300 food stalls, 38 sound systems and 1,000 toilets: Notting Hill Carnival preparations underway
A council has released the numbers behind Notting Hill Carnival ahead of its return on August 27 and 28.
Kensington and Chelsea council has officered licences to 300 food stalls and 38 live sound systems to support 72 masquerade bands, 11 steel pan bands and more than 100 live stage acts.
More than 1,000 compostable, chemical free toilets will be on the Carnival route for the bank holiday weekend.
Almost 300 tonnes of waste will be cleared between Sunday and Monday and at the end of the Carnival.
The team from Kensington and Chelsea includes officers, wardens, licensing and environment health officers and cleaners who ensure that carnival can come together in a safe and efficient manner.
The council has also organised a weekend at the seaside with charity, Age UK, for up to 42 elderly and vulnerable residents living on the Carnival route.
The parade started many years ago to fight racial injustice and has now grown into a diverse and electric community led festival that is welcomed by many of the residents.
Kensington and Chelsea councillor Emma Will said: “With another year of Carnival just around the corner, we’ve been stepping up our efforts to ensure that everyone can enjoy a safe and joyful Carnival.
“Our team is tirelessly preparing for the arrival of hundreds of thousands of visitors from near and far.
“We’re ready to serve the community before, during, and after the carnival, ensuring that the streets return to normal once the festivities conclude.
“As Europe’s largest community led Carnival, it’s a massive undertaking, and we’re proud of our team who collaborate with organisers and a dedicated group of community volunteers to bring it to life.”
Kensington and Chelsea council have also prepared informational booklets, a phone line available throughout the weekend, and an online hub of information at www.rbkc.gov.uk/carnival.
This resource covers everything from road closures to offering free basement cleaning for properties affected by the Carnival.
Pictured top: Revellers at Notting Hill Carnival in 2014 (Picture: Wikimedia Commons/David Sedlecký)