Leigh984, The creative portfolio of Leigh Spencer

  The 1st Newbold Verdon Scout troop hold their annual gala bringing the village together for a day of fun and games. We begin with the Ibstock Scout band leading a parade through the village ending at the Primary school on Dragon Lane . We see the band entering the showground next to a steam roller before they are dismissed and the scout leader opens the gala. Next we see the there and back railway giving rides followed by fun with inflatables and Sumo suits . Nearby (but not too close !) there`s axe throwing and we see the steam roller from earlier letting off steam. Next up the Dogs (and owners) of the village take part in a Fun Dog Show with prizes for various categories being presented by Local MP Dr Luke Evans (CON). A Classic car show line up includes various cars including a soft top Morris Minor and Scooter with a herd of alpacas watching the events unfold around them. Back to the showground and the horticultural tent sees competition for longest carrot and mos...

  The Cosby Yarnbomb returns after a one year break bigger and better than ever before, in 2026 were going on a trip around the world in 80 displays !. Like Willy Fogg we`ll be exactly right on time as our Journey takes us under the sea and across African plains for a walk on the wild side, yes that is a life sized giraffe in Cosby !. We also go interstellar as we fly through the solar system on a planet parade (can you spot any Aliens ?). a Chinese dragon , the terra-crochet army , Tulips from Amsterdam and a windmill, add to our globetrottingy trip. This film does not include all 80 displays (that would be a very long film) so a visit to the Yarnbomb itself is highly recommended Cosby Yarnbomb and Community Togetherness Day 2026 have been supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England ,Who along with Sponsors fund the costs of putting on the event, including performances, workshops and activities.

Join me for a #Viasakhi celebration at Fosse Park in Leicestershire .  We kick off the video with the Jodi Dancers adding a burst of colour to the Food Central area. ​⁠  The group features a Dhol drummer who plays alongside the dancers, as they show off the dance moves that have been passed down through generations of performers, all celebrating the #Vaisakhi festival.  The group soon welcomes everyone, no matter their age, to join in the dance as the music fills the shopping centre.

This Halloween Leicester has been taken over by a host of spooky spirits there`s Lost Roman Legionnaires at Jewry Wall Museum and Ady Demon `s doing a Night Shift at BBC Radio Leicester , whats that apparition on the walls of the Guildhall ( Leicester`s Oldest Building ). Over at Cocoa Amore the Jungle drums are beating out a spooky rhythm as ancient spirits are stirring once again. Mischievous goblins are messing with time in the workings of the famous St Martins Square clock . The spirits of Vikings are haunting the Highcross beacons and over at the Grand Hotel the Paranormal Porter might just take your soul along with your bags !. On a side mission there is some questionable real estate goul have to put down more than the usual deposit to secure. Waiting for the Night Bus ( route 666 ) at the LCB depot is a lineup that would give any Crypt Crew a fright. Back at Highcross the beacons are now showing a collection of Halloween shapes in bright colours illuminating ...

  Leicesters biggest free festival returned to the Riverside over the weekend of Saturday 7th and 8th June 2025 with all the usual fun on the water itself there was also Dragon Boat racing on the Sunday and lots to see, Eat and do at the various locations around the mile straight. We begin the film at the Hammock Garden a relaxing space on the De Montfort University Campus before moving to the water to see Paddle Plus giving visitors a chance to have a go at various water based activities. A little further along and Narrowboat "Jumble" is offering boat rides along the canal. The action builds next as we see the Dragon Boat races taking place and visitors on Sunbeam II have got a prime position for the race. The race begins and even a Swan is joining in and he`s out in front too !. Now onto Leicester Castle where the Militia of Anglia have set up a living history camp recreating the Siege of Leicester. 

As part of the National Gallery`s programme of events to celebrate their Bicentenary, 12 of the nation’s most iconic and well-loved paintings from the collection are being lent to 12 venues across the UK. Leicester Museum and Art Gallery on New Walk has been lent The Umbrellas by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, the much loved painting is on display until September 1st and has free entry. The displays opened simultaneously on 10 May 2024, the 200th anniversary of the Gallery’s opening in London, enabling people from all over the country to see, up close, some of the greatest works in the history of Western art. www.nationalgallery.org.uk

A look at some of the entries in the first Ratby Scarecrow Festival which took place over the weekend of October 15th and 16th. The festival, organised by The Ratby Community Group in partnership with The Ratby Library, aimed to raise funds for the Library and tasked village residents with creating a scarecrow based on the theme of Storybooks. The village rose to the occasion with creations as diverse as Wallace and Gromit, The Little Mermaid and Toy Story (with a very realistic Army Man). Join me on a tour of the village and see how many you can spot.