The mayor's visit to a school to promote the city of culture bid was thrown off topic slightly when he was quizzed by pupils about the closure of a children's activity centre.
Pupils at St Thomas More Voluntary Academy, in Knighton, greeted Sir Peter Soulsby enthusiastically when he popped in to explain the city's campaign to become a cultural hub in four years' time.
However, the mayor's presentation was diverted when the youngsters also began questioning him about the closure of an independent children's activity centre.
"We had asked them to come up with questions for the mayor and lots of them wanted to know why the activity centre was closing," said assistant head teacher Karen Stuart.
"It's not exactly what we had in mind! Sir Peter told them he would have a look into it when he got back to his office."
Back on the city of culture topic, the mayor was greeted with an array of weird and wonderful creations, from a skeleton made of spaghetti to a papier mache vulture to celebrate Leicester's bid.
The children's artwork was designed to reflect Leicester's history, heritage and communities as part of a six-week project called "Are You a Culture Vulture?"
Mrs Stuart said: "It's been great for the kids, they've been finding out about their city and learning about the history and geography of Leicester.
"Before we started they could all talk about France and Spain and all the places they'd been on holiday, but they didn't really know as much about what's on their doorstep."
The youngsters were asked to come up with how they imagined Leicester might look in the future.
Year two pupil Rosie-May Connelly, six, who made a cardboard diorama of a park.
"My dad helped me with the glue gun," she said. "I really enjoyed making it. It's got a cafe, museum and toilets."
Rosie-May was one of the pupils listening to Sir Peter describe why Leicester should be named 2017 UK City of Culture, and how they could help.
Her friend Lola Alba, seven, said: "We've been learning a lot about culture and things such as Richard III and the space centre – there's a lot of things there and they've got real rockets. I haven't been yet but it sounds really exciting."
Lola said she had made – with the help of friends and teachers – a large "culture vulture with a pink face, black body, white neck and a big beak".
Lola, Rosie-May and other pupils told Sir Peter he had their support, while he praised the youngsters for their hard work and support.
"What we're discovering is that the City of Culture theme produces some great links to learning," he said.
"With the help of their teachers, children are learning about the past and thinking about how the city's history has helped shape their lives today.
"Their enthusiasm for the city is truly refreshing."
Leicester's bid to become the next UK City of Culture will be assessed by judges in June. The winner will be announced in November.
