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Leicester’s Museum Square will once again be transformed into a vibrant hub of Caribbean joy as the Windrush Tea Party returns for another amazing celebration on Saturday 20th June. What's On Organised by Opal22, the event takes place from 12pm to 8pm at Museum Square, New Walk, Leicester, and invites families, friends, and communities of all backgrounds to come together for an unforgettable day honouring the legacy of the Windrush Generation. With entrance operating on a ‘pay-what-you-can-afford’ basis to help keep the celebration accessible to all, the event offers opportunities to celebrate the stories, traditions, and contributions that continue to shape Britain today. Windrush Day marks an important opportunity to celebrate and recognise the Caribbean migrants who answered Britain’s call after World War II and helped rebuild the country. From the NHS and transport services to education and public services, the Windrush Generation became the backbone of modern Britain. Despite facing racism, discrimination, and difficult working conditions, they brought resilience, culture, music, food, and a strong sense of community that continues to shape Britain today. The Windrush Tea Party is our way of saying thank you, by sharing stories, celebrating Caribbean heritage, and honouring the generations whose contributions deserve to be remembered and celebrated. Visitors can look forward to a full day of festive delights, including live performances from celebrated artists and emerging talent, uplifting steel pan music, and Caribbean food stalls serving mouthwatering flavours from across the islands. The event will also feature cultural market stalls offering handmade goods, artwork, and keepsakes, alongside a dedicated Kids’ Activity Corner packed with games, crafts, and family-friendly fun. Guests can enjoy friendly competition and community spirit at the Dominoes Corner, relax and dance in the heart of the celebration, or indulge in the Caribbean High Tea Experience — a luxurious Caribbean-inspired twist on a classic British tradition. Headlining This Year’s Celebration: This year’s event will be hosted by comedian Annette Fagon, bringing laughter, energy, and plenty of entertainment throughout the day. Headlining the event will be special guest appearances from beloved Gogglebox stars Sandi and Sandra, whose presence adds major excitement and star power to this year’s celebration. They will be joined by incredible live performances from: Contrast Steel Band Attraction B Angela’s Angels Sam Harris Plus many more special musical guests and performers bringing the sounds and rhythms of the Caribbean to Leicester city centre. Caribbean High Tea For those looking to indulge, a Caribbean-Infused High Tea is available for pre-order and offers the perfect way to relax and soak up the atmosphere. For just £35 per person, guests will have access to a sheltered seating area within the square while enjoying a carefully curated High Tea experience with a Caribbean twist. With your own space to rest and refresh while still enjoying full access to the event, all you need to do is sit back and enjoy the atmosphere around you. As part of our long-standing tradition, we are offering a reduced High Tea to our invited Windrush elders as a heartfelt thank-you for their contributions and sacrifices. Pre-booking is required for all High Tea guests, including elders. Visit https://opal22.co.uk/ to reserve your place . PAY WHAT YOU CAN AFFORD AND SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY This year, entrance to the Windrush Tea Party will operate on a pay-what-you-can afford basis, helping to support the future growth and sustainability of this much-loved community celebration while ensuring the event remains accessible to all. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps Opal22 continue delivering a vibrant day of culture, entertainment, education, and community connection, while supporting event production, performers, community engagement, and the preservation of this important annual tradition. By contributing what they can, attendees play a valuable part in ensuring the Windrush Tea Party can continue celebrating Caribbean heritage and honouring the Windrush Generation for many years to come. Come celebrate the Windrush Generation, Caribbean culture, and the power of community. Let’s make this Windrush Tea Party one to remember! For more information about the Windrush Tea Party and other initiatives by Opal22, visit www.opal22.co.uk Event Details: Date: Saturday June 20th, 2026 Time: 12pm - 8pm. Location: Museum Square, New Walk, Leicester. Entry: Pay What You Can Afford. High Tea Experience: £35 per person (advance booking required) Press relased via FU Media - Fraser Urquhart

Air ambulance lands at Braunstone Leisure Centre. Early this morning, centre staff reported an emergency medical situation, prompting a rush from the air ambulance and East Midlands Ambulance Service. Police also attended to assist with the safe landing of the helicopter. The centre will remain closed for a short time this morning and should reopen around 10 a.m. A Leicestershire police spokeswoman said: “We confirm this incident was a medical emergency involving a male experiencing breathing difficulties in the water.” Air ambulance lands in car park The man was then taken to the hospital by road ambulance escorted by the police. Video by Leicester Media online We have no further details on the man's condition at this time.

The City's new Lord Mayor has been presented with the chain of office at a ceremony at Leicester’s Town Hall. Cllr Kulwinder Singh Johal, who has represented Braunstone Park & Rowley Fields ward since 2015, was sworn in as the city’s first citizen at a meeting of the full council on Thursday 14 May. Picture caption: The Lord Mayor of Leicester, Cllr Kulwinder Singh Johal At the ceremony, the new Lord Mayor announced he would be supporting two charities in his mayoral year: the Midland Langar Seva Society, a charity that’s dedicated to addressing food insecurity and homelessness in Leicester, and Leicester Hospitals Charity, working with the city's hospitals to support early diagnosis of diabetes and kidney care. Cllr Singh Johal will be supported in his year in office by the Lady Mayoress, his wife Manjit Kaur Johal, while his daughter – Gursimran Kaur Hayer – will be his consort. Ashvir, his son, will also play a supportive role. “Having lived most of my life in the Braunstone Park and Rowley Fields area, it was a privilege to be elected as my community’s ward councillor in 2015,” he said. “To now have the opportunity to represent the city that has been my home for most of my life as Lord Mayor is a true honour, and I pledge to serve every resident of Leicester with openness, respect and humility. “As I take on this historic role, I’ve chosen to highlight the important work that’s carried out by two brilliant local charities – the Midland Langar Seva Society and Leicester Hospitals Charity. “A charity that strives to ensure that everyone in our city has the food that they need and a roof over their head, and one that’s committed to identifying and researching ways to prevent early stages of diabetes and kidney disease, both deserve the public’s backing, and I hope that the people of Leicester will join me in supporting them during my year in office.” After completing his education, Cllr Singh Johal began his career at Russell Castings Ltd, a long-established Leicester foundry producing ductile iron castings. He worked there for 25 years until the foundry closed in 2016 – an experience that shaped his long-standing commitment to trade union values. Guided by his Sikh faith and the principle of seva (selfless service), he has volunteered for many years. As General Secretary of Guru Nanak Gurdwara, he helped host HM Queen Elizabeth II during her visit in 2002. He has also played a leading role in developing GNG Football Club as one of the city’s largest and most inclusive community sports organisations. Cllr Singh Johal becomes the latest incumbent of an office that dates back to at least 1209. Incumbents of the office were formerly known simply as the ‘Mayor’, but the title was elevated to ‘Lord Mayor’ in 1928. Cllr Dr Susan Barton will serve as Deputy Lord Mayor in 2026-27, with outgoing Lord Mayor, Cllr Teresa Aldred, appointed as High Bailiff. More information about the office of the Lord Mayor is available at leicester.gov.uk Leicester City Council News

Leicestershire County Council appoints its 50th chairman Councillor Linda Danks has been appointed the fiftieth Chairman of Leicestershire County Council. A diet consultant from Rothley, Councillor Danks was confirmed by the Council’s Annual Meeting on Wednesday 13th of May. Currently her first term as a county councillor and representing the Rothley & Mountsorrel division, Cllr Danks is a mother, grandmother and recently became a great grandmother. Over the last year Cllr Danks became chair and trustee of The Rothley Centre Charity, which successfully worked to reopen the Rothley Community Centre. Cllr Linda Danks, chairman of the county council said: “I am absolutely honoured to be the 50th Chairman at Leicestershire County Council, I am really looking forward to meeting the wonderful, talented and inspiring people of Leicestershire.” As well as enjoying Leicestershire’s countryside, Cllr Danks is also a trustee for the Bradgate Park and Swithland Wood Charity. The chairman attends events across the county as part of their duties and Cllr Danks replaces the outgoing chair, Cllr Paul Harrison. Councillor Linda Broadley was appointed the new vice-chairman for 2026/27. Leicestershire Council News Thursday, 14 May, 2026

The police were called in after the fire service discovered a cannabis grow operation last night. Police investigations are ongoing. A spokesperson from Leicestershire said: "Police received a call from Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) shortly after 7pm last night (Thursday 14 May) after they had discovered a cannabis grow in a building on East Park Road while attending a report of a fire. Pictures by Leicester Media Online Around 400 plants were found inside the building. No arrests have been made and enquiries are continuing."

Fire and police are currently investigating a fire on East Park Road in Leicester tonight. A fire crews from Leicestershire Fire and Rescue service attended after reports of a fire earlier tonight, on the Third Floor of the Imperial building. Police have now cordoned off the rear to the building. It's believed the fire is now extinguished and investigation will take place shortly. More to follow.

Have your say about Policing. Meet the two at the top, at What Matters to You Road Show in Beaumont Leys this Wednesday. Lord Willy Bach and Simon Cole The ‘What Matters to You’ Roadshow with Police and Crime Commissioner Lord Willy Bach and Chief Constable Simon Cole will be in Beaumont Leys on Wednesday 10th April to hear first-hand what local people have to say about policing. They will be joined by members of the local policing team in Bradgate Mall, Beaumont Leys Shopping Centre, LE4 1DE, from 11am to 1pm on Wednesday, 10 April. What matters to you Roadshow 10th April 2019 Beaumont Shopping Centre Members of public will have the opportunity to meet both the PCC and the Chief Constable and talk to them about policing in the area. They will be invited to share their experiences with those setting policing priorities and give their views on crime and public safety. Public feedback is vital to both the PCC and senior officers as they seek to meet the policing needs and expectations of different communities. The feedback they receive helps to influence where resources are allocated. Willy Bach said: “These events are always well-attended and provide a great opportunity for a real two-way conversation about policing, community safety and any concerns that people may have. We all learn something. “We will be around throughout the afternoon to chat to people and talk about local concerns. We really do want to hear what matters to people and what they feel we can do to help. If you are in the area please, pay us a visit!” #LeicesterPolice #PCC

Nasty looking Road traffic collision Narborough Road Leicester. Car collides with a tree 2 rear passengers trapped. We have no details on how many people was travelling in the car. Lead Image by Craig Thorpe for Leicester Media © 2019 Updated News Police have release the following statement “Police were called at 8.03pm last night to a single vehicle RTC at Narborough Road, EMAS and Fire were also called, there was a report of two people initially trapped, road closures put in place between Braunstone Lane and Fullhurst Ave junctions, three people injured, driver and two passengers, all men, all went to University hospital of Coventry and Warwickshire, driver and passenger described as minor, second passenger described by drs as sustaining life changing injuries, road was reopened around 10.50pm” Pictures by Leicester Media Incident Location: Narborough Road Leicester, near to junction of New Fields Square - City bound 08/03/19 Fire and Rescue Service Vehicles Attended: 1x appliance from Western Fire Station, 1 x appliance from Central Fire Station, Technical Rescue team from Southern Fire Station #leicestermedia #rtcljeicester Please follow us and like our page on Facebook www.facebook.com/leicestermediaonline

Fire in Narborough Road Leicester, interview with resident who jumped out of a 2nd floor window to escape the fire. 5th July 2018 #fire #shopfire #narboroughroad

Leicestershire Fire & Rescue service offers a Free Biker Down training course, we filmed this video at Birstall Fire Station on Tuesday 19th March 2019. The course was hosted by MCA Motorcycles and was one of the first evening time courses on offer. I (Russell Thorpe) being a keen biker and part of a local Biker Group attended this free course to learn about Accident Scene Management, Motorcycle First Aid and the Science of Being Seen. The course was extremely informative, with professionals on hand to answer questions. Would I recommend this course?, yes definitely, well worth spending 3 hours of your time. The course gives your confidence in dealing with Road Traffic Collisions that you might come across, as a rider you might one day be able to save the life of fellow bikers whether it's a family member, friend or a complete stranger. Presented by fully trained members of the Firebike team, based at Birstall Fire Station. What is BikerDown!? Many motorcyclists ride in groups or pairs, so it is often the case that when one is involved in an accident the first person in attendance will often be a fellow biker. BikerDown is a FREE three hour course for all bikers, giving them an awareness of the dangers at a crash scene, how to deal with a casualty and, how to increase visibility to other road users. If you enjoy riding a motorcycle then this course is a MUST! It will give you knowledge and skills that you can use if you come across a road traffic collision, and the potential to make a real difference and save lives. It’s FREE and on completion you will receive a certificate and a motorcycle first aid kit. For more information, please contact a member of the Road Safety Team by emailing info@bikerdown.uk or calling 0116 287 2241 📷 Pictures by Russell Thorpe © 2019 For more information, please contact a member of the Road Safety Team by emailing info@bikerdown.uk or calling 0116 287 2241 Use this link to go to LFRS BikerDown Page well worth a vIsIt. Advice and information for safety in the home and on the roads. https://leics-fire.gov.uk/your-safety/road-safety/bikerdown-training-programme/ By Russell Thorpe #saferroads

Leicestershire Police and Crime Commissioner Lord Willy Bach announced the recipients of his £100k fund to tackle knife crime as a national crackdown operation commenced. Lord Willy Bach The PCC, who has pledged to get to the core of the knife crime epidemic sweeping Britain’s streets, announced a series of funding grants for projects which work directly with young people with the aim of turning them away from violence and gang life. It comes as police forces nationwide launched a weeklong crackdown using surrender bins, stop and search tactics and weapons sweeps to address the surge in violence as part of Operation Sceptre. This week, the PCC joined calls from Labour MPs and Police and Crime Commissioners from across the country urging Prime Minister Theresa May to urgently convene the Cobra Committee, put 10,000 police officers back on the streets and begin reinvesting in critical youth diversionary services which have been drastically cut during the years of austerity. “I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again; we have to do more to protect young people from knife crime and violence,” said Willy Bach. “There are deep-rooted psychological and social problems that compel people to carry knives and unless these are confronted by experienced youth workers - and young people are given other choices for the future - then we will continue to see bloodshed and senseless deaths on our streets. “This £100,000 fund is just the start. We need the Government to take our calls for action seriously and to commit meaningful resources that will not only expand proactive police work but will give young people realistic goals and aspirations which don’t involve violence or brutality. Only then will this tide of brutality end.” Among those organisations already confirmed as successful in the PCC’s funding scheme is Leicester Riders for its youth engagement work, online learning provider E2 Online, Leicestershire’s Reducing Reoffending Partnership (RRP) and vocational training provider Trans4m. Further grants are currently being confirmed. The new funding, which has been allocated from reserves, was announced late last year at the PCC’s high-profile knife crime conference in a bid to prevent young people wasting their talents and opportunities by engaging in violence. In a further move to save lives, the PCC also announced he had agreed to invest a further £10,000 to install Catastrophic Haemorrhage Packs in 120 frontline police vehicles. “Violence in all its shapes and forms results in premature death, injury and lost chances,” said Willy Bach. “Young people must be given an alternative but this Government has to recognise that youth investment is critical to providing it.” Superintendent Shane O’Neill, who leads the force’s response to knife crime, said: “The police can’t tackle the problem of knife crime alone and we work closely with a range of other agencies to work with, and educate, young people about the dangers of carrying a knife. This funding will give a range of projects a financial boost and help them continue their work diverting young people away from carrying a knife.” #LivesNotKnives For more knife crime resources, or advice for those carrying a knife or those who know someone who is, visit our knife crime page

Initial reports from driver of Taxi minibus reporting a car had collided with the minibus, 2 persons with back injuries inside. Outside Braunstone Leisure centre, Hinckley Road, Leicester Sunday 21st October 2018 around 2.40pm Lead Image By Andy Morton Watch the video which was taken live at the scene By Leicester Media Online Rear door was removed from minibus to allow access for EMAS. Rear seated passenger extricated using longboard. 2nd Ambulance in attendance. Male casualty extricated from vehicle and being taken to LRI by land Ambulance. Front seat passenger also assisted out of vehicle by Ambulance and Fire Service. No details of the injuries have been released. Images By Andy Morton #rtchinckleyroadleicester #rtc