'It would be Wrong to Scrap Carnival'

26 August 2011, 18:20 | Updated: 28 August 2011, 12:27

Mayor Boris Johnson is defending the decision to go ahead with the Notting Hill Carnival this weekend.

He said 'A lot of people wrote me saying we've got to scrap the Notting Hill carnival, it would be completely wrong to give in to the rioters and scrap something that is a symbol of the vitality and exuberance of this city.'

He also says it is a chance for people to fix the damage done by the riots and show the world that London can still put on a party.

Over a million people are expected to attend the 47th Carnival, which will have extra police on duty.

There have been some changes to the timings of the day, with things starting at 9am and finishing at 7pm before it gets dark.

Organisers are hoping it will discourage any troublemakers.