A fire-breathing dragon and the opportunity to help reconstruct a Roman Forum entrance are coming to Leicester as part of an exciting new free festival.
The event will combine traditional St George’s Day celebrations with a tribute to the city’s Roman heritage.
Picture credit: Leicester City Council
The Old Town Festival will take place at Jubilee Square and the surrounding Old Town area in the city centre for two days next month. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, including an urban mosaic workshop at the Guildhall, a living history Roman camp, an artisan craft market, and storytelling on a children’s bookbus.
One of the highlights will be a fire-breathing dragon, along with stilt-walking jesters, magical wizards, and a trio of clumsy knights embarking on daring quests. Attendees will also have the chance to learn how to march like a Centurion and contribute to recreating the entrance of a grand Roman Forum.
The festival will also offer hands-on archaeology, Roman theatre, craft activities, and Morris dancing. Young visitors can enjoy face painting and dress-up booths, allowing them to transform into gallant knights, fearsome dragons, or magical maidens. In Jubilee Square, there will be Roman warrior training, where guests can learn to wield a sword like a true centurion or raise a shield in triumph.
Beyond the Old Town, Leicester’s Haymarket Shopping Centre will host a day of free activities on Thursday, April 24. The day will feature a roaming dragon, mosaic and toga making, along with arts and crafts activities. For those with a deeper interest, there will be trails, talks, and discussions about the Roman world, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Between Monday, April 21 and Friday, April 25, the Highcross shopping centre will host renowned French artist Olivier Grossetête. He will recreate a life-size piece of Leicester’s lost history using only cardboard and tape.
Councillor Vi Dempster, Assistant City Mayor for Leisure and Culture, said: “The Old Town Festival combines our traditional St George’s Day celebrations with Leicester’s rich 2,000-year history and Roman legacy.”
The festival is supported by partners including BID Leicester, Global Streets, Arts Council England, Highcross Leicester, Haymarket Shopping Centre, and Hidden Histories. Simon Jenner from BID Leicester commented: “We’re proud to support a festival that brings our heritage to life in such an engaging and interactive way. Events like this generate excitement, attract visitors, and benefit local businesses.”
The Old Town Festival will run from Saturday, April 26 to Sunday, April 27. For more details, visit the festival’s website.
