Concerns regarding the Notting Hill Carnival have been highlighted by a police union and Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, particularly regarding the need for safety funding for additional stewards.
Simon Hill from the Metropolitan Police Federation noted that frontline officers he consulted expressed trepidation about working at the event, fearing the possibility of a fatal crowd crush due to the expected turnout.
Carnival chairman Ian Comfort has appealed to the government for increased funding to ensure adequate stewarding and alleviate safety concerns.
In a report submitted to the London Policing Board, Sir Mark indicated that police leadership was “deeply troubled” by the likelihood that financial support for extra stewards would not be secured in time for the event.
Addressing the initial phase of a review initiated by carnival organizers, which examined crowd safety and stewarding practices, the report mentioned: “We are genuinely worried that as we approach the event with only weeks remaining, the critical funding is still not guaranteed, making it progressively more difficult to execute the Phase One recommendations. Event management companies may be reluctant to undertake the event without sufficient notice.”
Approximately 7,000 Metropolitan Police officers are deployed each day during the August Bank Holiday festival. The policing expenses for the Carnival in 2023 amounted to £11.7 million, as per data obtained through Freedom of Information requests.
Mr. Hill stated that officers feel “as anxious this year as they did in the previous two years” about policing the event.
“Nobody I talk to genuinely looks forward to working at Notting Hill Carnival, which is unfortunate because it’s a lively and significant occasion,” he remarked.
“We should find joy in engaging with the public and serving our community during this event, yet a small number of troublemakers show up and create chaos.
“Last year, there were two murders; on average, around 60 of my colleagues are assaulted during the carnival annually, and this has been a long-standing issue that is simply unacceptable.”
He suggested that either the venue should be expanded or the number of attendees reduced.
“There’s a consensus that this event poses safety risks. Why is it still allowed to continue?” he questioned.
Sir Mark informed LBC that the event organizers are requesting “a couple of million pounds” to ensure the safety of festivalgoers.
Regarding the reported average of 60 officers who sustain injuries, he stated: “The individuals who come to this event can be extremely violent and pose significant challenges. Addressing criminal activity in such a congested space complicates matters further.”
“If the organizers received adequate resources to manage it effectively, we could better combat crime, reducing the risks faced by our officers.”
Last year, two individuals were murdered at the carnival: Cher Maximen, killed in front of her three-year-old daughter, and chef Mussie Imnetu.
