Leeds West Indian Carnival live updates as first parade since pandemic takes place
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The event is widely recognised as being the oldest West Indian carnival in Europe and the biggest parade outside London, regularly attracting huge crowds from across the city and beyond.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the 2020 event was unable to take place and the 2021 celebrations could only be held virtually.
Now performers are getting ready to bring the carnival spirit to the streets once again.
Follow our live blog below and refresh the page for the latest updates.
Leeds West Indian Carnival live updates as first parade since pandemic takes place
Can you spot yourself?
The best pictures from the return of the Leeds West Indian Carnival festivities
The Leeds West Indian Carnival returned for 2022 and the Yorkshire Evening Post was in attendance to capture the action.
Looking back on a day of celebration
YEP reporter Tom Coates has given his take on the return of the carnival.
'All together as one with no division': Revellers rejoice at return of Leeds West Indian Carnival
Leeds West Indian Carnival is a staple of the August bank holiday weekend and made its long-awaited return following an enforced hiatus today.
‘What life should be like'
Kay Olutayo, 50, stopped to have a chat to our reporter Tom Coates.
Summing up what makes carnival such a special time, she said: “It’s everyone coming together, happy and jovial. There’s lots of different nationalities, food and themes. [It’s] colourful, and that’s what life should be like.”
Incredible costumes on display
Here’s a flavour of some of the costumes on display:
And as ever, some of those taking part have travelled a long way to take part:
Anticipation as crowd lines the route
Here’s the scene on Harehills Avenue near the start of the parade as crowds wait for things to get going.