BBQ and hotpot, all at one table! A new social dining experience at DAIU is now open today (26 August) at Highcross Leicester, and here’s what diners can expect. Set in the former TGI Fridays unit in St. Peter’s Square, DAIU will bring an immersive, all-you-can-eat dining concept to the city. Over 2,200 bookings have already been made for its opening week, with diners eager to sample its unique, interactive dining set-up—making it one of Highcross’ most sought after openings to-date. A ‘first’ for Leicester, the experience will give diners the chance to grill premium meats and fresh ingredients at their own table, choosing from a range of rich soup bases and customisable dishes with signature dipping sauces. Diners will be able to choose from 100 different items on its menu, including Chinese hot pot, Korean BBQ, Japanese sushi, cold dishes, desserts and drinks. Designed with social dining at its core, the restaurant—which will cater to a maximum of 125 guests at one time—has been created as a vibrant, communal space for groups, families and friends. To mark its opening, a series of discounts are being offered: From 26 – 30 August, guests can enjoy DAIU’s ‘buy one, get one free’ using the code ‘DAIUOPEN’. From 31 August – 13 September, guests can receive £5 off each adult meal using the code ‘DAIU5OFF’. Students returning to the city will also get 10% off, with any valid student union card. And the same offer will apply to NHS and public sector workers, with the general public also being offered a ‘free meal’ on their birthday. Michelle Menezes, Centre Director at Highcross Leicester, said: “What makes DAIU really exciting is that it turns dining into a shared experience. It’s interactive, it’s social and it really brings people together around the table in a way that feels fresh and memorable. “Leicester is a city that really embraces global cuisine and DAIU perfectly taps into that, blending different flavours and influences into one really engaging experience. It’s fantastic to add this offering to our eatery line-up, and even better to see how popular it already is among our community!” Leroy Ji, Senior Partner at DAIU, said: ''Leicester marks an important milestone in DAIU’s expansion across the UK and a key destination in the Midlands. “We’re excited to bring the city our vibrant combination of Chinese hotpot and Korean barbecue. As summer draws to a close, we invite families and friends to come together, share delicious food and create memorable moments at DAIU.'' The arrival of DAIU forms part of Highcross' ongoing commitment to enhancing its food and beverage offering, with the international buffet restaurant, Umami, part of the well-known Cosmo Restaurants brand, opening earlier this year and more exciting arrivals yet to be announced. DAIU’s new Leicester restaurant is one of a number set to open by the end of 2027, with 20 earmarked for arrival in cities all around the UK. 1 Bath House Lane, Leicester, LE1 4SA Phone: 01162 687188 Email: info.leicester@daiu.co.uk OPENING OFFER..... BBQ and hotpot buffet. £35 /£25* *Price applies to children under 150cm and 13 years old Subject to height measurement at the reception. Prices do not include drinks. Discretionary service charge of 5% will apply. 26-30 August BUY 1 GET 1 FREE* 31 August - 13 September £5 OFF* *LEICESTER ONLY For further information about Highcross and its latest openings, visit www.highcrossleicester.com/ or follow the centre’s social media channels – Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and X.

Proposals finalised for term dates from 2027/28-2031/32 More than 8,400 people have shared their views and helped shape proposed school term dates for Leicestershire schools over the next five years. Leicestershire County Council needs to set its term date pattern for maintained schools covering academic years from 2027/28 to 2031/32. Following a public consultation, it is proposing to keep the traditional ‘Leicestershire Fortnight’, with schools breaking up for summer around two weeks earlier than many neighbouring areas. The proposal also includes a one-week October half-term, reflecting the option that received the most support during the consultation, and will be considered by the council’s cabinet when it meets on September 8. Feedback from families and schools has also helped shape a small change to the timing of the autumn break, with the recommended placing the October half-term in the third week of October. Councillor Charles Pugsley, cabinet member for children and families said: "We're immensely grateful to everyone who took the time to share their views. "The response showed just how important school term dates are for families, staff and communities across Leicestershire. "The recommended model keeps the early summer break that so many families told us they value, while also responding to feedback about the timing of October half-term. "We've also worked closely with Leicester City Council to align dates wherever possible, helping to make arrangements simpler for many families." The consultation ran between May and June 2026 and asked people to choose between two possible models, both of which retained the traditional early summer break. Just over half of respondents supported a one-week October half-term, while respondents also highlighted the importance of maintaining the existing summer holiday pattern. The proposed dates would apply to maintained schools in Leicestershire from autumn 2027. As independent organisations, academies set their own term dates, although many choose to follow the pattern agreed by the county council. Leicestershire County Council News - Friday, 28 August, 2026

The remaining three waste sites that were closed to cope with the impact of national pressures on waste sites across the country have dates confirmed to reopen. Leicestershire County Council’s Oadby, Lutterworth and Shepshed Recycling and Household Waste Sites will open on different days over the next week: Oadby – re-opens on Sunday 30th August 2026 Lutterworth – re-opens on Thursday 3rd September 2026 Shepshed – re-opens Friday 4th September 2026 Whilst the waste team manage demand, there will be a phased reopening of Oadby and Lutterworth, with Oadby and Lutterworth operating on a temporary opening pattern. Councillor Adam Tilbury, cabinet member for waste said: “I’m really pleased that we’re able to confirm dates to reopen – I fully recognise how inconvenient this has been for some people and I want to reiterate my thanks for your patience. “There’s still pressure in the waste sector across the country, but our team has worked as quickly as possible to get to the point where we can reopen these sites for residents to use.” Bottesford, which was also temporarily closed, reopened on Thursday 27th August. Lount, which was closed for refurbishment, will also reopen its doors to the public from Monday 31st August with the newly added “Rehome Zone,” where residents can also bring household items they no longer want, in good condition, which will be collected rather than be disposed. The reopenings reflect the improved national picture for the waste sector, and the waste transfer stations used by the county council, and the authority will work as hard as possible to minimise any impact should there be any further disruption out of its control. More information on opening days and the latest updates are available by visiting the waste section of the website. Leicestershire County Council News - Friday, 28 August, 2026

Detectives investigating a serious assault in a Leicester nightclub have issued an appeal to speak to a man wanted in connection with the incident. Jamie Jordan Enquiries have been ongoing following the assault of a 46-year-old man at the premises in Abbey Street, Leicester, on Sunday 9 August. The victim sustained serious head injuries, including a bleed on the brain, and continues to be treated at the Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham. Extensive enquiries have been carried out to locate 37-year-old Jamie Jordan as part of the investigation. Officers are now urging the public to contact us with any information about his whereabouts. A 36-year-old man has previously been arrested on suspicion of assault in connection with the incident and released on police bail pending further enquiries. Investigating officer, Detective Constable Senna Patel said: “We have been carrying out several enquiries to locate Jordan. Those enquiries have now been exhausted and we’re urging members of the public to assist us and to Jordan himself to come forward to police. "Do you know the whereabouts of Jordan? Have you seen or heard from him? If you have any information, please report to police quoting incident 26*474121.” Contact 101 or report via www.leics.police.uk Leicestershire Police News - Published: 11:07 28/08/2026

Police have released images of three people they want to identify in connection with a fail to stop collision in Leicester. The incident happened at around 2am on 4 June at the junction of Narborough Road and Hinckley Road. The victim, a man in his 20s, was working as a food delivery driver and was stopped at traffic lights when he attempted to speak to another driver about the manner of their driving. The other driver then got out of the car and punched the man several times before returning to his vehicle – believed to be a black Seat Leon – and drove at the victim, knocking him to the floor. The victim sustained a broken ankle and a head injury as a result. He was later discharged from hospital. Following initial enquiries, a 22-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent. He remains on police bail. Detective Constable Megan Wolstenholme, the investigating officer, said: "From what the victim told us, we know there were passengers in the other car and I believe those pictured may have information that can help our investigation. “I’m appealing for them, or anyone who recognises them, to get in touch. I’d also ask anyone who was in the area at the time but has not yet spoken to police to come forward.” You can pass on information by visiting https://www.leics.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ and quoting reference 26*323317. Alternatively call 101. Leicestershire Police News - Published: 08:56 28/08/2026

A near-record year for the Bosworth Medieval Festival which has seen more than 4,000 people enjoy the popular biennial event. The two-day festival took place at Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre and featured hundreds of reenactors who recreated the Battle of Bosworth, as well as traders from across the country and beyond. This year’s event also fell on the exact anniversary date of the battle, 22nd August, with a special rose laying ceremony taking place on the Saturday morning. Visitors also got to enjoy living history encampments and other medieval activities including archery, medieval falconry demonstrations, author talks and the chance to explore the heritage centre’s exhibitions. The Wars of the Roses Federation and Destrier provided the incredible 40-minute re-creation of the Battle of Bosworth, with hundreds of re-enactors taking centre stage in armour that would’ve been worn at the time. The Battle of Bosworth’s popularity drew reenactors from across the world, including Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and the USA. Bosworth Battlefield and Heritage Centre is open seven days a week, including a living history event taking place over the Bank Holiday weekend. For more information about opening times and ticket prices,visit the website.(Link is external and opens in new window) Leicestershire County Council News

Sat 5th September 2026 Leicester Pride set to welcome record crowds as region becomes home to more Pride celebrations than anywhere else in the country. Leicester Pride is preparing to welcome more than 20,000 people to the city this summer as organisers gear up for what promises to be one of the largest Pride celebrations in the UK and a powerful showcase of why the Midlands is increasingly regarded as the nation's Pride Capital. The annual event – which takes place Saturday 5th September – has grown into the Midlands' largest free-to-access, one-day Pride festival, will bring together members of the LGBTQ+ community, allies, families, businesses and visitors from across the region and beyond for a day of celebration, visibility and inclusion. As Pride events continue to flourish across towns and cities throughout the Midlands – including Hinckley, Ashby, Loughborough and Coalville - the region has emerged as the UK's Pride heartland, hosting an unrivalled network of celebrations that champion diversity, equality and community spirit. Leicester Pride sits proudly at the centre of that movement, attracting thousands of visitors each year and helping to position the city as one of the country's most welcoming and inclusive destinations. Martyn Parker, Chair of Leicester Pride, said: "The Midlands has become a powerhouse for Pride celebrations and Leicester Pride is proud to play a leading role in that story. "Every year we welcome people from right across the region and beyond who come together to celebrate diversity, support one another and show that everyone deserves to feel seen, valued and accepted. "With more than 20,000 people expected to attend this year's event, Leicester Pride continues to demonstrate the strength, resilience and vibrancy of our community. We are looking forward to delivering a fantastic day that showcases everything that makes Leicester such a diverse, welcoming and inclusive city." The event will feature a colourful city-centre parade alongside live music, entertainment, community organisations, food and drink vendors, family-friendly activities and opportunities for people to connect with local support groups and services. Leicester Pride's growing popularity reflects the increasing importance of regional Pride events, offering safe and inclusive spaces for people to celebrate their identities while supporting local communities and economies. The festival also delivers a significant boost for Leicester's hospitality, retail and visitor economy, attracting thousands of people into the city centre and reinforcing Leicester's reputation as one of the most diverse cities in the UK. Picture credit Stuart Gutteridge Leicester Pride Team Further announcements regarding performers, attractions and event details will be made in the coming weeks. Follow Leicester Pride Facebook page click here Audio version of this post Leicester Pride Guide 2026 CLICK BUTTON BELOW TO DOWNLOAD THE GUIDE BOOK The Leicester Pride event is on Saturday 5th September 2026 at Abbey Park Leicester 1pm – 9pm – Free entry Click on logo for web site Leicester Media is proud to be the official media partner for Leicester Pride Watch last year's video below

The first tenants are set to move into brand new, fully adapted council bungalows built on the site of Leicester's former Saffron Lane velodrome. Designed for wheelchair users, the eight bungalows are the first homes to be completed as part of a wider £11 million city council housing development off Leicester’s Saffron Lane. Built by Lovell on behalf of Leicester City Council, the development has transformed the 1.4-hectare brownfield site into a new neighbourhood of council housing. Once complete, it will provide 38 new homes - a mix of houses and bungalows - all built to high environmental standards. The bungalows are tailored to wheelchair users, providing high-quality accommodation that can meet tenants’ needs for years to come. Their energy-efficient design, which includes heat pumps and solar panels, will also help reduce household energy bills. The scheme was made possible through £700,000 of Government funding from the Brownfield Land Release Fund, which enabled Leicester City Council to prepare the site for redevelopment. Cllr Elly Cutkelvin, Leicester City Council's deputy city mayor for housing, said “This scheme forms part of our ongoing commitment to increasing the supply of high-quality affordable housing in Leicester. “It’s fantastic to see the completion of these new council homes, and to know that the first residents are ready to move into them. “The fully adapted bungalows will make a real difference to people who need accessible housing, giving them modern, comfortable homes that support independent living while also benefiting from lower energy costs. “Our priority is always to build on brownfield sites such as this one, but the financial viability of this makes it very difficult. We have only been able to develop this site thanks to additional Government funding, and we would welcome further assistance from the Government to do more of this in the future.” “This scheme forms part of our ongoing commitment to increasing the supply of high-quality affordable housing in Leicester and creating homes that meet the needs of residents now and in the future.” Construction of the remaining homes is continuing, with the rest of the development due to be handed over in phases. Photos: Saffron ward councillors Elly Cutkelvin (deputy city mayor for housing) and Ted Cassidy at the site of the new bungalows off Saffron Lane. LCC News - Published on Thursday, August 27, 2026

A Community Green Flag has been raised at the Forest Road Greenbelt in Loughborough after achieving the prestigious award for the 11th consecutive year. Photo shows Mayor of Charnwood, Cllr Colin Hamilton, Mayoress Emma Lowe, volunteers, councillors, council officers, representatives from idverde and Serco, and children from Watermead Day Nursery at a Community Green Flag raising event at Forest Road Greenbelt. The space is maintained by the Forest Road Greenbelt Gardeners, supported by Charnwood Borough Council and its partners idverde and Serco. Mayor of Charnwood, Cllr Colin Hamilton, and Mayoress Emma Lowe joined volunteers, councillors, council officers, representatives from idverde and Serco and children from Watermead Day Nursery for a flag raising ceremony at Forest Road Greenbelt on Wednesday 26 August. Cllr Anne Gray, Charnwood Borough Council’s Lead Member for Open Spaces, said: "This is an excellent achievement for everyone involved. Volunteers work tirelessly to maintain the space to the highest standard and this Community Green Flag acknowledges their efforts. "To maintain a Community Green Flag for 11 years is fantastic. I would like to take the opportunity to thank the volunteers and our partners idverde and Serco for their work this year. They should be very proud." Pat Cook, Chair of the Forest Road Greenbelt Gardeners, said: "I'm incredibly proud of the Forest Road Greenbelt Gardners who spend many hours ensuring this green space is maintained for the community to enjoy. "Thank you to the many volunteers for their dedication and hard work that has helped us to retain the Community Green Flag. My thanks also go to the Council, idverde and Serco for their support this year." This year’s Green Flag Awards were announced earlier this summer, with Loughborough’s Rectory Wildlife Garden achieving its first Community Green Flag. The popular Queen’s Park in the town received a Green Flag Award for the 18th consecutive year. The Green Flag award is managed by Keep Britain Tidy and is recognised as a benchmark for well-managed parks and green spaces across the UK and beyond. This year marks 30 years of the Green Flag award which is managed by Keep Britain Tidy. Other parks and open spaces in Charnwood to receive a Green Flag for 2025/26 include Loughborough University, Beacon Hill, Stafford Orchard Park in Quorn, Watermead Country Park, Barkby Road Cemetery in Syston and the River Soar and GU Leicester Line from Loughborough to Kilby Bridge. For more information about the parks and open spaces in Charnwood, visit: www.charnwood.gov.uk/parksandopenspaces Charnwood Borough Council News - Published: Thu 27th August, 2026

The latest phase in a rolling programme of repairs and improvements to pavements on Leicester’s busy Melton Road gets started next week. Leicester City Council is carrying out the works to spruce up public areas for local businesses and residents. The latest works will focus on the pavements on the outbound section of Melton Road between Portsmouth Road and Herbert Avenue, and on the inbound section between Acorn Street and Moira Street. The scheme involves replacing old, broken and uneven paving slabs with high-quality concrete blocks; improving drainage to prevent water from pooling on the pavements; and placing porous, resin-bound gravel around street trees. New bollards and cycle racks will also be installed which will help stop vehicles parking on the pavement. The works – costing around £500,000 and funded by the city council’s highways maintenance capital budget – are due to begin on Tuesday 1 September and will take up to ten months to complete. To ensure a safe working environment, some short-term lane restrictions on the affected parts of Melton Road may be required. Works will pause during December during the annual roadworks moratorium period. The latest scheme will be the third phase of an ongoing programme of investment to improve several sections of Melton Road over a number of years, subject to available funding. So far, footpaths between Checketts Road and Acorn Street have benefited from improvement works. Assistant city mayor Cllr Geoff Whittle, who leads on environment and transport, said: “The ongoing investment in repairing and replacing broken and uneven pavements on Melton Road is already improving the look and feel of this popular and busy street and helping make the area more attractive for residents and businesses. “This latest phase of work will continue to upgrade the area, helping to further improve the look and feel of the neighbourhood.” The Melton Road scheme is taking a similar approach to major works to repair and spruce up busy footpaths on Narborough Road, completed in phases over a three-year period. Letters have been sent to residents and businesses informing of the planned works. LCC News - Published on Thursday, August 27, 2026

A former Leicestershire Special Police Constable has been sentenced to a two-year community order after pleading guilty to three counts of making indecent images of children. Jamie Wallace, 21, of Leicestershire, was sentenced yesterday (Wednesday) at Leicester Crown Court after he previously admitted the charges at Leicester Magistrates Court on Wednesday April 8. Wallace was also ordered to sign the sex offenders register for five years and made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for five years. He was also ordered to do 70 hours of unpaid work, pay £150 costs and a £114 victim surcharge. Following information received by the force, Wallace was arrested in October 2023. He was a serving Special Police Constable at the time of his arrest. Two mobile phones were seized at the time of his arrest where it was found Wallace had downloaded indecent images. Analysis of these devices found 122 Category A images, 217 Category B images and 112 Category C images. The images are categorised based on the seriousness of them with Category A being the most serious. It was found Wallace’s offending was committed between December 2018 and October 2023. Chief Constable David Sandall said: “This offending is horrific. It is the work of our force’s online abuse team which ensured Wallace was arrested, that a full investigation was carried out and that he was left with no other option but to plead guilty in court. I am grateful to the team for the action they took and for their hard work to establish the full circumstances of this offending and which led to this conviction. “We will never tolerate this offending in our force. Wallace was suspended from the force following his arrest and later resigned. A gross misconduct hearing in July 2024 found that he would have been dismissed without notice had he still been serving.” *At the time of the gross misconduct hearing, anonymity was granted to the former officer due to the ongoing police investigation. As the investigation has now concluded, this anonymity has been lifted. Leicestershire Police News - Published: 11:45 27/08/2026

A man who caused significant damage to a factory where he worked has been jailed. A fire at Natsons Packaging Limited in New Star Road in Leicester resulted in the business working on a reduced level for almost six months. CCTV enquiries traced the suspect - Ajay Ajay - from the arson to a petrol station in which officers were able to identify him. It was later discovered that he was an employee of the business. The footage showed 31-year-old Ajay of Forest Avenue, Thurmaston, purchasing a jerry can and fuel from a petrol station. He then broke into the factory, placed tissue paper in several components of a machine before setting alight to it. CCTV footage shows the moment a Leicestershire factory was targeted in an arson attack. Ajay Ajay has since been jailed after admitting arson and burglary offences. The fire caused more than £1 million of damage to machinery and significantly impacted the business. Read more about the case on our website. When officers visited Ajay’s home address, he wasn’t there but clothing matching what the suspect was wearing that evening was found. A few days later Ajay Ajay handed himself in at Mansfield House Police Station as he was aware officers were trying to locate him. Further searches at the home address resulted in footwear and a bank card being recovered, the bank card was confirmed as being used to purchase the jerry can and fuel. Ajay Ajay At a hearing in June Ajay pleaded guilty to arson and burglary. Yesterday (Wednesday 26 August), he was sentenced to three years in prison. Detective Constable Shannon Clare was the investigating officer, she said: “When Ajay was interviewed, he stayed silent throughout, he gave no account as to why he committed the offence. “The business was not operating fully for several months and many employees were left without a job. The damage to the machinery was in excess of £1m, Ajay showed no remorse for the impact his actions had on many people. “The evidence against Ajay was overwhelming and he had no choice but to plead guilty. We are pleased with the outcome of this case and hope it helps the victims move on from the events of January and rebuild their business.” Leicestershire Police News - Published: 10:05 27/08/2026