman together with Guru Hargobind Rai’s historic release of 52 Rajas.
Over in Loughborough they’ll also be celebrating Diwali with a lights switch on event at the Town Hall on 13 October. This will be followed by a special Festival of Lights show on the main stage. Tickets are available here.
Firework season explodes into life
Leicestershire’s skies light up for the annual bonfire night celebrations! The biggest and best value firework display can be found at the Abbey Park Bonfire and Firework Display on 7 November with a huge bonfire, kids firework show and massive spectacular main show, plus the main stage and funfair as well!
Leicester Racecourse’s Firework display is another local favourite, this year in aid of Voluntary Action Leicester and featuring a live DJ set from 80’s legend Pat Sharp! Tickets available here.
Further afield there will be loads of amazing displays, with some of the highlights including fireworks over the water at Stoney Cove diving centre, Bonfire and Fireworks at Mallory Park race track near Hinckley, and a two-night Family Fireworks spectacular at Conkers in the National Forest.
A time for remembrance
November also offers us a time for reflection as the nation stops to remember the fallen and celebrate our military and uniformed heroes.
Remembrance Sunday is on 8 November, and the main Leicester event will be held at the Victoria Park war memorial with parade, speeches and cannon salute.
Loughborough’s Carillion monument will be the site for their commemorations, with a parade winding its way through the town on its way to Queen’s Park.
And finally if you pop to Cosby, then the yarn bombers will be creating their own knitted tributes to our heroes.
From world-class exhibitions and cultural celebrations to fantastic food, family days out and spectacular nights under the autumn skies, Leicester and Leicestershire offer plenty of reasons to get out and explore over the coming weeks.
Whether you’re planning a half-term adventure, an autumn weekend away or simply looking for something different to do closer to home, discover more events, inspiration and places to stay at visitleicester.info
