For the first time in more than 50 years, Notting Hill carnival which was due to take place on 30 and 31 August has been cancelled. The annual event which takes place every August in London since 1966 was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Carnival organisers said “the decision followed lengthy consultations with our strategic partners and our Advisory Council. This has not been an easy decision to make, but the reality of the Covid-19 pandemic and the way in which it has unfolded means that this is the only safe option,” .
The board said plans for an alternative event were still at the early stage of planning. Emma Will, Kensington and Chelsea Council’s lead member for culture, leisure and community safety, said it was absolutely the right decision given what the UK and London is currently facing.
She said the council was committed in giving logistical and financial support to turn alternative plans into reality ”there was no reason why we cannot all bring the true spirit of Carnival into our own front rooms”. She added.