Independent stalls

Belton History Group and Friends of Grace Dieu Priory are community heritage groups. Grace Dieu is a registered charity.

We have old photographs and copies of documents which tell the history of the Parish of Belton and Grace Dieu. We have the results of geo physical surveys, test pits and lots of prehistoric, Roman and Medieval artefacts.

We have guide books and pamphlets and leaflets about the area including digital slides about the history of the area.

Cotesbach Educational Trust, a registered charity established in 2008, hosts and provides learning opportunities focusing on heritage, environment and arts. We provide an active programme of public talks, workshops and events, bringing our history and heritage to life through hands-on learning activities.

The unique family archive comprises thousands of documents such as letters, deeds and diaries dating back to the early 15th Century, which, thanks to an extensive cataloguing process, we can now share with the wider community.

Using the archive as a constant reference point helps us to deliver our core aim of ‘reconnecting with place and land to develop skills for the future’. We look to and learn from the past in the hope of improving the future and protecting the environment.

• Plans for the emerging CH Centre, opportunities for volunteers.
• Objects from the collection - UHL's medical collection - we have a handling collection that is being developed in collaboration with the University of Leicester's School of Museum Studies and have plans to use this to support patient and staff wellbeing outcomes. 
• Information about how heritage is good for health and wellbeing.

Arts and Heritage at Leicester's Hospitals

Special Collections comprises archives, artefacts, rare books and artworks.

The collections span 1474 to the present day and encompass the history of DMU as an institution, with specialist holdings including collections on sports history, performance and art, history of photography, fashion and textiles, and the history of Leicester.

A selection of items from the archive will be displayed on the table along with leaflets and other handout materials.

Desford Heritage covers the history of the village, researches and looks after the archives, runs a family history group and organises events. This year we are planning a Festival of the '40s to commemorate VE Day 80. Our display will probably focus on Desford in the 1940s.

We are a sustainable and engaging culture, tourism and heritage organisation. Our goal is to shine a light on the outstanding assets we have within Northamptonshire, whilst protecting and preserving our heritage and culture for future generations.

Leaflets, information and takeaway items will be available on the day.

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We are dedicated to preserving the legacy of Elizabeth Heyrick, a trailblazer for justice and compassion. Through a permanent memorial and educational initiatives, we aim to inspire future generations to champion these values.

We promote, support and assist the study of English Local History as taught and practised in the Centre for Regional and Local History at the University of Leicester.

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Friends support Jewry Wall Museum by undertaking events exploring the archaeology of Leicester, from prehistoric times to the end of the medieval period.  We work in partnership with Jewry Wall Museum to raise funds for museum projects and aim to increase awareness about the museum.

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The Society was founded in 1980 by Duncan Lucas and a group of keen local historians focusing on the history of Greater Wigston.

Local history of Greater Wigston, photos, books, DVDs etc will be on display at the event.

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The Doc Media Centre (Documentary Media Centre) serves as a dynamic hub, providing communities, students, educators, and researchers with unparalleled access to documentary media content. Through the innovative utilisation of various mediums such as documentary films, photography, audio recordings, and new media, we co-curate exhibitions, events, and immersive experiences that foster meaningful connections between individuals and the world around them.

At the heart of our mission is a commitment to amplifying the voices of marginalised communities and facilitating creative communication and engagement. Through strategic partnerships and collaborative efforts, we strive to address social issues, promote inclusivity, and celebrate diverse perspectives.

Information will be showcased on the day from independent museums: Doc Media Centre; Museum of Community Media; Conflict Memory Education Centre; Parallel Lives Archive.

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Kainé Management is a dynamic organisation dedicated to empowering individuals and communities through the arts. We are based in Leicester and our mission is simply to create positive change. Our primary focus is to provide young people with opportunities for personal and professional growth. We believe in equipping them with the skills, resources, and support they need to thrive. Additionally, we work diligently to foster community development and social cohesion.

Leicester Cathedral is a place of both worship and heritage and is, of course, the site of Richard III's reinterment. Although it only became a cathedral in 1927, as the foremost church in Leicester from the late medieval era, it has an interesting and varied history. It also has an extensive events programme attracting all ages.  

With the closure of churches, chapels, clubs and factories, many of our war memorials are at risk. Our aim is to keep them safe from destruction.

Their objective for the day is to increase awareness of the risks war memorials face, encourage people to contact us if they are concerned about a war memorial, make new contacts for our newsletter and attract volunteers.

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Leicester Civic Society is an independent, voluntary organisation that seeks to improve Leicester’s built environment and celebrate its heritage.

Our aims are to work for the preservation of the best of the remaining features of the historic past of Leicester, while encouraging and influencing new developments to achieve the highest standards of sustainability and architectural design.

Come and visit us on the day to find out more about our campaigns and the work we carry out.

The 'Lit and Phil' organises an annual series of lectures and discussions for the advancement of education in Literature, Science and Art - this season they will be held at Hansom Hall in Leicester. The Society publishes reports, papers and proceedings and supports the Leicester Museum and Art Gallery. There are also Natural History and Geology Sections (see below), which organise further events.

Find out who we are, what we have achieved, what is happening this year and how to join.

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The aim of the Natural History Section is to advance awareness of the natural history of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. We organise a series of talks (all welcome) during autumn, winter and spring

Find out who we are, what we have achieved, what is happening this year and how to join.

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Promoting Leicester and Leicestershire as a destination rich in heritage attractions. Highlighting Leicester Museums & Galleries, including the imminent opening of Jewry Wall museum. Advising on volunteering opportunities within the museum service.

• Leicester Museum and Art Gallery
• Jewry Wall Museum
• Visit Leicester Information Centre

Leicester Transport Heritage Trust champions road transport heritage in the city and county. We have an archive of over 250,000 photos, maps, historic documents and items dating back to 1834, which relates to Leicester’s rich transport history. We will have a wide variety of archive items on display.

We help people research their family history and can also help with local history/house history. We will provide a free lookup service at the event.

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The Society was founded in 1855 and its aim is to promote the study of history, archaeology, antiquities and architecture of the counties of Leicestershire and Rutland.

Our stall will highlight the work of the Leicestershire Archaeological & Historical Society and benefits of membership, highlighting our grant funds, publications and website.

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Since 1976, the Leicestershire Fieldworkers, through its local groups, has undertaken a programme of archaeological fieldwork throughout Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

We help to set up and support local groups who wish to undertake fieldwork or projects to investigate their local area. Whilst the impetus usually comes from local groups and individuals, the Fieldworkers will get involved as requested and provide advice, skills, training and resources.

Local archaeological material will be available to view on the day together with books for sale.

Leicestershire Historic Churches Trust is a non-denominational charity that helps Christian churches, chapels and meeting houses with grants for repairs and improvements, and raises funds for that purpose.

Come and visit our stall and peruse our brochures and other publicity materials.

Leicester Secular Society is the leading organisation in Leicestershire advocating and campaigning for an inclusive and plural society free from religious privilege, prejudice and discrimination.

The Section was formed from the Lit. and Phil. in 1849. It offers range of activities for all those who have an interest in Planetary and Earth Sciences, including a series of lectures in the winter and site visits in the summer.

Leicestershire Victoria County History Trust is part of a national project to research and publish the histories of every place in England from earliest times to the present day. Each history is researched from primary sources and covers topics including landscape and settlement, population, landownership, economic, social and religious history and local government. Leicestershire has five large volumes in the series, published before1964. The Trust was formed in 2008 and, with the help of volunteer historians trained by ourselves, we have published four new paperback parish histories, run a large volunteer project across Charnwood and are now researching Loughborough’s history for our next publication.

LU Arts is Loughborough University’s arts centre. Unlike many University arts centres we are not building based but rather deliver a diverse programme of events and activities that take place across the campus, town and further afield. We offer a broad spectrum of events and artforms that allow access to the arts as either participant or audience.

My work draws on my childhood in Kenya and migrating to England in my early teens. My fascination with exploring how people and plants are in interconnected exchanges is the overarching theme in my artist practice – reflected in my botanical linocut prints and large 3D paper plant installations.

These works all stem from my body of work exploring urban garden plants in Kenya and England, developing into ongoing studies of plants and people and their place – as parallel narratives between migration, naturalisation and belonging.

Mandeep Dhadialla website

In a divided world, St. Philip's Centre helps communities learn how to live well together.

We will display items related to our heritage project Memories of Living Well Together (booklets and videos), some general merchandise and sign-up information for participating in the project.

A letterpress artist and freelance curator.

Mia Bashir website

Ned Newitt was born in Southend-on-Sea in 1946. He studied at Cardiff College of Art and came to Leicester in 1971. From 1984-2003, he was a Leicester City Councillor, holding various prominent positions, including Chair of the Housing Committee, responsible for both council housing and housing renewal.

He was made an honorary Alderman in 2007. In 1983, he initiated the Leicester Oral History Archive and has subsequently researched the development of council housing in Leicester.

Located at the Chester House Estate, the ARC stores and curates Northamptonshire’s archaeological archives from past excavations within the county.

Come and explore archaeological items from around Northamptonshire and archaeological handling material.

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Redcoats and Revolutionaries is an 18th Century Re-Enactment and Living History group based in the UK. Our aim is to recreate aspects of the late 18th Century with a focus on the American War of Independence from both British and American perspectives. We craft clothing and equipment, and learn period techniques to portray ordinary soldiers and working poor of the late 18th Century.

Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage’s mission is to centre perspectives from the African and African Caribbean Diaspora, embedded as part of cultural experiences for all. Since 2010, Serendipity has established a successful portfolio of trailblazing projects, establishing itself as a key contributor to cultural practice locally, nationally and internationally.

Programmes include the flagship dance festival, Let’s Dance International Frontiers, Black History Month and the Annual Windrush Day Lecture.
Serendipity has also established a legacy: hosting the Living Archive, documenting Black arts, heritage and culture, publishing the voices of Black arts practitioners and community activists, nurturing artists to create high-quality new work, and mentoring young people.

Coffee beans, stories about coffee and old coffee equipment, information about coffee origins.

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The Sikh Museum Initiative undertakes exhibitions, lectures and digital technologies. The Initiative has created an exciting project that showcases Sikh history through swords, jewellery and other material objects and bring them to life through 3D technologies. The site will showcase our continued commitment to promote Sikh history and heritage.

Social Gallery is a community interest company which aims to improve wellbeing and social connection through creative projects. Our work engages communities and individuals with shared experiences in social history projects, leading to the co-creation of exhibitions, films, books and events. Past exhibitions have explored powerful social history themes, fashion, music and subcultures, creating social hubs where people meet bringing local communities together. Our network of influential local, national and international creatives who have supported us to develop projects of significant cultural importance and capture and archive critical heritage-at-risk.

Iron to Empire - Textiles. Looking into textiles made and used in the Romano British Period and dyed with local and imported dyes. Testing for dye take up and light fastness. Showing the breadth of colours that can be achieved with natural dyes and sharing heritage textile skills.

Stanwick Lakes website

Living History Display which includes crafts displays, have-a-go activities and information points. Explore the struggles and triumphs of our Viking and Anglo-Saxon ancestors.

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We are on the river Soar in Leicestershire UK, operating in a 60 foot narrow boat. In our workshop we use as much British material as we can source, with top quality vegetable tanned leather going into our creations.

We will be demonstrating leatherworking techniques and enabling people to participate.

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Way of the Wyrd Border Morris – an inclusive and friendly border morris side from Loughborough, dancing a mixture of traditional and locally-inspired dances, with the opportunity to join in and have a go.

At Wesley Hall Community Centre, our unwavering goal has been to support and uplift individuals and families throughout the Leicester area. For years, we have served as a beacon of hope and opportunity, offering a diverse range of projects and services designed to meet the unique needs of our community.

From early childhood education and youth development initiatives to senior citizen support programmes and community events, we strive to make everyone feel welcome and valued. Our team works hard to create a friendly and inclusive place where everyone can learn and make connections.

We will be displaying our activities that we run, many of which are for ages 5 to above.