80,000 attend Leederville festival
Running Santas, camel rides, latte art, fireworks, an enticing snake dancer and food stalls brimming with international cuisine - they were among the hive of activity that exploded on the streets of Leederville yesterday as part of the annual Light Up Leederville Carnival.
Crowds of more than 80,000 flooded Leederville's trendy cafe strip to get among the action, which included eight stages featuring cooking demonstrations and live music, 250 market stalls, roving performers, children's rides and entertainment.
A contingent of running Santas who took part in the annual Variety Santa Fun Run kicked off the carnival festivities, while local cafes, bars and eateries, including Jus Burgers, Zambrero, Sweetlips, Pinchos and Cranked, spilled out on to the streets to showcase Leederville's diverse cuisine.
Art lovers admired the locally crafted eco urban sculptures on show, burlesque duo The Sugar Twins and snake dancer Sulis Celestial were among the performers who charmed people and coffee aficionados gathered to watch baristas go head-to-head in the latte art contest.
Music acts included Cosmic Drama, Ladywood, Kid Tsunami, Charlie Bucket and DJ Silence.
Leederville Connect chairman Jeff Bullen, who also owns Leederville shop Atlas Divine, said this year's event was a big success.
City of Vincent mayor John Carey closed the event, leading a countdown to the turning on of the local street lights followed by fireworks.
