Carnival atmosphere as dazzling dancers join illuminated parade

Performers from Leeds West Indian Carnival will be part of a flamboyant parade of music, light and colour to kick off this year’s incredible Light Night Leeds celebrations.

They will take their place amidst a sea of stunning LED umbrellas from artists Cirque Bijou, lanterns and stilt walkers from Handmade Parade and spectacular drummers Spark! as the beautiful spectacle weaves its way through the city centre on October 5.

This year’s Light Night Leeds events, which take place on October 5 and 6, celebrate the people of Leeds whilst the West Indian Carnival, which is the oldest in Europe, marks its 50^th anniversary this Bank Holiday weekend.

As well as the parade, Light Night Leeds will also see an exhibition at the Tetley celebrating the astonishing visual, cultural and political legacy Leeds West Indian Carnival has left over the past five decades.

Curated by Sonya Dyer, the exhibition explores the impact of carnival through costumes, archive materials photography and sound.

Councillor Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council, said: “Leeds West Indian Carnival has been a cornerstone of culture in Leeds for 50 years now and as a city we’re incredibly proud of the tremendous success and longevity it has enjoyed as a standard bearer for cultural diversity and community togetherness.

“Light Night Leeds is now also established as one of the city’s foremost celebrations of creativity and artistic endeavour, bringing together thousands of people to experience a beautiful kaleidoscope of colour and light each and every year.

“As we move closer submitting our bid to be European Capital of Culture in 2023, it’s incredibly exciting to see these two magnificent events come together at what is a game-changing time for culture and the arts in Leeds.”

Light Night Leeds, which is now in its 13^th year, will see more than 60 innovative arts events transform the city on October 5 and 6.

Other highlights will include an illuminated light maze at Granary Wharf and a breath-taking projection by leading UK artist Ross Ashton on Leeds Civic Hall, featuring some of the many people and events which have played a part in the story of Leeds.

Details on more installations will be released in the coming weeks.

For more details on Light Night Leeds, including how to plan your evening, please visit: http://whatson.leeds.gov.uk/lightnight

ENDS

For media enquiries, please contact:

Stuart Robinson

Communications Officer

Leeds City Council

Tel: 0113 378 9182 (please note my new number)

Email: stuart.robinson@leeds.gov.uk

www.leeds.gov.uk