MORE THAN ANY OTHER TIME OF YEAR, WINTER ‘TIS THE SEASON TO COME TOGETHER AND TURN OUR COMMUNITY INTO A FAMILY, WHILST ENJOYING ALL THE FESTIVE FUN THE CITY HAS TO OFFER.
Whether taking a long walk through the crisp countryside of Bradgate Park or entertaining friends and family with hearty homemade meals, this time of year is arguably the most magical and tranquil of all the seasons with an array of events and festivities to enjoy.
Despite the nights steadily getting darker, our skies are rarely shadowy this time of year as not a week goes by without a cause for fireworks. Starting with the annual Diwali festival, taking place on Sunday 20th October, Leicester’s celebrations are one of the biggest outside of India. Belgrave Road is an exciting place to be stood amongst 35,000 people waiting to see the lights being switched on, transforming the surrounding streets into a dazzling world of colour. A large firework display follows and a stage full of traditional Hindu entertainment adds a touch of magic to the proceedings.
November traditionally marks Guy Fawkes Night and what better place to watch our skies sparkle than at the Abbey Park Bonfire and Fireworks Display, Leicester’s biggest display with over 15,000 visitors. The Bonfire and Firework celebration takes place on Saturday 2nd November.
It is the big Christmas light switch on in Humberstone Gate, on Sunday 17th November, which is the cause of most excitement in the city centre. With live entertainment and performances, the event officially marks the start of the Christmas season, before spectators scurry off to Highcross and the Lanes soon after the tree is lit up to stock up on Christmas gifts. The annual decorations at Leicester’s Town Hall Square turn the space into a wonderland with full-size festive characters and the traditional Nativity scene, filling all who visit it with a childlike sense of excitement.
If you decide to take on the high street crowds and head into the city centre then you’ll be rewarded with the fresh and homemade treats from the Farmer and Italian markets as well as the annual Winter Food and Craft stalls, making a welcome return to the city. Gallowtree Gate transforms into a home of delectable delights from warm pastries and hot chocolate to unique wooden Christmas gifts.
With the constant sense of enjoyment and anticipation in the air and so much happening in our city for you to enjoy, it truly ‘tis the most wonderful time of the year’.
