Notting Hill Carnival tribute to victims of fire disaster

The official opening ceremony yesterday began with a multi-faith prayer and release of doves as a “small act of remembrance”, to mark the tragedy which claimed the lives of at least 80 people on June 14.

The white birds were released from the hands of survivors and local residents, as well as leader of Kensington and Chelsea council Elizabeth Campbell, mayor of London Sadiq Khan and local MP Emma Dent Coad.

Ms Dent Coad addressed the “Grenfell generation”, telling them: “Today is a day to set aside our burden of sadness.”

The Bishop of Kensington, the Rt Rev Dr Graham Tomlin, was among those leading the opening prayers, offering three prayers of hope, harmony and healing.

He said: “My prayer is that, in these two days, God will give us his rest, his hope, his harmony, and his ear.”

Crowds fell silent during an emotional performance of Bridge Over Troubled Water by Brenda Emmanuel.

Handmade green hearts and streamers adorned the judging area, while spectators were decked out in green following a campaign encouraging people to go “green for Grenfell”, which organisers said they hoped would symbolise “reverence and respect amidst the revelry”.

Ms Dent Coad, dressed in white with a green scarf, said: “Today is a day to set aside our burden of sadness, and enjoy some real joy with our families, our friends and our amazing community, which the world now knows about - though it’s always been here, we know that.”