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The countdown to Christmas in Leicester has begun, as the council’s lighting team moves ahead with the annual task of dressing the city centre ready for the big Christmas light switch-on. This year’s switch-on celebration will take place on Wednesday 22 November, which means the team is working hard to put up the decorations that span the city’s main shopping streets and install the 16,000 low-energy lamps that will light up Leicester throughout the festive period. Decorating the city – including Town Hall Square and around 20 city centre streets – takes around four weeks, with work being carried out early in the morning and at weekends to minimise disruption. The centrepiece of the festive decorations, a mighty 50-foot Christmas tree - from Kielder Forest in Northumberland – is due to arrive in the second week of November when it will take pride of place next to the Clock Tower. A Christmas grotto will be built in Town Hall Square ready for Santa’s annual visit to the city, and the traditional nativity scene will also return to the square in time for the big switch on. The massive 110m-high Wheel of Light will return to illuminate Jubilee Square – as well as offering people the chance to see Leicester’s Christmas lights from a new perspective – from Friday 17 November. The popular ice rink is also due to make its return to Jubilee Square from Thursday 7 December. A number of activities will take place at key locations around the city centre as part of the Christmas light switch-on, including brass bands performing in Town Hall Square, a live DJ set from the Haymarket balcony and the Bright Christmas light installation made up of 33,000 coloured LED lights at Highcross. Full details are available at Christmas In Leicester Watch Our Video from last years event Deputy city mayor Cllr Adam Clarke said: “As soon as the lights start to go up across the city centre, Christmas doesn’t seem that far away. Our lighting team are once again working hard to make sure that Leicester looks magical in time for our big switch-on event. “We look forward to welcoming people from around the city and the county for the start of our Christmas celebrations, and to enjoy all that Leicester has to offer over the festive season.”

Leicester will come together to remember its fallen service men and women in the annual Remembrance Day service. People will be able to pay their respects at the War Memorial in Victoria Park, on Sunday, November 12. The service will involve a parade, led by the Seaforth Highlanders Pipes and Drums, made up of members of the Armed Forces, reservists, veterans and cadets, which will step off from De Montfort Hall at approximately 10.45am and will make its way to the Arch of Remembrance ready for the service at 10.55am. The Right Rev the Lord Bishop of Leicester, Martyn Snow, will conduct the service with support from former BBC Radio Leicester presenter, Dave Andrews. A bugler will sound the Last Post before the two minutes of silence, which will be marked with the firing of salutes at both the beginning and end of the silence. A piper from the Seaforth Highlanders will play a lament before the service continues. Members of the public should note that salutes create a very loud bang and may cause alarm or distress, particularly to young children and pets. Official wreaths will be laid by the Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire, Mike Kapur OBE and The Lord Mayor of Leicester, Councillor Dr Susan Barton, together with representatives from local emergency services, military units and faith representatives. There will be an opportunity for members of the public to lay wreaths at the end of the service. The Salvation Army will accompany hymns, supported by the City of Leicester Singers and the Leicester Cathedral Choir. Limited public seating will be available on a first come first served basis and there will be a designated seating area for those with a disability or who are unable to stand for long periods. Watch Leicester Media's Video from 2022. A returning parade will step off through the War Memorial and back onto Centenary Walk at the end of the service, returning to the front of De Montfort Hall. Granville Road car park will be closed from midnight on the Saturday until around 1pm on Sunday, November 12, and vehicles should not be left overnight in the car park. A limited number of spaces for disabled and blue badge holders will be available in the car park, accessed from London Road only. Spaces should be booked in advance through the Member and Civic Support Team at lord.mayor@leicester.gov.uk or by calling 0116 454 0020 by close of play on Thursday, November 9. Road closures will be in operation on both Granville Road and Regent Road from 9.30am until 12.30pm on the Sunday. Access will be available for residents of Salisbury Road. Leicester Lord Mayor Councillor Dr Susan Barton said: “I am humbled to be able to lay a wreath on behalf of the people of Leicester as we come together to remember those whose lives have been lost in the tragedy of war and armed conflict and those who mourn them.” Leicester’s Armed Forces Champion, Cllr Sarah Russell, added: “The Remembrance Day service is a chance for communities everywhere to pay tribute to those who have lost their lives in armed conflicts over the years. “It is an opportunity for us all to reflect on the sacrifices made on our behalf, both in past wars and in more recent times.”

Leicester‘s celebration of Diwali is one of the biggest outside of India with everything from dance, fireworks, food and fashion making it the perfect place to enjoy Diwali. The festival kicks off with the city’s famous lights switch-on and culminates with a glorious fireworks display and entertainment on Diwali Day. There is also a fantastic selection of events taking place around the city during the fortnight. Diwali Lights Switch On Sunday 29 October - 3pm – 9pm Cossington Street Recreation Ground and Belgrave Road Diwali Leicester festivities begin with the illumination of the Diwali lights along Belgrave Road, marking the 40th anniversary of the switch on event in Leicester. Up to 40,000 people watch the lights switch-on with an evening of entertainment including a vibrant programme of music and dance on the Belgrave Road stage and a fantastic firework display. Don't miss the annual Rangoli exhibition at Belgrave Neighbourhood Centre plus food, stalls and funfair rides in the Diwali Village on Cossington Recreation Ground. The stage programme for Diwali lights switch-on runs from 5.30pm – 8.30pm on Belgrave Road with the lights turned on at 7.30pm, followed by the fireworks, which can be viewed from Belgrave Road. The Diwali Village on Cossington Street Recreation Ground features children’s fun-fair rides and stalls including food and concessions running from 3pm – 9pm. With thanks to our Diwali Leicester sponsors University of Leicester. Wheel of Light Friday 13 October – Sunday 12 November Belgrave Road The Diwali Wheel of Light returns to Belgrave Road, adding a sparkling centerpiece and extra excitement to this year's festivities. Take a ride up to 110 feet, and take in the unparalleled views over the Golden Mile and Leicester City. Diwali Day Sunday 12 November - 3pm - 9pm Cossington Street Recreation Ground and Belgrave Road 40th anniversary celebrations continue on the ‘Golden Mile’ for Diwali Day, where visitors can enjoy a programme of music and dance on Belgrave Road’s main stage with an aerial fireworks display. Exciting new additions will be brought to the event by Inspirate with support from Arts Council England. Look out for Ancient Giants roaming the street, rickshaws, lantern processions and live entertainment from multiple stages. The Diwali Village in Cossington Recreation Ground generously sponsored by Lidl GB will feature, food, stalls, funfair rides, an additional stage with laser show, fire garden display and amazing led light installation from the Canal and River Trust. DOWNLOAD THE GUIDE HERE https://www.visitleicester.info/dbimgs/Diwali%20Guide%202023.pdf Visit Leicester

A MULTI award-winning restaurant has expanded into the East Midlands as it opens its first venue outside of the North East, thanks to support from Newcastle-based law firm Mincoffs Solicitors. My Delhi opened its doors at Leicester’s Belvoir Street earlier this month, marking the launch of the brand’s third restaurant following the success of its Newcastle and Sunderland sites. Founded by brothers Elahi and Shah Amin, business partners Gaurav and Neha Goyal and executive chef Gaurav Dayal in 2019, My Delhi became an instant hit with locals, along with winning praise from the wider hospitality scene.” Earlier this year the team brought home the title of Best Street Food Restaurant of the Year at the National Curry Awards and Best Takeaway in the North East at the Just Eat Restaurant Awards among other accolades, including being crowned the winners of BBC’s Britain’s Top Takeaways last year. Co-founder, Elahi Amin, is delighted with the response to the Leicester restaurant. “Following the successful launch of our venues in Newcastle and Sunderland, we are now in the process of delivering the next phase of growth that will see us open sites in a number of UK cities, with Leicester being the first outside of the North East,” he said. “While we have ambitious plans to expand across the country, our focus is on providing the highest quality Indian food and therefore our growth strategy remains controlled and focussed. “Keith and the rest of the team at Mincoffs have contributed to this with invaluable advice and guidance and we look forward to working with them going forward as we roll out the My Delhi concept further afield.” Keith Ravenhill, associate solicitor in Mincoffs Solicitors’ real estate team, advised on the lease of the new space which was formerly operated by Zizzi, as part of the firm’s ongoing work with the Indian street food brand. “Mincoffs prides itself on assisting up and coming businesses, particularly from the local region. Whilst we have assisted Elahi and Shah for a little while now, it was our pleasure to play a part in the next stage of the business as it expands outside of the North East,” said Keith. “My Delhi’s authentic Indian street food has quickly become a staple of the North East food scene and I am confident the Leicester restaurant will prove to be just as popular with diners. “We look forward to working closely together again in the future as we continue to support the team with their growth strategy going forward.” Mincoffs Solicitors has provided expert legal services and advice across the North East and beyond for 75 years. Alongside corporate and commercial services, the firm’s offering includes real estate, dispute resolution, employment law, licensing and gaming, residential conveyancing, family law and wills, probate and trusts. For more information visit www.mincoffs.co.uk MY DELHI LEICESTER 26 Belvoir Street, Leicester, LE1 6QH Tel: 0333 335 554 Email: leicester@mydelhistreetfood.com Opening Hours Everyday 1pm till 10pm For more information click below https://www.mydelhistreetfood.com/

A Parade featuring 100 beautiful willow lanterns, giant puppetry depicting the fight between good and evil, and a performance by Mercury Music Prize winner Talvin Singh are among the new additions to this year’s Diwali Day celebrations in Leicester. Belgrave Road will once again be the setting for the celebrations which will run from 3pm to 9pm on Sunday 12 November. This year the city council has been working with local arts organisation Inspirate to bring new and exciting elements to the traditional event format, made possible thanks to funding support from Arts Council England. Deputy city mayor for culture Cllr Adam Clarke said: “Diwali day is a very special time for many people in Leicester, and we expect to welcome many more visitors to Leicester and the Belgrave Road to join in with our celebrations. “This year’s event promises to be a feast for all the senses with spectacular light and fire shows, lots of music and of course great food courtesy of the traders on the Golden Mile.” Jiten Anand of inspirate said: “As someone who grew up on Belgrave Road - I cannot express how excited I am to see this new iteration of Diwali come to life! We have been ambitiously pioneering ways to raise the artistic quality of this historic festival, so it's accessible to a new generation of communities in Leicester. “Diwali Festival has the potential to become a world-class event in the UK's cultural calendar, and we are taking a big leap in making this happen." The celebrations will get under way with a joyful parade of lanterns made by local school children and families, working with artist Shamila Chady. The parade of light and sound will leave from the main stage on Belgrave Road at 5pm. From 5.30pm, gods and demons from South Asian tales will be brought to life in a family-friendly street theatre show featuring giant puppetry, martial arts, dance and storytelling. Beautifully decorated mobile rickshaws will travel around Belgrave Road between 5pm and 8pm, each one uniquely designed and wired for sound to encourage visitors to dance their way through the Diwali celebrations. More music will be on offer from the Diwali truck, also on Belgrave Road, where DJ Yumna Black will spin his decks throughout the evening, bringing contemporary sounds blending east and west and as well as collaborations with live musicians. The nearby Cossington Street Recreation Ground will bring the festival of light to life with a neon waterfall light show, a fire garden of glowing structures, and a spectacular laser light show, all running between 5pm and 9pm. The park will also host the stage of light, where DJ Amrita Kalsi will keep the atmosphere going with modern and old-school bhangra rhythms. This year’s firework display will light up the skies from 7.30pm, and will be accompanied by a soundtrack created and produced by internationally renowned composer and musician Arun Ghosh. The grand finale to the evening will see Talvin Singh headline the stage of light with his explosive fusion of Indian and electronic sounds. A maestro percussionist, producer and composer, Talvin is renowned for creating the bridge between classical Indian arts and electronic music, and will be keeping the festival atmosphere going after the firework display. The event will take place two weeks after the Diwali lights switch-on ceremony, which will be held on Sunday 29 October. More information about this year’s Diwali switch-on and Diwali Day celebrations can be found at visitleicester.info. Printed Diwali guides are available in the Visit Leicester shop on Peacock Lane (King Richard lll Visitor Centre. Leicester’s Diwali celebrations are being held with support from the University of Leicester.

Rupert Matthews, Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Police and Crime Commissioner, has welcomed the imminent illegality of the misuse of nitrous oxide as a boost to his campaign to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB). The Government has announced that possession of nitrous oxide, also known as ‘laughing gas’, will be illegal from 8 November 2023. The move, announced as part of the government’s Anti-Social Behaviour Action Plan, will make nitrous oxide a controlled Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Consequences could include an unlimited fine, a visible community punishment, a caution – which would appear on their criminal record – and for repeat serious offenders, a prison sentence. Rupert Matthews said: “This is another positive move that will help to drive down anti-social behaviour in our communities. “I have received dozens of complaints about the silver canisters left behind by users of nitrous oxide. While the effects of abusing nitrous oxide are no laughing matter. Not only can it cause serious health issues, but its use leads to anti-social behaviour and criminality. This both blights communities and puts additional demand on our police officers. “This move is designed to deter young people from using the substance as a psychoactive substances and consequentially reduce anti-social behaviour. “Having supported the calls for nitrous oxide to be reclassified as a matter of urgency, I’m pleased to see the swift introduction of this legislation.” There are still many necessary uses for nitrous oxide and those with a legitimate reason for possessing the substance will be exempt from the ban. For example, it will continue to be lawful for catering purposes and in maternity wards when used as pain relief during labour. Licences will not be required to carry nitrous oxide, but individual users will need to demonstrate they are lawfully in possession of nitrous oxide and not intending to consume it for psychoactive effects. People who repeatedly misuse nitrous oxide could face up to 2 years in prison whilst the maximum punishment for dealing has doubled to 14 years New law forms part of government’s zero-tolerance response to anti-social behaviour and drug taking in public spaces Legal exemption will be in place for legitimate use in healthcare and by businesses and organisations in both the public and private sectors

Barratt Homes has made a contribution of £1,500 to Leicester-based charity, A Gift To Lift. A Gift To Lift is dedicated to bringing hope and joy to blood cancer patients undergoing rigorous treatments. Its mission is to provide much-needed respite by granting wishes, which can range from something as simple as a spa day to the gift of an iPad, with a maximum value of £200 per wish. The charity’s ultimate goal has been to provide a sanctuary for patients and their families and, in 2022, it fulfilled this dream by acquiring Lexi’s Lodge in Burnham Market in Norfolk, on The Poplars. This lodge will serve as a respite haven, enabling patients to create cherished memories during their battles against blood cancer. Barratt Homes' donation of £1,500 has been allocated to support the ongoing operational costs of Lexi's Lodge, ensuring that it continues to serve as a sanctuary of respite and joy for blood cancer patients and their families. This contribution was made as part of the Barratt Foundation, which aims to empower national and local charities and leave a legacy in the communities where the developer is building new homes. Jacky Hopwood, Director at A Gift To Lift, said: “We were really pleased with the donation from Barratt and David Wilson Homes, and we really appreciate the kind gesture to help our charity. “Its Community Fund scheme is a brilliant idea to help so many charities and, for our charity, it is a massive achievement to receive backing from such a reputable company.” To date, the charity has fulfilled over 200 wishes, making a significant impact on the lives of those affected by blood cancer. Blood cancer is a pervasive issue in the UK, ranking as the fifth most common type of cancer. Even more alarmingly, it stands as the third most deadly, claiming the lives of over 15,000 people annually and surpassing the mortality rates of both breast cancer and prostate cancer. A Gift To Lift goes beyond granting wishes; it is also committed to supporting the broader fight against blood cancer. The charity makes annual donations to Blood Cancer UK (formerly known as Bloodwise), which funds vital research aimed at discovering new treatments and cures for this devastating disease. Mark Cotes, Managing Director at Barratt Homes North Midlands, said: “We are thrilled to have had the opportunity to contribute to A Gift To Lift's admirable mission. “The charity’s dedication to bringing joy and respite to blood cancer patients is truly inspiring, and we are proud to have played a part in making a difference in their lives.” For more information on the charity or to make a donation, visit the website at A Gift To Lift. https://agifttolift.com/

The Frame 3 courses, including a mezze, a plate and side with a glass of sparkling wine for £20 Leicester Restaurant Week brings together the best restaurants in Leicester for a week’s celebration of all the amazing cuisines, dishes and dining experiences we have to offer. On a cold Autumn evening in October, The Frame restaurant did not disappoint. A blend of warm summer Mediterranean dishes brought back the memories of summer. Expertly cooked, delivered efficiently by the smart and friendly waiting staff, in a very nice & relaxed restaurant environment. The well balanced flavours of the mezze, plates and sides dishes were delicious. The chicken wings were great, with a rich spicy sauce. Eating these definitely included using your fingers. Overall the food, the wine and experience was a delight. Highly recommended. 9 St Martins Square, Leicester LE1 5EW Web site https://theframeuk.com www.Leicesterrestaurantweek.co.uk

Former air ambulance patient, Sean Ottey, is raising the awareness of the importance of early and quick medical interventions this Restart a Heart Day (16 October) after suffering a cardiac arrest in August 2020. As a medical professional, Coalville GP Sean Ottey (56) knows exactly what difference early interventions and being flown to hospital by the local air ambulance made to his recovery after he suffered a cardiac arrest whilst exercising. “It’s all down to time. Getting the right treatment as quickly as possible is absolutely crucial in terms of minimising damage to the heart muscle, memory and brain,” he explains. On 29 August 2020, Sean was flown to Derby Royal Infirmary in just 12 minutes by Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance (WNAA) after the helicopter was called out to Hood Park Leisure Centre in Ashby-de-la-Zouch – where Sean was taking part in a high intensity training session. “The air ambulance critical care doctor gave me drugs which helped my condition and the speedy transfer to hospital was crucial in the chain of events that saved my life,” he says. Sean “felt absolutely fine” on the morning in August this year when he was taking part in the weekly class, he has attended at the local leisure centre for the past 15 years. “I remember doing a backward lunge and the next thing I was waking up in intensive care,” he says. There is a history of heart problems in Sean’s family and despite him being a non-smoker and exercising regularly he believes “it is inevitable that I would have had a cardiac arrest at some point.” Looking back now he says that he “was in the right place at the right time” when it happened as the leisure centre staff were First Aid trained and did CPR on him straight way. “If I had a cardiac arrest when I was out walking on my own in the middle of nowhere the outcome would have been completely different,” he says. Sean spent over two weeks in hospital – 48 hours in an induced coma – and during that time he had an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) and stent fitted. Since his incident, life has been hectic for Sean. Unfortunately, he was held back a little while awaiting a VT (Ventricular tachycardia) ablation operation as the heart continued to be problematic after the cardiac arrest, but he has managed to return to work full-time after a few months. “I managed to get my driver’s licence back just over six months ago which has been liberating but more importantly, I moved house and moved in with my partner, and we had a little baby girl called Sapphire,” says Sean. “I have also managed to return to some of the exercises I was doing before my cardiac arrest and I have been skiing once again - I am a qualified skiing instructor and it was a real passion that I had,” he adds. Members of the exercise class he was attending at the time of his cardiac arrest have raised funds for Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance and Sean is encouraging others to support the charity. “Once again, I can only thank WNAA so much for their care and the opportunity they gave me to continue to enjoy life and more importantly create a new little life in the process. “I also hope my story inspires anybody who doesn’t know how to do CPR to find out. I am living proof that lives can helped to be saved by CPR,” he adds. WNAA Doctor and Clinical Lead, Matthew Wyse explains: “The best chance of survival for a cardiac arrest recognises there is a chain of survival that involves dialling 999 for help, good CPR, using a defibrillator to shock the heart and excellent critical care to support the patient until they recover. “The team from WNAA have a role to play at every step in the chain of survival but especially in providing exceptional critical care at the scene of an incident and quick transfer to hospital – just like we did for Sean.” It is estimated that more than 30,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen every year in the UK, and less than one in 10 people survive. Early CPR and defibrillation can more than double the chances of survival in some cases.Restart a Heart Day - led by the Resuscitation Council UK - is highlighting the importance of everyone learning CPR and actively promoting the use of public access defibrillators, to greatly increase the chances of survival following a cardiac arrest. Anyone wishing to find out more about DLRAA, or to support the charity can visit: www.theairambulanceservice.org.uk or call 0300 3045 999

Tickets are now on sale for Leicester’s biggest and best Bonfire Night celebrations – and firework fans who buy them by Friday (13 October) will get a bumper Early Bird discount. Abbey Park will host the city’s stunning fireworks display and Bonfire Night festivities on Saturday 4 November, with a fun-packed programme of events for all ages, including live entertainment, fire performers and a funfair. There’ll also be plenty of hot food stalls and – for the first time – a licensed bar. A quieter firework display for noise-sensitive and younger visitors will take place at 6.45pm, when a magical, mythical creature – with flares and fire fountains – will light the bonfire, before the dazzling main display lights up the skies above the city at 8pm. People are advised to buy their tickets as early as possible to take advantage of some heavily discounted prices. This year, the best discounts are available to those who buy their tickets before midnight on Friday (13 October). Between now and then, a family ticket (two adults plus two children aged five to 15) will cost just £26 and a group ticket (up to four people of any age) will cost £28. Tickets can be bought online or in person from the Visit Leicester information centre, which is based at the King Richard III Visitor Centre on St Martins. Anyone who misses those Early Bird bargains can still pick up cut-price Advance tickets, if they buy their tickets between Saturday (14 October) and Friday 3 November. The cost of family tickets (two adults plus two children aged five to 15) rises to £28, while the group ticket will cost £30. Those who wait until the day of the event to buy their tickets, however, will pay the full price of £40 for a family or group ticket. Children aged four and under do not require a ticket and will be admitted to Abbey Park free of charge. Customers are reminded that ticket sales – both online and in person – will end at 2pm on Saturday 4 November and no tickets will be sold on the gate at Abbey Park. E-tickets can be printed out or scanned from a phone to gain access to the park. Deputy city mayor Cllr Adam Clarke said: “Leicester’s traditional bonfire night is one of the highlights of the year – and it’s always a great night out for people of all ages. “With big discounts for those who buy their tickets early, and with free admission for children aged four and under, this is a great value way for people to enjoy a giant bonfire, live music and a spectacular display of fireworks. “Please remember that no tickets will be sold on the gate on the night, so make sure you’ve bought your tickets before turning up at the park.” The Abbey Park gates will open at 5pm on Saturday 4 November, when the funfair and food stalls will open. Live music and entertainment will get under way at 6pm, with the children’s firework display and the lighting of the bonfire due to take place at 6.45pm. A countdown to the main firework display will start at 8pm, with musical entertainment continuing until 9pm. To ensure all visitors can enjoy the event, a viewing area will be reserved for wheelchair users. People are reminded that no sparklers, fireworks or alcohol can be brought onto the site – and only assistance dogs can be admitted. Car parking is not available in Abbey Park, Abbey Park Road, St Margaret’s Pastures car park or the surrounding areas during the event, and visitors are encouraged to walk, use public transport or cycle to the event, using the bike parks on site. A limited number of parking spaces for Blue Badge holders are available close by, but these must be booked in advance by emailing festivals@leicester.gov.uk Advice on cycling and walking routes are available here Full details of the event, and a link to the ticket sales site, are available at www.visitleicester.info

Leicestershire police force has a new team of volunteers on horseback who have been recruited to spot and report crime in the countryside. The team, made up of 20 horse riders, have volunteered to become the ‘eyes and the ears' of the force while out riding in the countryside to protect rural communities from crime and anti-social behaviour. The volunteers will report to the force's rural sergeant, Paul Archer, and will support neighbourhood policing teams and the Rural Policing Team by providing information on issues impacting rural communities. It is an innovative way to mobilise rural communities across Leicestershire and Rutland in the fight against crime. They will also be asked to assist in rural crime prevention initiatives and local operations, to develop contacts with farms and local businesses, provide advice to the public and increase feelings of safety by providing reassurance and visible patrols. Mounted Volunteers Co-ordinator, PC Kelly Tones, said: "The volunteers are a real asset to the rural team and the scheme will be an excellent way to further engage with our rural communities in the harder to reach areas. "They are also a crucial part of Operation Snaffle, which is the force's response to improving the safety of horses and riders on our road network. "We have recruited a really good team spread across the entire county and I am really looking forward to working alongside them, listening to their ideas and developing the scheme further." The volunteers, who will work flexibly depending on availability, have already taken part in an induction session to help understand their new role and additional training relevant to the role within the force. The Police and Crime Commission has been very supportive of the new scheme. Rupert Matthews said; "Tackling rural crime is one of my key priorities. I am delighted to launch the Volunteers on Horseback Scheme - a resource I have fought hard to develop since my election. "Our Volunteers on Horseback will provide a special service to our rural communities, using their unique vantage point on horseback to retrieve valuable information and intelligence that will help local officers solve crime and keep residents safe. "They will not only provide much-needed reassurance to their communities but will provide a valuable service by building connections with landowners, businesses, residents and farmers and providing an additional bridge between rural officers and the local people they serve. "I would like to thank every volunteer who has stepped into this new and exciting role. Your support is gratefully received."

Leicester's Golden Mile will be lit up by 6,000 sparkling lamps from Sunday 29 October, when the city holds its annual Diwali lights switch-on event. This year will be the 40th anniversary of the switch-on, which started as a small neighbourhood celebration and now attracts people from all over the country and the world. The first switch-on ceremony was held in 1983 when the lights, stretching from Dorset Street to Loughborough Road, were switched on by the community’s oldest resident. This year’s event is expected to attract crowds of more than 30,000 people and will include a Diwali village on Cossington Street recreation ground, as well entertainment on stage on Belgrave Road. The Wheel of Light – an illuminated big wheel that offers riders a birds-eye view of the city – will also return to Belgrave Road from Friday 13 October to Sunday 12 November. Deputy city mayor for culture Cllr Adam Clarke said: “What was once a small community gathering has become one of the highlights of Leicester’s festival calendar, and I’m proud that our Diwali celebrations bring together people of all ages and all faiths, from all over the country, and from other parts of the world. “If you haven’t joined us before for the festival of light, we look forward to welcoming you to the Golden Mile and to Leicester this year.” This year’s event is once again being supported by the University of Leicester. Professor Nishan Canagarajah, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University said: “The University of Leicester was founded by the local community and is a part of the community – that is why our participation in this wonderful showcase event is so important. It literally shines a light to the world about the multi-cultural wonder of Leicester – Britain’s foremost superdiverse city. Our support speaks to our pride in Leicester, our commitment to community harmony and our mission to create a better future for all. “I congratulate everyone involved for reaching this milestone 40th anniversary – it really is a spectacular achievement.” The celebrations will begin at 3pm on Sunday 29 October with the opening of the Diwali Village on Cossington Street recreation ground. Open until 9pm, the Diwali Village will include children’s funfair rides and food stalls. Visitors will be able to pop-in to Belgrave Neighbourhood Centre from 4pm to see the annual Rangoli exhibition, with its mixture of modern and traditional Rangoli styles. The stage programme on Belgrave Road will begin at 5.30pm and will include a programme of music and dance presented by the city council and Leicester Hindu Festival Council. The switch-on of 6,000 colourful lights at 7.30pm will be followed by a spectacular firework display – best viewed from Belgrave Road. Diwali Day will be celebrated on Belgrave Road on Sunday 12 November. Local arts organisation Inspirate will be providing new and exciting elements for this year’s event, including two stages for DJs and musicians, a lantern procession and walkabout theatre production consisting of two giant puppets, musicians and dancers. More information on both events and the Wheel of Light is on the Visit Leicester