2005 Carnival route to be extended to increase public safety & ensure growth of Europe's premier Carnival
At a meeting today of the Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA), a motion was agreed to back proposals by London Notting Hill Carnival Limited (LNHCL) the main organisers of the Notting Hill Carnival, to extend the route in the interests of public safety and to ensure the growth, and economic development of the event as Europe’s premiere Carnival.
The extension would include the use of Hyde Park as the starting point of the event, where the costume bands will be judged, and ending in Notting Hill, the spiritual home of the Carnival. Three possible routes from Hyde Park to Notting Hill are being considered to form part of an expanded route for Carnival 2005.
Prof Chris Mullard, Chair, LNHCL said: “Carnival, for both participants and spectators, has clearly outgrown its present site. To make the event more enjoyable and safer for all requires, amongst other things, an urgent review of the present route. Over the past months London Notting HIll Carnival Ltd, in collaboration with its partners, has been carrying out such a review and we are taking steps to initiate a route extension for Carnival 2005. This will be the first of many changes and developments which are aimed at making the Carnival the leading artistic and celebratory street festival in Europe, reflecting the true diversity of this great city.”
These recommendations represent the conclusion of a four-year consultation process with Carnival stakeholders, residents and statutory agencies, which began in September 2000.
Lee Jasper, Chair of the Mayor's Carnival Review Group, said: “Independent public safety and risk assessments clearly show that Notting Hill Carnival has outgrown its current area. The extension to the Carnival route is to be welcomed as it will not only improve public safety, but will also allow Carnival to fulfil its economic, artistic and cultural potential as a ‘World Carnival ’ without losing its historical links to Notting Hill. “
Residents and tenant’s associations representing a total of over 6000 households took part in the consultation process. Key messages emerging from residents included the widely held view that Carnival had now outgrown its allocated area and now needed to be spread out over wider vicinity.
Graham Hitchen, Head of Creative Sectors for the London Development Agency said: “Carnival is one of Europe’s most spectacular tourist attractions and brings both visitors and businesses to London as well as contributing up to £93m each year to the capital’s economy. The LDA recognises the wider economic benefits that the Carnival brings to London in terms of support to local businesses, creating businesses and employment opportunities.”
The final report of the Mayor’s Carnival Review Group was released in May 2004 and contains 27 recommendations, which set out the broad strategic framework for the development of a safe, sustainable and enjoyable Notting Hill Carnival. (LNHCL) have now articulated their vision for Carnival 2005, which is underpinned by the aspiration for Carnival to realise its full cultural, artistic and economic potential, they feel the extension of the Carnival route is central to this ambition.
Increased investment and strengthening of the Carnival industry in London will be discussed at the London Carnival Industry Seminar this Friday, 26th November, 3pm – 8pm, at City Hall, Queen’s Walk, SE1. Keynote speakers will include Lee Jasper and Professor Chris Mullard. Public safety will be high on the agenda, including proposals for the development of a multi-agency Carnival Community Safety Strategy.
Issued by: Greater London Authority
Date: 25 November 2004
