Published: Tuesday 25 August 2020
With under a week to go until bank holiday weekend, regular Carnivalists are preparing for the UK’s first ever virtual Notting Hill Carnival: Access All Areas, which will be streamed from 29-31 August at www.nhcarnival.org
With a mix of music, costumes, steel bands, interviews and discussions being broadcast, everyone can enjoy the flavours of the borough’s must-see event from the comfort and safety of their own homes.
To celebrate the legacy of Carnival, Kensington and Chelsea Council has encouraged Carnival-goers to rifle through their old photos of Carnivals past and share their top memory of Europe’s biggest festival event using the hashtag #MyBestCarnival.
From foodie experiences to the creation of love stories, Carnival has been responsible for many a fun tale. Love blossomed for Hannah at Carnival back in 2014:
“Back in 2014 at @NHCarnivalLDN, my wife admitted that she liked me more than a friend and ever since then we've been inseparable. We love going to Carnival especially for the soca tunes. This year, we'll be staying at home and enjoying the event online.”
Others have been sharing photos of their best costumes and food stalls from past Carnivals. Share your Carnival photo or video on your social media, tagging us @RBKC with #MyBestCarnival for a retweet or repost.
The Council has written to all local residents with public health advice to avoid the spread of coronavirus and will have 25 enforcement officers out over the weekend, to tackle unlicensed events alongside the police and stewards provided by the organisers of the online carnival.
Cllr Emma Will, Lead Member for Culture, Leisure and Community Safety said:
“We’ve entered the final countdown to the first ever virtual Notting Hill Carnival. Organisers have worked hard to create a huge three-day digital programme which will mean everyone can enjoy the true spirit of Carnival from home.
“We are still in the midst of a pandemic. Rates are steady in our borough but if there are irresponsible gatherings this weekend, we could risk the virus spreading and local lockdown like we have seen elsewhere in the country. So please protect each other, enjoy Carnival at home and stay safe.”
The Council is preparing to support residents across the weekend and react to gatherings with:
- 25 enforcement officers patrolling to enforce against unlicensed events, parking and gatherings in the Notting Hill area
- A dedicated phoneline for residents to report concerns on Saturday from 12pm-9pm, Sunday and Monday from 9am-9pm
- 50 security staff on the Council’s Housing estates in North Kensington
- Parks Police monitoring and patrolling the borough parks in North Kensington
- Information leaflets to businesses and residents confirming there will be:
- No road closures
- Normal rubbish and recycling collections on Monday
- And helpful contact numbers including the special August Bank Holiday customers services phoneline on 020 7361 3868.
