Leigh984, The creative portfolio of Leigh Spencer

As the festive season approaches faster than the Polar Express at full speed the annual switching on of the Leicester Christmas Lights takes place at various locations around the city. We begin the evening on High Street where we meet the Nutcracker Marching band, we`ll meet them again several times over the evening but for now we follow them to the clock tower which is already illuminated by lasers and patterns projected from the Haymarket balcony where BBC Radio Leicesters Ady Dayman and cast from De Montfort Halls Pantomime are getting the crowds ready for the big moment. Past the Christmas food market and we find an eccentric fellow with his Pramdemonium a strange contraption with trumpets and bubbles playing organ music to entertain the crowds. On to Town Hall Square now where illuminations and moving lights give the area a magical quality, we see two stilt walking angels towering over us, illuminated and performing graceful movements as they move through the crowd. Soon from ac...

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.

On 17th November Leicester came to sparkling festive life with 16,000 LED lights and a 46ft Christmas tree decorated beside the Clock Tower in the center of the city. The festive atmosphere started before the lights got switched on as local band the King Brasstards roamed the streets playing their unique take on festive favorites and a brightly lit fairground featuring traditional gallpers and other rides entertained the crowds. As 6:30pm approached the countdown hosted by BBC Radio Leicester presenter Ady Dayman began and those gathered forgot the rain and smiled as the large tree and streets burst into a rainbow of festive colours and lights the festive season had begun. After the switch on was complete street entertainers entertained the crowds with Mr and Mrs Frosty and the Show Globe bringing magical moments for all underneath the decorations. 

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.