Leigh984, The creative portfolio of Leigh Spencer

  Created by acclaimed artist Shiraaz Ali with Inspirate Shine Your Light is a large scale mural that has transformed Leicester`s Belgrave Road , celebrating Diwali Festival celebrations that are held along the famous Golden Mile each year, the mural features artwork depicting traditional symbolism and uses contemporary street art techniques, reflecting heritage and the areas modern identity. The mural captures the heritage of the Light-Switch On which first took place in 1983 over 40 years ago and features a mother and daughter representing the passing of the festival from one generation to another, Two tigers also feature to symbolise the community's strength, power and protection, the lotus flower symbolises resilience, growth and inner peace and the large 'Shine Your Light' is a reminder to people to share their unique gifts with the world.

  Diwali in Leicester is known as one of the biggest celebrations outside of India itself and with the famous Golden Mile illuminated with thousands of colourful lights the celebrations got even bigger in 2025 with events across the city. One such event was the River Of Light at  @LeicesterOutdoorPursuit  with water craft of all types illuminated as they paddled, rowed, and boarded their way along the river celebrating the festival of lights in a unique, new and spectacular way that has much potential to become a much loved and regular part of celebrations in years to come. my film starts as the light fades and we see the preparations are underway riverside for the parade, meanwhile in the centre as visitors arrive under a rainbow archway, a multi coloured waterfall of light is surrounded by canoes offering a beautiful Diwali picture opportunity. Later it`s back to the river for the parade and the water becomes a vibrant mix of coloured lights on canoes and paddle board...

The skies above Leicester`s Golden Mile burst into colourful light on Diwali Day (November 12th) as the 40th anniversary of the biggest Diwali celebrations outside of India bought thousands of people to the Melton road area. Decorations lined the street as the "wheel of light" shone bright over the Cossington Recreation Ground and Diwali village, eyes turned skyward for a spectacular firework display. The event is organised by Leicester City Council with Sponsorship from The University Of Leicester, Lidl and Programme Partners Inspirate, Arts Council England, Canal & Rivers Trust.

A drive along Leicester`s Golden Mile decorated with lights for the festival of Diwali. During one of the biggest Diwali celebrations outside of India, Leicester`s golden mile is illuminated by thousands of colorful decorations bringing the "festival of lights" to spectacular life. Join us on a drive along the golden mile, as a passenger, as we look in real time at the decorations along each side of the road. Happy Diwali to all Celebrating.

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 ?.

On Diwali day 2019 BBC Radio Leicester held an Open Day featuring tours of the station, an exhibition of dance costumes (see pic below) and traditional dance performances by the Centre for Indian Classical Dance (CICD). My film features a few of the traditional dances performed in the reception area of the radio station. A design promoting the event was also created by myself and was displayed in and around the station on the day and can be seen below. Happy Diwali to all celebrating.

A alternative view of the Diwali Day fireworks in Leicester with The National Space Center and Abbey Pumping station in the foreground. I found a high vantage point looking out across the city providing a view over the well known Golden Mile area and a top vantage point to view the spectacular firework display celebrating Diwali Day in the city. Also look out for the Wheel Of Light and countless smaller displays lighting up the night sky over the city. Wishing a very Happy Diwali to all Celebrating from Leigh984

My first visit to the Diwali Day celebrations in Leicester (one of the biggest of its kind outside of India) which take place along the Golden Mile famous for it`s Indian jewelry, Restaurants and shops. My film starts at the Limekiln lock where boats of all sizes and colors float below a firework filled sky. My film then takes us to the Golden Mile itself where the firework display crackles and sparkles above the watching crowd. the end of the film sees people making their way home after the display beneath the well known Happy Diwali archway at the top of Belgrave Road.

NOTE: due to content restrictions you may need to view the video above on www.youtube.com/watch?v=5udzPwEga3U  Thank You A look at Diwali celebrations taking place in Jubilee Square Leicester featuring performances from Rae Punkyhoops, DMU Bollywood Dance Society and more. Staged in association with BBC Radio Leicester, DMU square mile India and a number of local dance academies the event was part of the annual city wide Diwali celebrations that include the light switch on along Melton Road and the world famous Golden Mile. My film aims to give a flavor of the afternoons activities and culminates in the parade of lights as it sets off through the city to join the light switch on. #DiwaliLeicester

In the second of my videos from Pudsey does Diwali at BBC Radio Leicester there`s further highlights of the Fire And Glow Showcase featuring artists and performers from Flambe Circus theater - fire, glow and pyro,  Rae Lloyd of PunkyHoops - glow hula hoop,  Rae, Adam Byard and Adam Scott The trio fire poi and fire eating show,  A-Dam BOOM! A performer of stage and street - contact staff and fire pledge show.

Highlights from Pudsey does Diwali a special event held in Leicester`s Jubilee square and at BBC Radio Leicester on 13th November in aid of BBC Children in need. My film aims to bring a flavor of the event which featured 2000 Diva lights in the shape of charity mascot Pudsey the bear alongside fire performers from Flambé Circus Theater, Dhol Enforcement agency, Leicester's own singing stars Sam Bailey and Sally Barker, face-painters, digital sparklers Giant rangoli and much more. The event was held in aid of the BBC`s annual fundraising event Children In Need. Images follow