RJC Dance and Mango Arts Leeds West Indian Carnival Winning Troupe ‘BANYAN’ Lights Up Leeds at Light Night 2025

12 Adult Community Class members from RJC Dance and Mango Arts BANYAN troupe danced in spectacular illuminated costumes designed by Rhian Kempadoo-Millar of Mango Arts, in collaboration with Professor Briony Thomas and the University of Leeds Mechanical Engineering Department. Together, they lit up Leeds city centre with unmatched energy, rhythm and carnival spirit. The lighting and fixtures were designed specifically for the BANYAN costumes and expertly programmed to complement the troupe’s aesthetic and theme — right down to the 3D-printed battery packs.

A huge thank you to Professor Briony Thomas and the University of Leeds Mechanical Engineering Department: Graham Brown – Project Co-lead Hardy Whiteley-Boocock – Lighting Design Lead (Electronics) James Watkins – Rapid Prototyping Engineer (Digital Design, Laser Cutting, 3D Printing, Electronics) Kacper Dobras – Digital Manufacturing Engineer (Headpiece Base Modelling and Vacuum Forming) Rhys Moore – Additive Manufacturing Engineer (3D Printing) Ryan Smith – Prototyping Workshop Supervisor (Laser Cutting) Ross Taylor – Fabrication Engineer (Welding Backpacks) Special thanks to Rhian Kempadoo-Millar, Tracey Pinder, and the Mango Arts Creative Team — as well as DJ Sensation and the amazing spectators who brought the soca vibes and celebrated! Thank you to their supporters and investors: University of Leeds, Sapling Fund with thanks to Leeds Arts and Humanities research, UK RAS STEPS and Arts Council England. 

Head to the RJC Dance Website (www.rjcdance.org.uk) Gallery to see more pictures and to watch the full performance!