Leigh984, The creative portfolio of Leigh Spencer

  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. 

Join me for some riparian entertainment at The Riverside Festival which returned to Leicester`s Mile straight and surrounding areas for its 25th year in 2024. New for 24 was Dragon Boat racing with teams from NHS UHL, Arriva, Market Bosworth and Highfield Rangers among those competing and raising money for Prost-Aid. To the rhythmic beat of the drum the rowers sped their narrow dragon fronted boats between The Newark Bridge and Bridge 111A which acted as the finish line, who won ?, stay after the credits to find out !. After the races we head to the Bede Park area where there are water sports to try and boat trips along the river. Heading onto the Riverside De Montfort University campus we find a giant watering can celebrating 25 years of the festival (created by Kate Carton Events). Coming through !, Sambando perform for crowds outside the red bricks of the Queens Building before a unexpected interruption by the 'New for 24' land train offering trips around the festival. Follo...

I travelled to Rutland Water to watch Olympic gold medallist Chris Draper in his Moth type yacht compete against over 200 competitors in the 21st Rutland Challenge for the John Merricks Tiger Trophy. The trophy is a pursuit type race in which various classes of yacht compete against each other with a handicap (the Moths set out last as they are the fastest). The yachts completed a course around Rutland Water with good wind and beneath a crisp clear blue winter sky. My film features highlights of the action on and off the water and follows the Olympic gold medallist as he prepares his Moth for the race before taking to the water. images follow