Notting Hill Carnival announces line-up for first virtual parade in its 54-year history
Event has moved online due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The line-up for the 2020 Notting Hill Carnival has been announced.
Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the annual event is set to be held virtually for the first time in its 54-year history.
The switch to an online-only format was announced by organisers back in May.
Notting Hill Carnival: Access All Areas will feature live music performances and entertainment which can be streamed on four channels throughout the end-of-August bank holiday weekend.
The carnival has partnered with music streaming service Spotify. The line-up includes playlist takeovers from artists including the Marleys and reggae artist Koffee.
More than 40 of the Notting Hill Carnival sound systems will also go digital, including Ramage Sound, and Seduction City Sound.
BBC Radio 1Xtra will host the official Notting Hill Carnival Afterparty, between 11pm on Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday.
An official Afterparty will also be hosted by BBC Radio 1Xtra between 11pm and 2am on Sunday 30 August and from 2am on Monday 31 August.
“1Xtra DJs and special guests will be showcasing the best in Dancehall, Soca, Hip-Hop, UKG and all Carnival sounds,” said the organisers.
The event will begin with a live countdown, broadcast on a large screen at London’s Piccadilly Circus.
The carnival’s executive director Matthew Phillip said: “This year we faced the ultimate challenge of being unable to gather on the streets to celebrate our Carnival. But, now, more than ever, it’s important to keep the spirit of Notting Hill Carnival alive, giving an outlet to the thousands of people that spend all year creating incredible costumes and music for Europe’s largest event.
“Carnival is such an important part of people’s lives and key celebration of the multiculturalism of the UK, and we have a responsibility to our community and pioneers to honour that. We also have a responsibility to protect the black community and our elders by respecting social distancing and taking Carnival away from the streets for this year. So this is a fantastic solution for 2020.”
Anyone wanting to virtually attend the event can register in advance here. The full line-up is also available here.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments