Fred Moss / 01 July 2025 / Categories: Arts & Entertainment, Cinemas

The Phoenix Arts Centre and Community Hub Leicester

An area of regeneration for all ages

For anyone who loves independent films this spot is the jewel in the crown for creatives in Leicester and for anyone visiting Leicester as well. It has screening rooms, smaller cinemas akin to film schools and hotels that boast in house screening facilities and the releases are not the blockbusters you find at the big release cinemas. It much more niche. And affordable with loads of programs and discounts so a great resource for teachers, educators and community volunteers.

The building is pretty new, only about 15 years since it opened in November 2009 and forms the heart of Leicester's center for independent cinema, art, and digital culture. The building was part of a larger arts-led regeneration project in the city's Cultural Quarter.

Well worth a visit. There’s a lot going on and worth checking out the notice board whilst you are there too. I was inspired to get kids building their own websites a few years back when I discovered a free government led program GBBO, get British business online with free web hosting (no longer available) it was a great opportunity for students to build and host their own websites, something we wouldn’t ordinarily have had budget for.

A great place to learn, network, lots of things going on, many free, discounts on cinema tickets and films curated you just wouldn’t ordinarily get to see so like I said if like me you love independent cinema and getting to Sundance is a pipe dream, Phoenix Arts centre is the next best thing for folks based in and around Leicester UK.

And there’s plenty on on street parking around there and a large NCP car park on Halford St close by.

They operate as a charity so all profits go back into developing creative programs and serving the community, something they do really really well.

It’s licensed too so you can grab a drink or snack in the cafe bar. A hub for a business meeting or a

cool place to relax whilst attending a festival or event. Always an interesting mix of people whenever I go. Surprisingly I’ve met a few directors and producers there.

I’d recommend anyone go support and check out what’s on.