Award-Winning Leicester Food & Music Festival Returns to Abbey Park in just 2 weeks!
The countdown is on as the award-winning Leicester Food & Music Festival returns to Abbey Park on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th August. Bringing two packed days of live music, global street food, and family entertainment to the city. Cheaper early bird tickets will run out by Sunday 26th July, so people yet to buy are encouraged to make the most of the offer while it lasts! Visit www.theleicesterfestival.com
Officially named as one of the UK’s top budget-friendly festivals, and winning Best Event at the 2026 Your Leicester Awards, this year’s line-up expands with several new additions.
Festivalgoers can sip piña coladas served in fresh pineapples, grab a drink from a retro Old J’s Rum VW camper van, order loaded hash browns from Boujee Browns, Squeaky Beaver Poutine, alongside a handpicked selection of the region’s best Chefs, Bakers, and Restaurateurs including Mountsorrel’s much loved RKD, Samosa Wagon and Feast & the Furious showcased exclusively in partnership with Visit Leicester’s Taste The Place Campaign’.
Over in the Circus Tent, an all-new Silent Disco will see DJs go head-to-head, bringing an experience like no other to this year’s festival.
Across the park, visitors will find plenty of seating, parasols and deckchairs, including a new giant one for those important group selfies. A vintage Tuk Tuk brings the perfect photo spot, a hammock garden, graffiti workshops, arts and crafts, skate lessons with @SkateParlour, miniature ponies to walk and groom, farmyard animals and this year don’t miss the Puppy Cuddling tent!
By popular demand the 90s Hooch Van is back, the draft tap bar, and the signature onstage donut-eating contest!
Live performances run throughout the weekend, showcasing the best national tribute acts alongside local musicians. Saturday features Gary Barlow’s number 1 recommendation – Take That tribute ‘Rule The World’ and The Oasis Experience, while Sunday brings the sensational UB40 Experience and Aretha Franklin tribute set.
Over 40 food vendors will offer dishes from around the world, including Japanese, Dumpling Lam, Buddha Belly, Syioklah, Jamaican Jerk BBQ, Richie’s Shrimps, Chicken George, Malaysian, and Greek dishes. There will rum tastings, cocktails, Aperol, Iced lattes, and local Ice Cream. The popular Midlands Makers tent will host a dedicated undercover market bringing the very best from independent creators & makers of food and crafts from across the region.
Families can expect ongoing activities across both days, including the highly anticipated all new Silent Disco, Mini Magic and Theatre shows, roaming Bubble Displays, LCFC penalty shootout and dedicated football zone, free Skate Lessons for Skate Parlour, Animal Cuddle Corner, 90’s Rave’s in the Big Top Tent, Balloon Discos, Sand Skills, Billy Bates Funfair, and so much more!
“We’re just Two weeks away from welcoming everyone back to Abbey Park,” says Festival Director Kev. “This year’s event has been a full year in the making, bringing together incredible tribute acts from across the UK, the best street food vendors, and local creators. Whether you’re here for the music, the food, or a day out with the family, there’s a huge amount planned. It’s the event the whole community looks forward to each year and we cant wait to be back in the park!”
Early bird pricing ends this weekend. Full listings and tickets are available at www.theleicesterfestival.com.
Event Details
Dates: Saturday 8th & Sunday 9th August 2026
Location: Abbey Park, Leicester
Tickets: www.theleicesterfestival.com
TICKETS & INFO
Early Bird tickets will SELL OUT by this weekend – Sunday 26th July
Tickets start from £6 for kids, £10 for adults and under 5s go free
Opening Times:
Saturday 8th Aug: 11am – 10pm
Sunday 9th Aug: 11am – 530pm
Location: Abbey Park, Leicester
Entrance: Charter Street Bridge
Don’t miss out on the ultimate summer weekend in Leicester. Eat, dance, relax and enjoy the festival vibes – see you at Abbey Park this August!
