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Half a Million reasons to say thank you The Air Ambulance Service (TAAS) has reached the significant milestone of £500,000 in its campaign to raise funds for its new base. The charity – which receives no NHS funding - responds to thousands of emergencies across Warwickshire, Northamptonshire, Derbyshire Leicestershire and Rutland every year, and is currently launching many of its lifesaving missions from Coventry Airbase, which is scheduled to close in the summer of 2026. In February it launched its Big Bases Appeal – a campaign to raise the £9million it needs to construct a new airbase just outside Catthorpe near the border between Warwickshire, Leicestershire and Northamptonshire. Due to the generosity of the public, the appeal has raised £500,000 in five months, although the charity is clear that there is still a long way to go. The Air Ambulance Service Director of Fundraising Oli Hiscoe explained: “The early momentum the campaign has built is wonderful, but we can only maintain it with the generosity and kindness of our friends and the communities we serve. I challenge anyone who supports their local air ambulance to get in touch and explore how they can support the Big Bases Appeal today. “We have seen nothing but positive support from everyone who has engaged with the campaign because they recognise not only the need, but the substantial benefits the new base will bring. “The purpose-built facility will ensure emergency care for people in critical situations, while offering highly skilled clinical roles and specialist training for local NHS partners, and a learning hub for advanced pre-hospital emergency medicine.” Patients will benefit from: State-of-the-art facilities for crews to train and rest. Dedicated family-friendly spaces for aftercare and recovery support. A strengthened National Children’s Air Ambulance service to meet growing demand for paediatric transfers. For more information on the Big Bases Appeal and the build project, visit https://theairambulanceservice.org.uk/big-bases-appeal

Academy Trusts are being invited to apply and run two primary schools set to open in September 2027. Leicestershire County Council has started to process for both schools ahead of the 2027/28 academic year on the Broadnook and Garendon developments in the district of Charnwood. The county council’s contractors Willmott Dixon will be building the 420-place Garendon Primary School in the West of Loughborough. Money from both the county council and Section 106 developer contributions will be used to fund the school, which is the first of two primaries in the 3,200-housing development and will sit in the north of the site. Permission for the school was granted by Charnwood Borough Council in April. Located near the centre of the new development, Broadnook Primary School will eventually cater to 570 pupils for the 1,950 homes being built. It will be built entierly using Section 106 developer contributions from Davidsons and Cora Homes. Councillor Charles Pugsley, cabinet member for children and families said: “Our school organisation team worked brilliantly to ensure that we have the right number of school places on both developments to help our growing county. “It’s great that we’ve reached the stage now where we’re inviting academy trusts to express their interest in running these future schools, and I’m confident that we’ll see lots of interest and a competitive process, so children get the best possible education.” Academies will also be invited to apply to run the proposed SEND school in Harborough district. Engagement with residents is currently ongoing with view to submitting a planning application on the proposed school. The successful academy trust(s) will be appointed by the county council in December 2026. More information how academies can be found by visiting the School Place Planning webpage. Leicestershire County Council News - Monday, 8 June, 2026

Children and young people in Leicester who receive benefits-related free school meals are being invited to sign up for a programme of free summer activities. Starting on Monday 13 July, the sessions will include activities such as art, sport and outdoor fun – and each child taking part will receive a healthy meal as part of the session. Funding for the scheme has come from the Holiday Activities and Food programme (HAF) – a Department for Education-funded scheme that aims to help children from low-income families keep active and eat well during the summer break. In Leicester, the programme – which is aimed at children aged from 5 to 16 – is being delivered by more than 40 providers at sites around the city. Youngsters (aged 6-11) could sign up for fun with Leicester’s museums’ service, with activities taking place throughout the summer at the Abbey Pumping Station, while basketball-loving 8-16-year-olds could head for the Mattioli Arena for a programme organised by the Leicester Riders Foundation. Older children (aged 14-16) could opt for a pass that would allow them to work out in the gym, go for a swim or book a court at the city council’s leisure centres. Those choosing a pass instead of signing up for a programmed activity will receive a food voucher instead of a meal each time they use their pass – up to a maximum of 16 food vouchers over the holiday period. Eligible families can sign up to four weeks of free provision over the summer holiday. Most programmes run for four hours each day for four days, although some providers are offering flexible programmes that run for more hours over fewer days, or fewer hours over more days. Places, however, are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis to those who live in the city of Leicester, receive benefits-related free school meals, and are in the age range for that programme. “The long summer holiday can be a struggle for many families,” said assistant city mayor Cllr Elaine Pantling. “This scheme, which is funded by the government, aims to ensure that children who normally have a free school meal can have fun in the summer break, and a healthy meal while they’re taking part, without having to worry about the cost. “There’s a wide range of activities on offer at sites around the city, but places are limited so please register as soon as you can, if you’d like your child to take part in the programme.” Information about the Holiday Activities & Food programme has been circulated to children via schools. Families are encouraged to sign up for their preferred schemes as soon as possible, as registration will close as soon as all places on that session have been filled. Full details of closing dates for registration can be found on each provider’s booking page. Families with children who receive benefits-related free schools and who meet the eligibility criteria can register for a place on the Holiday Activities & Food programme at families.leicester.gov.uk/haf Anyone who thinks their child should be receiving free school meals can find out more at freeschoolmeals.leicester.gov.uk Children who don’t receive benefits-related free school meals may also be able to register on the programme, in exchange for a fee. Families should contact the provider directly for more information. The full programme and providers’ contact details can be found at families.leicester.gov.uk/haf Leicester City Council News -Published on Monday, June 8, 2026

Best-selling crime writer Janice Hallett and Costa prize winner Claire Fuller are among a host of authors to appear at the first ever Market Harborough Literary Festival. Janice Hallett will talk about her latest book, ‘The Silent Appeal’, while Claire Fuller will discuss her new contemporary gothic novel ‘Hunger and Thirst’. Diana Bretherick (left) and Helen Kennedy, organisers of the Market Harborough Literary Festival, outside event venue St Dionysius’ Church. Photo: Melissa De Fusco / MH Literary Festival. Other renowned writers participating in Q&As and book signings include Manish Chauhan, whose 2026 Faber debut ‘Belgrave Road’ is a poignant love story set in nearby Leicester. The literary festival, taking place between 19th and 27th September, is the brainchild of local writers and reading enthusiasts Diana Bretherick and Helen Kennedy. Their aim is to provide a packed weekend of events for Harborough book lovers of all genres and all ages. The programme also includes a crime authors’ panel, published writers discussing fantasy folk horror and historical fiction, plus children’s book activities at Waterstones, a literary walk through the town centre, and a ‘writers’ day’ with a publishing industry expert. The festival concludes with a poetry pizza party. Harborough resident Diana Bretherick, herself an award-winning crime author, said: “Harborough is a town of readers and writers, but for a long time we’ve lacked an event that can bring authors and readers together to celebrate books. It’s appropriate that we put that right in 2026, which is the National Year of Reading. The Market Harborough Literary Festival will help put the town on the literary map, where it belongs. We’re hugely grateful to the authors who are taking the time to travel here and meet Harborough’s book lovers.” Helen Kennedy, a fellow writer and member of the Harborough Writers’ Hub established by Diana, said: “The literary festival is a fantastic opportunity for readers and authors to get together and celebrate their mutual love of books. It’s a chance to meet your favourite authors, discover new ones, and talk about your favourite stories and characters. You’ll discover a large range of genres: crime fiction, fantasy, historical and book club fiction. Anyone who loves reading and books will enjoy some wonderful afternoons of discussion and storytelling.” The festival runs from Saturday 19th to Sunday 27th September, with day and weekend tickets available. Full programme and tickets are available from 9th June at www.marketharboroughlitfest.co.uk. PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS Saturday 19th September (Congregational Church Centre) • Writers’ Day: Introduction to Publishing: with industry expert and editor Sara-Jade Virtue Saturday 26th September (St Dionysus’s Church, 12 noon –4.30pm) • Marisa Linton and Belinda Campbell: discuss the fantasy folk horror genre and their respective novels ‘Circle of Shadows’ and ‘Something Wicked’ • Manish Chauhan: Leicester-born author of acclaimed Faber novel ‘Belgrave Road’ • Claire Fuller: award-winning author discusses her new novel ‘Hunger and Thirst’ • Janice Hallett: best-selling crime author talks about her brand-new book ‘The Silent Appeal’ Sunday 27th September (Louisa’s Place, from 3pm – 8.30pm) • ‘Cannonballs, corsets and coal: an 18th Century story in eight objects’: talk by historical fiction author Carolyn Kirby • Crime fiction panel and author Q&A with E C Bateman, Louise Jensen and Simon Mason. Panel chair: Diana Bretherick. • Poetry Pizza Party: with featured award-winning poets, live music, and poetry open mic slots. MC: Kia Matanky-Becker.

From the UK's biggest rock festival of 2026 to medieval battlefields, world-class motorsport and one of Britain's largest wartime re-enactments, Leicestershire is preparing for one of its busiest summers on record. More than a dozen major events are expected to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors to the city and county over the coming months, cementing Leicester and Leicestershire's reputation as one of the UK's most diverse destinations for festivals, live entertainment, sport and heritage. And the spectacular summer season kicks off this weekend…. Music Festivals The summer starts with the HUGE Download Festival, running from 12-14 June. Held at the iconic Donington racetrack, thanks to Glastonbury having a year off, Download is the biggest rock festival being held in the UK this year, with 100,000 rock fans expected to descend on North West Leicestershire. Headlined by Guns n Roses, Limp Bizkit and Linkin Park, the festival brings together some of giants of heavy metal and hard rock, with an awesome family atmosphere to boot. You’re likely to discover your new favourite band on the other stages too, with sets from Halestorm, Feeder, Mastodon, The Wildhearts, former members of Sepultura and Keanu Reeves with his band Dogstar! Country music comes to Harborough’s Stanford Hall with The Long Road festival. Billed as a celebration of Country, Americana and Roots music, it is packed with talent including Grammy winners Emmylou Harris, Steve Earle and Maren Morris, plus Platinum-selling stars including Bailey Zimmerman, Anne Wilson and Josh Ross. With authentic BBQ experiences, line dancing, and a car and bike show, pull on your cowboy boots and Stetson and get ready for a weekend that will have you yelling YEEHAW! Cattows Farm is hosting some great tribute music events this year too! The Supersonic Weekender, running from 31 July to 2 August is a celebration of Britpop, with tributes to Blur, Oasis, Paul Weller, Kasabian and many more. From 14-16 Augustthe Ranch Jam Country Festival features tributes to legends of country and western including Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Luke Combs, Chris Stapleton and more, plus a wild west stunt show! Then for bank holiday weekend 28-30 August, the Dubs of Rock Festival features the top UK tributes to acts including Metallica, Black Sabbath, Green Day, Kiss, Korn and loads more. Summer racedays! Leicester Racecourse will have flat races running all summer long, but their Smooth Radio Ladies Day on 4 July is always a highlight, with top level horse racing plus special guest stars putting on a great concert. This year welcomes M People’s Heather Small and 80s legends Go West. Plus of course the ever popular Best Dressed competition. There’s a family friendly feel to their Picnic at the Races event on 9 August, where guests are encouraged to come and have a picnic in car park before enjoying the racing. And for this event, under 18s are completely free! There’s racing of a different kind at Mallory Park on 4 & 5 July. Their 1000 Bikes Revival is the centrepiece of their 70th anniversary year, reviving the spirit of the much-loved Festival of 1000 Bikes that delighted fans at the circuit for many years. It’s an all-action weekend of racing, parades, displays and live entertainment, celebrating the passion, power and people that make the track such an iconic part of British motorcycling. We’ve already mentioned Donington Park Racetrack and there’s a summer full of motorsports there, with the Touring Car Championship, Club Car Championship, Classic Motorcycle Festival, Superbike World Championship, Classic car events and much more! Check out their full calendar here. Historic events You don’t want to miss these chances to enjoy the outdoors in fantastic historic settings. The Bosworth Medieval Festival will be returning in August after a year off in 2025. It sees living history demonstrations from a range of different organisations, full medieval battle recreations and chances to learn from historical experts in talks and demonstrations. Plus of course lots of family-friendly fun! And finally, the Victory Show is the UK’s largest World War II recreation event. Over three days from 4-6 September at Foxlands Farm near Cosby you can immerse yourself in fields full of substantial army encampments, with more than 150 re-enactment groups, and hundreds of military vehicles, including heavy armour. The highlights of each day are a massive tank battle featuring re-enactors and an aerial display featuring some of the most iconic aircraft from the era, which have included the Spitfire, Hurricane, Lancaster Bomber, TF-51D Mustang, B52 and Dakota DC3 to name but a few. Belvoir Castle is one of the most stunning Regency Castles in the country, and as well as giving you the chance to tour the rooms that featured in Netflix’s The Crown they have some great summer events, including a Father’s Day car and airshow, their annual Flower and Garden Show, the This Ain’t Texas country and western festival, and the stunning Sky Glow hot air balloon festival! Extend your stay in the city Make a weekend of it in the city, with a huge range of fantastic places to stay in Leicester. From reasonably price hotel rooms to luxury spots, quirky self-catering places and home-from-home apart-hotels, there’s something to suit every taste and budget. Check out our accommodation page here Press release via FU Media - Visit Leicester Dated 8th June 2026

The teenager accused of murdering De Montfort University student Khaleed Oladipo has appeared before a judge this morning to enter his pleas. Khaleed Oladipo died from stab wounds after an incident on the university campus in February this year. At Leicester Crown Court on Monday, June 8 Harper Dennis, 18, pleaded not guilty to the charge of murder. He also pleaded not guilty to two further counts of possessing a lock knife at the time of the incident in Oxford Street on Tuesday, February 3, and, two months later, refusing to give Leicestershire Police the PIN for his iPhone - an offence under the Investigatory Powers Act 2016. A trial date has already been set for Monday, August 10, and the teenager was remanded back into custody to await trial. The trial is expected to take between two and three weeks. Pictures by Leicester Media Online ©️ 2026

Western Ward Residents A message from Leicestershire Police, (Andy Brown PCSO 6083, West Leicester) I will be holding a Beat Surgery at the Co-Op on Aikman Avenue on 13 June at 14:00. I am trialling new locations for Beat Surgeries in order to attract new people. Please take this opportunity to raise any concerns you may have and to find out what we are doing to tackle the issues that matter to you. Beat Surgery - Co-Op Aikman Avenue New Parks Leicester. Saturday 13 Jun 14:00 - 15:00 Recently, we have: Conducted PedalFast operations to seize illegal eBikes and eScooters. Taken measures to safeguard vulnerable individuals. Conducted CCTV inquiries in relation to theft from motor vehicles. Followed up crime reports involving theft and assault. Everyone is welcome and it would be great to see you there. For more information please contact me - PCSO 6083 Andy Brown on andrew.brown@leics.police.uk Saturday 13 June 2026 14:00 - 15:00 Central Co-op Food - Aikman Avenue, Leicester, 279 Aikman Avenue Leicester LE3 9PW

Here are some pictures taken today Saturday 6th June at Riverside Festival in Leicester. Across two days, the free, family-friendly Riverside festival on 6 and 7 June will offer a huge range of arts, craft and theatre activities – expanded thanks to new funding from Arts Council England – plus there will be music all across the festival. Click here to download the programme. Gallery 1 Saturday Pictures Pictures by Trevor Sewell for Leicester Media online.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Review of the newly refurbished Bobby’s Restaurant at Belgrave Road, Leicester. At 7pm on Saturday night, the restaurant was fairly busy. A short wait before the table was ready. The extensive menu provided a full description of each dish. We ate a selection of starters and delicious main courses. The sharing platter of starters and the chilli paneer being exceptional good, full of flavour and textures. Food was high quality, service was quick and staff were friendly and helpful, offering advice on the menu. Overall the atmosphere was good and the food was value for money. 5 Star 🌟 Rating Pictures by Leicester Media © 2019 A Well-Known Vegetarian Indian Restaurant Serving the best curry in Leicester for more than 3 decades, you are sure to be impressed with the choice of vegetarian dishes from Bobby’s. Recognised in Leicestershire for traditional vegetarian Indian food, we feature home-style cooking so you never leave us feeling hungry. Established in 1976, the staff at our Indian restaurant boast extensive experience to bring you an impeccable service to complement our delicious vegetarian dishes made with fresh ingredients. Encouraging people from all over the UK to visit us, we are part of the Belgrave Business Association. Review By Russell Thorpe for Leicester Media online www.bobbys-restaurant.co.uk Bobbys Restaurant 154-156 Belgrave Road Leicester Leicestershire LE4 5AT Tel 0116 266 0106 / 0116 266 2448 Email info@eatatbobbys.com For restaurant reviews, please reach out to Russell Thorpe at Leicester Media ​ russell@leicestermedia.online Our overall star rating is determined by a four-part evaluation system.​ Restaurants are rated based on their uniqueness, the tastiness of their food, the warmth of their atmosphere and service, and the strength of recommendation, which serves as a straightforward measure of value. All of our reviews are shared across our social media feeds, complete with engaging video cards to showcase your restarant. Plus, you'll find shareable links to easily spread the word about our experience.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 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 For restaurant reviews, please reach out to Russell Thorpe at Leicester Media ​ russell@leicestermedia.online Our overall star rating is determined by a four-part evaluation system.​ Restaurants are rated based on their uniqueness, the tastiness of their food, the warmth of their atmosphere and service, and the strength of recommendation, which serves as a straightforward measure of value. All of our reviews are shared across our social media feeds, complete with engaging video cards to showcase your restarant. Plus, you'll find shareable links to easily spread the word about our experience.

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

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ We visited the hotel restaurant on Saturday Evening. We feasted on a delicious array of Scottish Foods, all perfectly cooked and served by the friendly staff. This limited-edition four course set menu was only available on Friday 24th & Saturday 25th January. “With a cosy atmosphere and charming pub features, there’s no better place to celebrate Scotland’s best-loved poet” All four courses selected from a carefully crafted menu delivered the true taste of Scotland. Scallops served with smoked salmon, Traditional 2nd course of Haggis, Main of Mussels served with lovely sour-dough bread and desert of Cheese and Biscuits. The price of £20.99 represented value for money. A selection of carefully selected after dinner drinks were also available. Review by Russell Thorpe Look out for further special menu’s thought out the year, if you cant wait for next years Burns Night at the Castle Hotel. https://www.chefandbrewer.com/pubs/leicestershire/castle-hotel/ For restaurant reviews, please reach out to Russell Thorpe at Leicester Media ​ russell@leicestermedia.online Our overall star rating is determined by a four-part evaluation system.​ Restaurants are rated based on their uniqueness, the tastiness of their food, the warmth of their atmosphere and service, and the strength of recommendation, which serves as a straightforward measure of value. All of our reviews are shared across our social media feeds, complete with engaging video cards to showcase your restarant. Plus, you'll find shareable links to easily spread the word about our experience.