Pictures by Bijal Shah and Sham Majithia (Funkyfellaz.com), Tony Cusack and Trudy James

As I awoke on this auspicious August morning, my thoughts were on the day ahead, and my excursion to the Leicester Carnival.

Having previously spent three years in Aruba where Carnival is the one and only hi light of the year and a very big deal. I was anxious to recapture some of the excitement of carnival by visiting Leicester’s big event.

The second I arrived in town I immediately felt the cities buzz and excitement. Scattered around town were brightly clothed individuals selling their wares of whistles, bubble guns and blowers.

My partner and I followed the lead of the others who were scurrying uphill to Victoria Park. Once we had arrived we asked the police staff, whom, in a friendly manner explained as to which route the procession would take.

The day was a chance for families to enjoy the sun!

This made it easy for us to decide on an opportune site most conducive for getting a good view of the festivities.

In the short time we had to wait, we observed the droves of people as they approached the neck of the park, also trying to find a good spot to sit in.

It was shortly after one o’clock when we heard the first rumbles of the drums, and we knew that it wouldn’t be long before we got a our first glimpse of the procession.

And what a spectacle it was. All that participated certainly put their hearts and souls into the day. There were costumes of all descriptions, some were simple yet brightly coloured, and others more audacious and elaborate.

The children in the parade danced their little hearts out, and had moves you’d only dreamt of. Some danced following brightly adorned floats filled with musicians playing soca and calypso beats using their steel pans and percussion.

Others danced to loudly played Caribbean songs. It was spectacular. Within minutes I found myself dancing along to the vivacious beat of the drums. I just couldn’t help myself!

Alas it was over too soon, but being such a beautiful day, we decided to saunter into the park ,so see what else was happening. We were greeted by the aroma of good soul food, and our mouths started to salivate.

Diana Dudas

Alas it was over too soon, but being such a beautiful day, we decided to saunter into the park ,so see what else was happening. We were greeted by the aroma of good soul food, and our mouths started to salivate.

We decided we couldn’t leave without feasting on the goodies. We were spoilt for choice, but I finally settled on the curried goat stew with a fried dumpling and plantain (my favourite), whilst my partner made the most of his opportunity to try salt fish, with calaloo, rice and beans.

Phew! After devouring our heart attack on a plate and washing it down with a couple of beers. The only other thing that we could manage to do, was to sit back and enjoy the entertainment, which was very well organised and directed.

It was a pleasure to see so many happy faces, from so many different ethnic backgrounds and to we felt so fortunate to had had the opportunity to relax in such as multicultural heaven.

This was or first time at the Leicester carnival, but it won’t be our last. We want to say Thank you to Leicester and all involved in putting together such a wonderful event! Keep up the good work!

Diana Dudas

Pictures by Bijal Shah and Sham Majithia (Funkyfellaz.com), Tony Cusack and Trudy James