Leigh984, The creative portfolio of Leigh Spencer

A look at the Rhizome artwork By Tom & Lien Dekyvere on display in Orton Square, Leicester as the snow of Storm Arwen covers the city. The light installation consists of tall structures connected by colour changing neon ropes probing for unexpected connections. Hundreds of meters of suspended illuminated rope create a interconnected glowing network above the viewer. The word "Rhizome" originates in Botany and the installation aims to reflect our intrinsic connection to nature and the increasingly blurred lines between it and technology. The work is on display in Leicester`s Orton Square between 18th November and 5th January 2022 between 4:30pm - 10:30pm daily.

Local Businesses, Community Groups and Villagers come together at St Martins Church Desford for the annual Christmas tree festival this years theme being Carols and Christmas Songs. Visitors where rocking around the christmas tree and the creativity flowing as various carols and songs formed the brief for each design, a tree covered in pom pom sheep represented shepherds watching their flocks by night through to more modern hits on a music themed tree.

For many in Leicester it marks the start of the festive season, Leicesters Christmas Lights Switch on took a break in 2020 for obvious reasons but in 2021 it was back in all it`s glory. As a virtual master of ceremonies BBC Radio Leicester presenter Ady Dayman was heard throughout the city centre on loudspeakers getting the crowds in a festive mood doing shout-outs and playing music. The excitement mounted as the 6:30pm switch on approached, 5..4..3..2..1.. the crowd cheered as the light of over 16,000 bulbs flickered on around them and the 50ft tree next to the clock tower. As the night progressed giant Ghost Caribou appeared as did Rollerskating Christmas Puddings, Penguins and Candy Canes. Music in Town Hall Square was provided by the Contrast Steel Band and The King Brasstards providing their own takes on festive favorites.

From 2nd - 7th November, to celebrate Diwali, an art installation was created by renowned British artist Chris Gilmour at Highcross Shopping Centre. The artist created a Leicester cityscape made entirely of cardboard. The 3D cityscape featured various landmarks of Leicester including the clock tower, City Hall the Guildhall and fountains. My film features the artist at work and some of his already finished creations how many do you recognise in their cardboard forms ?.