Leicester Times

Leicester Times Online newspaper for the city of Leicester.

Produced by world-class journalists offering readers local news as well as regular features on fashion, sport and business. Leicester Times is the newest addition to the Pukaar Group family which is a multinational media and events company headquartered in Leicester, England. Pukaar Group also houses Pukaar News, a news agency and website which has gone on to provide broadcast media for the BBC and ITV News. It also produces Pukaar Magazine on a quarterly basis, which is a glossy in-print and online publication which has been in circulation for a decade. The company also hosts notable local and global events including the Leicester Curry Awards and the Toronto Curry Awards, and created National Samosa Week (April 9th - 13th) which received global press coverage.

PCF to mark 10 years of fundraising with charity dinner and danceThe PCF will celebrate a decade of fundraising with a ...
07/09/2026

PCF to mark 10 years of fundraising with charity dinner and dance

The PCF will celebrate a decade of fundraising with a charity dinner and dance in Leicester on Saturday, 19 September 2026.

The event will be held at The Jungle Club and will raise money for several charities, including Healing Little Hearts, BEC UK, MS Therapy, Leicester Community Links and PCF.

According to PCF representative Hitesh Pujara, the organisation has raised and donated more than £300,000 since it began hosting fundraising events in 2016.

“PCF has supported nearly 40 charities over the years,” Mr Pujara said. “We also support overseas medical initiatives, including eye camps in India and other deprived areas. These camps are attended by around 200 to 250 people each month, meaning we have helped thousands of people over the past decade.”

The charity dinner will be funded by local sponsors, ensuring that all money raised through donations goes directly to charitable causes. Sponsors include Regal, Back and The Jungle Club, alongside support from the Nike, Takra and Hengu families.

Entry will be by donation, with tickets costing £30 per person. A table for eight will cost £200. Organisers are expecting approximately 300 guests and hope to raise at least £10,000. Last year’s event raised just over £20,000.

The evening will feature a live band from India performing popular Bollywood songs, as well as performances by Sonanda’s dance group. Guests will also have the opportunity to take part in a raffle, with prizes donated by local businesses, including restaurants, a £400 dental treatment voucher and other gifts.

Mr Pujara urged supporters to attend and donate generously.

“Please come along, have fun and give generously,” he said. “All the money raised will go to charity. PCF is known for giving 100 per cent, and we have proved that over the past 10 years.”

Guests are encouraged to wear evening attire.

“It is a lovely evening, and dressing up really adds to the atmosphere,” Mr Pujara added.

Picture credit: PCF

Families invited to Leicester charity cricket day in aid of LOROSLeicester East MP Shivani Raja is encouraging families,...
07/08/2026

Families invited to Leicester charity cricket day in aid of LOROS

Leicester East MP Shivani Raja is encouraging families, cricket fans and residents from across the area to attend a charity cricket event raising money for LOROS.

The community fundraiser will take place on Monday, 31 August 2026, from 11am to 5pm at Rushey Fields Recreation Ground on Harrison Road, Leicester.

Organised during the Bank Holiday, the event will feature cricket activities for people of all ages and abilities. Visitors will be able to take part, whether they are regular players or trying cricket for the first time.

The event is also intended to bring local communities together, promote community cohesion and celebrate Leicester’s diversity. Community leaders from across the area have been invited to attend.

Families will be able to enjoy cricket, refreshments from food vendors and time outdoors, while supporting LOROS, the hospice charity serving Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

Ms Raja said: “I am delighted to invite families, cricket lovers and communities from Leicester East and beyond to join us for this fantastic charity event in support of LOROS.

“It will be a great opportunity for people to come together, enjoy cricket, food and the outdoors, and help strengthen community connections. Whether you want to play, support the participants or simply enjoy the day, everyone is welcome.”

All money raised will go towards LOROS’s work providing hospice care and support to local people and their families.

Event details:
Date: Monday, 31 August 2026
Time:11am–5pm
Venue:Rushey Fields Recreation Ground, Harrison Road, Leicester, LE4 7AB

17/07/2026

Gordon Ramsay Praises Leicester Award-Winning Indian Restaurant During Surprise Family Visit

Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay paid a surprise visit to Amrut Indian restaurant in Leicester city centre yesterday Thursday 16 July 2026, spending two hours sampling dishes with his family and colleagues.

The British chef and television personality visited the restaurant, which opened in 2024, without a booking. During his time there, he sampled a variety of dishes and spoke with members of staff.

Amrut’s growing reputation was further recognised when the restaurant won the New Restaurant award at the Leicestershire Curry Awards 2025.

Owner Shivani Joon said Ramsay was particularly impressed by the food and service, singling out the restaurant’s butter chicken and nalli nihari for praise.

“He was very impressed with the service and the food, and he especially liked our butter chicken,” Ms Joon said.

She added that the visit was completely unexpected.

“I was very surprised. He was a walk-in customer with no booking, which came as a total shock. He also knew a great deal about our restaurant and our head chef.

“We will never forget the experience. He praised the food and the restaurant so much, and it was a very special moment for all of us.”

Head chef Dharminder described meeting Ramsay as a deeply meaningful moment.

“I’m very humbled,” he said. “When I approached his table to check that everything was all right, he stood up and welcomed me warmly.”

Chef Dharminder said Ramsay’s family enjoyed a wide selection of dishes during their visit.

“I asked his wife and daughter whether everything was all right with the food, and they were very happy. They tried five starters and five main courses. Gordon said his favourite dishes were the butter chicken and nalli nihari.”

Reflecting on the visit, he added: “This has made my dream come true. It is the biggest reward of my life to have a celebrity chef and guru praise my food and our restaurant.”

Amrut, which opened in Leicester city centre in 2024, has quickly established itself as a popular destination for Indian cuisine. Its success at the Leicestershire Curry Awards 2025, combined with the surprise visit from one of Britain’s best known chefs, has provided a further boost for the restaurant and its team.

Leicestershire Curry Awards Visit Leicester Gordon Ramsay

Picture credit: Amrut restaurant

Hundreds Flock to Summer Mela as Community Spirit Takes Centre Stage Leicester’s Avanti Fields School drew hundreds of v...
05/07/2026

Hundreds Flock to Summer Mela as Community Spirit Takes Centre Stage

Leicester’s Avanti Fields School drew hundreds of visitors this weekend as its annual Summer Mela burst into colour, culture and community pride.

The event marked one of the school’s most vibrant celebrations since the Mela was first launched in 2023.

What began as a modest community fair has rapidly evolved into a major summer highlight for families across the city, and this year’s turnout underscored how firmly the event is establishing itself in Leicester’s cultural calendar.

From the moment the gates opened, families streamed into the school grounds, welcomed by the rhythmic beat of traditional drumming and dancers dressed in vibrant, shimmering costumes. The lively performances, representing various regions of India, set the tone for a day steeped in heritage, celebration and togetherness. Crowds gathered throughout the afternoon, cheering as young performers confidently took to the stage.

The marketplace proved one of the busiest areas of the Mela, with rows of stalls showcasing Leicester’s diverse small businesses and independent artisans.

Clothing, jewellery, handcrafted gifts, home décor, plants and homemade treats tempted visitors as they browsed, chatted with stallholders and supported local makers.

The aromas drifting from the food stalls also proved irresistible, with families gathering to enjoy freshly prepared snacks and sweets.

Younger visitors were equally well catered for: the bouncy castle remained full from morning until closing time, and queues formed quickly for the ever‑popular ice cream van, especially as temperatures rose. Many parents remarked on how much they valued having a safe, enjoyable and affordable family event right on their doorstep.

Officers from Leicestershire Police, who attended to engage with residents, drew plenty of interest. Children and adults stopped to take photos, ask questions and learn more about local policing initiatives.

Among the day’s special guests was Leicester East MP Shivani Raja, who toured the stalls, met families and spoke with volunteers.

Her presence was warmly welcomed and viewed as a sign of continued support for the school’s expanding community work.

Heten Tejura, Chair of the PTFA, said this year’s level of community engagement had been overwhelming. “We are delighted to receive such wonderful backing from the community, especially from stallholders who travelled from across Leicester to showcase their products and services. From jewellery to food, arts and crafts, rides and, of course, the ice cream van - which was an absolute hit in the sunshine - it was a fantastic celebration of culture and togetherness.”

He also thanked the Miss England team for volunteering their time to support the raffles, as well as the many parents and community members who helped run the event behind the scenes.

Organisers say planning is already under way for next year, with hopes of further expanding the Mela while remaining true to its original spirit of culture, heritage and community unity.

Avanti Fields School

Picture Credit: Pukaar News

GNG FC - Leicester Football Tournament 2026
05/07/2026

GNG FC - Leicester Football Tournament 2026

Leicester Wins England’s Curry Capital Crown for Another Two Leicester has once again been crowned England’s Curry Capit...
19/06/2026

Leicester Wins England’s Curry Capital Crown for Another Two

Leicester has once again been crowned England’s Curry Capital, securing a decisive victory in a national public vote and retaining the title for a further two years.

The announcement was made at a presentation evening on Thursday 18 June at Chutney Ivy, one of the city’s leading South Asian restaurants, where around 50 guests gathered for the result.

Leicester won with 73.6 per cent of the public vote, beating strong competition from Bradford, Manchester, London and Birmingham. Bradford came second, but Leicester’s margin was significant.

City leaders and hospitality figures say the win will give a welcome boost to the local economy, particularly for independent restaurants and takeaways across the region.

Shivani Raja, MP for Leicester East, attended the ceremony and said the award reflected the city’s deep cultural and culinary heritage.

She said Leicester’s South Asian communities had played a major role in shaping Britain’s food identity and that the title would offer important support for the hospitality sector.

Leicester South MP Shockat Adam, who was unable to attend, sent a message praising organisers and highlighting Leicester’s reputation for diversity, creativity and enterprise.

He wished the nominated businesses well and acknowledged their contribution to the country’s thriving hospitality industry.

Leicester’s curry scene is known for its breadth and authenticity, with cuisines spanning Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Pakistan and regions across India.

The city also has the highest number of South Asian restaurants per capita in the UK, with an average of 47 per 100,000 residents.

The award was presented to Visit Leicester’s Place Marketing Manager, Jackie Ledger, who led the campaign alongside Pukaar travel writer Vallisa Chauhan.

The event was hosted at Chutney Ivy, a double winner at the Leicestershire Curry Awards, having previously been named Best Fine Dining Restaurant and Restaurant of the Year.

Dignitaries at the event included Deputy Lieutenant Professor Sir Nilesh Samani, Lord Mayor of Leicester Councillor Kulwinder Singh Johal, Leicestershire County Council Leader Dan Harrison and Leicestershire Police Assistant Chief Constable Adam Streets.

Curry Capital founder and journalist Romail Gulzar said the award was a celebration not only of food, but of heritage and innovation. He said Leicester’s victory reflected the strength and pride of its culinary community.

Visit Leicester Director Mike Denby welcomed the result, saying it would help drive new visitors to the city. He added that competition from traditional curry strongholds, such as Bradford, made Leicester’s win especially significant.

Leicester will hold the England Curry Capital title until 2028.

Visit Leicester VisitEngland Pukaar News Brit Punjabi Pukaar Magazine

John Lewis Leicester Welcomes Crowds for Joyful Vaisakhi CelebrationPeople from across the Midlands travelled to John Le...
12/04/2026

John Lewis Leicester Welcomes Crowds for Joyful Vaisakhi Celebration

People from across the Midlands travelled to John Lewis at Leicester Highcross to take part in vibrant Vaisakhi celebrations.

The department store became an unexpected yet warmly received gathering spot, drawing families, community groups, and curious shoppers into the festive atmosphere.

The event featured traditional music, colourful decorations, and engaging activities that highlighted the significance of Vaisakhi within the Sikh community. Many attendees remarked on how special it felt to see such an important cultural celebration brought into the heart of a busy city shopping centre.

Vaisakhi, which marks the formation of the Khalsa in 1699, is one of the most important occasions in the Sikh calendar. For many who attended, the celebration at John Lewis offered a meaningful opportunity to honour their heritage while sharing it with the wider community.

Head of the branch at John Lewis, Bob Gill, expressed his delight at the strong turnout and the positive response from visitors, noting that the event helped foster a spirit of inclusion and connection across the Midlands.

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