Leigh984, The creative portfolio of Leigh Spencer

CONTAINS FLASHING IMAGES THROUGHOUT A look at Emergence by This Is Loop on display in Leicester at "The Circle". The interactive piece featuring lights, sound and reflective surfaces describes itself as a sanctum within which to consider the dynamic interplay between order and chaos and the momentous role this plays in systems, life, the self, the universe and beyond. Featuring reflective surfaces throughout the work invites the viewer to interpret a previously familiar place in a new and interesting way in this instance (rather appropriately) the buildings around Leicesters "The Circle". Containing approx 14000 LED "pixels" synchronised to a soundtrack by ‘NYX: Electronic Drone Choir’ throughout the entire structure, the reflections form optical illusions of both spheres and grids as the viewer moves around and through the work. In Leicester the artwork is presented by Bid Leicester.

A naughty pair of Elves ride their powered sleigh through Food Central at Fosse Park in Leicester, handing out candy and generally being mischievous.  we join them as they weave through Christmas shoppers bringing smiles and festive laughter to all who encounter them.

One magical evening during the festive season a group of talented craters got together and transformed not one, but all three postboxes in the village of Newbold Verdon with fantastically festive postbox toppers, Santa and Mrs Claus feature on one, while another on Main Street (next to Liberteas Tea Room) features a gathering of woodland creatures of all kinds around a Christmas Tree, lastly up by the Primary School we find two snowmen rolling snowballs in the snow.

The annual charity Archers Festive Tractor Run makes its loud, bright and shining way though the Leicestershire village of Countesthorpe. The streets where lined with people as the horns of the tractors could be heard approaching the village, excitement increased as the first flashing lights came into view and the parade of vehicles began. Starting on Station Road the procession turned right at the roundabout onto Main Street cheered and clapped by the watching crowds. The event raises much needed funds for Leicestershire MS Therapy Centre, Loros Hospice, Wishes For Kids and Rainbows.

The Emmanu’-EL Apostolic Gospel Academy, EAGA Gospel Choir, (Winners of BBC Songs of Praise Gospel Choir of the Year 2023) performed a selection of Christmas favourites at the Fosse Park Shopping Centre their glorious sound bringing festive cheer to shoppers as they passed by.

The Flying Scotsman steam locomotive thunders through Narborough Station in darkness on its return journey from Worcester running a Christmas Express service. Returning from its earlier trip in daylight we see the crossing barriers lowering in anticipation of the famous locomotives arrival. On the station and footbridge myself and many others have gathered to see the engine thunder through the small village station, then with a sounding of it`s whistle it thunders from the darkness under the bridge and back into the night, some onlookers even giving it a round of applause to thank this steam powered, rail bound star for it`s theatrical curtain call and appearance in the Leicestershire village.

On a rainy 7th December Santa and his Sleigh visited Newbold Verdon and toured the village with help from his friends at the Market Bosworth Rotary Club and the 1st Newbold Verdon Scout Group. The early December visit with his ever faithful reindeer gave Santa the chance to plan his route for the big day, starting at the village surgery before travelling along Dragon Lane and various roads in the village. The white Sleigh lined with lights passed various houses decorated with coloured lights and Christmas trees. On his visit Santa took a few minutes to visit regulars at the village pub "The Jubilee" to wish them a Merry Christmas.

A look at the annual Desford Christmas Tree Festival featuring trees decorated by the community, local businesses and individuals. This years theme was Toys Through Time meaning trees based on Monopoly, model train sets, and some more modern franchises such as Barbie and Pokemon being represented among the decorated trees.