The Riverside Festival returns on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 June, bringing a packed programme of entertainment to the banks of the River Soar.
Organised by Leicester City Council, the festival is expanding across multiple locations this year, including Bede Park, Castle Gardens, Western Boulevard, The Newarke, and, for the first time, De Montfort University (DMU).
A highlight of the city’s events calendar, the family-friendly weekend will feature a vibrant mix of on-water activities, live music, international street food, and creative performances – with something for all ages to enjoy.
Festivalgoers can expect boat rides, kayaking sessions, and dragon boat racing (on Sunday), along with live performances across multiple stages, artisan craft stalls, pop-up bars, and a roaming art gallery. In the Bede Park Family Zone, younger visitors can enjoy mini discos, bubble parties, and children’s entertainment from 12pm to 2pm on both days.
New this year is an exciting partnership with DMU, which will host a range of activities on its city centre campus. This includes a spectacular display of mountain biking stunts by Danny Butler, organised in collaboration with Ride Leicester.
DMU is also integrating its Cultural eXchanges Festival into the event. Organised by final-year Arts and Festivals Management students, the programme includes workshops, dance, and live performances in the Campus Centre from 12 noon daily.
Music lovers will enjoy performances on the Piazza Stage, with line-ups curated by HQ Recordings, EAVA FM, 2 Funky Arts, Soft Touch Arts, and Leics Introducing. Meanwhile, Castle Gardens will offer a more relaxed setting, with acoustic sets and a chill-out area.
History enthusiasts can travel back in time with living history displays and battle re-enactments by Hidden Histories Heritage Events. Taking place on The Newarke from 2–3pm each day, the reenactment brings to life the 1645 Siege of Leicester, complete with muskets, cannons, and costumed characters.
In addition, DMU will open its historic sites to the public, offering free entry to Leicester Castle’s Great Hall, Trinity Chapel, the Herb Garden, and the DMU Museum.
Cllr Vi Dempster, assistant city mayor for leisure and culture, said: “The Riverside Festival is Leicester’s largest free festival, attracting thousands of visitors to the city each year.
“This year, it’s bigger than ever, thanks to our collaboration with De Montfort University.
“Like all our festivals, the aim of the Riverside Festival is to bring people together – and from 7-8 June, we want to invite as many people as possible to join us in celebrating Leicester’s waterways, exploring the city’s heritage, and discovering De Montfort University’s stunning campus.
“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 Riverside Festival runs from 12pm to 6pm on Saturday 7 June and 12pm to 5pm on Sunday 8 June.
For full event details and a downloadable programme, visit: visitleicester.info/festival/riverside-festival
Anyone interested in taking part in the dragon boat races on Sunday can register a team of 10 by emailing rob@prostaid.co.uk.
