Leigh984, The creative portfolio of Leigh Spencer

  Created by acclaimed artist Shiraaz Ali with Inspirate Shine Your Light is a large scale mural that has transformed Leicester`s Belgrave Road , celebrating Diwali Festival celebrations that are held along the famous Golden Mile each year, the mural features artwork depicting traditional symbolism and uses contemporary street art techniques, reflecting heritage and the areas modern identity. The mural captures the heritage of the Light-Switch On which first took place in 1983 over 40 years ago and features a mother and daughter representing the passing of the festival from one generation to another, Two tigers also feature to symbolise the community's strength, power and protection, the lotus flower symbolises resilience, growth and inner peace and the large 'Shine Your Light' is a reminder to people to share their unique gifts with the world.

The Sculptural Gateway on Belgrave Circle in Leicester is a piece of public art commemorating the 50th anniversary of Ugandan Asian migration to the city. Midlands-based artist Anuradha Patel was commissioned to create the sculpture marking the anniversary of the arrival into Leicester of thousands of Ugandan Asians fleeing the dictator Idi Amin. The work consists of a commemorative archway formed from intertwining strands of bright coloured powder coated metal featuring cut outs of animals flowers and other significant outlines, the design was chosen from a number of shortlisted designs by a panel which included Leicester City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby, Chair of Belgrave Neighbourhood Co-operative Housing Association (BNCHA) Jaimini Bharakhada, BBC Radio Leicester broadcaster Rupal Rajani, along with the city council’s Anne Provan and Jo Jones, head of Leicester’s Museums and Arts service.  

The skies above Leicester`s Golden Mile burst into colourful light on Diwali Day (November 12th) as the 40th anniversary of the biggest Diwali celebrations outside of India bought thousands of people to the Melton road area. Decorations lined the street as the "wheel of light" shone bright over the Cossington Recreation Ground and Diwali village, eyes turned skyward for a spectacular firework display. The event is organised by Leicester City Council with Sponsorship from The University Of Leicester, Lidl and Programme Partners Inspirate, Arts Council England, Canal & Rivers Trust.

A drive along Leicester`s Golden Mile decorated with lights for the festival of Diwali. During one of the biggest Diwali celebrations outside of India, Leicester`s golden mile is illuminated by thousands of colorful decorations bringing the "festival of lights" to spectacular life. Join us on a drive along the golden mile, as a passenger, as we look in real time at the decorations along each side of the road. Happy Diwali to all Celebrating.

A alternative view of the Diwali Day fireworks in Leicester with The National Space Center and Abbey Pumping station in the foreground. I found a high vantage point looking out across the city providing a view over the well known Golden Mile area and a top vantage point to view the spectacular firework display celebrating Diwali Day in the city. Also look out for the Wheel Of Light and countless smaller displays lighting up the night sky over the city. Wishing a very Happy Diwali to all Celebrating from Leigh984

My first visit to the Diwali Day celebrations in Leicester (one of the biggest of its kind outside of India) which take place along the Golden Mile famous for it`s Indian jewelry, Restaurants and shops. My film starts at the Limekiln lock where boats of all sizes and colors float below a firework filled sky. My film then takes us to the Golden Mile itself where the firework display crackles and sparkles above the watching crowd. the end of the film sees people making their way home after the display beneath the well known Happy Diwali archway at the top of Belgrave Road.