Celebrating the rich history of the Caribbean and the inclusive culture of Carnival, the Carnival Legacy: Pop-up Street Performance saw New Briggate “come alive with the vibrant colours and joy of Carnival”.
The city centre came alive with an explosion of dance, music, costumes and storytelling as part of East Street Arts’ Hidden Histories of New Briggate Project.
Our photographer Steve Riding was there to capture the event in the below pictures:
13. Leeds West Indian Carnival
In October, a brand-new Carnival-inspired mural by artist and costume designer Rhain Kempadoo-Millar will be unveiled in Chapeltown Photo: Steve Riding
14. Leeds West Indian Carnival
In December, artist and fashion designer Yaku Stapleton will present an exhibition of clothing reimagined for the communities in Leeds today, which takes inspiration from untold tales of Leeds’ history of lothing, textiles and tailoring from New Briggate to carnival, and beyond. Photo: Steve Riding
15. Leeds West Indian Carnival
The event took place between midday and 4pm Photo: Steve Riding
16. Leeds West Indian Carnival
Leeds West Indian Carnival (LWIC) is the oldest authentic Caribbean Carnival in Europe. It was the first to incorporate all three essential elements that define Caribbean Carnival: the spectacle of a street parade, the music of kaiso, calypso, soca accompanied by steel pan and a masquerade of colourful costumes Photo: Steve Riding
17. Leeds West Indian Carnival
LWIC was founded in 1967 by three Caribbean men living in Leeds as a remedy for their community’s collective homesickness and need for connection to their cultural identity. Photo: Steve Riding
18. Leeds West Indian Carnival
Carnival, a vision championed by co-founder and Chair, Arthur France: “Carnival is steeped in a history and culture that goes far beyond the costume spectacle …Rooted in slavery, born from Emancipation, and championed by Caribbean communities, it is a journey of resilience, struggles and triumphs that has universal appeal.” Photo: Steve Riding