In this time of increasing tension brought about by the recent European referendum, it is disheartening to read that the one of the UK's most powerful responses to sectarianism - the Notting Hill Carnival - is under threat of displacement. In response, we propose that the Notting Hill Carnival becomes recognised in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list in order to increase the scope for protecting this important London, British, and global celebration. Safeguarding the carnival's future as a festival in the streets of Notting Hill rather than behind a perimeter of local park is important for a number of reasons.

The carnival was born in local social movements from the burning ambers of hatred and racism. Over the years, its marriage of Caribbean culture to West London streets has turned this situation on its head and momentary carnival experiences have led to lasting social unity, which as recent days have shown us, should certainly not be taken for granted. Its location in the streets is not accidental. As a social movement at heart, the revelry in Notting Hill's streets represents normality being suspended and new behaviours emerging. Inhabiting the streets in this different way recreates space and enables people to think differently and challenge their realities. In this way, the carnival has become a symbol of change and multiculturalism in the UK that merits protection by UNESCO.

Pledge your support to establishing Notting Hill Carnival as the UK's first UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by signing this petition to be presented to local MP Victoria Borwick who we expect will further the campaign by raising this issue in parliament.

To find out more about UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage go here: http://www.unesco.org/culture/ich/en/home Read about Notting Hill Carnival here: http://thelondonnottinghillcarnival.com/

The UK still needs to sign up to the convention on intangible cultural heritage. We hope that this campaign can lead to its ratification, and that the establishment of carnival as the country's first recognised UNESCO intangible cultural heritage can pave the way for others across the UK. We will also share this petition with the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport and Heritage England and the Mayor of London.