If your autumn plans currently involve the sofa and a family-size bag of crisps, Leicester and Leicestershire have other ideas. From Titanic treasures and monster trails to Diwali celebrations, Halloween scares and some very tempting food deals, the city and county are packed with reasons to get out of the house over the next few weeks.
Black History Month
October is bringing a packed programme of Black History Month events, with everything from classical concerts celebrating Black composers and film screenings to live music, exhibitions and a rare appearance from Sir Lenny Henry. The Windrush Exhibition at Leicester Museum is also worth a look, while Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage has rounded up the best events across the city.
See real Titanic artefacts up close
History buffs won’t want to miss Titanic in 101 Objects, a touring exhibition landing at Leicester Racecourse from 8 to 18 October. Expect authentic artefacts from the doomed liner, fascinating stories from passengers and crew, and an immersive journey into one of history’s most infamous maritime disasters.
Halloween is going big this year
Spooky season is arriving in style across Leicestershire.
Families can head to Cattows Farm’s giant Halloween Farm event for pumpkin picking, circus entertainment and autumn-themed fun, while thrill-seekers can test their nerves at Twinlakes’ award-winning Xtreme Scream Park, home to seven terrifying scare mazes.
For something a little more family-friendly, Twycross Zoo is hosting a Room on the Broom corn maze throughout October, and Leicester’s much-loved Monster Trail returns from 22 to 31 October, filling the city centre with giant inflatable creatures to track down.
Restaurant Week returns
Fancy eating out without destroying your bank balance? Leicester Restaurant Week is back from 19 October to 1 November, bringing discounts and special menus to restaurants, cafés and pubs across the city.
From sushi and pizza to Indian street food and hotel dining, there will be deals ranging from just £5 up to £30, making it the perfect excuse to finally book that meal you’ve been talking about for months.
Leicester’s Diwali celebrations are always worth the trip
Few places do Diwali quite like Leicester, and this year’s celebrations look set to be another spectacular affair.
The city’s famous lights return in mid-October, while the main festivities take place on 8 November with cultural performances, laser shows, a Diwali village, funfair rides and vibrant rangoli artwork.
Elsewhere, there’s Diwali By The Water at Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre, children’s performances at the Peepul Centre and a Festival of Lights celebration in nearby Loughborough.
Firework season is about to light up the county
Bonfire Night fans are spoilt for choice this year.
The headline event is Leicester’s Abbey Park Fireworks on 7 November, featuring a huge bonfire, live entertainment, funfair attractions and a massive fireworks display.
Leicester Racecourse is also hosting one of the area’s biggest shows, complete with a live DJ set from 80s icon Pat Sharp. Other highlights include fireworks over the water at Stoney Cove, displays at Mallory Park and a two-night fireworks spectacular at Conkers in the National Forest.
Time to remember
As autumn draws on, November also brings opportunities for reflection. Remembrance Sunday will see ceremonies taking place across Leicester and Leicestershire, with the city’s main commemorations happening at Victoria Park.
From world-class cultural celebrations and major exhibitions to family days out, terrifying Halloween attractions and dazzling fireworks, Leicester’s autumn calendar is giving serious main-character energy this year. Frankly, if you can’t find something to do, you’re probably not trying hard enough.
