City of Leicester & Leicestershire - The Good and Historical Stuff

[davieG]

 

The M1 early days.

 

No speed limits, central barriers so you could do a U-turn and people did.

 

They also stopped to picnic on the grass verges.

 

You could also get to and off the M! via the LFE Services.

[davieG]

London Road Station 1925

 

 

APT

 

St Stephen’s church prier to it being moved brick by brick to New walk in 1891

[Parafox]

6 hours ago, davieG said:

 

The M1 early days.

 

No speed limits, central barriers so you could do a U-turn and people did.

 

They also stopped to picnic on the grass verges.

 

You could also get to and off the M! via the LFE Services.

You still can 

[The People's Hero]

43 minutes ago, Parafox said:

You still can 

Yeah; I've done that loads of times; when family have arranged a do and I'm at the holiday inn / premier inn, which is close to where that little escape comes out.

[davieG]

London Road Station Booking Hall before they changed it.

 

This 1968

[Spudulike]

 

[davieG]

https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/two-day-oktoberfest-heading-leicester-5448687

 

Two-day Oktoberfest heading for Leicester - with huge bier tent, Bratwurst and Oompah bands
It will take place in what is described as one of Europe's largest bier tents

ByBecky JonesWhat's On Writer
12:23, 24 MAY 2021

A Bavarian-style blowout featuring Bratwurst, bier and Oompah bands is set to take place in the city this October.

Organisers of Oktoberfest Leicester have announced that the two-day event will be held at Victoria Park on Friday, October 1 and Saturday, October 2.

This is the first time that the official touring Oktoberfest will be coming to Leicester, and visitors will be able to enjoy entertainment including traditional Oompah bands, live music and DJs.

Taking place in what is described as one of Europe’s Largest bier tents, the event will feature authentic German cuisine including Bratwursts and bier served in steins. There will also be a range of other drinks available including cider, Prosecco, spirits, and wine.

There will be unreserved bench seating areas, and VIP tables for up to 10 people with waitress service and a gift for each person on the table.

Three sessions will take place: from 6pm to 11pm on Friday, October 1, from 12pm to 5pm on Saturday, October 2 and from 6pm to 11pm on Saturday, October 2.

Oktoberfest is coming to Leicester
Tom Cullen, marketing manager for Oktoberfest Leicester, said: “The success of The Official Oktoberfest events around the UK means that we are excited to bring this amazing event to Leicester.

"After a very difficult 18 months for everyone, it’s a great chance to celebrate and have fun with friends and family alike.

"We’re delighted that after working closely with the events team at Leicester City Council, we are able to bring this unique event to the local area.

"We hope to help bring great economic benefit to the city, by encouraging more visitors and supporting local businesses.”

With demand for tickets expected to be high, organisers are encouraging people to sign up via the website.

Pre-sale tickets, for those who have signed up, will be available soon and reminders will be sent closer to the time.

[SemperEadem]

7 hours ago, davieG said:

https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/two-day-oktoberfest-heading-leicester-5448687

 

Two-day Oktoberfest heading for Leicester - with huge bier tent, Bratwurst and Oompah bands
It will take place in what is described as one of Europe's largest bier tents

ByBecky JonesWhat's On Writer
12:23, 24 MAY 2021

A Bavarian-style blowout featuring Bratwurst, bier and Oompah bands is set to take place in the city this October.

Organisers of Oktoberfest Leicester have announced that the two-day event will be held at Victoria Park on Friday, October 1 and Saturday, October 2.

This is the first time that the official touring Oktoberfest will be coming to Leicester, and visitors will be able to enjoy entertainment including traditional Oompah bands, live music and DJs.

Taking place in what is described as one of Europe’s Largest bier tents, the event will feature authentic German cuisine including Bratwursts and bier served in steins. There will also be a range of other drinks available including cider, Prosecco, spirits, and wine.

There will be unreserved bench seating areas, and VIP tables for up to 10 people with waitress service and a gift for each person on the table.

Three sessions will take place: from 6pm to 11pm on Friday, October 1, from 12pm to 5pm on Saturday, October 2 and from 6pm to 11pm on Saturday, October 2.

Oktoberfest is coming to Leicester
Tom Cullen, marketing manager for Oktoberfest Leicester, said: “The success of The Official Oktoberfest events around the UK means that we are excited to bring this amazing event to Leicester.

"After a very difficult 18 months for everyone, it’s a great chance to celebrate and have fun with friends and family alike.

"We’re delighted that after working closely with the events team at Leicester City Council, we are able to bring this unique event to the local area.

"We hope to help bring great economic benefit to the city, by encouraging more visitors and supporting local businesses.”

With demand for tickets expected to be high, organisers are encouraging people to sign up via the website.

Pre-sale tickets, for those who have signed up, will be available soon and reminders will be sent closer to the time.

All over this

[Spudulike]

23 hours ago, davieG said:

https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/two-day-oktoberfest-heading-leicester-5448687

 

Two-day Oktoberfest heading for Leicester - with huge bier tent, Bratwurst and Oompah bands
It will take place in what is described as one of Europe's largest bier tents

ByBecky JonesWhat's On Writer
12:23, 24 MAY 2021

A Bavarian-style blowout featuring Bratwurst, bier and Oompah bands is set to take place in the city this October.

Organisers of Oktoberfest Leicester have announced that the two-day event will be held at Victoria Park on Friday, October 1 and Saturday, October 2.

This is the first time that the official touring Oktoberfest will be coming to Leicester, and visitors will be able to enjoy entertainment including traditional Oompah bands, live music and DJs.

Taking place in what is described as one of Europe’s Largest bier tents, the event will feature authentic German cuisine including Bratwursts and bier served in steins. There will also be a range of other drinks available including cider, Prosecco, spirits, and wine.

There will be unreserved bench seating areas, and VIP tables for up to 10 people with waitress service and a gift for each person on the table.

Three sessions will take place: from 6pm to 11pm on Friday, October 1, from 12pm to 5pm on Saturday, October 2 and from 6pm to 11pm on Saturday, October 2.

Oktoberfest is coming to Leicester
Tom Cullen, marketing manager for Oktoberfest Leicester, said: “The success of The Official Oktoberfest events around the UK means that we are excited to bring this amazing event to Leicester.

"After a very difficult 18 months for everyone, it’s a great chance to celebrate and have fun with friends and family alike.

"We’re delighted that after working closely with the events team at Leicester City Council, we are able to bring this unique event to the local area.

"We hope to help bring great economic benefit to the city, by encouraging more visitors and supporting local businesses.”

With demand for tickets expected to be high, organisers are encouraging people to sign up via the website.

Pre-sale tickets, for those who have signed up, will be available soon and reminders will be sent closer to the time.

Hope that we haven't got a home match on those days. 

[Parafox]

On 24/05/2021 at 15:27, davieG said:

https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/two-day-oktoberfest-heading-leicester-5448687

 

Two-day Oktoberfest heading for Leicester - with huge bier tent, Bratwurst and Oompah bands
It will take place in what is described as one of Europe's largest bier tents

ByBecky JonesWhat's On Writer
12:23, 24 MAY 2021

A Bavarian-style blowout featuring Bratwurst, bier and Oompah bands is set to take place in the city this October.

Organisers of Oktoberfest Leicester have announced that the two-day event will be held at Victoria Park on Friday, October 1 and Saturday, October 2.

This is the first time that the official touring Oktoberfest will be coming to Leicester, and visitors will be able to enjoy entertainment including traditional Oompah bands, live music and DJs.

Taking place in what is described as one of Europe’s Largest bier tents, the event will feature authentic German cuisine including Bratwursts and bier served in steins. There will also be a range of other drinks available including cider, Prosecco, spirits, and wine.

There will be unreserved bench seating areas, and VIP tables for up to 10 people with waitress service and a gift for each person on the table.

Three sessions will take place: from 6pm to 11pm on Friday, October 1, from 12pm to 5pm on Saturday, October 2 and from 6pm to 11pm on Saturday, October 2.

Oktoberfest is coming to Leicester
Tom Cullen, marketing manager for Oktoberfest Leicester, said: “The success of The Official Oktoberfest events around the UK means that we are excited to bring this amazing event to Leicester.

"After a very difficult 18 months for everyone, it’s a great chance to celebrate and have fun with friends and family alike.

"We’re delighted that after working closely with the events team at Leicester City Council, we are able to bring this unique event to the local area.

"We hope to help bring great economic benefit to the city, by encouraging more visitors and supporting local businesses.”

With demand for tickets expected to be high, organisers are encouraging people to sign up via the website.

Pre-sale tickets, for those who have signed up, will be available soon and reminders will be sent closer to the time.

This has reminded me of the Bierkeller that used to be in the market place in the basement of the corn exchange. Had some fantastic nights in there back in the day.

[SemperEadem]

12 minutes ago, Parafox said:

This has reminded me of the Bierkeller that used to be in the market place in the basement of the corn exchange. Had some fantastic nights in there back in the day.

When did it close? Seen the odd photo and it looked pretty cool.

[FLAN]

3 hours ago, SemperEadem said:

When did it close? Seen the odd photo and it looked pretty cool.

About 11pm I think 

[boots60]

14 hours ago, Parafox said:

This has reminded me of the Bierkeller that used to be in the market place in the basement of the corn exchange. Had some fantastic nights in there back in the day.

Great night out, 50p to get in at weekends, Holsten on draught when back then most pubs only had Carlsberg or Skol. Andy Cameron (R.I.P) on accordian, Standing on the tables singing songs you only ever sang while pissed, this was decades before bistro live.

[boots60]

On 24/05/2021 at 15:27, davieG said:

https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/two-day-oktoberfest-heading-leicester-5448687

 

Two-day Oktoberfest heading for Leicester - with huge bier tent, Bratwurst and Oompah bands
It will take place in what is described as one of Europe's largest bier tents

ByBecky JonesWhat's On Writer
12:23, 24 MAY 2021

A Bavarian-style blowout featuring Bratwurst, bier and Oompah bands is set to take place in the city this October.

Organisers of Oktoberfest Leicester have announced that the two-day event will be held at Victoria Park on Friday, October 1 and Saturday, October 2.

This is the first time that the official touring Oktoberfest will be coming to Leicester, and visitors will be able to enjoy entertainment including traditional Oompah bands, live music and DJs.

Taking place in what is described as one of Europe’s Largest bier tents, the event will feature authentic German cuisine including Bratwursts and bier served in steins. There will also be a range of other drinks available including cider, Prosecco, spirits, and wine.

There will be unreserved bench seating areas, and VIP tables for up to 10 people with waitress service and a gift for each person on the table.

Three sessions will take place: from 6pm to 11pm on Friday, October 1, from 12pm to 5pm on Saturday, October 2 and from 6pm to 11pm on Saturday, October 2.

Oktoberfest is coming to Leicester
Tom Cullen, marketing manager for Oktoberfest Leicester, said: “The success of The Official Oktoberfest events around the UK means that we are excited to bring this amazing event to Leicester.

"After a very difficult 18 months for everyone, it’s a great chance to celebrate and have fun with friends and family alike.

"We’re delighted that after working closely with the events team at Leicester City Council, we are able to bring this unique event to the local area.

"We hope to help bring great economic benefit to the city, by encouraging more visitors and supporting local businesses.”

With demand for tickets expected to be high, organisers are encouraging people to sign up via the website.

Pre-sale tickets, for those who have signed up, will be available soon and reminders will be sent closer to the time.

If this is the same set up that was in Abbey Park 2-3 years back, they only had 1 beer on tap, which was disappointing.

[Finnaldo]

19 minutes ago, boots60 said:

If this is the same set up that was in Abbey Park 2-3 years back, they only had 1 beer on tap, which was disappointing.

If this part of the article is to be believed: 

 

This is the first time that the official touring Oktoberfest will be coming to Leicester
 

Then I assume that was something else. 

[Parafox]

14 hours ago, SemperEadem said:

When did it close? Seen the odd photo and it looked pretty cool.

I can't remember, several years ago. I was going there back in the late 70's.

[Parafox]

47 minutes ago, boots60 said:

Great night out, 50p to get in at weekends, Holsten on draught when back then most pubs only had Carlsberg or Skol. Andy Cameron (R.I.P) on accordian, Standing on the tables singing songs you only ever sang while pissed, this was decades before bistro live.

Oh yes. And don't forget the "wenches" serving steins of lager.

[boots60]

14 hours ago, SemperEadem said:

When did it close? Seen the odd photo and it looked pretty cool.

Must have been mid to late 80's when the Bier Keller closed its doors. The Corn Exchange building had 3 seperate venue's, Basement (obviously) the Bier Keller, Ground floor pub & Upstairs was Tiffany's nightclub with a tree in the middle as its feature. Tiffany's also had many Northern Soul all dayers on a Sunday.

[Stuntman_Mike]

On 24/05/2021 at 22:35, SemperEadem said:

All over this

We could be away in Europe as well the Thursday before that 

[davieG]

£100 million plan to bring back direct trains between Leicester and Coventry after 20 years

 

https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/news/local-news/100-million-plan-bring-back-5457793

 

 

Plans to revive direct trains between Leicester and Coventry and Nottingham for the first time in 20 years have been hailed a 'once in a generation' opportunity.'

Midland's Connect want to bring back the direct rail links to improve current connections which Leicester mayor Sir Peter Soulsby calls 'appalling.'

As it stands, the train journey from Coventry to Leicester takes close to an hour despite the cities being so close.

New plans would introduce two new trains each hour which would also call at Loughborough, East Midlands Parkway and Nottingham, made possible by a new 'dive under' at Nuneaton.

It means that journeys between the the cities would then take around 38 minutes, a substantial improvement on the current speed.

As it stands only 3 per cent of trips between Coventry and Leicester are made by train.

A spokesperson for Midlands Connect said: "Passengers travelling along the corridor have to get off one train at Nuneaton station, change platforms and board another, culminating in a slow, inconvenient service."

The new direct link would reinstate direct rail services between Coventry, Leicester and Nottingham for the first time in two decades, creating over 2 million extra seats on the region's rail network every year.

The transport company say that 87 per cent of people they surveyed are in support of the new proposals.

Peter Soulsby said: "I can't think of two UK cities other than Coventry and Leicester, that are as close, yet so appallingly connected by rail.

"At the moment it can take up to an hour and twenty minutes to travel less than 25 miles, and passengers have to change trains half-way – it's simply not good enough.

"Given this, it's no wonder that 97 per cent of trips on this route are made by road.

"By reintroducing faster, direct connections we can encourage more people to travel sustainably, strengthen working relationships and increase productivity.

"We must now move ahead to create detailed plans for delivery, with the support of Government."

The cost of the project is estimated to be around £100 million and the first trains could run as soon as 2025 if it gets the go ahead.

Midland's Connect added: "We hope to get the green light to bring the plans to their next stage of development, creating an Outline Business Case for the project by the end of next year."

 

[davieG]

https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/news/leicester-news/new-5-million-fleet-near-5459473

 

New £5 million fleet of near silent electric buses now take to streets of Leicester
The literally Green vehicles are carrying park and ride passengers

ByDan MartinAgenda Editor
16:13, 26 MAY 2021

A new £5 million fleet of near silent electric buses powered entirely renewable energy has has hit the streets of Leicester

Eleven of the new vehicles have been brought in to ferry shopper and commuters between the three park and and ride sites - at Enderby, Birstall and Meynell’s Gorse - and the city centre

The city council says the Greenline fleet is the first part of a wider £50 million project that could see 100 electric buses rolled out to a third of the city’s bus network by 2024.

The distinctive green buses, which began running at the start of this week, are equipped with on-board digital screens and USB charging points at every seat and also provide passengers with free WiFi.

City mayor Peter Soulsby said: “We know that if we are to persuade people to leave their cars outside the city

centre, we need to offer them attractive and affordable travel alternatives.

“These Greenline buses are clean, green and comfortable – and the more people use them, the more we can reduce congestion and improve air quality in the city.”

The city’s park and ride services are are jointly run and subsidised by the city council and Leicestershire County Council.

County council leader, Nick Rushton, said: “Decarbonising transport and investing in electrified buses is the future and it will massively contribute to the reduction of our carbon footprint and our aim to be carbon neutral by 2030.”

All the buses will be charged nightly at a special depot in Coalville owned by Roberts Travel Group which operates the new service.

Managing director Jonathan Hunt: “I am really pleased that Roberts Travel Group will be the first operator in Leicester to operate fully electric buses.

“I am extremely proud that our loyal team of drivers will continue to drive the very best vehicles available, as we continue to invest in the latest technology for the people of Leicester.

The park and ride service costs £3 return for a family/group ticket and is free for concessionary bus pass holders.

The service is currently subsidised so that health workers can travel free of charge until further notice.

A bid to the the Government’s Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) has paid for most of the £7.1 million needed for the new buses.

As well as the 11 new park and ride buses, four electric buses will be introduced on the Hospital Hopper routes in the autumn, while three electric buses will operate on a new city centre shuttle service from autumn 2022.

The green shuttle will carry people between bus stations and the railway stations and other key destinations in Leicester, free of charge.

The TCF is also paying the £7 million of works, including bus priority measures, bus shelters, digital ticketing and real-time displays.

 

Deputy city mayor councillor Adam Clarke, who leads on environment and transportation, said: “The ultimate goal of the Greenline Electric Bus Project is to improve public transport and local air quality by introducing zero-emission electric buses across the city.

“The next phase of the project is to secure funding that could allow up to 100 more electric buses to be purchased for Leicester.

“We’ll be working closely with local operators and the Department for Transport to support the introduction of electric vehicles across commercial routes in the next two to three years.”

[davieG]

An older shot today of the Crescent on King Street. 
The area where King Street now stands was originally developed from 1811 for residential use. Evidence of the neighbourhood that was planned can be seen in The Crescent on King Street, built as homes for business and professional people.
By the 1850s however hosiery merchants started building factories and warehouses here, transforming it into a busy industrial area that lasted until the 1980s.
Did you know that The High Cross was placed on the front lawn for a time before it moved on?

 

Worth noting that the original plan for the ring road went through these buildings, thankfully the plans were changed. The man responsible for saving them? - Konrad Smigielski.

[davieG]

[Parafox]

6 hours ago, davieG said:

An older shot today of the Crescent on King Street. 
The area where King Street now stands was originally developed from 1811 for residential use. Evidence of the neighbourhood that was planned can be seen in The Crescent on King Street, built as homes for business and professional people.
By the 1850s however hosiery merchants started building factories and warehouses here, transforming it into a busy industrial area that lasted until the 1980s.
Did you know that The High Cross was placed on the front lawn for a time before it moved on?

 

Worth noting that the original plan for the ring road went through these buildings, thankfully the plans were changed. The man responsible for saving them? - Konrad Smigielski.

This is Leicester City Council, why does that not surprise me?

[davieG]

23 archive pictures show 1960s Leicester holiday traffic mayhem
Leicester was often in gridlock as folk dashed home for their holidays

ByAndy Baker
12:02, 29 MAY 2021

It’s Friday 2nd of July 1965. A moment in time captured in Leicester prior to the annual industrial July Holiday Fortnight - and no doubt looking at the pictures folk were keen to get home to start their holidays.

The pictures were commissioned by Leicester City Transport, and credited to photographer George Haggis of Narborough.

Mike Greenwood, director of archives and research at the Leicester Transport Heritage Trust, who kindly supplied the pictures, said “The majority of the photos were taken from what I believe is a cradle in a borrowed lorry from the corporation’s street lighting department, with the photographer being elevated slightly above the queue of following traffic.

"How the photographer communicated with the lorry driver remains a mystery!”

Take a look at the vintage vehicles filling familiar streets below.

 

https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/news/history/gallery/23-archive-pictures-show-1960s-5439491