All the fun of the fair this Leeds Valentine's Day

ALL ABOARD: More than 500 schoolchildren visited the opening of the Leeds Valentines Fair at Elland Road.

The city’s Valentine’s Fair rolled into town yesterday (Feb 9) with more than 100 rides from carousels to roller coasters and waltzers to dodgems.

Stewart Robinson, of International Fun Fairs, said: “We’ve had a fantastic afternoon welcoming over 500 children from schools across Leeds with their helpers and carers.

“This is the highlight of the fair for us each year when we open the rides free of charge and I couldn’t think of a better way to open the Valentine’s Fair in our 26th year! Each year the people of Leeds and surrounding areas always come and support what is the biggest Valentine’s Fair in Europe.”

Lord Mayor of Leeds Coun Gerry Harper opened the fair with Lady Mayoress Lynne Scholes at its Elland Road site, which has housed the attractions since 2000.

This year’s fair includes a 33 metre-high observation wheel, a full size roller coaster and more than 50 attractions for children.

Mr Robinson added: “We have roller coasters, a giant wheel, thrill rides, traditional rides and games here at Elland Road and, being open until Sunday February 19, we are hoping that we get some nice weather over the next 10 days and we can welcome lots of families to the fair over the school holidays!”

When it was first established in 1992 the fair was situated at The Headrow and Cookridge Street before moving to its current spot during the development of Millennium Square.

Admission is £1 with children’s rides priced £1.50.

The YEP was there for the opening and you can watch our Facebook Live video online.