Category: Leicester

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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The devastated family of a man fatally injured by a car in Arnold have shared a deeply moving tribute to him.Tyler Fairman passed away on Tuesday (12 May) night — several days after a vehicle mounted a kerb and struck him.The 26-year-old was one of multiple pedestrians who were injured by the red Vauxhall Astra in Market Place at 1.12 am on Saturday (9 May).Despite the best efforts of medical professionals, Tyler was tragically pronounced dead days later, with a murder investigation subsequently being launched by detectives.Tyler’s heartbroken family have now written some words, which we can share today, paying tribute to someone who was “loved by everyone around him.”- Advertisement -They said:“On Tuesday, 12 May 2026, we lost our beautiful boy, Tyler Shea Fairman.“There are no words now, nor will there ever be, to truly describe how broken this has left us all. Our hearts are shattered, and the world has become a much darker place without him in it.“Anyone who knew Tyler knew there was never a bad word to say about him. He was the kind of person who would do anything for anybody. He was always there for everyone and was a devoted partner, a loyal friend, a loving son, and a father figure to so many people around him. If somebody needed support, Tyler would be there in a heartbeat.“From being a little boy, Tyler had the most infectious smile and laugh. He could light up any room he walked into, whether it was through his silly jokes, his kindness, or simply the way he made people feel safe and loved. He always knew how to make people feel better when they were down.“Nothing will ever feel the same again.“Tyler will always live on through his brothers and sisters, his beautiful two-year-old son, his partner, and his soon-to-be-born daughter. He was an incredibly proud family man who worked hard every single day to provide for the family he loved. He had his whole life ahead of him until it was cruelly ripped away in circumstances that are every parent’s worst nightmare.“Tyler truly had a heart of gold, and with his passing, we have all lost a part of ourselves.“He loved football, and one of his biggest dreams was to one day take his little boy to football and stand watching him from the sidelines, just as we proudly did for Tyler when he was young.“The hundreds of messages, tributes, and support we have received from people sharing how Tyler touched their lives in such a positive way have shown us just how deeply he was loved by everyone around him.“The pain we are feeling because of Tyler’s senseless death is unimaginable — a pain no family should ever have to endure and something we still cannot fully comprehend. But through all this heartbreak, we remain so unbelievably proud of the young man he was and everything he achieved in his life.“Tyler will be loved forever, missed beyond words, and remembered every single day for the incredible person he was. We love you always.”Suspect Duane Anthony was arrested on Saturday evening and charged with five counts of attempted murder on Monday (11 May) morning.The 40-year-old was additionally charged with aggravated vehicle taking, driving while disqualified, and driving without valid insurance.Anthony, of Marton Road, Bulwell, was remanded into custody on Monday. He is currently next due to appear at Nottingham Crown Court on 8 June, while a trial date at the same court has been set for 7 October.Detective Inspector Clare Gibson, of Nottinghamshire Police, added:“I’d firstly like to thank Tyler’s family for sharing such a moving tribute, which I imagine must’ve been incredibly difficult to write.“While once again expressing our deepest condolences for their loss, I’d also like to reiterate the family’s previous plea to give them privacy and allow them to grieve in peace.“A murder investigation is now underway following Tyler’s death, so anything relating to this incident should be shared with the police, not online, as doing so could potentially impede the pursuit of justice.“That includes any videos relating to the incident, which should be shared with the police and taken off social media immediately.”Anyone who witnessed what happened or has any information relating to the incident should please call 101, quoting incident 46 of 9 May 2026.

Added by Love Business East Midlands | 14 May 2026

FORMATFIFTY9, a newly launched print and design services company, has opened its doors in Wigston, Leicestershire. The venture delivers high quality screen printing, digital printing, and finishing services designed for brands that demand premium print.

FORMATFIFTY9 will boast the largest screen print department in the region, with the backing of significant business funding and additional investment in new digital printing and cutting machinery. The company has already secured several major contracts prior to launch, demonstrating immediate market demand for its integrated services and fast-turnaround capability.

FORMATFIFTY9 has been founded by former employees of blink print limited, who were made redundant when it fell into administration back in January of this year. They are joined by several ex-staff from another Leicestershire-based company, EJB Screen Print. At the helm are Co-Founders Alfie Chambers and his aunt Sally Crisp – a family partnership, and a notably rare example of female leadership in an industry that remains predominantly male.

Together, they bring years of accumulated expertise in high-volume production and customerfocused delivery. The founding team recognised an opportunity to establish a dedicated operation focused on quality, speed, and service excellence – building on lessons learned and relationships forged within the wider printing sector.

FORMATFIFTY9 represents a fresh start built on operational knowledge and market understanding, with no involvement from previous blink management.

The new operation is equipped with a FujiFilm Acuity Prime Hybrid (4c + White, 2m wide), a Kongsberg X44 digital cutting table (3x2m bed, capable of cutting, creasing, kiss-cutting and milling). Screen printing capability extends to 1,600 x 1,000mm. 

Announcing the company’s official launch, Alfie Chambers, Co-Founder & Director of

FORMATFIFTY9 – and nephew to fellow Co-Founder Sally Crisp – said:

“FORMATFIFTY9 was born out of a difficult moment, but also out of a real belief that we could do things better. Sally and I saw an opportunity to build something from the ground up: a business with the right people, the right equipment, and the right values. We’re not just print providers – we’re a partner that genuinely cares about the quality of what we deliver and the relationships we build. The fact that we’re family makes us even more committed to getting this right.”

Sally Crisp, Co-Founder & Director of FORMATFIFTY9 – and Alfie’s aunt – added:

“Building FORMATFIFTY9 alongside Alfie felt like a chance to do something different – to create a business where brilliant work speaks for itself, whoever is behind it. We bring different things to the table: different experience, different perspectives, different generations. That’s our strength. And yes – the fact that we’re family means we’re in it for the long haul. Together, this is something we’re incredibly proud of.”

Services offered include wide format digital printing, small format digital production, contract screen printing, design services, 2D and 3D prototyping, and a full range of finishing services including binding, lamination, and bespoke packaging solutions.

FORMATFIFTY9 welcomes enquiries from design agencies, brand owners, retailers, and organisations requiring high-quality print services. The company is accepting new business enquiries and is available to discuss project specifications, timescales, and competitive quotations.

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Courier fraud occurs when a fraudster contacts the victim claiming to be a police officer or bank official, the force said.The fraudster, usually calling by phone, sounds plausible and may confirm the victim’s name and address, basic information which could be obtained easily, police added.Nicole McIntyre, from the force’s economic crime unit, said: “While the courier fraud scam is one we are very familiar with, and is always one of concern, it is unusual that the suspect has returned to the address and also stolen jewellery. “Suspects target elderly or vulnerable people and often sound genuine to gain the trust of the victims. “Clearly, knowing the victim has already handed over her bank card and PIN, he has returned exploiting her vulnerability once more.”We want to remind people that police or banks would not contact people in this way. “If you get a call like this, hang up. If you get a visit at your door from someone claiming to be police officer and they need to take your bank card to trace any fraudulent transactions, do not hand over your card and close the door.”

Added by Love Business East Midlands | 13 May 2026

Ventola Projects has officially announced mutual collaboration agreement with creative technology specialist Teq4, further cementing its position within the VAvR Global Alliance. 

The agreement, formalised in early May during a major business convention in Brighton, marks a significant evolution in the relationship between the two companies. By merging Ventola Projects’ industry-leading display, lighting technologies and AV integration with Teq4’s interactive creative systems, the partnership aims to deliver a new standard of integrated, experience-led solutions for the leisure and entertainment sectors. 

This milestone builds upon a successful year of cooperation, which saw the launch of the Beyond Bowling concept. This digitally augmented, immersive bowling experience was developed in alignment with the VAvR Global Alliance to transform traditional bowling lanes into interactive environments. 

Mick Ventola, Founder of Ventola Projects, commented on the significance of the deal: 

“Through the VAvR Global Alliance, we’re bringing together best-in-class technologies and creative expertise to deliver fully integrated solutions for the leisure and entertainment sector. This collaboration with Teq4 strengthens our ability to support operators with scalable, future-ready experiences that are both impactful and easy to integrate.” 

John Bullivant, CEO of Teq4, added: 

“Signing this agreement marks an important milestone in our relationship with Ventola Projects and the wider VAvR Global Alliance. Over the past year, we’ve demonstrated the potential of combining creative technology with robust AV infrastructure, and this formal collaboration allows us to move faster and go further. Together, we’re focused on delivering engaging, commercially viable experiences that raise the bar for entertainment venues.” 

Looking ahead, Ventola Projects and Teq4 will continue to focus on creating cohesive offerings that integrate effortlessly with existing venue layouts while pushing the boundaries of what is possible in experiential entertainment. Further joint initiatives and product developments are expected to be announced as the collaboration matures. 

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Three cats were rescued by firefighters following a blaze at a flat in Leicester caused by an electrical fault with a fridge freezer.Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service said crews from Central and Wigston Fire Stations were called to Saffron Court in Southfields Drive at 15:05 BST on Monday.The service said all people were accounted for and three pet cats were rescued by firefighters with the blaze being extinguished by 16:38.The cause of the fire in the kitchen on the second floor of the property was found to be accidental, it added.

De Montfort University (DMU) will launch a future focused London campus this month, as it aims to help businesses meet growing skills demands around AI and sustainability.
DMU London, which delivers an exclusive range of applied business, digital and leadership courses, will host United Nations, business and higher education leaders at a launch event at its new campus in Aldgate East on Thursday, 14 May.
The campus has been designed to link academic study more closely with industry practice, with employers involved in course design and delivery to develop work-ready talent equipped with AI, digital, leadership and sustainability skills.
Students work on live business challenges as part of their studies with the aim of graduating with practical experience alongside academic knowledge, with courses delivered through a block teaching model. The block teaching model focuses on one subject at a time and is taught over two days of timetabled classes to support those balancing study with work or other commitments, as well as students who commute from outside London.
The university has worked with organisations including IBM, Barclays, Deloitte and PwC, alongside startups such as fintech platform Ekko to shape its curriculum and industry placements, with courses including a Global MBA in Responsible Leadership, MSc International Business and Sustainability Management, MSc Project Management with Sustainability, MSc Cyber Security and Artificial Intelligence, and MSc Responsible Data Analytics and Bachelors in Management .
Students will take part in DMU’s EDGE skills development programme, which focuses on employability, digital skills, sustainability and enterprise as they complete projects based on real-world challenges.
Each course is focused on reinforcing and growing sustainable practices across industry, drawing on DMU’s position as the UK’s only United Nations Academic Impact Global Hub for Sustainable Cities and Communities, with sustainability embedded across teaching and partnerships in accordance with Sustainable Development Goal 11.
Senior leaders from the university and across the higher education sector will attend a launch event to mark the opening of this innovative new campus, alongside representatives from the United Nations, DMU alumni and students, as well as policymakers and industry leaders from technology, sustainability and professional services.
DMU London will also support local communities through a range of collaborative projects and partnerships, alongside developing CPD and executive education opportunities to upskill residents and local professionals.
Prof Katie Normington, Vice-Chancellor of De Montfort University, said:
“DMU London has been created to close the gap between what higher education provides and what modern economies require, and we are looking forward to welcoming a host of industry leaders, alumni and students to launch it with us.
“Our aim is to develop graduates who are not only academically strong, but able to apply their skills in real-world contexts from the outset, particularly in areas shaping the future of business such as AI, data and sustainability.
“By working closely with employers and embedding these priorities into our model, we are building a pipeline of talent that can support innovation, productivity and more sustainable growth.”
Sherri Aldis, Director of the UN Regional Information Centre for Western Europe, said:
“We will only achieve the Sustainable Development Goals through genuine collaboration between education, industry and communities. Universities have a vital role to play in equipping people not only with knowledge, but with the practical skills, creativity and partnerships needed to tackle the environmental and social challenges facing our world.
“As the only university in the UK to be a United Nations’ Academic Impact Hub Chair for one of the Sustainable Development Goals, De Montfort University has been demonstrating their sincere dedication to sustainability for years. The launch of the new campus takes this commitment even further, with its strong focus on the SDGs, and a model of learning that opens doors to people from a wide range of backgrounds, encouraging the inclusive innovation we need.”
Hannah Bernard, Group Director of Business Banking, Nationwide, added:
“The pace of change across AI, data and sustainability means the way we develop talent has to evolve just as quickly. We need graduates who can apply their knowledge in real-world settings, think critically about the impact of their decisions, and adapt as industries continue to transform.
“The approach DMU London is taking, collaborating closely with industry and putting sustainable thinking right at the centre of its teaching will ensure students gain the practical skills, experience and mindset we need if we’re serious about building a resilient, inclusive and sustainable economy.”

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Sharon Cooke, the council’s interim director of children and family services, told a scrutiny commission meeting that a shortage of registered homes had allowed private providers to inflate what they charge the authority.She said: “At any one time, we have approximately 11 children living in residential care where they could live in a foster family if we were able to find it, and some of those children are of a very young age.”While good quality residential care plays an important part in the care of some children, currently we have children living in residential homes when they don’t need to.”The shortage of registered homes means providers are currently charging extortionate fees for places and, on occasions, forcing us to use unregulated or unregistered homes for periods of time.”Currently, a foster home will cost us between £800-a-week in-house, to about just over £1,000 for an Independent Fostering Agency (IFA).”A mainstay residential home costs us in the region of £10,000 per week per child, and some that are offering homes for children with more complex needs are far more expensive than that.”

Bobby Carmichael, 79, and a female friend were arrested on suspicion of murder after she discovered a man’s bodyKirstie McCrum Deputy Head of News, Live News Network and Jasmine Siddon17:19, 11 May 2026Bobby Carmichael spent 15 hours in a prison cell after his friend discovered a body in a Leicester park.(Image: Leicester Mercury)A Leicester pensioner’s life was plunged into a “nightmare” after police sealed off his home and detained him on suspicion of murder.Bobby Carmichael, 79, spent 15 hours in police custody before being informed that the so-called “victim”, discovered in a city park, had in fact died of natural causes.Mr Carmichael, from Beaumont Leys, revealed that both he and a female companion were taken into custody after she stumbled upon a body at Castle Gardens, Leicester, on the evening of Thursday, 7 May.He has expressed his fury following a police apology and his unconditional release without charge.Leicestershire Police launched a murder inquiry and placed the entire park under a cordon after the man’s body was found in a bush at just before 8pm, reports Leicestershire Live.Two individuals were arrested on suspicion of murder — a 46-year-old woman and Bobby, both from Leicester.A post-mortem examination subsequently concluded that the man, who was in his 40s, had died as a result of a suspected medical episode.The park entrance was closed(Image: Leicester Mercury)In light of this, police confirmed that the investigation had been stood down on Friday, 8 May, with both individuals released without further action.Mr Carmichael revealed that his companion had ventured into the park to search for a doll she believed she had misplaced the previous evening, when she made the grim discovery.He told LeicestershireLive: “My friend who I was with said she lost something of hers – a doll – the night before.”I waited in the car, and as she was coming back, she saw the body. I don’t know what happened with my friend, but she found what she was looking for, and while she was looking, she saw this body. I told her to phone the police.”Mr Carmichael and his companion returned to his Beaumont Leys residence and were settled in front of the television when there was a knock at the door.”After about 9pm, the police came round. They took my friend away, and she never came back. I had a policeman here watching me, and then one of them came in and just said, ‘Alright, let’s go’.”He explained that he initially had no clue about the identity of the deceased man, only later learning it was someone he had been acquainted with for years through his work as a taxi driver in Leicester.Mr Carmichael said: “I’d known him for a long time, but I didn’t know it was him. He was a good friend, but we fell out. I was gutted when I found out who it was.”He characterised his period in detention as “a nightmare” and labelled the police response as “over the top”, expressing concern about the police cordon established at his property.Mr Carmichael said: “The police apologised to me as I was picked up for nothing and locked up for the night. Fifteen hours.”I just can’t believe it. It’s a disgrace. Fifteen hours, and they came in and just said they were sorry. You phone the police to tell them there’s a body there, and you end up getting banged up.”You never know who’s going to see it and turn up outside. That’s the lowest of the low, really, when you’re innocent and don’t know what they’re doing. It was vile and just horrible. The police apologised to me, but it’s too late for that.”Leicestershire Police confirmed an investigation will be carried out on behalf of HM Coroner to establish the circumstances surrounding the man’s death.Detective Inspector Lorna Granville, the senior investigating officer, explained that officers were duty-bound to make the arrests based on the information they had at that time.She stated the cordoning off of the scene and the arrests were lawful and conducted in line with the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984.DI Granville said that after Friday’s post-mortem examination, which determined the man had died from a suspected medical episode, both people were released without further action.She added that officers had met with those arrested to clarify why the measures were required and “acknowledged the distress the situation may have caused them”.Ensure our latest news and sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source.

A Post Office that was severely damaged when thieves smashed into the shop and stole a cash machine is due to reopen in the summer.The branch in Markfield, Leicestershire, has been closed since it sustained “significant structural damage” when a telehandler was used to ram into the premises in November.The Post Office has now announced it hopes to reopen the centre in Chitterman Way, which also included a Londis shop, in August.A spokesperson said: “The postmaster and Post Office are keen to restore service as soon as possible and we hope that repair work can soon begin as we know how important a Post Office is to a community.”