Seaside attractions, market stalls and children’s rides come to the town centre
Loughborough town centre will be given a summer makeover next month when Loughborough by the Sea returns to Market Place for a full week of free family activities. The event, organised by the markets team at Charnwood Borough Council in partnership with Love Loughborough BID and I Need a Fun Fair, will run from Monday 17 to Sunday 23 August, daily between 10:00 and 16:00.
Visitors can expect a combination of seaside-themed entertainment and traditional market trading in the centre of town. Planned attractions include sand laid out in the Market Place, children’s funfair rides and a bouncy castle, alongside live performers and market stalls intended to support local traders and hospitality outlets.
“Loughborough by the Sea has become a popular event in our town centre, bringing families together and creating a fantastic atmosphere for residents and visitors alike. By extending the event to a full week this year, we’re giving even more people the opportunity to enjoy the attractions, entertainment and seaside fun while supporting our local businesses and market traders.”
The initiative builds on previous iterations of the event, which have sought to boost footfall in the heart of Loughborough and provide a free, low‑cost day out for families. The council has signalled the extension to a seven‑day run is intended to broaden access for residents and visitors who might not be able to attend on a single weekend day.
- Dates: Monday 17 – Sunday 23 August
- Times: 10:00 – 16:00 daily
- Location: Market Place, Loughborough town centre
- Activities: sand area, children’s funfair rides, bouncy castle, live entertainment, traditional market stalls
| Day | Main Attraction |
|---|---|
| Monday–Sunday | Sand area and children’s rides (10:00–16:00) |
| Throughout week | Market stalls and live entertainment |
Local traders and hospitality businesses are likely to see increased visitor numbers while the event is running. Market Place is a focal point for town centre trade, and partners say the festival aims to complement the permanent market activity rather than replace it. For residents, the event offers a free alternative to paid attractions during the school summer holiday period.
Those planning to attend are advised to check the council’s website for full listings of performances and any updates. The council also encourages residents to sign up for email alerts to receive the latest on town centre events across Charnwood through 2026.
As the town prepares for the influx, organisers will need to manage logistics such as pedestrian flow through Market Place, noise and safety around the fairground equipment, and the interface between the temporary attractions and existing market traders. If well managed, the extended run may strengthen arguments for similar longer events in subsequent years, but the council and partners will also face scrutiny over costs, stewarding and the impact on nearby businesses and residents.
Full details, including a day‑by‑day programme when published, will be available from Charnwood Borough Council’s events pages and from Love Loughborough BID channels.
