For more than half a decade the highlight of August Bank Holiday weekend has been Leeds West Indian Carnival. Sadly due to the ongoing pandemic and corona virus restrictions this year we won’t be on the road we’ll be on the internet…a virtual carnival to keep people safe and keep the celebrations alive.
Make room in your living room, backyard, garden or wherever you will be.
There is no park this year and no parade, but we will still be celebrating and bringing that carnival energy online with Zoom and streaming live on Facebook. We want you to help us….
We are asking Zoom participants to put on their full or part costumes past or present, DIY home made and bring out their flags and represent.
The virtual Carnival will give those having private garden parties or just home the opportunity to listen, watch and participate by catching themselves on our free virtual Caribbean carnival.
Over the August Bank Holiday weekend, we will be bringing you two days of online entertainment:
Sunday 30th August at 12 noon we pay tribute to the last decade of the Prince and Princess costumes and King and Queen costumes talking to some of the designers and contestants. With live entertainment, Giveaways, interactive activities, and competitions for the best online costumes.
Monday 31st August at 7AM is the Carnival jump up looking back over previous years of J’Ouvert (the early morning parade that happens before the main carnival event) and tribute to those who have passed away. A look at how we get ready for the big day, followed by an online parade of the bands and shoutouts from our supporters. Streaming a selection of DJ’s playing throughout the day with giveaways, competitions and live entertainment and the headline act will be Lyrikal, Trinidadian born soca star with his Carnival 2020 hit, Rukshun.
Dr Arthur France MBE says “We are delighted to host a virtual carnival during these difficult times, we have an amazing team working together keeping the carnival tradition and bringing the carnival vibes into your homes. So grab your whistles, carnival costumes and your flag because we’re still jamin!”
