Soar Sound Live at Riverside Festival – Day One Highlights

Leicester’s Riverside Festival returned this weekend with energy, colour and community spirit, and Soar Sound was there live on day one to capture the sounds, stories and celebrations from the heart of the event.

Broadcasting from our pop-up studio on the De Montfort University campus, Soar Sound’s team of volunteers and presenters shared a rolling programme of music, interviews, and festival commentary as thousands of people enjoyed the sunshine and riverside atmosphere. As one of Leicester’s largest free festivals, the Riverside Festival celebrates the city’s waterside spaces, and our outside broadcast brought that vibrant environment directly to DAB radios and online listeners across the city.

Throughout the day, our presenters welcomed community performers, boaters, heritage enthusiasts, food traders, and festival-goers to the mic. We heard about the passion behind Leicester’s narrowboat culture, the joy of returning to a full outdoor events calendar, and how local families were making the most of the festival’s packed programme—from paddleboarding on the Soar to children’s activities in Bede Park.

Our special interviews included chats with festival organisers from Leicester City Council, members of the music and dance acts bringing the stages to life, and volunteers who make the event possible each year. There was also a chance to hear from university staff and students helping visitors explore the DMU campus activities.

As an Ofcom-licensed community radio station, Soar Sound’s mission is to amplify local voices and encourage participation. The Riverside Festival gave us a perfect opportunity to do just that, with live reports produced by our new cohort of volunteers—many of whom were attending their first outside broadcast.

If you missed the live show, don’t worry. Our Riverside Festival podcast will be available shortly, with highlights from the day, full interviews, and reflections from our team. Stay tuned, and follow us for updates as we prepare for day two. Whether you’re by the river or tuning in from home, Soar Sound is your companion for celebrating Leicester’s community spirit.