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MP's Summer of Festival's in Leeds West

This summer, Leeds West has been home to a spectacular series of festivities organised by an array of dedicated volunteers from across the constituency.  MP, John Battle has had the pleasure of taking part in a whole host of events to celebrate the local community.

July saw the 8 day I love West Leeds extravaganza, where local residents and visitors from across Leeds where spoilt for choice for which cultural event to attend.  From The Marvellous Armley Tea Dance to The Ironmongers of Illusion there was something that would interest everyone.

On 6th July Armley Mills opened its doors for the The I Love West Leeds Festival Day.  It was an incredible day, in a fantastic venue, thanks to the inspiring, Jane Earnshaw.  An inflatable pig, Armley – the Musical and 15 quirkily decorated sheds ensured that visitors from across Leeds were treated to no ordinary trip to the museum.   

Bramley Carnival also brought the party spirit to Leeds West.  Despite fears that this historical tradition, dating back to 1891, would not go ahead due to funding cuts from Leeds City Council, local businesses stepped in and saved the day.  Floats were led by carnival queen Charlotte Crossley in a 1925 Rolls Royce convertible and crowds were entertained by Bramley’s home-grown rockers Unknown Cause and an X-Factor-type talent show.

The blooms on show at St Michael’s and All Angels flower show in Farnley, which John was invited to open, really brought the senses alive.  These were not just the average flowers in a vase but themed ‘works of art’, illustrating that creativity and artistic flare are certainly in abundance in Farnley.

The sun also shined down on Kirkstall Festival, now in its 28th year.  Thousands of people turned out to the Festival of Colours at the historic Kirkstall Abbey.  A spectacular parade kicked off the free event through the streets of Kirkstall and arriving in the Abbey grounds.  John attended a special church service in the Abbey Nave and a packed programme of events including historical re-enactments, bungee jumps, a climbing wall and a humorous dog show kept the crowds happy.

John came back from Parliament especially to attend Armley’s annual fun day.  What a turn out!  The best crowd yet and now well established.   The day gave John a great opportunity to meet with local voluntary organisations and residents.

Mr Battle said: “Congratulations to everyone for making all of these fabulous events such overwhelming successes and I am hoping my autumn will be as action-packed as my summer.”

©John Battle MP 11 October 2008