Notting Hill Carnival returns with Grenfell disaster tribute

Covid lockdowns and social distancing cancelled the party for two years

Performers take part in the Notting Hill Carnival in London, UK. AFP

The Caribbean carnival is returning to the streets of Notting Hill after a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Getty Images

Carnival revellers attend the London festival. EPA

More than a million people are expected to attend the two-day celebration of Caribbean heritage. EPA

A reveller takes part in the Notting Hill Carnival. Reuters

Revellers dance on top of a railway bridge during the carnival. AP

Performers take part in the carnival in London. Reuters

Performers take part in the carnival on the main parade day. AFP

Performers take part in the Notting Hill Carnival. AFP

Revellers in colourful costumes take part in the carnival. Reuters

Performers participate in the newly returned carnival. PA

The festival returned to the streets for the first time in two years after it was thwarted by the pandemic. PA

A police officer attends the carnival. PA

A woman waves from a window as performers take part in the carnival. AP

Carnival-goers attend the popular event. PA

The Notting Hill Carnival has returned to London for the first time in two years. PA

The carnival was called off in 2020 and 2021 owing to coronavirus restrictions. PA

More than a million people were expected to attend the festival. PA

Police keep an eye on carnival-goers. PA

The carnival paid tribute to the 72 victims of the Grenfell Tower disaster and the survivors' campaign demanding justice. Reuters

Carnival-goers during Sunday's family day at the carnival. PA

Carnival-goers during Sunday's family day at the carnival. PA

The children's parade was part of the family day fun. Reuters

Costumed children take part in the parade. Getty

Notting Hill's streets are crowded for the return of the carnival. PA

A young performer in the procession. Getty

Performers on wheels. PA

A young carnival-goer. Getty

Performers dance during the children's parade. AP

A participant in the children's parade. PA

A performer on skates wows the crowds. PA

Young performers on parade. PA

One of the spectacular costumes in the procession. Reuters

Musicians provide a Caribbean beat. PA

Energetic performers in the children's parade. PA

Performers on roller blades. AP

Colourful costumes on show during the carnival parade. EPA

Dancers perform at the Notting Hill Carnival. EPA

Participants on parade through the London streets. EPA

Children in costumes take part in the parade. EPA

Dancers in colourful costumes perform. EPA

The Emancipated Run Crew dressed in green to remember the 72 people who died in the Grenfell fire. PA

The Emancipated Run Crew dressed in green to remember the 72 people who died in the Grenfell fire. PA

Notting Hill Carnival returned to the streets of London for the first time since Covid-19 introduced lockdown and social distancing — and organisers paid tribute to the Grenfell Tower fire victims, a disaster that happened on the carnival’s doorstep.

The 72 people killed in the tragedy were remembered at the official carnival launch on Sunday but it was also a day to celebrate.

Revellers danced to sound systems in the streets of west London. Small children stood on the doorsteps of their houses, holding Jamaican flags and waving at passers-by.

The sun shone on the crowds and the party returned to normal.

Carina Charles, a nurse from Basildon, Essex, said people were “ecstatic” about the return of the carnival after the pandemic.

“I like the togetherness of the people and the mixture of the culture. My Caribbean music, the soca music, is what I love the most,” she said.

“Everybody is jovial — they are excited after coming out of lockdown after three years. Everyone is ecstatic about the return of carnival after lockdown.”

Millions of people are expected to attend the two-day festival.

Addressing the crowd at the start of the parade, Grenfell survivor Zoe Dainton reflected on this year's five-year anniversary.

She said: “June 14 of this year marked five years since the fire. Five years (and) still no justice, still no charges, not much change.

“And despite what happened at Grenfell and despite endless evidence that came out of the inquiry, those responsible — including the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea — seem to be suffering from amnesia and are acting like it's business as usual.

“And so here is a reminder to all of those whose memories may have failed them. Our community is one of a kind. Our community is like no other community.

“You just need to look at the history of this area and the powerful people that have come from this community to realise that we won't allow it to be business as usual.”

Dressed in bright green T-shirts with “Remembering Grenfell” emblazoned on the back, members of the Emancipated Run Crew joined the carnival parade.

There was a 72-second silence before the parade began and Ms Dainton cut the ribbon for the runners, marking the official beginning of carnival.

Jules Stephenson, 48, co-founder of the Emancipated Run Crew running group, said: “It is really important that we don't forget, that we mark those lives, and we just remember those lives.

“You can't (go) through this carnival route without being in the shadow of Grenfell.”

The streets along the route were awash with colour as partygoers enjoyed the beginning of the long-standing celebration of Caribbean heritage, which has been running for more than 50 years.