The Notting Hill Carnival Committee receive notes threatening violence unless the Carnival is cancelled. There is speculation that the man behind the threats is Adrian Wesley, a prominent businessman. Wesley is campaigning for the running of the Carnival to be taken out of the hands of the "do-gooders" and given to his marketing company. He also suspects his wife is having an affair and wants proof. Two days before the event, a bomb explodes. No one is hurt, but the Carnival route has to be changed to avoid the damaged street. Meanwhile, Beryl is kidnapped.