Primary school children in Huddersfield have been delving into the rich 25-year history of the Deighton Carnival, learning about its evolution from a small gathering to a major community celebration. Pupils in Years 5 and 6 at St Thomas' Primary, Christ Church Academy, Ashbrow Primary, and Our Lady of Lourdes CofE have crafted their own newspaper reports to commemorate the event's silver anniversary.
Howard Belafonte's Journey
Howard Belafonte, the CEO and organiser of the Deighton Carnival, shared personal anecdotes of his 25-year involvement. He recalled starting with simple purchases like bags of sand to create a beach for the first event in 2002, which attracted just 200 people. Over the years, the carnival has grown consistently and now draws approximately 10,000 attendees to the Deighton Centre each June. Belafonte highlighted how the carnival adapted during the Covid-19 pandemic by moving online, and has become a vital focal point for the local community.
Community and Heritage
The children's newspaper project was run in partnership with the schools programme Literacy Kicks and made possible by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Belafonte expressed his pride: "To reach 25 years in anything is a fantastic milestone and a great achievement, and I'm really proud of the Deighton Carnival. We have created a lasting heritage legacy that will be celebrated in decades to come." He also noted his parents' Jamaican heritage and the traditions they brought to England, including carnivals, sound systems, and food. The carnival was conceived after regeneration in the Deighton area in the 1990s, aiming to bring diverse cultures together.
Growth and Legacy
The first carnival was held on a car park due to a lack of a field, but it has since expanded significantly. Belafonte emphasised that the legacy will be everlasting and thanked all those who have contributed over the years. Andy Petrie, chief executive of Local Services 2 You, praised the carnival as a celebration of local creativity and talent, adding that the project was an excellent way for young people to learn about this important community event.
Gareth Walker, founder of Literacy Kicks, commented: "It was an absolute privilege for us to be involved in this project and see first-hand the impact that the Deighton Carnival has had on the local area. Howard was the perfect ambassador for the event, sharing stories of his involvement over the last 25 years and answering some fantastic questions on what is an important piece of local history." He noted that many pupils had personal connections to the carnival through family involvement, and recording this history in newspaper reports will help preserve it for future generations.
Upcoming Carnival
This year's Deighton Carnival will be held at the Deighton Centre on Saturday, June 27, from noon to 7pm. Admission is free, and the event will feature a procession, live stage show, funfair rides, music, football, and food stalls. The carnival continues to be a highlight in Huddersfield's community calendar.
