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 Cheapest tickets on sale now from £5! Grab your early birds while they’re still available.

British R&B singer, songwriter, rapper, DJ and producer who rose to fame in 1999. As one of the UK’s most loved artists, Craig has remained at the helm of his own unique, authentically British sound. A sound that made waves across the globe, making him the voice of one of the most pivotal eras in UK music, and in turn, making him one of the most successful artists in UK chart history.

Leicester Mela Festival 2024 was bigger than ever as it took over Abbey Park for the first time in 20 years! The festival ran over 2 days, bringing the best South Asian entertainment, street performances, arts, culture, food and more to Leicester. The Leicester Mela festival hosts a diverse programme of performances, from dance schools, dhol players, live music performances from some of the biggest stars in the Asian community, as well as upcoming local artists. We have lots of fun activities for children, from arts and crafts, puppet performances, workshops, henna, games and more. The Mela Bazaar is a traditional Indian shopping market, popular for its choice of stunning jewellery, clothes, toys, accessories, bridal products, confectionary and more. With a number of different stalls, you will be spoilt for choice. Treat your taste buds to a selection of delicious street foods, from samosas, Indo-Chinese dishes, fresh coconut water, kulfi ice cream, chai, bhajis and many more Asian delicacies. Featuring an array of DJ’s playing classic bollywood anthems, but with a modern day twist, this DJ tent provides an amazing party atmosphere perfect for the whole family. Operated by Billy Bates & Sons, this year’s Mela will include a marvellous funfair, with lots of fun rides and bouncy castles.

The biggest celebration of the LGBTQ+ community in the region. Leicester Pride returns for 2025! Join the parade through town then party the day away at Abbey Park where Pride has been since 2022 to take advantage of more space and a better layout for multiple attractions. The event site has grown in size. There are now two entrances to the site from Charter Street and St Margaret’s Pastures. There will be a free bus service running throughout the day from The Rainbow & Dove bar.

Leicester Mela Festival Returns to Abbey Park: A Two-Day Celebration of Indian Arts, Culture, Music, Food & Fashion! The highly anticipated Leicester Mela Festival returns to Abbey Park this August, offering a vibrant two-day celebration of South Asian arts, culture, and community. Join thousands of attendees for this distinguished celebration of South Asia’s rich and colourful heritage, as Abbey Park is once again transformed into a vibrant hub of creativity, culture and community. From internationally acclaimed performers to homegrown talent, the Main Stage will present a rich and diverse showcase of music, dance, and entertainment to captivate audiences of all ages. Explore the bustling Mela Bazaar, where you'll find an eclectic mix of stalls offering everything from handcrafted jewellery and vibrant clothing to mouth-watering street food and sweet treats – a true shopping paradise! And for families, there's something for everyone – from Billy Bates & Sons’ thrilling funfair rides, to a Kid’s Village packed with activities, arts and crafts. Come for the culture, stay for the celebration. See you at the Mela! Leicester Mela Festival is supported by Leicester City Council.