To launch the festival, a special event was held in the car park across the road from Akbar’s restaurant, where its founder, Shabir Hussain, who died in October 2024, was remembered by friends, family and colleagues. Shabir's Square was unveiled in memory of Shabir Hussain (Image: Keyhan Modaressi / Pishdaad)At the event, Shabir’s Square, the car park's new name, was unveiled in his memory. Samad Iqbal, general manager of Akbar’s, said: “Shabir made Leeds Road what it is today. Children took part in entertainment at Leeds Road Festival (Image: Keyhan Modaressi / Pishdaad)“He was not just our father; he was our world. He’ll always be remembered as a hero of Leeds Road.”