THIS International Women's Day Yeadon Carnival have announced their first ever female chair person, a role that has historically been held by men for the past 110 years.

Jo Kenyon, 35, was recently nominated into the role by the current committee, and despite an initial reluctance to take on the role, is now keen to take on the challenge alongside the rest of the team.

Radio Producer Jo only joined the committee last year as Entertainment Officer, but has attended the carnival since she was a child.

She said: "Yeadon Carnival has always had a place in my heart, I've been attending since I was about five years old and just love how it brings out the community spirit of the town!

"Last year I saw first hand just how much effort goes into the carnival by the entire committee, there's so much work behind the scenes that people don't realise. It's a real team effort, every single person is a volunteer, and they truly are a fantastic bunch. I'm really exited to work with them all again this year and take on the new role! I've got some big shoes to fill as Paul Wilkinson has done an amazing job as Chairman for the past few years.

"But luckily Paul will be staying on the committee and I'll be working alongside him, hopefully he will be able to share the vast knowledge and skills he has picked up over the years."

Paul said: "Having been part of the Yeadon Carnival committee for 15 years, I have worked alongside many remarkable and amazing women, therefore it comes as no surprise that we now have a female chair! Jo did an excellent job last year with the entertainment and the committee is confident that she’ll step up and lead the way to help make Yeadon Carnival 2023 the best ever!

"The team are pleased to announce that this year's theme will be 'Happiness', focusing on what makes people happy and promoting positive mental health.

"Mental health is such an important topic, we want to reflect that in this year's carnival and promote the importance of encouraging both children and adults to do the things that make them happy."

The Carnival is on Saturday, July 1 at Yeadon Cricket Club and more volunteers are being sought.

Jo added: "I would urge people to come forward and join us, even if it's just a couple of hours on the day itself to marshal the parade or sell programs, for example. We are so keen to reinstate the parade element of the carnival, but can only do so if more volunteers come forward, so instead of complaining please come help us make it happen! There are many opportunities available and we really would like to get the whole community involved!"

Yeadon Carnival are also looking for sponsors, as well as raffle donations, stalls and entertainment.Contact yeadoncarnivalcommittee@gmail.com