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Doves have been released at the opening Notting Hill Carnival in memory of those killed in the Grenfell Tower blaze.
Multi-faith leaders from across the capital including Mayor of London Sadiq Khan freed the birds into a glorious blue sky as a horn sounded amid prayers for peace over the party weekend.
A community leader called for “peace in Notting Hill” and proclaimed “Grenfell reunited” as the doves flew off.
She said: “This is for Grenfell and everybody present at carnival.
“Everybody alive, dead, let’s all have a great time and in peace. Let’s release these doves in the name of peace. Let’s pray for peace in Notting Hill.
“Grenfell reunited. Amen.”
The two-day west London festival began on Sunday morning with prayers from multi-faith leaders.
Crowds were moved by a powerful performance of ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’ by a singer dressed in “green for Grenfell” – one of the themes suggested for revellers attending this year’s event.
Many stood with their heads bowed, while others remarked on the “beautiful” and “poetic” rendition.
Community leaders said in the run up to the event, which is attended by millions every year, that it would provide an “opportunity to heal” for those affected by the devastating inferno.
Chair of the carnival trust Pepe Francis said he hoped the festivities would “lift the spirits of people”.
Asked how members of the Grenfell community he had spoken to felt about the event, he said: “They just want carnival to go ahead as normal.
“Obviously there’s varying views, some people feel it shouldn’t. But the majority feel it should, and it should be one of the best carnivals.
Notting Hill Carnival 2016 – In pictures
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Street festival: Thousands of people headed to Notting Hill for the second day of the carnival
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Snap: Performers in identical blue outfits pose for the cameras
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Big turnout: Hundreds lined the streets for the procession
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Caribbean culture: A woman dances her way down the street in the final day of the carnival
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Festival of colour: A performer dances in front of the crowds during the Grande Finale on Monday
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Drummers filled the streets as Monday’s event got into full swing
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Police presence is high following complaints about security last year
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Revellers take part in the Children’s Day parade after a paint fight party
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Revellers take part in the Children’s Day parade
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Dancers perform during the Children’s Day parade
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Revellers take part in the Children’s Day parade after a paint fight party
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Dancers perform during the Children’s Day parade
Isabel Infantes/PA Wire
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Dancers perform during the Children’s Day parade
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Revellers enjoy the Notting Hill Carnival after joining a paint fight party in the early morning
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Performers dressed in flamboyant costumes for the Children’s Day parade
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Dancers perform during the Children’s Day parade
Isabel Infantes/PA Wire
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Police Officers during the Children’s Day parade
Isabel Infantes/PA Wire
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Revellers enjoy a paint fight party
Isabel Infantes/PA Wire
“I think, because of Grenfell, I would like to see carnival this year one of the most successful ones ever, because I think it will pay a lot of tribute to what a festival like this can do to ease the minds of the people (who are) the victims.”
Police officers will form a “ring of care” around the burnt out husk of the 24-storey building while a reflection zone will be set up near the blacked high rise.
Hundreds of hand-drawn tributes, candles and flowers will be protected by fencing while the NHS will provide “mental health first aid” for those affected.
Posters have 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” – an activity which has distressed locals.
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