Grenfell 72-second silence at Notting Hill Carnival marred as float passing fire station continues to play music

Organisers at Notting Hill Carnival have organised an annual moment of reflection at Europe’s biggest street party every year since the high-rise fire at Grenfell.

The Grenfell Tower can be seen from the parade route and many in the community were left devastated by the fire, which claimed 72 lives.

However, one float accidentally missed the silence as it passed the North Kensington Fire station at 3pm as firefighters paid their respects.

Firefighters lay down their hats

The Standard

In footage captured by the Standard, the Omnia Carnival mas band continued to play music as revellers danced on around the bus.

Onlookers attempted to get the attention of the MC in an effort to halt the music, while a firewoman from the London Fire Brigade was seen shaking her head in disbelief.

Firefighters outside the fire station had lined up and laid down their hats to honour the lives lost at Grenfell. The brigade was one of the crews deployed to the fire in 2017.

The MC then said: “Why are we stopping? I’m just asking because I don’t know.”

Another member of the mas band then 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.

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.