An Indian Summer is taking over Leicester’s Cultural Quarter later this week – an exciting event which features a drag and burlesque night for the first time this year.
The event, taking place between August 9 and 11, is expanding to 7 venues this year, including Curve Theatre, Phoenix, LCB Depot, Chutney Ivy, Sixes, The Real Ale Classroom and Brick & Beam.
It will include a range of live performances, workshops, immersive experiences and exhibitions, bringing an “electric fusion of contemporary South Asian arts, creativity and culture.”
Our theme and vision of this year’s event is ‘We Gather’ and it begins with an outdoor screening of Bollywood blockbuster Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani! on Jubilee Square. It starts at 6pm on Friday (9 August) and is free to attend.
The evening’s fun continues with Shakti Unleashed at The Real Ale Classroom, between 7.30pm – 10.30pm.
For the first time ever, An Indian Summer will feature a troupe of queer talents from the vibrant worlds of drag and cabaret hosted by Asifa Lahore, a performer known as Britain’s First Out Muslim Drag Queen.
On Saturday a Festival Community Day will take place in the city’s Cultural Quarter, with Chutney Ivy serving up Bangladeshi street food outside the restaurant.
Sixes Social Cricket are offering 20 per cent off all cricket sessions on the day and offers are on inside the Real Ale Classroom and as well as the Phoenix.
Meanwhile, at Curve, a range of live pop-up performances will take place outside and in the venue’s foyer, as well as meditation sessions, exhibitions and installations.
This year’s headline performance comes from the Orchestral Qawwali Project, which has captivated audiences through its unique combination of Sufi poetry, Indian Classical dance and orchestral arrangements. Tickets for the performance, which starts at 7.30pm are selling fast, so make sure you book online.
On Sunday (August 11) festival goers can enjoy an exclusive preview of Fawzia Mirza’s new film ‘Queen of My Dreams’, a month before its UK release. The film screening will start at 3pm at Phoenix.
An Indian Summer’s mission is to celebrate the shared culture between the Indian subcontinent and the UK.
Kay Hardiman, Curve’s Director of Creative Programmes, commented, “We’re so pleased to once again welcome An Indian Summer to Curve for a Community Day celebrating South Asian culture. Our Community Day will offer activities for all ages throughout the venue, from drop-in music workshops to exciting live performance in the theatre. There is so much for family and friends to get involved in, with much of the programme free of charge.
“We can’t wait to welcome everyone to Curve for what’s sure to be a fantastic day as part of An Indian Summer’s events this year!”
Parmjit Sagoo, Executive Producer of Inspirate who curates and programmes An Indian Summer, commented, “We’re so excited about our festival programme this year. We have taken this opportunity to open up the festival to new audiences, platforming the breadth of South Asian arts from our Drag & Cabaret night, to the film night at Phoenix, and all the wonderful workshops, performances and pop-ups in between. We hope that friends and family take it as an opportunity to come together and enjoy the sights and sounds of everything on offer.”
An Indian Summer takes place in Leicester from 9 – 11 August 2024. The full programme of events is available via indiansummer.org.uk
