The future of Notting Hill Carnival is in doubt after a recent review highlighted “critical public safety concerns”.
The annual event might be in jeopardy without “urgent funding” from Labour.
The letter, written by carnival chair Ian Comfort addressed to Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, requested the funding he claimed was “essential to safeguarding the future and public safety of this iconic event”.
GB News has approached the Department for Culture, Media and Sport for a comment.
Notting Hill Carnival could be ‘in jeopardy’
GETTY
Police officers at the Children’s Day Parade, part of the Notting Hill Carnival celebration in west LondonPA
The August bank holiday festival, which has been described as a ‘unique celebration of Caribbean culture’, attracts about two million people every yearPAThe letter, seen by the BBC, from Comfort said: “The April 2025 London Assembly report, external highlights the increasing strain placed on the Metropolitan Police during large-scale public events.
“Limited resourcing has restricted the police service’s ability to respond to growing operational pressures.”
He added that extra investment was needed “to allow the police to focus on their primary role of crime prevention and public protection”.
Comfort did not say the amount of funding that was needed.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
People attending the Children’s Day Parade, part of the Notting Hill Carnival celebration
PA
Officers at Notting Hill Carnival described it as a ‘war zone’
PA
Samba dancers prepare before the start of the Notting Hill Carnival
PA
Met Police’s Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist told the London Assembly Police and Crime Committee: “While we acknowledge that crime often gets the headlines, the thing that worries me most is the crowd density and the potential for a mass casualty event.”
Last year, two people were murdered in a pair of tragic separate incidents.
Shakeil Thibou, was found guilty of the murder of Cher Maximen after he stabbed the mother in front of her three-year-old daughter during the carnival’s family day last year.
Omar Wilson repeatedly punched and kicked Mussie Imnetu during an altercation outside a restaurant in Queensway, west London,on August 26 last year. Imnetu died in hospital four days later, without regaining consciousness.
Mussie Imnetu and Cher Maximen were confirmed to have died as a result of attacks at Notting Hill Carnival
METROPOLITAN POLICE
The Government has supported Carnival through bodies such as Arts Council England.
However, it is understood that if the organisers’ request is granted, it would mark the first time direct Government funding has been provided.
Comfort added: “A co-ordinated, well-resourced safety approach is essential to protect attendees and meet the operational demands of this major national event.”
