Start your Leicester Summer at The Gresham

Leicester City is a hotspot for arts and culture, sports, shopping and colourful nightlife which makes it the perfect setting for a mini-break in any season. 

With direct-trains from central London, Sheffield, Nottingham and Birmingham, Leicester is just a hop away for a weekend of adventure.

Amongst a delightful mix of city streets, green urban parks, tree-lined avenues and heritage sites, you’ll discover The Gresham Aparthotel situated conveniently in the heart of Leicester, nestled between the Old Town, Cultural Quarter and New Walk areas. 

This summer Leicester will be buzzing with numerous events including colourful festivals, pumping music gigs, intriguing museum exhibitions, stand-up comedy acts, and more. 

Here we take a look at a few of July and August’s highlights:

Indian Summer is a Leicester festival celebrating contemporary South Asian arts and culture. 

Held from 2 July - 6 July, it involves a diverse range of events including music, dance, theatre, film, and more, at venues across the city. This year’s theme is "The Stories We Bring, The Stories We Shape," encouraging reflection on the narratives we carry and create. 

Looking to get involved? Why not bed down at The Gresham for an extra special home from home staycation. 

Dark Horse Ladies Day comes to Leicester Racecourse on Saturday 5 July. Offering the perfect chance to get glammed up with the girls at The Gresham and kick off celebrations with a glass of fizz before heading over to the racecourse. 

Get in the groove on the dance floor whilst Sophie Ellis Bextor belts out some hit music, and strike up the party to headliner Mark Wright’s DJ beats. 

Taking place on Saturday 5 July is the captivating Night at The Opera by Candlelight at Leicester Cathedral

Start your evening at The Gresham with an aperitif and evening meal before indulging in your night at the opera, just 7 minutes walk away.  Listen to an array of the finest arias and overtures, performing works from Puccini, Verdi, Rossini, and Mozart. Enjoy some of the best from Madame Butterfly, Turandot, Tosca, The Barber of Seville, Carmen, Così fan tutte and so much more, by romantic candlelight. 

Leicester Cathedral - just 7 minutes walk from The Gresham

Monster Country Festival at Abbey Park: Sunday 20 July 

Book your tickets now for this family-friendly event for true fans of live country music. With tribute acts including headline favourites - Shania Twain, Lainey Wilson, Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash and Taylor Swift. Hoedown to Abbey Park, Leicester for a toe-tapping day out with food trucks, live entertainment, craft stalls and fairground rides. 

The event runs from 12 noon until 9pm on Sunday 20 July - Why not make a weekend of it and make your base at The Gresham. Cowboy boots and hats are very welcome!

🎉On Saturday 2 August, Leicester Caribbean Carnival is celebrating 40 Years in Style! 🎉

The 40th anniversary kicks off with a vibrant Opening Ceremony at the African Caribbean Centre (ACC) on Maidstone Road (LE2 0UA).

The colourful celebration will then spill onto the streets following the parade route—across the iconic Swain Street Bridge, winding through the city centre, and making its way up London Road to Victoria Park.

Head to Victoria Park for 2pm – 8pm, where the real party begins! Expect a full day of music, culture, food, and fun for all ages. Including live music, fun fair rides, bar and food zones, family activities and DJ-led carnival vibes.

All danced out? No problem - reserve your rooms at The Gresham to continue the party, chill-out in your peaceful suite, or grab some late night supper. 

Foodie fans will be thrilled that the annual Leicester Food Festival is taking place at Abbey Park on 9-10 August 2025. The popular event sold out of tickets in 2024 and organisers are planning an even larger event for 2025. In addition to the feast of delectable food on offer, the licensed venue also sells beers, wine, cocktail and soft drinks. 

With the festival encompassing a fun fair, live music, circus tent, makers market, kids skate park, there really is something to suit all ages and tastes!

Act now! R&B Lovers should book their tickets for a celebration of 90s and 00s R&B on Saturday 16 August 2025, which will soon sell-out! 

Head to Athena in Leicester City Centre to enjoy 6 hours of old school R&B anthems, confetti showers, glitter stations and more! 

Athena is just 8 minutes walk from The Gresham - so book your suite now and enjoy a Gresham-special cocktail whilst you get your glad rags on! 

The last two R&B Lovers shows sold out quickly - so don’t delay - bag your tickets today.

Find more seasonal events, festivals and shows in Leicester here

You can also shop until you drop at the main city-centre shopping venues, at The Highcross or The Shires offering high street brands, or venture into The Lanes, a network of narrow streets and hidden courtyards hosting an array of independent boutiques, artisan shops and vintage treasure troves. 

Other popular favourites to top the list of attractions can be found here.

Centrally located, in the heart of Leicester and within easy walking distance to the city centre, The Gresham offers a range of luxury studios and 1 and 2 bed apartments. Each featuring an en-suite bathroom, kitchenette, air conditioning and dining area. 

The added convenience of an onsite bar and restaurant offering a contemporary menu and seasonal cocktails creates a perfect social drinking and dining ambiance for guests, locals and tourists alike. 

With a 24-hour reception desk, you don’t need to worry about being locked out - The Gresham is always awake to welcome you back from your capers, whatever time you make it home. 

Perfectly positioned to explore the city and beyond - The Gresham is the ideal base for your Leicester adventure. 

What are you waiting for - book your staycation today!