Festival2Funky Turns 12 with a Powerhouse Celebration of Black Music, Arts & Culture

Festival2Funky Turns 12 with a Powerhouse Celebration of Black Music, Arts & Culture

Festival2Funky returns for its 12th year from 23–25 May 2025, bringing three electrifying days of Black music, dance, and cultural celebration to the heart of Leicester’s West End at the 2Funky Complex.

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Powered by 2Funky Arts, the festival continues to champion authentic and diverse expressions of Black creativity. This year’s programme offers an exciting mix of live performances, workshops, and inclusive community experiences, designed to entertain, empower and inspire.

Attendees can expect everything from the high-energy To Da Beat morning dance workouts and a hands-on graffiti workshop, to the much-loved 2Funky Family Fiesta – a rave-style event for young children and parents. The festival will also feature OUT On Stage, a bold LGBTQ+ showcase, and the adrenaline fuelled Too Fast Breaking Battles dance competition. A special vinyl revival night, Tastemakers: Turntables and Screen, will celebrate Black music heritage with a screening of The Record Store & Black Music documentary.

The musical lineup spans hip-hop, dub, UKG, Afrobeat, jazz, soul, R&B, grime, and drum & bass. Opening night will see rapper and activist Lowkey take the stage as part of his Soundtrack to the Struggle 3 Tour. He will be joined across the weekend by standout acts including Welsh Jamaican reggae artist Aleighcia Scott, genre-blending DJ/producer Flava D, and The Hip Hop House Band, who will deliver a live set of hip-hop classics.

Rising stars also have their moment with Acoustickle, a soulful showcase of female vocalists from Leicester and Nottingham. Audiences can look forward to performances by Dominique Simone, Morgan Munroe, Jada O’Neill, Suniq, and Cara Thompson, with powerful spoken word by The Orator.

Vijay Mistry, Managing Director of 2Funky Arts, commented: “We’re incredibly proud to be celebrating the 12th year of Festival2Funky. It’s more than just a festival – it’s a platform for Black artists, a space for community, and a celebration of culture in all its forms. Every year we grow, evolve, and connect with more people, and 2025 is set to be our most dynamic and inclusive event yet.”

Now in its twelfth year, Festival2Funky continues to push boundaries and spotlight the creativity at the core of Black music and arts.

Tickets are available to purchase now via Fatsoma, so make sure you secure yours before they sell out.

Festival2Funky 23-25 May 2025, 2Funky Complex, New Park Street, Leicester, LE3 5NH

Leicester TV

Merlin Entertainments is inviting families to step into a year of magical adventures with its Spring Sale on Merlin Annual Passes. Perfect for families looking to make the most of quality time together, the pass unlocks entry to over 20 top UK attractions, including the LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort, Alton Towers Resort, Warwick Castle, Chessington World of Adventures Resort and more. With spellbinding savings available just in time for the Easter Holidays, from the 2nd to the 29th March, Merlin Annual Pass packs a year of family fun and adventure into incredible prices from as little as £99, which equates to just £1.90 per week. From thrilling theme parks like Thorpe Park, Alton Towers Resort and Chessington World of Adventures Resort, to fascinating aquariums, spooky dungeons and historic landmarks, the Pass offers something for everyone. Plus, with exclusive Passholder perks including discounts on food, souvenirs and short breaks, families can enjoy unforgettable days out for less. The limited time sale applies to all Merlin Annual Pass types including yearly passes and Platinum and Gold Monthly Memberships from just £16.99* per month. Adventurers can unlock a whole year’s worth of fun memories and epic moments saving up to £50** on unmissable days out. Spring Sale prices are as follows: Pass Type Usual Price Wizards Wanted Price Saving All-new Essential Merlin Annual Pass £139 £99 £40 Merlin Gold Pass £239 £189 £50 Merlin Gold Membership £19.99pm £16.99pm £3pm £36 per year total saving Merlin Platinum Pass £299 £249 £50 Merlin Platinum Membership £24.99pm £20.99pm £4pm £48 per year total saving 2026 promises to be one of the most exciting years yet for Merlin Annual Passholders. At Alton Towers Resort, the world’s first Bluey rollercoaster – Bluey The Ride: Here Come the Grannies, will open in the UK’s only CBeebies Land on 28th March. Designed for younger adventurers and their big imaginations, the first of its kind attraction whisks guests through Bluey’s backyard. Featuring Bluey’s House, selfie spots, and fun play activities, little fans can meet Bluey, Bingo and the whole Heeler family live in Big Fun Showtime. Over at Chessington World of Adventures Resort, pup-tastic fun awaits with the UK’s first and only PAW Patrol-themed land called the World of PAW Patrol, which debuts in Spring 2026. Adventure Bay comes to life with four brand new rides, including Chase’s Mountain Mission Ride, Skye’s Helicopter Heroes, Marshall’s Firetruck Rescue and Zuma’s Hovercraft Adventure, perfect for mini-thrill seekers who want to join the heroic pups on immersive rescue missions. For curious creators, the LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort will mark its 30th birthday with a year-long calendar of awesome activities and celebrations. 2026 will see the park filled with cake, live shows, LEGO® fun, with nostalgic surprises for guests of all ages, all to celebrate the iconic attraction where imaginations run free.

Merlin Entertainments is inviting families to step into a year of magical adventures with its Spring Sale on Merlin Annual Passes. Perfect for families looking to make the most of quality time together, the pass unlocks entry to over 20 top UK attractions, including the LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort, Alton Towers Resort, Warwick Castle, Chessington World of Adventures Resort and more. With spellbinding savings available just in time for the Easter Holidays, from the 2nd to the 29th March, Merlin Annual Pass packs a year of family fun and adventure into incredible prices from as little as £99, which equates to just £1.90 per week. From thrilling theme parks like Thorpe Park, Alton Towers Resort and Chessington World of Adventures Resort, to fascinating aquariums, spooky dungeons and historic landmarks, the Pass offers something for everyone. Plus, with exclusive Passholder perks including discounts on food, souvenirs and short breaks, families can enjoy unforgettable days out for less. The limited time sale applies to all Merlin Annual Pass types including yearly passes and Platinum and Gold Monthly Memberships from just £16.99* per month. Adventurers can unlock a whole year’s worth of fun memories and epic moments saving up to £50** on unmissable days out. Spring Sale prices are as follows: Pass Type Usual Price Wizards Wanted Price Saving All-new Essential Merlin Annual Pass £139 £99 £40 Merlin Gold Pass £239 £189 £50 Merlin Gold Membership £19.99pm £16.99pm £3pm £36 per year total saving Merlin Platinum Pass £299 £249 £50 Merlin Platinum Membership £24.99pm £20.99pm £4pm £48 per year total saving 2026 promises to be one of the most exciting years yet for Merlin Annual Passholders. At Alton Towers Resort, the world’s first Bluey rollercoaster – Bluey The Ride: Here Come the Grannies, will open in the UK’s only CBeebies Land on 28th March. Designed for younger adventurers and their big imaginations, the first of its kind attraction whisks guests through Bluey’s backyard. Featuring Bluey’s House, selfie spots, and fun play activities, little fans can meet Bluey, Bingo and the whole Heeler family live in Big Fun Showtime. Over at Chessington World of Adventures Resort, pup-tastic fun awaits with the UK’s first and only PAW Patrol-themed land called the World of PAW Patrol, which debuts in Spring 2026. Adventure Bay comes to life with four brand new rides, including Chase’s Mountain Mission Ride, Skye’s Helicopter Heroes, Marshall’s Firetruck Rescue and Zuma’s Hovercraft Adventure, perfect for mini-thrill seekers who want to join the heroic pups on immersive rescue missions. For curious creators, the LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort will mark its 30th birthday with a year-long calendar of awesome activities and celebrations. 2026 will see the park filled with cake, live shows, LEGO® fun, with nostalgic surprises for guests of all ages, all to celebrate the iconic attraction where imaginations run free.

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