celebrating leicester’s rich cultural diversity since 2011
COME, JOIN-IN AND EXEPIENCE AN AMAZING DAY OF ARTS AND CULTURE
Cosmopolitan Arts Festival returns to Leicester City Centre on Saturday 11th of July! Come along and join this fantastic celebration of Leicester’s cultural diversity. Be immersed in a fusion of music, dance, art, and cultural experiences. With four performance areas, plus stalls and interactive workshops, there is lots to explore and enjoy.
live music I dance I workshops
Cosmopolitan Arts Festival 2026 comes to life thanks to the support and funding from Arts Council England and Leicester City Council. Organised by Leicester’s Cosmopolitan Arts (recognised as a National Portfolio Organisation by Arts Council England), which has been a driving force behind captivating live music, dance, theatre, and art in Leicester since 2011.
Save the date for Cosmopolitan Arts Festival, a remarkable celebration of Leicester’s cultural diversity. Whether you’re a music lover, a dance enthusiast, or an art aficionado, this festival promises an unforgettable experience for all!
Jubilee square - main stage
Experience a vibrant and dynamic day of music at the main stage. We are thrilled to have The South headlining the festival, performing the timeless classics of the Beautiful South. Plus, see iconic group The Pressure Tenants perform classic rocksteady, bluebeat & reggae hits. Stereotype will bring Ska tunes to make you dance, rhythm of peace will showcase original music with a soulful groove and lyrics reflecting common themes of society. Jugalband, a traditional Indian quartet will bring the stage alive. Plus much more Performances by Contrast Steel Band will keep the energy high all day! Enjoy roving performances from The Beatbox Jukebox, and popular Mexican melodies from Mariachi king. Visit the amazing free circus skills and arts workshop – perfect for entertaining the kids.
The clock tower - world stage
From the aptly-named world stage, be immersed in a beautiful blend of global music and cultural traditions. From mesmerising Indian melodies, to Euphoria’s traditional Chinese quartet, and the lively Irish folk songs of Eire of the Dog, be amazed by a fusion of cultural excellence. Bringing New-Orleans inspired brass, big energy, and infectious grooves, the renowned King Brasstards are also performing and if you are lucky you will see them roving the city centre!
St. Peter’s square - dance area
The festival will feature a dedicated dance area at St. Peter’s square Leicester Highcross. We have amazing Latvian folk dance, traditional Chinese dance, Indian dance, plus performances from Leicester’s Dance Academy. Spot our stilt walkers roaming the city centre!
High street - workshops
Get involved with our dj clash! A head-to-head featuring the basement presents O.T.T Clash. They will be bringing the tunes to make you dance to the high street.
EXPLORE THE FESTIVAL MAP
Tap a numbered location on the map to view stage times, performers, workshops, and dance programme details across Leicester city centre.
live music I dance I workshops
Jubilee square - main stage
12.30PM – CALYRICAL
01.30PM – STEREOTYPE
02.30PM – JUGALBANDI
03.30PM – PRESSURE TENANTS
04.30PM – RHYTHM OF PEACE
05.30PM – MYSTIC CREW
06.30PM – THE SOUTH
07.30PM – FINISH
PROMPT FINISH:
• Everyone needs make their way offsite by 08.00pm due to England’s quarter final match.
WORKSHOPS:
• Giggles town, circus skills & children’s arts activities.
• Record paint workshop & Skie-one – graffiti artist.
The clock tower - world stage
12.30PM – AKASH PAREKH & JANAN SATHIENDRAN
01.25PM – EUPHORIA
02.10PM – MARIACHI KING
03.05PM – EIRE OF THE DOG
04.10PM – KING BRASSTARDS
WORKSHOPS:
• Dhol Academy Drummers.
• Afrokabanza Drumming Circle.
St. Peter’s square - dance area
12.30PM – LEICESTER DANCE ACADEMY
01.00PM – EUPHORIA CHINESE ARTS
01.20PM – SD ENTERTAINMENT
01.40PM – ROSETTAS VARIETY ENTERTAINMENT
01.50PM – AALIYAHS MOVEMENT
02.10PM – EUPHORIA CHINESE ARTS
02.40PM – LEICESTER LATVIAN FOLK DANCE GROUP
03.40PM – LEGENDARY MERSALS
04.20PM – BAVIYA VINOTHKUMAR
04.30PM – THE MOVEMENT PROJECT
05.00PM – FINISH
High street - workshops
AFROKABANZA – DRUMMING CIRCLE
BASEMENT PRESENTS O.TT DJ CLASH
– COMPETITION WITH A PRIZE
ARTISTS
JEWELLERY WORKSHOP
5.30PM – FINISH
saturday 11th july
12.30-7.30pm
leicester city centre
Jubilee Square I Clocktower I St. Peter's Square I High Street
Jubilee Square I Clocktower St. Peter's Square I High Street
