The Notting Hill Carnival, a renowned London event attracting two million visitors annually, faces an uncertain future due to critical funding shortages, organizers have warned.
In a letter leaked to the BBC, Carnival chair Ian Comfort urgently requested funding from Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, emphasizing its necessity for both the event’s survival and public safety.
This plea follows a review highlighting significant public safety concerns, necessitating additional resources. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport stated it will respond in due course.
Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist previously voiced concerns about the risk of a “mass casualty event” due to excessive crowd density.
An independent safety review, commissioned by organizers and funded by the Greater London Authority, Kensington and Chelsea Council, and Westminster Council (£100,000 total), identified these issues, though its full findings remain undisclosed.
Mr. Comfort’s letter also cited a London Assembly report from April, underscoring the increasing strain on the Metropolitan Police during large-scale events, attributing this to limited resources and impacting their ability to address operational pressures.
He argued that increased investment in stewarding and crowd management is crucial, allowing police to focus on crime prevention and public protection. Failure to secure immediate funding, Mr. Comfort warned, risks jeopardizing public safety and the carnival’s future.
While the GLA and local councils have provided substantial stewarding support in the past, they can no longer meet the growing needs. A coordinated, well-resourced safety strategy is essential for this major national event, Mr. Comfort stressed, though he did not specify the funding amount required.
While the government has supported the Carnival through entities such as Arts Council England, this request, if approved, would represent the first instance of direct government funding.
The Met deployed approximately 7,000 officers during the 2024 carnival, totaling around 14,000 officer shifts. Assistant Commissioner Twist testified before the London Assembly Police and Crime Committee, emphasizing crowd density as a primary concern, despite crime usually dominating headlines.
The committee’s report noted the increasing strain on the Met Police due to the Carnival, yet this has not been accompanied by increased government funding. Committee chair Susan Hall stressed the importance of adequate police presence for its core duties, not to compensate for insufficient stewarding by organizers.
Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected]
Zhenhao Zou, who drugged and raped 10 women in London and China, has been given a life sentence.
Jennifer Abbott was found by her niece and neighbours at her home in Camden.
The landfill site in Rainham has caught fire more than 100 times since 2019, according to the LDRS.
John Murray was found unconscious by emergency services at his home in October.
The rapper made his lead acting debut in his new film Big Man, released under his new film company.