More than 80 tourism businesses from across Leicester and Leicestershire have praised Visit Leicester's commitment to supporting the visitor economy after its latest Tourism Network Event helped businesses gain new ideas, build valuable connections and uncover opportunities for future collaboration. Every delegate left with insights they could apply to their organisation, highlighting the event's impact in bringing the sector together and supporting business growth. Attractions, accommodation providers, hospitality businesses, retailers and tourism partners from across the city and county attended the event, with 94% rating it good or excellent and saying they would recommend it to others. The impact of the event was reflected in the feedback received. An impressive 94% of delegates rated the event as good or excellent and said they would recommend it to others, while 100% reported taking away ideas they could apply within their business. Feedback also revealed strong demand for further training, industry insight and opportunities to collaborate, prompting Visit Leicester to begin planning its next Tourism Network Event for early 2027. Businesses heard from experts across technology, travel and communications about some of the biggest issues shaping tourism, including artificial intelligence, changing visitor behaviour, storytelling and media visibility. Businesses heard from experts across technology, travel and communications about some of the biggest issues shaping tourism, including artificial intelligence, digital visitor behaviour, storytelling and media visibility. Geotourist CEO Shaon Talukder explored how artificial intelligence, location technology and visitor data are changing the way destinations attract and engage tourists, including the growing opportunity to influence visitors before they arrive. Travel writer and broadcaster Ash Bhardwaj examined how authentic storytelling can turn local heritage and visitor experiences into stronger destination marketing. Kevin Fraser Urquhart, Managing Director of FU Media, focused on how tourism businesses can turn stronger stories into earned media coverage and greater visibility across print, digital and broadcast channels. Interactive workshops and networking sessions also generated new business connections, with delegates reporting potential partnerships as well as opportunities to collaborate on promoting Leicester and Leicestershire as a destination. One attendee said: "The discussions around working together to promote tourism across the area were incredibly positive. It was fantastic to meet businesses from across Leicester and Leicestershire, make new connections and share ideas. I left feeling inspired and would definitely attend again." Tina Dyer, Strategic Tourism Manager at Visit Leicester, said: "The message from businesses was very clear: they want more opportunities to learn, connect and work together. Every delegate told us they left with ideas they could apply to their organisation, but just as importantly we saw new partnerships and conversations beginning across the room. "A stronger visitor economy depends on businesses working together, sharing knowledge and championing the destination collectively. We're already planning the next Tourism Network Event for early 2027 and want even more tourism, hospitality, leisure and retail businesses to become part of that network." Visit Leicester is now planning the next Tourism Network Event for early 2027, with the programme expected to respond directly to businesses' requests for further training, insight and networking opportunities. Businesses interested in attending the next event can now register their interest through Visit Leicester. The network events form part of Visit Leicester's wider programme of support for tourism businesses and the visitor economy, alongside the Tourism Growth Plan 2026–31. Through regular industry updates, training opportunities, business engagement and destination marketing activity, Visit Leicester works throughout the year to help businesses grow, connect and promote Leicester and Leicestershire to new audiences. Businesses interested in accessing the latest tourism news, industry insights, training opportunities and networking events can sign up to the Visit Leicester Tourism Business Newsletter. The newsletter provides regular updates and ensures businesses remain connected to support, opportunities and developments across the sector all year round.

A Week of free author talks, workshops, activities and taster sessions will take place across Leicester for Green Libraries Week. Green Libraries Week is an annual celebration of what libraries have to offer, with a focus on the climate and sustainability. Activities are all free, but they fill up fast - so it’s advisable to book now for events taking place during the week, which runs from 21-28 October. Among the events are an evening with Guy Jenkin, the award-winning writer, director and producer, who has co-written TV shows including Outnumbered and Drop the Dead Donkey. Guy is the author of popular comedy-mystery fiction novels featuring William Shakespeare, and he’ll be talking about his work and signing books at Leicester Central Library on 22 October from 7-8pm. Bestselling author Louise Jensen will discuss her chart-topping psychological thrillers – as well as the romantic fiction she writes under a pen name – at the Central Library on 21 October; while on 23 October, British-Nigerian humanitarian Louisa Bello will talk about her debut novel, Where The Shadows End, at St Barnabas Library. On 28 October, author Gerard Alfonzo Daley will be at Leicester’s Central Library to discuss his award-winning novel, The Book of Erin. And on the same day, award-winning author and columnist Arathi Menon will be at Highfields Library, discussing her debut literary fiction novel, Da. Alongside the author talks are a series of workshops, including a local writers’ fair on 24 October; a workshop on how to build worlds in fiction on 24 October; and WORD! Fest, a celebration of poetry and spoken word, on 27 October. There are plenty of other chances to get creative, too, with workshops to make bookmarks, suncatchers or planters from recycled materials, plus sessions on Lego coding for adults, modelling with salt dough, learning to use a sewing machine and starting a kitchen garden. Further talks and workshops will cover topics including sustainable travel, community growing, the Victorian roots of football and the history of allotments. Assistant city mayor for libraries, Cllr Vi Dempster, said: “Our libraries are at the heart of local communities, providing welcoming spaces where people can learn new skills, share ideas and take part in activities that support healthier, greener lifestyles. “Green Libraries Week offers a fantastic range of free events across the city, and I’m delighted that residents will have the chance to meet authors and discover new opportunities for learning, sustainability and creativity.” To find out more and to book onto the free events, visit https://libraries.leicester.gov.uk/whats-on and select the tag for Green Libraries Week. LCC News - Published on Wednesday, October 7, 2026

I'm so sad and devastated for the family of the latest Daddy Angel: Birthday Greetings' bollard topper, which has been recently stolen. The family has been searching the streets and bins in desperation as they feel like they are 'losing him all over again!’ This was meant for his young children. It even has their nicknames sewn onto it, affectionate names he had given to them. There will be no repercussions to you if you return it now. Drop it into a shop so it can be returned to this grieving family. Please do the right thing. I've created 203 bollard toppers. Before this, only two were stolen, and one of those was returned. Please return it. Syston Knitting Banxy Updated News 7th October Good news. Spuddo and Buddy's 'Angel Dad' has been left at the Church and is waiting to be reunited with the family. Thank you to Revd Ros for taking him home for safe keeping. And thank you, whoever you are, for returning him. The children will be so happy now.

More than 5,000 runners will be taking to the city’s streets this weekend for the annual Leicester Half Marathon and 10K race. The event takes place on Sunday 11 October and a series of rolling road closures will be in place to enable the runners to pass along the race route safely. Starting at 9:15am in Victoria Park, both races follow a route through the city to Melton Road, into Thurmaston, Watermead Park and Birstall, before returning through the city centre on the way to the finish line back at Victoria Park. The route includes London Road, St George’s Way, Charles Street, Belgrave Gate and out of the city centre, through Melton Road and out towards Thurmaston, Watermead Country Park and Birstall, before the race returns via Red Hill Circle and parts of Loughborough Road and Thurcaston Road, and then joins the riverside path. From there the route will return to the city via Abbey Park and the city centre, before continuing up New Walk via De Montfort Street and University Road on its way to the finish at Victoria Park. The 10k race will follow the same route as far as Melton Road, before travelling along Loughborough Road, Holden Street and Ross Walk to re-join the riverside path, past the Space Centre and Abbey Park on its way back to the city. Parking and loading restrictions will be in place to keep the route free of traffic, and temporary road closures will be in place while the race passes through. The measures have been signposted along the route in advance. Roads are expected to have re-opened fully by 1pm. The race is a hugely popular event, attracting runners ranging from enthusiastic amateurs to club athletes, all raising money for a range of charities including official charity partner, LOROS Hospice. Race director, Andrew Ward, said, “We love bringing the Run Leicester Half Marathon and 10K to our city’s streets; it’s the biggest and best running event in the county and is a real celebration of our communities. “We would encourage everyone to come out and support this fantastic event. Run Leicester is not just for runners at the end of the day; there’s loads of entertainment dotted around the route for everyone to enjoy too. “We can’t wait to see everyone on race day; the atmosphere will be incredible, and the event will also raise thousands of pounds for LOROS Hospice and other local charities.” Bus services from the city centre will be running as normal but some will be diverted to alternative bus stops nearby while the race is in progress, with any changes clearly signposted. Check out the footage from the 2024 event to see what people love most about Run Leicester, whether you’re running, volunteering or cheering everyone on around the route it’s always a brilliant day out. Full details of roads affected can be found on the Run Leicester Festival website at runleicester.co.uk or by contacting the organisers directly at info@runleicester.co.uk.

A farmer of a small holding has lost dozens of bales of hay and protective fencing for his animals, after a fire on Greengate Lane in Birstall that the family says Police and Fire investigators have deemed to have been started deliberately. Skye Robbo is raising funds for her grandad, after a fire on Greengate Lane, Birstall, on 5th October destroyed around 50 bales of hay he had spent months making, along with fencing protecting his animals from the road, nearby cows were safely evacuated by fire crews. A spokesperson from Leicestershire Police said: “We can confirm police were called by Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service just before 8pm on Monday regarding a fire in Greengate Lane, Birstall. It was reported that hay bales were alight. Officers attended to put a road closure in place. It appears that the fire service is leading the investigation into the incident.”

Leicestershire Fire and rescue service are currently attending a fire on Greengate Lane in Birstall tonight. Greengate Lane is closed from Aston Green Road to Woodgate Drive, due to an ongoing fire incident. A spokesperson from LFRS said: two fire crews are currently in attendance they were called to a stack fire, nearby cows have been safely removed from the affected area. Please find alternative routes. Approximately 30 bales of straw were destroyed in the fire. This straw was intended for the animals’ winter feed. The fire was extinguished overnight and there were no casualties, however this remains an ongoing incident, with reinspection taking place today to damp down. The cause of the incident is still unknown. A spokesperson from Leicestershire Police said: “We can confirm police were called by Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service just before 8pm on Monday regarding a fire in Greengate Lane, Birstall. It was reported that hay bales were alight. Officers attended to put a road closure in place. It appears that the fire service is leading the investigation into the incident.”

More than 400 extra householders have benefitted from free security upgrades to deter burglars in the latest phase of a crime prevention project funded by Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews. Two further Prevent and Protect events have been hosted in the Charnwood area in recent weeks, each attracting hundreds of residents. They are part of an ongoing programme of events organised by the PCC’s team as part of a £20k investment project aimed at reducing vulnerability in areas where data suggests an increased risk of burglary. The first event took place at Gorse Covert Centre in Loughborough for householders residing in postcodes LE11 4 and LE11 5 and was followed by a further event at Elizabeth Park Sports Centre in Thurmaston for those living within the LE4 8 and LE7 2 postcodes. In all, approximately 430 homes were provided with free security upgrades to reduce the opportunity for criminality as part of the two events. These included video doorbells, CCTV cameras and solar lights. The events were supported by partners from Charnwood Borough Council’s Community Safety Team and Leicestershire Police. In a snapshot survey, 99% of residents reported that the initiative had increased their feelings of safety. Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews said: “The trauma of burglary can last a lifetime, and impacts victims in so many ways from their mental health and wellbeing, their sense of safety and confidence and their relationships. Preventing such crimes before they happen not only avoids this emotional harm but has a much wider impact on communities, helping people to feel better about where they live and their overall risk of crime. “Prevent and Protect is about putting resources where they are needed most and where they can have the biggest impact on safety. Residents are really behind the project, as evidenced in recent feedback. “Stopping crime before it happens is an approach that is central to my Police and Crime Plan. Already, hundreds of homes have benefitted from this scheme, and I would continue to urge residents in eligible areas to take up the opportunity of protecting their homes with this free equipment and become part of the solution.” The next areas to benefit from the scheme will be Hinckley and Bosworth District Council and Leicester City. Eligible residents will receive invitations to attend events. Neighbourhood Crime is a key priority in the PCC’s Police and Crime Plan, with the Commissioner committed to investing funding into local communities for crime prevention activity.

Police officers are appealing for anyone with dashcam footage to come forward following a fatal collision in South Kilworth yesterday (Monday 5 October). Police were called to Walcote Road just after 3pm following a report that a red Honda CB1000 motorcycle had left the carriageway. The rider – a man in his 60s – was pronounced dead at the scene. The pillion passenger of the motorcycle was taken to hospital with serious injuries. Leicestershire Police would like anyone who was travelling in the area and saw the vehicle, or who has relevant dashcam footage to make contact. 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*598996. Alternatively call 101.

Police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward as part of an investigation into a fatal collision in Hinckley. Police were called to Ashby Road, close to the junction with Barrie Road, just before 10.30pm yesterday (Monday 5 October). It was reported a collision had occurred that involved a grey Hyundai i30 and a silver Vauxhall Agila. Emergency services attended but the driver of the Vauxhall, a woman in her 60s, was pronounced dead a short time later. A 22-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and remains in custody. Detective Sergeant Kasie McMahon, from our Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU), said: “This incident happened on a main road to and from the town centre in a residential area. “I believe there will have been people who saw what happened and I’m appealing for witnesses or motorists with dashcam footage to come forward. “Any footage or details about what happened that you can provide could 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*599500. Alternatively call 101.

Police have tonight closed Woodgate in Loughborough after reports of a sinkhole that appeared in the centre of the road between the pedestrian crossing near to the Car Park. The road will remain closed, Highways have been notified. Pictures by Leicester Media Online

People in Leicester are being invited to find out more about their risk of having a stroke and take simple steps to protect their heart and brain health at a free community event this October. The Stroke Prevention and Cardiovascular Health Community Day will give people the chance to get free health checks, speak directly to NHS specialists and learn about changes they can make to reduce their risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease. Hosted by the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust (UHL), the event will take place on Saturday 24 October, from 12pm to 4pm at the RCCG Green Pastures Parish, 101 Jarrom Street, Leicester as part of World Stroke Day. The event aims to encourage people to better understand and manage the risk factors associated with stroke and cardiovascular disease, which includes high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and atrial fibrillation (AF). Throughout the afternoon, visitors will be able to receive free health checks, speak to specialists about stroke and cardiovascular health, and learn practical ways to reduce their risk through simple lifestyle changes. The event will also feature information stands showcasing local support services and organisations that are helping to improve health and wellbeing across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. Stroke survivors will also share their own experiences of stroke, recovery, and rehabilitation. Memory Masore, Stroke Advanced Clinical Practitioner at UHL, said: “Stroke and cardiovascular disease can have a profound impact on patients, and thier families and communities, but many of the risk factors are identifiable and manageable. We want to empower people with the knowledge and confidence to understand their health. “By bringing experts and services together in the community, we hope to make it easier for people to access information, ask questions and learn about the small changes that can make a big difference to their long-term health. We would encourage everyone to come along, get checked, and find out more about how they can reduce their risk of a stroke.” The event forms part of UHL’s ongoing commitment to preventing ill-health, by working closely with local communities to improve awareness of conditions that can have a significant impact on health and wellbeing. The event is free to attend, and you can register your place here. University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust News 5th October 2026

Community groups in Leicester are being invited to take over the running of some neighbourhood buildings. Five buildings are being made available for groups to lease as part of the council’s community asset transfer policy, which has already seen other buildings successfully transferred to local organisations for them to run. Successful organisations are typically not-for-profit community interest companies, social enterprises or charities with a strong understanding of the local area. Braunstone Frith Recreation Centre, Coleman Neighbourhood Centre, Eyres Monsell Community Centre, Gilmorton Community Rooms and the Tudor Centre are all being offered up for community asset transfer (CAT) under an open bidding process. To make a successful bid, organisations must present a detailed business plan that sets out proposals for how the buildings will be used to benefit local people. Groups have to show how they will ensure the buildings are well-used by all sections of the community, with rooms available to hire and a good balance of activities available. Assistant city mayor Cllr Vi Dempster said: “Local facilities are often best run by the people who use them. Over the years, a number of centres have already successfully transferred to community groups through our Transforming Neighbourhood Services programme. "We know that some groups have already expressed an interest in running these buildings, and we are now inviting bids. Ensuring that these buildings are well used into the future strengthens communities and contributes to the social and economic wellbeing of the area.” Jo Randall is director of Team Hub CIC, which took over the running of New Parks community centre in 2017. Since then, they have developed the Team Tots Nursery, expanded support for families, children and young people; provided mental health and wellbeing support, delivered holiday activities and community projects; and, most recently, created a new community garden. Jo said: “For us, taking on New Parks community centre has been an incredible opportunity. The support and trust we received from the council has been hugely important. It has allowed us to put the community at the heart of the building and give local people a real voice in what happens here. “Community asset transfer is much more than handing over a building. It is about giving local organisations the chance to turn community spaces into places where people connect, access support, improve their wellbeing, develop opportunities and feel that they belong. Our experience has shown us what can be achieved when a local authority and a community organisation work together with the same goal - making a real difference to local people.” Angie Wright is from b-inspired, the neighbourhood charity that took over the running of the Grove community hub in Braunstone from 2019. Since then, they have attracted funding to renovate the property and installed facilities including a dance studio, meeting and function rooms and new basketball court. They deliver sports, dance and fitness activities, football sessions, parties, after-school clubs and holiday activity schemes. The site also includes a recently-opened community café. Angie said: The Grove community hub is a real benefit to the Braunstone community and enables us to provide a range of services based around sport and physical activity to the young people of Braunstone.” Organisations which are interested in running any of the five centres can get free, independent support on how to develop a business plan, including site visits and support for writing their bids. The city council will continue to run each site until the CAT process is complete, which typically takes 12-18 months . The bidding process opens on 5th October, and the closing date is 10th January 2027. For details, visit the webpage at http://www.leicester.gov.uk/community-asset-transfers LCC News - Published on Monday, October 5, 2026