Charnwood Borough Council announces exciting events programme for 2026

From specialist markets and a summer cinema to the thrills of Loughborough Fair, this year is set to be action packed with events.
Charnwood Borough Council has revealed its event programme and is investing around £160,000 over the next two years to ensure they continue to be free to attend, and there is plenty for residents and visitors to enjoy.
It also recognises the important role events play in encouraging people to visit the area and the positive impact it can have on the local economy.
Cllr Jennifer Tillotson, the Council’s lead member for economic development, regeneration and town centres, said: “I am delighted to confirm the details of our events this year.
“Whether you enjoy live music, local markets, family activities or simply want to soak up the atmosphere in our parks and town centre, there truly is something for everyone.
“Our events don’t just happen overnight and require a significant amount of planning and investment in order for them to be free for people to attend.
“These events not only bring people together but also support our local businesses and bring vital footfall into our town centres. We can’t wait to welcome residents and visitors to join us across the year at our events.”
A number of specialist markets will take place throughout the year alongside weekly retail and vintage markets in Loughborough. The first artisan market of the year took place on Sunday, 22 March.
In addition, Loughborough hosts a retail market every week on Thursday and Saturday and a vintage market on Fridays.
A food festival will also return to Market Place in June alongside an artisan market.
The popular bandstand concerts will return to Queen’s Park during the summer months with musical groups from across the borough performing to crowds. The award-winning park will also host a Summer Cinema in July along with Music in the Park at the end of September.
The historic Loughborough Fair and the annual Christmas Lights Switch-on will round off the year with both events attracting thousands of visitors to the town centre.
The full list of Council events can be found below:
Sunday, 17 May,10am until 4pm – Food Festival & Artisan Market
Sunday, 17 May, 2pm – Loughborough Student Union (LSU) Classical Concert Band, Bandstand concert, Queen’s Park, Loughborough
Sunday, 24 May, 2pm – Bellatones Band, Bandstand concert, Queen’s Park, Loughborough
Sunday, 31 May, 2pm – Charnwood Symphonic Wind Orchestra, Bandstand concert, Queen’s Park, Loughborough
Sunday, 7 June, 2pm – Junkyard Cats Jazz Band, Bandstand concert, Queen’s Park, Loughborough
Sunday, 14 June, 2pm – Ratby Crescendo Brass Band, Bandstand concert, Queen’s Park, Loughborough
Sunday, 21 June, 2pm – Charnwood Concert Band, Bandstand concert, Queen’s Park, Loughborough
Saturday, 27 June – Armed Forces Day, Queen’s Park, Loughborough
Sunday, 28 June, 10am until 4pm – Artisan Market
Sunday, 28 June, 2pm – Melbourne Town Band, Bandstand concert, Queen’s Park, Loughborough
Sunday, 5 July- Summer Cinema, Queen’s Park, Loughborough
Sunday, 12 July, 2pm – Loughborough Concert Band, Bandstand concert, Queen’s Park, Loughborough
Sunday, 19 July, 10am until 4pm – Artisan Market
Sunday, 19 July, 2pm – Loughborough Male Voice Choir, Bandstand concert, Queen’s Park, Loughborough
Sunday, 26 July, 2pm – Quorn Ukulele Orchestra, Bandstand concert, Queen’s Park, Loughborough
Sunday, 2 August, 2pm – Melton Band, Bandstand concert, Queen’s Park, Loughborough
Sunday, 9 August – Loughborough Mela
Sunday, 16 August, 2pm – New Orleans Hotshots Jazz Band, Bandstand concert, Queen’s Park, Loughborough
Sunday, 23 August, 10am until 4pm – Artisan Market
Sunday, 23 August, 2pm – Syston Town Band, Bandstand concert, Queen’s Park, Loughborough
Sunday, 6 September, 2pm – Enderby Concert Band, Bandstand concert, Queen’s Park, Loughborough
Sunday, 13 September, 2pm – Nottingham Concert Band, Bandstand concert, Queen’s Park, Loughborough
Sunday, 20 September, 10am until 4pm – Artisan Market
Sunday, 27 September, 12pm until 6pm – Music in the Park, Queen’s Park, Loughborough
Sunday, 11 October, 10am until 4pm – Kickstart Market
Sunday, 11 October, 2pm – Loughborough Student Union (LSU) Classical Concert Band, Bandstand concert, Queen’s Park, Loughborough
Sunday, 18 October, 10am until 4pm – Artisan Market
Monday, 26 October, 7pm – Diwali
Sunday, 8 November (two-minute silence at 11am) – Remembrance Sunday, Loughborough Town Centre (start of parade at 10.20am) and Queen’s Park for Remembrance service
Wednesday, 11 November – Saturday, 14 November – Loughborough Fair
Sunday, 22 November, 10am until 4pm – Artisan Market
Friday, 27 November, 4pm until 8pm – Christmas Lights Switch-On
Sunday, 20 December, 10am until 4pm – Artisan Market
Please note, these events are subject to change.
People are encouraged to visit Discover Charnwood to view events from across the borough which are organised by other organisations and community groups. https://www.discovercharnwood.co.uk
The Council also works with a number of partner organisations to support other events taking place in Loughborough town centre and parks including Pinder’s’ Circus, Loughborough by the Sea and Love Loughborough’s Gardeners’ Fairs.
More details about these events can be found at: https://www.charnwood.gov.uk/events
Getting involved in Council events
Traders and organisations are encouraged to contact the Council’s markets team if they are interested in being involved with any of the markets. Please email the Council’s markets team on: markets@charnwood.gov.uk
Businesses interested in sponsoring Council events are encouraged to contact the Council’s events team as soon as possible. Anyone looking to perform at any of this year’s Council events can also contact the team on events@charnwood.gov.uk
To keep up to date with all the latest news and information on events held in Charnwood, sign up for email alerts and follow the Council’s social media pages: @CharnwoodBC.