Literary Leicester events

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Literary Leicester 2025. You can find out more about the programme in our festival archive and catch up on events that you've missed through 'Arts Podcasts at Leicester' on SoundCloud.

Save the dates for Literary Leicester 2026, taking place 18 to 21 March 2026.

Upcoming events

'Billy Waters is Dancing, or, How a Black Sailor Found Fame in Regency Britain'

Wednesday 18 February 2026

Author and academic Mary Shannon will give the Centre for Victorian Studies’ annual lecture following the publication of her most recent work, Billy Waters is Dancing, or, How a Black Sailor Found Fame in Regency Britain. Visit Ticket Tailor to book your free ticket.

Valentine’s Day/Lupercalia - Screening Event

Wednesday 25 February 2026, 6.00 pm-9.00 pm

Introduction by Dr David Christopher  and Students from HA1115 Film and Art Installation/Event.

It's hard to believe it’s already 30 years since the release of Baz Luhrmann’s cult classic vision of Shakespeare’s tragic tale of the "star-cross’d lovers". Featuring early-career performances from Leonardo DiCaprio, Claire Danes, Harold Perrineau, Paul Rudd, John Leguizamo, and a supporting cast of superstars, the film is both spectacular and literary in its fantastical contemporary California beach setting and its astonishing fidelity to the original poetry of the text. All this mixed with an award-winning alt-grunge soundtrack and cinematic absurdism that adds up to a tragic romantic romp like no other.

The Festival of Media Stories and the UoL Film Society present this cinematic spectacular of the literary classic to observe its anniversary, late celebrate both Valentine’s Day (romance) and Lupercalia (carnivalesque), and as an introductory prelude to the Literary Leicester festival upcoming in March 2026.

Literary Leicester Festival

Wednesday 18 to Saturday 21 March 2026

Booking is now live for Literary Leicester 2026! Check out our Ticket Tailor site to explore the programme and book your free tickets.

Dame Jacqueline Wilson

Thursday 30 April 2026

One of the UK's most beloved children’s authors, Dame Jacqueline Wilson, will give the 2026 Annual Creative Writing Lecture in an event for children and adults.

Visit Ticket Tailor to book your free ticket.