Leigh984, The creative portfolio of Leigh Spencer

The festive season in Leicester begins with 16,000 low-energy lamps and a 50ft Christmas tree, from Kielder Forest in Northumberland standing tall beside the cities Clock Tower. It`s switch on day and the city is buzzing with thousands turning out to see BBC Radio 2`s Scott Mills lead the count down to the start of Christmas in Leicester. After a countdown from 10 and a cheer of "Christmas Is On" from the BBC Radio presenter we see the lights burst into colour and the fun begins. Horace And Boris the bouncy elves lead us to the town hall square where illuminated stilt walkers and traditional bands play festive favourites. A change of pace and volume as the World Beaters LED drummers appear from under the distinctive arched entrance of St Martins square and march toward the Clock Tower stopping occasionally to perform for the gathered crowds.

PLEASE BE AWARE THIS VIDEO CONTAINS A NUMBER OF LOUD BANGS AND EXPLOSIONS. Held annually at Foxlands farm in the Leicestershire village of Cosby The Victory Show is a 3 day event held over a 100 acre site featuring re-enactments of various theaters and era`s of war between 1939-45 from Infantry to Airman the show creates a window through time back to the 1940`s. The show has something for all including 1940`s vehicles a large army encampment featuring over 50 re-enactment groups and the spectacular battlefield featuring tanks and more. My film features highlights of the event, the battlefield, A DC-3 aircraft inside and out plus a recreation of the wintry scenes of the Siege of Bastogne in Belgium part of the larger battle of the bulge in December 1944.

After the Castle Classic pro-cycling race ( see previous post here ) sped through the city the public where invited to take to the traffic free streets for the HSBC UK CITY RIDE LEICESTER. The event featured hundreds of people "reclaiming the streets" on bikes of all shapes and sizes and for the first time the cyclists where accompanied by decorated Rickshaws and Dhol drummers as part of An Indian Summer Festival this made for a vibrant and colorful parade as they moved through the city. My film Rickshaws and Riders aims to capture the colors and sounds of the event and give a idea of the exiting atmosphere as the streets of Leicester come alive with the sounds of South Asian Culture in the UK.

The Leicester Cosmopolitan Carnival is an annual all-day spectacular in the city center. Featuring a mix of art and music from around the world. The festival entertains and celebrates the wonderful diversity that makes Leicester so special. My film shows a selection of the artists performing at the event and moves from high street to the clock tower and onto Jubilee square, look out for World Drummers, A Brass Band and smooth reggae (check that guitar solo !) among others ! For further information on Cosmopolitan Arts please visit their website