Photos: Dianne Craven, Damon Sugden and Gary Lemal
The sun shone and the crowds took to the streets of Pudsey as colourful floats and performers made their way through Pudsey town centre.
Stalls from a variety of community groups, entertainment, a dog show and fun fair were among the many attractions at the carnival field at Queens Park.
Carnival chairman Simon Seary said the event showcased Pudsey at its best. He added: “I just wanted to say a massive thank you to everyone who helped make Pudsey Carnival such a brilliant event once again this year.
“Thank you to the volunteers who helped set up at the crack of dawn, to the parade groups who entered, all the stallholders, the police and first aid team, the businesses and sponsors, the volunteers who kept it all running, the bands and all the performers, the incredible Litter Free Pudsey team, but most of all everyone who came along to support it.
“We could not have done it without you. Pudsey at its best. Same again next year?”
Community reporter Damon Sugden captured the day with his camera. Here’s a slideshow of his images:
Community reporter Dianne Craven was on hand to take photos of the parade. Here’s a slideshow of her images:
Lord Mayor judges best float
As the Lord Mayor’s car arrived, the sun made a timely appearance, setting the stage for a splendid day, writes Gary Lemal.
This event marked one of the final duties for outgoing Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Abigail Marshall-Katung, who had the honour of judging the best float. Prizes for the best floats sponsored by PDS Windows.
📸 Gary Lemal
Third placed, 1st Pudsey Brownies, in their 12th consecutive carnival, embraced the theme of Board Games with a delightful Mousetrap float. A giant cage loomed over girl mice adorned with whiskers, ears, and tails, some even squeaking in character!
The float cleverly replicated the game’s pipes and runs. Brown Owl, Kirsty Lodge, told WLD that they had even recruited two new Brownies.
📸 Gary Lemal
Primrose Hill Primary School took inspiration from Buckaroo, presenting a walking entry. Students donned cowboy and cowgirl hats, with a giant Buckaroo horse stealing the show. Their efforts earned them second place.
📸 Gary Lemal
Greenside Primary School emerged victorious with their Pudseyopoly themed float. They ingeniously replaced street names with local landmarks, and children portrayed characters from the board game, including the iconic moustached man with a top hat and even someone ‘sent to jail’.
📸 Gary Lemal
Southroyd School chose Guess Who as their theme, showcasing wonderful portraits drawn by the children.
📸 Gary Lemal
Waterloo Primary School also opted for Guess Who for their walking float. Children carried red lips, hats, pairs of eyes, and other distinguishing features, bringing the game to life.
📸 John Walton
St Josephs School had some interesting characters from various board games.
📸 John Walton
Lowtown Primary had a scrabble theme.
📷 Lisa Arundale
After the parade around the streets of Pudsey our Lord Mayor took the opportunity to join the Carnival Princesses on a float, before joining them on stage.
📷 David Watson
The stage sponsored by Farmac Building Supplies was where Lord Mayor Abigail crowned the Carnival Queen Lilah Hare.
After a light lunch with the New Queen and her entourage Ms Marshall-Katung went to plant a magnolia tree symbolising growth and community spirit in Queens Park, Pudsey.
The Mayor the visited a number of stalls. An early visit was to Tim Devereux stall in support of Medical Aid for Palestinians. Tim is cycling the equivalent of Pudsey to Gaza, 3431 miles over the course of a year while raising money to support healthcare in Gaza.
📷Gary Lemal
Next stop was Pudsey Community Project where she was told how the largest charity in Pudsey supports families and individuals in a wide variety of ways. Childrens clothes, toys and cheap food and drinks were available here.
📷Gary Lemal
After saying hello to friends the Mayor visited the Pudsey and Farsley Branch of the Royal British Legion at their stall.
Councillor Marshall-Katung then left the Carnival to present a Second World War veteran with an award, commemorating his services in the defeat of fascism 80 years ago.
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