University celebrates a beauti-fall AutumnFest at the Botanic Garden

More than 1,800 people came together at the Botanic Garden on Saturday (30 September) to celebrate the University’s inaugural AutumnFest. 

The gardens were alive with music, workshops, arts and crafts, children’s activities and entertainment. 

Visitors got to enjoy live music from Leicester-based band King Brasstards and local musician Strizzy Strauss, and tickle their taste buds with delicious food and drink served by Leicester Services Partnership and other local traders.  

There were some exciting Bhangra Active dance workshops by award-winning performer Sohan Kailey, a host of games for young and old to take part in, as well as the University's popular plant sale.

In addition, the Alumni Engagement team hosted a number of exciting events at Beaumont House, with guests able to take part in a number of sessions led by academics, including a ‘How long can corals live?’ activity by the School of Geography, Geology and the Environment, and liquid nitrogen ice cream making with the Department of Chemistry. 

President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nishan Canagarajah said: “The Botanic Garden is a special place at any time of the year, but it felt particularly special to host this event at the start of Autumn – a time which marks new beginnings at the University, as we welcome our new and returning students for the start of our first semester. 

“I’m so pleased that AutumnFest, which was the first event of its kind to be held in the gardens, was a huge success. It was great to see people enjoying themselves and taking full advantage of the fantastic activities on offer, and simply soaking up the vibrant atmosphere and environment. 

“It was a pleasure to welcome not only our own students and staff but the wider community to this stunning location.”