Notting Hill Carnival will go ahead this August bank holiday, following a last-minute injection of £958,000 in emergency funding.
The money, provided by City Hall, Kensington & Chelsea Council, and Westminster City Council will enable organisers to implement essential safety measures identified in an independent review.
Ian Comfort, chair of Notting Hill Carnival Ltd, said the funding ensures the delivery of “critical safety and operational measures,” despite the tight six-week turnaround.
He praised the support of partners and the Metropolitan Police, while also calling for long-term backing from central government.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan called the event a “world-renowned celebration” that contributes nearly £400m to the UK economy.
Local leaders stressed the cultural significance of Carnival, but warned their support is a one-off and urged the government to step in.
Attracting up to two million attendees, Notting Hill Carnival remains Europe’s largest street festival but organisers say its future depends on securing sustained operational funding.
Deputy leader of Kensington and Chelsea Council, Cllr Kim Taylor-Smith, said: “Following Government funding proposals, this Council is now facing significant funding pressures over the next three years, with budget gaps of around £80m. So we have to be really clear that this is additional funding for this year only.”
Adam Hug, leader of Westminster City Council, said: “In addition to this funding we will continue to support the event through our services, from our waste collection and licensing teams to our events managers and city inspectors, who work around the clock to help prepare for and run Carnival for our communities.”
