Mayor steps in with new funding to support Notting Hill Carnival on its 60th anniversary

• Mayor announces an additional £4.66m in funding to support Notting Hill Carnival this year as it celebrates its 60th anniversary
• The new funding will enable the carnival organisers to deliver required improvements to deal with potential crowding at the event, following an independent review
• The community-led celebration of Caribbean history and culture is one of the world’s biggest street festivals and boosts the economy by nearly £400m

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan has today stepped in to provide the £4.66m in funding that Notting Hill Carnival needs to take place this August, as the capital celebrates 60 years of the world-famous event.

The Mayor has announced the new funding – in addition to £946,300 already committed by City Hall – to help carnival organisers deliver required additional security improvements to deal with potential crowding at the event, following an independent review.

The community-led celebration of Caribbean history and culture has grown to become one of the world’s biggest street festivals, boosting the economy by nearly £400m as it draws Londoners and visitors from around the world to west London every August Bank Holiday weekend.

This growth in size has led to the need for changes in case of overcrowding and in 2024 an independent review was commissioned by carnival organisers, with support from City Hall, the Met Police, Kensington & Chelsea, and Westminster councils.

The first part of the review led to a range of safety measures that were installed last year thanks to one-off additional funding provided by City Hall, Kensington & Chelsea, and Westminster councils. Following the completion of the review, further improvements are required with carnival organisers needing £4.66m to deliver necessary safety measures.

With the organisers facing a lack of funding options in time for this August’s event, the Mayor has stepped forward to provide further funding for this year, in addition to the regular annual support that City Hall already provides the world-renowned event.

The funding will help the organisers to deliver the required improvements to deal with potential crowding, including increased barriers, stewarding and crowd management plans, and also includes support to develop future income opportunities to reduce the need for additional public funds.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said: “Notting Hill Carnival is one of our capital’s biggest events, drawing Londoners and visitors from across the globe to West London every year in a fantastic celebration of Caribbean culture.

“The community-led event has become one of the world’s largest street festivals, boosting our economy by nearly £400m each year and symbolising how our capital celebrates our diversity.

“However, as identified in an independent review, its incredible growth has meant that changes are needed to improve safety and security for all those involved. As organisers prepare to celebrate the 60th anniversary this August, I’m stepping in with the support that they need to meet their requirements and ensure that this hugely important event for our capital can take place, as we build a better London for everyone.”

Ian Comfort, chair of Notting Hill Carnival Ltd, said: “On behalf of the community, I welcome the Mayor’s vital support, which ensures that we can deliver a safe, spectacular and sustainable Carnival in this 60th anniversary year. From its beginnings in September 1966, when Rhaune Laslett sought to bring unity to a neighbourhood marked by racial tension, poor housing and social division, Carnival has grown from a small local street party into a global cultural institution. The funding announced today will allow us to introduce the enhanced safety and operational measures required at this scale. It will also enable us to assume specific operational responsibilities that have historically been managed by the Metropolitan Police, allowing them to focus on their core policing duties during the event. Carnival’s scale brings with it both opportunities and responsibilities. Through close collaboration with our partners and the community, we will continue to deliver Carnival in a way that honours the legacy established by Rhaune Laslett while ensuring its future for generations to come.”

Deputy Mayor for Communities and Social Justice, Dr Debbie Weekes-Bernard said: “Over six decades the Notting Hill Carnival has brought together communities to celebrate Caribbean heritage and the diversity that defines our city. Through fantastic music and dance, to incredible food and costumes, carnival brings wonderful colour and excitement to west London every year. As we prepare to honour the pioneers who made it what it is today, it’s so important that we do what we can to help organisers make the necessary changes and keep the tradition alive.”

Allyson Williams MBE, Director of Notting Hill Carnival Limited, said: “I am delighted to know that we, NHCL, have secured such a significant amount of funding from the GLA, to manage and develop Europe’s greatest celebration of Caribbean carnival arts and culture. I commend the Mayor and his team for recognising and supporting our passion and commitment for upholding and respecting the heritage and legacy left by our ancestors. This funding will allow us to continue our work in achieving a safe and sustainable and spectacular carnival for years to come.”