London's Notting Hill Carnival has been cancelled for the first time in 54 years since it began.

The world-famous festival had initially been due to go ahead on the weekend of the August bank holiday.

But in a statement issued today (May 7) by the Notting Hill Carnival company, the event was confirmed as cancelled due to coronavirus - with plans being drawn up for an "alternate" festival.

In the statement, Notting Hill Carnival Ltd said the decision was made “after lengthy consultations with our strategic partners and our advisory council”.

It continued: “Notting Hill Carnival was founded to bring people together during trying times, and we intend to continue that legacy.

"We are working towards an alternate NHC 2020 that we hope will bring the carnival spirit to people from the safety of their homes, and make them feel connected and engaged.”