Words: Adonis Storr
Photos: Kelvin Wakefield
Thousands converged upon Queen’s Park in Pudsey yesterday (Saturday) for the 2024 Pudsey Carnival. In glorious sunshine the event was kicked off by the largest and longest parade in its history.
The theme of this year’s parade was ‘Musicals on the Stage and Screen’ with characters including Willy Wonka seen between the City of Leeds Pipe band, classic cars and cartwheeling gymnasts.
The Pudsey Brownies were the 2024 parade winners, with Southroyd Primary second and St Joseph’s Primary third. The money collected from the parade will be used to maintain the ongoing costs of the 26 defibrillator units around Pudsey.
The carnival was officially launched with the coronation of Lowtown Primary School year 6 pupil Mollie Bairstow by the Lord Mayor Al Garthwaite.
Photographer Kelvin Wakefield captured the carnival on camera. Here’s a slideshow of his photos:
“The field’s a bit wet under foot but we’re hoping to stomp it dry in the sun,” said Councillor Simon Seary, chair of the Pudsey Carnival committee. “It’s my 13th year involved with the carnival and each year it just gets bigger and better.”
The 30 carnival committee volunteers began work at 6am Saturday morning and transformed the park with 100 stalls and a fun fair. ‘Pet corner’ featured a dog show, donkeys and birds of prey. There were hot food stands, three ice cream trucks, and stalls selling everything from cakes to clothes.
Various local charities had stalls including Litter Free Leeds and the debuting Andy’s Man Club – a support group for men.
The sewing group ‘Knitted Pudsey’ revealed their latest project – they had wrapped the carnival’s ‘Pudsey’ sign in 1,000 woolly squares – knitted and sewn together over the last year.
By 6pm Queen’s Park was emptied and clean. “I want to thank the community for supporting the carnival,” said Councillor Simon Seary, “And now we can start work on the lights in December.”
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Expensive day out for me at Pudsey Carnival on Saturday. Great weather. Contactless cards weren’t accepted at the stalls, cash only!
A great afternoon out, with good weather and lots of attractions. The only downside from a personal point was the two dirty filthy women, and I use the term loosely, who thought it would be a good idea to let their little rat of a dog sh*t on the showground and then walk away, risking people treading in it, and, even when spoken to by people just walked away. No matter, I have got pictures of them. Otherwise. as stated, a good afternoon