Hot on the heels of Download, the UK's biggest rock festival of 2026, Leicestershire is gearing up for one of its busiest summers on record. The city and county are set to welcome visitors to a spectacular array of major events, ranging from medieval battlefields and world-class motorsport to one of Britain's largest wartime re-enactments. A total of 13 major events are expected to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors over the coming months, cementing Leicester and Leicestershire's reputation as one of the UK's most diverse destinations for festivals, live entertainment, sport, and heritage.
Music Festivals
Country music comes to Harborough's Stanford Hall with The Long Road festival. Billed as a celebration of Country, Americana, and Roots music, it features an impressive lineup including Grammy winners Emmylou Harris, Steve Earle, and Maren Morris, alongside Platinum-selling stars such as Bailey Zimmerman, Anne Wilson, and Josh Ross. With authentic BBQ experiences, line dancing, and a car and bike show, attendees are encouraged to pull on their cowboy boots and Stetson for a weekend that promises plenty of YEEHAW moments.
Cattows Farm is hosting several tribute music events this year. The Supersonic Weekender, running from July 31 to August 2, is a celebration of Britpop with tributes to Blur, Oasis, Paul Weller, Kasabian, and many more. From August 14 to 16, the Ranch Jam Country Festival features tributes to legends of country and western including Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Luke Combs, and Chris Stapleton, plus a wild west stunt show. Then, for the bank holiday weekend of August 28 to 30, the Dubs of Rock Festival showcases top UK tributes to acts including Metallica, Black Sabbath, Green Day, Kiss, Korn, and many others.
Summer Race Days
Leicester Racecourse will host flat races throughout the summer, but the Smooth Radio Ladies Day on July 4 is always a highlight, featuring top-level horse racing and special guest stars performing a concert. This year welcomes M People's Heather Small and 80s legends Go West, along with the ever-popular Best Dressed competition. There is a family-friendly feel to the Picnic at the Races event on August 9, where guests are encouraged to bring a picnic to enjoy in the car park before watching the racing. Under 18s go completely free for this event.
Racing of a different kind takes place at Mallory Park on July 4 and 5. The 1000 Bikes Revival is the centrepiece of their 70th anniversary year, reviving the spirit of the much-loved Festival of 1000 Bikes that delighted fans at the circuit for many years. It is an action-packed weekend of racing, parades, displays, and live entertainment, celebrating the passion, power, and people that make the track such an iconic part of British motorcycling.
Donington Park Racetrack offers a summer full of motorsports, including the Touring Car Championship, Club Car Championship, Classic Motorcycle Festival, Superbike World Championship, and classic car events. A full calendar of events is available online.
Historic Events
Visitors will not want to miss the chance to enjoy the outdoors in fantastic historic settings. The Bosworth Medieval Festival returns in August after a year off in 2025. It features living history demonstrations from a range of organisations, full medieval battle recreations, and opportunities to learn from historical experts through talks and demonstrations, along with plenty of family-friendly fun.
The Victory Show is the UK's largest World War II recreation event. Over three days from September 4 to 6 at Foxlands Farm near Cosby, attendees can immerse themselves in fields full of substantial army encampments, with more than 150 re-enactment groups and hundreds of military vehicles, including heavy armour. Highlights include a massive tank battle featuring re-enactors and an aerial display with some of the most iconic aircraft from the era, such as the Spitfire, Hurricane, Lancaster Bomber, TF-51D Mustang, B52, and Dakota DC3.
Belvoir Castle, one of the most stunning Regency castles in the country, offers tours of rooms featured in Netflix's The Crown, along with summer events including a Father's Day car and airshow, the annual Flower and Garden Show, the This Ain't Texas country and western festival, and the stunning Sky Glow hot air balloon festival.
