Leicester’s city centre festival, Light Up Leicester, which transformed the city with spectacular artworks over four nights earlier this year, has won a major national accolade.
Held in March 2025, the festival attracted an estimated 100,000 visitors, showcasing a trail of large-scale interactive light installations, pop-up performances, and community parades. Organisers say the event highlighted the city’s creative energy and brought communities together.
Picture credit: Leicester City Council
The festival has now been awarded the top prize for placemaking at the annual National Outdoor Events Association (NOEA) Awards. The NOEA is the UK’s leading trade body for the outdoor events sector.
Light Up Leicester is presented by Leicester City Council, BID Leicester, Leicester Cathedral, and Art Reach, with additional support from headline sponsors Highcross Leicester and PPL PRS, alongside funding from Arts Council England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
This is the second major award for the city-wide festival in 2025, following its recognition as the ‘Best Culture and Arts Scheme’ at the Association of Town and City Management (ATCM) Awards in July.
Assistant City Mayor Cllr Vi Dempster, who leads on leisure and culture, praised the festival, saying:
“Thousands of people enjoyed the stunning installations that Light Up Leicester brought to the city earlier this year. I’m very proud that this hugely successful event has been recognised with another award. The festival was a fantastic example of what can happen when local organisations work in partnership to deliver ambitious and innovative events with the local community at their heart.”
Simon Jenner, director of Leicester’s Business Improvement District, added: “Winning this award for placemaking is especially meaningful because it recognises the positive impact Light Up Leicester had on our city centre, driving footfall, creating memorable moments, and highlighting the power of partnership working. We’re delighted to see Leicester shine.”
Highcross Leicester Centre Director Michelle Menezes said:
“Seeing thousands of visitors enjoying the installations around Highcross and the wider city centre was a real highlight, and to hear it’s now received further national recognition is truly fantastic.”
Shreya Vadnerkar, associate director of Nupur Arts, who contributed performances to the festival, said:
“This award recognises the synergy, culture and sheer talent of Leicester and its organisations. It feels special to have our artists, communities, and organisations celebrated nationally for their authenticity and innovation.”
The festival featured collaborations between local and international creatives, including a projection piece by Leicester artists MBD, the Roots of Our Tree procession with local schools led by Inspirate, a vibrant Holi celebration by Nupur Arts, and community engagement projects such as the My Leicester: Future Stories Trail.
By blending local talent with globally renowned artists, Light Up Leicester offered a unique celebration of Leicester’s cultural vibrancy and creative ambition.
