London's Notting Hill Carnival has been cancelled for a second year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Organisers say that the "ongoing uncertainty and risk" around the spread of the virus means that it is not possible to go ahead with this year's plans.
"This has been an incredibly difficult decision to make", reads a statement. "Everyone involved in the event desperately wants a return to the road where Carnival belongs but safety has to come first and with the latest cautious announcement on the government’s 'roadmap', this is the only way to ensure that".
Of course, concerns are not limited to the event itself, which was due to take place on the bank holiday weekend at the end of August, but also for preparations in the run up.
"We have considered our responsibilities to deliver a safe, spectacular, successful and sustainable Carnival", the statement goes on. "The conclusion is that, with so much uncertainty, with time short for Carnivalists to prepare, and the risk of eventual cancellation a real possibility, we must refocus our efforts for 2021".
They say that they are now working on "alternate events that will allow everyone to safely celebrate everything Notting Hill Carnival stands for" this summer, while also planning for "the greatest ever Notting Hill Carnival for 2022".