Decision details

To approve:

•           A permanent increase of £105,000 to the Arts & Museum budget ceiling, to support festivals across the City. This will be funded from the budget strategy reserve in 2026/27 and will be permanently added to the budget ceiling for Arts & Museums within future budget strategies.

•           One-off funding of £10k to fund a rebranding of Leicester Riverside Festival to be funded from the budget strategy reserve.

By investing in high-quality, inclusive and environmentally responsible festivals and events, Leicester City Council enables organisations to co-design and deliver vibrant cultural activity that animates the city, brings people together, and attracts visitors. This leads to increased participation, improved wellbeing and pride, stronger community connections, economic benefit, and a more sustainable, distinctive cultural identity for Leicester.

Recognising the financial pressures facing many households, the Council is committed to ensuring that cost is not a barrier to participation in cultural life. Increased investment will enable more affordable and accessible opportunities for families, young people and communities across Leicester to engage with high-quality cultural experiences, celebrate shared identities and traditions, and participate in civic life.

The increase in the festivals budget reflects the Council’s commitment to delivering a more balanced, inclusive and strategically aligned programme of cultural activity across the city. Additional investment enables support for a broader range of established, large-scale, culturally significant and community-led events that celebrate Leicester’s diversity and heritage, strengthen community cohesion and civic pride, and create opportunities for participation across a wide range of communities and age groups.

To limit funding support would reduce the ability of the council to support a wide range of festivals and events that animate the city, promote social cohesion, enhances wellbeing and civic pride and supports local businesses and wider economic impact.