BBC News, Lessaster
BBCHundreds of dancers and musicians returned to celebrate the Caribbean Carnival of Leester for their 40th anniversary.
Thousands of spectators went out to see colorful processions as it made its way to Victoria Park via City Center on Saturday.
The organizers were “heartbroken” when they had to cancel the annual program last year due to financial difficulties, but they said that they were optimistic for its future after this year’s success.
Dennis Christopher, who has been organizing the event for the last 15 years, said that he was “on the moon” with the event and is expected to be the next year’s celebrations “big and better still”.
Parade made his way to the African Caribbean Center, at the Highfields, at the BST and made his way with a route for the Carnival festival at Victoria Park.
The route traveled through Medstone Road, Sparkeho Street, Swan Street, St. Georges Way, Charles Street, Hambasten Gate, Clock Tower, Gallowatry Gate, Granby Street, Northampton Street, Charles Street, London Road and Granville Road.
The procession includes floats, wide costumes in dancers, as well as live music, artists, and a funeral with food and drink stalls in Victoria Park.
People said that it was “absolutely amazing”, an audience said that it was very cute to see many people from different cultures coming together.
Another said that he was happy that the event reached 40 years, saying: “It is a tradition for us to come to the carnival every year, and hopefully it continues for many more years.”
Eddie Alexander, an event manager at Carnival, said it was a special celebration in the annual calendar and “Vibe is good”.
“The whole community can tell you that voting is just unity,” he said.
Tinu Rodney, a member of the Carnival Committee, said that he wanted to “rebuild the Carnival” this year and make it successful.
He said that it was “important”, the next generation was made aware of African-Karibian heritage, folklore and resistance.
