Latest news with #HarborneFamilyCarnival
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 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.
ITV News
12-05-2025
- ITV News
Harborne Carnival cancelled due to increased security threat following Vancouver tragedy
The Harborne Carnival has been cancelled for 2025 over security threats following an "extensive security review". Organisers said although no specific threat has been identified, high national threat levels and stringent security requirements have led to the decision to cancel the event in Birmingham - due to take place on the 28 June. They added that street festivals have been "increasingly vulnerable targets" following the Vancouver car ramming incident, where 11 people died at a Filipino heritage festival. The decision was made following consultations between the carnival committee, Birmingham City Council's Safety Advisory Group (SAG), West Midlands Police, and Home Office officials. They said SAG had asked organisers to demonstrate how they would mitigate the risk of a major incident, particularly with the open side streets along the carnival route. The carnival would need enhanced barriers, increased stewarding and additional access routes for emergency services which would not be possible in time for the 2025 event. Stallholders and participants have been told their fees will be refunded, and organisers are "exploring" new locations and formats for next year. "Our safety record has been strong" 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. "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.'
