Latest news with #HarborneCarnival
Wales Online
14-05-2025
- Wales Online
Birmingham duo arrested in Zimbabwe on suspicion of drug trafficking
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Get the latest Wales Online breaking news on WhatsApp Two British nationals reportedly from Birmingham have been arrested in Zimbabwe on suspicion of drug trafficking. The pair were arrested on May 1 at Robert Mugabe International Airport after authorities reportedly discovered a large quantity of cannabis. According to state prosecutors, the accused pair arrived in the African country aboard an Ethiopian Airways flight. Read More Harborne Carnival cancelled over 'national threat' and 'stringent requirements' Upon collecting luggage from the carousel, they were summoned to the customs searching bay. Across four suitcases, 129 packets of cannabis was discovered worth an estimated street value of £506,499. The drugs were seized by authorities and weighed 66.9kg. After being arrested, the British citizens appeared before the Harare Magistrates Court on May 3 and will be remanded in custody until May 15. It is reported the nationals are facing charges of unlawful possession of dangerous drugs. People found in possession of cannabis in Zimbabwe can face up to 12 years in prison. The pair will be expected back in court on May 15 when the court will make its ruling regarding a bail application. A spokesperson for the British Embassy in Zimbabwe said: "We are in contact with the local authorities following the arrest of two British nationals in Zimbabwe." You can also get all your favourite content from BirminghamLive on WhatsApp. Click here to sign up for breaking updates about the biggest stories in the region.
Scottish Sun
13-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
UK's second biggest carnival is AXED over ‘national security threat' after becoming ‘increasingly vulnerable target'
Major enhancements to security would be needed for the event to go ahead HIGH ALERT UK's second biggest carnival is AXED over 'national security threat' after becoming 'increasingly vulnerable target' ORGANISERS of the UK's second biggest carnival have decided to cancel the event amid fears over "elevated national threat levels." An "extensive security review" led to the cancellation of the festival with organisers and the local authority raising concerns. Advertisement 4 Harborne Carnival was cancelled this year amid security concerns Credit: BPM 4 The event would require extensive security enhancements to go ahead safely Credit: BPM The move to cancel Harborne Carnival comes after a string of attacks at events around the world have sparked fears for public safety. Concern around the safety of public events has been growing in recent months with the Lapu-Lapu day festival tragedy sparking major fears. The heightened security measures come after an attack which left 11 people dead in Vancouver, Canada last month Following attacks at a number of public events across the globe in recent months, concern for public safety has skyrocketed. Advertisement Organisers of the Harborne Carnival decided to cancel their event amid these growing security concerns. The carnival, originally planned for June 22 in Birmingham, was axed yesterday with organisers planning to refund stallholders and participants. Similarly, the Birmingham St Patrick's Day Parade was postponed in March. The decision to axe the event came following a meeting of the carnival committee, Birmingham City Council's Safety Advisory Group, West Midlands Police, and Home Office officials. Advertisement The City Council's Safety Advisory Group asked organisers how they would mitigate the risk of a major incident. They were particularly concerned about the open side streets along the carnival route. Paul Burgess MBE, Chair of Harborne Carnival, said: 'The Harborne Family Carnival is a highlight for our community, and with preparations already underway, this decision was not taken lightly. "We fully understand the disappointment this brings to families, traders, and partners who make the carnival a success each year. Advertisement "Our safety record over the last 27 years has always been strong, and this is an area we're not willing to compromise on. "Recent global incidents have led to new requirements for enhanced security, such as better protection of the many side streets that connect to the main carnival area. 4 Harborne Carnival is the second biggest in the UK Credit: BPM 4 Security concerns led to the event being cancelled this year Credit: BPM Advertisement "These changes present significant logistical and financial challenges that we simply cannot overcome in time for this year's event. "Public safety is our top priority, and our attention now turns to 2026. "We're actively exploring new locations and formats that can meet the latest safety guidance while preserving the community spirit that makes the Harborne Carnival so special.' Organisers said no 'specific threat' was identified in their security review. Advertisement Despite this the event was cancelled with fears around public safety sited in the review. It was decided that for the event to run safely the carnival would need enhanced barriers, increased stewarding and additional access routes for emergency services. Organisers concluded that it would not be possible to implement the extensive extra measures in time for the event. West Midlands Police have been contacted for comment.
The Sun
13-05-2025
- The Sun
UK's second biggest carnival is AXED over ‘national security threat' after becoming ‘increasingly vulnerable target'
ORGANISERS of the UK's second biggest carnival have decided to cancel the event amid fears over "elevated national threat levels." An "extensive security review" led to the cancellation of the festival with organisers and the local authority raising concerns. 4 4 The move to cancel Harborne Carnival comes after a string of attacks at events around the world have sparked fears for public safety. Concern around the safety of public events has been growing in recent months with the Lapu-Lapu day festival tragedy sparking major fears. The heightened security measures come after an attack which left 11 people dead in Vancouver, Canada last month Following attacks at a number of public events across the globe in recent months, concern for public safety has skyrocketed. Organisers of the Harborne Carnival decided to cancel their event amid these growing security concerns. The carnival, originally planned for June 22 in Birmingham, was axed yesterday with organisers planning to refund stallholders and participants. Similarly, the Birmingham St Patrick's Day Parade was postponed in March. The decision to axe the event came following a meeting of the carnival committee, Birmingham City Council's Safety Advisory Group, West Midlands Police, and Home Office officials. The City Council's Safety Advisory Group asked organisers how they would mitigate the risk of a major incident. They were particularly concerned about the open side streets along the carnival route. Paul Burgess MBE, Chair of Harborne Carnival, said: 'The Harborne Family Carnival is a highlight for our community, and with preparations already underway, this decision was not taken lightly. "We fully understand the disappointment this brings to families, traders, and partners who make the carnival a success each year. "Our safety record over the last 27 years has always been strong, and this is an area we're not willing to compromise on. "Recent global incidents have led to new requirements for enhanced security, such as better protection of the many side streets that connect to the main carnival area. 4 4 "These changes present significant logistical and financial challenges that we simply cannot overcome in time for this year's event. "Public safety is our top priority, and our attention now turns to 2026. "We're actively exploring new locations and formats that can meet the latest safety guidance while preserving the community spirit that makes the Harborne Carnival so special.' Organisers said no 'specific threat' was identified in their security review. Despite this the event was cancelled with fears around public safety sited in the review. It was decided that for the event to run safely the carnival would need enhanced barriers, increased stewarding and additional access routes for emergency services. Organisers concluded that it would not be possible to implement the extensive extra measures in time for the event.
The Irish Sun
13-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
UK's second biggest carnival is AXED over ‘national security threat' after becoming ‘increasingly vulnerable target'
ORGANISERS of the UK's second biggest carnival have decided to cancel the event amid fears over "elevated national threat levels." An "extensive 4 Harborne Carnival was cancelled this year amid security concerns Credit: BPM 4 The event would require extensive security enhancements to go ahead safely Credit: BPM The move to cancel Harborne Carnival comes after a string of attacks at events around the world have sparked fears for public safety. Concern around the safety of public events has been growing in recent months with the Lapu-Lapu day festival tragedy sparking major fears. The heightened security measures come after an attack which left 11 people dead in Vancouver, Canada last month Following attacks at a number of public events across the globe in recent months, concern for public safety has skyrocketed. Read more UK News Organisers of the Harborne Carnival decided to cancel their event amid these growing security concerns. The carnival, originally planned for June 22 in Birmingham, was axed yesterday with organisers planning to refund stallholders and participants. Similarly, the Birmingham St Patrick's Day Parade was postponed in March. The decision to axe the event came following a meeting of the carnival committee, Birmingham City Council's Safety Advisory Group, West Midlands Police, and Home Office officials. Most read in The Sun The They were particularly concerned about the open side streets along the carnival route. Paul Burgess MBE, Chair of Harborne Carnival, said: 'The Harborne Family Carnival is a highlight for our community, and with preparations already underway, this decision was not taken lightly. "We fully understand the disappointment this brings to families, traders, and partners who make the carnival a success each year. "Our safety record over the last 27 years has always been strong, and this is an area we're not willing to compromise on. "Recent global incidents have led to new requirements for enhanced security, such as better protection of the many side streets that connect to the main carnival area. 4 Harborne Carnival is the second biggest in the UK Credit: BPM 4 Security concerns led to the event being cancelled this year Credit: BPM "These changes present significant logistical and financial challenges that we simply cannot overcome in time for this year's event. "Public safety is our top priority, and our attention now turns to 2026. "We're actively exploring new locations and formats that can meet the latest safety guidance while preserving the community spirit that makes the Harborne Carnival so special.' Organisers said no 'specific threat' was identified in their security review. Despite this the event was cancelled with fears around public safety sited in the review. It was decided that for the event to run safely the carnival would need enhanced barriers, increased stewarding and additional access routes for Organisers concluded that it would not be possible to implement the extensive extra measures in time for the event. West Midlands Police have been contacted for comment.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Yahoo
Carnival called off over public safety concerns
An annual carnival has had to be called off after a security review revealed more safety measures were needed. The Harborne Carnival had been due to take place on 22 June, but "elevated national threat levels" and "stringent new security requirements" mean it cannot go ahead, a spokesperson said. While no specific threat had been identified, recent incidents, including the Vancouver car attack, had demonstrated street festivals worldwide had become "increasingly vulnerable". Paul Burgess MBE, the carnival's chair, said the event was a highlight for the community, but public safety was a "top priority". The decision to cancel was made after organisers were asked in a consultation with with Birmingham City Council's Safety Advisory Group (SAG), West Midlands Police, and Home Office officials, how they would mitigate the risk of a major incident. The number of open side streets along the carnival route were identified as a concern and it was recommended that enhanced security barriers, increased stewarding, and additional access routes for emergency services were added. The event's spokesperson said: "After careful evaluation, carnival organisers concluded that it was impractical, both logistically and financially, to implement the necessary safety measures in time for this year's event." Earlier in the year the city's St Patrick's Parade was also cancelled. Mr Burgess said the decision had not been taken lightly. "We fully understand the disappointment this brings to families, traders, and partners who make the carnival a success each year," he said. But he said that safety was not an area it was "willing to compromise on". It had not been possible to implement the changes in time for this year's carnival, but attention had now turned to the 2026 event, Mr Burgess said. "We're actively exploring new locations and formats that can meet the latest safety guidance, while preserving the community spirit that makes the Harborne Carnival so special," he added. The carnival's spokesperson said all stallholders and participants who had already paid fees would be promptly refunded. Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. St Patrick's Day parade cancelled 'Fantastic turn out' for charity carnival Harborne Carnival
