Leigh984, The creative portfolio of Leigh Spencer

  PART 1 The Journeys Festival returns to its roots in 2024 as a celebration of diversity and exploring the journeys people make in their lives. My two part highlights film takes a look at events throughout the city, stating in part one at Jubilee Square where we are greeted by Sambando (as featured previously on this channel) who chase away the rain clouds with their toe tapping beats. Next up we see the amazing artwork of the Desibus with art on wheels. A fun and bonkers performance of Toast by Pif Paf theatre is next in which we are taken around the world by the Guild Of Toasters, using song, Dance and folk tales passed trough generations.   

Join me for some riparian entertainment at The Riverside Festival which returned to Leicester`s Mile straight and surrounding areas for its 25th year in 2024. New for 24 was Dragon Boat racing with teams from NHS UHL, Arriva, Market Bosworth and Highfield Rangers among those competing and raising money for Prost-Aid. To the rhythmic beat of the drum the rowers sped their narrow dragon fronted boats between The Newark Bridge and Bridge 111A which acted as the finish line, who won ?, stay after the credits to find out !. After the races we head to the Bede Park area where there are water sports to try and boat trips along the river. Heading onto the Riverside De Montfort University campus we find a giant watering can celebrating 25 years of the festival (created by Kate Carton Events). Coming through !, Sambando perform for crowds outside the red bricks of the Queens Building before a unexpected interruption by the 'New for 24' land train offering trips around the festival. Follo...

6km of traffic-free 'open streets` await those taking part in Let`s Ride Leicester a free event with a focus on cycling. A route taking in The King Power Stadium, Leicester Castle, Leicester Cathedral and Jubilee Square features entertainment at various points from Jugglers to Drummers, Sambando, BMX Skills and more so there is something for everyone. Look out in the video for a man playing a Saxophone whilst being taken around the route in an adapted bike. My film follows the cyclists around the route and looks at some of the various stops around it.

In this video I visit The Leicester Riverside Festival which takes place annually in Leicester in Bede Park along the Mile straight, Western Boulevard and in Castle Gardens. The event is one of Leicester`s biggest free festivals and features activity's both on the water and on land including samba bands (Sambando) and street performances from performers such as Octopus Ocean. Along the River Soar (Mile Straight) various decorated narrow boats are moored and food served (Barge Burger), Riverside attractions include Jazz music from Jazz On The River a floating band who travel up and down the river as they play and a chance to try various water sports such as canoeing and coracle boating.