Notting Hill residents skip carnival for beach trip

Notting Hill residents board up their houses in anticipation of Notting Hill carnival

More than 20 Kensington and Chelsea residents will be heading to the coast as part of a council scheme to provide them "respite" during the Notting Hill Carnival weekend.

Since 2017 the local authority has partnered with the charity Age UK since 2017 to offer the break to older residents.

They first need to meet strict criteria such as being over 65 years old and living directly on the carnival route.

The local authority said this year’s outing would cost it £24,000 - about £1,100 per person.

Residents take measures to protect their homes from the thousands of revellers

The money will be used to cover travel, accommodation, some food and additional spends such as staffing and carers.

Last year £31,000 was spent by the council on the 42 residents who took part.

Places are prioritised for those most in need of getting away, who might not have the means to organise a trip themselves or have no alternative options.

Kensington and Chelsea offers a number of services to vulnerable residents during the event which this year runs from from 24 to 26 August.

These include providing 24-hour security at its housing estates and holding individual discussions about the event with anyone who has been allocated a social worker.

Around two million people attend the event in west London

Notting Hill Carnival sees more than two million people attending each year. Masquerade dancing to steel bands and sound systems, go on show in west London over the bank holiday weekend, with more than 300 food and drink stalls.

Councillor Kim Taylor-Smith, overseeing culture at Kensington and Chelsea council, said: "Carnival is a vibrant celebration of our borough’s rich culture and diversity, and we are proud to play our part in bringing it to the streets of North Kensington for huge numbers of people to enjoy each year.

"There are some older vulnerable residents who require respite from carnival weekend, and we work with Age UK to provide a seaside break for those most in need who meet certain eligibility criteria."

This year will be Notting Hill Carnival’s 56th outing.