LEICESTER’s biggest free family festival is set to get underway this weekend taking in the city’s waterways and open spaces.
The Riverside Festival takes place on June 4 and 5 at Bede Park, Castle Gardens, Western Boulevard and the Mile Straight of the River Soar, and includes a programme of fun for all ages both on and off the water.
This year’s event, which takes place over the extra long Bank Holiday Platinum Jubilee weekend, will also include some Royal-themed activities marking the 70-year reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Castle Gardens will feature a silent cinema, showcasing both the Royal Family over the decades, alongside a varied programme of family-friendly children’s films and hosting a range of eco-themed activities.
The River Soar will come alive with a colourful narrow boat rally, boat trips, kayaks and the opportunity to view and buy work from local artists at Art on The River.
Bede Park will feature family activities including a fun fair, food stalls, arts and crafts, beer tent, acoustic music stage and lots of activities, with the nearby piazza hosting a programme of great live bands.
Western Boulevard sees the return of the hugely-popular street market with arts, crafts, tasty street food plus the Ride Leicester cycling area.
In addition, visitors using the city’s e-bike share scheme will be able to take advantage of a free £5 credit offer.
To use the Santander Cycles Leicester scheme, simply download the Ride On app to start riding. The first 200 people to quote RSF2022 between midnight on 4 June and midnight on 5 June will get a free £5 credit added to their account, to use on bike trips. The offer is open to new and existing users, by visiting https://rideonleicester.com/
Leicester deputy city mayor for culture, leisure and sport, Cllr Piara Singh Clair, said: “This year’s Riverside Festival once again brings to life this stretch of the River Soar and Grand Union Canal, with a packed programme of colourful events and activities suitable for the whole family.
“With the event coinciding with the weekend of the Queen’s Platinum Royal Jubilee, there will be a chance to enjoy the silent cinema in Castle Gardens commemorating the Queen and Royal Family over the last 70 years of her extraordinary reign.
“I very much look forward to this event each year, as summertime in the city gets underway.”
More information on the Riverside Festival is available at www.visitleicester.info
(Ends)