Police have objected to plans for a ’36-hour’ street party during Leeds’ West Indian Carnival later this year.
Under a licensing application submitted to the city council, part of Francis Street in Chapeltown would host a do for up to 200 people during the carnival, on the August bank holiday weekend.
The carnival, which is Europe’s longest-running annual celebration of Caribbean culture, is one of Leeds’ most vibrant and popular events, drawing tens of thousands to Chapeltown and Harehills every year.
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Street parties are a common feature of the carnival, with families typically mingling to enjoy music, drinking and dancing.
But West Yorkshire Police say they’re concerned the Francis Street application, which would cover a section of the road close to its junction with Chapeltown Road, may cause “public nuisance” and put party-goers at risk if the street isn’t closed to traffic.
Applicant Spencer Powell has asked the city council for alcohol, late night refreshment and entertainment licences to cover the event from midday on Sunday August 27 until midnight the following day.
Although it’s not clear from the application if the party would in practice carry on non-stop for a day-and-a-half, it could do so in theory if the council approved it in its current form.
In a written objection submitted to the council, PC Andy Clifford said: “Currently there are no confirmed road closures for the West Indian Carnival.
“Should this road remain opened during any time a TEN (temporary event notice) was in place I have concerns this would impact public safety, as they would likely have to stand in the road during the operating times listed.
“Secondly, the (application) notifies for a time of mid-day on August 27 to 11.59pm on August 28, making this a TEN which could run uninterrupted for 36 hours.
“West Yorkshire Police would not support any TEN which could operate for such hours uninterrupted, due to concerns over public nuisance in a public space.”
But in his application form to the council, Mr Powell said: “The area on that particular road which I am hoping to use will normally be closed by highways.”
He also said that pavements would still be left “clear” for pedestrians to use.
A council licensing hearing next Tuesday will decide whether or not the party can take place.
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