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City illuminated for three-day light festival

Dan Martin
BBC News, Leicester
BBC Illuminated fox at city lights eventBBC
It is hoped the event will draw in more visitors to the city centre

Leicester city centre has been brightly illuminated with the start of a three-day festival of light.

The Light up Leicester festival began on Wednesday when hundreds of schoolchildren took part in a procession through the city centre.

Art installations have been set up at eight locations and the cathedral has been illuminated with a digital lightshow depicting the city's history including the discovery of the remains of king Richard III who is interred inside.

Leicester City Council said it hoped the free event would draw tens of thousands of visitors into the city centre before it ends on Saturday.

Leicester City Council Six large inflatable illuminated horsesLeicester City Council
Illuminated horses will parade down New Walk on Saturday

The festival is being staged for the first time since 2022 when 80,000 people attended, the council said.

On Thursday, a 1.5km (0.9 mile) illuminated bike parade will take place around the city centre from 18:30 to 20:30 GMT with riders invited to "bling up" their bikes with light.

On Friday, a dance performance - The Holi Experience - will take place at the Clock Tower from 18:30 to 19:30.

The festival will conclude on Saturday when 4m (13ft) tall illuminated horses parade down New Walk from 19:00.

Hoops of lights in different colours
Hoops of light have appeared in High Street

Art installation locations

  • Evanscent – a giant bubble-inspired structures in Jubilee Square
  • Double Flux - a kinetic sculpture in Bath House Lane
  • Hula Hoop – Geometric hoops of light and sound in High Street
  • Chorus – a light and motion sculpture in Market Street
  • Noor Tower – an LED light tower inspired by Moroccan architecture in Churchgate
  • Beacon – a light sculpture at the Clock Tower
  • Henge – a light and sound installation inspired by ancient monuments in Town Hall Square
  • Nocturnal – Glowing inflatable wildlife installations in St Martin's Square

Simon Jenner, of the Leicester Business Improvement District (BID) scheme said: "Light Up Leicester is a testament to the power of partnership, with our partners working collaboratively together to create something truly special for the city."

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