The Bonfire Night Trial — 50 Years On
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Leeds Inspired

The Bonfire Night Trial — 50 Years On

17th June 2026
Leeds Central Library

In 1975 a Bonfire Night party in Chapeltown, Leeds, erupted into the first violent protest by Black British youth in the UK. In this illustrated talk, Claude Hendrikson MBE and Dr Max Farrar will talk about what it was like when they were accused of being involved in what the media called a riot. They were then put on trial in Leeds Assizes in the summer of 1976 – facing prison sentences if convicted of their trumped-up charges. They will explain the significance of an event that others have called an uprising.

Leeds University’s media student Matt Dollman’s new short film titled ‘Bonfire Night 1975 – Leeds 50 Years On’ about this pivotal moment in Leeds’ history will also be premiered. With testimony from several Chapeltown residents, the film asks whether the spirit of empowerment and resilience that followed the Bonfire Night Trial still shapes Chapeltown today.

Part of the Leeds400 celebrations in 2026.

Image:
Bonfire Night Trial defendants and friends outside Leeds Town Hall, 1976. © Max Farrar