27 Aug 2012

Leeds West Indian Carnival is a dream realised in an inner city Leeds bedsit in 1967 as a remedy for the pangs of homesickness Arthur France felt for his native St Kitts. Today for Carnival’s 45th anniversary and reflecting this Jubilee Year, the event programme fittingly celebrates Kings, Queens, Princes, Princesses and Monarchs in true Caribbean style.... J’OUVERT MORNING A traditional Caribbean start to Carnival day. Revellers take to the streets accompanied by soca sound systems for a mini procession to warm up for the parade later on in the day. Since this morning jam is also known as ‘pyjama jamming’ the obvious dress code for such an early start has to be P.J’S, nighties or fancy dress if you like. Whatever you choose, don’t forget to set your alarm clocks! Departing from the West Indian Centre on Laycock Place, turn right onto Savile Place; left onto Chapeltown Road; right onto Harehills Avenue; right again along Spencer Place before turning right onto Louis Street, right again onto Savile to return to the West Indian Centre. THE 45TH ANNIVERSARY LEEDS CARNIVAL PARADE The culmination of months of hard work as costumes from all over the UK take to the streets. In addition to the King, Queen, Prince and Princess costumes, troupes in themed costumes jam to sound systems and steel pans on floats playing the sounds of the Caribbean. Meanwhile in the park there’s music on stage and the chance to ‘taste the world’ at a host of stalls featuring global cuisine – sumptuous Caribbean food is always popular – arts, crafts and fun fair rides. At the back of the park top DJs provide the latest R&B, dancehall, hip hop and garage sounds. The parade ends on stage with judging of biggest and best troupes. Parade leaves Potternewton Park, Harehills Avenue, Leeds 8. Departing from Potternewton Park turn left down Harehills Avenue, right onto Harehills Lane and right again down Roundhay Road; turn right onto Barrack Road and right onto Chapeltown Road before turning right onto Harehills Avenue and back into Potternewton Park. A route map for the procession can be found on the website below. Image: Jonathan Bliss