COLOURFUL costumes and an atmosphere as vibrant can only mean one thing – the Carnival is back.
And to launch the ever-popular event – which for the first time will use St George’s Square for its attractions – costumes worn by the dancers have gone on display.
From an orange-sequined leotard to a bright green one-piece decorated with sequins, you can see them for yourself at Huddersfield Library ahead of the event on July 9-10.
Mary Augustine, chair of the Huddersfield African Caribbean Cultural Trust, said the costumes worn during carnival represented everything from personal feelings to political messages.
She said: “Someone could look at what’s happened with the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and their costume could make a statement about their feelings about that.
“It’s traditional in such carnivals that people use them to deliver political ideas – what people wear is a feeling of self-expression. It is a platform for delivering lots of things.”
Some of the costumes on show have been worn at carnivals throughout the country.
Mary admits to being a hoarder of them, adding: “People make the costumes for the carnival, but then have nowhere to keep them. The hoarder that I am means I’ve got loads in my loft.
“I wore a green one at the 2006 carnival, the theme was the World Cup and Trinidad and Tobago were in it.”
The library exhibition also includes the history of the Carnival, which started 26 years ago as an entry on a float in the Mayor’s Procession.
It has grown over time and has previously been held at Greenhead Park.
This year’s event will be entirely based in the town centre due to the restoration work taking place in the park.
Mary said: “This is one of the largest multicultural festivals in the north. It beats Leeds, Manchester and Sheffield.
“I think it’s because we have such a mix of people here in Huddersfield, but who come together to celebrate other cultures. They can see the passion that goes into it.”
In addition to St George’s Square, events will be held at the library, Parish Church and church gardens and Piazza.
Carnival launches with the D J’ouvert procession starting at midnight on July 9 in New Street and lasting until 3am.
On Carnival Day – Saturday July 10 – there will be a variety of events throughout the town, starting with a service at Huddersfield Parish Church.
The procession, with 12 floats, will leave the Hudawi Cultural Centre at Great Northern Street at 2pm.
There will be stalls, entertainment and food in the Market Place, St George’s Square and the Piazza, running until around 8pm.
The committee is still looking for volunteers with fresh ideas to get involved.
For details see www.huddersfieldcarnival.com/carnival
