Leicester’s biggest free festival returns with new main stage and more music

Leicester is preparing for the return of its largest free outdoor event as the Riverside Festival arrives for a weekend of music, arts, and community activities. Scheduled for Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 June, the festival is expected to draw more than 60,000 visitors to the banks of the River Soar and surrounding parklands.

This year’s edition introduces several logistical changes designed to accommodate growing crowds and provide a more immersive experience. The event footprint extends across the River Soar’s Mile Straight, Bede Park, the De Montfort University campus, and Castle Gardens.

New main stage location and extended performance times

For the first time in the festival’s history, the main stage will be relocated to a central position within Bede Park. This move aims to create a more accessible focal point for the musical programme, which features a diverse lineup of local talent across multiple genres.

Organisers have also confirmed longer opening hours for 2026. Performances on the main stage and secondary sites will now run until 8:00 PM on Saturday and 7:00 PM on Sunday. This extension allows for a fuller evening programme, catering to those looking to enjoy the street food stalls and licensed bars as the sun sets over the river.

River Soar activities and waterside entertainment

The River Soar remains the heart of the celebrations, with the “Mile Straight” hosting a variety of water-based spectacles. Visitors can book boat rides or participate in kayaking sessions throughout the weekend. On Sunday, the river will host the annual dragon boat racing, a competitive highlight that draws significant crowds to the towpaths.

A pop-up art gallery will also return to the waterside, showcasing works from local creators. Walkabout entertainers, including street performers and musicians, will navigate the paths between Castle Gardens and Bede Park, ensuring the festive atmosphere remains consistent across all festival zones.

Arts Council funding and creative workshops

This year’s Riverside Festival has received a significant boost through additional funding from Arts Council England. This investment has allowed for a substantial expansion of the interactive “Get Creative” programme. Families and young people can participate in hands-on workshops that go beyond traditional crafts.

Key creative highlights include:
* Literati Arts: Pop-up poetry sessions and spoken word performances.
* Graffwerk: Collaborative street art projects where visitors can contribute to large-scale murals.
* Upcycling Workshops: Sessions focused on sustainable fashion and garment redesign.
* Metro Boulot Dodo: An immersive virtual reality experience, following the success of their previous large-scale projections in the city.

The funding also supports a new initiative involving four Young Producers. These individuals are working directly with the city’s events team to gain professional insight into large-scale festival management, ensuring the event remains relevant to Leicester’s younger demographic.

Logistics and accessibility for visitors

With over 60,000 people expected, residents are encouraged to use public transport or active travel options. The festival sites are within walking distance of the city centre and are designed to be accessible for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility.

Street food vendors will offer a range of international cuisines, and craft markets will be situated throughout the De Montfort University campus and Bede Park. Detailed maps and full performance schedules are being released via official social media channels and the city’s tourism information portals as the event approaches. Local talent remains the priority for the 2026 lineup, reflecting the city’s diverse cultural heritage through music and performance art.

Source: Leicester City Council

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Vi Dempster

#Arts Council England#Bede Park#Family Activities#free festivals#Leicester events#River Soar#Riverside Festival

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