Notting Hill Carnival floats will be silenced to pay tribute to Grenfell Tower

With Notting Hill Carnival fast approaching, it’s been announced that a silent tribute will be observed in the area surrounding the Grenfell Tower site this weekend.

The so-called “quiet zone” will be in action throughout the West London festivities, with carnival floats and bands pausing their music as they pass the location, and patrons asked to pass quietly as they pay their respects to the site of the tragedy.

The decision was orchestrated by local community groups, alongside Tower survivors group Grenfell United.

According to the Evening Standard, a spokesperson explained: “Notting Hill Carnival is a defining part of our local culture and heritage. We hope people will follow these requests from us and our friends and family in the wider community.

“They will enable people to pay their respects; be conscious of our vulnerability; and show solidarity for our ongoing demands for housing and full justice, in the creative spirit of Carnival.”

There will be a minute’s silence at approximately 3pm on Sunday and Monday at the infamous annual street party. Revellers are encouraged to wear green in support of the Tower survivors, and the family and friends of those who died.

The news comes only weeks after London Mayor Sadiq Khan rejected calls from a Tory MP to move the celebratory affair away from the Tower. Khan swiftly interjected on Twitter, claiming “Notting Hill Carnival is a firm London tradition and incredibly important to the local community. It should not be moved.”

Jasmine Kent-Smith is Mixmag's Digital Intern. Follow her on Twitter

[Via: Evening Standard]