Leeds is set to celebrate its rich cultural diversity with the return of the Leeds West Indian Carnival on the August Bank Holiday weekend, this year with a slightly updated route.
Leeds West Indian Carnival is Europe’s oldest of its kind, having been going since 1967. It is also the largest outside of London, drawing an estimated 100,000 visitors each year.
Taking place on Monday 26 August, the parade will take a different route this year, requiring less road closures, impacting on fewer residents and causing less disruption.
The route will now take place on:
- Harehills Avenue
- Spencer Place
- Roundhay Road
- Barrack Road
- Chapeltown Road
These roads will be fully closed on the day of the parade from 6am to 10pm, with most public transport links and access to St James’s Hospital being maintained.
There will also be some road closures on Chapeltown Road and Harehills Avenue on Sunday 25 August.
Starting at 2pm at Potternewton Park on bank holiday Monday, carnival troupes will do two laps of the new route, giving spectators more opportunity to take in the parade’s vibrant journey. The first lap allows judges to evaluate the array of stunning displays and the second lap is for the troupes to enjoy the celebrations ahead of returning to the park and delivering their final performances.
The carnival relies on funding from Leeds City Council, whose finances, like councils around the country, are under significant pressure. The Council alongside event and community leaders have now started looking at a long-term strategy to change the way that Leeds West Indian Carnival is funded to help guarantee its future.
Ahead of this year’s event a donation scheme will be launched, so that everyone passionate about the carnival can contribute to ensuring its longevity. Organisers are asking people in Leeds to “Help us keep carnival alive”.
Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, said: “We recognise the enormous benefits that this annual event makes to our city’s culture, economy, and communities and we are very proud to host it. It should be a great weekend where everyone can join in.”
Arthur France MBE Hon LLD, founding member and chairperson of Leeds West Indian Carnival, said: “We pride ourselves on welcoming EVERYONE to Carnival – ours is an open invitation… we invite you to celebrate.”
