There's a petition to get Notting Hill Carnival UNESCO Heritage status

A petition has been launched to counter potential downscaling of the Notting Hill Carnival, hoping to have it recognised on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list.

A recent poll showed that nine out of 10 residents living on the street carnival route leave the area over the August Bank Holiday weekend, with some citing it as "frightening". In order to protect the world famous party, petitioners Green Westway are looking to reach 1000 signatures to present to Conservative MP Victoria Borwick.

The petition on change.org reads: "Safeguarding the carnival's future as a festival in the streets of Notting Hill rather than behind a perimeter of local park is important for a number of reasons.

"The carnival was born in local social movements from the burning ambers of hatred and racism. Over the years, its marriage of Caribbean culture to West London streets has turned this situation on its head and momentary carnival experiences have led to lasting social unity, which as recent days have shown us, should certainly not be taken for granted."

Pointing towards Carnival's deserving of UNESCO status, Green Westway adds that it "become a symbol of change and multiculturalism in the UK".

Victoria Borwick is the same MP who proposed that this year's event should be ticketed in an attempt to reduce crime.

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Dave Turner is Mixmag's Digital News Editor, follow him on Twitter