The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh will join a day of celebrations next month during a tour of Leicestershire.

The royal party will unveil a plaque at the Curve theatre, tour the University of Leicester's new library, hear about the city's multi-faith community and meet schoolchildren in the county on Thursday, December 4.

Her Majesty last visited Leicester in 2003.

City council leader Ross Willmott said: "This is great news. It's a great honour for the city that the Queen is coming to Leicester again and that she is going to visit Curve, the city's finest and newest building.

"I know the people of Leicester will think this is marvellous.

"It will be a great day for everybody.

"I hope she will be as impressed with the new theatre as everyone else has been."

After arriving at Leicester train station, the Queen will tour the university's £32 million David Wilson Library, meeting staff, students and sponsors, including house builder David Wilson himself.

She last visited the university in 1958 when she opened the Percy Gee Building, which houses the Students' Union.

Vice-chancellor Professor Robert Burgess said: "To welcome the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh back to the university after 50 years is another tremendous accomplishment for the university.

"We hope they will be able to see the progress Leicester has made during this time."

The Queen will unveil a plaque marking her visit at the £61 million Curve theatre, before enjoying performances by the cast of Christmas show Simply Cinderella, the Kaine Gospel Choir and the Desi Masti dance troupe.

Leicester Theatre Trust chief executive Ruth Eastwood said: "As we prepare for our inaugural show, Simply Cinderella, it really is the icing on the cake for the opening of Curve."

The Duke of Edinburgh will visit the Shree Hindu Temple and Community Centre, in St Barnabas Road, meeting, among others, the Bishop of Leicester, who is president of the Leicester Council of Faiths.

Temple general secretary Rashmi Joshi said: "It is a lovely coincidence that this comes as we are about to enter the temple's 40th anniversary year, which will be full of big celebrations. We are very delighted with this recognition."

Council of Faiths chairwoman Minou Cortazzi said: "This news is absolutely wonderful."

Finally, the royal party will visit Leicester Grammar School's new 75-acre site in Great Glen, which opened in September.

The Queen will watch performances by the choir and swing band.

The Duke will visit the drama studio and meet students doing the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. The royal couple will also unveil a plaque and sign the visitors' book.

Head teacher Christopher King said: "We are incredibly honoured by this visit and hope that the Queen and Prince Philip will see how proud we are of our new school and its excellent, state-of-the-art facilities."

City residents said it should be a day to remember.

Doris Hayes, 68, from Evington, said: "It's a good thing. It will create interest in the city. I wouldn't mind going to see her."

Zara Patel, 20, also from Evington, said: "It gives the city a boost."

Robin Dignall, who runs Hair @1RD, opposite Curve, said: "It's nice that the Queen is coming to open the theatre. It will be a pretty mad day."