Leeds West Indian carnival – BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY 31ST AUGUST

Local News

August brings with it one of the biggest events in Leeds’ calendar – The Leeds West Indian Carnival. The carnival arrives at Potternewton Park in Chapeltown for the August bank holiday with an explosion of colour, Caribbean sounds and the tempting aromas of jerk chicken on the BBQ’s. People from all over the country come together to celebrate the diversity of the city, celebrate and generally have fun!

The Leeds West Indian Carnival was founded by Arthur France, shortly after moving to the UK in the 1950’s. Contributing so much to the city through his tireless work, he has recently been awarded an honorary degree from the University of Leeds.

Commenting on his honorary Doctor of Laws degree he said “I dreamed of Leeds West Indian Carnival as a cure for my homesickness and to bring people together. So when I made Leeds my home 58 years ago, my wildest dreams could not have imagined receiving an honorary degree from such a respected university. “Being surrounded by the graduating scholars took me back to 1967 when students from Trinidad and Jamaica studying at the university helped to start Europe’s first Caribbean carnival right here in Leeds. Receiving this remarkable honour, surrounded by inspirational company, and with happy memories, was an incredibly touching and humbling experience for me and I could not be prouder”.

A lot of hard work and planning goes into organising the carnival and making it spectacular each year. One such person who dedicates all their free time to the carnival is Sheila Howarth. The niece of founder Arthur France, Sheila is costume designer extraordinaire. She says “I have always loved art and making the carnival costumes was one way of expressing myself creatively. I have been involved in the carnival for over 47 years, but first designed and made a costume 38 years ago for my sister who won! Since then I have been booked. I work at a high school and spend my entire summer holidays creating costumes for a troupe, prince and princess. I have also expanded into costumes for Kings and Queens. I make the process of creating costumes accessible for all so that I can pass on my skills and knowledge to the next generation.”

She also adds, “As part of the 50th anniversary celebrations in 2017, I am calling for as many schools as possible in Yorkshire to get involved in designing and making carnival costumes. If they can’t come to me, I will go to them!”

Another participant of the Leeds Carnival is musician Melvin Zakers. He says “I have been involved in the carnival since the beginning. I am particularly interested in the musical side of the carnival, teaching 2 classes and an adult group to play the steel pans. We perform at the carnival and it is a wonderful event to show how West Indians celebrate and what we are about. I love the whole diversity of the event and it brings everyone together.”

As Sheila said, 2017 marks the event’s 50th anniversary, and there are already big plans in place to celebrate, including a unique dance production – ‘Carnival Ballet.’ Produced by acclaimed Leeds based Phoenix Dance Theatre, this will be a unique, world class dance production which will share the spirit, history and heritage of the Carnival with national and international audiences.

Set for an autumn 2017 world premiere in Leeds, with an original carnival music score, stunning costumes and set design, the unique production will be performed by 16 dancers from Phoenix, the UK and other international dance companies.

This years carnival is sure to be fantastic, vibrant and enjoyable. If you have never been to the carnival before why not visit this years and discover the sights, sounds and smells of the caribbean for yourself?

Any schools interested in taking part in Sheila Howarth’s costume design event can contact her via email to:
info@leedscarnival.co.uk please mark your email for the attention of Sheila Howarth.

Leeds West Indian Carnival parade leaves at 2pm from Potternewton Park, Harehills Avenue Leeds 8 returning at around 5-00pm for judging of costumes.

Admission: FREE

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