Leicester’s city centre will come alive this Saturday (13 September) with a free community festival designed to connect residents with the wide range of support, services, and activities available across the city.
The Leicester Communities Together Festival, taking place from 10am to 4pm in Jubilee Square, will showcase everything from local talent and entertainment to vital information and advice for people who access care or support. The aim is to help individuals live independently and do the things that matter most to them.
Picture: Leicester City Council
The event will feature:
- A main stage with performances by choirs, dancers, and musicians, hosted by local arts group 2FunkyArts
- Entertainment including stilt walkers, free face-painting, and food stalls from Desi Street Food and Five Fox Lane
- Information and advice stalls from a wide range of organisations, including community hubs, charities, support groups, council services, and the NHS
The festival is part of Leicester City Council’s Leading Better Lives programme, which focuses on helping people maintain independence and shape the services they use.
Cllr Mohammed Dawood, assistant city mayor for adult social care, said: “Local people have told us how important it is to have the right services available at the right time. To do this well, we need to listen to those with lived experience and work in partnership with our communities. This festival brings that vision to life.”
Confirmed participants include:
- Mosaic 1898
- Turning Point
- Age UK
- Baby Basics
- Vista
- Shama Women’s Centre
- LAMP mental health charity
Council and NHS services will also be there, including Leicester Libraries, Live Well Leicester, the Making it Real enablement team, cancer screening services, and child and adolescent mental health services.
The stage will host performances and workshops from groups such as:
- BollyARKK Dance
- Leicester Amika Choir
- Bounce Beyond Pilates
- Pedestrian Arts
- HQ CAN
Zoheb Shariff, CEO of Mosaic 1898, said: “This is a brilliant opportunity to connect with the community and let people know what support is out there. It’s also a great chance for us to meet those who may benefit from what we offer.”
Mo Peberdy, from Leicester’s Making it Real group, added: “Professionals, charities, and communities must work together with people who use services. This festival is a real step forward in building those connections and improving the support available.”
The festival is free and open to everyone. An access support hub will be available on-site, offering ear defenders, fidget toys, seating, and access to disabled toilets at the nearby Guildhall.
For more about the Leading Better Lives programme, visit:
? leicester.gov.uk/leadingbetterlives
