Notting Hill Carnival has been cancelled for the first time ever

There will be no Notting Hill Carnival this year for the first time since before its inception in 1966.

The 2020 edition of the West London event is the first to be cancelled in its 54 year long history.

Carnival celebrates Black British culture and attracts more than 2 million visitors to enjoy its range of soundsystem parties, street food and parade each year.

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The 2020 event was scheduled to take place as usual across the August bank holiday, but the organisers have just confirmed it cannot take place due to safety concerns relating to the large crowds in close proximity and stretched NHS resources

In a statement, Notting Hill Carnival LTD said: “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.”

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The statement also mentioned plans for an alternative edition, adding: “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.”

[Via: Standard]

Patrick Hinton is Mixmag's Digital Features Editor, follow him on Twitter

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