Get ready for live art workshops, mural tours, a new street art trail and loads of free, family-friendly fun as Open Streets returns! The popular mini-festival, organised by the city council, aims to encourage people to explore the city by walking, wheeling or cycling. The first Open Streets of 2026 is the Graffwerk Street Art Jam, bringing activities and events out onto the streets of Leicester on Sunday 31 May. Join in the fun from 1-4pm in and around Graffwerk HQ in Jarvis Street, in the Waterside area of the city. Artists will be creating live street art and hosting spray-painting workshops; there will be hands-on upcycling craft activities to get involved with, and there will be food trucks, live music and bike rides for all. Free bike maintenance is also available, plus secure cycle parking for anyone who arrives by bike. To help celebrate the city’s wonderful array of internationally acclaimed street art, a new trail has been launched, with brochures available to pick up at Open Streets. It suggests walking routes for different areas of the city so that you can spot some of Leicester’s most eye-catching street art. There will also be free guided tours of some of the city’s street art highlights, where people can learn more about the stunning murals and the artists who created them. Izzy Peacock, co-director at Graffwerk, said: “It’s great to be working with the Open Streets team to deliver a street art-focused day for people of all ages to enjoy. We’re especially excited to launch the new street art trail, developed in collaboration with Leicester City Council, as part of the day’s celebrations.” Assistant city mayor Cllr Geoff Whittle, who leads on environment and transport, said: “At Open Streets, we bring events out onto the street and make them places where people can gather. The result is a great sense of community, a festival atmosphere and a place where it simply makes sense to get around on foot, on wheels or by bike. “It’s great to see the return of the Street Art Jam, in partnership with local street art experts Graffwerk. It was hugely successful last year, with more than 1,000 people attending, and I’m sure it will be just as popular again. "There will be lots more fun, free and family-friendly activities as Open Streets returns in August and September, with each event having its own theme and a full programme of free activities to enjoy.” For full details visit www.choosehowyoumove.co.uk/leicester-open-streets The street art trail will also be available on the Visit Leicester website and BID Leicester’s My Leicester app.

The Age UK superstore in Leicester is highlighting the physical and mental health benefits of volunteering in a bid to encourage the local community to sign up to help this Volunteers’ Week (1st - 7th June 2026). The call comes as part of the Charity’s recently launched Act Now, Age Better campaign, which aims to get people thinking, talking and taking actions that are going to help them in the years to come. Bringing together the world of sport, physical activity and movement together the campaigns looks to inspire people to make their next move towards a stronger and healthier later life. As Volunteers’ Week approaches, the Age UK’s network of shops are now stepping in to help. With over 270 charity shops across the country, offering a range of volunteering opportunities, there has never been a better time to start moving more and make new connections. There are numerous benefits to volunteering in an Age UK shop - as well as helping the Charity support older people and making a difference to the local community, volunteering also has physical benefits by helping people to stay active. Recent research from Age UK found that 6.6 million (47%) adults say that they feel they don’t do enough or don’t do any physical activity. This is despite the fact that being active is one of the most impactful steps individuals can take to ensure a healthier future, by improving mobility and mental health as well as reducing the risk of various health conditions. In Age UK charity shops, volunteers are often on their feet - moving and organising stock, sorting donations, tidying and helping customers. Gentle, regular activity helps keep the body active, which can help to support mobility and improve stamina, contributing to better overall physical health. Volunteers can also make new friends, discover new interests and develop new skills, helping people connect with their local community, enhance personal development and improve confidence. Claire volunteers two days a week (for four hours at a time) at the Age UK Chester shop and wears a step tracker to log her movement. Claire says, “Since I started volunteering at the Age UK Chester shop, I’m on my feet more and moving every day. My average steps per shift is 4,500 steps, which would be 9,000 a week. Volunteering has made such a positive difference in my life, it keeps me moving and socialising. When I'm at home, I have to make myself move but when I'm volunteering time flies and I do more steps than I ever thought I would. It’s made a real difference to how I feel, both physically and mentally.” Harley, Manager at the Age UK Leicester superstore said: “Many of our volunteers tell us they feel happier and more confident because they know their time and effort is making a difference and often tell us they have experienced positive benefits in terms of their social life. The combination of physical activity, social interaction and meaningful engagement makes volunteering especially beneficial for overall wellbeing. To find out more about opportunities at the Age UK Leicester superstore, give us a call on 0116 3669500.” Volunteering at an Age UK shop is open to people over the age of 18, with no previous experience required. Age UK shops offer taster sessions to give prospective volunteers a flavour of what they can expect, as well as a chance to meet the team and try out different tasks including window dressing, creating displays, managing stock donations and serving customers. Age UK shops also offer a range of roles and time slots to fit around people’s availability. Age UK shops offer a wider range of pre-loved items, which are sold on to be loved again helping raise much-needed funds for the Charity’s work with older people, whilst encouraging everyone to recycle unwanted items including clothing and accessories, gifts, toys, household items and shoes. Money raised from the Charity’s shops goes towards Age UK’s vital services, including its Telephone Friendship Service, free and confidential Advice Line and The Silver Line Helpline. Age UK’s Act Now, Age Better campaign encourages people to be active so they can live their best possible later life and brings together the world of sport, physical activity and movement, on a scale not seen before. Age UK is working with over 50 sporting partners, including Badminton England, British Cycling, British Rowing, England Boxing, Everyone Active, Muslim Sports Foundation, Pickleball England, Rugby Football Union, Ramblers, Sport England, Swim England, Team England - the nation's Commonwealth Games Team and Women in Sport, to help mid-lifers find an activity that suits their goals and their lifestyle . To find more volunteering for Age UK’s charity shops visit: Charity Shop Volunteering | Age UK For more information on Age UK’s Act Now, Age Better campaign, visit: www.ageuk.org.uk/actnow

Schools across Leicestershire and the East Midlands unite to raise vital funds to support children facing poverty and hardship. Leicestershire, UK - Friday 22 May 2026 - More than 60,000 children from 230 schools across Leicestershire and the East Midlands are taking part in Lifting Children’s Hopes’ (LCH Charity’s) annual Colour Dash, transforming playgrounds and sports fields into bright bursts of colour while fundraising to help local children and young people affected by poverty. 30,000 of those children, at 112 local schools, will all be taking part in their Colour Dash events on the same day at the same time, on Friday 22nd May 2026. 10,000 children across 32 schools have already had their “Dash”, with a further 20,000 pupils from 74 local schools still looking forward to their event om Friday 12th June. The Colour Dash is a fun, inclusive sponsored run or walk held in schools during the last hour of the school day, where pupils complete a short course while being showered with colourful powder paint and bubbles by staff and volunteers. With every participant encouraged to get involved, the event helps schools build community spirit while raising money for LCH Charity’s programmes that provide essential items, such as coats, gloves and scarves in winter, hygiene products, wellbeing support and enriching experiences for children who would otherwise miss out. Images from schools who have already done their LCH Colour Dash this year Date: Friday 22 May 2026 and Friday 12th June 2026 Total Participants: 60,000+ children Schools: 320 primary and secondary schools Where: School sites across the East Midlands Why: To fundraise for LCH Charity’s work supporting children and families experiencing hardship “The Colour Dash is a brilliant example of what happens when schools, families and communities come together with a shared purpose,” said Nichola Moore, CEO of LCH Charity. “Seeing more than 60,000 children from 230 schools taking part across the region is truly inspiring. Every splash of colour represents real, vital support for local children - whether that’s essentials at home, access to activities, or opportunities that help them flourish.” “We’re so proud to have more schools than ever taking part this year. All funds raised through the Colour Dash help us deliver support through our partner schools and community networks - from providing basic hygiene products and wellbeing support to helping children access short breaks and enriching activities.” She continued; “With many families facing increasing pressure from the cost of living, too many children are going without the basics and missing out on experiences that support confidence, learning and wellbeing. The money raised through Colour Dash will be invested locally, helping LCH Charity continue and expand its support to children and young people who need it most. How to support: People can sponsor participating pupils through their school fundraising pages or make a donation directly to LCH Charity on the website:www.lchcharity.co.uk. Where eligible, adding Gift Aid increases the value of donations at no extra cost to the donor. Supporters are encouraged to include the school name and child’s initials (if applicable) with their donation so it can be allocated correctly. About LCH Charity Lifting Children’s Hopes (also known as LCH Charity) supports disadvantaged children and young people across Leicestershire and the East Midlands. Working with schools and community partners, the charity delivers a range of programmes designed to provide essentials, improve wellbeing and increase access to positive experiences - helping children to flourish and creating lasting memories. The charity has been going in Leicester for over 120 years. Previously known as the Mablethorpe Charity, then becoming Leicester Children’s Holidays, before recently changing its name to Lifting Children’s Hopes to reflect the range of provision the organisation now offers.

Our future hospitals are quickly becoming a reality, with groundwork now officially underway on the new £12.8 million Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) at Leicester Royal Infirmary. The site has been set up, hoardings are in place, and excavation has begun to prepare the foundation area for the new facility – a visible and exciting step forward for the project. This marks a significant milestone in improving urgent care services for patients across Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland. The new UTC was announced in December 2025 and is expected to open in 2027. It will replace the existing Minor Injuries and Minor Illnesses (MIaMI) unit and will provide a modern, purpose-built environment designed around the needs of patients requiring same-day treatment for urgent but non-life-threatening conditions. Richard Mitchell, Chief Executive, said: “The start of groundwork on our new Urgent Treatment Centre is a really important and exciting moment for our Trust and for local communities. Seeing activity on site brings this investment to life and demonstrates our commitment to improving urgent care. This new facility will support our colleagues and significantly improve the experience for patients when they need us most.” As work gets underway, patients, visitors, and colleagues will begin to see changes across the Leicester Royal Infirmary site. The new Urgent Treatment Centre forms part of our future hospitals programme, which is focused on modernising hospital facilities and ensuring services are fit for the future. It will complement the £39m of funding secured in December last year from the national New Hospital Programme. This will fund essential enabling works to start this year, including the relocation of services such as the hearing and balance service from the Knighton Street campus to the East Midlands Planned Care Centre in early 2027. These works will support plans for a new Women’s and Children’s Hospital, with building expected to start in 2032. It is expected to bring maternity, neonatal, gynaecology and children’s services together into a single, state‑of‑the‑art building. Natalie Forrest, Chief Programme Officer of the New Hospital Programme said; “It’s great to see work starting on site at Leicester Royal Infirmary, marking real progress for local patients and communities. This new Urgent Treatment Centre will provide a modern, purpose-built space that supports faster, more effective care closer to home. We’re proud to be working with local partners to deliver facilities that meet the needs of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland now and into the future.” Dr Saad Jawaid, Consultant in Emergency and Pre-hospital Emergency Medicine at UHL, said: “The new Urgent Treatment Centre will give us a purpose-built space that reflects how urgent care is delivered today. It will help us improve patient flow, provide care in a more appropriate environment and deliver a better overall experience for patients.” The UTC builds on a period of significant investment across our hospitals over the past 12 months, including the East Midlands Planned Care Centre and Endoscopy Unit at Leicester General Hospital, the Preston Lodge rehabilitation unit in North Evington, and the Hinckley Community Diagnostic Centre. These developments are helping to deliver world‑class services closer to where patients live, supporting improved access to care, and contributing to the Government’s 10‑year plan for the NHS. Construction work is being delivered by Henry Brothers, one of the UK’s leading construction companies, with further updates to be shared as the project progresses. Ian Taylor, managing director of Henry Brothers Construction, said: “Breaking ground on this new Urgent Treatment Centre marks a significant milestone. We’re proud to be working at the forefront of the health construction sector, helping to bring a vital and inspiring community resource to fruition. Once complete, these facilities will make a real difference to how local people access urgent care close to home.” University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust Press release

Get a sneak preview of some of the fascinating object found during construction of Pork Pie Way Residents and visitors are invited to uncover thousands of years of history at a special one-day pop-up exhibition showcasing remarkable archaeological finds discovered during the construction of the Melton Mowbray distributor road – now officially named Pork Pie Way. Taking place at Melton Carnegie Museum on Friday 22 May from 10am to 3pm, the free, family-friendly event will offer a rare glimpse into how the local landscape has evolved, from prehistoric times to the present day. The exhibition is suitable for all ages and invites visitors to explore the hidden stories beneath Leicestershire’s landscape in an engaging and accessible setting. It will feature an extraordinary range of artefacts unearthed during construction work on the £131 million road project, revealing a rich and varied past. Highlights include prehistoric flint tools such as a Palaeolithic hammerstone dating back to around 12,000 BC, a Late Mesolithic blade, a Neolithic knife, and an Early Bronze Age barbed and tanged arrowhead. Visitors will also be able to view pottery spanning centuries, including an Early Bronze Age Beaker vessel, Late Prehistoric and Roman Iron Age (Belgic) pottery from around AD 40, Samian ware stamps, and Saxon pottery dating to around AD 600. Other fascinating finds include Roman coins, a brooch, a bone pin, a glass bead, and Saxon loom weights and a spindle whorl – and oldest of all, a fossilised vertebra from a Jurassic ichthyosaur -an enormous marine reptile that swam in the area’s ancient seas over 200 million years ago. Visitors attending the exhibition will have the opportunity to meet archaeologists and specialists involved in the project, learn more about the excavation process, and ask questions about the discoveries. Most of the artefacts on display will also be available to handle. Friday’s event offers a unique “sneak preview” of the finds before they are sent away for cataloguing and conservation, ahead of being allocated a permanent home, which is yet to be determined. Alongside the artefacts, a series of display boards and visual materials will help tell the story of the excavation and bring the site to life. Visitors are encouraged to drop in throughout the day to explore the exhibition and uncover the fascinating stories hidden beneath Melton Mowbray’s landscape. The one-day exhibition complements the fascinating permanent displays on show in the museum, which tell the story of the area from pre-history to modern times. More information about Melton Carnegie Museum, including opening times and further details of the permanent displays, is available on the Melton Carnegie Museum

Maintenance work on a bridge on a busy road in Leicester is due to take place later this month. Repairs and maintenance will be carried to the St Barnabas Road bridge, which crosses the Bushby Brook in the North Evington area of the city, from Monday 26 May. Planned works will include repointing brickwork on the bridge parapets, repairing and repainted the structural metalwork, renewing the waterproofing system and resurfacing the carriageway across the bridge. The maintenance work is expected to take about eight weeks to complete. To ensure the work can be carried out safely, part of St Barnabas Road, between Gough Road and Stonebridge Street, will be closed to traffic in both directions for the duration of the scheme. Well signposted diversions will be in place using St Barnabas Road, Uppingham Road, Coleman Road, Green Lane Road and East Park Road. Martin Fletcher, Leicester City Council highways director, said: “This essential maintenance work needs to be carried out to ensure the St Barnabas Road bridge, which is part of the city’s main road network, remains usable for commuters and large goods vehicles for many years to come. “The nature of the repairs means we will have to close part of this busy route to traffic for around eight weeks. We will do everything we can to help minimise disruption and diversions will be clearly signposted.” Along with the planned road closure, some temporary parking and loading restriction may be required along nearby roads to help keep traffic flowing. Residents and businesses in the area have been advised of the forthcoming roadworks by letter, and advance warning signs will be place on St Barnabas Road before works starts on site. The bridge maintenance works will cost about £130,000 and will be funded through the council’s highways maintenance capital budget. Leicester City Council News - Published on Tuesday, May 19, 2026

Police officers investigating a robbery in Leicester are appealing for the victim to come forward. A third-party report was received in relation to a robbery that they witnessed on a canal towpath on Riverside Way, between 12.50pm and 1.10pm on Tuesday 5 May. The victim was riding his bike when he was assaulted with a crowbar, causing him to fall off, two suspects then stole his bike. The incident is believed to have taken place near Ellis Meadows foot bridge. Extensive enquiries have been carried out to identify the victim and ensure he is ok but so far officers have not been able to locate him. He has been described as an Asian man, wearing blue trousers, high vis vest and woollen jacket. If this was you then we would urge you to contact us. A 14-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with the incident and released on bail pending further enquiries. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information about the victim is asked to contact 101 or report via www.leics.police.uk, quoting crime reference number 26*258327. Published: 14:47 19/05/2026

Families looking for a free or low-cost day out this half term should head for Leicester’s parks, libraries and museums. The city council and its partners have organised a range of indoor and outdoor activities that children and young people of all ages will enjoy – and they’re all listed in a handy online guide. This year’s Spark Festival is running performances, workshops and activities until Sunday (24 May), with many of them completely free of charge. Families, for example, can pop into the Phoenix for a Paper Movies workshop on Saturday 23 May, while Curve will also be open that day for a free Family Community Day Leicester’s libraries are offering a wide range of free half-term activities, from Lego codingworkshops at Knighton Library and a Learn to Knit Club at the Pork Pie Library, to storytelling and craft sessions. On Tuesday 26 May, award-winning storyteller Tim Ralphs and community storyteller Jos Razzell will lead families into a magical world that will be brought to life by the youngsters’ own craft creations. Life’s Full Of Stories takes place at the Central Library on Tuesday 26 May and pre-booking on the two sessions is required. Also on Tuesday (26 May), Abbey Pumping Station opens its doors for its popular Half Term Railway Day, when rides on the narrow gauge railway will cost just £1, while there’s a chance to meet mermaids and a larger-than-life octopus at the Haymarket shopping centre’s free Under the Sea event. On Wednesday (27 May), the city’s Newarke Houses Museum and its beautiful gardens will be open for half-term. Families are invited to enjoy an afternoon of crafts at Fairies & Bugs, when youngsters can make a ladybird hat and a flying fairy or follow the bug hunt trail around the gardens. Tickets are £4 per child when booked online (£5 at the door). Accompanying adults are free of charge. Wednesday also sees the return of Funky Feet and Wacky Wheels to Abbey Park. Children of all ages are invited to bling their wheels at the annual celebration of walking and wheeling, before taking part in the grand parade around the Oval. There’s messy, creative fun at the Guildhall on Thursday (28 May), when youngsters can make their own masterpiece from air-drying clay. Admission to Clay Play Day is £4 per child when booked online (£5 at the door). Accompanying adults are free of charge. On Saturday (30 May), there’s an open invitation to young cyclists to take part in Bike Fest at the Leicester Cycle Circuit. Bring your bike and enjoy unlimited free laps of the traffic-free circuit at the Herewoode Academy on Glenfield Road from 1pm-4pm. Open Streets (pictured) returns on Sunday (31 May) with the Graffwerk Street Art Jam, when artists will create live street art alongside spray‑paint workshops and hands‑on upcycling activities. The Art Jam will also include bike fix‑it workshops, accessible cycling sessions from Wheels 4 All, and high‑energy live music. Head to Graffwerk HQ on Jarvis Street, LE3 5BN, from 1pm-4pm to join in the fun. Other ideas for things to do during the half-term break include visiting the animals at Pets’ Corner in Abbey Park, craft activities at Leicester Cathedral, and an exhibition at Leicester Museum & Art Gallery that will go down a storm with Star Wars’ fans of all ages. Open daily, May The Toys Be With You features more than 400 exhibits representing five decades of Star Wars toys and memorabilia. And no trip to the museum would be complete without marvelling at the mummies in the Ancient Egypt gallery or popping into the Dinosaur gallery to gaze up at the enormous cetiosaurus. The city council’s list of ideas for free and low-cost half-term fun in Leicester can be found at families.leicester.gov.uk/half-term-fun

Residents and tourists in Melton Mowbray and Leicestershire will benefit from more than £49 million in Government investment to reduce congestion, improve air quality and provide faster local journeys, the Roads Minister Richard Holden announced today (Thursday 9 March). The new road scheme – part of a £115.2 million total investment between the Government, local council and private investors - will help unlock the full potential of Britain’s “Rural Capital of Food”, stamping out “rat running” car and lorry traffic from Melton Mowbray and making it easier for residents and tourists to access its historic town centre. With the town famous for its Melton Mowbray pork pie heritage – a protected status - the project will generate an estimated £144 million in economic opportunities by boosting local tourism and supporting over 3,400 new jobs. This will help level up local communities and deliver on one of the Government’s five priorities to grow the economy. The scheme consists of a single carriageway road and extends from the A606 Nottingham Road at the north-western edge of the town to the A606 Burton Road in the south, crossing Scalford Road, Melton Spinney Road, A607 Thorpe Road and B676 Saxby Road to Burton Road. Roads Minister Richard Holden said: “For too many years, Melton has been plagued by disruptive and polluting traffic congestion which has made it difficult to reach its historic town centre, grow our economy, and savour its delicious pork pies and Stilton cheese. “That’s why we’re investing nearly £50 million to boost local connectivity and tackle congestion, supporting more than 3,400 jobs to help Britain’s ‘Rural Capital of Food’ truly reach its full potential.” Melton Mowbray’s historic town centre network is at the convergence of six major routes and sees some of the highest congestion levels on a per mile basis in Leicestershire, mainly because of a high number of heavy lorries passing through the town centre. The new road will take traffic away from the town centre, allowing residents and tourists to visit Melton’s celebrated Market Place more easily while boosting local air quality and connectivity. The project will pave the way for better active travel opportunities by providing a 3m wide combined cycle and footway along almost all of the scheme’s length. It will also improve bus punctuality by taking lorries and heavy traffic away from the town centre. As local authorities predict growing demand for travel into Melton Mowbray, local traffic congestion is expected to increase which could seriously affect the attractiveness of the town to tourists and hamper economic growth. This scheme is just one part of a wider transport strategy for the town which will include other measures to address localised traffic issues, public transport improvements, as well as walking and cycling connectivity. The new single carriageway road will be funded by £49.5 million in Government investment, alongside £51.7 million by Leicestershire County Council and £14 million by private funding. Roads Minister Richard Holden and Councillor Deborah Taylor, deputy leader of Leicestershire County Council, on site in Melton Councillor Deborah Taylor, deputy leader of Leicestershire County Council, said: “Shorter journey times and reliability are absolutely crucial in securing new business investment, and this new road is vital to support the future growth of the Melton economy “I’m very pleased that, by approving our Full Business Case, the government recognises the importance of this road with the award of this hugely significant funding. “We’re delighted to welcome the Minister to Leicestershire and we can now look forward to the major construction work starting in the next few weeks.” With the opening scheduled for Summer 2025, the project will create new junctions with the radials on its route and provide crossings over the railway line and the River Eye. This measure aligns well with national policy objectives to tackle congestion, encourage economic and housing growth as well as delivering better bus services and improved infrastructure to boost cycling and walking. Leicestershire County Council is working hard to minimise disruption to local residents and businesses, with a “meet the contractor” event being hosted by construction group Galliford Try on Friday and Saturday 17th and 18 March where attendees can find out more about the project. Paul Bennell, Managing Director, Samworth Brothers Supply Chain, said: “This announcement is good news for Melton, helping to reduce traffic congestion and delays. Much work has also been undertaken to position Melton Mowbray as a successful ‘Rural Capital of Food’, including by our team at the Ye Olde Pork Pie Shoppe. This development will help the town further build on its successful efforts in this area and create more economic benefits.”

The Great Central Railway has been awarded a £250,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, marking a major milestone for the railway and reflecting the continued strengthening of its long-term relationship with the funder. Thanks to National Lottery players, the grant will support a programme of activity focused on enhancing the railway’s volunteer experience, enriching visits for passengers and visitors, and advancing environmental sustainability across the organisation. Image Credit: John Bagshaw A significant element of the funding will be dedicated to volunteers – the lifeblood of the railway. Investment will support the recruitment of a Volunteer Ambassador role, alongside improvements to induction and training, stronger support arrangements, and outreach work with schools and underrepresented communities. The aim is to make volunteering at the Great Central Railway an even more rewarding experience while helping to attract and retain the people who keep Britain’s only double-track main line heritage railway running. The grant will also support the development of future visitor experiences, with pilot projects linked to the railway’s long-term vision as Britain’s Living Railway. These initiatives will explore new ways of bringing the railway’s rich stories to life, with early concepts including enhanced interpretation, immersive living history experiences, and the use of heritage buses to encourage visitors to discover more of the railway and the surrounding area during their visit. In addition, funding has been secured to develop an Environmental Sustainability Plan. This work will help the railway better understand its environmental impact and identify opportunities to reduce waste, improve energy efficiency, and support biodiversity across the estate. This successful bid also strengthens the railway’s ability to pursue larger strategic heritage projects in future, including those connected to Reunification and the continued long-term development of the line. The achievement reflects the dedication and commitment shown across the organisation by its staff and volunteers. From operating trains and maintaining infrastructure to restoring locomotives and rolling stock, supporting administration, serving customers and representing the railway to the public, the collective effort of the Great Central Railway team has played a central role in securing this significant investment. Work on the funded projects will begin in the coming months, with further updates to be shared as each initiative progresses. Press release via FU Media - Fraser Urquhart

Visit Leicester has officially announced its Green Days, Green Stays and Green Ways campaign, a major initiative designed to highlight the benefits of regenerative tourism and encourage eco-friendly travel throughout the city and county. Tourists the world over are increasingly aware of the impact of their travel and want to know that their choices make a positive difference, rather than leave a negative impact. Moving beyond traditional sustainability, the campaign focuses on "regenerative tourism" - an approach that allows visitors to immerse themselves in local culture, eat food grown and made nearby, reconnect with nature, and support independent businesses while leaving a minimal environmental footprint. As the UK’s first Environment City, Leicester is uniquely positioned to lead this movement. The campaign showcases the region's diverse "green" assets: Green Days: celebrates authentic experiences, from exploring the city’s 190+ parks, gardens and open spaces that offer an oasis of calm, visiting an attraction that is taking initiatives to reducing its carbon footprint to getting back to nature in the countryside or learning traditional woodland skills in the National Forest. Green Stays: Highlights accredited, eco-friendly accommodation, including Green Key certified hotels and tech-free rural hideaways. Green Ways: Promotes low-impact travel via an extensive network of walking routes, National Cycle Route 6, and the city’s signature green e-buses. The initiative spotlights local businesses and attractions leading the way in carbon reduction. This includes the National Space Centre, which explores humanity's impact on the solar system and Earth’s ecosystems, and local breweries that use solar energy to produce over 100,000 pints of beer annually. City attractions at King Richard III Visitor Centre and Jewry Wall both use systems to reduce energy usage and selected planting in the gardens that does not need additional watering. There are cafés on national cycle routes that only source local ingredients to reduce food miles and tech free hideaways where you can immerse yourself in nature for a while and get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Mike Denby, Director of Inward Investment and Place marketing at Leicester City Council, said: “People want to know that their choices make a difference. Through this campaign, we are showing visitors how they can support local people and experience our real, authentic culture while preserving the environment for future generations.” For more information on how to plan your sustainable visit, go to https://visitleicester.info/green/ Press release via FU Media - Fraser Urquhart

Leicester’s Museum Square will once again be transformed into a vibrant hub of Caribbean joy as the Windrush Tea Party returns for another amazing celebration on Saturday 20th June. What's On Organised by Opal22, the event takes place from 12pm to 8pm at Museum Square, New Walk, Leicester, and invites families, friends, and communities of all backgrounds to come together for an unforgettable day honouring the legacy of the Windrush Generation. With entrance operating on a ‘pay-what-you-can-afford’ basis to help keep the celebration accessible to all, the event offers opportunities to celebrate the stories, traditions, and contributions that continue to shape Britain today. Windrush Day marks an important opportunity to celebrate and recognise the Caribbean migrants who answered Britain’s call after World War II and helped rebuild the country. From the NHS and transport services to education and public services, the Windrush Generation became the backbone of modern Britain. Despite facing racism, discrimination, and difficult working conditions, they brought resilience, culture, music, food, and a strong sense of community that continues to shape Britain today. The Windrush Tea Party is our way of saying thank you, by sharing stories, celebrating Caribbean heritage, and honouring the generations whose contributions deserve to be remembered and celebrated. Visitors can look forward to a full day of festive delights, including live performances from celebrated artists and emerging talent, uplifting steel pan music, and Caribbean food stalls serving mouthwatering flavours from across the islands. The event will also feature cultural market stalls offering handmade goods, artwork, and keepsakes, alongside a dedicated Kids’ Activity Corner packed with games, crafts, and family-friendly fun. Guests can enjoy friendly competition and community spirit at the Dominoes Corner, relax and dance in the heart of the celebration, or indulge in the Caribbean High Tea Experience — a luxurious Caribbean-inspired twist on a classic British tradition. Headlining This Year’s Celebration: This year’s event will be hosted by comedian Annette Fagon, bringing laughter, energy, and plenty of entertainment throughout the day. Headlining the event will be special guest appearances from beloved Gogglebox stars Sandi and Sandra, whose presence adds major excitement and star power to this year’s celebration. They will be joined by incredible live performances from: Contrast Steel Band Attraction B Angela’s Angels Sam Harris Plus many more special musical guests and performers bringing the sounds and rhythms of the Caribbean to Leicester city centre. Caribbean High Tea For those looking to indulge, a Caribbean-Infused High Tea is available for pre-order and offers the perfect way to relax and soak up the atmosphere. For just £35 per person, guests will have access to a sheltered seating area within the square while enjoying a carefully curated High Tea experience with a Caribbean twist. With your own space to rest and refresh while still enjoying full access to the event, all you need to do is sit back and enjoy the atmosphere around you. As part of our long-standing tradition, we are offering a reduced High Tea to our invited Windrush elders as a heartfelt thank-you for their contributions and sacrifices. Pre-booking is required for all High Tea guests, including elders. Visit https://opal22.co.uk/ to reserve your place . PAY WHAT YOU CAN AFFORD AND SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY This year, entrance to the Windrush Tea Party will operate on a pay-what-you-can afford basis, helping to support the future growth and sustainability of this much-loved community celebration while ensuring the event remains accessible to all. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps Opal22 continue delivering a vibrant day of culture, entertainment, education, and community connection, while supporting event production, performers, community engagement, and the preservation of this important annual tradition. By contributing what they can, attendees play a valuable part in ensuring the Windrush Tea Party can continue celebrating Caribbean heritage and honouring the Windrush Generation for many years to come. Come celebrate the Windrush Generation, Caribbean culture, and the power of community. Let’s make this Windrush Tea Party one to remember! For more information about the Windrush Tea Party and other initiatives by Opal22, visit www.opal22.co.uk Event Details: Date: Saturday June 20th, 2026 Time: 12pm - 8pm. Location: Museum Square, New Walk, Leicester. Entry: Pay What You Can Afford. High Tea Experience: £35 per person (advance booking required) Press release via FU Media - Fraser Urquhart