Rain stops play as Yeadon Carnival cancelled amid safety fears (From Wharfedale Observer)

Rain stops play as Yeadon Carnival cancelled amid safety fears

3:20pm Monday 16th July 2012 in News

Organisers of a cancelled carnival are urging people to rally round to ensure next year’s event can go ahead.

Torrential downpours forced the cancellation of Yeadon Carnival – which should have taken place at the weekend – amid fears about public safety.

Carnival chairman Councillor Nigel Francis said the decision to cancel the event was taken on advice from Leeds City Council, and following consultation with carnival committee members.

He added: “It is always sad to have to cancel an event like this, as I know the whole of Yeadon looks forward to this day, but after the heavy rains, the field was more suited to planting rice than staging a carnival.

“We felt not only would the field cut up very badly, but there was the added danger someone could slip and break a leg or, worse still, when you are putting 100-plus vehicles onto a very wet field, there is the danger of skidding and someone being killed.”

Organisers are hoping to stage an event at Yeadon Town Hall on July 21 to raise money for next year’s carnival. And they are asking local people to give it their support.

Coun Francis said: “I would ask everyone to look out for our flyers, see the local paper and read the posters, as this cancellation has cost us more than £1,000 and we desperately need funding for next year. “We can hope our city councillors will look favourably next year and make us a grant, otherwise we will be in big trouble.”

He added: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the people of Yeadon and district who have attended the carnival in the past, and who would have come along again.

“Thank you to the many shopkeepers and businesses that once again supported us, and the entertainers, vintage vehicle owners, all the schools and my fantastic committee for every-thing they have done.”