Iconic UK festival attracting millions each year ‘faces axe without more cash as it makes urgent appeal for help'

Scottish Sun

7 hours ago

DANCE OFF Iconic UK festival attracting millions each year 'faces axe without more cash as it makes urgent appeal for help'
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THE FUTURE of an iconic UK festival could be in jeopardy unless the government steps in organisers have warned.
Millions travel to the Notting Hill Carnival in London each year to join in with the iconic, colourful celebrations.
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The festival has come under fire amid concerns for public safety
Credit: Alamy
In a leaked letter to Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy festival chiefs asked for an urgent handout to keep the world famous event going, the BBC reports.
It comes after a review of the festival identified "critical public safety concerns" that needed more money to address.
Notting Hill Carnival attracts a whopping 2 million revellers a year but has come under fire recently after public safety concerns were raised.
Carnival Chair Ian Comfort said in the letter: "The April 2025 London Assembly report, external highlights the increasing strain placed on the Metropolitan Police during large-scale public events.
"Limited resourcing has restricted the police service's ability to respond to growing operational pressures."
He went on to say that without immediate additional funding "risks compromising public safety and jeopardising the future of the carnival."
The full findings of the safety review have not been made public yet.
Held annually over the August Bank Holiday weekend last year's Carnival saw a woman tragically stabbed to death amid chaotic scenes.
Cher Maximen, who was 32, was with friends and her daughter just off the Carnival parade route on Sunday, 25 August 2024 when she was caught up in a violent fight involving multiple men.
Maximen was stabbed and tragically died in hospital six days later.
The shocking incident sparked widespread concern around the safety of Notting Hill Carnival.
Notting Hill revellers hit streets in fabulous feathers as party gets underway
The Met Police's Assistant Commissioner has raised concerns over a "mass casualty event" due to density of the massive crowds attracted by the festivities.
Without funding to help make the event safer chief's have warned it may not be able to go ahead.
In the leaked letter carnival chair Ian Comfort asked for further funding to support increased stewarding and crowd management.
Mr Comfort has reportedly not asked for a specific amount of funding.
If his request is granted it will mark the first time direct government funding has been provided to the event.
During last year's carnival around 7,000 police officers were on duty to help keep festival goers safe.