Sun, music and dancing at the Leeds West Indian Carnival 2019
- Published
The 52nd Leeds Carnival involved more than 3,500 hours of costume-making, organisers said
Thousands of people have lined the streets of Leeds to watch the 52nd Leeds West Indian Carnival.
Organiser Mehalia France said: "We're feeling hot hot hot, glorious weather, fabulous vibes and lots of smiles."
The first West Indian carnival was organised in Leeds in 1967 with about 1,000 people attending. Last year 150,000 people were at the event.
Arthur France, originator of the carnival, said: "We can all still enjoy that first burst of Caribbean culture".
The 2019 Leeds carnival involved 2,000 dancers with 50,000 feathers, 20,000 sequins and 5,000 metres of costume material
Ms France said the carnival was initiated in Leeds with the thought that West Indians settling in Britain should be able to assert their cultural identities in a society which at the time was sometimes unwelcoming.
Now people flock to Leeds to see parades, street parties, Caribbean food, music, sound systems, art and costume.
About 80,000 portions of rice and peas and 80,000 bottles of water are consumed at the festival
Organisers said emancipated slaves in the Caribbean celebrated their freedom with dancing, music and wearing masks and costumes to mock their former masters
Bands compete with the most elaborate costumes and best dance, and people daub themselves with mud and paint for the J'Ouvert pyjama parade
- Published24 August 2019
- Published25 July 2017
