The first official Carnival was held in 1892, but dates back as far as 1865 when Bramley was an established clothing village approximately 1 mile long and having some 8000 inhabitants. This happy group of Queen and Retinue, was taken in 1938

A happy, joyous, carefree event you might think.  Well yes – up to a point but it wasn’t always quite the case, as you will see …

In the 1700’s a number of Friendly Societies had been set up in Bramley to provide support for working people (rather like a form of insurance).  This meant that providing you were a regular paid-up member of one of these Societies, and had the bad luck to fall ill, then financial help would be given to yourself and family.  Similarly, if you had the misfortune to die then help would be given towards payment of your funeral expenses.

These Society members paraded proudly and annually in Bramley, following which event they would go to either church or chapel where a service would be held.  Following this more serious part of the proceedings a feast of both food and entertainment would follow, which was enjoyed by all.  That is, until an occasion in the mid 1800’s when two such Societies met head-on, and neither would back off.  The Bands leading each group of walkers tried to outplay each other by playing not just longer but also louder, following which the event was subsequently named “The Bramley Clash”.  Rumour has it that there was much scuffling between the rival factions – things really haven’t changed much, have they?

It must have been decided that this state of affairs could not continue, as in the late 1800’s records show that Bramley Carnival came into being – certainly 1892 shows a Mr. J.J. Binns as its President and a Miss Ethel Gaunt having the honour of being the Carnival’s Queen, when a sum of £30 was collected from onlookers and given to the Workpeople’s Hospital Fund.

Not only did the event of Carnival give a great deal of pleasure to the people of Bramley and surrounding areas, but the money collected provided valuable support for both the “Workpeople’s Hospital Fund” and also “Leeds General Infirmary”.  Records show that as far back as the year 1900 the princely sum of £330 was donated to the “Workpeople’s Hospital Fund” – a really huge amount in those days!

1937 saw the crowning of George VI and Queen Elizabeth. Not to be outdone, Bramley-ites had a 'special' Carnival year themselves. The patriotic colours of red, white and blue were used in the girls' outfits - even down to the flowers. One of our Society members is a member of this group.

A Carnival Queen was chosen from the young teenagers of Bramley; which was considered to be a very great honour.  “Britannia” too had to be chosen to fulfil this role.  Like the Carnival Queen, she too had a long white dress complete with Union Jack emblazoned shield, trident and headdress.  Like the Carnival Queen, who was accompanied by other prettily clad young ladies, plus pageboys (not so prettily clad - they were no doubt pleased to say); she was accompanied by young boys dressed in sailor outfits.

The Carnival procession started off from Elder Road (Back Lane) and proceeded onto Stanningley Road to Town End, then along Town Street to Broad Lane and “The Globe”, and from there it went to Bramley Baths, turned around and went back almost the whole of the route, but stopped short when it turned into the ‘Barley Mow’ Field.  Here all the floats would go around the field and be judged in their various categories.  The floats were all ‘themed’, and some of the names given were – ‘A Wedding Scene’ (complete with cake), ‘The American Wild West’, ‘Miss Lavender’, ‘Mirth & Melody’, and many more. The youngsters in particular used to love entering the Fancy Dress competition and participating in the many games, etc. which were organised for them once they reached the ‘Barley Mow’ Field.

After the Second World War had finished (during which time there were no Carnivals) they year of 1946 saw the return of the event when it was the 51st to be held. Our photograph shows that year's 'Queen', about to be crowned, to her right the 'Retiring Queen' (out of view behind the Lord Mayor) with 'Miss Bramley' (seated) to the right of the Lord Mayor. To the right of the picture sits 'Britannia' with her trident and accompanied by her sailors and, next to her is 'Miss Industry'. The days of having a Carnival Queen and Britannia only, had changed in recognition of Bramley people doing their bit, and also those inhabitants who worked in Bramley's many industries to help the war effort. Another Society member appears on this photograph.

The Society feels that many readers will have their own special memories of this now sadly discontinued annual event.  But, for those of you who are relative newcomers to Bramley, or who maybe left the area years ago, it is hoped this article will have either given you an insight into life as it was, or reminded you of what was a very popular and well-attended event in the Bramley calendar.

2006.