An explosion of colour and music in the city
The Cosmopolitan Arts Festival is a vibrant, free music festival dedicated to celebrating diversity and uniting cultures through unique and spectacular performances. Set across two dynamic stages, the festival showcases a rich lineup of local, national, and international talent, offering an eclectic mix of genres that reflects the global spirit of the event. From emerging talents to renowned performers, the festival promises an unforgettable musical journey that transcends borders and unites the community.
The Cosmopolitan Arts Festival is more than just a music event - it's a celebration of creativity, culture, and community.
In addition to the musical performances, the festival features a dedicated dance area where international dancers will captivate audiences. Attendees can also engage in a variety of workshops, including a DJ tent for aspiring mixmasters, Taiko drumming sessions, and hands-on circus skills classes. For those looking for something different, there's tube zorbing and even a chance to create custom vinyl art with a bicycle!
NEW THIS YEAR - Special immersive event at Leicester Cathedral
Whilst the majority of the festival takes place on Saturday 24th August, an extra special event is taking place on Sunday 1st September at Leicester Cathedral.
Starting at 7:30pm, this will be a spectacular, immersive live combined arts performance, featuring Live music, Dance, Acrobatics, Projection and Spoken word.
2024 Music lineup
(in alphabetical order - see below for running orders):
Running order:
CLOCK TOWER STAGE:
1pm Welcome + Cosmo Stars
1.30pm Strings of Fire
2.20pm Euphoria
3.50pm String Beats
4.40pm Dee Joseph
5.30pm Neumonarchs
6.00pm END
JUBILEE SQUARE STAGE:
1pm BBC Radio Leicester welcome
1.05pm Kind of Nu
2.00pm Groupo Bossa
3.00pm NI Maxine
4.00pm Baba Lotija
5.00pm Project Blackbird
6.00pm Darien Prophecy &
the Inner Heart Band
7.00pm Jah Marnyah
8.00pm Delegation
9.00pm END
PLUS extra live music in between the above acts from Sambando
HIGH STREET
DANCE ZONE:
1pm BMD UK
1.20pm Angela’s Dance Academy: CBDY
(Can’t Blame Da Youth)
1.55pm D Twins
2.20pm Shanzia
2.30pm Euphoria
2.45pm Hela Kala theatre & dance group
3.10pm Team Kalakendra
3.30pm Studio 79
3:45pm Odobor’s Nigerian Cultural Dance Troupe
4.10pm Doe demure
4:25pm Polesie
4.50pm Traditional Wushu
5.10pm Sensational Vibes
5.25pm Pulse Dance
This year we are proud to present two incredible lineups of live music on our stages at The Clock Tower and Jubilee Square, as well as an impressive array of Dance from all around the world in our High Street Dance Area.
Approximate timings are as follows (lineup & running order subject to alteration)
EXTRA EVENT: Special immersive combined arts show at Leicester Cathedral
Cosmopolitan Arts have created a dazzling bespoke combined arts show, to be performed at Leicester Cathedral on Sunday 1st September, exploring the meaning of love in many different facets of society. It is creative, evocative and inspiring, using mapped projection animation and lighting to transform the space into a fully immersive experience.
Featuring spoken word, live music and songs especially created to tell this thought provoking story of life, love and saving the planet. The creative process utilised a multitude of genres and was composed by a fantastic lineup of experienced musicians and vocalists listed below. Punctuating with dance and acrobatics to add another dimension of meaning to the show. It is free and definitely one not to be missed
MUSICIANS:
The Godfather of Leicester, Stan Samuel - guitar, keys, composition
Dave Anderson - Drums, composition
Andy Price - Keys, composition
Les LA King - Bass, composition
Ryan West - Saxophone, composition
Victor Carrott - percussion
VOCALISTS:
Mr Shay - Narrator and spoken word, composition
Tayo Branford - vocals and guitar, composition
Sebrina Salmon - vocals
DANCE:
Natalie James - acrobatics, dance and choreographer
Paris Tott - dancer
SOUND AND VISUALS:
Tom Dale - Technical director
Will Drew - Lighting director
Craig Jones - animation and mapped projection
Andy Gurski - Sound engineer
PRODUCER & ARTISTIC DIRECTOR:
Amanda Leandro
EVENT PARTNERS:
