When thinking about counties to visit in the UK, Leicestershire often goes unnoticed, but this would be to miss out on a picturesque and charming region with a wealth of gorgeous villages, a wonderful industrial heritage and some fantastic historic sites. Chief among these is the county town and cathedral city of Leicester that sits at the heart of the county on the River Soar and Grand Union Canal and can be traced back to the Roman era. It is a wonderful and vibrant multicultural city, packed with famous architecture, from the old Town Hall to the modern Leicester University Engineering Building and from Leicester Abbey and Leicester Castle to The City Rooms and Belgrave Hall.
Other Roman and Saxon settlements, as well as ancient quarries and medieval abbeys are scattered across Leicestershire. Worth a look are the former colliery at Coalville, now developed into the brilliant Snibston Discovery Park, the historic town of Ashby de la Zouch with its elegant Elizabethan timbered houses and Georgian shops and the castle of Ashby de la Zouch, written about by Sir Walter Scott in Ivanhoe, as well as Donnington Park, Launde Abbey, Kirby Muxloe Castle and Mount St. Bernard Abbey.
For those who want to get out and about there are endless country parks, charming villages and bustling market towns and numerous walking trails, cycling trails and picturesque spots for fishing. At Outwoods there is a beautiful site of special scientific interest, looking out over Loughborough and the Soar Valley. Also worth a visit are the views of the Soar valley from Bardon Hill and Mountsorrel. Lastly there is the famous National Forest, an impressive new English forest covering a large corner of north west Leicestershire and a wonderful place from which to experience this beautiful county.
De Montfort Hall, LeicesterSarah Millican is a successful English stand-up comedienne from South Shields. Her profile on the comedy scene first increased after winning the 'if.comedy award' in 2008 at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. She is now a regular and popular addition to many a TV show such as 'Have I Got News For You', '8 Out of Ten Cats', 'Mock the Week' etc and has recently been a celebrity guest panellist on 'Loose Women'. She releases her 'Live' DVD in 2011 and has completed three live tours, the latest of which was her 'Chatterbox' tour in 2010.…
De Montfort Hall, LeicesterFresh from The Thick of It, Mock The Week, Have I Got News For You and his sell-out 2010 tour, Chris Addison, the man who put the 'Chris Addison' into, 'I see Chris Addison is touring again,' is touring again. He's written a brand new show, The Time Is Now, Again, specifically for the venue this website refers to.* (*And about 40 others, but the point still stands.) Top class stand-up from one of the classiest, toppiest stand-ups around. You should come and see him. …
Breaking news: the Dog is Dead. He died of overindulgence in Indie pop. But that is where the bad news ends. The good news is that the five-member band named Dog is Dead is out on a mission to prove to the United Kingdom that the genre of Indie pop is the best thing that ever happened after the invention of music. From February 18 through March 17, the band -- whose core ambition is to play pop music that appeals both to those who love jazz and choir fanatics -- will be performing in the UK and Ireland. Bearing in mind that a three of the band members met at the West Bridgford School, watching…
O2 Academy Leicester, LeicesterBand of Skulls is an alternative garage rock band from England. They originally performed as Fleeing New York before becoming Band of Skulls in 2008. The band formed when Russel Marsden, Emma Richardson and Matt Hayward met in college and connected over their shared love of music. Though they’ve only released one full album (and an EP in 2010), they have had a great deal of commercial success. Their music has been featured in advertising, TV series, and video games. They are planning to release their latest album, “Sweet Sour” in February, 2012. Like their first album, “Sweet Sour” is fi…
Together since 2004, English rock band 'You Me at Six' released their debut album 'Take Off Your Colours' in 2008. They claim inspiration from American bands such as 'Blink 182' and 'Thrice' and have received multiple 'Kerrang!' Award nominations. Their second studio album was released in 2010 and titled 'Hold Me Down' and their third, 'Stay with Me' later in 2010. Fans are awaiting the release of album three, the band have been back to the recording studio and are to release it later in 2011.…
De Montfort Hall, LeicesterFollowing a string of sold-out intimate gigs to celebrate the release of their fifth studio album Above The Noise, McFly return to play first arena tour in two years. Having recently conquered colossal venues around the world, McFly are excited to return and showcase their infectious and soulful electro-pop sound across UK venues. …
For over five decades The Osmond Brothers have been entertaining sold out crowds throughout the world and 2012 marks the year of their biggest ever UK Tour. The Osmonds are unique in their success as a band and as solo performers. They have recorded over 200 albums, selling over 100 million copies with 59 gold and platinum recordings. They have sold out venues worldwide, breaking box office records and received countless awards; most notably in 2003 when they were honoured by the industry, receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.…
Curve, LeicesterFrom the land of legends and warrior Shaolin monks comes the incredible new Chinese State Circus production - the live acrobatic spectacular Yin Yang. To say the Chinese State Circus is merely a show is grossly to underestimate it; it is the embodiment of a traditional art form which can trace its history back over 2000 years. The presentation lives and breathes with the enthusiasm of its acrobatic artistes. The result is the purest, honest, most abiding and exhilarating circus that is a true privilege to see.…
Rizzle Kicks are a hip-hop duo from Southend in London. The duo consists of Jordan “Rizzle” Stephens and Harley “Sylvester” Alexander-Sule . They released their debut album ‘Stereo Typical’ on 31 October 2011. Rizzle Kicks have been making music together since they attended school in Sussex. They realised that their style fitted together when Alexander-Sule sang over one of Stephens’ tracks. A promotional single ‘Miss Cigarette’ was released in December 2010; they then released their debut single ‘Prophet (Better Watch It) in May 2011, which was offered as a free download on their website. The…
De Montfort Hall, LeicesterThe UK-based Pink Floyd tribute band, British Pink Floyd, was formed by Chas Cole and Damian Darlington in 2010. Cole is CMP Entertainment’s Managing Director and Darlington is the Musical Director of British Pink Floyd. After The Australian Pink Floyd Show (TAPFS) split up in 2010, Darlington went his separate way from the other three managers and formed his own band. The name British Pink Floyd was eventually change to just Brit Floyd. Brit Floyd has toured the UK as well as several other countries in Europe. The band puts on an amazing stage production, complete with projections, inflata…
You Me At SixSaturday, 17 March 2012You Me At Six at O2 Academy Leicester live on Saturday, 17 March 2012 in Leicester, Leicestershire. A popular live music event taking place on the Saturday, 17 March 2012 that will see tickets sell out quickly. Buy tickets for You Me At Six at O2 A
Other concerts, music and gigs in Leicestershire are:
Bombay Bicycle Club25 Apr, LeicesterRizzle Kicks4 May, LeicesterBritish Pink Floyd16 May, LeicesterThe Overtones30 Nov, Leicester
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Sport in LeicestershireDe Montfort HallOur spotlight theatre/performing arts centre of the week is De Montfort Hall, located in Leicester. See what shows and performances are on this week at De Montfort Hall.
Other theatres and performing arts venues in Leicestershire are:
O2 Academy Leicester
Jewry Wall MuseumLeicester's Museum of Archaeology is placed in the wonderful setting of the remains of the Roman town's public baths. The Jewry Wall is one of Leicester's most famous landmarks. It is a rare example of Roman walling which has survived for nearly 2000 years. The Jewry Wall is the second largest pi…Location: Leicester
Kirby Muxloe CastleKirby Muxloe Castle is currently closed while conservation work is ongoing, due to reopen 2006. Although the site is closed, you can enjoy walks around the perimeter of the moat. Construction of this picturesque, moated brick castle was begun in 1480 by William, Lord Hastings. He was later behead…Location: Kirby Muxloe
Some other notable historic attractions in Leicestershire are:
Great Central RailwayAbbey Pumping StationSnibston Discovery ParkHarold Martin Botanic GardenThe GuildhallRockingham CastleStanford HallJewry Wall MuseumBelgrave Hall and Gardens
By Chris HaycockA concert of epic proportion will see Elton John, Paul McCartney and Shirley Bassey perform live to …
By Paul ArnoldAfter a weekend of pulsating FA Cup action there's a full set of midweek Premier League fixtures to look forward to.
By Amanda ArnoldEd Sheeran's debut album '+' returns to the top of the UK album charts.
By Lucy MiddletonDespite a slight fall in audience attendance, the West End theatre have set record box office sales …
By Amanda ArnoldConvicted pedophile Gary Glitter is set to earn thousands from this years Superbowl in America.
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London's Olympic Cloud BubblesA world-class team of engineers, designers and architects have outlined plans to build 'The Cloud', a huge 'digital cloud' tower based in London's Olympic Village. This new attraction, called The Cloud, will be a 400ft tall tower designed to amaze!
The Best National Trust PropertiesWith over two hundred historic houses, properties and buildings in its ownership, The National Trust is dedicated to preserving history for the enjoyment of future generations. We take a look at some of the best National Trust properties to visit this year.
Top Comedy Gigs in LondonIf you're in need of a good laugh, there are plenty of comedians dishing out the mirth this spring in venues throughout London. There's humour to suit all tastes. Take your pick from the ten following gigs, all taking place in London this spring.
London's lesser known museumsBritEvents takes a look at some of the lesser-known museums in London, devoted to the more unusual side of British life.
