Leigh984, The creative portfolio of Leigh Spencer

The Riverside Festival returned to Leicesters mile straight over the weekend of 3rd and 4th June 2023. Featuring riparian entertainment of many forms, from demonstrations of water rescue from Leicestershire Fire and Rescue service, to boat rides and live performances, my film takes a look at various parts of the festival which takes in the Castle Gardens mile straight and Bede Park. We begin with activities on the water before moving to bede park with its hammock relaxation zones rock climbing and other activities, the fun then moves to Castle Gardens where Enter Edem invite us to the Ugly Bugs Wingding and we get a preview of what to expect at Leicester Textile Festival later in the year.

Now in its 22nd year the Leicester Riverside Festival took place over the weekend of 1st-2nd June, featuring narrow boats traveling along the river, water sports, street food and a wide program of music acts the festival is fun for the whole family. My film features a look around the festival and features the Bill Bailey band on their 'Jazz Boat' an act so synonymous with the festival it would seem strange not to hear their sound in the air during the festival. The rain on the Sunday that I visited did nothing to stop visitors enjoying a day by the riverside.    

In 2017 the Riverside Festival celebrates its 20th year as one of the city`s biggest free festivals. My film aims to capture the atmosphere of the festival which takes place along the Mile Straight, Bede Park, Western Boulevard and Castle Gardens. The festival features live music, world food, boat trips and more. The River Soar was once one of Britain's most profitable commercial navigation routes and today plays host to a multitude of wildlife, water sports clubs and Premier League Champions (2016) Leicester City FC which can all be found along its banks.

Leicester Riverside Festival took place June 6th & 7th 2015 and featured lots of things to see and do including a demonstration of water rescue procedures from Leicestershire fire brigade, traditional canal crafts and lots of local performers on the main stage in Bede Park. The event took place along Western Boulevard known locally as the mile straight and into castle gardens where people could have a go at stone balancing and traditional dancing. The festival has grown in size since its inception and with Leicester having a culturally diverse population now offers those attending a unrivaled range of food and crafts from all round the world to sample from Gourmet Burgers served from a barge through to Thai, Caribbean and Asian cuisine and crafts. My short film aims to capture some of the many things on offer and the atmosphere of Sunday at the festival. images follow