We’re very excited to bring you details of our plans to bring Pop Up Carnival in the City to the heart of Leeds with the help of our friends at the Leeds BID and news of some very special guests joining us for Carnival all the way from Trinidad and Tobago.
Thanks to funding from the Leeds BID and support from Leeds City Council, we kick off our new city centre focused initiatives on Saturday 15th August from 12:30pm to 2:00pm with Pop Up Carnival in the City on Briggate which will bring carnival colour to thousands in the heart of one of the UK’s most popular shopping destinations. Included in plans are a new partnership with experts from Trinidad and Tobago Carnival as well as Leeds City Council visitor economy surveys which will build on last year’s findings that the Carnival generated almost £3 million to the local economy.
After last year’s Pop Up Carnival wowed crowds at the Grand Depart of the Tour de France and Scarborough Seafest, weather permitting, thousands of shoppers and spectators are expected to take in the 20 costumed troupe dancers, King and Queen creations and New World Steel Orchestra.
Leeds BID interim CEO Keith Ramsay said, “Leeds Bid is delighted to support Leeds West Indian Carnival – an iconic, signature Leeds event which has contributed to raising the city’s profile for almost half a century. By bringing feel good factor and amazing spectacle into the heart of Leeds, Pop Up Carnival in the City is a great way to add something special to shopping and visitor experiences in the City Centre as well as boosting the local economy”.
The funding have also brought a new partnership with the National Carnival Bands Association (NCBA) – experts from the world famous Trinidad and Tobago Carnival, who will attend events over the carnival weekend and make recommendations for artistic programming and future city centre presence.
NCBA President Mr. David Lopez said, “The National Carnival Bands Association is happy to be partnering with Leeds West Indian Carnival ahead of the 50th anniversary. Along with organisers of the Carnival in Leeds we share a passion for bringing people together and showcasing Caribbean arts and culture. We look forward to visiting such a great city, to joining this year’s celebrations and to sharing our expertise and involvement in Trinidad and Tobago the Real Carnival.”
