Notting Hill Carnival’s Future at Risk Without Urgent Funding

The Notting Hill Carnival, a vibrant celebration of Caribbean culture in the UK, faces an uncertain future unless urgent government funding is secured. In a leaked letter to the BBC addressed to Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, Carnival chair Ian Comfort warned that public safety and the continuation of this iconic event are at risk without immediate financial support.

This plea follows a £100,000 independent safety review funded by the Greater London Authority (GLA), Kensington and Chelsea Council, and Westminster City Council, which identified “critical public safety concerns.” Comfort emphasised that increasing crowd density and limited police resources have raised fears of a potential “mass casualty event,” echoing earlier concerns voiced by the Metropolitan Police.

Investment in stewarding and crowd management is now deemed essential to ensure the safety of the two million attendees who flock to West London each August Bank Holiday. Although there has been considerable historical support from local authorities and cultural organisations such as Arts Council England, this would mark the first instance of direct government funding.

Without this support, the future of the Carnival remains uncertain. Comfort’s message is clear: Notting Hill Carnival is more than just a festival; it is a cultural institution. Like any national treasure, it deserves to be protected.

This year’s Notting Hill Carnival is scheduled to take place on bank holiday Sunday 24 and Monday 25 August.