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Video: Leeds West Indian Carnival 2010 wows crowds
Leeds turned into Rainbow City for a few joyous hours yesterday as the 43rd annual Leeds West Indian Carnival brought the streets to vibrant, multi-coloured life.
Thousands of people flocked to Chapeltown for the annual Caribbean flavoured bank holiday gala.
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The tempting smells of jerk chicken, goat curry and Jamaican rum wafted through the air as the crowds gathered in Potternewton Park to enjoy the pre-parade entertainment, including steel bands, Soca music, and arts and crafts stalls.
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It was all a buzzing build-up to the main event – the carnival procession.
A magnificently adorned army of carnival troupes of all ages had the watching crowds enthralled as they wound their way out of the park from around 2pm.
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Led by the new carnival queen, the procession – including dragons, sun gods, tigers, peacocks, giant butterflies and a whole menagerie of magical costumes – made its way down Harehills Avenue for the beginning of a three-hour tour of inner-city Leeds.
Blazing sunshine had ensured a massive attendance for the 2010 community party.
Local families came out of their houses to watch the procession, with a cacophony of whistles and vuvuzelas welcoming the floats and fancy-dressed participants.
And coachloads of visitors from other cities were proof – if it was ever needed – that no one does carnival like Leeds!
One reveller summed up the mood saying: "It's carnival man! It's a celebration!"
Another visitor, Joanne Stevens, who was there with husband Andy and their two young children, said: "It's great fun. It's so colourful and magical, the children love it.
"Our favourite part was the procession, but the food was great too!
"The atmosphere is amazing and everyone seems to be having a fabulous time. We'll definitely be back next year."
A week of carnival- themed events in the lead-up to the big day ensured even those who couldn't make it to the main day did not miss out on the party vibe.
The traditional King and Queen Show on Friday at Millennium Square featured the RJC Dance Group, the New World Steel Orchestra and a host of African dancers.
Participants had gathered early at carnival HQ, the Leeds West Indian Centre, on Monday for the traditional J'ouvert Morning call and warm-up.
Leeds hosted Britain's first West Indian carnival in 1967.
Founder members Arthur France and Ian Charles remain pivotal members of the organising team.
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Weather for Leeds
Saturday 11 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: -1 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 1 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: North west
