Leicester International Music Festival Returns This September

The Leicester International Music Festival (LIMF) will take place from 17–20 September 2025, bringing world-class performers to the city with a programme designed to inspire audiences of all ages. This year’s festival will be held at Hansom Hall and the Attenborough Arts Centre, with concerts that combine familiar classics with new and original works.

The festival is led by Nicholas Daniel OBE, one of Britain’s most respected oboists and conductors, who has been Creative Director since 2003. His vision is to present music that connects with audiences emotionally, balancing well-known composers such as Schubert and Ravel with contemporary voices. A highlight of this year’s programme will be the world premiere of Still Life, a new work by British composer Emma-Ruth Richards, created in collaboration with visual artist Nic Chalmers.

Alongside evening concerts, LIMF includes lunchtime recitals and a free family concert, making it easier for new audiences to experience classical music in an accessible and welcoming setting. The festival also runs education and outreach projects, with visiting musicians taking performances into schools, retirement communities, and youth groups. These initiatives are designed to show that classical music is not limited to the concert hall, but is something that everyone can enjoy.

The performers at LIMF come from across the UK and beyond, bringing together leading string players, pianists, and chamber musicians in an atmosphere that is both friendly and professional. For Nicholas Daniel, the festival is about more than just performance: it is about creating an inclusive cultural space where people of all ages and backgrounds can experience the power of live music.

Readers who would like to find out more, see the full programme, or book tickets can visit leicesterinternationalmusicfestival.org.uk.