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Leicester's Riverside Festival is making its return with organisers saying its "bigger than ever". The family friendly festival sees activities on and off the water around the
River Soar and other locations in the city centre. According to Leicester City Council, this year the festival will have "more locations, more free activities and an exciting
collaboration with De Montfort University (DMU)". Boat rides, kayaking sessions and dragon boat racing are all scheduled to take place during the two-day event, which will take place on
Saturday, June 7 and Sunday, June 8. Live music and performances have also been announced, including a re-enactment of the siege of Leicester, with muskets and loud cannons entertaining
visitors. Councillor Vi Dempster, assistant city mayor for leisure and culture, said: "The Riverside Festival is Leicester’s largest free festival, attracting thousands of visitors to
the city each year. This year, it’s bigger than ever, thanks to our collaboration with De Montfort University." READ MORE:Series of free family mini festivals returns to Leicester For
those looking to witness the re-enactment of the siege of Leicester, the "thrilling live skirmish" will be taking place on The Newarke from 2-3pm on both days. The event's
organiser, Hidden Histories Heritage, said the battles will be "spectacular but safe". The festival has lots in store for little ones and their families too, with a dedicated
family zone being set up in Bede Park's tipi. There they can find mini discos, bubble parties and children's entertainment from 12pm-2pm on both days. Ride Leicester has teamed up
with Danny Butler to bring his jaw-dropping mountain bike skills to DMU’s campus in a display that "visitors of all ages will enjoy". DMU’s heritage sites will be open too, with
free entry to Leicester Castle’s Great Hall, Trinity Chapel, the Herb Garden and the DMU Museum. The university's contribution to the two days doesn't stop there though, as
students in the final year of their Arts and Festivals Management degree have organised a "Cultural eXchanges" event. The programme will see dance, performance and workshops at
DMU’s Campus Centre from 12 noon on both days. Live music from local talent will be on at the Piazza stage, with a programme curated by HQ Recordings, EAVA FM, 2 Funky Arts, Soft Touch Arts
and Leicester Introducing. While there’ll be a more relaxed vibe in Castle Gardens, with acoustic sessions around the maypole from 1pm and a chill-out area. Visitors will get a chance to eat
international street food from stalls and enjoy a beverage from licensed bars. These alongside craft markets and activities will be set up in different locations including Bede Park,
DMU's campus, Castle Gardens, Western Boulevard and for the first time The Newarke. The Riverside Festival runs from 12 noon until 6pm on Saturday, June 7 and from 12 noon until 5pm on
Sunday, June 8. A full festival programme is available on the Visit Leicester website. WE ARE NOW BRINGING YOU THE LATEST UPDATES ON WHATSAPP FIRST