There will be no Notting Hill Carnival this year.
Notting Hill Carnival has been cancelled for the time it’s in the event’s 54-year history. Organisers announced their decision today (7 May) citing concerns over the spread of coronavirus. In a statement, Notting Hill Carnival Ltd said the decision was made “after lengthy consultations with our strategic partners and our advisory council”. They 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.”
The carnival, which usually takes place over the August bank holiday weekend, is the largest street festival in Europe, attracting well over a million people. The nature of the event means that social distancing measures would be impossible to enforce and that local residents and carnival-goers alike would be at increased risk of contracting the virus. Organisers added: “We 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.”