THE ORGANISERS of Notting Hill Carnival have cancelled the 2020 event due to COVID-19
Putting out a statement earlier today which highlighted the reasons for the decision organisers said ultimately ‘everyone’s health has to come first’.
A statement on behalf of the board of Notting Hill Carnival Ltd read:
“Like all events around the world, the COVID-19 pandemic has meant that Notting Hill Carnival has faced many challenges this year. 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. This will also mean that Panorama, the annual steelband competition, will not take place.
“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 COVID-19 pandemic and the way in which it has unfolded means that this is the only safe option. Everyone’s health has to come first.
“We also have no wish to place extra strain on our colleagues at St John Ambulance and the NHS. We, of course, work very closely with them for Carnival and want to take this opportunity to express our utmost respect, admiration and gratitude for their work.
“We are still at the early stages of planning for Notting Hill Carnival 2020 in its temporary form. We will share more information on how it will take shape soon. We will now be working closely with our partners, the Carnival community and others to deliver a celebration of Carnival culture and arts for the whole nation over the August bank holiday weekend.
“We look forward to welcoming you back to the streets of Notting Hill in 2021.”
Comments Form
1 Comment
The Notting Hill Carnival; along with Caribbean Carnivals celebrations in the other English Cities, has been cancelled due to current health concerns.
England’s Carnivals have been losing their Caribbean ethos for many years now. It is important to remember Carnival was the gift to the world from Europe’s freed African slaves of the Caribbean and South Africa.
When freedom from Slavery came the African Slaves did not seek revenge against their former Slave-Masters or hurt anyone. All the freed African Slaves wanted to do was Carnival.
It is important for England’s Carnival organisers and attendees not to forget the original spirit of the African-Caribbean Carnival was despite all the horrors and injustices the Slaves endured for three hundred years. The Freed-Slaves just wanted to celebrate with the descendants of their Slave-Masters and create a better; kinder, Planet Earth for all: where Justice is the governing principles in our Chuches, Councils and Corporations.