Latest news with #OldTownFestival
BBC News
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Leicester's Roman forum built from cardboard in a day
Rome wasn't built in a day - but Leicester's cardboard forum Saturday a Roman forum building was created entirely from cardboard and sticky tape in Jubilee brown building will come tumbling down today as part of a free Old Town Festival in the city centre on Saturday and attractions for visitors to the city include learning to march like a Centurion, mosaic making in the Guildhall, morris dancing and meeting a fire-breathing dragon to mark St George's Day. Assistant city mayor Vi Dempster said combining traditional St George's Day celebrations with the Leicester's 2,000-year history made for "an exciting festival with something for everyone".
BBC News
20-04-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Cyclists invited to join Roman-themed ride through Leicester
Cyclists are being invited to don Roman tunics and battle armour and unleash their inner Roman gladiator for a themed bike ride through Leicester. The free event is being held on Saturday 26 April as part of the Old Town Festival, which will celebrate St George's Day and the city's Roman heritage. A free workshop will also be held at the the community hub in the Haymarket shopping centre on Friday 25 April, which will teach cyclists how to transform their bike helmet into a centurion design. The ride aims to be suitable for all ages and abilities and will start from Leicester Cathedral at 12:00 BST, before participants follow a one-mile route around the city centre. Janet Hudson, transport development officer at Leicester City Council, said: "Everyone is welcome on our colourful, noisy bike parade to celebrate the Old Town Festival. "Our rickshaws will be transformed into Roman chariots for the occasion, and we're really looking forward to seeing how people incorporate the Roman theme into the bikes or their outfits."Whether or not you choose to dress up, all are welcome on our ride, which will tour the free activities going on at the Old Town festival. A legendary cycling adventure awaits."
BBC News
19-04-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Old Town festival to celebrate St George and Roman heritage in Leicester
A free two-day festival is set to take place in Leicester to celebrate both St George's Day and the city's Roman heritage. A large replica Roman forum will be constructed and disassembled in Jubilee Square in the space of 48 hours during the Old Town Festival on 26 and 27 April. Visitors will also have the chance to encounter a fire breathing dragon, learn about the archaeology of Roman Leicester and meet costumed characters including knights, jesters, wizards and centurions. Events will take place at Leicester Cathedral, the Cathedral Gardens and Leicester Guildhall as well as Jubilee Square between 10:00 BST and 17:00 on both days. The construction of the forum will be led by artist Olivier Grossetête, who specialises in large-scale constructions using only cardboard and sticky tape. Participants will start by creating key elements of the structure, such as arches and balconies, before working as a team to join the pieces together. Organisers have said St George and the Roman empire are more linked than many people might expect. "St George was likely a Roman soldier from 3rd Century Cappadocia, now Turkey," a spokesperson said. "His bravery inspired legends, especially the famous tale of him slaying a dragon. While the story is likely symbolic, St George is still seen as a hero of faith and courage. "He became the patron saint of England and many other places and his red cross on a white background remains a national symbol today."The event has been organised by Leicester City Council alongside BID Leicester, Global Streets, Arts Council England, Highcross Leicester, Haymarket Shopping Centre and Hidden Histories.
