Leicester is one of the oldest cities in England, with a history going back at least two millennia. It is also a city of diversity. From the Roman times until today, Leicester has become home for people who have emigrated from all over the world.
A vibrant, multi-cultural and exciting place to live and visit, Leicester offers an array of arts and cultural activities across the city. Most notable festivals and celebrations include Leicester’s Mela (a Hindu festival) started in 1982 and the annual Caribbean Carnival in 1985. There and other festivals, such as Diwali, Vaisakhi, Eid, Hanukah and Chinese New Year which are celebrated alongside St Georges Day, Bonfire Night and Leicester at the Cross. These festivals are all attended by
a wide cross-section of Leicester’s diverse residents who take pride in living in such a vibrant and diverse city. Leicester has a dedicated Cultural Quarter and is host to a plethora of public artworks, statues, and monuments, with many of the city’s walls featuring large-scale murals and world class street art.
Alongside English, there are around 70 languages and/or dialects spoken in the city and Leicester is home to 240 faith groups across 14 different faiths and beliefs.
