Plans to transform Leicester’s St Margaret’s junction to help encourage more walking and cycling, and improve bus journey times, have been given a major cash boost. Leicester City Council has been awarded over £12million from the third round of the Government’s Levelling Up Fund, which is designed for long-term, major capital projects which will help create jobs, encourage new investment and enable business growth. The proposed highway development project would transform the sprawling junction linking St Margaret’s Way, Burleys Way, Vaughan Way and Church Gate. It will also see the permanent removal of the last remaining pedestrian underpasses on the city’s inner ring road. The large underpass complex was closed and fenced off earlier this year, following surveys that showed many people choose not to use them due to safety concerns and the fear of crime. Proposed improvements include filling-in all three underpasses and major remodelling of the junction to help improve bus journey times, provide a more attractive route for walkers and cyclists and create more green space at this important gateway into the city centre. Ensuring the area feels safe for people to use after dark is another key aim of the project. The introduction of new bus lanes on sections of St Margaret’s Way and Sanvey Gate. Will help improve journey times and service reliability by creating a direct link between the new St Margaret’s Bus Station and the A6, A50 and Anstey Lane bus corridors. New cycle tracks would also be created on parts of St Margaret’s Way and Sanvey Gate to link to recently created and planned works expanding the citywide network of safer routes for cyclists. Footpaths would be widened and improved, and new parallel crossings for pedestrians and cyclists will be introduced across the busy junction. New landscaping would also help create a stronger link between the city centre and the medieval St Margaret’s Church building, which dates back to the 13th century. The proposed improvements are intended to encourage more walking and cycling, with transport surveys showing that currently just three per cent of people using the junction do so on foot or bike. The scheme will also help to promote new development and regeneration in the area, including providing the infrastructure needed to support investment in new city centre homes to help meet rising demand. Cllr Adam Clarke, deputy city mayor for climate, culture and economy, said: “This is great news for the city and a fantastic opportunity to build on the improvements we have already seen from the award-winning redevelopment of St Margaret’s bus station – the first operationally net zero bus station building in the UK. “The nearby St Margaret’s junction is an outdated throwback to the original 1970s ring road design. Its underpasses are unappealing to pedestrians and are a magnet for anti-social behaviour. “As it stands the junction is a barrier for pedestrians and cyclists, and the current arrangement does no favours for buses leaving the new St Margaret’s Station. “These proposals will address an important missing link in our transport network and help this sprawling junction into an attractive gateway into the city centre for all road users. It will also help reveal one of Leicester’s finest historic church buildings and reconnect it and the surrounding area to the city centre. Importantly, it will also make the route feel safer for people to use, especially at night. “The award of over £12million from Levelling Up Fund is a huge endorsement of the importance of this scheme.” “Providing more attractive and sustainable travel choices for people will help deliver a greener solution for the future growth of the city and support our work around the climate emergency and air quality improvements. We need to be radical and ambitious to meet these challenges.” Alongside the award of £12,177,706 from the Levelling Up Fund, the city council will invest £3million of capital funding towards the project. Works are expected to get underway in 2025.

In the last three years the force has continued to excel at securing confiscation orders worth more than £6 million allowing the seizure of assets from criminals. The powers under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) allows forces to approach the courts and seize assets obtained by individuals through their criminality. Confiscation orders are granted by the courts following the conviction of individuals where there is evidence to support the defendant has gained financially from their crimes. Members of the force’s economic crime unit are responsible preparing the evidence to support the confiscation orders. At times this can be a complex and challenging task with criminals attempting to hide their cash and assets amongst family members. The orders can also include the sale of assets to recoup the value, such as cars, jewellery, designer clothing and on some occasions through the sale of the individual’s shares in property. Between April 2020 and March this year orders to the value of £6.38m have been granted by the courts. Those orders have allowed us to seize many high value items, such as a Range Rover Sport HSE which was sold for more than £18,000 using the force’s eBay site and a gold Rolex Sky-Dweller Master watch which was sold for more than £26,000. After a member of an organised crime group who supplied class A drugs across the country was sentenced the force applied for a confiscation order and seized two paintings by John Wilson and Ronnie Wood to the value of more than £1,700. Rolex and Hublot watches to the value of £20,000 were also seized. eBay sales have generated an income of £1.25m since 2016 through the sale of a number of items. Between April 2022 and March this year 57 items were sold generating more than £240,000. The proceeds from the recovery and sale of criminal assets using eBay, which since 2016 amounts to a total of £4.2 million, is transferred to the Home Office but a proportion is returned to the force to drive up asset recovery performance and assist with local projects. Deputy Chief Constable David Sandall, said: “These figures are a testament to the immense work that goes into these investigations and subsequent POCA hearings. The legislation allows forces to stop criminals from benefitting further from the criminality. “We are good at seizing criminals’ assets and we will continue to use these powers to ensure those who choose to commit crime do not benefit from it.” The money recovered from criminals is reinvested and used to tackle crimes that cause the most harm, helping make our communities safer. We have used money acquired through seizing criminal assets to support a domestic abuse perpetrator rehabilitation programme and fund two new police cars. Rupert Matthews, Police and Crime Commissioner for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, said: “This is great work by the force and sends a strong message to those who commit crime that their illegal gains can and will be taken away from them. I think law-abiding residents will appreciate the fact that this money is used to combat crime still further, so it really is a case of the offender helping the police make our communities safer. “This work is absolutely in line with my ongoing strategy to prevent crime in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. “ Paul Wenlock from the force’s Economic Crime Unit (ECU), said: “Our work doesn’t end at an individual’s conviction. If there is evidence to suggest the defendant has gained financially from their criminality we can approach the courts for confiscation orders under the POCA. “If criminals fail to pay the value of the order they can have additional years added to their existing sentences. “As well as confiscation orders the POCA legislation allows us to apply for forfeiture orders and restraint orders. “A restraint order granted under POCA means that we can secure an asset pending conviction and a confiscation hearing/order. “Forfeiture orders are granted under civil legislation. If a criminal investigation fails to proceed or if there is no further action we can proceed with civil law to retain the cash and we are one of the best police forces in the country in seizing criminals’ assets. We will continue to use these powers to dismantle serious and organised criminality in the city and county.”

Leicester's Christmas ice rink is due to take pride of place once more in the city centre as the centrepiece of a glittering programme of festive attractions. With just a month to go until the ice rink opens its doors to visitors at Jubilee Square, tickets have now gone on sale, including packages for adults, children and discounts for group bookings. The Jubilee Square Ice Rink will be open every day from December 7 to January 7, with the exception of Christmas Day itself, with slots at peak, off-peak and quiet times to suit all tastes. Opening hours are 10am to 8.45pm daily, with the last admission at 8pm, except Christmas Eve when it closes at 5.15pm. Tickets are available now from Leicester’s dedicated Christmas website at www.ChristmasInLeicester.co.uk and will soon also be available from the Visit Leicester Centre, located at the King Richard III Visitor Centre opposite Leicester Cathedral. Skate hire and a 45-minute session on the ice will cost just £5 at super off-peak times. Off-peak tickets will cost £11.50 for adults and £10.50 for children/concessions. Standard price tickets will cost £13.50 for adults and £11.50 for children/concessions. Little ones won’t be left out of all the fun with skating aids available for younger skaters to hire, making the ice rink great fun and safe for all the family. Tickets for skate aids can be purchased for £5 in the ice rink at the skate collection point, on a first come, first serve basis. Only card payments will be taken inside the ice rink. Wheelchair users can also join in the fun on the ice rink at any session. Themed events will also feature on the programme. For those who like it loud, there will be DJ takeover nights on Fridays and Saturdays, focusing on everything from 90s disco, to indie anthems to R&B classics, culminating in a set of Ibiza dance anthems on New Years Eve. For a more peaceful experience, there will be special quiet sessions on December 26 and 28, and again on January 2 and 4 at 12.15pm when there will be no loud music. Up to 225 skaters will be able to take to the ice during most sessions but, as in previous years, capacity will be limited to 100 skaters for designated quiet sessions for people with autism or other special needs. The ice rink will be covered with a roof so people can skate come rain or shine. An Alpine-style bar area and festival street food will also be on hand to complete the experience. The Jubilee Square ice rink will be at the heart of Leicester’s Christmas events, with the giant Wheel of Light joining it from Friday, November 17, until Sunday, January 7. The 110-ft Ferris wheel offers unrivalled views over the city centre. Tickets can be purchased from the ticket booth on site. A ride is approximately eight to 10 minutes. There are 24 covered gondolas, each seating six people. Wheelchair access is available to one of the gondolas – assistance will be provided for anyone using this gondola. Prices range from £7 for a standard ticket, £5 for children under 1.4metres tall, or £20 for a family of four. The Wheel of Light will be open from Monday to Friday 12noon to 9pm, and from midday till 10pm on weekends. Elsewhere in the city, Santa’s grotto will be waiting to welcome visitors of all ages at Town Hall Square, from December 2 to 23. The traditional Nativity scene will also be bringing a touch of serenity to Town Hall Square, with lights music and a recording of local schoolchildren telling the much-loved Christmas Bible story. A little further away from the city centre, Abbey Park will come alive with an enchanted outdoor light trail, bringing illuminations and interactive elements leading visitors on an enchanted experience. It runs from November 16 to December 24, from 5pm to 8.30pm daily. Highcross shopping centre will also host Bright Christmas – an immersive light experience, enclosed by mirrors that reflect a myriad of 33,000 LED Christmas coloured lights set to festive sounds. It runs from November 22 to December 6. Deputy city mayor for climate, economy and culture, Cllr Adam Clarke, said: “The festive ice rink and Wheel of Light have become firm favourites over recent years and are wonderful additions to the Christmas offer in the city centre. “However, there are also many other activities which can be enjoyed free of charge, such as the Nativity, Santa’s Grotto, and the seasonal events at Abbey Park and Highcross among others. “The range of attractions on offer really do promise something suitable for all ages, abilities and tastes, aimed at creating a wonderfully welcoming festive atmosphere.” More information and booking details where necessary for all Leicester’s Christmas attractions are available at the Christmas in Leicester website here.

A care home in Quorn has been getting creative to mark Remembrance Day. Residents and team members from Care UK’s Lonsdale Mews, on Farley Way, worked together to create a show-stopping, illuminated river of poppies. Made of an estimated 1,700 poppies, all of which were either knitted or created out of plastic bottles by the home’s ‘knit and natter’ club, the river of poppies was built over more than three months, with help from members of the community, including the Quorn WI and residents’ families. To complete the display, the home also decorated one of the windows of the home with a hand-painted Tommy silhouette and an RAF plane. Inside, the home has also organised a special Remembrance Day display, including a knitted soldier’s head, hat and boots created by a relative, and a World War II RAF jacket. June Taylor, one of the residents involved in the project, said: “The more we knitted, the more it grew. We have enjoyed ourselves enormously, because we felt like we were doing something worthwhile.” Toby Sturgess, Home Manager at Lonsdale Mews, said: “We are so proud of the team, residents and everyone who has worked tirelessly to create such a beautiful display. "Crafts, as well as other creative activities, have many therapeutic benefits for older people, particularly those living with dementia, by keeping their brains busy and providing a sense of purpose. More importantly, Remembrance Day holds a very special meaning to residents, as many of them may have served in the forces or lived through World War Two and heard stories from their parents or older siblings. “We’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who contributed to our beautiful display by creating a poppy; every single one of our visitors has been absolutely amazed by the result. We’d like to invite everyone to come and stop by to see it for themselves – it’s even more spectacular at night!”

The final touches are being made to 100 beautiful willow lanterns that will open this Sunday’s Diwali Day celebrations in Leicester. The parade is one of a number of new additions to the annual event; visitors can also enjoy a DJ set by Mercury Music Prize winner Talvin Singh, street theatre with giant puppets, and beautiful LED rickshaws that will play music along the Belgrave Road. The celebrations will include entertainment on stage on both the Belgrave road and Cossington Street recreation ground, with activities running 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 celebrates the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness, and Diwali Day is a very special part of our festival calendar. We are looking forward to welcoming thousands of visitors 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. More information can be found at visitleicester.info Leicester’s Diwali celebrations are being held with support from the University of Leicester.

Great Central Railway Spreads Festive Family Cheer! Experience the enchantment of a vintage Christmas with a magical journey through the scenic Leicestershire countryside aboard Great Central Railways much loved Santa Express! A festive tradition for generations of families, this year’s steam-powered adventure at Great Central Railway promises to delight families and passengers of all ages. Starting your journey in the festive splendour of the Loughborough Central Station, look out for Santa and his helpers as they leave their grotto before we’re all on board and the train departs on its return journey to Leicester North station. Santa knows how to spread happiness and cheer and every child on board the Great Central Santa Express will receive a special Christmas gift from the man himself, as well as a Golden Ticket to ride the Great Central Railway for free throughout 2024 when accompanied by a fare-paying adult. As Santa makes his way through the train there’ll be plenty of time for photos and for him to make sure that every child is on track to appear on this year’s good list! What’s more, they’ll receive a drink and treat as well as a Christmas Activity Pack filled with games, puzzles and colouring sheets to enjoy on board or at home. And there’s even a Goody Bag to take home as a keepsake of their Christmas Adventure. It’s not all about the little ones though, as the grownups enjoy the splendour of the Leicestershire countryside and the excitement of the children, they can soak up the festive cheer with a warming Irish Cream Liqueur and mince pie. There’s also a full at-seat bar service, so guests can sit back, relax and enjoy the ride in style. It’s the perfect way to make magical memories for all the family this Christmas. Simon Bracewell, Head of Marketing & Communications of the Great Central Railway said; “Steam train rides with Santa have become a cherished tradition for families from across the region and we are thrilled to continue spreading the magic and joy of the festive season with our new Great Central Santa Express services. It’s a great day out for all the family and a wonderful way to start the Christmas celebrations.” The Great Central Santa Express, is just one of the ways Great Central Railway is celebrating Christmas with festive afternoon teas and fine dining packages available, as well as once-in-a-lifetime gift experiences such as the chance to drive your own steam train as well as stocking filler souvenirs. Anyone for a Station Master’s whistle? Pip Pip! Event Dates and Ticket Information: The Great Central Santa Express runs from the 25thNovember until the 24th December with prices starting from £24. For full timetable information and to book tickets visit www.gcrailway.co.uk/santa-steam-trains For booking queries, please contact the booking office at 01509 632323.

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