A ‘packed programme’ of events is set to celebrate thousands of years of history
The event will celebrate the city’s 2,000 years of history(Image: Leicester City Council)
Leicester’s annual Old Town Festival is set to return to the city this month, bringing a range of free family activities.
Leicester City Council have announced that the free family day out is set to return and will take place in Jubilee Square, at Jewry Wall and across the Old Town area of the city centre.
Visitors can journey from Roman Leicester to Medieval England, exploring the world of Vikings and Anglo-Saxons plus much more along the way.
The council said there will be a “packed programme” that combines traditional festivities for St George’s Day with a celebration of the city’s 2,000 years of history.
The one-day event will feature living history encampments and Viking combat displays in Jubilee Square, where visitors can explore Brendan the Bold, a life-sized replica Anglo-Saxon longship.
There will also be live performances of Old English storytelling inspired by the tale of Beowulf, including a fire-breathing dragon and towering monster.
Over in Cathedral Gardens, people can meet folk from high medieval times, get silly at the Juggling Jesters and Magical Wizard Circus School or enjoy storytelling in the Children’s Bookbus, supporting the National Year of Reading.
There will also be plenty of activities to celebrate St George’s Day, with dragons stalking the grounds, traditional Maypole and Morris dancing, as well as free arts and crafts workshops.
This year’s festival will also feature three themed heritage hub discovery zones, led by the University of Leicester, where people can meet experts and take part in hands-on activities.
An archaeology discovery zone will be located at Jewry Wall Museum and St Nicholas Church; a health and creativity discovery zone will be in Jubilee Square; and the historic Guildhall will host a family and local history discovery zone.
Other attractions include live music at Leicester Cathedral and the Guildhall, where people can also browse artisan market stalls from local independent crafters and traders.
Assistant city mayor for leisure and culture, Cllr Vi Dempster, said: “The Old Town Festival is a lively and fascinating celebration of Leicester’s rich 2,000-year history.
“There are lots of great free activities to take part in and performances to enjoy, and it’s all taking place in our historic Old Town area. It promises to be an inclusive, informative and exciting festival with something for everyone.”
Leicester’s Old Town festival takes place on Saturday, April 25, from 12 until 5pm. Full details of the programme can be found in the festival brochure, available on the city council’s website.