A float at Notting Hill Carnival missed the 72-second silence held in memory of those who died in the Grenfell Tower fire. The annual moment of reflection has been observed at Europe’s biggest street party every year since the 2017 high-rise fire, which claimed 72 lives. The Grenfell Tower is visible from the parade route, and the fire deeply affected the local community.
One float, however, accidentally continued playing music as it passed North Kensington Fire Station at 3pm, where firefighters were paying their respects. Footage captured by the Standard shows the Omnia Carnival mas band still playing as revellers danced around the bus. Onlookers tried to get the MC’s attention to stop the music, while a firewoman from the London Fire Brigade was seen shaking her head in disbelief. Firefighters outside the station had lined up and laid down their hats to honour the victims. The brigade was among the crews deployed to the fire in 2017.
MC apologises after realising the mistake
The MC then said: “Why are we stopping? I’m just asking because I don’t know.” Another member of the mas band appeared to explain, before the MC issued an apology to the crowd. Realising his mistake, he said: “Ladies and gentlemen, I apologise, but this is important. We’re having a moment of silence for the fire station.” He added: “I would’ve loved a schedule”, before appearing to throw his arms up in the air.
By the time the MC realised, the next parading band was fast approaching, and having already observed the silence, turned its music back on.
Tradition of pausing at the fire station
In previous years, bands, soundsystems, and live stages have been asked to tune into the Beat London radio station for special announcements to commemorate the tragic fire. It is also a carnival tradition for parading bands to turn off their music as they pass the fire station and applaud the firefighters.
On Portobello Road, many revellers bowed their heads and stood still as they observed the silence. Music was turned off, before an MC officially announced the end of the reflection. Carnival-goers then applauded and cheered, resuming the festivities.
