Bramley celebrates Yorkshire Day with return of carnival

Words: Noah Roberts

Photos: Kelvin Wakefield & Noah Roberts

On Saturday 1 August – Yorkshire Day – Bramley celebrated in style with its first carnival in 12 years, thanks to the efforts a group of passionate local residents.

Helen Garrand had been organising the carnival between 2006-2014 until a life event meant she had to stop, leaving Bramley with no carnival. Then Candice Lee decided she want to host a community event that families could enjoy. Candice put a call out on social media asking for help, unaware of the carnival’s history. 

“That’s when I stepped in” says Helen who felt ready to start organising the carnival again. 

“It is thanks to all Candice’s hard work getting the ball rolling that this has happened, it’s been hard work but we have had support from local councillors, including Adele Rae, who has been really proactive. With big events like these, there is lots of planning involved.”

Here’s a slideshow of Kelvin Wakefield’s photos:

Organisers had planned for there to be a giant sand pit for the families. Unfortunately the sand became contaminated and so organisers were thankful for help from Maddens who cleared it at the last minute to make the site safe.

Helen said she  has last minute anxieties and that she had stayed up late re-writing event plans to make sure everything ran smoothly, on the day.

“I was awake until midnight last night sorting last-minute bits, it’s so it’s great to be here today and see the carnival back and being enjoyed by the community.” 

Helen said the carnival was expected to draw 2,500 visitors. 

Stallholders WLD spoke to including one raising funds for a national dog care charity who had travelled from Huddersfield said they were shocked at how busy the carnival was, suggesting it’s possible that there was more than the 2,500 anticipated attended.

Helen said having the carnival was important “because Bramley Carnival is Leeds oldest carnival in Leeds, dating back to 1865. It started with two friendly societies, who would march in Bramley and meet at where the unicorn pub and two brass bands would compete by playing to see who was the loudest to raise  funds for the local workhouse and hospital.” 

Later it was  decided the bands could come together,  yearly at the park as part of a carnival to celebrate all that is Bramley.

Visitors enjoyed a packed programme of live entertainment throughout the day, showcasing a wide range of local talent alongside various family friendly activities, local charities and groups stalls and funfair rides.  

The event also had a packed schedule of live  entertainment which began at 11am with a welcome, followed by singer-songwriter Leigh Smith, who opened the stage with an acoustic guitar performance. Leigh can be found on YouTube @leighoffical music. 

West Leeds vocalist Clare Brooke then entertained the crowd with a selection of songs performed to backing tracks.

The Phoenix Majorettes brought colour and energy to the arena with a lively display before attention turned to the ever-popular Dog Show, which ran throughout the afternoon in the arena.

Families were also treated to a special performance of Rapunzel by Wrongsemble Theatre Company, offering interactive theatre and storytelling for younger audiences.

The afternoon continued with live music from the Vivo Jazz Band. The programme concluded with performances from Dazl Dance local youth dance troupe, before singer John Bacon closed with a set featuring his electric guitar.

This variety of entertainment music, theatre created a lively atmosphere throughout the day and highlighted the wealth of talent within the local community.

This year Helen said they had secured funding from the outer west area committee and various local businesses including, Vets for Pets, Carpet Corner, Full Circle, and Ems Workwear donated high visibility jackets for volunteers. 

A carnival tombola stall was on site to raise money for this year’s Christmas lights switch on event. The stall included donations including from Bramley Costa Coffee who gave vouchers for coffee and cake and who have also agreed to sponsor this year’s Bramley Christmas lights switch on. 

Mark Wear said: “A massive well done to the one woman army they call Candice Lee. If it was not for this lady it 100 per cent would never have happened. She deserves a medal for bringing the carnival back to Bramley!” 

Jill Jarvis added: “It was a perfect way to celebrate Yorkshire Day.Well done all involved in organising bringing the carnival back to Bramley, those hosting stalls, playing music and volunteer litter picking  – thank you. Beautiful day for it and I’m already looking forward to next year!”

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