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.

 

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 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:

• If it’s going to be hot, wear a hat, apply sunscreen, wear loose clothes and drink plenty of water. Water bottles can be refilled for free at the following locations;
  •  Alderson Street (end of street)
  • Shrewsbury Road (j/w 62 St. Stephen’s Gardens)
  • Kensington Park Road (j/w Ladbroke Road, outside Kensington Temple Church)
  • Kensington Park Road (j/w 6 Arundel Gardens)
• Remember check the weather before leaving - Met Office website
• 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:

• Stewards and staff from the emergency services are all over the carnival site and are all in contact with each other. They will be recognisable by their hi-visibility jackets or their uniforms.
• 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

 

Lost people:

• If you are with children or people that might require help if you get separated, make sure you identify and point out who the stewards and police are as soon as you arrive on site and make it clear that they are the only people they should speak to if they get lost
• If you come across a lost person or lose a person yourself, please contact a steward or police officer as soon as possible for assistance. Stewards and police officers will guide you to points where lost people will be taken and will alert their colleagues. To reiterate, a photograph of what that person looks like that day is very helpful in this situation

 

Medical help required:

• If the patient is mobile, please direct or assist the patient to the nearest First Aid Centre (ask a steward if one is not immediately visible)
• 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 immediately, 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
• Police details from the Metropolitan Police Policing Notting Hill Carnival. Non-emergency Call 101. In an emergency Call 999

 

Flying of drones:

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