Leeds Carnival 2017: Parade brings party atmosphere to city streets

Nisha Pankhania takes part in the Leeds West Indian Carnival's 50th anniversary parade. Pictures: Simon Hulme

And the organisers behind Leeds West Indian Carnival pulled out all the stops today for this eagerly anticipated milestone in the event’s history.

They had promised the biggest parade to date, with an estimated 2,000 dancers gathering in Chapeltown’s Potternewton Park before winding their way through the streets to spread the party atmosphere.

Leeds Carnival 2017: The ultimate photo galleryEarly risers had already taken to the streets once today for J’Ouvert Morning – a Caribbean music event and mini parade which set off from Leeds West Indian Centre at 6am.

Zenaida Shabba Gonzalez gets ready for the parade.

The park was a hive of activity by noon, with bustling food stalls spreading out across the park and families gathering on the hill overlooking the main stage to see the dancers begin to assemble.

One proud grandmother, who stood near the gates of the park among crowds keen to wave off the parade, had been coming along for some 40 years.

Her granddaughters were among the dancers taking part this year, sporting flamboyant costumes made by their mother – another of those taking part in the parade’s 50th year.

The sheer task of gathering so many dancers, and the floats carrying the all important sound systems, should not be underestimated.

Eye-catching costumes on show during the carnival.

But at around 2pm, the dancers nearest to the gates sprang into life and the party had truly started.

Feather headdresses quivered, sequins caught the sunlight and the bass of the music reverberated through the crowds.

And so it continued for hours as the parade worked its way through Harehills and Chapeltown, then back to the park where the festivities will carry on late into the night.

Diane Hinds, 46, who lives in nearby Chapel Allerton, said: “I’ve been every year since I was a baby. It’s definitely bigger and more vibrant, lots more people.

Crowds gather to watch the 50th Leeds West Indian Carnival.

“It’s definitely one of the biggest I’ve ever seen. It’s been really fantastic.”

She was one of many parents who had brought their children along to watch the parade, a testament of how the community in Chapeltown has worked to shake off the troubled reputation it once held and the fear created by riots in the 1970s and 1980s.

Leeds Carnival at 50: Inspiring us for half a century

“My daughter wanted to go as she’s got a couple of friends taking part,” she said.

A young dancer has the finishing touches made to their make-up.

“It’s been really great, very friendly, all cultures. It’s really nice to see.”

Friend Elizabeth Woodhouse, 47, said: “We’ve been two or three years. I really enjoyed it. I’m always so impressed by the costumes.”

Another father had travelled over from Hull, saying: “I wanted to bring my son to see if for the first time. Everything looks great, it’s entertaining. We’re going to head to the park, get something to eat and enjoy the rest of it.”

Among the entertainment awaiting those returning to the park is a special guest appearance from Barbadian music star Edwin Yearwood, lined up with the support of the Leeds 2023 team.

A taste of the cultural events to come and just what communities in Leeds could deliver if the city realises its goal of becoming European City of Culture six years from now.