Leicester will be lit up like never before in March, as a world-class and hugely popular free festival returns to the city.

Over four nights, from 12-15 March, a spectacular mix of large-scale projection, mesmerising light and sound installations plus amazing interactive performances by local, national and international artists will transform the city centre as part of an exciting programme of events lined up for Light Up Leicester 2025.

Brand new for this year's festival, the third since 2020, will be a series of free public events, performances and parades, offering something different to enjoy each evening, alongside the dazzling programme of illuminated installations.

Highlights include a parade featuring over 300 local school children inspired by King Richard III and the city's diverse cultural heritage, presented by local arts organisation Inspirate, a stunning light, paint and dance performance by Nupur Arts inspired by Hindu festival: Holi, an illuminated bicycle ride, and a magical performance by French street theatre company Compagnie des Quidams featuring giant illuminated horses, which will take to the streets on the final night of the festival (15 March).

Audiences can also look forward to an exciting trail of illuminated artworks, which will be on show every day for the full four days, from both local and international artists. Highlights include a playground of giant glowing bubbles called Evanescent by Sydney based artist duo Atelier Sisu, The Beacon, a dramatic 2km-high column of light projected into the sky by Tom Campbell, and two stunning art installations by Paris-based Collectif Scale, Double Flux and Hula Hoop, that combine movement, music and digital technology to produce a dynamic and mesmerising experience.

People will also be able to enjoy a brand new digital art projection and animation that will light up Leicester Cathedral, created especially for Light Up Leicester by award-winning local artists MBD. The projection, called Cathedral, Culture and Crown, will feature a dazzling mix of projection, animation, immersive audio and a bespoke soundtrack, which will transform the iconic building into a moving visual feast that celebrates the city's rich history and communities.

Project lead Ellie Brooks from Leicester-based MBD is proud to be involved.

Cathedral, Culture and Crown is a large-scale projection mapping experience that will connect us with the stories that have helped shape Leicester," she said.

"By blending tradition with light, sound, and storytelling, we hope to inspire a deeper appreciation for the history that joins us together."

Cathedral, Culture and Crown is just one of the many free spectacular artworks and events taking place across the city centre from Wednesday 12 March until Saturday 15 March.

The Very Revd Karen Rooms, Dean of Leicester says

"The Cathedral is very excited to be partnering with colleagues from the City Council, Art Reach and BID Leicester for Light Up Leicester this year."

"This event has been a great opportunity to share our city with local people and beyond in the past. This year, the chance to showcase the Cathedral, the recent work done here and highlight the 10 year anniversary of the reinterment of Richard III is a particular special year for Light Up Leicester and this amazing city."

City centre businesses are being invited to get involved in the festival by offering space in their window displays for a photographic exhibition created by artist collective Urban Canvas and local schools. Working with professional artists, participating children will be creating their own artworks through 'Light Painting' - a photographic style that uses long exposure times to capture moving images of lights. The collated artworks will be displayed in the windows of local businesses to create an art trail for the duration of the festival.

Paul Steele, CEO of Art Reach, said:

"We're really excited to be working with Urban Canvas to create an exciting window trail of light paintings across the city for the festival. Young people will create dynamic photographs that capture their light paintings under the theme of 'My Leicester' and 'Future Stories'. We will be working with young people and community groups across Leicester to create these paintings in the lead up to the event in March. We can't wait to see what they produce and look forward to seeing their work across business and shop windows during the festival."

Any city centre business that can support Light Up Leicester by offering window space for the Light Painting Trail should contact Art Reach directly: hello@artreach.org.uk

Assistant city mayor Cllr Vi Dempster said:

"For four nights in March, Leicester will come alive with light and colour, with extraordinary performances and installations by international artists that people will be able to enjoy free of charge.

"Schools and communities are getting involved too, with our partners at Inspirate and Art Reach working with local groups across the city on projects that will celebrate the city's diversity and bring an extra dimension to the festival.

"More than 80,000 people enjoyed the stunning installations that Light Up Leicester brought to the city back in 2022. Thanks to the generous support of our funders and sponsors, this free festival will be back in March to brighten up the dark winter nights for many thousands more."

Full details of the festival, including information about all the installations, the opening day parades, free performances and a Gallowtree Gate night market, are now available on the festival website at lightupleicester.com

Light Up Leicester is presented by Leicester City Council, BID Leicester, Leicester Cathedral and Art Reach. It is made possible through the generous support of Arts Council England, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Global Streets, PPL PRS and headline sponsor Highcross.

The festival runs from Wednesday 12 March until Saturday 15 March 2025.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available for those wishing to be involved in Light Up Leicester 2025. Those interested in sponsoring the event should email festivals@leicester.gov.uk