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Leeds West Indian Carnival to return after pandemic gap

BBC Arthur FranceBBC
Arthur France helped found the event more than 50 years ago

One of Europe's longest-running carnivals will return to the streets of Leeds on Monday after a two-year gap due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Leeds West Indian Carnival has been held in the Chapeltown and Harehills areas annually since 1967 - apart from in 2020 and 2021.

The Caribbean celebration normally attracts more than 100,000 people.

Founder Arthur France said cancelling had been difficult but it was "exciting" to be back.

"It was a sad two years, which no-one could control," he said.

"It is very exciting we can have carnival again."

Asha France
Asha France said people in Chapeltown felt a strong sense of ownership of carnival
Leeds Carnival 2019
About 1,000 people attended the 1967 event, while some 150,000 people were at the 2019 parade

Mr France founded the event as a student in Leeds as a remedy for the homesickness felt by people like him, who had come to the UK from the Caribbean.

It is also a celebration of emancipation from slavery.

"I am very interested in who I am and my African heritage and that is something that keeps me going and what drives me.

"I am aware what my forefathers went through and for me that should never ever be forgotten", he said.

The Carnival queen
The 2019 Leeds carnival involved about 2,000 dancers

Mr France's daughter Asha said everyone was "buzzed" carnival was back.

"In Chapeltown there's an ownership over carnival. It's not just a celebration of emancipation, it's a celebration of us and our identity, the city comes into our area, our local businesses get to thrive."

She admitted it was a "lot of hard work", but said "come Monday it will be all worth it".

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