Festivals 2012

This page is part of the festivals section

Our listing of dates for festivals in Leicester, Leicestershire and The East Midlands - in date order.

Upcoming festival dates for 2012

Festivals 2012

May 2012

12th to 27th May

International Festival Leicester - Let's Dance

Part of the Cultural Olympiad. Let’s Dance International Festival runs from 12 - 27 May and brings a number of new companies to Leicester presenting the best in dance from around the world with artists from the Caribbean, South Africa, Namibia, India, Spain and the UK. The programme has something for everyone with artists like FLAWLESS who launch the festival in Orton Square on Sunday 29 April International Dance Day. UK’s leading choreographer, television presenter, judge and talent scout, Arlene Phillips, is in conversation with Saira Khan (star of the Apprentice, BBC TV presenter and business woman) talking about her career in dance. Ballet Black, a unique all Black ballet company, will be performing at the Curve, Leicester. L’Acadco from Jamaica will also be at Curve as part of the 50th Anniversary of Jamaica’s Independence.

More on the festival web site | Find out what is on the programme | Latest news on our Dance page

18th to 20th May

Bearded Theory festival

Bearded Theory returns to Derbyshire's idyllic countryside for the fifth spring festival, all set in the enchanting surroundings of Kedleston Park. Their musical offering will be better than ever with old favourites and new favourites taking to the stages and an increased offering in ther children's village which is hosted by the lovely Angel Gardens. Levellers, Damned, Dreadzone, Terrorvision, Cara Dillon, Popes, Kissmet, Chumbawumba, System 7, Back to the Planet and many more.

Bearded Theory web site

28th May to 10th June

The Spark Children's Arts Festival

At venues across Leicester, highlights for this summer include a wonderful collection of Julia Donaldson's Tiddler and Other Terrific Tales and an unmissable adaptation of Gulliver's Travels at Curve, an extraordinary opera for 8 year olds My Mother Told Me Not To Stare at The Y and a show where the star is a real potato Potato Needs a Bath at Embrace Arts.

The festival is celebrating its 10 th birthday this year and promises a fortnight to remember with something for children of all ages - including award-winning international companies, stunning performances, hands-on workshops, free events, interactive activities and plenty of pre-school fun.

Details on the Spark Childrens Arts Festival web site

June 2012

1st to 3rd June - Jubilee Bank Holiday

Glastonbudget

On the 8th birthday of the festival, two main stages will offer a host of live acts including: on Friday - T.Rextasy, Sweet, Showwaddywayy and absolute Bowie on stage 1. Pearl Jammer, The Police, The Kinx, The Boobtraps, Big Bad, Run for Cover, Wellard Willy and Broombusters on stage 2.

On Saturday you will be spoilt for choice: with stage 1 offering tributes to Michael Jackson, Erasure, Madness and Pet Shop Boys. On stage 2 you can choose from Guns 2 Roses, The Robber Plants, Lennerd Skynnerd, Blue Brothers, Skam, Formal Warning, Acedama, Dakesis and Neon Sarcastic.

Sunday goes on to provide a packed programme with Mercury, Oasish, The Modfathers, Sex Pistols Experience, Who's who and The Stones. On stage 2 you will nto want to miss The Prodigy, Four Fighters, This is Nirvana, Maet Loaf, The Moderators, Angels with Dirty Faces, Hard Suction, Rezerrected and Murder of Crows.

If that's not enough there are four more stages of new acts, covers and acoustics.

Paul Mitchell of Glastonbudget told us: "Glastonbudget 2012 will be bigger and better than ever before. We will have 15,000 attendees this year and showcase over 30 top UK tribute acts as well as showcasing over 130 new and emerging bands across our 6 stages this year on the Diamond Jubilee Bank Holiday Weekend.1st - 3rd June at Turnpost Farm,Wymeswold Leics."

SPECIAL GUESTS

This year we see 70s stars Showaddywaddy and The Sweet take to our stages. In addition, some of the worlds best tribute acts, the likes of:

TOP TRIBUTES Mercury, Guns II Roses, Oasish, Pearl Jammer, Ultimate Erasure, T-Rextacy, This Is Nirvana, Who's Who, The Stones, Kinx, Four Fighters, Absolute Bowie, The Police Academy & Blues Brothers UK plus much more!

NEW TALENT We will be showcasing some of what we believe is the best up and coming new, emerging bands from across the country such as: The Boobytraps, Vengeance, Ferris , Citizen Smith, Vengeance , The Vague, The Cooked Empire , Kitty Lipps, Rugged Sound System , Lambone Splinter & more! In total over 130 new acts across 5 of our 6 stages.

Get the latest news about Glastonbudget from our special feature

Visit the official Glastonbudget Festival web site

Read our coverage of Glastonbudget 2011

June 2nd

Ashby de la Zouch Fake Festival

Fake Festivals present the Ashby De La Zouch Fake Festival featuring tributes to Coldplay, Kasabian, Blondie, Jamirrorquai plus 4 local support bands RE:SESSION, Quiet Riot, The Hedge Pigs and The Inspired. All held inside the Fake Festivals marquee with a licensed bar and fenced food and entertainment garden area

Get the details from the web site

8th - 10th June

Download

DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL has revealed another dirty dozen acts for this year's festival, which takes place 8 to 10th June at Donington Park This year's Download celebrates 10 years of rockin', and is headlined by The Prodigy, Metallica and Black Sabbath.

Making their Download debut despite a career spanning three decades, Sweden's most successful rock group EUROPE are confirmed, to bring hits such as The Final Countdown and Rock The Night to the Donington masses.

Ahead of their second album release on Atlantic, Pennsylvanian quartet HALESTORM, led by the enigmatic Lzzy Hale, will make their second appearance at Download, along with Greek heavy metallers FIREWIND (who last played in 2008).

Norwegian deathpunk act TURBONEGRO will be back, alongside platinum selling Roadrunner signings THEORY OF A DEADMAN and their upcoming tour mates STELLAR REVIVAL, long standing Brit punk band ANTI-NOWHERE LEAGUE, the mixed bag of sound that is Bristol's TURBOWOLF, acclaimed Cambridge rockers MALLORY KNOX, the Radio 1 championed prog metallers THE SAFETY FIRE, American deathcore act EMMURE and infectious hard rockers BROKEN.

Latest news from the Download web site

Read our report on Download 2011

9th to 10th June

Leicester Riverside Festival

Bede Park, Mile Straight and Western Boulevard

One of Leicester's biggest free festivals...

Sponsored by local social landlord Riverside, Leicester Riverside Festival is a lively weekend of activities for the whole family held at Bede Park. This popular festival offers boat trips, live music, a variety of food stalls from around the world, displays and an exciting choice of activities for all ages, making it a fun packed weekend!

Confirmed acts:

Saturday: 1.45 pm - Mick Ridgway's Mojo Hand - Leicester has a thriving Rhythm and Blues scene with some great bands playing regularly in the city. Mick Ridgway's Mojo Hand are the best in the business.

3 pm - Resin Band Hinckley based band making big waves on the Leicester gig scene. Classic retro rock with distinctive delivery have gained Resin a solid fan base and rising profile.

5.30 pm - Counter Action - Band Counter Action are this year's festival headliners and bring their roots reggae show to Riverside as part of the Richi Rootz tribute event that takes place at The Music Cafe later in the evening.

Sunday 1pm - Paddywax - Lively acoustic band playing Irish and contemporary songs and tunes.

2 to 3 pm - Sing For Water - Annual charity performance for Water Aid featuring choirs and singers from around Leicester.

3 pm - Martha Bean Band - Martha has been making waves on the Leicester acoustic scene for some time. Her latest release The State Of The Art EP has received rave reviews. This will be a rare Martha performance with a full band.

4 pm - The Paradimes - Good time sunshine reggae with great songs and musicians. The perfect way to round off Riverside and leave with a smile.

Details:Leicester Council web site |

9th June to 10th June

Chazzstock Festival

Stanford Hall, Lutterworth, with headliners The Horrors, The Vaccines, I Dream in Colour and others.

Chazzstock Festival | Chazzstock on Facebook

Friday 15th June

Summer Storm

To be held at West Park, Long Eaton, with an expected crowd of 500+, confirmed acts include: The Afterdark Movement, Death by Orchestra, Limn and Turncoats.

Saturday 16th June

Tiltonbury Festival 2012

An event with local acts and entertainment and best of all, it's free for the second year.

How to find Tilton on the Hill

See the Tiltonbury web site | Tiltonbury live on Facebook

30th June to 1st July

Foxton Locks

See the Foxton Locks Festival web site

July

Saturday 7th July

Glastonblaby

Glastonblaby is a charity music festival that takes place in Blaby, a district of Leicester.

Confirmed: Raptusound

Glastonblaby 2012 Facebook page | The Glastonblaby web site

Read our report on Glastonblaby 2011

21st July to 22nd July

A Lost Weekend

Taking place at Rutland Water, Empingham, Oakham, Leicestershire, featuering two stages of great music - .the Horseshoe stage featuring national and international artists with a couple of surprising acts you must not miss and the Osprey stage giving a host of unsigned artists the opportunity to be seen and heard by a wider audience.

Get more information from Ents24 | See this event on Facebook | Lost Weekend website

19th July to 5th August

Heather Scarecrow Festival

The village of Heather (near Ibstock) will be transformed when scarecrow creations from film, music, sport and topical issues are made by the residents of Heather and displayed outside their homes. Vote for your favourite scarecrow in various categories. Find the Sammy Scarecrows and enter a draw for a prize. Free Parking at Heather St. John's Football Club, Ravenstone Rd Heather LE67 2QL

This popular annual event is an excellent day out during the school holidays for all ages. Guides and map cost only £2 and will be available from the football club, corner shop and both pubs. Refreshments available or bring a picnic.

Details on Facebook

August 2012

3rd to 4th August

Cosby Big Love

Leicester 3rd and 4th of August - Tribute Music Festival Supporting Help for Heroes

See the web site for latest confirmed acts.

Cosby Big Love web site | Help for Heroes web site

5th August

SCARECROW FESTIVAL FUN DAY, 12 noon till 6pm
At: Heather St. John's Football Club, Ravenstone Rd Heather LE67 2QL. Fun for all the family including childrens rides, face painting, crafts, stalls and tea room. Free admission and free parking.

10th, 11th and 12th August

Bloodstock Festival

Bloodstock web site

10th - 16th August

Leicester Festival Fringe

The Leicester Fringe Festival is a city centre based music, comedy and arts festival. It traditionally runs in the week leading up to the Summer Sundae Weekender. The main event Fringe Thursday (16th August) is a fundraiser that raises money for amazing local causes. In 2011 Rainbows, LOROS and Prostaid were the chosen charities.

Leicester Fringe announced: We are delighted to be an official 2012 regional partner of Summer Sundae Weekender. We will be putting forward more 'Pick of the Fringe' bands this year - more news on this coming soon!

Rob Challice, director of Summer Sundae, announced the 2012 regional partners at the regional launch party in February; "The festival is happy to announce this year that they will be working again with well-known local venue and long term associates The Musician , media partner and key contributors BBC Radio Leicester , plus budding magazine and East Midlands arts network From Dusk 2 Dawn who will this year be more involved in the event, and new partner and local club promoter 'dbe' and Superfly Presents. Also confirmed for involvement again this year are The Orange Tree Bars , Dave's Leicester Comedy Festival , Cuttlefish Multimedia the ingenious web and app developers and all round contributors to the event, and finally our friends the Leicester Fringe Festival who help us support the best in local artists."

Details are on Facebook | and on Festival Fringe web site | Read our report on the Fringe 2011

Saturday 18th August

Rugby Music Festival

Caldecott Park, Free entry. Live acts include: Morningstar, White Men Can't Funk, Go Primitive, Stonefire, Leanne Lal, Charlie Mucklow, New Town Revival, Bateria Acid, Liquid Insanity, Lucy Taylor, Sophie and lots more.

Rugby Music Festival web site

Summer Sundae

17, 18, 19 August

Line-up announcements

Soul Sensation Lianne La Havas has proved herself to be one of the most captivating new acts around and a musical talent to be reckoned with. The incredible Patrick Wolf is pop music's true maverick. As a brilliant showman, he will surely bring us an amazing acoustic performance at this year's festival.

In addition to this, we're adding New Zealand reggae-funk heavyweights The Black Seeds, Mercury Award nominee Ghostpoet, the incomparable one-man band Lewis Floyd Henry, Norwegian six-piece indie band Team Me and Nottingham quintet Dog is Dead. Also joining the Drowned in Sound bill on the De Montfort Hall Indoor Stage are the eclectic and forward thinking Gold Panda, and ambient electronic outfit Stay+.

Leicester acts to look out for include: singer Grace Petrie, acoustic artist Nancy Dawkins, instrumental band Maybeshewill and the amazing Uncle Frank.

Full details of the line-up are on the Summer Sundae web site

Read our report on Summer Sundae 2011

Strawberry Fields

10th, 11th, 12 August

Latest line-up news

The Charlatans

Hadouken

Young Knives

Modern Faces

The Last Party

Friction

Drumsound and bassline Smith

Magikstar (DJ set)

and much mush more. See the Facebook page below.

Promo video for the 2012 SFF

Strawberry Fields festival web site | Strawberry Fields on Facebook

Read our report on the Strawberry Fields festival 2011

Saturday 20th October

Oxjam Takeover Leicester

Oxjam Leicester 2012 will take place in the Cultural Quarter, acorss 15 venues.

Read our coverage of the 2011 Oxjam Takeover in Leicester.

Further afield

13th - 15th July 2012

Latitude Festival, Henham Park, Beccles, Suffolk

20th July - 22nd July 2012

Summer Saturnalia, Summer Saturnalia is three-day celebration of music and art set in the beautiful North Yorkshire countryside. Not for profit, fiercely independent and only three years young - we're the freshest festival around.

17th - 19th August 2012

Beacons Festival Funkirk Estate, Skipton, The Stunning Yorkshire Dales.

4th - 26th August 2012

Leeds Festival, Bramham Park , Leeds

Other pages you might like:

Virtual festivals web site