Riverside Festival returns to Leicester for 2025

Leicester's free Riverside Festival is returning to the city on Saturday and Sunday.

The family-friendly event will take place around the River Soar's mile straight and will include boat rides, kayaking, dragon boat races, live music and performances, craft markets, food and drink and a pop-up art gallery.

Activities will also take place at Bede Park, Castle Gardens, Western Boulevard, and De Montfort University, as well as The Newarke Houses Museum, which will be part of the festival for the first time.

De Montfort University's Cultural eXchanges Festival, which is organised by students, has also been merged into the festival for the first time and will include dance, performances and workshops.

A dedicated family zone will be set up in a tipi in Bede park and will include mini discos, bubble parties and entertainment from noon to 14:00 BST on both days.

Live music will also be performed by local artists across both days on the Piazza Stage, with acoustic sessions held in Castle Gardens nearby.

A 17th Century living history camp will recreate the Siege of Leicester during the civil war in 1645, with a re-enactment at The Newarke from 14:00 to 15:00 on both days.

Councillor Vi Dempster, assistant city mayor for leisure and culture, said: "Like all our festivals, the aim of the Riverside Festival is to bring people together.

"It's also a chance to showcase the diversity of our communities and enjoy the food, music, dance and arts that make Leicester so special.

"I hope that the weather will be kind to us and we can look forward to a fun-packed Riverside Festival that will offer something for everyone."

The event will take place from noon until 18:00 on Saturday and noon until 17:00 on Sunday.

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