Long-Running Leicester Festival to Return in October Featuring Performances, Workshops & More

Journeys Festival International, the UK's first Festival of Sanctuary, has been a key part of the city's cultural calendar since the first edition was delivered in Leicester in 2013. The festival brings together artists and communities to explore big ideas and is a platform for artists from culturally diverse backgrounds to showcase their unique talents and perspectives.

This year, the team at Art Reach, have announced that the festival will return to Leicester on 11th and 12th October with a range of events and exhibitions across the city.

The festival features family friendly performances and creative activities in Town Hall Square, a comedy night at Curve Theatre, a celebratory carnival parade and free arts workshops in the festival hub at Haymarket Shopping Centre. Leicester Cathedral will be hosting two installations; Plants and Play will feature a giant swing inside the cathedral for people to enjoy and The House of Weaving Songs is an interactive installation based on a Somalian Nomadic Aqal.

Paul Steele, Creative Director at Art Reach, explained more about this year's approach to the festival, "Journeys Festival International is a beacon of diversity, showcasing the talents of artists who bring unique perspectives shaped by migration and refuge. For 2024 we want to make deeper connections with our audiences and communities across the city by programming work that is relevant, thought provoking and celebratory."

Young participants from Soft Touch Arts have been working with artist Kajaal Modi to record audio-material that will contribute to the Songs of the Water installation, hosted at Soft Touch Arts Café. Festival partners, De Montfort University will host a breakfast seminar exploring how art and culture can foster belonging and drive sustainability.

"At De Montfort University, we are deeply committed to using arts and culture as a means to foster understanding and create a sense of belonging within our communities. This year's Journeys Festival International is a perfect platform for our students and academics to engage in these vital conversations. Our involvement not only provides our students with real-world experience but also enriches the festival with academic insights that explore the intersection of art, culture, and social change. We're excited to see how our collaboration will contribute to the festival's success," said Fi Donovan, Head of Engagement and Partnerships at DMU.

The festival will also feature The DESIblitz Truck Art Bus. Haider Ali, the world-renowned professional truck artist from Pakistan was commissioned by DESIblitz in July 2022 to decorate an ex-National Express minibus into the traditional Punjabi 'Truck Art' style buses of India and Pakistan. The bus project aims to increase the influence and awareness of South Asian arts to communities from all different backgrounds and expand on how the various art forms have a strong connection with the fabric of British society as a whole.

Leicester's City Mayor, Sir Peter Soulsby said: "Leicester is known for its diversity and the warm welcome it offers to people from all over the world. This festival celebrates that and has been at the forefront of exploring migration and welcoming new communities to the city for over a decade. It's going back to its roots this year with more thought-provoking events, while offering a range of performances and events that everyone can enjoy."

With a range of free events, exhibitions, talks and performances, it's good to see Journeys Festival International is working with local communities, and partners, to celebrate Leicester as an international and diverse city.

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