leicester – the city

With a population of almost 300,000, Leicester is the largest city in the East Midlands and the tenth largest in the country.
 
Its importance was first recognised by the Romans and later by the Danes, who used it as a strategic stronghold to control the Midlands. Since then it has developed into a major commercial and manufacturing centre, known better for the diversity of its trade than for its dependence on a single industry.
 
It is also a historic meeting place. For centuries people of different races and cultures have gathered in Leicester, creating a rich and unique heritage. This diversity continues today. The city's thriving ethnic minority community accounts for more than a quarter of Leicester's population and continues to enrich city life.

the local area

Leicestershire is for those who love the great outdoors and those with a passion for English heritage. It is a county with an unsurpassed variety of places to visit as well as arts and entertainment. The chancel of Leicester Cathedral is a memorial to King Richard III. He spent his last fateful days in Leicester before his death at the nearby Battle of Bosworth in 1485. Battle re-enactments are often held in the summer.

Leicester itself is well known for the culturally diverse communities that reside in the city. Alongside this is the wide range of festivals presented in the city all year round: the Leicester Comedy Festival, the Leicester Caribbean Carnival, the Abbey Park Music Festival, and the largest Diwali festival outside India, to name just a few.

For more information use this link: www.leicesterfestivals.co.uk

entertainment

A truly vibrant city, Leicester is the place to enjoy leading edge comedy, theatre and the arts.
Leicester has numerous restaurants, bars and nightclubs catering for every age group. There are also 2 multi screen cinemas, bowling alleys and of course the new National Space Centre, Leicester's spectacular new visitor attraction. Here kids of all ages can discover real rockets, satellites, interactive challenges and stunning images on an awe-inspiring journey into outer space and beyond. With the various museums and parks (such as ‘Bradgate Park’ and Swithland Woods) there is no risk of boredom.

shopping

Leicester Market is home to the largest covered market in Europe and is located in the heart of the city centre. Traders first came to the city with the Romans and the current market has been on the same site for 700 years.

The Leicester ‘Lanes’ are full of unique little shops and designer outlets. There is also the ‘Shires’ shopping centre with numerous high street names such as Rackhams, Debenhams, Topshop and Warehouse. The big shopping complex ‘Fosse Park’ is situated off the M1 motorway, with Marks & Spencer, Next, Boots, DFS and a large food court.

sport and leisure

Few cities boast the wealth of sporting prominence that Leicester offers.
The success of its rugby club ‘The Leicester Tigers’ is now unparalleled in Europe, and if you are a fan of football, there is the newly built multi million pound Walker’s Stadium, home of Leicester City FC. Leicester has a large choice of sporting activities, with a variety of fitness clubs, swimming pools, and golfing clubs and the Leicester Racecourse.