Notting Hill Carnival is a fantastic event but it is also an incredibly busy one in the height of the British summer! For those planning to attend, here is some practical advice for both before and during your time at Carnival.

 

What should you do if you see or hear something that doesn’t feel right?

• Trust your instincts - Even information that feels insignificant can help keep everyone safe.
• Tell a steward or Police Officer - Tell the first steward or Police Officer you see. They will be clearly identifiable through their hi-vis jackets or uniforms.
• What will happen? - Stewards and Police Officers know what to do. They can immediately take the correct and best action and initiate an appropriate and immediate response from the information you give.

Good to know… Notting Hill Carnival has a vast control room set up purposely for the weekend. Stewards and Police Officers on the ground have two way communication with it at all times.

This control room has representatives from all of the emergency services, the local councils, event organisers and experts.

The control room serves as the central hub for ensuring safety and security. From here, organisers oversee and communicate with all sound systems and parading bands. The room maintains direct contact with stewards and Police Officers, enabling the use of modern technology to monitor events on a wide scale. This setup allows for effective crowd management, ensuring smooth movement and quick responses to any incidents, thereby enhancing overall safety.

 

Before you leave:

• Check the latest weather forecast at the Met Office website.
• Wear practical clothing to suit the weather (practical comfortable shoes are essential!).
• If you are coming with children or people that would require help if you become separated from them, take a photo of them as you leave so that you can show stewards and police what they look like and what they are wearing if they were to get lost.
• Also write your phone number on their arm in marker pen and cover it with a liquid or spray plaster to stop it from running if it gets wet.
• Keep to the essentials. No need for elaborate jewellery or an expensive designer outfit. Be comfy and practical.
• Bring wet wipes and hand sanitiser. These can be useful for a number of practical and hygiene reasons.

The weather:

• Extreme weather is a possibility. Check the weather before attending at Met Office website and also check here for official weather health alerts in London. Likewise check air pollution forecast here which can be dramatically affected by the heat.
• If it’s going to be hot, wear a hat, apply sunscreen, wear loose clothes and drink plenty of water.
• Keep in mind that alcohol, and some prescription and recreational drugs can worsen the effect of heat.
• Look out for signs in yourself and others feeling unwell due to heat. Visit the NHS website to find out how to recognise heatstroke. Move to a cool place as soon as possible, slow down and drink water if you feel unwell. If you need medical help go to one of the first aid centres or speak with a steward who can guide you to one.
• Likewise, heavy rain is not out of the question so practically think about waterproof coats and shoes that will help prevent rubbing and discomfort.

On site / Lost people:

• If you lose a person or come across a lost person tell a steward or Police Officer immediately.
• Stewards and staff from the emergency services are all over the carnival site and are in contact with the control room. They will be recognisable by their hi-visibility jackets or their uniforms. When you arrive on site, point them out to children or people with you that might require help if you get separated.
• There are dedicated areas throughout the carnival site for First Aid, lost people and people that feel vulnerable. They are all staffed by trained professionals. If they are not immediately visible, speak with a steward who will assist you to your required area.
• There are four welfare locations. These are a first point of support for vulnerable, distressed or separated attendees, young people, and vulnerable adults. These can be found at:
  • Powis Square - see location here
  • Emslie Horniman’s Pleasance Gardens (north end) - see location here
  • Shrewsbury Gardens - see location here
  • Venture Community Centre (Faraday Road) - see location here

Medical help required:

• If the patient is mobile, please direct or assist the patient to the nearest  steward.
• If the patient cannot move – call/shout for help. Police, medical or stewarding staff nearby can help more quickly than phoning for assistance.
• In the unlikely scenario that you cannot see police, stewards or medical staff, dial 999 and tell them
  • If the patient is conscious/breathing
  • A description of what is wrong
  • Any signs of major external bleeding or difficulty breathing
  • Age, gender and number of patients
• To give the exact location of the emergency – look for house numbers, street names, landmarks, shops or the nearest junction. If you use ‘What Three Words’, you can give your specific location using the platform to emergency services also. Please stay with the patient until medical assistance is received and prepare to signal to medical staff arriving at your location.
• Non-emergency call 101. In an emergency call 999.

Flying of drones:

• It is illegal to fly drones at Notting Hill Carnival.