Leeds Valentine's Fair: Memories of a love affair lasting more than two decades

By Andrew Hutchinson

Published 9th Feb 2023, 16:30 BST

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Love is in the fair. It’s everywhere you look around.

These photo gems celebrate when your city fell in love for the first time and showcase memories from the same relationship, more than two decades on, that continues to blossom to this day. 1992 saw Leeds host its first ever Valentine’s Fair with thrill seekers turning out in droves to enjoy the attractions on offer. The Fair, which has been hosted in a number of different locations, has became a much-loved winter attraction on the city’s entertainment calendar. READ MORE: 33 closed Leeds pubs which will stir fond memories for drinkers LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook

Enjoy these photo memories from the Leeds Valentine's Fair down the years. PIC: Peter Langford

1. Leeds Valentine's Day

Enjoy these photo memories from the Leeds Valentine's Fair down the years. PIC: Peter Langford Photo: Peter Langford

Looking onto Carousel at the Valentine's Fair on Victoria Gardens.

2. Leeds Valentine's Fair

Looking onto Carousel at the Valentine's Fair on Victoria Gardens. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Meena Jhakea from Moortown enjoys the merry go round at the Valentine's Fair in February 1996.

3. Leeds Valentine's Fair

Meena Jhakea from Moortown enjoys the merry go round at the Valentine's Fair in February 1996. Photo: James Hardisty

All smiles for these thrill-seekers at the Valentine's Fair in February 1997.

4. Leeds Valentine's Fair

All smiles for these thrill-seekers at the Valentine's Fair in February 1997. Photo: Peter Langford

Charlotte Regan from Heckmondwike tries out one of the children's car rides at the Valentine's Fair in February 1997.

5. Leeds Valentine's Fair

Charlotte Regan from Heckmondwike tries out one of the children's car rides at the Valentine's Fair in February 1997. Photo: James Hardisty

Youngsters shout and scream during the Terminator Ride at the Valentine's Fair in February 1997.

6. Leeds Valentine's Day

Youngsters shout and scream during the Terminator Ride at the Valentine's Fair in February 1997. Photo: James Hardisty