Leeds Carnival 2023: Best pictures from colourful parade featuring vibrant outfits and joyful revellers

The carnival sees streets lined with people in colourful costumes, dancing to Soca music and enjoying the lively atmosphere. (Photo: James Hardisty)
The carnival sees streets lined with people in colourful costumes, dancing to Soca music and enjoying the lively atmosphere. (Photo: James Hardisty)

The annual extravaganza brought back the rhythmic beats of soca and reggae with beautiful and vibrant costumes standing out amongst the crowds.

Our photographer captured the heart of the Caribbean as part of this year’s event, reminding us why the Leeds West Indian Carnival remains a highlight of the city's cultural calendar.

Here are the best pictures from today –

This year was the second time the Leeds West Indian Carnival has been held since the pandemic restrictions were lifted (Photo: James Hardisty)
This year was the second time the Leeds West Indian Carnival has been held since the pandemic restrictions were lifted (Photo: James Hardisty)
It's famous for its colourful costumes that bring the wow factor to the city (Photo: James Hardisty)
It's famous for its colourful costumes that bring the wow factor to the city (Photo: James Hardisty)
It would not be the same without its signature extravagance, with vibrantly clad revellers parading to the sounds of steel pan and soca music (Photo: James Hardisty)
It would not be the same without its signature extravagance, with vibrantly clad revellers parading to the sounds of steel pan and soca music (Photo: James Hardisty)
The Leeds West Indian Carnival is not complete without plenty of noise. (Photo: James Hardisty)
The Leeds West Indian Carnival is not complete without plenty of noise. (Photo: James Hardisty)
Grabbing a whistle or horn is essential, with visitors blowing to the music and showing their appreciation for the costumes that pass by. (Photo: James Hardisty)
Grabbing a whistle or horn is essential, with visitors blowing to the music and showing their appreciation for the costumes that pass by. (Photo: James Hardisty)
The show-stopping outfits had revellers jaw-dropped. (Photo: James Hardisty)
The show-stopping outfits had revellers jaw-dropped. (Photo: James Hardisty)
Fenella Gumbs was in the parade wearing this gorgeous yellow outfit. (Photo: James Hardisty)
Fenella Gumbs was in the parade wearing this gorgeous yellow outfit. (Photo: James Hardisty)
The crowds of revellers took plenty of selfies. (Photo: James Hardisty)
The crowds of revellers took plenty of selfies. (Photo: James Hardisty)
Having fun! There were some outrageous outfits this year. (Photo: James Hardisty)
Having fun! There were some outrageous outfits this year. (Photo: James Hardisty)
It was a feast for the eyes this year with colours from the rainbow filling the streets and Potternewton Park. (Photo: James Hardisty)
It was a feast for the eyes this year with colours from the rainbow filling the streets and Potternewton Park. (Photo: James Hardisty)
Nyomi Grant, Rhianna Nelson, and Awa Sillah took part in this year's carnival. (Photo: James Hardisty)
Nyomi Grant, Rhianna Nelson, and Awa Sillah took part in this year's carnival. (Photo: James Hardisty)