Bramley Carnival was first been held officially in 1892 though it is believed to have dated back to 1865 unofficially. It is believed to have originated from Friendly Society Walks which were an annual event in the 19th century. There were several Friendly Societies in the town and on one occasion in the mid 1800s it is said that two Society Walks met head on in Town Street, with the bands leading each parade trying to outplay each other. The event is remembered as the 'Bramley Clash' and is believed to be the forerunner of the Carnival. It continued to be an important date in the town's summer entertainment calendar until around 1952. It was then abandoned for some time before being resurrected in 1976. Enjoy these photos, published courtesy of photographic archive Leodis, which is run by Leeds Library & Information Service, celebrating its rich heritage at the heart of LS13 down the decades. READ MORE: 19 never seen before photos of Bramley through the years
![A group of children take part in Maypole dancing in this undated photo. Many schools took part in this, a regular activity at the Carnival during that period when the event was held in early May every year.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/QVNIMTE3MTQzMTY4.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
1. Bramley Carnival
A group of children take part in Maypole dancing in this undated photo. Many schools took part in this, a regular activity at the Carnival during that period when the event was held in early May every year. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
![Fairground swings at Bramley carnival sometime around the late 19th or early 20th century.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/QVNIMTE3MTQzMTY5.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
2. Bramley Carnival
Fairground swings at Bramley carnival sometime around the late 19th or early 20th century. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
![A horse-drawn decorated float by Oliver Hudson and Son of Pudsey, manufacturers of wholesale and retail confectionery, is seen in the centre. Year unknown.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/QVNIMTE3MTQzMTcw.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
3. Bramley Carnival
A horse-drawn decorated float by Oliver Hudson and Son of Pudsey, manufacturers of wholesale and retail confectionery, is seen in the centre. Year unknown. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
![Decorated horses are led along Town Street as part of a procession also including horse-drawn vehicles and floats. Year unknown.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/QVNIMTE3MTQzMTcx.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
4. Bramley Carnival
Decorated horses are led along Town Street as part of a procession also including horse-drawn vehicles and floats. Year unknown. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
![Crowds line the streets of Bramley to watch the Carnival procession go past. The parade is travelling along Elder Road by the junctions with Bramley Terrace (left) and Bramley Place. Year unknown.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/QVNIMTE3MTQzMTcy.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
5. Bramley Carnival
Crowds line the streets of Bramley to watch the Carnival procession go past. The parade is travelling along Elder Road by the junctions with Bramley Terrace (left) and Bramley Place. Year unknown. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
![Crowds lined along Town Street watching the Bramley Carnival procession go past. The street is decorated for the Carnival](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/QVNIMTE3MTQzMTgw.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
6. Bramley Carnival
Crowds lined along Town Street watching the Bramley Carnival procession go past. The street is decorated for the Carnival Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net