Survivors of the Grenfell Tower fire have released dozens of white doves at the opening ceremony of the Notting Hill Carnival as community leaders urged attendees to “come in the spirit of peace”.
The opening address saw faith leaders take part in the “small act of remembrance” to mark the tragedy that claimed at least 80 lives in June.
Kensington MP Emma Dent Coad, flanked by London Mayor Sadiq Khan and council leader Elizabeth Campbell, told the crowds: “Today is a day to set aside our burden of sadness”, before bereaved families and local residents released the birds into the sky.
Clarrie Mendy, the aunt of artist Khadija Saye who died in the blaze, said: “This is for Grenfell and everybody present at the carnival – everybody dead or alive – just have a great time and in peace. We pray for peace. Let’s release the birds in the name of peace in Notting Hill. Grenfell reunited. Amen.”
Mr Khan greeted survivors, shaking their hands and hearing about their housing situations, nearly three months on from the blaze that left hundreds homeless.
The mayor spoke for a few minutes with Hamid Ali Jafari, 33, who said he was from the 11th floor of Grenfell Tower and is living in a temporary flat, awaiting permanent accommodation.
Mr Jafari, who lost his father Ali Yawar Jafari, 82, in the blaze, said he was glad to be at carnival.
Asked how it felt to release one of the doves, he said: “It’s the pain of remembering my dad, because he was there.”
Europe’s biggest street party has been overshadowed by June’s devastating tragedy.
Community tensions have threatened to boil over since the fire after it emerged residents in the 24-storey block had repeatedly expressed concerns over fire safety.
But the carnival is also being seen as an opportunity for the community living in the shadow of the tragedy to come together in unity.
Scotland Yard faced heavy criticism in the lead up to the event after launching an aggressive campaign of preemptive arrests.
Roughly 6,000 officers are expected to be on duty over the two days, with some fearing tensions between the north Kensington community and authorities could lead to civil unrest.
But Justice4Grenfell coordinator Yvette Williams told The Independent there is always a “propaganda campaign” leading up to Carnival over fears the event could provoke riots.
Prior to the opening ceremony, faith leaders called for the event to “lift the spirits of people” and members of the local community have been urging attendees to come in the spirit of peace for weeks.
The event has also been carefully coordinated to put those who died at its heart, with attendees being encouraged to wear clothing that is “green for Grenfell”.
The route has also been carefully planned so that the tower’s charred shell will be mostly out of sight.
Performers will pass the site from half a mile away and will be encouraged to lower their music out of respect for the victims.
A quiet zone, decked out in yellow, has been constructed where the parade route meets Lancaster Road and the tower comes into sight.
Posters have also been put up at spots where the tower can be seen, asking the public not to take photographs “at the site of our great loss” – something which has distressed locals.
At 3pm on both days, hundreds of thousands of revellers along the route are expected to pause and observe a minute’s silence to mark the tragedy.
