Carnival Summer

This summer, Highcross Leicester is proud to celebrate Leicester’s rich Caribbean heritage with Carnival Summer, a month-long programme of events leading up to the iconic Leicester Caribbean Carnival on 1 August.

For more than 40 years, Leicester Carnival has been one of the city’s most vibrant and anticipated cultural celebrations. Throughout July, Carnival Summer will bring that same energy, creativity and community spirit into the heart of the city with a series of free activities and experiences for visitors to enjoy.

From exhibitions and costume-making workshops to live music and fitness sessions, there will be plenty of opportunities to get involved, learn more about carnival culture and celebrate the people and traditions that make Leicester Carnival so special.

Carnival Through the Years

Take a journey through the history of Leicester Carnival with a special exhibition featuring photography, costumes and memorabilia from across the decades. Discover the stories, creativity and community spirit that have shaped one of Leicester's most celebrated cultural events.

Dates: Throughout July 2026
Location: East Square (near Luke1977 and Footlocker)

Carnival Costume Workshops

Get hands-on and create your own carnival-inspired costume with guidance from one of Leicester’s carnival dance troupes. Learn about traditional and contemporary carnival design while creating something colourful and unique to take home.

Dates: Saturday 18 July & Saturday 25 July
Location: East Square (near Luke1977 and Footlocker)

Sound System Nights

Experience the sounds of carnival with two evenings of music, atmosphere and entertainment. Enjoy everything from soca and reggae to bouyon and Black British classics while soaking up the summer atmosphere in the city centre.

Saturday 18 July
Throwback sounds from the 80s and 90s featuring classic carnival favourites.

Saturday 25 July
A celebration of modern carnival culture with the biggest hits from the 2000s through to today.

Time: 6pm - 10pm
Location: Grammar School Court (near Turtle Bay)

Soca Fit Sessions

Get carnival ready with energetic Soca Fit workouts designed to get you moving, smiling and feeling the rhythm. Suitable for all abilities, these sessions combine fitness and fun in a lively carnival-inspired environment.

Dates: Wednesday 8 July & Wednesday 15 July
Time: 6:15pm - 7pm
Location: To be confirmed

Event Details

Dates: Throughout July 2026
Location: Various locations across Highcross Leicester
Entry: Free

Join us this summer as we celebrate the culture, creativity and community spirit of Leicester Carnival through a programme of events designed to bring people together and showcase one of the city's most treasured traditions.