Notting Hill Carnival to Go Ahead Following £1M Emergency Funding

The funding follows an independent safety review commissioned by the event’s organisers, Notting Hill Carnival Ltd, which raised urgent concerns around crowd safety and operational readiness. Without intervention, the 2025 edition of the Carnival was at risk of cancellation.

The funding package is confirmed as a one-off commitment to support this year’s event only. A spokesperson from Kensington and Chelsea Council noted that its own financial challenges – including a forecasted £80 million shortfall – meant it could not guarantee long-term financial support for future editions.

Notting Hill Carnival Ltd chair Ian Comfort welcomed the decision, describing the funding as “much-needed and welcome,” while acknowledging the need to establish a sustainable funding model for future years. The organisation has reiterated its call for longer-term investment and highlighted that support has not historically been received from central government or Arts Council England.

The Carnival is scheduled to take place across the August bank holiday weekend, from Saturday 23rd to Monday 25th August. Organisers are now working against the clock to implement the necessary safety and infrastructure measures outlined in the review.

Attracting more than two million people annually, Notting Hill Carnival remains one of the largest cultural events in Europe and delivers significant economic and cultural value to London and the wider UK.

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