Journeys Festival International
Let the Journey Begin
This October, discover immersive art, inspiring films, hilarious comedy and more, as Journey Festival International returns to Leicester city centre.
Throughout the festival, you’ll discover stories of migration and community, uncover new perspectives, and celebrate the rich diversity that makes our city, and our world, a more connected place.
Your Festival Guide
Look out for these quick and easy keyword bubbles throughout the guide—they’ll help you know what to expect along the way so you can find the right activity for you. If you have any questions or specific access requirements, please contact Amelia at hello@artreach.org.uk.
Activity Bubbles
Accessibility Bubbles
Sirens: Songs of Sisterhood by Liminal Creative
As you wander through the glowing constellation, seven tactile, rock-like forms transform with watery hues and hidden voices, creating an ever-changing soundscape.
Sirens: Songs of Sisterhood is inspired by the views of women in global society, seen through the lens of ancient mythology. This special Leicester edition is shaped by the voices and experiences of a local women’s group.
Originally commissioned by Freedom Festival Arts Trust, funded by Arts Council England and supported by Norwich Arts Centre.
Image by Emma Denby
No Direction Home by
Counterpoint Arts
Unfiltered, unexpected and unapologetically funny!
Counterpoints Arts presents No Direction
Home—a powerful night of comedy featuring a fresh collective of stand-up comedians from refugee and migrant backgrounds. Using laughter as a tool for connection and resistance, they share sharp wit and personal stories you won’t hear anywhere else.
Featuring comedians Hossam Fazulla, Yasmeen Ghrawi and Victor Rios, with Leicester compère Ishi Khan.
Tickets: £12
Journeys Film Programme
with Phoenix Cinema
Phoenix Cinema 10 - 12 October
Join us for an exciting journey into the world of film.
This year, we’re partnering with Phoenix Cinema to bring you a special programme of films, workshops, and discussions that invite you to reflect on migration, explore di erent journeys, and celebrate the many ways we find home.
Friday 10 October | 7.30pm
English/Kurdish/BSL with subtitles.
Saturday 11 October | 3.00pm Flow (U) 2025 Oscar Winner: Best Animated Feature.
Fire At Sea (12A)
Saturday 11 October | 7.30pm English and Italian with English subtitles.
Sunday 12 October | 3.00pm Persepolis (12A)
Sunday 12 October | 6.15pm
French with English subtitles. Gagarine (12A)
Tickets: Pay What You Can Scan for programme updates and to pre-book your tickets.
by Sam
And... Breathe by Pif-Paf
Take a moment, breathe, and step into a world of light, sound and connection.
And... Breathe is a new sound and light installation from Pif-Paf. Stay a while and enjoy a fully immersive experience—use your breath to interact with light and sound, creating a moment of calm within Leicester Cathedral.
Twilight Yoga
Wednesday 15 October 6.15pm – 7.30pm Ticketed
Scan to pre-book your tickets.
10 – 21 October Monday – Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm Saturday 10.00am – 5.00pm Sunday 12.00pm – 3.00pm
Twilight Sessions 11, 13, 16 October 6.30pm – 8.30pm
Image
McQueen
Festival Hub
10 – 12 October
11.00am – 4.00pm
Drop in to the Festival Hub for free, family-friendly creativity and helpful festival info.
On Saturday and Sunday, join artist Ferdous Hussein to cra your own Story Jar of personal tales and memories, then enjoy more hands-on activities with local artists.
A special thanks to the Haymarket Shopping Centre for hosting our Festival Hub.
shado X DMU Panel
Join the conversation as students, academics, journalists, and artists come together to explore free speech and journalism in the 21st century.
Through lived experience storytelling, the panel will discuss censorship, the power of media, and how technology shapes public opinion.
Presented in partnership with De Montfort University and shado magazine.
Tickets: Free Scan for updates and to pre-book your free tickets.
Leicester Gallery
Friday 10 October 6
Story Chefs
by Maison Foo
Theatre, food and around the world fun for the whole family.
Whether you’re 6 or 106, this unique theatre and food experience serves up delicious stories with a spoonful of mischief and a sprinkle of magic.
A er the show, try food tasters from around the world, lovingly made and served at the pop-up Story Chefs Kitchen by the Creative Sanctuary Group.
Tickets: £5 Scan to pre-book your tickets.
Image by Jon Legge
Design by Rodborough Framing Studio
Festival Schedule
Friday 10 October
Saturday 11 October
Sunday 12 October
