Leigh984, The creative portfolio of Leigh Spencer

Planet Parade - Featuring Ziggy

2026-05-10T13:33:00.000+00:00

Join Ziggy the Astronaut as he goes on a Planet Parade around the city of Leicester. The Planet Parade turns Leicester into a walkable solar system with planets at various locations created by around 250 schoolchildren and artists. Each planet is represented by bold artworks installed at various Leicester locations from the Highcross and Haymarket shopping centres to the Cathedral, Jewry Wall Museum, and Leicester Museum on New Walk. We first join Ziggy as he enters the Highcross, where he finds Mercury represented, and so begins his mission across space and Leicester to find all the planets. His mission was filmed over several months between 30th March and 31st May and took in many of Leicester’s known locations and landmarks. After floating around the city, Ziggy finds his zig-zaggy way to the centre of the Solar System, finding the Sun at the base of the iconic rocket tower at the National Space Centre.

May The Toys Be With You 2026

2026-05-06T13:52:00.003+00:00

Once Upon a Time in Leicester...

It is a period of nostalgia. Galactic travellers and sci-fi fans from across the East Midlands gather at the @LeicesterMuseums Art Gallery on the historic New Walk. In an upstairs gallery, a legendary collection has been unveiled. MAY THE TOYS BE WITH YOU showcases the rare artefacts of a bygone era, the plastic heroes and star ships that have fuelled the imaginations of countless generations. As fans marvel at pristine action figures and vintage cinema posters from across the epic space saga, they rediscover the magic of a galaxy far, far away, ensuring that the Force remains strong in the heart of the city of Leicester. Come with me as I explore this exhibition and rekindle memories of epic garden battles, where the suburban borders became forest moons and the sandpit became a vast desert world race track for Podracing under twin suns. As far as local links to this intergalactic Toy Story, we find the Palitoy factory in Coalville represented with examples of many of the much-sought-after, to this day, action figures and play sets which they produced. Shop displays from Toys R Us feature a bright yellow and chrome Star Fighter and the expansive LEGO range too. Newer entries into the franchise see a Grogu figure and Mandalorian. The exhibition runs till 6th September and is free to enter.

This exhibition has not been prepared, approved or licensed by Disney, Lucasfilm or any of its assignees. This is not an official exhibition. The exhibitor recognises that some words, names and designations mentioned within are the property of the trademark holder. They are used for identification purposes only.

Old Town Festival Leicester

2026-04-27T13:45:00.001+00:00

The Old Town Festival returned to Leicester with something for everyone from across time. Turns out you don't need a TARDIS to travel through time; you can do it at the Leicester Old Town Festival. Starting our journey through time with an Anglo-Saxon ship, Brendan the Bold, which, although seaworthy, is on the dry land of Jubilee Square. On deck, we see a lady weaving a traditional fishing net. Next up, we see the ⁠‪@VikingsofMiddleEngland‬ demonstrating the often brutal combat techniques used in the era (these people are trained professional re-enactors; please do not attempt to copy). Moving forward in time, we follow ‪@lordthomasgreysregimentoff6873‬ (Lord Thomas Grey’s Regiment of Foot) marching past BBC Radio Leicester and Leicestershire’s oldest building, the Guildhall, through to the ⁠ Where, after being dismissed, things take a turn for the fantastical with Dragons! outside the ⁠‪@kriiivisitorcenter1485‬. The sound of bells signals the arrival of Leicester Morris and their Morris dancing performance, as they dance Ladylot, The Jolly Jester, and Guinebeard arrive to entertain and take photos with visitors.

There’s a traditional Maypole dance in the cathedral gardens before we head inside the ‪@LeicesterCathedral‬ itself for more Morris dancing in this unique setting with the ladies of Black Annis Morris group.

St George & Dragon SKB Postbox Topper

2026-04-22T23:40:00.002+00:00

SKB, Syston Knitting Banksy is back with a truly spectacular topper for #stgeorgesday 2026! The topper outside the Syston Methodist Church is a sight to behold, featuring an impressive dragon standing proudly beside St George himself. Some might say the artwork ‘Totally Slays’, but such a cute dragon deserves a better fate, in my opinion. We kick off the video with two Syston visitors chatting about the topper as they pass by. ‘It’s not till tomorrow…’ ‘What’s not till tomorrow?’ ‘St George’s Day…’ Then, we dive into the creation, admiring its friendly look and big green eyes. As village life goes on around them, St George and his legendary big green foe keep a watchful eye from their unique community-funded postbox top.

SKB Wallace & Gromit Postbox Topper Artemis II

2026-04-22T23:26:00.001+00:00

To celebrate the return of the #ArtimisII mission to Earth, Syston artist SKB (Syston Knitting Banksy) teamed up with Aardman Animations Wallace & Gromit to create a special topper. This topper features the duo and their famous red rocket, which they used to visit the Moon to try moon cheese—a scene from their short film, A Grand Day Out.

Viasakhi Celebration - Fosse Park

2026-04-20T10:04:00.004+00:00

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.

Easter Weekend At Abbey Park Miniature Railway

2026-04-12T20:56:00.003+00:00

All aboard for Easter Bank Holiday fun in miniature as we take a look at the Abbey Park Miniature Railway.

This small-gauge railway, run by the Leicester Society of Model Engineers, holds open days for the public to take rides behind various miniature locomotives on Easter Bank Holiday Monday. This mainly consisted of various diesels, but they also have a selection of visiting steam engines on occasion too.

We begin with the engines already out on the track, pulling excited passengers around the loops, through tunnels, and past various trees and bluebell woodland.

At the small ticket office/signal box, a sign reads “ Miniature Railway Open, fare £1.50” with a queue of eager visitors waiting to ride the rails.

Once on the busy platform, the carriages soon fill up, and the trains leave the station displaying more power than their small size would have you believe.

Various engines are seen shunting about in the railway, including one based on an American Santa Fe loco and a green and yellow Freightliner.

Next, we see out of a tunnel a grey loco with smiling families waving as they pass.

The Santa Fe from earlier is seen passing with another passenger service before a tram engine (like Toby !) rounds a corner, and it’s back to the station to see the Santa Fe returning with a toot.

We see the passengers alighting from the train, having enjoyed their ride.

We end with the Freightliner from earlier completing a lap without passengers.

The railway is run by volunteers and holds regular running days throughout the year; please see social media and local press for details of future openings.

Steam Days Mountsorrel Railway

2026-04-02T18:40:00.007+00:00

A visit to the Mountsorrel And Rothley Community Heritage Center which includes the Mountsorrel Railway Museum for one of their March Steam Days.

We begin the visit with an overview of the site with various steam powered locomotives moving about 'Pops' the traction engine is nearest to the camera and in the back of shot we see two steam engines moving about.

Down beside the rails now and the imposing structure of the 1834 lift bridge can be seen (more on that later in the film).

Panning left we see a green tank engine set for a goods run and past the sheds to the narrow gauge quarry bottom railway where a small grey engine visiting from the Statfold Barn railway is busy giving visitors a ride around the looped track.

Next we see the green engine moving a goods train back and forth before number 2 turns a corner on another loop of the Quarry Bottom track loop.

Then it's "All Aboard" from Quarry Bottom Halt for an eventful ride which ends in a rather dramatic hailstorm.

Now over to the lift bridge for a demonstration as we learn about its restoration at the site, we see cogs turning and the platform rising as its wound up and down by hand and weights removed to balance the structure.

The visit ends with Pops the traction engine from earlier climbing the hill out of the site and a fascinating trip back in time comes to an end.

Geopark In The Dark

2026-03-22T16:03:00.003+00:00

Between Friday 13th and Sunday 15th March, the half-a-billion-year history of Charnwood Forest was brought to life in a free exhibition and projection show. Inside the 500-year-old ruins of Bradgate House in Bradgate Park, over 3,000 models of the Geopark’s incredible fossils were created by local people at workshops at Fosse Park and Highcross shopping centres

A selection of never-before-seen animations offered a glimpse into the Charnwood Forest over 560 million years ago. The evening began with the house illuminated in blue and red, welcoming us through the gates. An introduction by Jim Butler from YouTube channel ⁠ led us to explore the sculptures and ruins, creating a dramatic backdrop reminiscent of an episode of The Traitors. Later, the buildings sprang to life with projected animations narrating the park’s history and fossils. A particularly haunting moment featured Lady Jane Grey’s unmistakable image projected onto the ruins of her former home. The spectacle concluded with applause from the crowd before we returned to the car park. ⁠

Chinese Lunar New Year 2026 Parade & Finale

2026-03-01T22:17:00.001+00:00

In the second of my films from the ⁠ Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations: we joined the parade through the streets of Leicester. Starting in Jubilee Square, the costumes are handed out. The ever-popular panda costumes go early, and the dragons are lined up ready to process along the high street. The cheeky lion leads the parade onto the high street, accompanied by the Chinese God of Wealth and a crowd of people. The lion stops at various Leicester businesses along the way to wish them a Happy and Prosperous New Year and causes some mischief along the way too. Passing the newly updated entrance to the ⁠ shopping centre, the lion takes an imaginary pee on a parked police car. The rest of the parade, featuring dragons and other characters as well as zodiac signs, passes by on the way to the Clock Tower, where we see the new dragon for 2026 with lights and beautiful decorations. To town hall square now, where crowds have gathered to see a number of performers, including a fire act with a spectacular flaming outline of a horse, marking the year of the fire horse. The weekend’s events conclude with a loud and bright fireworks and firecracker display from three towers on the edge of the square.

⁠ ⁠

Chinese Lunar New Year 2026 Highcross Showcase

2026-02-26T11:53:00.004+00:00

In a weekend of events in Leicester to mark the Chinese Lunar New Year of the Fire Horse the @highcrossleicester shopping Center filled with the sights and sounds of Chinese Culture we begin in what looks like an ordinary Saturday in the centre with shoppers riding between floors on the escalators but then with the sound of traditional drums a Chinese Lion appears making its way through the shoppers and pas JD Sports. Neon Pink lights make for an interesting if surreal sight as the lion emerges from another store meeting children and adults with wide grins on their faces caught up in the excitement of the moment. Outside now into St Peter`s Square and followed by a crowd of people he emerges into the daylight interacting with the public and passing Wing.Stop and other well known shops etc. Back inside the lion is now at the performance area where he throws cabbage at the audience. A change of pace now as we see a series of traditional fan dances performed with graceful flowing moves. Next up is the flying dragon a spectacular energetic dance with a long flowing ribbon representing a dragons flight. Ending on a solo fan dance we prepare for tomorrows parade and firework finale (see secondhand film). The event is organised by @cosmopolitanarts292nc . Another great reason to @visitleicester

Valentines Day Postbox Topper

2026-02-11T21:32:00.003+00:00

In the village of Newbold Verdon, two Gnomes meet on a postbox topper to declare their love.

The grey Gnome, sporting a pink beard, hands his beloved a red rose as Valentine’s Day fills the air with love.

This topper, crafted by the village resident known simply as The Newbold Knitseys, brings joy and love to the village and community.

Taylors Bell Foundry- Casting Tour

2026-01-25T13:10:00.003+00:00

I took a trip to the Taylor’s Bell Foundry in Loughborough, Leicestershire, for a tour of the biggest and last remaining bell foundry of its type in the country. John Taylor arrived in Loughborough in 1839 with a vision to shape the soundscape of communities worldwide with their bells. John Taylor & Co. is not just the country’s last remaining bell foundry, but also a living link between tradition and innovation in bellmaking today. I took a "Casting Tour" around the site to see how centuries of tradition and skills passed through generations come together to create the bells we know so well in our churches and towns. We begin looking at the red brick buildings of the factory with the clanging soundtrack of industry in the background. Into the newly opened museum next, and the bell is rung to start our visit. In the casting hall, the roaring furnace is being prepared for casting later in the day. Into the workshop, and the clappers that give the bells their sound are being made and sprayed in the trademarked red of the foundry. A wide shot of the foundry shows a scene largely unchanged for over 100 years, with various bells being worked on. In the hand bell workshop, many different-sized hand bells line the shelves. Then, through a door, the tuning area sees several golden upturned bells being tuned and restored for installation in the town’s Carillon tower. Back to the casting hall now, and the furnace is ready for casting the head stocks for the bells. We see the molten metal being poured into the crucible with sparks flying and then transported over to the moulds. After casting, the excess is poured away, and the crucible returned to the furnace..

Measham Night Rally - The Vintage Sports-Car Club

2026-01-18T21:47:00.002+00:00

I travelled to Mountsorrel in Leicestershire to see the start of the Measham Night Rally, an event which sees over 40 classic cars, drivers and navigators travelling around the countryside using the tried and tested map and compass method of old, no sat-navs here !. At the Stonehurst Farm and Motor Museum we start at the sign in and with the sound of engines revving and being prepped for the night ahead. Over to another farm building and a team of scrutineers check each vehicle for road worthiness and safety checking lights, steering and engine condition etc. Back in the farmyard there`s time to catch a bite to eat at the Farmers Den and consult the route maps before they are off into the dark of the night and surrounding countryside for the ultimate all righter, many tell me they wont be back till 5am on Sunday morning !.

EAGA Gospel Choir Fosse Park

2026-01-02T21:47:00.005+00:00

The award winning EAGA Gospel Choir, BBC Songs Of Praise Choir Of The Year, BGT Semi Finalists, etc perform at Fosse Park shopping centre food central area with a selection of festive and favourite gospel music their beautiful voices fill the air as shoppers race to find last minute Christmas bargains.

Archers Festive Tractor Run 2025

2025-12-28T23:02:00.002+00:00

The Annual Charity festive Tractor Run by the made its way around South Leicester on Sunday 21st December 2015. The weather outside was spiteful but the tractors looked delightful with lights aglow, with horns sounding loudly we could hear them approaching from a long way outside the village of Countesthorpe in Leicestershire. As the parade begins we see the first tractors approach the roundabout and hear exited cheers from the considerable crowd who have braved the wet weather and cold temperatures. As various styles and sizes of farm vehicle pass we also see The Grinch riding a motorbike and holding a Christmas tree !. Switching to a lower vantage point further along Main Street we hear renditions if popular music from Barbie Girl to Baby Shark !. Among the tractors we see other vehicles taking part such as a bright orange Crouch Recovery truck and waste collection trucks or "bin lorries". A vintage vehicle follows with antlers and Santa clause waving from the passenger seat, as it passes an inflatable Grinch is seen on the back who is forever blowing bubbles. Moving to a raised vantage point the tractors pass below, on a trailer we are reminded of the numbers to text to donate to the charities supported by the event. (At the time of publishing the numbers are active so feel free to pause the video at this time and make a donation if you wish thank you). As the credits roll the last of the tractors pass and the parade makes its way on to the next village.

Stand Up To Cancer Tribute Mile - Abbey Park

2025-12-18T13:33:00.004+00:00

In December 2025, Channel 4Entertainment and @standuptocancerUK organised a charity fundraiser at Leicester’s Abbey Park. They unveiled the SU2CUK Tribute Mile, a striking installation in partnership with @CancerResearchUK. Thousands of glowing orange lanterns were hung across the park’s bridge and around a mile-long loop. Each lantern was dedicated to a life touched by cancer, leaving behind tributes from family and friends. These lanterns were crafted at a workshop in the @highcrossleicester shopping centre before being installed in the park.
Stand Up TO Cancer is a joint national campaign between Channel 4 and Cancer Research UK. Since its inception in 2012, it has raised over £113 million to support cancer research into treatments and diagnostics. The event featured a live TV broadcast on Channel 4, where the Tribute Mile was illuminated for the first time.
My film explores the installation and captures some of the lantern tributes. As darkness falls, people walk through the orange glow, reflecting on loved ones who are no longer with them. Since it was the final day, some attendees took their lanterns home, allowing their loved ones to be remembered and part of the festive season.

Newbold Verdon Christmas Tree Festival - St James Church

2025-12-10T22:02:00.001+00:00

A look at the first Christmas Tree Festival at The Church of St James in Newbold Verdon featuring trees by various groups and businesses in the village. We begin with a candle flickering and pan up to see the church full of small Christmas trees. As we walk up the main aisle illuminated by the red festive glow of the heaters the trees line either side. Focusing in on some of the trees we see a brown one by The Strand Hairdressers. Either side of the alter, adorned with candles, are two larger traditional trees. Back to the smaller trees and we see a tree decorated by the villages answer to the Syston Knitting Banksy the Nutty Knitters which features various knitted characters. We then take a look at a tree by the village tearoom Liberteas a popular hub of the community. A unique "tree" by the 1st Newbold Verdon Scouts featuring various badges and a neckerchief at the top and a tree by the Little Mustard Seeds group close the film but many other trees can be seen throughout the film from various groups.

Christmas Steam Day - Abbey Pumping Station

2025-12-08T11:15:00.003+00:00

The Abbey Pumping Station Steam Days are a chance for people of all ages to take a trip into our industrial and domestic heritage from street organs to chips "Fried the old way" and toys from Christmases past this festive look into the past is sure to bring the memories flooding back quicker than any beam engine could ever pump it back. We begin with Leonard (Lenny) the loco letting off some steam before we hear the distinctive sound of a street organ playing well known songs , whilst the organ plays on we see a long queue forming at the Chip Van which fries chips in the "old Style" in oil giving them a crispy coating. As the organ continues to play outside we head into the building to see the toy displays with model boats and is that Nessie on holiday ?. Next up the spectacular twists turns and trains of Charlie`s railway where TGV trains run through Knapford station alongside Thomas and his friends. Next we take a look at the Storm Pig Magical Flying Steam Ship an intricate and mesmerising model with hundreds of tiny details enticing the viewer to look closer. Onto Meccano Ferris wheels and fairground rides with lights and memories galore. Outside again now and a steam roller makes its way (with a broken whistle) along the front of the main building which houses the beam engines side by side. As the roller moves past we hear the sound of a brass band playing festive music inside, upon entering we see visitors gathered listening to them play as the mighty wheels of the beam engines turn around them almost in time with the music. Back outside and as the light fades we see Lenny set off on his last trip of the day with a toot toot from his whistle and plenty of steam. As the day and event draws to a close we see Lenny`s firebox being emptied and he is left to rest for another day of steaming in the future.

Ice Rink Launch - Leicester

2025-12-02T22:58:00.003+00:00

The festive season means the Ice Rink is back in Leicester`s Jubilee Square and I was invited by ( On an Independent and unpaid basis) to attend the launch event. We enter the rink via the new larger (wheelchair accessible) entrance on Jubilee Square alongside the Wheel Of Light where a number of food stalls are available for those after a German Sausage or festive Mulled Wine after they`ve taken to the ice. Once inside we see the large rink and Team Icicles Professional Ice Skating Team preparing for the launch. New for this year is the Street Curling lane with its distinctive Curling Stones. Now to the main event and Mascot Filbert Fox has arrived to officially open the rink for the season with a countdown from 10 he karate chops the tinsel ribbon declaring the rink officially open. On the rink we are then treated to a performance of several ice dances by Team Icicles who then stay on the ice to inspire the next generation of ice skaters as members of the public take to the ice for the first official session of skating in Leicester for 2025. You can book your Skating session online at iceskateleicester.co.uk .

Christmas Tree Festival 2025, Desford St Martin`s

2025-12-02T15:57:00.000+00:00

With a theme of Past, Present and Future the St Martins Church in Desford held their annual Christmas Tree Festival. Join me as I enter the church and we hear the beautiful sound of the St Martin`s Church Choir as they sing a variety of traditional carols. Exploring the festival with trees designed and decorated by local residents, businesses and groups we are all the time accompanied by the choir. The festival also plays host to several craft stalls selling a variety of gifts and decorations. See if you can spot Mousey Brown hiding in the video. As the choir sing Night Divine we see a knitted interpretation of the nativity. Next we see various trees including one covered in records through the years. Knitted candles adorn another tree as we end the video with a rendition of Ding Dong Merrily On High from the choir.

Christmas Lights Switch On Leicester

2025-11-21T23:15:00.007+00:00

The festive season gets off to a spectacular start in Leicester with the annual light switch on.

We start the evening at Jubilee Square where the giant wheel of light shines over the city sparkling with bright white light and patterns across it's spokes and circumference. Moving along High Street and outside Urban Outfitters is the Snow Queen in her snow globe. As we pass a beautifully decorated tree we find ourselves at the Town Hall Square fountain where, illuminated by bright colours, there`s Christmas magic already in the air, soon we see a gentle giant blue bear and baby exploring the space and giving the camera a sniff. Next up a very tall pink Christmas fairy has come down from the top of the tree to say hello. We go traditional next with a performance from the Choir performing Once In Royal David`s City as the lights are switched on the well known "Christmas Greetings" words, a regular part of the cities Town Hall decorations for many years, flashes into life above them. Swooping in next is a giant illuminated Owl and his guide which glides high over the peoples heads. Heading back to the Clock Tower and High Street the party is in full swing with dancing round the tree and rainbow lights from the Haymarket Balcony. Back where we started in Jubilee Square and the Wheel Of Light is now cycling trough more light effects as people head to the Park And Ride buses and home.#ChristmasInLeicester has begun. time to .

Luxmuralis The Elements - Leicester Cathedral

2025-11-15T14:47:00.001+00:00

Luxmuralis returned to with their show The Elements following the success of SPACE Luxmuralis gave visitors the chance to witness fiery volcanoes, be immersed in the oceans whilst remaining dry !, and take to the skies. Watch as the natural world evolves around you. be enveloped by each element and witness the transformation of Leicester Cathedral as we contemplate our planet and the environment in which we live. Starting outside the cathedral we enter through the new porch into the darkened cathedral where we are greeted and told about the instalation by the team. As we approach the first part we see birds flying around and the collums and arches of the cathedral illuminated in blues and reds. moving through the cathedral we reach King Richard III`s tomb which is lit a deep red and the wall in front of his grave features a lava themed projection representing a volcano erupting with related sound effects. In another side chapel we find ourselves boosted into the clouds as we fly like birds though blue skies. Still on a sky theme we see telescopes and other methods of studying the sky projected in a rotating pattern. Next up in the centre of the cathedral we see a fierce storm is brewing with lightning flashing and rain falling. Diving deep into the oceans now we meet a jellyfish hanging in the void of the darkened space like a ghostly apparition. Next surrounded by a fan of shells an image of Jesus Christ appears appropriately considering the setting. We end on a large whale who like his friend the jellyfish hangs ethereally in the space of the cathedral.

Recycled Bottle Poppy Display

2025-11-09T21:45:00.001+00:00

As part of the "Newbold Remembers" Remembrance Sunday commemorations the Girlguiding groups in the village created a beautiful display at The Church Of St James in the village using the base of plastic bottles painted red and mounted on green sticks, recycling and helping the village to mark an important date at the same time.

Remembrance Postbox topper - Newbold Verdon

2025-11-09T21:36:00.003+00:00

In Newbold Verdon as Remembrance Day approached in 2025 the Newbold Knitseys got to work creating a fitting tribute in the form of a postbox topper in the village. Taking the form of a wreath of Poppies with the silhouette of a solider stood beside a fallen comrades grave in mourning with further poppies around the base (including a purple poppy for animals who served) the topper is a focal point for villagers to remember the fallen and the sacrifice they made for our freedoms.