The sights, sounds and spirit of Leeds West Indian Carnival came alive in the early hours as the J’ouvert parade got the celebrations underway.
Revellers took to the streets covered in colourful paint and powder, dancing to the beat of drums and Caribbean music as they celebrated one of Leeds’ biggest and most vibrant cultural events.
From spectacular costumes and joyful crowds to plenty of paint, these 15 amazing pictures capture the energy and atmosphere of J’ouvert as carnival weekend kicks off.
2. J'ouvert parade
Jenny Beckles, Beverley Byan, Alicia Price, Debby Thomas prepared for the parade | Steve Riding
3. J'ouvert parade
The sunrise procession kicked off the celebrations at 6am | Steve Riding
4. Steve Riding
It’s a tradition that sees revellers gather to cover each other in paint, mud, powder and cocoa | J'ouvert parade
5. J'ouvert parade
The tradition's roots stem from a time of resistance, freedom and the reclamation of identity | Steve Riding
6. J'ouvert parade
Derived from the French jour ouvert (meaning "daybreak"), J'ouvert's roots trace back to 19th-century Trinidad following the abolition of slavery in 1838 | Steve Riding