New Wave is a training programme made possible with the support of Postcode Lottery players. It takes a small group of local festival organisers through a structured programme focused on working with young adults.
Powerful portraits
Leicestershire LGBTQ+ Centre celebrates 50 years with an exhibition showcasing 50 portraits of individuals that are part of the city's LGBTQ+ community. Created by young photographers, the exhibition is a unique opportunity to celebrate the local LGBTQ+ community and reflect on the rich legacy of LGBTQ+ activism in Leicester.
Cosy crafting
Spend a late summer evening in the gardens of a cosy cottage and unwind with gentle crafts and mocktails. Under a marquee lit with fairy lights, have a go at scrapbooking with loads of materials provided for inspiration, including pressed flowers from the garden, and polaroid cameras to take your own photos of the evening!
Corset creativity!
Shaping Figures – Explore the Symington Building, the corset factory that aimed to ‘dress the world’ with a guided tour unveiling areas usually closed off to the public.
Making Waves – See Symington's line of swimwear from the 1930s-1980s and have a go at designing your own swimsuit or corset inspired by local fashion and art!
Rhetoric, rhythms & roots
Kainé Youth Collective & guests present an immersive exhibition tracing Black cultural identity from the 1990s to present day. Journey through three decades with live music, throwbacks, fashion moments, storytelling and more for a vibrant celebration of Black British heritage.
Witchcraft wandering
Be transported to England 1709 with trials and trails inspired by Horninghold’s history of superstition and witchcraft folklore.
The Witch Trial: Gather a group of friends for an immersive escape room experience. Under suspicion of witchcraft, you have been locked inside the ancient walls of St Peter’s Church where you must work together to solve cryptic clues and uncover hidden secrets to prove your innocence.
Walking With Witches: Follow a trail which will take you back to the Whitsun festivities of June 1709 and find out how it was celebrated in rural areas. Learn the stories of the four victims who were accused of witchcraft, and join a guided walk to the Dungeon Pit at Blaston, the scene of the swimming trials.
Sports day fun
Everyone is invited to a community celebration of sports, play and the games that have shaped our communities. Explore displays of local stories and memories and have a go at traditional and newly created games and playful activities.
Make your mark
Slow down and soak up the atmosphere of Bradgate Park with a creative workshop where you can have a go at the surrealist technique of automatic drawing.Enjoy exclusive access to a normally out-of-bounds spinney as well as Tudor ruins for drawing inspiration. And best of all, the drawings from the day will be curated into a large-scale mosaic that will go on display!
125 years in 125 minutes
Leicester’s oldest theatre celebrates its 125th birthday with an ambitious music, poetry and storytelling project. Explore the theatre’s unique musical heritage – as told by the community!
Culture celebrations
Enjoy a celebration of diverse cultures in an inclusive and welcoming space where neurodivergent people can share their culture, creativity and personal stories through food, art, fashion, dance and performance. This includes a fashion show, led by neurodiverse individuals centred on the theme “What Heritage Means to Me.”
PLEASE NOTE - These events were accurate at the time of publication but details are subject to change. Check the individual entries for more - including any booking details needed.
Find out more
- New Wave - Discover more about the programme
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