Leeds West Indian Carnival 2024: Live updates from Chapeltown as thousands celebrate colourful parade

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Chapeltown is alive with colour, music and entertainment, as the Leeds West Indian Carnival returns!

It's the oldest celebration of its kind in Europe, having been established back in 1967 - and this year, there's set to be even more excitement, as the parade makes two laps for the first time in its history.

Every year, the carnival draws thousands of visitors to Chapeltown for the vibrant parade, which leaves Potternewton Park at 2pm.

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The Leeds West Indian Carnival is back for 2024.The Leeds West Indian Carnival is back for 2024.
The Leeds West Indian Carnival is back for 2024. | James Hardisty

But the celebrations start earlier than that, with the J'ouvert morning event beginning at 6am at the Leeds Caribbean and African Centre.

This year's theme is 'So Nice, We Jammin’ Twice', a nod to the two laps of the parade that troupes will be making along the new route.

As the streets of Chapeltown are transformed into a colourful display of culture and creativity, we will be bringing you live updates on the blog below -

Leeds West Indian Carnival 2024

Full parade route - as carnival troupes expected to do two laps

Dancer Sophie Bennett at Leeds West Indian Carnival 2023.Dancer Sophie Bennett at Leeds West Indian Carnival 2023.
Dancer Sophie Bennett at Leeds West Indian Carnival 2023. | James Hardisty

In 2024, the carnival will take a different route than previous years. 

The route starts at Harehills Avenue, before turning into Spencer Place, Roundhay Road, Barrack Road and concluding at Chapeltown Road. 

Carnival troupes will do two laps of the new route.

13 pictures as J'ouvert morning parade starts the day!

J'ouvert 2024.J'ouvert 2024.
J'ouvert 2024. | Steve Riding

The first colourful event of the Leeds West Indian Carnival took to the streets of Chapeltown this morning.

J'ouvert, the traditional morning parade, kicked off the festivities earlier today (August 26) in the lead-up to the main procession.

What can I expect this year?

Dancers at Leeds West Indian Carnival 2023.Dancers at Leeds West Indian Carnival 2023.
Dancers at Leeds West Indian Carnival 2023. | James Hardisty

Carnival lovers can expect to see a range of troupes at this year’s celebrations. 

RJC Dance and Mango Arts will be bringing AZUL 2024 to the Leeds West Indian Carnival this year, which advocates for ocean conservation.

It is the sequel to the dance company’s award winning 2023 troupe ‘NATRO-BEAT’. 

Bus diversions in place

Roads involved on the new route will be fully closed between 6am and 10pm today.

As a result of these closures however, bus services 2, 3, 3A, 12, 13, 13A and 36 will divert until 6.30am tomorrow morning (August 27).

Hundreds gather for morning parade

Hundreds gathered in Chapeltown this morning for the traditional J'ouvert morning parade.

Rain threatening as huge crowd gathers

Our reporter on the ground James Connolly has sent the below picture showing large crowds gathered at Potternewton Park. There is a great atmosphere brewing but a looming threat of rain, he said.

Crowds gathered at Potternewton Park for CarnivalCrowds gathered at Potternewton Park for Carnival
Crowds gathered at Potternewton Park for Carnival | National World

Crowds are gathered at the south entrance of Potternewton Park ahead of the carnival, which is set to start at 2pm.

Crowds gathered along the parade route at Leeds CarnivalCrowds gathered along the parade route at Leeds Carnival
Crowds gathered along the parade route at Leeds Carnival | National World

Parade due to start

The parade is due to start any minute and our reporter will be running a live video from the event so you can follow along. Stay tuned...

The parade has been making its way around Chapeltown, though our reporter on the ground was unfortunately unable to get a good enough signal to film live from the scene. But we will have footage and pictures in due course.

Colourful crowd pictures

Our photographer Steve Riding has captured plenty of great pictures from among the crowd:

Reuben Condor of Leeds based AAA teamReuben Condor of Leeds based AAA team
Reuben Condor of Leeds based AAA team | Steve Riding
Arthur France founder and chairman of the Leeds West Indian Carnival with the Lord Mayor of Leeds Coun Abigail Marshall KatungArthur France founder and chairman of the Leeds West Indian Carnival with the Lord Mayor of Leeds Coun Abigail Marshall Katung
Arthur France founder and chairman of the Leeds West Indian Carnival with the Lord Mayor of Leeds Coun Abigail Marshall Katung | National World

Pictures from morning parade

Below are some pictures from the traditional J’ouvert morning parade.

J'ouvert morning parade gets the festival underwayJ'ouvert morning parade gets the festival underway
J'ouvert morning parade gets the festival underway | Steve Riding
Revellers enjoy the festivities at Leeds CarnivalRevellers enjoy the festivities at Leeds Carnival
Revellers enjoy the festivities at Leeds Carnival | Steve Riding

More pictures from the day

Our photographer Simon Hulme has sent the below pictures of the colourful characters at this year’s Carnival:

Leeds West Indian Carnival 2024Leeds West Indian Carnival 2024
Leeds West Indian Carnival 2024 | Simon Hulme
Leeds West Indian Carnival 2024Leeds West Indian Carnival 2024
Leeds West Indian Carnival 2024 | Simon Hulme
Leeds West Indian Carnival 2024Leeds West Indian Carnival 2024
Leeds West Indian Carnival 2024 | Simon Hulme

Security escorts pigeon from parade route - minutes before troupes arrive!

An unexpected guest tried to join the parade before it got underway earlier this afternoon. The pigeon was spotted by an eagle-eyed security officer and was quickly escorted from the road.

Explosion of colour as pictures show talented dancers and their amazing costumes

Impressive costumes on show at the Leeds West Indian Carnival 2024.Impressive costumes on show at the Leeds West Indian Carnival 2024.
Impressive costumes on show at the Leeds West Indian Carnival 2024. | National World

Carnival troupes dazzle onlookers at the start of the parade in these breath-taking blue costumes. With feathers shimmering in the sunlight and some with wings with an impressive span, these performers transformed Chapeltown into a dancefloor. The crowd couldn't get enough, cheering as the dancers went past.

Crowds cheered as they passed in Chapeltown.Crowds cheered as they passed in Chapeltown.
Crowds cheered as they passed in Chapeltown. | National World
Dancers of all ages joined the parade.Dancers of all ages joined the parade.
Dancers of all ages joined the parade. | National World
Talented youngsters entertained thousands of spectators.Talented youngsters entertained thousands of spectators.
Talented youngsters entertained thousands of spectators. | National World

Parade busts with life, as costumes dazzle the crowds

Parade performer entertains the vast crowds at the entrance to Potternewton Park.Parade performer entertains the vast crowds at the entrance to Potternewton Park.
Parade performer entertains the vast crowds at the entrance to Potternewton Park. | National World

Every corner of the parade route was bursting with life - with plenty of colour on display. Dazzling costumes in every shade filled the streets of Chapeltown, including feathers, sequins and beads.

There was plenty of music too, with infectious rhythms that had everyone dancing. Performers were spotted blowing whistles and horns as the crowd cheered - with thousands sticking around for both laps of the parade.

There were colours in every shade.There were colours in every shade.
There were colours in every shade. | National World
Impressive costumes wowed the crowds.Impressive costumes wowed the crowds.
Impressive costumes wowed the crowds. | National World

Footage shows talented performers in this year's colourful parade

Footage from this year's parade captures the incredible talent of the performers who brought the streets to life. Dancers' costumes swirled in sync with the beats, with high-energy routines and skilful choreography.

Pictures from the event

Our photographers have been at the event capturing the atmosphere.

We’ll be winding up today’s blog now, but thank you for joining us and we’ll see you next year!

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