Every year, the LGBT community in Leicester comes together to march through the city centre in a vibrant parade that marks the beginning of the festival. The event starts at 13:00 with a parade through the city centre leading to the festival site on Abbey Park and will be the 17th anniversary of Leicester Pride. Theme to follow Parade The parade starts at 13:00 and arrives at the park at 14:00. The new parade route is longer and passes through more areas of the city centre. The parade still begins at The Curve Theatre with the route through The Lanes, Jubilee Square and along High Street before proceeding to Abbey Park. The total distance is 1.7 miles. Leicester Pride invite everyone to join us on the parade, although they ask that larger groups register via the website so that we can plan the order and layout. Please note that no glass bottles are allowed on the parade, and much of the route runs through the city's alcohol-free zones. Festival The event is free to attend and celebrates equality and diversity in our community. Leicester Pride is a family event with entertainment and attractions suitable for all ages. The main stage features live singers, dance acts and cabaret from across the country, whilst the DJ tent features the best local DJs. Leicester Pride event is attended by more 10,000 people each year, with more than 2,000 taking part in the parade through the city. Leicester Pride event has been running under the current team for 10 years and has grown from a small event based in the city to a full scale festival at Abbey Park.

Set to be the biggest food event of the year, the Leicester Food Festival will be returning to Abbey Park for its second year this August, creating a paradise for food and drink lovers. With a diverse range of cuisines from local traders and beyond, including street food vendors, bars, local brewers, cocktails, and array of sweet treats. In addition, enjoy live local music all weekend, entertainment, workshops, tastings, talks, children’s cooking classes, a circus school and other fun activities for all the family. Let the good times roll.

Get ready to turn up the heat! Leicester Weekender presents Summer Jams 2026, the City’s premier R&B day to night party taking over Abbey Park on Friday 7 August 2026. We’re bringing the legends of R&B and UK Garage under one sun-soaked sky. From the soulful harmonies of Eternal and Damage to the high-octane energy of Ms. Dynamite and special guest Lethal Bizzle. This is a celebration of the anthems that defined a generation. With a massive DJ lineup from RNB Day Party including Esco-Bar, DJ Dre, Alex Miles, and Glamour - all hosted by the legendary Terence ‘Mr Bigs’ Edwards - Abbey Park will be transformed into the ultimate open air dance floor. Level up by grabbing some limited VIP tickets which includes entrance queue jump to get the party started quicker, exclusive access to the VIP Bar and VIP toilets. Tickets are limited so don't miss out! Start the weekend early, grab your sunglasses, assemble the squad, and join us from 3pm for the biggest day party of the year!