Celebrate in safety

59/01
16 August 2001

Notting Hill Carnival is Europe’s biggest festival of arts and music and a time for celebration.

Most people who go to Carnival each year have a trouble free time, although many concerns have been raised this year about how safe Carnival really is.

Emphasising the need for everyone to be aware of safety issues, Toby Harris, Chair of the Metropolitan Police Authority, said:

“Notting Hill Carnival plays hosts to over a million visitors every year and everyone involved in Carnival has agreed that the three and half mile circular route has now reached saturation point for crowds.

“We, with the Met, the Mayor’s office, the Notting Hill Carnival Trust, the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster City Council, have been working together to make this year’s Carnival as safe as possible and certain measures have been put in place to help this.

“For example, an extra 1200 police officers will be on duty, making a total of 8000 in all over the two days of Carnival. Also, 600 stewards will be in place, funded by the GLA and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and trained by the Met. Those intent on causing disorder or committing crimes will be dealt with swiftly and effectively.

“These measures, however, will be far more effective if we all work together and visitors stick to simple safety guidelines:

• Come early and go home early - come on Sunday when Carnival is less crowded and plan your travel route;
• Come with a group of friends and stick together - keep a tight hold on children and stay away from crowded areas and floats;
• Work with the police for a safer Carnival - if you see a crime being committed report it to police and don’t bring your valuables with you;
• Respect other visitors and the people who live in Notting Hill.”

“Help us to make it a safe and happy Carnival for everyone.”

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