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UK News

Kensington Temple gears up for Notting Hill carnival

by Eno Adeogun

Hundreds of thousands are expected to gather over the weekend for the festival.

While the carnival is a time of celebration, there will also be a time of silence to remember those who died in the nearby Grenfell fire.

Kristian Lythe from Kensington Temple told Premier it will be a special occasion.

Speaking during News Hour he said: "Notting Hill carnival always brings a sense of celebration to the area.

"I've been speaking to locals in the area as well, they've said they want to celebrate, it has been a time of mourning but that shouldn't discount the time of celebration that Notting Hill carnival usually brings."

This year's carnival will start at an earlier time of 9.15am on Sunday 27th August with an opening ceremony of contemplation and support for Grenfell.

PA

Pepe Francis OBE and Chair of London Notting Hill Carnival Enterprises Trust said in a statement: "We support the suggestions of the local community and wider Carnival community to start this year's Carnival earlier...with a multi faith prayer and small performances by those involved with this year's event.

"This will be the first opportunity for visitors to Carnival to pay their respects for those affected by Grenfell."

There will also be a protective ring of officers around Grenfell Tower and the Lancaster West estate to protect the space from carnival-goers and ensure a "respectful" two days.
 
An additional one minute's silence will be held at the annual street party which will also fall quiet on Sunday August 27 at 3pm, ahead of the silence which will be observed on the following day at the same time.

PA

It is one of a series of tributes by organisers and the community during the weekend in memory of those who died or were affected by the June 14 blaze.

Carnival goers are being asked to wear Green for Grenfell this year in a sign of solidarity, while there will also be a silent reflection zone on the route.

Meanwhile, Special measures are being taken to protect Notting Hill Carnival from the threat of terrorism and acid attacks, Scotland Yard has said.

Steel barriers and a ban on vehicles during the daytime will be in place over the bank holiday weekend to stop a terror attack.

Listen to Kristian Lythe speaking with Premier's Alex Williams:

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