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The Heart of Cultural Festivals, Arts and Events in Leicester
Founded in 2011 by Director Amanda Leandro, Cosmopolitan Arts is a community interest company CIC based in Leicester dedicated to celebrating cultural diversity through the arts.
At the heart of our organisation is a commitment to engaging people from all backgrounds, particularly those who may not usually access the arts. We aim to create high-quality, participatory arts experiences that inspire, challenge perceptions, and create community cohesion across cultural and social boundaries.
CULTURAL EVENTS • BESPOKE PERFORMANCES • EXHIBITIONS
We are in search of someone who has expertise in environmental sustainability to join our board. If you are interested, get in touch!
Minimum attendance: 4 meetings per year
Basic expenses reimbursed.
Cosmopolitan Arts Festival
Join Cosmopolitan Arts for the fantastic Cosmopolitan Arts Festival in Leicester City Centre on Saturday, 12th July from 1 pm until 9:30 pm. This free arts extravaganza will immerse visitors in a fusion of music, dance, art, and cultural experiences, celebrating Leicester as one of the most culturally diverse cities in the country since 2011.
Jubilee Square - Main Stage
Hosted by BBC Radio Leicester’s own Kevin Ncube, audiences can look forward to spellbinding performances on the Main Stage at Jubilee Square. Our spectacular headline act, 2 RUDE, promises a show-stopping performance. The band plays the very best of the 2 Tone era, recreating the live sound of bands like The Specials, Madness, The Beat, Bad Manners and more. The incredible TANN-I BROWNE will also take to the stage with upbeat Reggae. Joining them will be New York native TOMAS DONCKER, an acclaimed R&B, blues and rock musician who has collaborated with the likes of Madonna and Yoko Ono. JAH MARNYAH will bring a unique style that blends reggae, hip-hop, and dub. STRINGS OF FIRE promises a mesmerising mix of intricate kora solos, hypnotic rhythms, and soulful storytelling combining West African rhythms with contemporary genres, including jazz, funk, and electronic music. The beautiful Davina Songbird will bring her hypnotic vocals to the stage, taking audiences on a journey of Jazz and Neo-Soul. SOFRITO will provide us with rhythmic Latino blues. SCALLIONS is an eight-piece Irish band performing Celtic soul, blending jigs, reels and traditional folk with the best contemporary Celtic songs. Our very own COSMOPOLITAN ARTS YOUTH BAND will perform, showcasing their musical talent. CONTRAST STEEL BAND, active since 1974, will bring a sense of vibrancy and community to the streets of Leicester. DJ KMS will bring the tunes to keep everyone grooving into the evening.
The Clock Tower - World Stage
The amazing MARIACHI KING will be performing popular Mexican melodies and Latin American rhythms. Experience some authentic Indian Classical Music from the Sitar of AKASH PAREKH and dance along to some Irish jigs with the energetic EIRE OF THE DOG. Our World Stage will also see internationally acclaimed artist LING PENG performing traditional Chinese music on the Erhu. KING BRASSTARDS, one of the UK’s pioneering funky brass bands, will bring an exhilarating performance to the festival.
St.Peter’s Square - Dance Area
In addition to the music, the festival will feature a dedicated dance area at St. Peter’s Square. Cosmopolitan Arts is proud to partner with the High Cross and Turtle Bay to showcase talent from local, national, and international dancers. Come along and immerse yourself in a variety of cultural dances from around the world, including Lion Dance, Irish, Sri Lankan, and much more.
High Street - Workshops
Audiences can also engage in a variety of workshops and try their hands at circus skills classes and DJ classes.
Thank You To Our Funders
The Cosmopolitan Arts Festival 2025 comes to life thanks to the support and funding from Arts Council England and Leicester City Council. Organised by Leicester's Cosmopolitan Arts (recognised as a National Portfolio Organisation by Arts Council England), which has been a driving force behind captivating live music, dance, theatre, and art in Leicester since 2011.
Save the dates and mark your calendars for the Cosmopolitan Arts Festival, a remarkable celebration of Leicester's cultural diversity. Whether you're a music lover, a dance enthusiast, or an art aficionado, this festival promises an unforgettable experience for all.
For more information, please visit https://www.cosmopolitanarts.co.uk/ or follow us on social media… Facebook: Cosmopolitan Arts | Twitter: @ArtsCosmopolitan | Instagram: @CosmopolitanArts
Main Contact: Amanda Leandro, Director, Amanda@cosmopolitanarts.co.uk
