Notting Hill Carnival

Hina Bokhari OBE AM moved, and James Small-Edwards AM seconded the following motion:

“The Assembly notes that:

1. 2026 marks the 60th anniversary of the Notting Hill Carnival, one of the world's largest street festivals and one of London's most significant cultural events. 
2. The Carnival was founded by London's Caribbean community in Notting Hill and has become an internationally recognised celebration of Caribbean culture, creativity and London's diversity.
3. The Carnival contributes significantly to London's cultural identity, tourism offer and night-time economy, but there has not been a comprehensive, up-to-date assessment of its economic value for many years.
4. Each year, uncertainty over funding creates unnecessary challenges for organisers, making long-term planning and investment more difficult.

The Assembly believes that:

1. The Notting Hill Carnival should remain in the community where it was founded and has grown over six decades and should not be relocated to a central London venue.
2. The Mayor should recognise the Carnival not only as a cultural celebration but as a major economic asset for London that deserves long-term support and certainty.
3. Long-term funding would allow organisers to invest earlier in stewarding, infrastructure, crowd management and participant welfare. It would also give the Metropolitan Police far greater certainty to plan policing operations over the longer term, rather than working against the backdrop of annual funding negotiations.

The Assembly calls on the Mayor to:

1. Work with Carnival organisers, local authorities, residents and community groups to ensure the long-term future of the Notting Hill Carnival in Notting Hill.
2. Commission an updated independent assessment of the Carnival's economic, cultural and social contribution to London.
3. Bring forward proposals to provide sustainable, multi-year funding for the Carnival, including exploring whether a proportion of any future overnight visitor levy could be dedicated to supporting the event and ending the annual cycle of funding uncertainty.”

Following debate and upon being put to a vote, the motion was agreed with 11 votes being cast in favour, and 8 votes cast against.