Thousands attend Leicester's biggest free festival

The event lasts over two days Credit: ITV Central

Leicester's biggest free festival got under way on the Mile Straight of the River Soar today.

Thousands turned out for the celebrations at the Riverside Festival.

There's something for all the family Credit: ITV Central

The two-day event has been organised by both the city council and local volunteers to bring live entertainment to the city, including the popular dragon boat race.

Live music is one of the many attractions Credit: ITV News

The River Soar - stretching for around 28 miles through Leicestershire - was once the most profitable commercial navigation route in Britain.