Inside the 15,000-strong pro-Palestine march that took place at the weekend.
NHS boss tells council committee “I apologise sincerely to anyone who has waited for too long”.
We've highlighted a few entirely baseless myths in circulation about cycle lanes – and explain why they’re so wrong.
Plus: East Midlands Airport stands trial, plans for new industrial units and exhibition for autistic artists.
by Emma Guy
If you had told us last year that we would be organising our first anniversary amidst interviewing candidates for placements, searching for an office and looking back at our viral Reddit posts, we would not have believed you. But we would have been thrilled.
The last year has seen our small team investigate the police, interview families facing abuse, and hold the council to account – all while commissioning and training the next generation of journalists and community organisers.
We want to thank all of our readers, volunteers, and community partners who have supported The Gazette in the last year. To thank you in style, we invite you to join us at our first-anniversary celebration on Thursday, 14 March 2024, starting at 6pm. The event will be held at Soft Touch Arts, 50 New Walk, LE1 6FT.
Speaking about the event, co-founder Megan Lupton said: "After a busy year full of hard work – and lots of coffee – we cannot wait to celebrate with our members and guests. We have witnessed first-hand the positive impact that The Gazette has had on Leicester's communities. We cannot wait to reflect on the many highs of the last year".
The event will coincide with our Annual General Meeting (AGM). Here, members will steer our editorial direction and vote on proposals put forward by the team. But fear not – if you are not a member, there is still time to have your vote counted. Our limited-time AGM offer allows you to become a valued member for just 90p per month for your first year.
If you would like to attend, RSVP by emailing events@greatcentralgazette.org with your name and email address. If you wish to bring a plus one, please state so in the email.
Due to limited capacity at the venue, members have priority access. If we are predicted to exceed capacity, we will inform you at least two Clear Days before. There will be other opportunities in the future to meet The Gazette team and hear about our work.
The AGM agenda, draft policies and proposed changes to our Rules can be found on our website here. We look forward to welcoming you to an evening of food, music and pioneering journalism!
Now, business as usual. Here's your peak Inside Leicester.
by Phil Morrish
🌦️ Monday, 19 February: A damp start but brightening up through the morning to give us some sunny spells in the afternoon with just the odd shower. A fresh west breeze gusting to 25mph. A dry, clear night. Min: 8C | Max: 12C
🌦️ Tuesday, 20 February: A dry but cloudy start. It'll brighten up through the morning to give us some sunny intervals. More clouds with rain arriving in the late afternoon will give us a damp evening. Min: 7C | Max: 12C
🌧️ Wednesday, 21 February: Rain will give us a wet day, with some heavy rain at times, but temperatures will remain mild. It will dry up in the evening. Min: 8C | Max: 10C
🌧️ Thursday, 22 February: A damp start and a mainly cloudy morning with some light rain. It will turn much more showery after lunch. It will become cooler later in the day, with temperatures plummeting in the evening. Winds turn northwest and increase to 30mph. Min: 4C | Max: 10C
🌦️ Friday, 23 February: A cooler start, with plenty of sun and few showers. Again, it'll remain quite mild, but expect a colder night as on Thursday. Min: 4C | Max: 8C
🌦️ Weekend, 24-25 February: Cooler temperatures persist into the weekend, with a few showers and some sunshine appearing. Once again, expect colder nights. Min: 4C | Max: 8C
by Emma Guy and Megan Lupton
Editorial
Key:
🚨 – Last chance
💷 – Entry fee
🆓 – Free of charge
Join this fascinating webinar, which celebrates the contributions of LGBTQ+ leaders in Creative Health – an innovative approach to health and social care that often centres on artistic pursuits. Booking online is essential. From 12pm-1pm.
Head to Attenborough Arts Centre for a fun, family-friendly printmaking workshop. Booking online is essential. From 2pm-4pm. Tickets cost £20. Children must be four years and above.
If you're a fan of Barbra Streisand, pop down to The Little Theatre for an excellent evening of all her greatest tunes. Starts 7:30pm. Tickets from £22.
Still in the Christmas mood? The Nutcracker is returning to De Montfort Hall, performed by Varna International Ballet and accompanied by the Varna International Ballet Orchestra. Matinee and evening performances are available. Tickets from £24.50.
Leicester Museum & Art Gallery is hosting a brilliant stigma-challenging showcase. The exhibition displays the mesmerising artwork of three local artists, all autistic.
Another one from Attenborough Arts Centre – a fantastic disability-focused arts exhibition. The terrific creative work of five contemporary artists and 42 children and young people from Ash Field Academy will be displayed. Open weekdays between 12pm-5pm and weekends between 12pm-4pm.
by Megan Lupton
An eco-house in Melton Mowbray is available to purchase for the sustainability-conscious among you. With a car charging point and an individual allotment for growing produce, this picturesque property puts the planet first but has a steep price tag. There are cheaper properties available on the Coppers Meadow development if you're looking for a two or three-bed instead.
Price: £800,000
A sunny day is only made better by a trip to Gardner's Rest Tearoom. We ordered a bagel with cream cheese, loaded jalapeno fries, a latte and an espresso. The bagel was light and refreshing, so I am confident this was farm-fresh cream cheese and not a Philly job. The loaded fries were what you would expect. However, they used pre-shredded cheese instead of from the block. I would recommend this café to anyone looking for an affordable day out.
Price: £19.95
by Megan Lupton
The River Soar, an iconic Leicestershire river, photographed during the First World War. Today, you can still see the granite and brick wall on the left.
We've highlighted a few entirely baseless myths in circulation about cycle lanes – and explain why they’re so wrong.
Plus: Police federation reveals poor mental health, Eid celebrations occur at Victoria Park, and work on the market continues.
Plus: the Taxidermy gallery closes, local asylum seekers receive measles vaccines, and Ukrainian students get to stay in Leicester.
Plus: SEND transport protest, Tory councillor suspended, and a new education centre opens in the city.
Fascinating local stories and great recommendations to your email inbox every Monday at 6am.
