An Indian Summer is set to transform the city into a mecca for South Asian arts and culture this August. Now in its 7th year, the annual festival brings together diverse communities and cultures in Leicester.
As part of the celebrations, the 70 Rickshaws event will offer visitors the chance to hop on for a free ride on Sunday 13 August. These vibrant passenger cars, traditionally used in India and Pakistan are aiming to make 70 rides in an hour and will be stopping at King Power Stadium, Highcross Shopping Centre and Cathedral Gardens.
The rickshaws will also accompany cyclists taking part in British Cycling and Ride Leicester as they race through the city’s streets.
An Indian Summer is the longest festival celebrating South Asian culture outside of Asia and 70 Rickshaws is being held to mark the 70th anniversary of India and Pakistan’s Independence.
The festival has been organised by Inspirate, the team behind Bring The Paint which took place earlier this year. Festival Director Jiten Anand of Inspirate, said: “As a cultural organisation we are delighted to bring this range of world-class programming to the people of Leicester and beyond.
Our goal is to represent the next generation of South Asian arts and culture on the national stage and share this with as many communities as we can.”
This year, the event is collaborating with Enter Edem, a production company based in South Wigston, who are dressing the rickshaws and a giant elephant with colourful fabric, sequins and flowers.
Assistant City Mayor Piara Singh Clair says, “I am very pleased to welcome An Indian Summer to Leicester in 2017. This is a fantastic project showcasing Indian heritage and culture in creative ways across the city. An Indian Summer is part of the City Festival, which represents all areas of sports, arts and culture which takes place in the city, and I am delighted to have An Indian Summer as partner organisation in this city-wide festival.”
A variety of events have been planned over the next months, from a family-friendly outdoor cinema in Jubilee Square (18th August 8:45PM) to showcasing young artists from South Asian descent including Nadim Chaudry and The White Pube, at LCB Depot.
