Notting Hill Carnival has been cancelled for the first time in its history

News

Notting Hill Carnival has been cancelled due to the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic. It was due to take place on two days over August bank holiday weekend (30th and 31st August).

It’s the first time Notting Hill Carnival has had to be cancelled since it started in 1966. Rooted in Caribbean culture, the annual event attracts two and a half million people every year, making it one of the world’s largest street festivals. 

The news of the cancellation came in a statement issued by Notting Hill Carnival LTD on their website.

It read: “After lengthy consultations with our strategic partners and our Advisory Council, the Board has taken the decision that this year’s Carnival will not take place on the streets of Notting Hill as it has done for over 50 years.

“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.

“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.”

You can read how you can support the electronic music industry during the coronavirus pandemic here.

Photo: Niall Green from Second Screens Pictures.