SATURDAY 1ST AUGUST 2026
LEICESTER CATHEDRAL GARDENS
back to books programme
Explore reading, nature and city life
through music, art and books.
PEDESTRIAN
Keep your eyes peeled for the festival’s most unpredictable greanery! These cheeky, larger-than-life bushes don’t just sit around looking pretty. They roam, hug, photobomb, and playfully startle unsuspecting passersby. Make sure to grab a photo, demand a high-five, and get ready to never look at your garden bushes the same way again!
IN THE GARDENS – 11.00AM – 3.00PM
LUSH
Ever wondered how Lush bath bombs are made? Now’s your chance to find out! Get hands-on pressing your own bath bomb to take home and enjoy. This activity is suitable for ages 5+, parents/guardians should be present for those under 16. Get ready for some colourful, fragrant, fizzy fun!
IN THE GARDENS – 11.00AM – 3.00PM
leicester print workshop
Working with LPW tutors Sally and Sumiko, you will be printing a festival exclusive relief print either on card or a book wrap for Pedestrian’s Back to Books publication, available at the festival.
IN THE GARDENS – 11.00AM – 3.00PM
Mr SHAY
Leicester’s first Poet Laureate will be performing his commissioned Back To Books Poem.
GARDEN STAGE – 2.30PM
Growing Neighbourhood
Growing Neighbourhoods in a new project by Bean-Mhi Berriman aimed at connecting people to each other and the planet. They will be hosting a collective art project looking at why and how we are all activists, including support in channelling your ideas for a fairer, greener future. Expect recycled materials, honest conversation & no experience necessary!
IN THE GARDENS – 11.00AM – 3.00PM
Leicester Libraries Bookbus
Bring along your favourite picture book; you can borrow a copy from your local library or bring it from home and get our storyteller to bring it to life for you at the Children’s BookBus.
Find out how to join the Summer Reading Challenge, what’s on in Leicester Libraries and create some Read to the Beat activities.
IN THE GARDENS – 11.00AM – 3.00PM
Nerissa's Garden
Make and decorate a mini drum seed shaker that scatters seeds as you play, helping to plant wild flowers and feed wild birds at the same time! Decorate a pre-cut fabric leaf with a positive drawing or a positive message which will then be attached to our hanging fabric community tree.
IN THE GARDENS – 11.00AM – 3.00PM
ENTER EDEM - THE UGLY BUGS WINGDING SHOW
Hurrah Hurray oh fabulous day, the Ugly Bugs Wingding has flown in to town! What a mesmerising jubilee for your eyes and ears! Come into a magical miniature world to meet an array of enticing insects and colourful creatures on their way to an un-be-leavable party! the festival with a spectacular welcome!
THE LAWN, SHOWS – 12.00PM AND 1.15PM
MEET AND GREET – 11AM AND 2.30PM
HUMAN HEDGES
Keep your eyes peeled for the festival’s most unpredictable greanery! These cheeky, larger-than-life bushes don’t just sit around looking pretty. They roam, hug, photobomb, and playfully startle unsuspecting passersby. Make sure to grab a photo, demand a high-five, and get ready to never look at your garden bushes the same way again!
WALKABOUT IN THE GARDENS,
11.15AM, 12.15PM, 1.15PM AND 2.15PM
MBD - BACK TO BOOKS DANCE-OFF
Experience wonderful wacky dancing characters and fantastical worlds in this 3D animated projection created by young people of Leicester and local immersive arts organisation MBD.
DISCOVERY ROOM – 11-3PM
MARKMARK PRODUCTIONS - THE SUSTAINABILITY SQUAD
Are up to scratch? Are you sustainably sourced and environmentally friendly? These officiously officious environmental enforcers will be on patrol to make sure everyone is recycling, upcycling and – well – just cycling! A musical message to help you on your search for sustainability. They are here to make sure you are being re-used!
IN THE GARDENS
11AM, 12.30PM AND 2.30PM
MUSIC PERFORMANCES
Hear live music from the upcoming Back To Books album featuring performances from rap and Grime artist Jafro, composer and musician Sam Nutter and talented upcoming local artists from Pedestrian. Also features a specially commissioned poem by Mr Shay, Leicester’s first Poet Laureate.
Host: Harri Georgio
CATHEDRAL GARDENS STAGE
11.30AM, 12.45PM AND 2PM
POETRY SLAM
Witness the rising voices of Leicester as young poets take the stage with original work crafted in workshops held at Leicester Poet Laureate Mr Shay. These performers have battled through the heats to earn their place in this live slam, bringing sharp writing, bold ideas, and electric performance energy. Expect honesty, humour, rhythm, and the unmistakable thrill of young people owning the mic.
CATHEDRAL GARDENS STAGE – 2.30PM
- Stage
- Gazebo/Stall
- Book Bus
- Speakers/Sound Scape
- Lawn
ACTIVE & SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL OPTIONS
Getting here by bus
Leicester Buses supply frequent services to connect you straight to the city. To plan your journey and check which service is best for your area: www.leicesterbuses.co.uk
Train
There are good rail links to Leicester. Cathedral Gardens is a 10-15 minute walk from Leicester city rail station
CYCLING
FREE Cycle Hub Membership for anyone using the Town Hall Bike Park open 8.30am – 6pm.
car park
There are a number of car parks in the city centre which are a short walk to Cathedral Gardens.
