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 will take 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 (hosted by Fosse 107) 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, 22 March 2026, 10am until 4pm – Artisan Market
• Sunday, 19 April 2026, 10am until 4pm – Artisan Market
• Sunday, 26 April 2026, 10am until 4pm – Kickstart Market
• Sunday, 17 May 2026,10am until 4pm – Food Festival & Artisan Market
• Sunday, 17 May 2026, 2pm - Loughborough Student Union (LSU) Classical Concert Band, Bandstand concert, Queen's Park, Loughborough
• Sunday, 24 May 2026, 2pm - Bellatones Band, Bandstand concert, Queen's Park, Loughborough
• Sunday, 31 May 2026, 2pm - Charnwood Symphonic Wind Orchestra, Bandstand concert, Queen's Park, Loughborough
• Sunday, 7 June 2026, 2pm - Junkyard Cats Jazz Band, Bandstand concert, Queen's Park, Loughborough
• Sunday, 14 June 2026, 2pm - Ratby Crescendo Brass Band, Bandstand concert, Queen's Park, Loughborough
• Sunday, 21 June 2026, 2pm - Charnwood Concert Band, Bandstand concert, Queen's Park, Loughborough
• Saturday, 27 June 2026 - Armed Forces Day, Queen's Park, Loughborough
• Sunday, 28 June 2026, 10am until 4pm – Artisan Market
• Sunday, 28 June 2026, 2pm - Melbourne Town Band, Bandstand concert, Queen's Park, Loughborough
• Sunday, 5 July 2026- Summer Cinema, Queen's Park, Loughborough
• Sunday, 12 July 2026, 2pm - Loughborough Concert Band, Bandstand concert, Queen's Park, Loughborough
• Sunday, 19 July 2026, 10am until 4pm – Artisan Market
• Sunday, 19 July 2026, 2pm - Loughborough Male Voice Choir, Bandstand concert, Queen's Park, Loughborough
• Sunday, 26 July 2026, 2pm - Quorn Ukulele Orchestra, Bandstand concert, Queen's Park, Loughborough
• Sunday, 2 August 2026, 2pm - Melton Band, Bandstand concert, Queen's Park, Loughborough
• Sunday, 9 August 2026 – Loughborough Mela
• Sunday, 16 August 2026, 2pm - New Orleans Hotshots Jazz Band, Bandstand concert, Queen's Park, Loughborough
• Sunday, 23 August 2026, 10am until 4pm – Artisan Market
• Sunday, 23 August 2026, 2pm - Syston Town Band, Bandstand concert, Queen's Park, Loughborough
• Sunday, 6 September 2026, 2pm - Enderby Concert Band, Bandstand concert, Queen's Park, Loughborough
• Sunday, 13 September 2026, 2pm - Nottingham Concert Band, Bandstand concert, Queen's Park, Loughborough
• Sunday, 20 September 2026, 10am until 4pm – Artisan Market
• Sunday, 27 September 2026, 12pm until 6pm - Music in the Park, Queen's Park, Loughborough hosted by Fosse 107
• Sunday, 11 October 2026, 10am until 4pm – Kickstart Market
• Sunday, 11 October 2026, 2pm - Loughborough Student Union (LSU) Classical Concert Band, Bandstand concert, Queen's Park, Loughborough
• Sunday, 18 October 2026, 10am until 4pm – Artisan Market
• Monday, 26 October 2026, 7pm – Diwali
• Sunday, 8 November 2026 (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 2026 - Saturday, 14 November 2026 - Loughborough Fair
• Sunday, 22 November 2026, 10am until 4pm – Artisan Market
• Friday, 27 November 2026, 4pm until 8pm - Christmas Lights Switch-On hosted by Fosse 107
• Sunday, 20 December 2026, 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. 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: www.charnwood.gov.uk/events