The Carnival has had to go online this year. Unlike most commercial annual events – festivals and so on — the Carnival has had to fight for its survival through the decades (for an informative summary of some of the challenges and hostility that have been overcome the event’s organisers and supporters, click here), and particularly to hold onto its essential character: not a performance, not a ticketed event in an arena or park, but a street party. This means it is vital that the Carnival is remembered each year, and that this year we must look forward to its returning to the streets of Notting Hill Gate in 2021.
Of course an online Carnival can never resemble the real event. But support those keeping its spirit alive by watching and participating here. Wherever you are, you can open a can of Red Stripe, grill some jerk chicken and dance. Well done to everyone keeping the event going despite the pandemic!
John Howe: Bricolage: Essays, Journalism and Improvisations 