Leeds West Indian Centre marks 40th anniversary

Historic England discovered photos of the centre's opening party in its archive

Photos of the opening event at Leeds West Indian Centre in 1983 will go on display as part of the venue's 40th anniversary celebrations.

Pictures of a party at the centre in Chapeltown were found in Historic England's archive and show children playing and men competing at dominoes.

Aseye Negedu from the archive said she loved "the fashion, the hairstyles and the smiles and joy" in the photos.

An anniversary event is due to take place at the centre on Saturday.

Ms Negedu said: "The images for me reflect a historical moment in Black British history and illustrate why West Indian community centres were developed in different parts of the country during the early 1980s.

"They remind me of my own cultural background and I love that they are of people in action doing a variety of activities, which is less typical of our known collections in the archive."

The opening event in 1983 featured a steel drum performance

The event on Saturday was due to feature performances from local DJs and a steel band orchestra as well as speeches from community leaders.

Historic England said it would photograph the celebration to add to its archive.

People would also be asked to share their memories of the centre over the past four decades.

Elaine Comrie from the Leeds West Indian Centre said: "Saturday's event will be a celebration of 75 years of family establishing our footprint in this nation and 40 years of cultivating a robust foundation here in Chapeltown, Leeds."

The Chapeltown centre has been part of the community for four decades