The Yorkshire Film Archive collects, preserves, and shows film made in, or about Yorkshire. Our collections are non-fiction, dating from the 1890s to the present day, and providing a rich and visually compelling record of all aspects of lives, cultures, landscape, industries, major events and everyday activities, many of which are available to watch, free of charge, on our website.
This film is part of Free
West Indian Carnival
In this celebratory short film, Leeds is transformed with colour and spectacle during the annual West Indian Carnival.
From the collection of:
Overview
This upbeat news piece focuses on Leeds’ 1980 West Indian Carnival. The filmmakers interview a number of the carnival’s organisers and a selection of men and women who are taking part in the spectacular event. The camera meanders through the organised chaos in the street and lingers over the intricate grand costumes that many of the West Indian women will wear during the street parade.
Leeds West Indian Carnival, also known as Chapeltown Carnival, has been held annually since 1967. The event traditionally takes place every August Bank Holiday.