Famous Carnival's route changed to cut disruption

Leeds West Indian Carnival will see around 100,000 visitors to Chapeltown and Harehills

The route of Leeds' famous West Indian Carnival parade will be different this year in a bid to limit road closures and minimise disruption.

About 100,000 visitors are expected in Chapeltown and Harehills for the parade on Monday 26 August as the event, the largest in the UK outside London, returns for its 57th year.

Organisers said this year's route would begin at Potternewton Park at 14:00 BST, with troupes completing two laps - the first for judging and the second to enjoy the celebrations. They would then return to the park for final performances.

The Carnival parade would take place on Harehills Avenue, Spencer Place, Roundhay Road, Barrack Road and Chapeltown Road, they added.

These roads would be fully closed on the day of the parade from 06:00 BST to 22:00 BST, according to Leeds City Council.

However, most public transport links and access to St James’s Hospital would be maintained, the authority added.

Closures on Chapeltown Road and Harehills Avenue were expected to be in place from Sunday 25 August.

The 2019 Carnival (pictured) involved 2,000 dancers with 50,000 feathers, 20,000 sequins and 5,000m of costume material

Meanwhile, Leeds City Council has asked people to help "keep Carnival alive”, as it asked for donations to ensure the event continued into the future.

In a statement, a council spokesperson said: “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 Leeds West Indian Carnival is funded to help guarantee its future.”

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.”

Ahead of the event, Arthur France, founding member and chairperson, said: “We pride ourselves on welcoming everyone to Carnival. We invite you to celebrate.”

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