Leeds West Indian Carnival 2026: Everything you need to know including parade route
The celebrations are kicking off today
Organisers and Leeds City Council have confirmed full route and travel details for the 2026 Leeds West Indian Carnival this Bank Holiday.
The carnival, Europe’s oldest of its kind, having been going since 1967 and is also the largest outside of London, drawing an estimated 100,000+ visitors each year.
The main costume parade will set off at 2pm on Bank Holiday Monday from Potternewton Park and, in a boost for spectators lining the streets, carnival troupes will complete two full laps of the parade circuit, offering double the opportunity to take in the costume displays.
The first lap will allow official judges to evaluate the costume troupes, while the second lap is dedicated to public celebration ahead of the final stage performances back inside the park.
Early risers can also catch the traditional J’Ouvert morning pre-jam, which kicks off festivities at 6am from the Leeds Caribbean and African Centre on Laycock Place.
Running until 8.30am, the sunrise procession will weave through Chapeltown Road, Harehills Avenue, Spencer Place, and Louis Street before returning to the centre, setting the stage for the main afternoon parade.
Arthur France MBE, founding member and chairperson of Leeds West Indian Carnival, said: “We pride ourselves on welcoming everyone to Carnival – ours is an open invitation.
“We invite you to celebrate.”
Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, added: “We recognise the enormous benefits that this annual event makes to our city’s culture, economy, and communities and we are very proud to host it. It should be a great weekend where everyone can join in.”
Here’s everything you need to know.
West Indian Carnival 2026 Parade Route
The procession will follow the same circuit as it did in 2025 across the LS7 postcode, with revellers offered the opportunity to watch the colourful celebration as it passes through:
- Potternewton Park (Start/Finish)
- Harehills Avenue
- Spencer Place
- Roundhay Road
- Barrack Road
- Chapeltown Road
Road Closures & Travel Information
To allow the parade to take place safely, key roads along the route will be fully closed to vehicles on Bank Holiday Monday from 6am to 10pm.
Preliminary road closures will also begin on August 30, affecting sections of Chapeltown Road and Harehills Avenue.
Council officials confirmed that most public transport links and emergency access routes to St James’s Hospital will be strictly maintained throughout the day.