This week on Spotlight on Arts on Soar Sound, we bring you a special edition recorded at the Leading Leicester: Connecting Creativity Conference, hosted at the Phoenix Cinema and Arts Centre. In this episode, Rob Watson and John Coster speak to a wide range of people shaping the creative and cultural life of Leicester—artists, organisers, business leaders, academics, and activists—about the opportunities and tensions emerging as Leicester looks to redefine its creative strategy.

From heritage and fashion to digital art and civic engagement, this episode captures a live moment of civic and cultural reflection. With the UK Shared Prosperity Fund channelling £6.7 million into the region’s creative economy, the question isn’t simply how we spend the money—but how we ensure it serves Leicester’s diverse communities, voices, and ambitions.

The podcast features conversations with participants and contributors including:

What emerges is a complex portrait of a city in transition. Some see momentum and optimism. Others warn against repeating top-down strategies that risk leaving people and ideas behind. What everyone agrees on is the need to nurture real relationships—across sectors, generations, and neighbourhoods.

As Sally-Ann puts it: “I’m the moment.” That sense of immediacy—of local creativity asking for recognition on its own terms—resonates throughout the episode.

Listen in and ask yourself:

Catch the full podcast on Soar Sound or wherever you get your podcasts.

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In this episode of Spotlight on Arts on Soar Sound, John Coster and Rob Watson are joined by Dan Edwards, founder of 52 Stone, to trace a life shaped by creative experimentation, educational reform, and a deep-rooted commitment to Leicester’s cultural future.

Dan’s journey defies linearity. From co-founding the innovative media platform Citizen 598 to stepping into leadership roles in education—including five years as a headteacher—Dan’s career has consistently centred on people, stories, and the power of imagination. Now, with 52 Stone, Dan is building a not-for-profit production company with a dual purpose: to develop high-quality TV and film content from Leicester, and to cultivate opportunities for young people and emerging creatives through alternative educational provision.

The conversation delves into Dan’s reflections on teaching, particularly the limitations and possibilities within a system driven by outcomes and standardisation. He speaks candidly about the challenge of bringing creativity into structured school environments, and how the freedom to reshape cultural expectations—of both pupils and their families—became a crucial part of his role. From “Fancy Friday” glitter cannon assemblies to rebranding what school can feel like, Dan’s approach was rooted in affirming children’s sense of belonging and potential.

We also explore what happens when lived experience—working in clubs, promoting music, even performing as a living statue—filters into educational leadership. Dan brings a rare mix of pragmatism and creative flair, which now shapes the vision for 52 Stone: a platform that blends content creation with social responsibility, aiming to keep talent in the city and open doors to the creative industries that are often closed to those from working-class backgrounds.

The episode ends with a critical question: are we only just beginning to see the real cultural shift that comes when digital-native generations become the educators and producers of their own futures? If so, what do we need to do now to support them?

This conversation is a reminder that education and creativity are not opposing forces—they are mutually reinforcing when rooted in real lives and real places. Dan’s story is not just one of personal reinvention, but of collective possibility.

Listen to the full episode now on Soar Sound DAB, or via our podcast feed, and join the conversation about what it means to make creative work that is both locally grounded and nationally ambitious.

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What happens when history steps out of the textbook and stands in front of you, armour gleaming, ready to talk? In this latest episode of Spotlight on Heritage on Soar Sound, John Coster and Rob Watson, sit down with Joe Robey—historical interpreter, living history specialist, and a familiar face to many who visit the Richard III Visitor Centre in Leicester.

Joe doesn’t just talk about history—he wears it.

In a wide-ranging and insightful conversation, Joe reflects on how he combines performance, research, and costume to bring the past into the present. Whether donning the distinctive armour of a samurai, the ominous mask of a plague doctor, or the lesser-known garb of a late Roman soldier, Joe’s approach is grounded in accuracy, empathy, and a passion for storytelling.

We explore the meanings behind terms like “living history” and “historical interpretation”, and discuss how these forms of engagement challenge conventional ideas about what history is and how it can be communicated. Joe’s characters open the door to curiosity, allowing people to ask new questions—not just about the past, but about how history is constructed, remembered, and sometimes misremembered.

From the heat of summer events to the discomfort of period footwear, Joe shares the physical and emotional realities of stepping into another time. He also talks candidly about his early stage fright, the confidence he gained while working at the National Space Centre, and his creative transition into heritage education through passion rather than plan.

We also touch on how modern portrayals of history—through series like Shogun or reenactments of the Roman Empire—shape public perceptions, sometimes reinforcing clichés, but also sparking vital questions about who gets to tell the story of the past.

And as the conversation veers into the idea of interpreting recent history—such as COVID-19 or Chernobyl—as living heritage, we’re reminded that the line between past and present is never fixed. History lives through us, and people like Joe are helping us learn how to see it, feel it, and question it.

So whether you’re a history buff, an educator, or simply someone intrigued by the costumes and characters that populate our shared heritage, this episode offers a rich and thoughtful look at what it means to interpret history in the 21st century.

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This week’s Spotlight on Art on Soar Sound features a lively and thoughtful conversation with Ken Ogborn—better known in creative circles as “Ken the Actor.” Hosted by John Coster and Rob Watson, the discussion is anything but conventional. Rather than a list of credits or a run-through of career highlights, this episode is a window into how one actor lives with—and through—curiosity.

Ken doesn’t see acting as just performance. For him, it’s a continuous practice of observation, engagement, and emotional translation. What stands out in this conversation is the way Ken talks about people—not as characters to imitate, but as complex individuals to understand. Whether it’s a patient during his time as a clerk, a customer in his marketing years, or a fictional persona on stage, Ken approaches each with the same intention: to learn, to connect, and to reflect something back.

One of the most striking aspects of Ken’s outlook is his insistence that acting is built on reliability and generosity. He describes the priorities of a working actor not in terms of talent alone, but in terms of turning up on time, being easy to work with, and bringing a consistent, open energy to collaborative work. Talent, he argues, is third in line—important, yes, but nothing without professionalism and empathy.

The episode also explores the practical realities of being a freelance creative. Ken shares his strategy for maintaining a long-term pipeline of work, often requiring many interactions before a role materialises. He’s candid about the uncertainties of the profession, but sees his own openness to people and ideas as his most valuable resource. When the phone rings with a last-minute casting call, it’s often because someone remembers the enthusiasm, dependability, and depth that “Ken the Actor” brings to the table.

In discussing training, performance, and the pressure to stand out in a competitive field, Ken reminds us that authenticity is more than a buzzword—it’s a commitment to doing the internal work. Drawing on traditions like Stanislavski’s “magic if,” he speaks about inhabiting the memory and mindset of a character, using imagination as a bridge to lived experience. It’s not method acting for the sake of intensity—it’s about being believable because you’ve built the inner life of the person you’re portraying.

Finally, the conversation turns to the wider cultural and economic context. Ken highlights the constraints placed on regional arts by inadequate funding, and the resulting risk-averse behaviour among producers. He makes the case that without space to fail—or even to experiment—the sector struggles to renew itself or discover new voices. His call is not just for more opportunities for actors, but for a cultural shift in how we value the arts and the people who make them.

This episode is more than a profile—it’s a generous sharing of lessons learned and insights gathered. Ken’s story is that of a practitioner who doesn’t wait for permission to be creative. He practices curiosity, cultivates his networks, and brings humanity into every interaction—whether on stage, in a studio, or simply chatting with a stranger at a café.

Listen now to Spotlight on Art on Soar Sound and meet Ken the Actor—a storyteller who reminds us that the arts thrive not on certainty or status, but on sincerity, curiosity, and connection.

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In this episode of Spotlight on Heritage on Soar Sound, we join Helen Pettman—Chair of Friends of Evington—for a walking conversation through one of Leicester’s most distinctive and quietly remarkable places: the Evington Conservation Area. What emerges is not only a portrait of a place shaped by layers of historical and natural significance, but a reflection on how local knowledge and community care sustain our shared environments.

The episode begins outside the boundary of the conservation area, where Helen describes the thinking behind the inclusion of a strikingly modern house. It’s a reminder that conservation is not only about preserving the past—it’s about recognising how different eras and architectural styles coexist, forming a narrative that evolves with the community.

We follow Helen through the streets and green spaces of Evington, pausing at key points: the Shady Lane Arboretum, the historic moated site known as Piggy’s Hollow, and the arboreal vistas that give this part of Leicester its unique atmosphere. Along the way, Helen points out how conservation is a matter of details—broken signs, overgrown verges, forgotten stories—and how these small things matter to the wider character and feel of the place.

Environmental stewardship runs throughout our discussion. Helen explains how projects like Evington in Bloom and the City Council’s grassland management policy are not just about appearances, but about biodiversity, pollinators, and how we learn to coexist with our environment more sensitively. There’s a palpable sense of the past lingering in the air here—not only in the remains of Norman churches and Saxon speculation, but in the birdsong, the shifting light, and the sounds of a place always in transition.

We also reflect on how the Evington Echo, the local community paper, keeps these stories alive. From commemorating the efforts of individuals who have shaped the community, to quietly celebrating the green spaces and local landmarks that define everyday life, Helen makes a compelling case for hyper-local media as a vital part of cultural memory and identity.

This conversation touches on many things—social change, civic loss, the future of conservation—but at its heart is a simple question: why does a sense of place matter? Helen’s answer is both practical and profound. It brings people together, she says. Regardless of background, belief, or tradition, we all share the places we live in. And through care, curiosity, and cooperation, we keep them alive.

You can listen to the full episode via the Soar Sound podcast feed. For more information about Friends of Evington and the Evington Echo, visit Evington Echo.

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In this week’s episode of Spotlight on Arts on Soar Sound, John Coster and Rob Watson sit down with Albina Leicester, a thoughtful and committed artist whose creative journey in Leicester speaks to the power of rediscovery, memory, and connection. What emerges is not just a personal story of artistic development, but a wider reflection on how people come to see the places they live in through new eyes—especially when prompted by the quiet encouragement of others.

Albina arrived in Leicester from Lithuania in 2010. With no English at the time, she gradually built a life that included working with older people in supported housing schemes. It was there, through the influence of the artist Carol Williams and her late husband Tony, that Albina found herself drawn back into the world of art and photography. What began as admiration for Carol’s paintings grew into a deeper friendship and creative collaboration, culminating in plans for a shared exhibition at this year’s Dock Photo 8, where Albina’s photographs will be exhibited alongside Carol and Tony’s paintings.

Throughout the conversation, Albina speaks of how walking the streets of Leicester, camera in hand, helped her to reconnect with the city and see its beauty—not just in the architecture or heritage landmarks, but in the everyday textures of life that many overlook. Her passion lies in capturing the present moment, and in encouraging others to join her in that process through informal photography walks and conversations.

As the discussion unfolds, the themes of care, belonging, and legacy emerge. Carol and Tony’s artwork is celebrated not only for its technique but for its emotional significance—offering joy, resilience, and a lasting impression on those who encounter it. Albina’s advocacy for public access to art is clear: more spaces are needed for ordinary people to exhibit their work and for creative expression to be recognised as a vital part of civic life.

At the heart of this episode is a simple question: how do we come to value where we live, and how can artistic participation help us see our environments—and each other—with more care and attention? Whether it’s through photography, painting, or conversation, Albina’s work reminds us that creativity isn’t about status or perfection. It’s about showing up, paying attention, and inviting others to do the same.

The Spotlight on Arts series continues to explore these questions by highlighting the voices and practices of local artists. Through stories like Albina’s, we see how creative participation can quietly but powerfully reshape how we relate to the places we call home.

Listen to the full episode on Soar Sound and join the conversation. What might you see differently in your own city today?

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In this episode of Spotlight on Heritage, we joined members of the Leicester and Rutland Family History Society and the Oadby Remembering the Past group as they hosted a VE Day event at the Oadby Granville Tennis Club. The day was more than a commemoration – it was a conversation starter, bringing together local people to share memories, photos, and stories that reveal the personal and community impact of the Second World War.

From wartime street parties to stories of service, loss, and return, the episode captures a rich tapestry of voices. Sue Leicester talked us through how local memory is kept alive, not just through exhibitions but through the sharing of photographs, documents, and lived experience. She reflected on the origins of the tennis club itself, founded in the spirit of post-war optimism and community cohesion, and described how local efforts to mark both VE and VJ Days provide opportunities to understand the complexity of life in Oadby during and after the war.

We also heard from Sue Shaw, who shared the remarkable story of her father’s wartime service and his survival as a prisoner of war. She reflected on the legacy of silence and memory in her family, and how recovering personal records and visiting sites of historical significance helped her piece together his journey. Her insights show how family history is not just about the past – it’s about making meaningful connections in the present.

A recurring theme throughout the episode is the need to go beyond the myths of wartime unity and simple victory. Listeners are invited to consider how stories from this period continue to shape family identities, social attitudes, and the way we think about national memory. Whether it’s through conversations at home, joining a local history group, or starting research with the help of experienced volunteers, this episode highlights how anyone can begin to explore the forgotten or untold stories that shape their family and neighbourhood.

If you’re curious to find out more about your own family history or the history of your area, the Leicester and Rutland Family History Society can offer guidance on accessing service records, understanding local archives, and using online resources. Oadby Remembering the Past also welcomes contributions and enquiries, particularly from those with family connections to the area.

Family history research can be a powerful act of remembrance – not just for those who served, but for those who stayed behind, built community, and shaped the world we’ve inherited.

Tune in to the episode to hear these moving stories in full and consider what hidden histories you might uncover in your own family.

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What happens when we stop asking what art is supposed to be, and start asking what it means to the people who practise it? In this episode of Spotlight on Arts, John Coster and Rob Watson take time to reflect on the first ten conversations recorded for the series. These interviews have included painters, sound artists, game designers, musicians and more, each offering their own take on how creativity fits into their lives, and what motivates them to express themselves.

Is it still possible to think about art outside the structures of funding, planning, and industry? Has the language of the creative economy changed how we value everyday acts of expression? When someone picks up a pen, strums a chord, or edits a podcast, does that count as art—or does it only qualify if someone else validates it first?

These questions sit at the heart of this week’s discussion, where Rob and John consider the challenges that many creative people now face in finding space, time, and support. Is there too much pressure to justify artistic activity in terms of outcomes or social utility? Are artists now expected to be businesspeople, social workers, and therapists too? And what happens to the quiet, personal satisfaction of making something just because it feels necessary or enjoyable?

As the conversation turns to themes like artificial intelligence, the long shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the absence of genuinely open community spaces, we’re asked to consider what kinds of art emerge in times of uncertainty. Can we still make room for creative expression that isn’t pre-approved, market-ready, or digitally optimised?

Might it be time to ask, not what art is, but what we want it to be—for ourselves, for our communities, and for the people who’ve yet to be told they have permission to begin?

You can listen to the full conversation, along with all previous episodes, on the Soar Sound’s website. What does creativity mean to you, and where do you see it happening around you?

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What happens when we pause long enough to listen to what people remember, not just about the past, but about why it matters? In this latest episode of Spotlight on Heritage, we take time to reflect on the last twelve weeks of conversations that have shaped the series so far. From Roman re-enactments in Jubilee Square to quiet memories of growing up in the East End, the threads that have emerged aren’t neatly tied to fixed definitions of heritage. They’re lived, remembered, and shared.

As producers and hosts, we set out with a simple intention—to create a space for conversations that felt relaxed, grounded, and responsive. Has that approach helped us hear more than just job roles or organisational messaging? Has it opened up different ways of thinking about heritage, where stories and experiences reveal more than formal exhibitions ever could?

Throughout the series, we’ve asked what heritage means to different people in Leicester. Not in abstract terms, but in relation to where they live, who they’re connected to, and how they make sense of where they’ve come from. Is heritage more accessible when it’s approached as people’s stories, shaped by their class background, culture, and sense of place? What happens when we focus less on the ‘sector’ and more on the conversations that happen between neighbours, colleagues, and friends over a pot of tea or a shared meal?

We also talked about memory in the everyday—cooking pots and family photos, cassette tapes and jazz records. Can these everyday artefacts offer more insight into a community’s history than official plaques and curated timelines? When people bring forward their own understanding of where they belong and how they got there, what kind of archive are we building?

In this episode, we also reflected on the shifting language of cultural work. Why do we find ourselves returning to ideas like ‘gateways’ and ‘pathways’? What do these words really mean to someone trying to tell a local story that doesn’t quite fit into a pre-planned theme or funding strand?

And then there’s the role of class—how it affects not only our access to cultural spaces but how we interpret and value what counts as heritage. When someone’s first memory of feeling “posh” is tied to a prawn cocktail in a steakhouse, what does that tell us about belonging, aspiration, and how class continues to shape cultural expectations? Can we talk about class without reverting to stereotypes or assumptions?

As we look ahead to the next phase of the series, these questions continue to guide us. We’re not looking to define heritage in fixed terms. Instead, we’re interested in how people make meaning from their own experiences. What can we learn when we resist the urge to package stories into neat narratives? And how can community media play a role in holding space for voices that might otherwise go unheard?

This podcast episode isn’t just a retrospective—it’s an invitation. If you’ve been listening, what has stood out to you? Have the stories resonated? Have they challenged you to think differently about heritage, identity, or the value of everyday wisdom?

We’ll keep the conversation going—and we hope you’ll be part of it.

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In this latest episode of Spotlight on Arts, John Coster and Rob Watson are joined by Dean Williams and Lisa J Edwards, two creative practitioners who have dedicated much of their careers to working with young people and exploring how art can be a tool for growth, healing, and learning.

Dean shares his story of returning to art after many years in a different career, describing how a sense of dissatisfaction with his engineering work led him to pursue his passion more seriously. This decision marked the start of a journey that took him through university study and into a self-employed artistic practice. Lisa recounts a different but equally compelling path, explaining how her engagement with art was renewed through personal experience of illness. For her, creativity became a therapeutic outlet and has since informed her approach to supporting others, particularly children, in educational and care settings.

A central theme of the conversation is the way that both Dean and Lisa have shaped their creative work around a strong commitment to supporting children, especially those facing neurodiverse challenges. Their experiences at Unique Learning in Hinckley, and other settings, have underlined the value of using art to build relationships, develop confidence, and offer alternative pathways to learning. They talk warmly about the importance of creating spaces where children can express themselves freely, finding a foothold in the education process through creativity before moving into more formal areas like maths and English.

During the conversation, Dean and Lisa describe the origins and ambitions of their latest project, Adventures of the Garden Superheroes. Initially developed from Dean’s idea to make garden markers that combined planting activities with superhero characters, the project has grown into a fully-fledged children’s storybook concept. Their aim is to make learning about healthy eating enjoyable, weaving messages about the benefits of fruit and vegetables into fun and imaginative narratives. What stands out is their desire not simply to entertain, but to foster a deeper, lasting sense of curiosity and wellbeing among young readers.

Throughout the discussion, both guests display a grounded and thoughtful approach. They are keen to keep their work accessible and relatable, seeing value in authenticity and shared experience rather than positioning themselves as distant experts. Their hopes for the future of their project are modest but clear: to encourage healthier habits, to give children a sense of empowerment, and to create something that leaves a positive legacy.

This episode offers a reflective and encouraging insight into how art, when combined with lived experience and genuine care, can help open new possibilities for young people, particularly those who might otherwise find themselves overlooked.

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