AROUND 80 representatives of Leicester’s night-time economy sector gathered at the city’s Grand Hotel this week for their first ever conference.
Organised through the local Night-Time Venue Forum, the City Nights Done Right conference on Wednesday (21 January) brought together many of those involved in delivering a safe and vibrant night-time economy for Leicester.
As well as presentations by industry experts, there were also panel discussions covering key themes such as new trends, public safety and safeguarding, drug and alcohol use, licensing reform, transport, changes to planning legislation, and the challenges facing the grassroots music industry.
Businesses in the city centre that open between 5pm and 5am – such as hotels, hospitality, cinemas and music venues – were invited to the event, with representatives of The Soundhouse and the Queen of Bradgate amongst those taking part.
The police and the city council were represented too, highlighting the importance of the partnership between those key organisations and the city centre’s night-time venues.
Matt Kirk, co-owner of Firebug and Duffy’s and the chair of Leicester’s Night-Time Venue Forum, was amongst the speakers at the conference.
“The biggest positive to come out of the conference is simple: night-time venues are not on their own,” he said.
“No single venue, organisation or department is expected to fix everything. But when we share information, ideas and responsibility, we’re far more effective.
“The night-time economy is an ecosystem — when one part thrives, it lifts the whole city.”
Guest speakers at the conference included Jay Taylor, England coordinator at the Music Venue Trust – a UK registered charity which acts to protect, secure and improve UK grassroots music venues – and Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries’ Association (NTIA), which advocates for fair taxation and modernised licensing and recognises nightlife as a crucial economic pillar.
Michael Kill said: "I was delighted to support the City Nights Done Right conference in Leicester.
“As our industry navigates rising business rates and energy costs, this forum provides a vital platform for collaboration.
“This event’s focus on grassroots talent, 'Agent of Change' principles and safety initiatives like Martyn’s Law* is essential for protecting our independent venues.
“By uniting local authorities and operators, Leicester demonstrated the power of evidence-based policymaking. We must remain committed to these partnerships to ensure our cultural sector remains resilient and thrives."
Jay Taylor said: “Music Venue Trust is delighted to have taken part in this incredibly valuable conference.
“This event presented Leicester at its innovative best, gathering key stakeholders in one place to forge meaningful solutions to the challenges facing grassroots music venues.
“This kind of joined-up thinking and cross-departmental collaboration is pivotal when nurturing a sustainable local ecosystem and shows genuine commitment to these crucial cultural spaces.
“This constructive event paves the way for ongoing work, which Music Venue Trust would be excited to support on."
The response to the conference underlined a strong appetite to keep the conversation going, with delegates welcoming the chance to discuss opportunities and challenges with those who share their commitment to delivering a safe and vibrant nightlife in Leicester.
Further events are already being explored.
The Night-Time Venue Forum is one of the city centre business sector forums facilitated by Leicester City Council’s city centre management team.
Any night-time venue in the city centre that would like to join the Night-Time Venue Forum, or would like to be kept informed of future events, should email Gitte.Magielse@leicester.gov.uk
Picture caption: Around 80 representatives of Leicester’s night-time economy sector gathered in the refurbished King’s Hall at the Grand Hotel for the conference on Wednesday (21 January).
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*Background note: The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 is commonly known as Martyn’s Law. It received Royal Assent on 3 April 2025.