Leeds West Indian Carnival organisers have come under fire after announcing a series of “unfortunate” decisions which will cause a “huge culture change” to the festival.
The carnival, which takes places in Chapeltown every year over the August bank holiday weekend, is the oldest West Indian carnival in Europe and the largest carnival outside of London. But this year the organisers say the celebrated event will have some big changes to “cover increasing costs”.
Organisers announced the plans to increase stallholder fees and introduce ‘An Official Drinks Bar' which bans other traders from selling alcohol. This announcement was met with fury on social media, with more than a hundred angry residents commenting on their Facebook post which was published yesterday (February 20) at noon.
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People have called the decision “pure greed and an insult to independent traders”, while others have pointed out the “trouble” of attendees having to queue at one bar for alcohol and have questioned why there wasn’t a public consultation prior to the decisions being made. The organisers have admitted these decisions will cause “huge 'Culture' change” to the dearly loved festival but have pointed out that it’s “not uncommon” within carnivals in the UK.
The organisers announcement included the following, it said: “To continue to bring to you these two events of excellence we have had to take the unfortunate decision to increase the cost of stalls, that bring vibrancy and specialist merchandise that enhances the whole experience.
“The cost for Leeds Stallholders will be £600.00 for the 2 days. For out of Town Stallholders it will be £1000.00 for the 2 days.
“We appreciate that this may not be what you wish to hear but as with everyone we have to cover our increasing costs with less stall pitches available, whilst still ensuring that we remain comparable to other cities.
“We have also made the decision after our pilot of having 'An Official Drinks Bar' that all alcoholic beverage will be sold through the Official Drinks Bar ONLY. Therefore, NO stalls will be able to sell alcohol.
"We will enforce this decision by having spot checks and secret shoppers. Anyone who is found to be selling alcohol will banned from having a stall the following year and may be asked to leave the park and cease trading immediately.
“We are sure that this course of action will not be necessary. Whilst this is a huge 'Culture' change for Leeds, it's not uncommon within other carnivals in the UK.”
Malachi Miller responded: “Who makes these decisions? How can you have a carnival without stall holders selling Alcohol? It's a Caribbean festival which consists of vendors selling food and alcoholic beverages. They are literally taking culture out of the Carnival smh [shaking my head].
"This is pure greediness and plain old-fashioned disrespect to the vendors who have had alcohol stalls year upon year. Fair enough with price increase but, try stop traders is just fully WRONG.”
Chantelle Davis said: “This is pure greed and an insult to those independent vendors that have supported the event over the years. I totally understand the price increase but the official bar and banning the local traders is a joke. Shame on you Leeds. A consultation meeting should have at least been considered.”
Chantelle Davis said: “This is greed at the highest level in my opinion! Shameful who ever made this decision.”
Curtis Smith said: “Imagine the trouble to get a drink at one bar!!! The health and safety really wasn’t thought of in this decision! Maybe we need more sponsors?!”
Seline Walker said: “This is actually disappointing and offensive to the Caribbean people and community. You should be ashamed of yourselves.”
Reginald Hamilton said: “Are we dealing with a dictatorship, who’s idea is it to charge stall holders £600 for community services and £1000 for outsiders, when were these decisions made.”
Trudie Canavan said: “The fun police are at it again. Decimating everything. So which person or organisation will have the monopoly on selling alcohol. Sheer greed. Half the fun is visiting different stalls to sample their food and drink. How are local traders meant to benefit from a once a year event. This is just unacceptable.”
Eisha Louise said: “I’m all for understanding inflation and a price increase, but not been able to sell alcohol is ridiculous and uncalled for. Taking away the opportunity for traders to make their profits. The queues for the official bar are ridiculous as it is, so all you are causing is an increase in profits for outsider shops and more rubbish from everyone bringing alcohol.”
The carnival organisers have since turned off the ability to comment on the post. Leeds Live has contacted the Leeds West Indian Carnival organisers for a further comment.
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