More than 20 elderly residents in Kensington and Chelsea will be whisked away to the seaside this weekend to provide them “respite” during Notting Hill Carnival.
The local authority has offered the trip to vulnerable residents since 2017 in partnership with Age UK.
Participants must be aged over 65 and live directly on the Carnival route.
Last year, the council spent £31,000 on the outing and expects to spend around £24,000 this year, according to the BBC.
A total of 21 people will be joining the trip this year, with priority given to those most in need of getting away who may not be able to organise a trip themselves.
Around a million people are expected to take part in the annual west London celebration. This year will be Carnival’s 56th outing.
The event is one of the longest-running street parties in the UK and celebrates Caribbean culture with vividly costumed performers taking part in a parade through the streets with dancing and music.
Cllr Kim Taylor-Smith, the borough’s lead member for culture, said: “Carnival is a vibrant celebration of our borough's rich culture and diversity, and we are proud to play our part in bringing it to the streets of North Kensington for huge numbers of people to enjoy each year.
“There are some older vulnerable residents who require respite from Carnival weekend, and we work with Age UK to provide a seaside break for those most in need who meet certain eligibility criteria."
The trip is among a range of services offered to vulnerable residents by the council over the Carnival period.
This includes three drop-in sessions that will allow residents to discuss concerns with council officers, Transport for London (TfL) and the police.
Mayor Sadiq Khan said the event has become “part of the fabric of our city”, and added: “It welcomes people from all over the world to enjoy fantastic food, fashion and music. It embodies everything that makes London the greatest city in the world and is a wonderful celebration of our capital’s diversity and unity.”
