Its debut in 2023 attracted more than 80,000 visitors
One of the monsters, Tentacle Terry, which appeared previously will be making another appearance(Image: Becky Jones / Leicester Mercury)
Eight ‘giant, colourful creatures’ are to soon return to Leicester city centre and will be placed in a mix of locations.
The free event, The Return of Leicester Monsters, will see illuminated characters appear in windows, on rooftops and in unexpected corners of the city for 10 nights.
Among them will be Chomper, a giant orange monster who will reside at Mattioli Woods, at the bottom of New Walk.
Previous guest, Tentacle Terry, will be hanging around at the Highcross while his wife, Tentacle Tina, will be waiting at Metro Bank near the Clock Tower.
Aspiring rockstar, Sick Jagger, will be staying at Jewry Wall while Jazz Hands, an actor, will appear in Leicester’s Cultural Quarter at LCB Depot.
Visitors can expect to see three other monsters, all of which are created by Filthy Luker & Pedro Estrellas, hidden somewhere in the city.
The Halloween event has proved to be popular over the years, and attracted more than 80,000 during its debut in 2023.
Each monster will have its own Monster ID, and families will be able to find out more about its personality and life interests.
Those who attend will be encouraged to hunt all eight monsters and check themselves in at each location using the My Leicester App.
Families who reach all eight check-ins will be automatically entered into a monster prize draw.
Among the prizes is a £100 voucher to spend at Bill’s, a £100 Leicester gift card and four tickets to Curve’s family Christmas show, Daisy and the Trouble with Christmas.
The event will run alongside Leicester Restaurant Week, with dozens of restaurants, cafes and bars across the city offering special fixed-price menus and exclusive dining deals.
Assistant city mayor Councillor Vi Dempster said: “We’re thrilled that Monsters will be returning to Leicester this October and are very proud to support this event.
“These giant, colourful creatures were a huge hit when they first appeared three years ago, putting a smile on people’s faces and bringing fun – and surprises – to the city centre.
“This free event is a fantastic way for families to enjoy the October half-term, and with Restaurant Week taking place at the same time, there’ll be even more reason to visit the city centre and enjoy a monster day out.”
The event, presented by BID Leicester with support from Leicester Cathedral and Leicester City Council, will run from Thursday, October 22 to Saturday, October 31.
A full monster map is to be available in due course with more information to be shared via Leicester BID’s website.
