Re/action Festival 2025 Programme

creativity for the climate 26 — 27 July 2025 Leicester City Centre

ReactionFestival.co.uk #ReactionFestival2025

@ArtReachEvents @_ArtReach

Re/action Festival celebrating creativity for the climate

Welcome to Re/action Festival 2025 — two packed days of outdoor performances, exhibitions, installations, workshops and events. This year’s festival invites you to spark conversations and take action through creativity — for the climate, for the community, and for positive change.

This year, we invite you to explore what it means to Re/connect with nature, Re/think our choices, and Re/build our collective future. Whether through performance, exhibition, storytelling, creative workshops or circular fashion, every part of Re/action shows how creative acts — large or small — can have a lasting impact.

We’re proud to present a free programme for all ages — from striking performances and creative workshops to moments of reflection and celebration. Expect a weekend shaped by curiosity, creativity and collective action.

This year’s festival includes the premiere of DIRT! by She Said Jump, a powerful new outdoor show exploring our connection to the ground beneath our feet. We’re also thrilled to debut the Leicester Nirvana FC outdoor exhibition, a photographic tribute to activism, football and local identity, created with Opal 22.

Returning for 2025 is The Big Swap, inviting festival-goers to reimagine their wardrobes through sharing, repair and circular fashion. We would also like to extend thanks to De Montfort University, Leicester City Council and Leicester Haymarket Shopping Centre for their support.

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To find out how you can travel to the festival and get around the city in an environmentally friendly way, visit choosehowyoumove.co.uk Follow and share your experience using #ReActionFestival2025 You’ll also find updates, behind-the-scenes content and full event info at reactionfestival.co.uk and on our Instagram or Facebook @ArtReachEvents

Credit: DIRT! by She Said Jump

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Access Key

Throughout the festival guide, you’ll find these icons that will help you know what to expect from the festival.

Speech free

5+ Age recommendation

Audio described

Easy read

On the move

Loud moments

Wheelchair accessible

Transcript available

Join in

Touch tour available

Subtitles

Suitable for all ages

ALL

abc

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DIRT!

A Circus Adventure Underground

by She Said Jump

With aerial circus, puppetry, a walk-through performance space, and an audio-describing earthworm, DIRT! invites audiences to fall down the worm-hole and journey underground into the living ecosystem of the soil, exploring our connection to the earth and each other.

The Story…

While tidying the fallen leaves from her lawn one day, Human (a human) finds herself falling headfirst down a giant wormhole, landing at the centre of an underground circus! She’s as shocked to be there as the ‘Worms of Wonder’ are to suddenly have an unrehearsed human in the ring, but the show must go on, and besides, they could do with an extra pair of hands to fix the place up, the circus really has seen better days… Join Human and the Worms as they struggle to keep the walls from crumbling, and try to discover what’s destroying the circus…

Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 July 12.30pm – 1.05pm 3.30pm – 4.05pm Jubilee Square

Credit: DIRT! by She Said Jump

Created & directed by Maisie Whitehead & Malik Ibheis Design — Katy Hoste Musical direction — Wayne Walker Allen Rigging — Joel Le Clercq Devised by the company and collaborators with additional outside eye support from Charlotte Mooney (Ockham’s Razor), and access & audio description dramaturgy from Quiplash.

Audio described Wheelchair accessible Touch tour available 5+ Age recommendation

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Transforming Trash Installation

by Kala Arts and local communities See a giant bumblebee hover above a city street! Children from across Leicester have come together to create a powerful new art installation made from reused and recycled materials — expressing their hopes, concerns, and bold ideas about climate justice.

Kala Arts is proud to lead this commission for the Re/action Festival, collaborating with schools and local community groups to co-create Transforming Trash — a hands-on artistic response to climate change and its impact on animals, people, and the planet.

Through engaging workshops in primary schools and community centres, young people explored environmental themes and gained practical skills in sustainable making.

Their vibrant, thought-provoking artworks now form a street art trail along Silver Street, linking Re/action Festival sites with a message of creativity, care, and action.

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Rooted in Kala Arts’ mission to empower communities through creativity, this project celebrates collaboration, climate awareness, and cultural expression — turning waste into wonder and ideas into impact.

Special thanks to Dryad Arts & Crafts, Saffron Cares, LOROS, and the creative businesses at LCB Depot for their generous material donations and support.

Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 July 11.00am – 5.00pm Silver Street and Guildhall Lane

Speech free

Suitable for all ages

On the move

Wheelchair accessible

ALL

Urban Oasis

by Neighbourhood Watch Stilts International Urban Oasis brings a uniquely creative approach to changing how we see insects and the critical role they play in the environment.

Come and play in the oasis, where enormous bees, ants, wasps and butterflies leap to life as if straight from a storybook.

But their message is no fantasy: behind the vivid costumes and street theatre spectacle lies a powerful reminder of the vital part insects play in our ecosystems — as pollinators, predators and recyclers. This is a bold, beautiful performance with a serious edge. Every garden deserves a visit.

Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 July 11.50am – 12.20pm 1.10pm – 1.40pm 3.00pm – 3.30pm Jubilee Square

Join in Speech free

Suitable for all ages

On the move

Wheelchair accessible

ALL

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Accelerate

by Highly Sprung

When it comes to the environment, are we really ready for change?

The planet is fighting back and it’s getting messy, with the “dirty” energy that fuels us running out of steam. Accelerate explores how climate change is directly affecting the world’s fuel supply and energy production, as well as impacting the physical resilience of energy infrastructures and ultimately our mental health, as a result of fuel poverty.

Performers battle through daily life, juggling with the exhausting demands of the day to day, struggling to find the energy. With only so much fuel to get them through, reserves begin to run low.

There’s no choice — they must look for alternatives.

Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 July 11.00am – 11.30am 2.00pm – 2.30pm Jubilee Square

Suitable for all ages

ALL

Credit: Image by Andrew Moore

Loud moments Wheelchair accessible

Easy read

abc

Transcript available

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Follow our Sign Spinners as they guide you between different areas of the festival! Sign Spinning is a street advertising practice and competitive spectacle from the US, where people flip signs in the air and do tricks before catching them again. Expect impressive stunts and gymnastics moves with arrows that will point you in the right direction.

Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 July 11.00am – 5.00pm Silver Street

Sign Spinners

by Mercurial Dance

Speech free On the move Suitable for all ages

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Wheelchair accessible

ALL

Step inside the mysterious silver OakMobile to meet the Storyteller, whose friend The Robin needs your help to get the world back in balance!

Nature-themed, multi-sensory storytelling, suitable for all ages. *Shows every 10 mins.

Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 July 11.00am – 2.00pm 3.00pm – 5.00pm Jubilee Square

The OakMobile

Suitable for all ages Wheelchair accessible

ALL

Credit: Images by Adrian Clarke

by Talking Birds

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Re/think Fashion Zone with The Big Swap

Join The Big Swap in the Re/think Fashion Zone to learn how to refresh your wardrobe the sustainable way. Bring quality t-shirts you no longer wear and swap them for something new-to-you! Plus, get creative with a free screen-printing opportunity to upcycle your swap finds or bring along any older tees needing a fresh new look in the Re/work station.

Join the big swap for a fun way to rethink fashion!

Swap up to 3 tees Bring up to 3 good-quality t-shirts to swap for a “new-to-you” tee — it’s fun, free, and great for the planet. All styles and sizes welcome!

Re/work station: pimp your tee Drop in at our screen-printing station to give your clothes a fresh twist. Bring a clean t-shirt or tote bag to upcycle — and give your garments a brand-new life.

Tees n totes donation We’re calling on communities to rummage through wardrobes and check under the stairs for forgotten totes! Cotton bags and t-shirts have become an overproduced environmental nightmare. Please bring any unused or unwanted items to our Re/think Fashion Zone to be part of the solution.

Got more than 3?

We gratefully accept additional clothing donations at the Re/sell Station, supporting our charity partners White Rose Retail in their vital humanitarian and social justice work.

No booking needed Just come along with your clothes, creativity, and curiosity! Whether you’re into fashion, sustainability, or hands-on fun, The Big Swap is your chance to take real climate action.

The Big Swap is a circular fashion project that makes it easy, fun, and inclusive for everyone to extend the life of their clothes. They host pop-up clothing swaps and workshops across the UK, empowering people to take climate-positive action through fashion. By slowing down overconsumption and reducing clothing waste, they help individuals and communities embrace sustainable choices.

Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 July 11.00am – 5.00pm Jubilee Square

5+ Age recommendation

Join in

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5+ Age recommendation

Join in Wheelchair accessible

Creative Corner Get stuck in at Re/action Festival’s Creative Corner!

Join us for a weekend of hands-on fun and planet-positive creativity for all ages.

At A Better Future Now, you’ll find an interactive art space where anyone — whatever your age or ability — can take action in the moment. Make a pledge for a better world, write a letter to your MP about an environmental issue close to your heart, or design your own climate protest placard. We’ll bring all the materials — you just bring your energy and imagination.

Fancy something greener? Decorate your own flowerpot and plant a seedling to take home and grow. Whether it’s a windowsill or a garden, a bit of soil, sunshine and care can help

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biodiversity bloom. Our friends from Urban Oasis will be on hand to share tips on how we can all support nature in our neighbourhoods.

And don’t miss Food for Thought with the National Space Centre — a fun family activity featuring a giant map of Antarctica and some fascinating facts about penguins… and their poo!

You’ll also meet inspiring local and regional charities working hard to fight climate change — find out what’s happening near you and how to get involved.

Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 July 11.00am – 5.00pm Jubilee Square

Spill

By Gayatri Munogee

Join us for the Re/action Festival world premiere of this brand-new piece of familyfriendly Indian classical dance. Crabs scuttle, fish swim and dolphins jump in this moving visual storytelling of the 2020 Wakashio oil spill: a real-life environmental tragedy that ends with hope and rebuilding.

Suitable for all ages, the piece weaves hasthas (hand gestures), nritta (intricate rhythmic footwork), and abhinaya (expressive storytelling), to create a piece that reflects on grief, resilience, in an uplifting call for environmental responsibility. It honours the vibrant beauty and enduring spirit of marine life with shimmering costume, using recycled sari fabric to reduce the environmental impact of the show.

Speech free Suitable for all ages Wheelchair accessible

ALL

Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 July 11.35am – 11.50am 1.40pm – 1.55pm 4.30pm – 4.45pm Jubilee Square

Credit: Image by Paul.Londonpixel

Commissioned by Art Reach for Re/action Festival.

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Passing It On! Nirvana FC Exhibition and Activities Discover the incredible story of Leicester’s Nirvana Football Club in this powerful outdoor photography exhibition and documentary.

Leicester Nirvana, the United Nations and De Montfort University (DMU) have established a partnership with the goal of becoming the first grassroots football club in the UK to become net zero.

This special exhibition celebrates a legacy built on community pride, anti-racism, and the unifying force of football. Through striking images and personal stories, it shares how a grassroots club built by and for Leicester’s diverse communities became a symbol of activism, identity, and belonging.

With new portraits of the players, fans, and founders, the exhibition invites you to explore the rich heritage of local sport, resistance, and resilience.

And don’t miss your chance to meet the legends behind the story — join players, coaches and fans from Nirvana FC for a day of football-inspired fun! Whether you’re testing your skills, taking part in kickabouts, or soaking up stories straight from the pitch, it’s your chance to get stuck in and celebrate the spirit of the game.

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Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 July 11.00am – 5.00pm Humberstone Gate

Join in Wheelchair accessible

Subtitles

ALL Credit: Lensi Photography

Suitable for all ages

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Open Streets

by Ride Leicester

On Sunday 27 July, Ride Leicester’s Open Streets brings energy and colour to the city centre with a lively mix of cycling, street sports and pop-up creativity. From live graffiti and inclusive cycling at the Clock Tower to bike repairs and an art gallery takeover near the Town Hall, there’s plenty to discover.

Expect roaming samba beats, surprise performances, and handson activities popping up along Gallowtree Gate — all in celebration of Re/action Festival.

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Scan the QR code for the latest Open Streets updates:

Speech free

On the move Suitable for all ages

Sunday 27 July 1.00pm – 4.00pm Town Hall Square | Gallowtree Gate| Jubilee Square

Join in Wheelchair accessible

ALL

Festival Map and Useful Information Location

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We Love Feedback

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What’s On and When?

Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 July

Time

Title

Company

Location

11.00am-5.00pm

Passing It On Nirvana FC and Art Reach Nirvana FC Exhibition

Humberstone Gate

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11.00am-5.00pm

Transforming Trash Installation

Kala Arts and Community

Silver Street and Guildhall Lane

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11.00am-5.00pm

Re/think Fashion Zone

The Big Swap

Jubilee Square

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11.00am-5.00pm

Creative Corner

Art Reach and Friends

Jubilee Square

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Open Streets* Ride Leicester Jubilee Square * Sunday only Town Hall Square Gallowtree Gate

1.00pm-4.00pm

Page

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11.00am-11.30am 2.00pm-2.30pm

Accelerate

Highly Sprung

Jubilee Square

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11.00am-2.00pm 3.00pm-5.00pm

The OakMobile

Talking Birds

Jubilee Square

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11.00am-5.00pm

Sign Spinning

Mercurial Dance

Silver Street

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Neighbourhood Watch International Stiltwalkers

Jubilee Square

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11.50am-12.20pm Urban Oasis 1.10pm-1.40pm 3.00pm-3.30pm 12.30pm-1.05pm 3.30pm-4.05pm

DIRT! A Circus Adventure Underground

She Said Jump

Jubilee Square

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11.35am-11.50am

Spill

Gayatri Munogee

Jubilee Square

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1.40pm-1.55pm 4.30pm-4.45pm

Ride Leicester’s Bike Park There will be a Ride Leicster Bike Park and rikshaw rides on Jubilee Square throughout the festival, so that you can arrive in eco-style and ensure your two wheeled friend is safe throughout.

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Visitor Information Planning Your Visit Are you using public transport to come to our festival? Then we can point you in the right direction: Find out more about how to get around the city at choosehowyoumove.co.uk If you’re visiting us from out of town, then take a look at nationalrail.co.uk or nationalexpress.com Are you looking for places to stay or eat, or want to know more what other delights Leicester has to offer?

Then head to visitleicester.info

Access Information We’re aiming to be as accessible and inclusive as we can be, and we’re striving to make our festival enjoyable for all.

Our website has accessibility tools that will help you find what you need and we’re striving to make our festival enjoyable for all.

You’ll find all key information on our website artreach.org.uk/access If you want to chat about any access requirements in advance or would like this information in a different format, please contact Amelia Silver on hello@artreach.org.uk or call 0116 261 6882.

As all of our activities are taking place in the city centre, with a main focus on Jubilee Square, the festival locations are accessible to everyone but we’re also providing chairs for you to rest on if required. Just ask our friendly team and they’ll be happy to help.

On our festival map, you’ll find locations for accessible toilets and blue badge parking spaces.

If you need some quiet spaces during the festival, you can go to Cathedral Gardens and Castle Gardens, which will give you some rest during the busy festival activities.

We’re very keen to make our festival enjoyable for all, so if you’ve got suggestions for improving our access provision, your feedback is most welcome!

Scan for accessibility information.

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Image by Pete Martin

A festival celebrating diversity and exploring migration.

Leicester City Centre

10-12 October 2025

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