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  • Next generation aerospace engineering firm joins Space Park Leicester – Love Business East Midlands

    Next generation aerospace engineering firm joins Space Park Leicester – Love Business East Midlands


    Added by Love Business East Midlands | 16 May 2026

    Award-winning aerospace engineering company Barrett Aerospace, whose technology helped shape one of the world’s first all-electric passenger aircraft, has joined the innovation community at Space Park Leicester.

    The Singapore-based SME, founded by British aerospace engineer and composites specialist Laurence Barrett, is internationally recognised for its advanced work in composite aircraft design, autonomous systems and next generation aerospace technologies. Built around a team of predominantly British professionals living and working across Asia, the company is focused on creating a collaborative bridge between the UK and Singapore, connecting expertise across aerospace, space and advanced engineering.

    Its decision to join Space Park Leicester will help to strengthen collaboration between the UK and Singapore aerospace and space sectors, while supporting smaller companies navigating the technical, regulatory and commercial challenges of advanced engineering. Through its involvement with the University of Leicester’s £100 million space research and innovation hub, the company hopes to help international partners engage more closely with the UK space ecosystem while opening new opportunities for collaborative research and supply chain development.

    Laurence Barrett said:

    “Joining Space Park Leicester gives us an exciting opportunity to build new partnerships between the UK and Singapore, while contributing our expertise in advanced composites, simulation, autonomous systems and aerospace development. We are particularly passionate about helping innovative SMEs bridge the gap between concept development and real-world deployment.

    “There is enormous potential for stronger collaboration between Singapore and the UK across aerospace, space and advanced manufacturing. Space Park Leicester provides an ideal environment to explore those opportunities while supporting companies developing the next generation of aerospace technologies.”

    In 2020, Barrett Aerospace received a Global Business Award for “Leading Specialists in Cutting-Edge Aircraft Design”, recognising its growing reputation for solving some of the aerospace sector’s most complex engineering challenges.

    Among the company’s most notable achievements was its involvement in the groundbreaking Alice programme — the world’s first all-electric nine-seat commuter aircraft developed by aerospace company Eviation. Designed to transform regional air travel through zero-emission aviation, Alice became one of the most talked about projects in the global aerospace industry, combining lightweight composite structures with electric propulsion to dramatically reduce operating costs and environmental impact.

    Barrett Aerospace played a central role in the programme, designing, building and delivering the aircraft’s entire empennage tail assembly as part of a global supply chain involving partners across 21 countries. Working to exceptionally tight deadlines ahead of the aircraft’s public unveiling at the Paris Air Show in 2019, the company developed multiple design concepts within months while simultaneously refining manufacturing processes to ensure the aircraft could be produced efficiently and at scale.

    The project showcased Barrett Aerospace’s expertise in advanced composite engineering and its ability to combine high-performance design with practical manufacturing solutions. The company’s specialist understanding of material science and load carrying composite structures has since become a defining feature of its wider work across aerospace, autonomous systems and space technologies.

    Vinay Patel, Head of Commercial and Innovation, at Space Park Leicester said:

    “Barrett Aerospace is an exciting addition to the Space Park Leicester community. Their involvement in pioneering programmes such as the Alice electric aircraft project demonstrates the calibre of engineering expertise they bring.

    “The company’s international outlook, advanced technical capability and commitment to innovation align strongly with Space Park Leicester’s mission to support collaboration across space, aerospace and advanced manufacturing. We look forward to working together on future opportunities that connect industry, research and emerging technologies.”

    Barrett Aerospace operates across a broad range of advanced engineering sectors, including recyclable aerospace materials, satellite communications integration, autonomous vehicle deployment systems and space launch technologies. The company supports the development and qualification of new aerospace materials and works closely with UK-based composites manufacturers and is particularly experienced in helping technologies progress through the critical engineering stages between Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 3–6.

    Its engineering activities include UAVs, unmanned ground and marine vehicle deployment systems, prototyping, modelling, full mechanical testing and aircraft manufacturing support. The company also delivers high-level nonlinear simulation and fatigue analysis for aerospace structures, modelling how materials and components behave under real-world operational stress over time.

    Singaporean company Equatorial Space Systems (ESS) is another of Barrett Aerospace’s customers.  ESS aim to become Singapore’s first commercially designed vehicle to launch into Low Earth Orbit. Having already achieved lift-off of a Low Altitude Demonstrator over Perak, Malaysia in 2020.

    Alongside its engineering capabilities, Barrett Aerospace combines technical, legal and commercial expertise, including in-house legal support for contracts and project delivery phases. The company also has access to trusted flight-testing capability in Queensland, Australia.

    Barrett Aerospace is also supporting aerospace supply chain resilience through new cyber security initiatives aimed at helping SMEs strengthen compliance, operational security and certification readiness within increasingly demanding global aerospace markets. Working with specialist cyber security partners, the company is developing practical monitoring and compliance approaches aligned with industry standards such as NADCAP and Cyber Essentials, while also exploring opportunities to support Space Park Leicester companies through future cyber security awareness and resilience initiatives.

    For further information about Barrett Aerospace, visit https://www.barrettaerospace.com

    To explore Space Park Leicester partnerships, missions, residents, facilities, training programmes and innovation products, visit https://www.space-park.co.uk or to learn more about holding events at the venue, visit space-park.co.uk/venuehire. To learn more about the University of Leicester, visit https://le.ac.uk/.

    Image: Laurence Barrett (pictured left)

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  • Two Cambridgeshire curry restaurants named as some of the best in the UK

    Two Cambridgeshire curry restaurants named as some of the best in the UK



    These two restaurants in Cambridgeshire are serving some of the best curries in the UKLalbagh is one of the two restaurants that made it into the top 100 list(Image: Google Maps)Two restaurants in Cambridgeshire have been named among the best in the UK for a curry. The list of the UK’s Top 100 Curry Restaurants have been announced by the Asian Catering Federation and two popular restaurants were mentioned out of hundreds of spots.The list was voted for by the public and recommended by the Asian Catering Federation’s expert panel with the aim of helping “spice lovers discover outstanding curry houses in their local area”. There are nearly 10,000 Indian restaurants in the UK so making it to the top 100 is not an easy task.Chairman of the Asian Catering Federation Yawar Khan, said: “The Asian food industry strives to create the very best experience for its customers, and everyone listed in this guide is there because they have worked tirelessly to earn their place.”Year-on-year the Asian catering industry is challenged by global shortages, online delivery platforms charging exorbitant fees, and now, the new immigration rules that will make it extremely difficult for new overseas applicants to obtain a skilled worker visa in the UK. However, despite all this, we still continue to thrive, innovate, and dedicate all our energy to creating the very best cuisine. Congratulations to everyone who is included this year in our Guide.”If you are looking for somewhere to go for an incredible curry, you might want to test out these two spots in Cambridgeshire which made it into the top 100.LalbaghLocation: 49 Alms Hill, Bourn, Cambridge, CB23 2SHLalbagh is no stranger to awards having won things like the restaurant of the year in the East of England at the English Curry Awards and Best Asian Restaurant at the Asian Curry Awards. The restaurant’s menu features a huge range of starters, curries, and the chef’s own signature dishes.If you’re struggling to decide what to try, you might want to opt for the seven course taster menu so you can enjoy a few different dishes. Lalbagh is also available for takeaways so you can enjoy the high quality food without having to leave the comfort of your home.NavadhanyaLocation: 70 Newmarket Rd, Cambridge CB5 8DZNavadhanya is a very popular food spot in the city of Cambridge that believes “food should not only please the palate but also the eyes” and uses traditional methods of cooking and presentation. The restaurant has regularly featured in the Michelin Guide.The restaurant has an a la carte menu as well as a seven course tasting menu that can be made to be either vegan or vegetarian to suit all tastes. The a la carte menu features lots of different small plates that have been “inspired by the street food markets of India” as well as curries.

  • Hanley Brewers Fayre team ‘devastated’ as venue set to shut

    Hanley Brewers Fayre team ‘devastated’ as venue set to shut



    End of an eraBrewers Fayre, Etruria Road, HanleyStaff have been left ‘devastated’ by the proposed closure of a Stoke-on-Trent restaurant. Hospitality giant Premier Inn is proposing to remove Brewers Fayre restaurants from its hotels.It means Hanley Brewers Fayre – on Etruria Road – is set to shut. The restaurant has been open for 12 years.It is possible that the venue could shut as early as this summer.In a social media plea to customers, Hanley Brewers Fayre stated: “Myself and the team are devastated but at the moment this is just a proposal. I can’t express how important it is that you and our community keep on supporting us like you have done for the last 12 years. We are currently open for trade as normal. As a sales-driven business I want everyone to know we are open. As always thank you for your support and a huge thank you to my team who have been great throughout such a worrying time.”Premier Inn is also planning to shut The Redwood – on Talke Road, in Newcastle-under-Lyme – as well as Brewers Fayre Orbital, on Eastern Way, Cannock.Premier Inn’s Beefeater restaurants are also facing closure. The Ladybridge, in Tamworth, and Longford House, in Cannock, are earmarked for closure as well as The Farmhouse, on Coppenhall Lane, in Crewe.Get even more North Staffordshire exclusives – and it is free

  • Premier League predictions: Arsenal vs Burnley, Aston Villa vs Liverpool and the rest of matchday 37

    Premier League predictions: Arsenal vs Burnley, Aston Villa vs Liverpool and the rest of matchday 37



    The Athletic has live coverage of Chelsea vs. Manchester City in the 2026 FA Cup Final.Welcome to The Athletic’s Premier League predictions challenge, where Savinho has lifted young Wilfred back to within striking distance of the summit.At 9.41pm UK time on Wednesday, Manchester City were cruising to a 2-0 home win against Crystal Palace — just as our guest subscriber Jack predicted, which would have taken the readers 10 points clear at the top of our predictions league with two rounds to play.However, that 84th-minute goal from Savinho, securing a 3-0 victory, meant a precious spot-on prediction for six-year-old Wilfred instead, taking our boy-wonder to within three. And, not for the first time this season, it left me wondering just what I have been up against in this game. Wilfred is a Palace fan, for goodness’ sake. What kind of six-year-old successfully predicts a 3-0 defeat for their own team?!Each week since the season began in August, four of us — an algorithm, a guest subscriber on rotation, Wilfred and I — have been predicting the Premier League results with varying degrees of success.We are awarding three points for a correct scoreline and one point for a correct result. We are also awarding a bonus point for any “unique” prediction, so Wilfred earned four after getting a bullseye with City 3-0 Palace.It leaves the subscribers with a slender lead over him going into the final two rounds.My brief hopes of a resurgence are over; the best I can hope for now is to avoid the further humiliation of being dumped to the bottom of the table by the algorithm.This week’s guest subscriber is, by the luck of the draw, another Aston Villa fan: Joe, 22, from Birmingham.Good luck, Joe.Our subscriber’s match of the weekBournemouth vs Manchester City, Tuesday, 7.30pm UK/2:30pm ETJoe says: “Manchester City will likely come into this match knowing that anything but a win will hand the title to Arsenal. Bournemouth are still fighting for a Champions League spot for next season and will be no pushovers. There will be nerves for both teams but City have a great record against Bournemouth and I expect them to continue that with a 3-1 win.”Bournemouth 1-3 Manchester CityOli says: As Joe mentions, City have won 16 of their 17 Premier League meetings with Bournemouth. Of all the match-ups that have taken place at least 10 times in the Premier League era, this is the most one-sided. But Tuesday’s edition looks like such a difficult game for Pep Guardiola’s team as they try to take the title race to the final set of fixtures the following Sunday — Bournemouth are unbeaten in 16 matches in the league since Arsenal won 3-2 at their Vitality Stadium on January 3. If I predict a City victory, it’s with no sense of certainty. It’s a real test, just three days after the play in the FA Cup final against Chelsea, too. It will be very tight.Bournemouth 1-2 Manchester City
    Manchester City lost 2-1 at Bournemouth last season – the only time they have failed to defeat them in the clubs’ 17 Premier League meetings (Dan Istitene/Getty Images)Oli’s other predictionsAston Villa vs LiverpoolIf I knew what kind of line-up Unai Emery was going to pick tonight (Friday), I would have a clearer view on this. If his Villa team had held on to win at Burnley last Sunday, which would have all but guaranteed Champions League qualification, I suspect he would have rested his entire starting XI here ahead of Wednesday’s Europa League final against Freiburg. But the race for the Champions League qualification is tight enough to make me think he will go full-strength — or close to it. And if he does, it might be Liverpool who are left clinging nervously onto fifth place.Aston Villa 2-1 LiverpoolManchester United vs Nottingham ForestUnited have taken just one point from their past four Premier League meetings with Forest, dating back to December 2023. It’s the type of miserable record United have often gently cast aside in the four months since Michael Carrick was named interim head coach. This should be another of those victories that sum up their undoubted progress under Carrick, even as certain questions linger about the way forward for them beyond this season.

    Manchester United 2-1 Nottingham ForestBrentford vs Crystal PalaceCredit to Pep Guardiola for recognising Oliver Glasner’s right to prioritise Palace’s upcoming UEFA Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano. Glasner’s wrap-them-in-cotton-wool approach worked in Manchester City’s favour on Wednesday but might well work against them when Palace host Arsenal on the last matchday of the Premier League season, just three days before that final against Rayo Vallecano. The challenge for Glasner is to keep his players ticking over rather than risk losing rhythm altogether. Brentford, pushing to qualify for Europe next season, will want to capitalise on that.Brentford 2-0 Crystal Palace
    Palace’s priority for the remainder of this season is the UEFA Conference League final they play in on May 27 (Naomi Baker/Getty Images)Leeds United vs Brighton and Hove AlbionLeeds have never beaten Brighton in the Premier League. Admittedly, that is only a seven-game sample size, but it’s still quite striking. They are, however, unbeaten in the league since March 4 — also only a run of seven matches, but again quite striking. In these situations, people sometimes say, “So something has to give”. But it doesn’t. This could be a draw. It really might be a draw.Leeds 1-1 BrightonWolverhampton Wanderers vs FulhamThe risk when Rob Edwards took over at Wolves last November was that, with relegation already looking inevitable, the positive energy he hoped to bring — and did bring for the first few months — might fade over the remainder of the campaign. That is how it is turning out; Wolves going down is not his fault by any means, but relations with an unhappy fanbase have already become strained. That is a concern. In that difficult atmosphere, against a team who have all but given up, this should be an away win to keep Fulham’s faint hopes of European qualification alive.Wolves 0-2 FulhamEverton vs SunderlandFrom the buoyant mood of a month ago, heading into a home Merseyside derby with genuine hopes of beating Liverpool to Champions League qualification, Everton are now five games without a win. Every one of the five has been tight, but precious points have slipped through their fingers. They too could yet get into Europe, but they’ll need to beat Sunderland. And nobody — with the exception of Nottingham Forest the other week — finds that easy.Everton 2-1 SunderlandNewcastle United vs West Ham UnitedAs much as I’m intrigued by the dynamic between Eddie Howe, his Newcastle team and the St James’ Park crowd after such a disappointing season, this one is all about West Ham. They desperately need a result on Sunday — ideally, a win — to heap the pressure back onto Tottenham, who don’t play until Tuesday, in the relegation battle. I can see West Ham scrapping for a point. I’m just not sure I see enough match-winning quality from them at the moment.Newcastle 1-1 West HamArsenal vs BurnleyFrom the very start of this season, Arsenal’s pursuit of their first Premier League title since 2004 has been a slog. How often have their supporters been able to sit back and enjoy the ride? Very rarely. But this looks like the kind of game where everything falls into place for them and a state of something approaching nirvana takes hold. Arsenal will score early on Monday night, then they’ll score again, and it will get to the point where their play is flowing more freely and irresistibly than it has all season. I’m going for a 4-0 win and, with goal difference and even goals scored potentially still a factor in this title race, I was tempted to go higher than that.Arsenal 4-0 BurnleyChelsea vs Tottenham HotspurI was at the “Battle of the Bridge” in 2016, when Chelsea, at the end of a miserable season for them as outgoing champions, found the motivation to inflict a terminal blow to Tottenham’s title hopes. It was a wild night, and it’s tempting to imagine something similarly anarchic here. These two teams have the worst disciplinary records in the Premier League — neither of them aggressive in any positive sense, but both lacking composure and prone to immaturity and recklessness when the pressure is on. The last thing Spurs, desperate for points in their attempts to avoid relegation, will want on Tuesday is for Chelsea to come out ready for a street fight.Chelsea 2-1 Tottenham

  • Neale-Wade Academy’s trust warned it must improve or be ousted

    Neale-Wade Academy’s trust warned it must improve or be ousted



    The main concern raised by Ofsted after its inspection in January, external was about poor pupil performance “over a sustained period of time”.Inspectors found “historical weaknesses” in the curriculum and said: “Many pupils do not achieve well.”However, it was noted new leaders had started to drive change and there was a good safeguarding culture.The school confirmed it had received the letter and said it was writing to parents to update them.A spokesman for the Active Learning Trust said it was confident its “robust and thoughtful” plan would pay dividends.”We are committed to providing an excellent education and learning experience across all our schools and Neale-Wade’s recent Ofsted report clearly pointed to the improvements and progress that have already been made,” they added.”We know that there is more work to be done and we have continued to make meaningful progress and improvements since our inspection in January.”

  • New traffic arrangements for Stafford Gate roadworks near M6 Junction 14 > A Little Bit of Stone

    New traffic arrangements for Stafford Gate roadworks near M6 Junction 14 > A Little Bit of Stone



    Drivers from Stone heading towards Stafford and the M6 are being warned about new traffic management arrangements near Junction 14 from Monday 18 May.

    The changes are part of work to create a new junction and widen the road for the Stafford Gate commercial development at Creswell, on the A5013 Creswell Grove.

    Stone sits between Junction 14 and Junction 15 of the M6, with many local drivers using the A34 south towards Junction 14 or north towards Junction 15, depending on their route. The latest works may affect journeys towards Stafford, Creswell and Junction 14.

    The 39 week scheme started earlier this month, but traffic management was temporarily halted this week while arrangements were reviewed following safety concerns raised by the project team.

    A one way order is now due to be introduced at 6am on Monday 18 May. Staffordshire County Council says it will be in place for most of the scheme, alongside other phased traffic management.

    Warning signs will be installed ahead of any changes, with signed diversion routes in place. Drivers are also being reminded that anyone flouting the traffic order will be reported to police.

    The road scheme forms part of the Stafford Gate development, close to Junction 14 of the M6. It is being delivered for Strawsons Property and is fully funded by the company.

    The first phases of work include new drainage, works apparatus, widening of the Creswell Grove westbound section and resurfacing of the A5013 Creswell Grove in the new junction section.

    Patrick Allen, cabinet support member for highways at Staffordshire County Council, said

    “Following an immediate review of traffic management at Creswell Grove due to the project team’s concerns over safety, a new one-way order will be in place from Monday.

    “This is a significant development which will create jobs and provide local facilities which we welcome, but the road scheme providing access is a lengthy one which will impact our network.

    “While every effort will be made to keep disruption to a minimum, this scheme will inevitably cause delays and additional journey planning so we would like to thank people in advance for their patience during the works period.”

    Further details, including scheme plans and diversion routes, are available on Staffordshire County Council’s scheme webpage.

  • ‘Swing snaps’ as child plays at new children’s playground

    ‘Swing snaps’ as child plays at new children’s playground



    Liverpool council said an inspector has confirmed all the equipment in the play area is safe21:13, 15 May 2026Updated 21:13, 15 May 2026Swings at Everton Terrace playground(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)It’s been claimed a swing snapped as a child played on it at a new children’s play park. Parents raised concerns over a new Liverpool City Council play area on Everton Terrace after the incident which reportedly happened last weekend.The playground opened in Everton on Saturday, May 9 following an upgrade as part of the council’s programme to refresh a number of playgrounds across the city. Following Saturday’s opening, it was claimed a swing at the park had “snapped” while a young child was on it.It was also claimed a young girl suffered facial injuries, while a boy was reportedly injured following an incident with a rope swing. Parents have claimed the park was “poorly built” and are worried about their children’s safety.A spokesperson for the council said an inspector has confirmed all the equipment in the Everton Terrace play area is safe to use.One mum visiting the park with her children at the time of the incident said: “The swing snapped off with a baby inside. The baby was really hurt. A little boy got took out by the rope swings and smacked into a rock. A little girl smashed her nose off the bar.”The newly upgraded Everton Terrace playground(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)The Liverpool Echo attended the playground this morning, Friday, May 15 and there was no signs of damage.A Liverpool City Council spokesperson said: “All of our play areas are independently assessed and must pass rigorous health and safety checks before they are opened to the public. This includes stress testing all equipment.“Any reported incidents are taken extremely seriously. We have reached out via social media to understand what happened in this instance.“A play inspector has confirmed that all the equipment in Everton Terrace play area is safe to use.”Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you by signing up to our daily and breaking newsletter.Sign up to our breaking news newsletter here. Follow us on X @LivECHONews or on Bluesky @liverpoolecho.co.uk – official Liverpool ECHO accounts – real news in real time.We’re also on Facebook/theliverpoolecho – your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day from the Liverpool ECHO.Join the Liverpool ECHO Breaking News and Top Stories WhatsApp community to receive the latest news straight to your phone by clicking here.

  • Olly Murs completes ‘brutal’ fourth day of Soccer Aid challenge

    Olly Murs completes ‘brutal’ fourth day of Soccer Aid challenge



    Olly Murs has completed the penultimate day of his “brutal” endurance challenge to raise money for charity.The singer-songwriter and TV personality is running, cycling and rowing 249 miles (400km) between Manchester and London to raise money for children’s charity Unicef.On Thursday, which was Murs’ 42nd birthday, he travelled from Nether Heyford, Northamptonshire, to St Albans, Hertfordshire.The presenter, from Witham in Essex, said: “It’s been brutal today. My quad is so sore… I can’t believe this is how I’m celebrating my 42nd birthday – something I’ll never forget!”

  • Newcastle United vs West Ham United: Premier League preview, team news, stats & head-to-head

    Newcastle United vs West Ham United: Premier League preview, team news, stats & head-to-head



    Newcastle lost this exact fixture 2-0 last season but haven’t lost consecutive home league games against West Ham since February/October 1998.West Ham are looking to complete just their third Premier League double over Newcastle, after 1998-99 and 2018-19.Newcastle have kept just one clean sheet in their last 14 Premier League games, a 1-0 win at Chelsea back in March.Newcastle have dropped more points from winning positions than any other side in the Premier League this season (27), while also gaining fewer points from behind than anyone else (3).West Ham have lost 3-0 against Brentford and 1-0 against Arsenal in their last two Premier League games. They last lost three in a row without scoring in February 2024.Newcastle have conceded a league-high 20 goals in the final 15 minutes of Premier League games this season. The only side to concede more and not be relegated in a single campaign are Crystal Palace in 2023-24 (23).West Ham have failed to score in each of their last three away league games. They last went four without a goal in April/May 2015, the fourth game of which was at Newcastle in their final away game of the season.Callum Wilson scored twice for West Ham against Bournemouth in November earlier this season. Only two players have scored 2+ goals in a match against two different former sides in a Premier League campaign – Chris Wood in 2023-24 (vs Burnley and Newcastle) and Nicolas Anelka in 2006-07 (vs Arsenal and Man City).West Ham’s Tomás Soucek has scored more Premier League goals against Newcastle than he has vs any other opponent (5). He’s one goal or assist away from being only the second Czech player to register 50 goal involvements in the Premier League (41 goals, 8 assists) after Patrik Berger (38 goals, 31 assists).Harvey Barnes has been involved in 21 goals in all competitions for Newcastle this season (16 goals, 5 assists), second only to Anthony Gordon. It’s his most goals scored in a season in his career in English football, while only in 2021-22 with Leicester has he been involved in more (24 – 11 goals, 13 assists).

  • Windrush Tea Party Returns to Celebrate Caribbean Culture, Community and Legacy – Love Business East Midlands

    Windrush Tea Party Returns to Celebrate Caribbean Culture, Community and Legacy – Love Business East Midlands


    Added by Love Business East Midlands | 15 May 2026

    Leicester’s Museum Square will once again be transformed into a vibrant hub of Caribbean joy as the Windrush Tea Party returns for another amazing celebration on Saturday 20th June.

    Organised by Opal22, the event takes place from 12pm to 8pm at Museum Square, New Walk, Leicester, and invites families, friends, and communities of all backgrounds to come together for an unforgettable day honouring the legacy of the Windrush Generation. With entrance operating on a ‘pay-what-you-can-afford’ basis to help keep the celebration accessible to all, the event offers opportunities to celebrate the stories, traditions, and contributions that continue to shape Britain today.

    Windrush Day marks an important opportunity to celebrate and recognise the Caribbean migrants who answered Britain’s call after World War II and helped rebuild the country. From the NHS and transport services to education and public services, the Windrush Generation became the backbone of modern Britain. Despite facing racism, discrimination, and difficult working conditions, they brought resilience, culture, music, food, and a strong sense of community that continues to shape Britain today. 

    The Windrush Tea Party is our way of saying thank you, by sharing stories, celebrating Caribbean heritage, and honouring the generations whose contributions deserve to be remembered and celebrated.

    Visitors can look forward to a full day of festive delights, including live performances from celebrated artists and emerging talent, uplifting steel pan music, and Caribbean food stalls serving mouthwatering flavours from across the islands. The event will also feature cultural market stalls offering handmade goods, artwork, and keepsakes, alongside a dedicated Kids’ Activity Corner packed with games, crafts, and family-friendly fun. Guests can enjoy friendly competition and community spirit at the Dominoes Corner, relax and dance in the heart of the celebration, or indulge in the Caribbean High Tea Experience — a luxurious Caribbean-inspired twist on a classic British tradition.

    Headlining This Year’s Celebration:

    This year’s event will be hosted by comedian Annette Fagon, bringing laughter, energy, and plenty of entertainment throughout the day.

    Headlining the event will be special guest appearances from beloved Gogglebox stars Sandi and Sandra, whose presence adds major excitement and star power to this year’s celebration.

    They will be joined by incredible live performances from:

    Contrast Steel Band
    Attraction B
    Angela’s Angels
    Sam Harris

    Plus many more special musical guests and performers bringing the sounds and rhythms of the Caribbean to Leicester city centre.

    Caribbean High Tea

    For those looking to indulge, a Caribbean-Infused High Tea is available for pre-order and offers the perfect way to relax and soak up the atmosphere.

    For just £35 per person, guests will have access to a sheltered seating area within the square while enjoying a carefully curated High Tea experience with a Caribbean twist. With your own space to rest and refresh while still enjoying full access to the event, all you need to do is sit back and enjoy the atmosphere around you.

    As part of our long-standing tradition, we are offering a reduced High Tea to our invited Windrush elders as a heartfelt thank-you for their contributions and sacrifices.

    Pre-booking is required for all High Tea guests, including elders. Visit https://opal22.co.uk/ to reserve your place .

    PAY WHAT YOU CAN AFFORD AND SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY

    This year, entrance to the Windrush Tea Party will operate on a pay-what-you-can afford basis, helping to support the future growth and sustainability of this much-loved community celebration while ensuring the event remains accessible to all. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps Opal22 continue delivering a vibrant day of culture, entertainment, education, and community connection, while supporting event production, performers, community engagement, and the preservation of this important annual tradition.

    By contributing what they can, attendees play a valuable part in ensuring the Windrush Tea Party can continue celebrating Caribbean heritage and honouring the Windrush Generation for many years to come.

    Come celebrate the Windrush Generation, Caribbean culture, and the power of community. Let’s make this Windrush Tea Party one to remember!

    For more information about the Windrush Tea Party and other initiatives by Opal22, visit www.opal22.co.uk

    Event Details:

    Date: Saturday June 20th, 2026Time: 12pm – 8pmLocation: Museum Square, New Walk, LeicesterEntry: Pay What You Can AffordHigh Tea Experience: £35 per person (advance booking required)

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