Published: Thursday 24 August 2023
As part of an annual scheme operated by Kensington and Chelsea Council in collaboration with Age UK, older residents living along the Carnival route will have the chance to enjoy a free seaside break. This getaway provides them with an opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of the event and relax.
What does the trip involve?
Residents will be able to travel down to a hotel in Eastbourne by coach on Saturday 26 August and enjoy three nights in a hotel before returning to their homes on Tuesday 29 August – when Carnival is over and the Council has finished the clear up. A total of 42 residents have signed up for the trip this year.
Emma Will, Lead Member for Culture, Leisure and Community Safety said:
“The Carnival brings together people from all places to enjoy and celebrate the rich culture and diversity in the borough and we’re happy to support the event, but we also respect that the noise and crowds are not for everybody.
“We are once again proud to be working with Age UK to organise a trip for our older residents, so they enjoy a break at the seaside over the bank holiday weekend.”
The scheme has been running for over 20 years and is very popular with residents.
Who gets to go?
Priority is given to residents who meet the eligibility criteria and who have not been on the trip before and whose health may be affected by the noise and crowds of Carnival.
How else is the Council supporting its residents?
In addition to this, the Council has been preparing residents and visitors for Carnival with booklets, a dedicated phone line that will be open over the weekend and a hub of information that covers everything from road closures to free basement cleaning for properties affected by carnival.