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Woodland crafts, ranger activities, amphitheatre shows, outdoor pursuits and more on offer from 23-31 May 2026 CONKERS is offering a range of family-friendly craft and ranger-led activities during this year’s Whit Week (23-31 May 2026). With an immersive Enchanted Forest experience theme, families can enjoy woodland crafts, amphitheatre shows, the Conkachoo train, 4D cinema film, ranger activities and much more. During the week, there will be shows such as Welcome to the Enchanted Forest and Fudge & Co – Exotic Animal Encounters. CONKERS rangers will be hosting activities including sensory art, bushcraft, woodland crafts and bug hunting, with a range of outdoor pursuits also on offer - swan pedalos, archery and kata-canoeing. In Creatives Corner, children can paint a pot or they can reach new heights on the super-high wooden structured Ropes Course. There are also a number of imaginative play zones to enjoy. More information on the activities taking place during Whit Week can be found at www.visitconkers.com/may-june-school-holiday-activities/ Tickets for CONKERS can be booked online at www.visitconkers.com/visiting/times-and-prices/ or by calling 01283 216 633.

Phoenix, Leicester's independent cinema and art centre, is delighted to announce that we have been awarded £555,000 from the BFI National Lottery Audience Projects Fund 2026-29 to engage new and diverse audiences, expand our Access Cinema programme, and launch our new Green Screen programme focused on environmental sustainability. This funding will support a major audience development project to engage underrepresented communities across Leicester, working in partnership with co-curators and local organisations to diversify programming and build community relationships to grow and retain new audiences for independent cinema and film culture. The three-year award will also support Phoenix as we move forward with key initiatives that will raise our national profile as a sector leader in accessible cinema, community engagement and environmental stewardship. Phoenix CEO Sarah Vallance says: “Phoenix is grateful to BFI for their continued support for our work to make cinema accessible to everyone through a range of initiatives to reach underrepresented communities, some of whom may face specific barriers to their engagement. Support from BFI is instrumental in ensuring that Phoenix can continue play an important role in the UK’s independent cinema sector, and we are pleased have received this funding alongside other major independent cinemas across the UK – including our East Midlands neighbours at Broadway (Nottingham) and QUAD (Derby)." Sarah-Jane Meredith, Senior Manager – National Lottery Audiences Projects Fund says: “We are delighted to support Phoenix via a three-year award. After a period of change, including completing a major capital project, Phoenix is now poised to raise its profile within the UK exhibition sector as a committed champion of accessible screenings, as well as developing new audiences via its Green Screen film programme."

In 2025 more than £1.2 million was lost by people duped by fraudsters exploiting online relationships. On Tuesday 5 May a national awareness campaign was launched by the City of London Police asking people to remain cautious when forming relationships online and be alert to warning signs. Romance fraud scams involve people being duped into sending money to criminals who go to great lengths to gain their trust and convince them that they are in a genuine relationship. They use language to manipulate, persuade and exploit so that requests for money do not raise alarm bells. These requests might be highly emotive, such as criminals claiming they need money for emergency medical care, or to pay for transport costs to visit the victim if they are overseas. Scammers will often build a relationship with their victims over time. Locally, in 2025 the force received 138 reports of romance fraud. New figures by the City of London Police revealed 10,784 reports were received nationally with victims losing more than £102 million. Across the country overall losses equate to almost £280,000 every day, with individual victims having an average of £9,500 stolen from them. In some cases, reported individual losses reached as high as £1 million. Paul Wenlock, from the force’s Economic Crime Unit, said: “We welcome any campaign that protects people from scams such as romance fraud. It is concerning that more than 130 people were duped by the unscrupulous criminals in the last financial year. These individuals’ prey on people and use any tactic to gain their trust. “We would urge people to remain vigilant to these approaches and if they have any concerns to not engage with the perpetrators and report their suspicions to the police or to Report Fraud. (previously known as Action Fraud).” Detective Superintendent Oliver Little, from the Lead Force Operations Room at the City of London Police, said: “Romance fraud is particularly harmful because it targets trust and emotional connection. Offenders will often spend significant time building what appears to be a genuine relationship before attempting to exploit their victim financially. “While the monetary losses can be substantial, the emotional impact is often just as damaging. This crime can affect anyone, and by reporting it, victims help us build intelligence, disrupt offenders and protect others from harm.” Analysis shows people aged 55 to 74 suffered the greatest financial losses, accounting for almost half of the total amount stolen. Although men submitted a higher number of reports overall, women experienced greater financial losses, making up just over 40 percent of the total value reported. Romance fraud remains closely linked to online platforms, particularly social media and dating sites, where offenders can easily create convincing false profiles. Investigators are also seeing increased use of AI‑generated images and messages to support fraudulent identities. In many cases, romance fraud is linked with fake investment opportunities, including cryptocurrency, in hybrid frauds which further increase the financial risk to victims. As part of its annual romance fraud campaign, the City of London Police is urging the public to remain cautious when forming relationships online and to be alert to warning signs: Individuals who develop relationships very quickly or express strong feelings early on Excuses not to meet in person or to avoid live video calls Wanting to send money, cryptocurrency or gift cards to someone you have not met face‑to‑face Talk of investments, medical emergencies or travel costs You feel you are unable to or don’t want to talk about the relationship with friends or family The person you are communicating with doesn’t like it when you use ways to protect yourself from fraud Make sure you: Speak to a trusted friend or family member if you want to send money Reverse-image search profile and other photos you are sent Actively let the person know you are fraud aware and will be protecting yourself (if they don’t like it, this is a key warning sign) If you want to move money, listen to your bank and follow their advice to stop if they tell you they are concerned. As part of its ongoing work to tackle romance fraud, the City of London Police has collaborated with Associate Professor of Criminology and Forensic Linguist, Dr Elisabeth Carter. This collaboration has been instrumental in strengthening understanding of the language used in romance fraud and in shaping clearer, more effective advice for victims. The City of London Police looks forward to continuing this work as part of its wider efforts to prevent romance fraud and support those affected. Anyone who believes they may have been targeted is encouraged to report it to Report Fraud at www.reportfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. If money has already been transferred, they should contact their bank immediately. In Scotland, victims of fraud and cybercrime should report to Police Scotland on 101. Every Report Counts. Visit Stop! Think Fraud for more information on types of fraud and ways to protect yourself from them. visit https://stopthinkfraud.campaign.gov.uk/

Leicester's coolest festive attraction is now open and ready to welcome skaters, as part of the city’s countdown to Christmas. The Jubilee Square ice rink will be open until Monday 2 January, with sessions available seven days a week except Christmas Day. Skating will start at 10am on most days, with the last session of the day starting at the new later time of 9pm, due to popular demand. Ticket prices start at £5 per person and can be booked in advance at www.ChristmasInLeicester.co.uk But you don’t need to be a skater to get into the festive spirit at the Jubilee Square ice rink. This year, it features a new indoor Alpine-style tavern that’s open for anyone to drop-in and enjoy a festive drink and a seasonal snack while the skaters glide by. Treats on offer will include hot and cold drinks from local roasters The Coffee Counter, fish and chips with an Indian twist from The Cheeky Maharaja, New York style cookies from Leicester-based Dollies Cookies, BrewDog beers, and hot food from Burgers & More by Joseph Owen. The Jubilee Square Christmas ice rink is be enclosed in a huge marquee so skaters can enjoy a session on the real ice, whatever the weather. Skate hire and a 45-minute session on the ice will cost £12 for adults, with a £2 discount at off-peak times, which include the new 9pm sessions. Tickets for children, senior citizens and students are priced at £9.50, and £8.50 off-peak. Discounts are available for groups of four or more. A new super-off-peak ticket has also been introduced that will allow people to skate for just £5 at set times. This will be available for most sessions between 11am to 4pm on weekdays during the first two weeks. Skating aids for young children will be available to hire at the ice rink, subject to availability. Wheelchair users can join in the fun on the ice rink at any session. 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. Tickets to skate can also be bought from the Visit Leicester Centre at 4a St Martins, or from the ticket office at the ice rink in Jubilee Square, but this will be cash only. Deputy city mayor Cllr Piara Singh Clair, who leads on leisure and culture, said: “The return of the Jubilee Square ice rink means the countdown to Christmas in Leicester is well under way. “This year, due to popular demand, we’ve extended the opening hours to introduce a new off-peak session starting at 9pm. We’ve also introduced a heavily discounted super-off-peak rate when people can skate for just £5. And for the first time, people will be able to skate on New Year’s Day. “But the ice rink is just one of the Christmas cracker full of festive attractions on offer in Leicester.” Santa and his elf will be ready to welcome children to their snow-covered chalet, in its new home in Town Hall Square, from Saturday 3 December. Visits will be free of charge – and every child will receive a small gift. Santa in the Square, will be open every day until Friday 23 December. Opening hours are 11am-2pm and 3pm-6pm on Saturdays, 11am-1pm and 2pm-4pm on Sundays, and 12noon-2pm and 3pm-6pm Monday to Friday. Other festive attractions in the city centre include a funfair on Humberstone Gate and the giant 34m-high Wheel of Light in Jubilee Square. A spectacular festive Paint to Pixel animated mural which will be projected in Green Dragon Square every evening from Saturday 3 December until Christmas Eve. The Paint to Pixel Christmas edition is presented by BID Leicester and created by Metro Boulot Dodo. The city council has also teamed up with Gem Radio to install talking Christmas post boxes in the city centre. Children will get a special message as they post their letter to Santa and may get a surprise from the Gem breakfast show with prizes on offer. The talking post boxes will be at Town Hall Square grotto, Jubilee Square ice rink, Humberstone Gate funfair and Haymarket Shopping Centre, until Thursday 15 December. A festive trail map showing the location of all the key Christmas attractions, along with further details of events and activities, is available online at www.ChristmasInLeicester.co.uk Leicester City Council News

Leicester’s real ice rink opens in Jubilee Square tomorrow (Thursday), so people can now start planning their visits to the city’s standout Christmas attraction. Opening at 5pm on Thursday (2 December), the ice rink will be enclosed in a giant marquee so that skaters can enjoy a session on the ice, whatever the weather. Anyone who’s quick off the mark can still pick up a bargain for the rink’s two preview days – Thursday 2 and Friday 3 December – when skating costs a flat rate of just £5 per person. Skating aids for young children – in the shape of penguins and seals – will be available and can be hired on the day at the ice rink, subject to availability. Wheelchair users can join in the fun on the ice at any session at any time, while quiet sessions for people with autism or other special needs will take place at 1pm on 20, 27 and 29 December. There will also be themed sessions that all the family will enjoy, starting with a visit from The Snowman™ on opening day (Thursday), and everyone’s favourite Christmas tunes with Gem Radio from 6pm on Friday (3 December), featuring DJ Dan Wood. City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “If you’re coming into Leicester for shopping, a night out, or just to enjoy our festive lights, I hope you’ll find time to have a spin on our ice rink and discover all that the city has to offer this Christmas.” It took around 10 days for contractors working for the city council to construct the 40m x 17m ice rink in Jubilee Square. Around 15,000 gallons of water have been frozen to create the 3-inch-thick skating surface. Standard ticket prices remain unchanged from 2019, with individual adult and child tickets priced at £10 and £8.50 respectively. Group tickets (four or more people) will benefit from discounts, so an adult with three children can skate for £33, while skating at off-peak times is a flat rate of £7. People can book their 45-minute sessions on the real ice rink via Leicester’s dedicated Christmas website, from the Visit Leicester information centre inside the King Richard III Visitor Centre on St Martins, or from the ice rink ticket office in Jubilee Square. Leicester’s Jubilee Square ice rink will be open from 5pm on Thursday (2 December) until Monday 3 January 2022. It will be open every day, apart from Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. For more information, and to buy your tickets, go to www.christmasinleicester.co.uk/ice-rink/. People heading for the city centre from outside the city are encouraged to use Leicester’s Park & Rideservices. A return ticket for up to five people in one car costs just £3. With COVID-19 infection rates still high, and the emergence of the new Omicron variant, the city council is asking people to do a quick test before coming to the ice rink, or attending any Christmas events. Face coverings must now be worn in shops and on public transport, and should be worn whenever you’re in a crowded space. More information about Christmas in Leicester is available at christmasinleicester.co.uk

Leicestershire Police has published a new Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Action Plan, outlining how it will work with partners and communities to prevent and reduce ASB across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland over the next three years. The plan supports the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, a key commitment within the government’s Safer Streets mission, which places tackling anti-social behaviour at the heart of local policing. The new action plan sets out how the local partnership will take a coordinated, evidence‑based approach to understand local issues, target hotspot areas and protect those most affected. Superintendent Stephen Bunn, ASB lead for Leicestershire Police, said: “This action plan takes a whole system approach, giving clear direction on how anti-social behaviour will be tackled over the next three years, using evidence, data and structured problem‑solving to target the harm that has the greatest impact. “It sets out how the partnership will work together to identify hotspots, protect repeat and vulnerable victims, and apply the right tools and powers consistently and proportionately. “By strengthening case management, risk assessment and joint action through local partnerships, we are focused on preventing ASB early, intervening effectively where it persists, and improving outcomes for victims and communities.” The plan will be governed by the local Strategic Partnership Board (SPB) which includes representation from a wide range of partners including Leicestershire Police, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, all local authorities, the Integrated Care Board, Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, the Probation Service and local voluntary and community sector organisations. This partnership approach ensures shared leadership, accountability and decision‑making at a strategic level, with delivery routed through Community Safety Partnerships (CSPs), Joint Action Groups (JAGs) and local problem‑solving arrangements. It ensures ASB is tackled consistently, proportionately and collaboratively, rather than by policing alone. Jane Moore, chair of the Strategic Partnership Board Executive, made up of partners from across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, working together to reduce violence and harm and create safer communities said: “Anti-social behaviour can have a real impact on how people feel about their neighbourhoods and town and city centres. Tackling it effectively requires strong partnership working, early intervention and listening to the concerns of local communities. “This action plan sets out how councils, the police and partners will work together to address the causes of ASB, support residents and businesses, and act where problems persist. By combining local authority powers with neighbourhood policing and community engagement, we can make a meaningful difference for people across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.” A major focus of the plan is neighbourhood policing, with named local officers working closely with communities, councils, housing providers, businesses and charities to solve problems before they escalate. Read the plan here: ASB action plan Leicestershire Find out more about ASB, including how we deal with ASB and how to report here: Antisocial Behaviour (ASB) | Leicestershire Police

Credit Leicestershire Police Officers are appealing for help to identify several men as part of an ongoing investigation into a distraction burglary. The incident happened in Leicester Road in Loughborough just before 4pm on 28 March. Five men went into a shop, with four of them choosing and buying items before continuing to walk round the shop. After they left, it was established that the fifth man had used a crowbar to force access to an adjoining residential property. PC Tizzie Greene, the investigating officer, said: “From enquiries carried out following this incident, I believe the men pictured may have information that could help. “If you recognise them and know who they are – or you’re one of these people – please get in touch. Anything you can tell us could assist our investigation.” You can pass on information by visiting https://www.leics.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ and quoting reference 26*182718. Alternatively call 101.

Cash boost for millions of workers as government backs new law to ensure all staff keep their tips New legislation to make it unlawful for employers to withhold tips from staff It means customers will know for certain that all tips will go to hard-working employees, who will take home more money The Tipping Bill will benefit more than 2 million workers and, for the first time, will give them the right to see an employer’s tipping record Millions of UK workers will be able take home more of their hard-earned cash under new legislation, backed by the government today (Friday 15 July), banning employers from withholding tips from their staff. Despite most hospitality workers – many of whom are earning the National Minimum Wage - relying on tips to top up their pay, there are still sadly too many businesses who shamefully fail to pass on service charges from customers to their staff. The Employment (Allocation of Tips) Bill, introduced by Dean Russell MP and backed by the government, will ensure that all tips go to staff by making it unlawful for businesses to hold back well-earned service charges from their employees. This overhaul of tipping practices is set to benefit more than 2 million UK workers across the hospitality, leisure and services sectors – who tend to reply on tips the most – and will help to ease pressures caused by global inflation and an increase to the cost of living. Business Minister Jane Hunt said: “At a time when people are feeling the squeeze with rising costs, it is simply not right that employers are withholding tips from their hard-working employees. “Whether you are pulling pints or greeting guests, today’s reforms will ensure that staff receive a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work – and it means customers can be confident their money is going to those who deserve it. “I particularly want to tip my hat to the work of Dean Russell MP and all the campaigners who have helped make the Tipping Bill a reality.” Through the Bill, a new statutory Code of Practice will be developed to provide businesses and staff with advice on how tips should be distributed. On top of this, workers will receive a new right to request more information relating to an employer’s tipping record, enabling them to bring forward a credible claim to an employment tribunal. Dean Russell, Conservative MP for Watford, said: “I am delighted that my Tips Bill has passed second reading in Parliament. It is fantastic that we are on track to securing a fair deal for millions of people working in hospitality across the country. It has always felt wrong that some employers have retained tips intended for their staff. This new legislation will halt this practice, particularly given the current challenges around the cost of living. I would like to thank all of the businesses and stakeholders that have got in touch to voice their support.” The move towards a cashless society has exacerbated the problem of companies keeping card tip payments for themselves, and today’s measures, once in law, will ban that practice. UK Hospitality Chief Executive, Kate Nicholls, said: “Tips and service charges provide a significant and welcome boost to hospitality employees’ take-home cash. So we’re delighted to see this proposed legislation recommend that employers can set a fair distribution policy for staff, meaning they all benefit. This should also reassure prospective hospitality sector workers at a time when the industry is seeking to fill vacancies. Today’s reforms follow a range of government action to support people with the cost of living and help those on lower incomes keep more of what they earn. Most notably, earlier this year the government increased the National Living Wage to £9.50 per hour – equivalent to an extra £1,000 a year for a full-time worker – with a full campaign which encouraged workers to check their pay. In addition, the government recently announced a widening of the ban on exclusivity clauses, giving the lowest paid workers flexibility to top up their pay and work multiple jobs if they wish. The reforms come at a time when there are more employees on payrolls than ever before – and unemployment has reached an all-time low.

We dined at Twenty 1 restaurant on Sunday evening, and feasted on a delicious collection of Indian foods all perfectly cooked and served by the friendly attentive staff. “With a modern and contemporary atmosphere, the restaurant was warm and welcoming, an hidden gem on the outskirts of Leicester City serving great indian food” Our starters and mains were selected from a carefully crafted menu. £10 per person for mixed tandoori grill represented great value for the money. The food and the drinks were served with love and passion, a little extra theatre with dry ice mist added moments of joy (along with extra picture taking…) A selection of the usual and speciality cocktails are available. Dining at 7pm on a Sunday was probably one of quieter times, and service was extremely good, we would imagine that at busiest times extra staff would be available to ensure comparative service levels. Overall this is a place worth visiting. If you love Indian Foods and want to explore a different experience Restaurant Twenty 1 is on the top of the list. Outdoor seating is available, great for summertime dining. Review by Russell Thorpe for LM News 19 January 2025. For more information and booking visit twentyoneleicester.co.uk

Beatlemania is about to make a very welcome comeback in Leicester, as The George Harrison Project brings its hugely popular show to The Little Theatre on Saturday 4 July, 2026 — guitars tuned and harmonies polished. George Harrison wasn’t just “the quiet one” — he was the musical powerhouse behind some of the most loved songs in history. As part of The Beatles, he helped shift more than 600 million records worldwide. https://www.thegeorgeharrisonproject.com/ After the Fab Four hung up their matching suits, Harrison went on to form The Traveling Wilburys, the only supergroup in history where every member could legitimately be called a legend. He also released a string of solo albums, including the iconic All Things Must Pass, proving he didn’t need three other Beatles to make magic. Now, The George Harrison Project brings his extraordinary catalogue back to life with a show that’s equal parts nostalgia, musicianship, and pure joy. These performers don’t just play the songs — they inhabit them, delivering the warmth, wit, and spiritual sparkle that made Harrison so beloved. Expect a night packed with classics like Here Comes The Sun, My Sweet Lord, While My Guitar Gently Weeps, Something, What Is Life, Handle With Care, End Of The Line, and plenty more. If you’re not humming by the interval, check your pulse. This isn’t just a concert — it’s a feel‑good journey through the soundtrack of a generation. Audiences laugh, cry, sing along, and occasionally attempt to hit the high notes (results may vary). One thing’s guaranteed: you’ll leave with a full heart and at least one Beatles lyric stuck in your head for the next week. Performed with passion, precision, and a genuine love for Harrison’s music, this show celebrates a legacy that continues to inspire, uplift, and occasionally make grown adults misty‑eyed. Tickets for the July 4 performance at The Little Theatre, starting at 7:30pm, can be booked via thelittletheatre.co.uk or by calling the Box Office on 0116 255 1302.

The legend that is Queen will be blasting through the cosmos at the National Space Centre on the 29 May at Queen Heaven, an audiovisual planetarium experience dedicated to one of the most enduring bands of all time. Set beneath the vast dome of the UK’s largest planetarium, the show pairs Queen’s biggest anthems — including Bohemian Rhapsody and Who Wants To Live Forever — in a space designed to surround you with sound and atmosphere. A one-of-a-kind experience that celebrates the music of one of the greatest rock bands of all time, visitors will be treated to Immersive full dome visuals on the UK’s largest planetarium screen using original footage, images & remastered concert clips of Queen’s Greatest Hits and all in stunning surround sound. From the foot-stomping energy of We Will Rock You to the epic sweep of Bohemian Rhapsody, you’ll hear Queen’s unforgettable hits in a space designed to surround you with sound and atmosphere. Alongside the music, you’ll enjoy a specially created full dome visual show – a rare chance to see Queen’s songs brought to life in a planetarium setting. Originally crafted over a decade ago, the visuals have a nostalgic charm of their own. The true magic lies in experiencing these anthems together, in a space where every note feels larger than life enabling Queen fans the opportunity to celebrate the band’s legacy like never before. Throughout the event, guests can explore the National Space Centre itself — the UK’s largest visitor attraction dedicated to space — including six interactive galleries, the UK’s largest planetarium, the iconic Rocket Tower, and a host of hands-on exhibits, real spacecraft, and immersive experiences that bring the story of space exploration to life. Tickets for all events are available now via the National Space Centre website- https://www.spacecentre.co.uk/

People are being invited to have their say on school term dates in Leicester, with two proposed options both retaining the usual mid-July start to the summer holidays. An online consultation opened on Tuesday 5 May and will run for six weeks, giving people the chance to comment on proposed dates for the academic years from 2027/28 to 2031/32. Two proposed models are being set out, both of which retain a mid-July end to the academic year but differ in the structure of the autumn term. Model one proposes that the academic year starts just before the August bank holiday. It includes a two-week autumn half-term break, intended to break up the longer autumn term. As a result, the summer holiday would be slightly shorter, at around five and a half weeks. Model two would see pupils returning to school after the August bank holiday and a one-week autumn half-term break. The academic year would still end in the second week of July. Both options would mean the summer holidays start in Leicester at roughly the same time as they do currently. The consultation presents full calendar details for each model, including term dates and holiday periods across the five-year period. Assistant city mayor for children and young people, Cllr Elaine Pantling, said: “Both of the options we are consulting on would see no change to our usual mid-July end to the academic year. We’re asking people to give us their views on starting the autumn term a little earlier and having a two-week half-term in the autumn, or whether to retain the current pattern. “Feedback on the proposals will be used to inform a future decision on which model to adopt.” The consultation is available to fill in at consultations.leicester.gov.uk until 15 June.