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.

Upcoming events

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.

Heritage Hub Celebration of Heritage 2026

Saturday 21 March 2026, 12.00pm-4.00pm

We are excited to invite you to our annual Celebration of Heritage, a free event open to all. You can meet our students and staff, explore our University campus, discover our remarkable collections and learn about world leading research that shapes our understanding of the past, present and future. The event also marks the final day of Literary Leicester.

This year, more than 50 organisations from across the region will join us. Come along to explore local museum collections, hear fascinating stories of the rich history and heritage of our city and region and find out what’s happening at upcoming festivals and heritage events. With hands-on activities ranging from leathercraft and weaving to Morris dancing and our archaeological dig pit, there is something for everyone. Our friendly Heritage Hub Ambassadors will be on hand throughout the day to help you make the most of your visit.

We are also introducing an exciting new feature for 2026: The University Heritage Discovery Zone. Journey from the origins of life on Earth to cutting-edge space research, explore ancient diet and medicine and try your hand at life saving skills. Join us for an amazing day of discovery and connection across generations and cultures.

The Heritage Hub is inspired by the founding vision of the University of Leicester as a living memorial created by the people of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland at the end of the First World War. Today, we continue that legacy by working creatively with our communities across the region and beyond to improve lives, now and for future generations 'so that they may have life'.

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.