Millions of people filled the streets in the north and south of the UK, as carnival colour, music, food and culture saw London and Leeds reach the pinnacle of what was a weekend of celebration.
Whilst the 58th Leeds West Indian Carnival celebrating African and Caribbean culture in the West Yorkshire city, the party atmosphere in Notting Hill filled the streets there with equally colourful costumes and dancing, music and delicious food filled the streets for Europe's biggest street party. There, thousands of people lined the carnival route in the sunshine, with temperatures reaching 26C (79F), to also celebrate Caribbean culture and history.
Now running for more than 50 years, performing groups included those reflecting traditions from Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, Grenada, Jamaica, Dominica, Guyana, Brazil and many others, made it a Bank Holiday to remember for all concerned. So, as the thumping melodies of Soca, Reggae, Calipso, Afrobeats, Jazz-fusion and everything else stemming from its cultural roots, the vibes – in both the north and south - was, as per usual, a steaming mix of “what represents …!”
In Chapeltown since 1967, the Leeds West Indian Carnival - started by Arthur France, after he arrived in the city with a group from St Kitts and Nevis – brought its own take on the roots and extension of colourfully bright Black music, as thousands there made it a Bank Holiday to remember. As in London, colourful costumes, dancing, music and food was the order of the day for all, to mark what was always going to be the highlight of August Bank Holiday in the UK.
“Carnival brings people together,” said what Carnival-raver. “It's something vital that bring people together as one."
“So, we have to make sure it’s here - both in London and Leeds – for years to come!”
Amen To That!
