Dan Dennison via Getty Images
A Ukip politician has said Nigel Farage should be forgiven for failing to turn up to his own party's 'carnival' in Croydon because the London borough had become a "dump"
On Tuesday afternoon, Ukip staged a rally designed to showcase its ethnic minority candidates in an attempt to rebuff accusations of racism.
However the meeting quickly descended into farce after it emerged the musicians hired to play the steel drums for the event did not know it organised by Ukip and refused to play.
Story continues below slideshow
UKIP Carnival
Ukip Leader Nigel Farage Fails To Turn Up At Rally(01 of42)
CROYDON, ENGLAND - MAY 20: UKIP candidate for Croydon North; Winston Mackenzie takes a call regarding the whereabouts of UKIP leader Nigel Farage on May 20, 2014 in Croydon, England. Mr Farage was due to attend the UKIP mini carnival in Croydon High Street but pulled out at the last minute. Designed to show diversity within his party organisers said his no show was due to fears for his safety. (Photo by Dan Dennison/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Ukip Leader Nigel Farage Fails To Turn Up At Rally(02 of42)
CROYDON, ENGLAND - MAY 20: UKIP candidate for Croydon North; Winston Mackenzie poses with members of the public on May 20, 2014 in Croydon, England. Mr Farage was due to attend the UKIP mini carnival in Croydon High Street but pulled out at the last minute. Designed to show diversity within his party organisers said his no show was due to fears for his safety. (Photo by Dan Dennison/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Ukip Leader Nigel Farage Fails To Turn Up At Rally(03 of42)
CROYDON, ENGLAND - MAY 20: UKIP candidate for Croydon North; Winston Mackenzie talks to media regarding the whereabouts of UKIP leader Nigel Farage on May 20, 2014 in Croydon, England. Mr Farage was due to attend the UKIP mini carnival in Croydon High Street but pulled out at the last minute. Designed to show diversity within his party organisers said his no show was due to fears for his safety. (Photo by Dan Dennison/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Ukip Leader Nigel Farage Fails To Turn Up At Rally(04 of42)
CROYDON, ENGLAND - MAY 20: UKIP candidate for Croydon North; Winston Mackenzie talks to media regarding the whereabouts of UKIP leader Nigel Farage on May 20, 2014 in Croydon, England. Mr Farage was due to attend the UKIP mini carnival in Croydon High Street but pulled out at the last minute. Designed to show diversity within his party organisers said his no show was due to fears for his safety. (Photo by Dan Dennison/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Ukip Leader Nigel Farage Fails To Turn Up At Rally(05 of42)
CROYDON, ENGLAND - MAY 20: A UKIP supporter outside Whitgift Shopping Centre in Croydon waiting for UKIP leader Nigel Farage on May 20, 2014 in Croydon, England. Mr Farage was due to attend the UKIP mini carnival in Croydon High Street but pulled out at the last minute. Designed to show diversity within his party organisers said his no show was due to fears for his safety. (Photo by Dan Dennison/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Ukip Leader Nigel Farage Fails To Turn Up At Rally(06 of42)
CROYDON, ENGLAND - MAY 20: Crowds outside Whitgift Shopping Centre in Croydon chanted and waved posters whilst waiting for UKIP leader Nigel Farage on May 20, 2014 in Croydon, England. Mr Farage was due to attend the UKIP mini carnival in Croydon High Street but pulled out at the last minute. Designed to show diversity within his party organisers said his no show was due to fears for his safety. (Photo by Dan Dennison/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Ukip Leader Nigel Farage Fails To Turn Up At Rally(07 of42)
CROYDON, ENGLAND - MAY 20: A member of public waves an anti-UKIP banner outside the Whitgift Centre on May 20, 2014 in Croydon, England. Mr Farage was due to attend the UKIP mini carnival in Croydon High Street but pulled out at the last minute. Designed to show diversity within his party organisers said his no show was due to fears for his safety. (Photo by Dan Dennison/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Ukip Leader Nigel Farage Fails To Turn Up At Rally(08 of42)
CROYDON, ENGLAND - MAY 20: UKIP candidate for Croydon North; Winston Mackenzie takes a call regarding the whereabouts of UKIP leader Nigel Farage on May 20, 2014 in Croydon, England. Mr Farage was due to attend the UKIP mini carnival in Croydon High Street but pulled out at the last minute. Designed to show diversity within his party organisers said his no show was due to fears for his safety. (Photo by Dan Dennison/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Ukip Leader Nigel Farage Fails To Turn Up At Rally(09 of42)
CROYDON, ENGLAND - MAY 20: UKIP candidate for Croydon North; Winston Mackenzie talks to members of the public on May 20, 2014 in Croydon, England. Mr Farage was due to attend the UKIP mini carnival in Croydon High Street but pulled out at the last minute. Designed to show diversity within his party organisers said his no show was due to fears for his safety. (Photo by Dan Dennison/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Ukip Leader Nigel Farage Fails To Turn Up At Rally(10 of42)
CROYDON, ENGLAND - MAY 20: A UKIP supporter outside Whitgift Shopping Centre in Croydon waiting for UKIP leader Nigel Farage on May 20, 2014 in Croydon, England. Mr Farage was due to attend the UKIP mini carnival in Croydon High Street but pulled out at the last minute. Designed to show diversity within his party organisers said his no show was due to fears for his safety. (Photo by Dan Dennison/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Ukip Leader Nigel Farage Fails To Turn Up At Rally(11 of42)
CROYDON, ENGLAND - MAY 20: A man and woman outside Whitgift Shopping Centre in Croydon chanted and waved posters whilst waiting for UKIP leader Nigel Farage on May 20, 2014 in Croydon, England. Mr Farage was due to attend the UKIP mini carnival in Croydon High Street but pulled out at the last minute. Designed to show diversity within his party organisers said his no show was due to fears for his safety. (Photo by Dan Dennison/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Ukip Leader Nigel Farage Fails To Turn Up At Rally(12 of42)
CROYDON, ENGLAND - MAY 20: UKIP candidate for Croydon North; Winston Mackenzie takes a call regarding the whereabouts of UKIP leader Nigel Farage on May 20, 2014 in Croydon, England. Mr Farage was due to attend the UKIP carnival on Croydon High Street in an attempt to counter accusations his party is racist. Police officers watched over the peaceful but heated clashes outside the Whitgift Shopping Centre. Mr Farage was due to attend the UKIP mini carnival in Croydon High Street but pulled out at the last minute. Designed to show diversity within his party organisers said his no show was due to fears for his safety. (Photo by Dan Dennison/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Ukip Leader Nigel Farage Fails To Turn Up At Rally(13 of42)
CROYDON, ENGLAND - MAY 20: UKIP candidate for Croydon North; Winston Mackenzie takes a call regarding the whereabouts of UKIP leader Nigel Farage on May 20, 2014 in Croydon, England. Mr Farage was due to attend the UKIP carnival on Croydon High Street in an attempt to counter accusations his party is racist. Police officers watched over the peaceful but heated clashes outside the Whitgift Shopping Centre. Mr Farage was due to attend the UKIP mini carnival in Croydon High Street but pulled out at the last minute. Designed to show diversity within his party organisers said his no show was due to fears for his safety. (Photo by Dan Dennison/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Ukip Leader Nigel Farage Fails To Turn Up At Rally(14 of42)
CROYDON, ENGLAND - MAY 20: Crowds outside Whitgift Shopping Centre in Croydon chanted and waved posters whilst waiting for UKIP leader Nigel Farage on May 20, 2014 in Croydon, England. Mr Farage was due to attend the UKIP carnival on Croydon High Street in an attempt to counter accusations his party is racist. Police officers watched over the peaceful but heated clashes outside the Whitgift Shopping Centre. Mr Farage was due to attend the UKIP mini carnival in Croydon High Street but pulled out at the last minute. Designed to show diversity within his party organisers said his no show was due to fears for his safety. (Photo by Dan Dennison/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Ukip Leader Nigel Farage Fails To Turn Up At Rally(15 of42)
CROYDON, ENGLAND - MAY 20: The UKIP candidate support van makes a quiet exit from it's location on Croydown High Street May 20, 2014 in Croydon, England. Mr Farage was due to attend the UKIP mini carnival in Croydon High Street but pulled out at the last minute. Designed to show diversity within his party organisers said his no show was due to fears for his safety. (Photo by Dan Dennison/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Ukip Leader Nigel Farage Fails To Turn Up At Rally(16 of42)
CROYDON, ENGLAND - MAY 20: UKIP candidate for Croydon North; Winston Mackenzie talks to media regarding the whereabouts of UKIP leader Nigel Farage on May 20, 2014 in Croydon, England. Mr Farage was due to attend the UKIP carnival on Croydon High Street in an attempt to counter accusations his party is racist. Police officers watched over the peaceful but heated clashes outside the Whitgift Shopping Centre. Mr Farage was due to attend the UKIP mini carnival in Croydon High Street but pulled out at the last minute. Designed to show diversity within his party organisers said his no show was due to fears for his safety. (Photo by Dan Dennison/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Ukip Leader Nigel Farage Fails To Turn Up At Rally(17 of42)
CROYDON, ENGLAND - MAY 20: A supporter of UKIP is interviewed by media outside Whitgift Shopping Centre in Croydon on May 20, 2014 in Croydon, England. Mr Farage was due to attend the UKIP carnival on Croydon High Street in an attempt to counter accusations his party is racist. Police officers watched over the peaceful but heated clashes outside the Whitgift Shopping Centre. Mr Farage was due to attend the UKIP mini carnival in Croydon High Street but pulled out at the last minute. Designed to show diversity within his party organisers said his no show was due to fears for his safety. (Photo by Dan Dennison/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Ukip Leader Nigel Farage Fails To Turn Up At Rally(18 of42)
CROYDON, ENGLAND - MAY 20: A member of public waves an anti-UKIP banner outside the Whitgift Centre on May 20, 2014 in Croydon, England. Mr Farage was due to attend the UKIP mini carnival in Croydon High Street but pulled out at the last minute. Designed to show diversity within his party organisers said his no show was due to fears for his safety. (Photo by Dan Dennison/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Ukip Leader Nigel Farage Fails To Turn Up At Rally(19 of42)
CROYDON, ENGLAND - MAY 20: A member of public waves an anti-UKIP banner outside the Whitgift Centre on May 20, 2014 in Croydon, England. Mr Farage was due to attend the UKIP mini carnival in Croydon High Street but pulled out at the last minute. Designed to show diversity within his party organisers said his no show was due to fears for his safety. (Photo by Dan Dennison/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Ukip Leader Nigel Farage Fails To Turn Up At Rally(20 of42)
CROYDON, ENGLAND - MAY 20: A member of public waves an anti-UKIP banner outside the Whitgift Centre on May 20, 2014 in Croydon, England. Mr Farage was due to attend the UKIP mini carnival in Croydon High Street but pulled out at the last minute. Designed to show diversity within his party organisers said his no show was due to fears for his safety. (Photo by Dan Dennison/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Ukip Leader Nigel Farage Fails To Turn Up At Rally(21 of42)
CROYDON, ENGLAND - MAY 20: A UKIP party poster outside Whitgift Shopping Centre in Croydon on May 20, 2014 in Croydon, England. Mr Farage was due to attend the UKIP mini carnival in Croydon High Street but pulled out at the last minute. Designed to show diversity within his party organisers said his no show was due to fears for his safety. (Photo by Dan Dennison/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Ukip Leader Nigel Farage Fails To Turn Up At Rally(22 of42)
CROYDON, ENGLAND - MAY 20: A UKIP supporter hands out leaflets outside the Whitgift Centre on May 20, 2014 in Croydon, England. Mr Farage was due to attend the UKIP mini carnival in Croydon High Street but pulled out at the last minute. Designed to show diversity within his party organisers said his no show was due to fears for his safety. (Photo by Dan Dennison/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Ukip Leader Nigel Farage Fails To Turn Up At Rally(23 of42)
CROYDON, ENGLAND - MAY 20: A member of the public debates with UKIP Candidate Winston Mackenzie outside the Whitgift Centre on May 20, 2014 in Croydon, England. Mr Farage was due to attend the UKIP mini carnival in Croydon High Street but pulled out at the last minute. Designed to show diversity within his party organisers said his no show was due to fears for his safety. (Photo by Dan Dennison/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Ukip Leader Nigel Farage Fails To Turn Up At Rally(24 of42)
CROYDON, ENGLAND - MAY 20: A member of the public looks on as crowds gather outside Whitgift Shopping Centre in Croydon on May 20, 2014 in Croydon, England. Mr Farage was due to attend the UKIP mini carnival in Croydon High Street but pulled out at the last minute. Designed to show diversity within his party organisers said his no show was due to fears for his safety. (Photo by Dan Dennison/Getty Images)es) (credit:Getty Images)
Ukip Leader Nigel Farage Fails To Turn Up At Rally(25 of42)
CROYDON, ENGLAND - MAY 20: A member of the public views a UKIP Party message outside Whitgift Shopping Centre in Croydon on May 20, 2014 in Croydon, England. Mr Farage was due to attend the UKIP mini carnival in Croydon High Street but pulled out at the last minute. Designed to show diversity within his party organisers said his no show was due to fears for his safety. (Photo by Dan Dennison/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Ukip Leader Nigel Farage Fails To Turn Up At Rally(26 of42)
CROYDON, ENGLAND - MAY 20: A UKIP Party message is displayed on their van outside Whitgift Shopping Centre in Croydon on May 20, 2014 in Croydon, England. Mr Farage was due to attend the UKIP mini carnival in Croydon High Street but pulled out at the last minute. Designed to show diversity within his party organisers said his no show was due to fears for his safety. (Photo by Dan Dennison/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Protests at Ukip street party(27 of42)
UKIP supporters clash with opponents in Croydon town centre where their leader Nigel Farage was due to speak, but didn't turn up. (credit:PA)
Protests at Ukip street party(28 of42)
UKIP supporters clash with opponents in Croydon town centre where their leader Nigel Farage was due to speak, but didn't turn up. (credit:PA)
Protests at Ukip street party(29 of42)
UKIP candidate for Croydon Winston McKenzie speaks to his leader Nigel Farage on the phone in Croydon town centre where was due to speak, but didn't turn up. (credit:PA)
Ukip rally in Edinburgh(30 of42)
Protestors outside a Ukip rally at the Corn Exchange, Edinburgh, where Ukip leader Nigel Farage he boasted that he could snatch two seats in Scotland for the European Parliament as his party tries to make a breakthrough north of the border. (credit:PA)
Protests at Ukip street party(31 of42)
UKIP supporters clash with opponents in Croydon town centre where their leader Nigel Farage was due to speak, but didn't turn up. (credit:PA)
Protests at Ukip street party(32 of42)
UKIP supporters clash with opponents in Croydon town centre where their leader Nigel Farage was due to speak, but didn't turn up. (credit:PA)
UKIP Carnival(33 of42)
The Ukip carnival in Croydon (credit:Ned Simons)
UKIP Carnival(34 of42)
The Ukip carnival in Croydon (credit:Ned Simons)
UKIP Carnival(35 of42)
The Ukip carnival in Croydon (credit:Ned Simons)
UKIP Carnival(36 of42)
The Ukip carnival in Croydon (credit:Nick Pettigrew)
UKIP Carnival(37 of42)
The Ukip carnival in Croydon (credit:Nick Pettigrew)
UKIP Carnival(38 of42)
The Ukip carnival in Croydon (credit:Nick Pettigrew)
UKIP Carnival(39 of42)
The Ukip carnival in Croydon (credit:Nick Pettigrew)
Ukip Leader Nigel Farage Fails To Turn Up At Rally(40 of42)
CROYDON, ENGLAND - MAY 20: A man and woman outside Whitgift Shopping Centre in Croydon chanted and waved posters whilst waiting for UKIP leader Nigel Farage on May 20, 2014 in Croydon, England. Mr Farage was due to attend the UKIP mini carnival in Croydon High Street but pulled out at the last minute. Designed to show diversity within his party organisers said his no show was due to fears for his safety. (Photo by Dan Dennison/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Ukip Leader Nigel Farage Fails To Turn Up At Rally(41 of42)
CROYDON, ENGLAND - MAY 20: A supporter of UKIP is interviewed by media outside Whitgift Shopping Centre in Croydon on May 20, 2014 in Croydon, England. Mr Farage was due to attend the UKIP mini carnival in Croydon High Street but pulled out at the last minute. Designed to show diversity within his party organisers said his no show was due to fears for his safety. (Photo by Dan Dennison/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Ukip Leader Nigel Farage Fails To Turn Up At Rally(42 of42)
CROYDON, ENGLAND - MAY 20: Crowds outside Whitgift Shopping Centre in Croydon chanted and waved posters whilst waiting for UKIP leader Nigel Farage on May 20, 2014 in Croydon, England. Mr Farage was due to attend the UKIP mini carnival in Croydon High Street but pulled out at the last minute. Designed to show diversity within his party organisers said his no show was due to fears for his safety. (Photo by Dan Dennison/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The band packed away their instruments and Farage failed to turn up. Winston McKenzie, who stood as the Ukip candidate for parliament in the 2012 Croydon North by-election, denied the party leader was scared but said there were "certain situations you have to avoid".
"Croydon has become a dump," he said. "How can you ask an international leader [to come] somewhere he isn't safe?"
The carnival was picketed by several vocal protesters holding signs accusing Ukip of racism. McKenzie said if he were in Farage's shoes he wouldn't have turned up either given the Ukip leader had recently been "hit by eggs" at another event.
McKenzie, a former boxer and ex-member of the Conservative Party, is no stranger to controversial statements. In 2012, when standing for Ukip, he said adoption by gay couples constitutes "child abuse".
Meanwhile, Farage's failure to turn up at his own event led some anti-Ukip locals to shout that he had "bottled it".