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The Martyrs is in an inner city area, about fifteen minutes walk from the centre of Leicester. The main road that links Leicester with the M1/M69 at Junction 21 runs through the parish (the A5460). Leicester is Britain’s tenth largest town/city.

The parish has a mixture of housing – many small and medium-sized Victorian terraces, and some pre-war semi-detached housing. A number of the larger Victorian houses are used as hostels – for the mentally handicapped, children in care, bail hostels, women’s refuge and numerous homes for the elderly.

Until recently the area has been part of a City Challenge regeneration scheme. This has brought, and is bringing, many tens of millions of investment and development money into the area.

The parish has a resident population of about 8,500. 25% of the population are Asian, with the majority being Gujarati-speaking Hindus. Many have come from East Africa. Unemployment is about 10%. The area near the church is not affluent. The elderly population of the parish retain an affectionate sense of community, but they are becoming fewer in number. Houses are typically being bought by young families or single people. There is a large proportion of rented flats, houses and bed-sits. A significant proportion of smaller houses are accommodation for students at the nearby De Montfort University. In term-time students add an extra 1500+ to the parish population.

There is a rich variety of cultures within the parish. In particular the Narborough Road (leading to the motorway) has a variety of Asian-owned shops. Leicester is a multi-cultural city, and enjoys generally good community and race relations. There are a number of workshops, factories and warehouses in the parish – many of these are small-scale knitwear or garment manufacturers.

Although not actually within the parish boundary, very nearby are Leicester Football and Rugby grounds, the De Montfort University, the main City hospital, and some of the most historical parts of the city. The River Soar/Grand Union Canal forms one boundary to the parish.

The Martyrs could be labelled “open evangelical”. Most people attending would probably describe the Martyrs as being “positively Christian, with a relaxed and user-friendly feel”, rather than reflecting any particular ecclesiastical tradition. It is not a “charismatic” church in the sense that it reflects a particular “charismatic” culture or expression. However, the gifts and fruit – and the sanctifying, life-giving and empowering work of the Spirit – are actively encouraged.

The Electoral Roll is 200+. About 150 adults attend a normal Sunday morning service, plus about 50 children. The congregation is mixed-age and mixed background, which reflects the mixed community around the near the church. The membership also reflects a variety of different Christian experiences and traditions.