Organisers said this year’s festival is ‘one of the most exciting yet’
The Riverside Festival has lots of fun for all ages (2023’s event)(Image: Lee Garrett/Leicester Mercury)
Dates have been announced for Leicester’s largest annual art festival and organisers said it will be “one of the most exciting yet.”
The Riverside Festival, one of Leicester City Council’s flagship cultural events, attracts more than 60,000 people each year to enjoy free live music, arts, food and family activities along the River Soar.
Set in Bede Park, the free main stage will showcase a dynamic, diverse line-up of artists from across Leicester and Leicestershire, celebrating the depth and vibrancy of the local music scene.
This year’s event is due to take place on Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7.
The programme brings together a strong network of organisations including EAVA FM, HQ Familia, 2Funky Arts and UMC Management.
Organisers said it will also feature emerging artists identified through the new ‘Leics Connect’ talent development programme, led by TiME (Technology in Music Education) in partnership with Leicestershire Music and funded by Youth Music.
The Riverside Festival on previous years next to Bede Park in Leicester city centre(Image: Leicester City Council)
The festival experience will extend beyond the park, with 2Funky Complex confirmed as the official Riverside Festival After Party venue, hosting curated late-night performances across the weekend.
Supported by De Montfort University and event sponsor PPL PRS, organisers said the initiative marks a significant step in connecting Leicester’s cultural leadership with its grassroots music community.
Greg Aiello, managing director at PPL PRS, said: “We’re proud to support this collaboration, shining a light on the incredible depth of talent across Leicester and Leicestershire. Supporting creators and local scenes like this is vital to the future of music.”
Vijay Mistry, 2Funky Complex owner and Leicester Music Board member, said: “This partnership is a major moment for Leicester’s music scene. It creates real opportunities for local artists to perform on a big stage while celebrating the diversity that defines our city.”
Leicester Music Board is partnering with Leicester City Council’s Festivals and Events team to co-programme the main stage at this year’s Riverside Festival, which it said is “set to be one of its most exciting yet.”