Notting Hill Carnival 2020 cancelled: London festivities called off for first time ever

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The Notting Hill Carnival has been cancelled for the first time in its 54-year history after organisers accepted that the event could not be held safely.

Today’s decision came after increasing pressure to call off Europe’s biggest street festival, usually attended by more than two million people over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

In a statement, Notting Hill Carnival Ltd said the decision was made “after lengthy consultations with our strategic partners and our advisory council”.

It added: “Notting Hill Carnival was founded to bring people together during trying times, and we intend to continue that legacy. We are working towards an alternate NHC 2020 that we hope will bring the carnival spirit to people from the safety of their homes, and make them feel connected and engaged.”

NHS managers had warned that its resources would be stretched as frontline staff continued to prioritise the epidemic. They also said that the nature of the Carnival, with thousands of revellers squeezed into narrow streets, would make it impossible to maintain social distancing or hygiene standards.

Kensington & Chelsea council also told the organisers that the local community would be put at risk if the event went ahead.

In pictures - Notting Hill Carnival 2019, day two

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Notting Hill Carnival added: “This has not been an easy decision to make, but the reality of the pandemic and the way in which it has unfolded means that this is the only safe option. Everyone’s health has to come first.

“We also have no wish to place extra strain on our colleagues at St John Ambulance and the NHS. We want to take this opportunity to express our utmost respect, admiration and gratitude for their work.”

Cllr Emma Will, Kensington and Chelsea Council's lead member for culture, leisure and community safety, said: "It has been very difficult for all those involved, but Carnival organisers need to be given real credit for making an early decision on this and following the guidance from health professionals. They have put the health of the local community and participants first.

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"This now gives us all an opportunity to explore how we can still celebrate Carnival in different ways this summer, before bringing it back even better in 2021."

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