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Riverside Festival’s full programme has now been revealed – and it’s packed full of interactive experiences, hands-on activities and music to suit every taste. Across two days, the free, family-friendly Riverside festival on 6 and 7 June will offer a huge range of arts, craft and theatre activities – expanded thanks to new funding from Arts Council England – plus there will be music all across the festival. On Saturday evening, THE OLD BOY will headline at Bede Park from 7pm, bringing his eclectic DJ set of soul, jazz, rare groove, funk, house, garage and hip hop to the park. On Sunday, DJ Simon Philip will round things off at Bede Park from 6pm. Also on the main stage at Bede Park over the course of the weekend will be a Tots’ Rave with DJ Juvie and Louisa Darling; melodic grunge from the Pretty Dirty Rats and a unique collaboration between Nupur Arts and KAINE choir, pairing Indian dance with African music. Over at DMU’s campus, the Cultural eXchanges stage will kick off on the Saturday with the Talent 25 carnival parade, where families participating in the Talent 25 programme will lead a lively procession showcasing their upcycled festival costumes. The stage over the weekend will include dance, music, and spoken word from performers such as DMU Dance/Moving Together, Syston Swing Band, Curve Youth Dance Group, Sam the Rapper and Mirchi Mob. Cultural eXchanges is DMU’s annual arts and creative writing festival, held in collaboration with Riverside. Acoustic performers and street entertainers will also perform at Castle Gardens and the DMU Campus as part of Busk Leicester, with a further stage at Castle Gardens featuring spoken word, music, comedy and dance curated by BrightSpark Arts. And look out for the roaming Beatbox Jukebox, spreading good vibes and good tunes across the festival! Alongside the music, visitors can take part in arts, crafts and theatre activities, have a go at sports taster sessions, admire vintage vehicles and enjoy access to many of Leicester’s unique heritage sites. Riverside Festival visitors can get discounted entry to Jewry Wall over the weekend, while St Mary de Castro Church – one of Leicester’s oldest buildings – will be open, and its bells will ring out at 12pm on the Saturday to mark the start of the festival, with a choral evensong taking place at 5pm on the Sunday. Newarke Houses Museum, which is free to enter, is open on the Saturday, and heritage sites on the DMU campus, including the Great Hall at Leicester Castle, Trinity Chapel, the herb garden and the DMU Museum, will also be open over the weekend, with additional activities at the DMU Gallery. The festival will also feature lots of hands-on, interactive activities for families to try, including storytelling with Leicester Libraries, arts and crafts, theatre and poetry. A huge of range of street food and drink, including licensed bars, will be available across the festival. Find out more – including a full programme, accessibility and travel information, Visit Leicester - Riverside Festival Leicester Events News LCC Published on Friday, May 22, 2026

Have you tested your Smoke Alarm ? is the message from Leicestershire Fire and Rescue service. Fire safety in the home is essential in order to keep you and your family safe. The easiest way to protect your home and family from fire is with working smoke alarms Fit at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home. The ideal position is on the ceiling, in the middle of a room, and on the hallway and landing, so you can hear an alarm throughout your home. Don’t forget to test your smoke alarms at least once a month. It is essential you don’t forget to test your smoke alarms. You should test them at least once a month. Don’t forget and put your home and family at risk! Top tips for purchasing and installing smoke alarms Smoke alarms must conform to the British Standard 5446 and display the kite mark Follow the manufacturers’ instructions when installing The best protection is obtained by fitting a smoke alarm in each room – but not the kitchen or bathroom Best practice is to have mains-powered alarms that are linked together The minimum recommended level of provision is to fit a smoke alarm on each floor of your home, at the bottom of the staircase and on each upstairs landing If only one smoke alarm is to be installed, make sure that it is fitted in a place where it can be heard throughout your home – particularly when you are asleep They are designed to be fitted at least 30cm from walls and light fittings Alarms should not be fixed next to or directly above heaters or air conditioning outlets If your home is on one level, you should fit at least one smoke alarm in the hallway between the living and sleeping areas Some alarms can be linked together so that if one of them senses smoke, all of them will sound – this can provide the earliest possible warning Smoke alarms should be tested every month by pressing the test button – follow us on Twitter for reminders to test them Vacuum the inside of the alarm regularly to ensure that dust is not blocking the sensor chamber We also advise you never to ignore your neighbours smoke alarm. By taking action, you could help save a life. For more saftey tips and advice visit Leicestershire Fire and Rescue service web site

PRODUCT SAFETY WARNING: If you own a POM Power Bank, please stop using it immediately. These were sold at TK Maxx or Homesense stores. A product recall has been issued for POM Power Banks due to a fire risk. The internal wiring may not be securely attached, which could allow it to loosen during use. If this happens, it could lead to short-circuiting, overheating, and potentially cause the product to catch fire. Product Line and Model Numbers are: • Titan Charge P2G5080, P2G5080B, P2G5080W, P2G5080BK, P2G5080WT • Mag Power + P2GQ48, P2GQ48BK, P2GQ48WT • Power 4 Connect P2G5065, P2G5065BK, P2G5065WT, P2G5065B, PW2G5065W • Elite Mag Power P2GQ58, P2GQ58BK, P2GQ58WT • Mag Power PD+ P2GQ38, P2GQ38BK, P2GQ38WT • PD Multi Charge P2G5070, P2G5070B, P2G5070BK, P2G5070W, P2G5070WT • Mag Power P2GQ28, P2GQ28BK, P2GQ28WT The products have been recalled from end users by TJX UK (TK Maxx). If you have one of these power banks, please stop using it straight away and return it to your nearest TK Maxx or Homesense store for a refund or replacement. Further information, can be found on the TK Maxx website: https://orlo.uk/5h4Zo For further safety information, see the Important Safety Message from the government: https://orlo.uk/eWP0t Additional information PSD notification number: 2605-0127 Notified by: Local Authority Trading Standards Published 1 June 2026

Leicester's Local Plan has been formally adopted, after being approved at a full council meeting earlier this year. The Local Plan is a tool that helps to shape housing, the local economy, community facilities and infrastructure for the city. It sets out the city council’s strategy for growth up until 2036, as well as helping to conserve and enhance the city’s natural and historic environment. It’s the end of the process for Leicester’s plan, which has already been examined by the Government’s Planning Inspectorate. To get to this stage, five consultations and five weeks of public hearings and debate were held to allow local residents and businesses to have their say on the plan and the modifications made to it. Once adopted, a city’s Local Plan confirms how planning policies, regulations and supporting documents should be applied. It sets out where development should be allowed to take place, along with quality design and construction standards against which new developments will be tested. City mayor Peter Soulsby said: “The Local Plan is a comprehensive set of new policies that set out standards for Leicester in terms of quality of development, design, and environmental ambition. “New site allocations in the Local Plan will facilitate the delivery of new homes and jobs for Leicester, as well as the infrastructure that is needed alongside such provision – schools and health facilities, for example. “While developing the plan, we have encountered many changes of Government policy, the covid-19 pandemic and a 35% increase in our housing target. Thanks to joint working with our neighbouring districts, we have secured agreement for around 50% of our housing need to be allocated outside of the city.” For full details, please see the Adopted Planning Policy webpage. Leicester City Council News - Published on Tuesday, June 9, 2026

On Thursday 4 June 2026, Leicester Magistrates Courts granted a full closure order for Lee Circle Multi-Storey Car Park, yesterday 8th June 2026 it was completely secured. This action follows a strong partnership response involving Leicester City Council, Leicestershire Police, and Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service. The order has been secured by the Council following ongoing reports of anti-social behaviour and criminal activity within the car park, which has been having a significant negative impact on local residents, businesses, and the wider community. The closure is designed to: Prevent further anti-social behaviour. Improve safety in the area. Reassure residents, businesses, and visitors. This outcome demonstrates the commitment of partner agencies to take robust action where persistent issues are affecting community wellbeing. We will continue to work together to address concerns and ensure Leicester city centre remains a safe and welcoming place for everyone. We would like to thank members of the public and local businesses who reported concerns and supported this action. This order means that anyone who does enter the building without the council’s or court’s permission – as set out on the order - could face a fine, imprisonment, or both. Inspector Ryan Ludlam, commander for the Central Leicester Neighbourhood Policing Area (NPA), said: “Leicestershire Police fully support the council’s action to secure this site, which has been linked to ongoing anti-social behaviour and criminal activity. “This is a positive step in protecting the public and preventing further incidents while longer term solutions are put in place. We would continue to encourage our communities to report any such issues to us. Please continue to report anti-social behaviour via 101, online, or in an emergency always call 999. Picture credit Leicester City Police

Police officers have released an image of a motorcyclist they want to speak to in connection with a serious collision in Groby last week. Detectives from our Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) have been continuing to carry out enquiries and would like to speak to the rider of the motorcycle pictured – believed to be a black Yamaha – as they may have information about the incident. Police were called to Ratby Road, close to the junction with Oaktree Close, just after 2.20pm on Thursday 4 June following a report a motorcycle had collided with a pedestrian and then left the scene. The pedestrian, a woman in her 90s, was taken to hospital for treatment. She is continuing to receive treatment in hospital and is in a stable condition. No arrests have been made at this time. Detective Constable Charlotte Wright, from the SCIU, said: “Our investigation to identify the motorcyclist involved has been continuing and we believe the person riding the bike in this image has information about what happened. “I’m making a direct appeal for the rider pictured to come forward. “I’d also ask anyone who recognises the bike or the rider and knows who they are to also get in touch. “We’re also continuing to appeal for anyone who has footage captured on CCTV or a doorbell camera too as they may be able to help our investigation.” You can pass on information by visiting https://www.leics.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rs/road-safety/making-a-road-traffic-incident-report/ and quoting reference 26*325080. Alternatively call 101. You can also pass on information to Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously

Half a Million reasons to say thank you The Air Ambulance Service (TAAS) has reached the significant milestone of £500,000 in its campaign to raise funds for its new base. The charity – which receives no NHS funding - responds to thousands of emergencies across Warwickshire, Northamptonshire, Derbyshire Leicestershire and Rutland every year, and is currently launching many of its lifesaving missions from Coventry Airbase, which is scheduled to close in the summer of 2026. In February it launched its Big Bases Appeal – a campaign to raise the £9million it needs to construct a new airbase just outside Catthorpe near the border between Warwickshire, Leicestershire and Northamptonshire. Due to the generosity of the public, the appeal has raised £500,000 in five months, although the charity is clear that there is still a long way to go. The Air Ambulance Service Director of Fundraising Oli Hiscoe explained: “The early momentum the campaign has built is wonderful, but we can only maintain it with the generosity and kindness of our friends and the communities we serve. I challenge anyone who supports their local air ambulance to get in touch and explore how they can support the Big Bases Appeal today. “We have seen nothing but positive support from everyone who has engaged with the campaign because they recognise not only the need, but the substantial benefits the new base will bring. “The purpose-built facility will ensure emergency care for people in critical situations, while offering highly skilled clinical roles and specialist training for local NHS partners, and a learning hub for advanced pre-hospital emergency medicine.” Patients will benefit from: State-of-the-art facilities for crews to train and rest. Dedicated family-friendly spaces for aftercare and recovery support. A strengthened National Children’s Air Ambulance service to meet growing demand for paediatric transfers. For more information on the Big Bases Appeal and the build project, visit https://theairambulanceservice.org.uk/big-bases-appeal

Academy Trusts are being invited to apply and run two primary schools set to open in September 2027. Leicestershire County Council has started to process for both schools ahead of the 2027/28 academic year on the Broadnook and Garendon developments in the district of Charnwood. The county council’s contractors Willmott Dixon will be building the 420-place Garendon Primary School in the West of Loughborough. Money from both the county council and Section 106 developer contributions will be used to fund the school, which is the first of two primaries in the 3,200-housing development and will sit in the north of the site. Permission for the school was granted by Charnwood Borough Council in April. Located near the centre of the new development, Broadnook Primary School will eventually cater to 570 pupils for the 1,950 homes being built. It will be built entierly using Section 106 developer contributions from Davidsons and Cora Homes. Councillor Charles Pugsley, cabinet member for children and families said: “Our school organisation team worked brilliantly to ensure that we have the right number of school places on both developments to help our growing county. “It’s great that we’ve reached the stage now where we’re inviting academy trusts to express their interest in running these future schools, and I’m confident that we’ll see lots of interest and a competitive process, so children get the best possible education.” Academies will also be invited to apply to run the proposed SEND school in Harborough district. Engagement with residents is currently ongoing with view to submitting a planning application on the proposed school. The successful academy trust(s) will be appointed by the county council in December 2026. More information how academies can be found by visiting the School Place Planning webpage. Leicestershire County Council News - Monday, 8 June, 2026

Children and young people in Leicester who receive benefits-related free school meals are being invited to sign up for a programme of free summer activities. Starting on Monday 13 July, the sessions will include activities such as art, sport and outdoor fun – and each child taking part will receive a healthy meal as part of the session. Funding for the scheme has come from the Holiday Activities and Food programme (HAF) – a Department for Education-funded scheme that aims to help children from low-income families keep active and eat well during the summer break. In Leicester, the programme – which is aimed at children aged from 5 to 16 – is being delivered by more than 40 providers at sites around the city. Youngsters (aged 6-11) could sign up for fun with Leicester’s museums’ service, with activities taking place throughout the summer at the Abbey Pumping Station, while basketball-loving 8-16-year-olds could head for the Mattioli Arena for a programme organised by the Leicester Riders Foundation. Older children (aged 14-16) could opt for a pass that would allow them to work out in the gym, go for a swim or book a court at the city council’s leisure centres. Those choosing a pass instead of signing up for a programmed activity will receive a food voucher instead of a meal each time they use their pass – up to a maximum of 16 food vouchers over the holiday period. Eligible families can sign up to four weeks of free provision over the summer holiday. Most programmes run for four hours each day for four days, although some providers are offering flexible programmes that run for more hours over fewer days, or fewer hours over more days. Places, however, are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis to those who live in the city of Leicester, receive benefits-related free school meals, and are in the age range for that programme. “The long summer holiday can be a struggle for many families,” said assistant city mayor Cllr Elaine Pantling. “This scheme, which is funded by the government, aims to ensure that children who normally have a free school meal can have fun in the summer break, and a healthy meal while they’re taking part, without having to worry about the cost. “There’s a wide range of activities on offer at sites around the city, but places are limited so please register as soon as you can, if you’d like your child to take part in the programme.” Information about the Holiday Activities & Food programme has been circulated to children via schools. Families are encouraged to sign up for their preferred schemes as soon as possible, as registration will close as soon as all places on that session have been filled. Full details of closing dates for registration can be found on each provider’s booking page. Families with children who receive benefits-related free schools and who meet the eligibility criteria can register for a place on the Holiday Activities & Food programme at families.leicester.gov.uk/haf Anyone who thinks their child should be receiving free school meals can find out more at freeschoolmeals.leicester.gov.uk Children who don’t receive benefits-related free school meals may also be able to register on the programme, in exchange for a fee. Families should contact the provider directly for more information. The full programme and providers’ contact details can be found at families.leicester.gov.uk/haf Leicester City Council News -Published on Monday, June 8, 2026

Best-selling crime writer Janice Hallett and Costa prize winner Claire Fuller are among a host of authors to appear at the first ever Market Harborough Literary Festival. Janice Hallett will talk about her latest book, ‘The Silent Appeal’, while Claire Fuller will discuss her new contemporary gothic novel ‘Hunger and Thirst’. Diana Bretherick (left) and Helen Kennedy, organisers of the Market Harborough Literary Festival, outside event venue St Dionysius’ Church. Photo: Melissa De Fusco / MH Literary Festival. Other renowned writers participating in Q&As and book signings include Manish Chauhan, whose 2026 Faber debut ‘Belgrave Road’ is a poignant love story set in nearby Leicester. The literary festival, taking place between 19th and 27th September, is the brainchild of local writers and reading enthusiasts Diana Bretherick and Helen Kennedy. Their aim is to provide a packed weekend of events for Harborough book lovers of all genres and all ages. The programme also includes a crime authors’ panel, published writers discussing fantasy folk horror and historical fiction, plus children’s book activities at Waterstones, a literary walk through the town centre, and a ‘writers’ day’ with a publishing industry expert. The festival concludes with a poetry pizza party. Harborough resident Diana Bretherick, herself an award-winning crime author, said: “Harborough is a town of readers and writers, but for a long time we’ve lacked an event that can bring authors and readers together to celebrate books. It’s appropriate that we put that right in 2026, which is the National Year of Reading. The Market Harborough Literary Festival will help put the town on the literary map, where it belongs. We’re hugely grateful to the authors who are taking the time to travel here and meet Harborough’s book lovers.” Helen Kennedy, a fellow writer and member of the Harborough Writers’ Hub established by Diana, said: “The literary festival is a fantastic opportunity for readers and authors to get together and celebrate their mutual love of books. It’s a chance to meet your favourite authors, discover new ones, and talk about your favourite stories and characters. You’ll discover a large range of genres: crime fiction, fantasy, historical and book club fiction. Anyone who loves reading and books will enjoy some wonderful afternoons of discussion and storytelling.” The festival runs from Saturday 19th to Sunday 27th September, with day and weekend tickets available. Full programme and tickets are available from 9th June at www.marketharboroughlitfest.co.uk. PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS Saturday 19th September (Congregational Church Centre) • Writers’ Day: Introduction to Publishing: with industry expert and editor Sara-Jade Virtue Saturday 26th September (St Dionysus’s Church, 12 noon –4.30pm) • Marisa Linton and Belinda Campbell: discuss the fantasy folk horror genre and their respective novels ‘Circle of Shadows’ and ‘Something Wicked’ • Manish Chauhan: Leicester-born author of acclaimed Faber novel ‘Belgrave Road’ • Claire Fuller: award-winning author discusses her new novel ‘Hunger and Thirst’ • Janice Hallett: best-selling crime author talks about her brand-new book ‘The Silent Appeal’ Sunday 27th September (Louisa’s Place, from 3pm – 8.30pm) • ‘Cannonballs, corsets and coal: an 18th Century story in eight objects’: talk by historical fiction author Carolyn Kirby • Crime fiction panel and author Q&A with E C Bateman, Louise Jensen and Simon Mason. Panel chair: Diana Bretherick. • Poetry Pizza Party: with featured award-winning poets, live music, and poetry open mic slots. MC: Kia Matanky-Becker.

From the UK's biggest rock festival of 2026 to medieval battlefields, world-class motorsport and one of Britain's largest wartime re-enactments, Leicestershire is preparing for one of its busiest summers on record. More than a dozen major events are expected to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors to the city and county over the coming months, cementing Leicester and Leicestershire's reputation as one of the UK's most diverse destinations for festivals, live entertainment, sport and heritage. And the spectacular summer season kicks off this weekend…. Music Festivals The summer starts with the HUGE Download Festival, running from 12-14 June. Held at the iconic Donington racetrack, thanks to Glastonbury having a year off, Download is the biggest rock festival being held in the UK this year, with 100,000 rock fans expected to descend on North West Leicestershire. Headlined by Guns n Roses, Limp Bizkit and Linkin Park, the festival brings together some of giants of heavy metal and hard rock, with an awesome family atmosphere to boot. You’re likely to discover your new favourite band on the other stages too, with sets from Halestorm, Feeder, Mastodon, The Wildhearts, former members of Sepultura and Keanu Reeves with his band Dogstar! Country music comes to Harborough’s Stanford Hall with The Long Road festival. Billed as a celebration of Country, Americana and Roots music, it is packed with talent including Grammy winners Emmylou Harris, Steve Earle and Maren Morris, plus Platinum-selling stars including Bailey Zimmerman, Anne Wilson and Josh Ross. With authentic BBQ experiences, line dancing, and a car and bike show, pull on your cowboy boots and Stetson and get ready for a weekend that will have you yelling YEEHAW! Cattows Farm is hosting some great tribute music events this year too! The Supersonic Weekender, running from 31 July to 2 August is a celebration of Britpop, with tributes to Blur, Oasis, Paul Weller, Kasabian and many more. From 14-16 Augustthe Ranch Jam Country Festival features tributes to legends of country and western including Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Luke Combs, Chris Stapleton and more, plus a wild west stunt show! Then for bank holiday weekend 28-30 August, the Dubs of Rock Festival features the top UK tributes to acts including Metallica, Black Sabbath, Green Day, Kiss, Korn and loads more. Summer racedays! Leicester Racecourse will have flat races running all summer long, but their Smooth Radio Ladies Day on 4 July is always a highlight, with top level horse racing plus special guest stars putting on a great concert. This year welcomes M People’s Heather Small and 80s legends Go West. Plus of course the ever popular Best Dressed competition. There’s a family friendly feel to their Picnic at the Races event on 9 August, where guests are encouraged to come and have a picnic in car park before enjoying the racing. And for this event, under 18s are completely free! There’s racing of a different kind at Mallory Park on 4 & 5 July. Their 1000 Bikes Revival is the centrepiece of their 70th anniversary year, reviving the spirit of the much-loved Festival of 1000 Bikes that delighted fans at the circuit for many years. It’s an all-action weekend of racing, parades, displays and live entertainment, celebrating the passion, power and people that make the track such an iconic part of British motorcycling. We’ve already mentioned Donington Park Racetrack and there’s a summer full of motorsports there, with the Touring Car Championship, Club Car Championship, Classic Motorcycle Festival, Superbike World Championship, Classic car events and much more! Check out their full calendar here. Historic events You don’t want to miss these chances to enjoy the outdoors in fantastic historic settings. The Bosworth Medieval Festival will be returning in August after a year off in 2025. It sees living history demonstrations from a range of different organisations, full medieval battle recreations and chances to learn from historical experts in talks and demonstrations. Plus of course lots of family-friendly fun! And finally, the Victory Show is the UK’s largest World War II recreation event. Over three days from 4-6 September at Foxlands Farm near Cosby you can immerse yourself in fields full of substantial army encampments, with more than 150 re-enactment groups, and hundreds of military vehicles, including heavy armour. The highlights of each day are a massive tank battle featuring re-enactors and an aerial display featuring some of the most iconic aircraft from the era, which have included the Spitfire, Hurricane, Lancaster Bomber, TF-51D Mustang, B52 and Dakota DC3 to name but a few. Belvoir Castle is one of the most stunning Regency Castles in the country, and as well as giving you the chance to tour the rooms that featured in Netflix’s The Crown they have some great summer events, including a Father’s Day car and airshow, their annual Flower and Garden Show, the This Ain’t Texas country and western festival, and the stunning Sky Glow hot air balloon festival! Extend your stay in the city Make a weekend of it in the city, with a huge range of fantastic places to stay in Leicester. From reasonably price hotel rooms to luxury spots, quirky self-catering places and home-from-home apart-hotels, there’s something to suit every taste and budget. Check out our accommodation page here Press release via FU Media - Visit Leicester Dated 8th June 2026

The teenager accused of murdering De Montfort University student Khaleed Oladipo has appeared before a judge this morning to enter his pleas. Khaleed Oladipo died from stab wounds after an incident on the university campus in February this year. At Leicester Crown Court on Monday, June 8 Harper Dennis, 18, pleaded not guilty to the charge of murder. He also pleaded not guilty to two further counts of possessing a lock knife at the time of the incident in Oxford Street on Tuesday, February 3, and, two months later, refusing to give Leicestershire Police the PIN for his iPhone - an offence under the Investigatory Powers Act 2016. A trial date has already been set for Monday, August 10, and the teenager was remanded back into custody to await trial. The trial is expected to take between two and three weeks. Pictures by Leicester Media Online ©️ 2026