We visited Arthur France, MBE Hon LLD Founding member and Chairperson of the Leeds West Indian Carnival, ahead of the Leeds West Indian Carnival 2023 this weekend.
Arthur explained why he started carnival, detailing as a small boy living in Saint Kitts and Nevis one Christmas, he heard lots of people celebrating at the end of his street. The music and atmosphere was inspiring and something he had never heard before. This memory stuck with Arthur and when moving to Leeds, in 1957 for a better life, he hoped to start a celebration to remember that feeling he had back in his childhood.
Carnival was born, with his intention of making everyone feel welcome to come together and celebrate the historical and political roots of the West Indian community. Starting in 1967 and still strong to this very day, Arthur has created a beautiful community based space which is accessible and free for all.
Arthur is still extremely close to the detail of the
carnival, and relayed the story and meaning by the costumes designed representing parts of history which have been lost in our education.
Arthur continues to be one of the most influential people in Leeds and has written a book to share his story, Speaking Truth to Power: The Life and Times of an African Caribbean British Man.
He continues to support the community in Chapeltown and beyond with his vibrant spirit and fight for equality. We are truly blessed to have sat down with such an aspirational figure and definition of Family ahead of the Leeds West Indian Carnival 2023.