Great Central Railway (GCR) is introducing a new programme of Relaxed Running Days, designed to provide a calmer, more accessible heritage railway experience for visitors with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), sensory sensitivities, anxiety, and other additional needs. Launching on Thursday 18 June, the initiative will take advantage of the railway’s quieter midweek operating days to create a more predictable and supportive environment for visitors and their families. Relaxed Running Days will feature reduced visitor numbers, a gentler pace throughout the day, dedicated quiet and relaxed carriages on steam services, and staff and volunteers who have received SEND awareness guidance to help ensure all visitors feel welcome and supported. Visitors attending Relaxed Running Days will also be able to claim a free carer ticket per booking. To ensure the scheme is used appropriately, recognised proof of entitlement will be required when booking or travelling, details of the programme forms part of the railway’s ongoing commitment to improving accessibility and inclusion while recognising the unique characteristics of a working heritage railway. Great Central Railway has also developed a comprehensive Sensory and Accessibility Guide which is featured on their website (gcrailway.co.uk) to help visitors understand what to expect during their visit, including information about sounds, sights, movement, station facilities and accessibility considerations. Malcolm Holmes, General Manager of Great Central Railway said "We want everyone to feel able to enjoy the unique experience of travelling on Britain's only double-track main line heritage railway. Relaxed Running Days are designed to remove barriers wherever possible and create an environment where visitors with additional needs, together with their families and carers, can visit with confidence. "While we cannot change the historic nature of our railway, we can make sure people have the information, support and understanding they need to enjoy a great day out." The initiative has been developed to support a wide range of visitors, including people with autism, ADHD, sensory processing differences, learning disabilities, anxiety and hidden disabilities. Following the launch on 18 June, further Relaxed Running Days are scheduled until the autumn. The railway hopes the programme will encourage more families, carers, schools and community groups to experience one of Leicestershire’s leading heritage attractions in a way that suits their individual needs. For more information and visitor guidance, visit www.gcrailway.co.uk. FU Media News 18th June 2026

The Great Central Railway is saddened to announce the passing of its much-loved Traffic Department cat, Onslaught, who passed peacefully on Wednesday 17 June, surrounded by those who cared for her. For the past 12 years, Onslaught has been a familiar and cherished presence at Loughborough Central station, where she spent much of her time around the Traffic Office. Whether greeting visitors, keeping staff company, finding opportunities to share in a packed lunch, or simply enjoying a sunny spot by the station, she became a well-known and much-loved member of the Great Central Railway family. Named after HMS Onslaught, an Admiralty M-class destroyer vessel which served with the Royal Navy during the First World War, over the years, countless volunteers, staff, supporters and visitors came to know Onslaught and many made a point of looking out for her during their visits. She became a popular subject for photographs and fond conversations alike. While she may have been a cat by name, to many across the railway she was far more than that. She was a colleague, a mascot, a source of comfort on difficult days and a familiar friend whose presence brought joy to so many people. Heritage railways are built by people, but places like ours are also shaped by the characters who make them unique. Onslaught was undoubtedly one of those characters. Everyone at the Great Central Railway would like to thank Onslaught for the companionship, smiles and moments of happiness she brought over the years. The Traffic Office, and indeed the railway itself, will not quite be the same without her. She will be greatly missed. FU Media News

Officers have arrested two further men as part of a continued policing operation following three firearms discharges in Leicester. An investigation remains ongoing in relation to the offences which occurred on Tuesday 2 June in Cort Crescent, Braunstone, and two incidents on Tuesday 9 June in Brascote Lane, Newbold Verdon and Station Road, Glenfield. Extensive enquiries have led to the arrest of two men last night (Wednesday 17 June). The men aged 29 and 38 were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to possess a firearm with intent to endanger life and remain in police custody. Three people have already been arrested. They are: A 40-year-old man arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to possess a firearm with intent to endanger life and released on police bail pending further enquiries. A 34-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to possess a firearm with intent to endanger life and suspicion of assisting an offender. She has been released on police bail for the firearms arrest and released under investigation for the assisting an offender arrest. A 36-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and released under investigation. In all three incidents, damage was caused to the front of the properties – consistent with a firearm having been discharged. A car was also damaged in Newbold Verdon. No-one has been injured. All three of the incidents are being treated as linked and a number of policing resources, including detectives in the force’s Complex Investigation Team (CIT), are currently dedicated to the ongoing investigation. 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*336377 or call 101. Information can also be given anonymously through Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or online at Giving information | Crimestoppers Leicestershire Police News Published : 11:27 18/06/2026

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Siam Thai Boran Thai Restaurant at 270 Loughborough Road, Leicester, LE4 5LH. Delicious and authentic thai food. Husband and Wife Team delivers high quality food with a friendly service. Eat in or takeaway available. Booking and Takeaway Tel 0116 367 6716 https://thesiam.co.uk/ Review by Russell Thorpe Saturday 20th November 2021. Pictures by Leicester Media Online For restaurant reviews, please reach out to Russell Thorpe at Leicester Media ​ russell@leicestermedia.online Our overall star rating is determined by a four-part evaluation system.​ Restaurants are rated based on their uniqueness, the tastiness of their food, the warmth of their atmosphere and service, and the strength of recommendation, which serves as a straightforward measure of value. All of our reviews are shared across our social media feeds, complete with engaging video cards to showcase your restaurant. Plus, you'll find shareable links to easily spread the word about our experience.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Little Club - Food review After reading many positive reviews and hearing comments from various people, we decided to visit The Little Club at 21 Anstey Lane in Leicester. It was a busy Easter Monday Evening, and wanting to try the range of food offered, we decided to tuck into a selection of their famous lndian starters for this first visit. The unassuming venue, has a pleasant surprise waiting, a positive vibe filled with diners eating freshly prepared restaurant lndian food served in a bar & grill experience. The stars of the starters are the famous Lamb Chops, served straight from the Tandoori oven in silver foil to the table to preserve the aromas and flavours, also a close second to the chops is the Masala Fish, long marinated in mild spices and perfectly cooked. Other starters included the mini kebab rolls, and crispy fried aubergine (who would have imagined this tasted so good) and served so crispy with just enough spice to complement the aubergine flavour . We can’t wait to go back to try the main courses. This Bar and Grill is highly recommended. Friendly and attentive staff await your visit. “You will be pleasantly surprised with the quality of the food served”. The Little Club 21 Anstey Lane Leicester The Little Club Bar & Grill Leicester By Russell Thorpe for LM News For restaurant reviews, please reach out to Russell Thorpe at Leicester Media ​ russell@leicestermedia.online Our overall star rating is determined by a four-part evaluation system.​ Restaurants are rated based on their uniqueness, the tastiness of their food, the warmth of their atmosphere and service, and the strength of recommendation, which serves as a straightforward measure of value. All of our reviews are shared across our social media feeds, complete with engaging video cards to showcase your restaurant. Plus, you'll find shareable links to easily spread the word about our experience.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ We dined at Thai Classic (Leicester) restaurant on Sunday evening. We enjoyed freshly cooked Thai delights served in a comfortable environment and were looked after by the friendly, attentive staff. With modern and contemporary Thai decor, the restaurant was welcoming. The restaurant is situated near the busy Highcross Shopping Centre. Our starters and mains were selected from an extensive Thai menu. Photographs are included in the menu to help customer selection. A separate drinks menu is available, and we recommend the cocktails on offer (2 for 1), which represent a good saving. Dining at 6:30 pm on a Sunday was probably one of the quieter times. The food and the drinks were served quickly. We selected the mixed starters, with extra Thai Style Mini Ribs. For mains, we tried the Weeping Tiger Steak, the Roasted Tamarind Duck, and Pad Mee Noodles. All the food was delicious, well-balanced with freshness, spice, and aromatics. The star of the show was the Weeping Tiger Steak dish, perfectly cooked steak, spicy sauce, and vegetables. If you love Thai food, this is a place worth visiting. Selection of starters Selection of Mains Our review rating THE VISION "To bring the vibrant spirit of Thailand’s street food to every table – where every dish tells a story, every spice awakens the senses, every bite tells the passion and joy of sharing good food with others, and every visit feels like coming home to Thailand." Leicester location Telephone 0116 509 9969 E mail info.leicester@thethaiclassic.co.uk 54 Highcross Street, Leicester, LE1 4NN ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Five Star Rating Review By Russell Thorpe for Leicester Media Online Sunday 31st May 2026 For restaurant reviews, please reach out to Russell Thorpe at Leicester Media ​ russell@leicestermedia.online Our overall star rating is determined by a four-part evaluation system.​ Restaurants are rated based on their uniqueness, the tastiness of their food, the warmth of their atmosphere and service, and the strength of recommendation, which serves as a straightforward measure of value. All of our reviews are shared across our social media feeds, complete with engaging video cards to showcase your restaurant. Plus, you'll find shareable links to easily spread the word about our experience.

Mirch Masala celebrates its 30th year here in Leicester. On the evening of June 17th, Leicester Media was invited to commemorate Masala's 30th anniversary. The special celebration featured music, VIPs, friends and family, and, naturally, exquisite Indian cuisine. Guests were treated to drinks and canapés, along with a variety of vegetarian main courses served outdoors. Each dish was expertly cooked and presented, with perfectly balanced flavors that left you craving more. The event was well attended, and everyone enjoyed the food and music. We look forward to returning on a quieter evening to enjoy the inviting atmosphere and try more delicious food. Mirch Masala, one of Leicester's longest-standing restaurants, is delighted to celebrate its 30th anniversary this year. Established in 1996 Pictures and Video By Leicester Media Online Mirch Masala presents an exciting blend of flavors in every dish, from spicy biriyanis to Italian-style pizzas with paneer, showcasing the restaurant's innovative spirit and dedication to authenticity. Situated on the Golden Mile in Belgrave, often referred to as a "mini India" due to its lively Asian community, Mirch Masala has established itself as a cherished culinary destination for Leicester's diverse residents, drawing patrons from Birmingham and London as well. A Tradition of Genuine Flavors: Mirch Masala was established by the husband-and-wife duo Pradeep and Nisha Popat in 1996. In the last 30 years, their genuine approach and family values have transformed the restaurant into a welcoming haven for guests. "For us, Mirch Masala has always been about family and authenticity," states Nisha Popat, co-owner of Mirch Masala (pictured below). “We started as a small venture with a big idea – bringing vegetarian meals from around the world to Leicester – and the community embraced us. Thirty years on, we’re now serving children and even grandchildren of our first customers. It’s incredibly heartwarming to know Mirch Masala has been part of so many family traditions“ What began as a novel idea – blending Indian cuisine with international street food – is now a mainstay of Leicester’s food scene. Mirch Masala’s menu spans Indian, Indo- Chinese, Mexican, and Italian dishes, all 100% vegetarian. Classic samosas share the menu with zesty Hakka noodles and even Indo-Italian pizzas, but every dish stays true to its roots with authentic spices and an Indian flair. This unique fusion approach made Mirch Masala a trendsetter in the 1990s and keeps it relevant today as diners seek both authenticity and innovation. Revitalising a Golden Mile Icon Despite its longevity, Mirch Masala has never been complacent. The Popats have continually invested in the restaurant to keep it fresh while preserving its authenticcharm. As part of the thirty year celebrations, the restaurant has been revitalised, creating a warm, colourful and modern ambiance for the next generation of guests. “We wanted to honour everything people love about Mirch Masala - the colours, the culture, the comfort of eating freshly cooked food - and bring it up to date,” explains Nisha. “It’s still the cosy Mirch Masala everyone knows, but with a fresh look for our 30th year.” Local food lovers and community leaders have taken notice of Mirch Masala’s enduring presence and the affection is evident – whether it’s long-time customers reminiscing about first visits in the ’90s, or newcomers charmed by the restaurant’s welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere, Mirch Masala has truly become “a true gem in Leicester's dining scene” Kicking off a Year of Celebrations To mark its 30th anniversary, Mirch Masala is planning a year-long program of celebrations and special offers throughout 2026. The festivities begin this month with a nod to Veganuary – the annual celebration of plant-based eating each January. In honour of Veganuary and the restaurant’s vegetarian ethos, Mirch Masala has launched a new vegan sharing platter menu filled with creative plant-based delights. Diners can sample an array of vegan dishes that showcase the kitchen’s flair for innovation with ingredients like jackfruit, tofu, and fresh seasonal vegetables, all spice and prepared in Mirch Masala’s signature style. “We’ve always been about inclusivity in food,” Nisha Popat notes. “Our Veganuary platter is a fun way to invite everyone -vegans, vegetarians or those looking to make healthier choices in 2026 - to celebrate with us. It’s amazing to see people from all walks of life enjoying our food with an Indian twist. Looking ahead, Mirch Masala’s 30th anniversary celebrations will crescendo in the summer of 2026 with a special community event (details to be announced). The Popats hint that the summer festivities will pay tribute to the restaurant’s journey and its loyal patrons, featuring live music, cultural performances, and of course, plenty of food. Throughout the year, customers can also look forward to monthly anniversary specials, from throwback menus featuring 1990s-favorite dishes to charitable events supporting local causes – a way for Mirch Masala to give back to the community that has supported it over three decades. As one of Leicester’s longest-running dining establishments, Mirch Masala’s story is a testament to the power of authenticity, family, and community. “When we first opened, some people thought vegetarian world street food was an odd idea. Now it’s part of Leicester’s identity,” says Nisha Popat with a proud smile. “This anniversary isn’t just about us – it’s about everyone in this city who has shared a meal and a memory here.” Location 160 Belgrave Road LE4 5AU Leicester Telephone 0116 261 0888 E mail info@mirch-masala.co.uk By Russell Thorpe for Leicester Media Online 17th June 2026 For restaurant reviews, please reach out to Russell Thorpe at Leicester Media ​ russell@leicestermedia.online

People can learn about plans to improve Rockingham Road in Market Harborough, with designs now revealed for a scheme to cut congestion, improve safety and make it easier to get around. The route is one of the town’s busiest and already sees delays at peak times, especially around Clarence Street and Gores Lane. The £1.9 million scheme is being funded through developer contributions and Active Travel England to make this route safer and more reliable for all road users. Andrew Hamilton-Gray, Lead Member for Highways and Transport said: “This scheme is an important investment in Market Harborough and improves how Rockingham Road works for everyone now and into the future. “We want to make the network stronger and more resilient for drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and those travelling by passenger transport.” Proposed improvements are designed to ease pressure on the road including as growth in the area happens, to keep traffic moving and make journeys more reliable. They will also make the area safer and easier to use for people walking, cycling and wheeling. Residents have helped shape this plan by providing feedback at engagement events and online. Plans include upgrades to key junctions at St Mary’s Way/Clarence St and Gores Lane, a new pedestrian crossing near Gores Lane and a wider shared path for walking and cycling between the railway bridge and Rockingham Industrial Estate. There will also be more cycle parking, clearer signs and new trees and street furniture to improve the look and feel of the route. Work is taking place with residents, businesses and schools to raise awareness of new priority crossings and to promote cycling and walking. A one-way system on Clarence Street is also being proposed as a trial planned for implementation in early August for 18 months. This will be closely monitored to see how it works in practice before any final decision is made. Construction is expected to start in August 2026 and run into spring 2027. While there will be some disruption, work will be carefully planned to keep traffic moving as much as possible, with clear updates provided throughout. More information is available on the Market Harborough project page. Leicestershire County Council News - Wednesday, 17 June, 2026

Resident doctors have cancelled the planned industrial action due to take place this week. Please attend your medical appointments as normal unless you have been told they have been changed or cancelled. If you have been advised that your appointment or procedure was cancelled or rescheduled due to the planned industrial action, please do not attend your original appointment unless you are contacted again. Thank you for your patience and understanding – we are working to review affected appointments as quickly as possible. University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust News

Hot on the heels of Download - the UK's biggest rock festival of 2026 - Leicestershire is underway to one of its busiest summers on record welcoming visitors to a spectacular array of major events – from medieval battlefields, world-class motorsport to one of Britain's largest wartime re-enactments. 13 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. Music Festivals 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

The National Space Centre is marking its 25th birthday on 30 June with the launch of an extraordinary new gallery experience — a major addition designed to transform the visitor journey and bring the far reaches of our Solar System closer than ever before. At the heart of the celebrations is the brand-new Outer Solar System Experience, an immersive space where visitors can step beyond the asteroid belt and explore distant worlds without ever leaving the Centre. This exciting new environment allows guests to interact with some of the most fascinating phenomena in our cosmic neighbourhood — from encountering a comet to creating their own extremophile lifeform — opening up the mysteries of the outer planets in a dynamic and unforgettable way. The launch also marks the reopening of the updated Our Solar System Gallery, making 30 June the very first opportunity for visitors to experience both the new installation and the refreshed wider gallery. This landmark launch forms the centrepiece of the National Space Centre’s 25th birthday celebrations — a special gift to visitors that reflects its ongoing commitment to innovation, learning, and inspiring future generations. The National Space Centre would like to extend its sincere thanks to the Wolfson Foundation, the Garfield Weston Foundation, and the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851 for their generous support. Their investment has been instrumental not only in bringing the new Outer Solar System Experience to life, but also in enabling the wider transformation of the Our Solar System Gallery. Together, this funding has supported comprehensive development, ensuring the gallery continues to evolve and inspire — helping visitors explore some of the most important questions about our place in the Solar System and our understanding of the universe. To ensure as many people as possible can be part of this milestone moment, the National Space Centre will host a Pay What You Can Day on 30 June. Designed to support families and individuals facing financial challenges, the initiative allows visitors to enjoy a full day out at a price they can afford, helping to make space accessible to all. The day itself will be a true celebration, with activities for the whole family taking place across the Centre. Visitors can explore award-winning galleries, enjoy a full dome planetarium show, climb the iconic Rocket Tower, and immerse themselves in the brand-new experience. And no birthday celebration would be complete without cake. A special commemorative creation will be made in partnership with the University of Leicester and Great British Bake Off’s Josh Smalley, adding a delicious highlight to the day’s festivities. To give families even more time to celebrate, the National Space Centre will extend its opening hours until 7.00pm. Pay What You Can admission will be available on the door only on 30 June, with advance tickets purchased through the National Space Centre website remaining at standard admission prices. To find out more, visit https://www.spacecentre.co.uk/whats-on/space-for-everyone/

A police officer has been taken to hospital after she was assaulted in Leicester City centre. A Spokesperson from Leicestershire Police said: "The female officer was on patrol in the area of London Road and Prebend Street, in the city centre, when she spotted a man and woman who were both wanted for previous offences. According to the police, the officer approached them and was assaulted by the man. They both left the scene before other officers arrived, and police are currently trying to find them, as of 2pm on Tuesday afternoon, June 16. Officers say the female officer has sustained a cut to her head and has been taken to hospital for treatment." Several police officers were observed on Andover Street, close to Leicester Railway Station, seemingly conducting door-to-door investigations related to the incident. There were four police cars and a van in the vicinity, and numerous officers were also noticed patrolling the nearby streets. Update Friday 19th June 2026 A man has since been charged in connection with this incident. Flynn Evans, 20, of Beckingham Road, Leicester, was charged with assaulting an emergency worker and common assault. He appeared at Leicester Magistrates’ Court yesterday, Thursday, June 18, where he was remanded into custody.