Notting Hill Carnival could be cancelled for a second time if social distancing measures continue

VIBRANT: Notting Hill Carnival could face another year online due to challenges posed by the coronavirus (Photo by David Cliff/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

THE NOTTING Hill carnival faces cancellation for a second time if social distancing measures remain in place throughout 2021, MPs have been told.

Matthew Phillip, the carnival’s chief executive, said the prospect of a second cancellation was “devastating” as he gave evidence to the digital, culture, media and sport (DCMS) committee inquiry into future of UK music festivals.

He continued: “For the carnival weekend specifically it would pose a very big problem. It’s very difficult to hold carnival in its traditional format on the streets with social distancing in place. So, it would be devastating for a second year in a row.”

Last year’s Notting Hill Carnival, which attracts crowds of up to two million people, was forced to move online with pre-recorded live sets from musicians, interviews with mas groups and guides for people to create Caribbean food at home.

Phillips remained adamant that if coronavirus restrictions halted this year’s event again, they would adapt accordingly, however, he also stressed the importance of organisers receiving government guidance as to whether live events could proceed this summer.

“Carnival is and always has been very resilient. We will continue to plan for multiple scenarios,” he said.

“Obviously, the sooner, the better. None of us have got a crystal ball so we don’t know what’s going to happen. We will wait and see. I don’t think there’s a kind of cut-off point.”

Rowan Cannon, the director of Wild Rumpus, which puts on festivals at Rode Hall in Cheshire and Feanedock in the National Forest, said the idea that all “festivals can’t go ahead and be socially distanced is inaccurate,” as long as there is correct infrastructure in place.

“Our festivals could be safer than Sainsbury’s,” she said. “It’s a very diverse spectrum and, if possible, I’d like the committee’s recommendations to reflect that diversity and not just be thinking about 80,000 20-year-olds in a field.”

In January, the DCMS committee sent a letter with more than 100 signatures to the chancellor asking for government-backed insurance scheme to be extended to include festivals and live music.

A government source said that providing insurance for music festivals required a “realistic date” for the event to take place.

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