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If you’re heading to the event, the Leeds West Indian Carnival website have a few tips regarding a number of things you can both do and avoid doing to ensure you get the most out of the day.

Things to do:

-Arrive early and pick a good spot. This way you get a great view and don’t have to jostle with crowds to get a good view of the passing parade.

Leeds West Indian Carnival is Europes longest running authentic Caribbean carnival parade and it will make its annual return on Monday August 27

-Wear comfortable footwear. If you’re following the procession or dancing with the crowds wear comfy shoes. AVOID wearing flip flops and high heels.

-Remember your usual food hygiene. The Carnival is a big event with thousands of people and hundreds of food and drink stalls to choose from. The Carnivals organisers suggest taking hand sanitizer along.

-Stay hydrated

-If you’re drinking alcohol, drink responsibly.

-Arrange a meeting spot with your family and friends just in case anyone gets lost.

-Keep your valuables, personal possessions, keys, phones and money close and covered.

Things to avoid:

-Taking your car. Leave the car at home and use public transport to get to a from the event as quite a few roads are closed and there are parking restriction in places. If you must drive and manage to find a parking spot do be considerate to local residents.

-During the carnival parade, watch or dance to the music but do it from the sidelines and avoid the temptation to ‘jump-up’ with a troupe.

-Taking a pram. Instead opt for a small buggy, baby sling or harness as they will be easier to manage and keep the little ones close.

5 things to get the most out of the Carnival

According to the Leeds Carnival website, the following 5 things can help attendees make the most out of the day:

1- Take part and get into the Carnival spirit!

2- Dance- let loose and following the rhythm! Top tip for novices: bend your knees, let your hips do a figure of eight and put your hands in the air or out to the side.

3- Embrace the music and take a music lesson. Calypso is the sound of the West Indies and was created in Trinidad & Tobago. It has African and French influences and combines social commentary with big rhythms and soulful voices.

4- Try the food. Take your pick from a choice of global cuisine on Carnival Day.

5- Make some noise. Get into the Carnival spirit with a whistle or horn.

For more information about the Carnival visit: leedscarnival.co.uk/

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