By Raodot Olayiwola
The annual Pudsey Carnival returns for the first time since the start of the pandemic and organisers say it will be coming back in grand style.
The event will take place on Saturday, 21 May at Queens Park. The theme of the carnival is Jubilee, in honour of Her Majesty the Queen.
It is a great opportunity for the people to come together and celebrate.
The event will include a parade with a grand display of floats, various royal-themed activities and contests, a fancy-dress competition, and other entertaining acts. The event is free, but applications are still open to participate in the parade.
The carnival will start at 11.45am with the judging of floats by the Lord Mayor of Leeds and the winners will be awarded cash prizes. The parade will start at noon and end at 1pm with the crowning of the Pudsey Carnival Queen, Tilly Enever.
Entertainment will begin afterwards with various performing acts including: live band Cook ‘n Stew as the opening and closing act, Amiche, Seven24, Ferris Irish Dance Academy, Fulneck School and Gym Magic. The free Pudsey bus tour will also be running from 1.30pm.
The popular dog show is also returning.
All funds raised during the event and proceeds from the parade collection will be used to buy defibrillators. They will add to the 23 others that can be found in areas around Pudsey.
Carnival chairman Simon Seary said:
“We will continue to fund and purchase as many of these lifesaving pieces of equipment as we can.”
Simon Seary also thanked all the volunteers, sponsors and committee for their hard work and is looking forward to seeing the people there. He added: “The carnival this is year is going to be the best yet!”
Bus diversions will be in place immediately before and during the parade.