Following the announcement by the Mayor’s office on 27 March regarding funding for Notting Hill Carnival (read here), please find below a statement from Notting Hill Carnival Ltd. Chair Ian Comfort.
“As Chair of Notting Hill Carnival, we welcome the Mayor’s vital support, which ensures that we can deliver a safe, spectacular and sustainable Carnival in this 60th anniversary year. Notting Hill Carnival is one of the most significant cultural events in the United Kingdom, and we are grateful to City Hall for its continued commitment on behalf of the community.
“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. Today it attracts more than two million people and contributes close to £400 million to London’s economy each year. That growth brings immense pride and a profound responsibility to ensure the event remains safe, resilient and true to its origins.
“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. This development sits alongside the long‑standing collaboration between the Greater London Authority, the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster City Council, all of whom provide essential support and funding to ensure Carnival can be delivered safely and successfully for the community. Their continued partnership remains central to the stewardship of this event.
”Carnival’s scale brings with it both opportunities and responsibilities. It has a transformative effect on London, showcasing the creativity, heritage and cultural expression that define the event and draw visitors from across the world. At the same time, we remain mindful of the event’s impact on the local area and are committed to working with care and respect for those who live and work in Notting Hill. 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.”