Leigh984, The creative portfolio of Leigh Spencer

The Victory Show returned to Foxlands Farm in Cosby for the annual wartime event that brings history to life. We start with a runway battle (new for 2026) before heading onto the showground where various vehicles are on display. Back on the runway, the beautiful chrome Happenstance shines in the Leicestershire sun, meanwhile an American tank display is captured in canvas by artist TJ Durham in his unique style. The instantly recognisable Spitfire is seen on another display before we switch to the soldiers and large tanks leaving the battlefield having variously won and lost the demonstration (dependent on the side they were playing!). In the woods, a lady fishes for her dinner in a small stream before two soldiers stationed in a trench track a plane flying by. We end with a song from the Market Harborough Ukulele Band as the credits roll. Look out for a companion film taking a closer look at the aircraft of the event coming soon on this channel. 

  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.

A look at Standing With Giants  a community project, set up in 2019 by Oxfordshire community artist, Dan Barton, and a group of local volunteers. Creating large scale art installations using recycled building materials they provide meaningful spaces for people to visit and reflect At the 20th edition of The Victory Show in Cosby Leicester visitors where invited to walk through and experience one such installation. As the walk through begins we see the black silhouettes positioned on the banks of a small lake posed as if heading into battle, the sound of a simulated skirmish in the woods adds to the impact of the shadows of past heroes heading into conflict. The silhouettes create a reflective atmosphere and area in direct contrast to the living history displays just meters away on the busy showground. We then cut to a second display at the event featuring giant cutouts of people and soldiers celebrating victory, as a marching band passes we end on a cutout featuring Sir Winston...

 For it`s 20th show the Victory Show returned to Foxlands Farm in Cosby Leicestershire featuring hundreds of reenactment displays from various theatres of conflict the even takes place over a 100 acre site and gives visitors a chance to fully immerse themselves in the 1940's era. The event has expanded over the years to include a full airshow programme alongside the static displays and has seen displays from the Red Arrows and even the Vulcan over the years. New for 2025 was an area made to simulate conflicts in colder areas of the world, which gave a unique contrast to the otherwise mild August weather on the Sunday that I visited. My film starts in this snow covered environment before a marching band passes the spectacular handmade cut outs of ‪@standingwithgiants3599‬ who had two moving displays at the event (see separate film coming soon). Next we're asked "Have you seen Dave ?" who it appears is a carrier pigeon sat on a lamppost above the sign !. Communicatio...